Amsterdam for a break start of Jan - Ideas for a n00b

JohnCleary

Folks,
Would like to get away to Amsterdam with the OH for a few days (1 Jan - 5 Jan).

Main reason being that we've never been and just want to see the place for the craic. Neither of us smoke so that's not an incentive, just want to see the madness of the place.

We're seasoned travelers (har di har) but never looked at Amsterdam, so total noobs when it comes to there.

Flights with Aer Lingus are looking 120 euro each return which is fine for us.

Questions...
Arriving on 1st Jan, is this silly? Will the place be like a zombie land?
I haven't looked at accom yet - is it likely to be expensive this time of year? (I'm suspecting 1 Jan will be expensive but hopefully other nights cheaper... will start searching now)
With Aer Lingus, will the Amsterdam airport actually be in Amsterdam? (Appreciate I don't know the geography of the place)

Finally, if we do decide to go... if anyone can recommend accom. in wherever the 'central' area is, then great. Would like to budget for no more than 80 euro per night (room only)

And of course... any 'must dos'

Cheers

frozenbanana

We go every year at the end of January, seems to be cheap enough, not sure about the begginning. Might be bit cold, but should be dry.

It's a great place, much more to it than weed and hookers.

Accommodation wise I would reccommend apartment rather than hotel, there isn't much difference in price. It will actually save you money in the long run, as you will be able to prepare your own food (even in only breakfast and lunch), eating out is quite expensive there.
Drink is expensive too, expect to pay around 6e for a pint.

Look at the map and find a place within the canals (should be no problem on your budget) and all the main attraction will be within the walking distance. The airport is less than 20 min by train. You get on a train pretty much at the airport and there is one every 15 min.

Don't expect too much madness - Amsterdam is a very orderly place, bar occasional stag groups from UK. Match days can seem rowdy, but plenty of cops around then.

Look up if there are any markets during your stay, they are well worth checking out, Cuyp street (or something like that, near enough van Gogh museum) is very good and I think on everyday.

Canal boat trips are a great way of seeing different parts of the city, there are lots of them, 15 -20 e for about an hour, well worth it.

Shopping is great, if you have some spare cash.

I'm not really a smoker either, but a can of red bull, spliff and a walk around the red light district = great time later for you and oh. Just make sure that you get them to reccomed you something weak enough.

Van gogh museum is also well worth checking out, even if you aren't into art. Anne Frank's museum can put a serious downer on your trip and it's always packed. If you want to go get a ticket in one of the tourist centres, otherwise you will queue for well over an hour.

Yamanoto

Originally Posted by JohnCleary
With Aer Lingus, will the Amsterdam airport actually be in Amsterdam? (Appreciate I don't know the geography of the place)

From Schipol (the train station's located within the terminal building itself), Amsterdam Centraal is just a 20 min ride away.

From Centraal Station, you can hop on any number of trams to take you to your hotel - may be worth picking up an OV chipkaart if you plan on using public transport a fair bit.

Originally Posted by JohnCleary
Finally, if we do decide to go... if anyone can recommend accom. in wherever the 'central' area is, then great. Would like to budget for no more than 80 euro per night (room only)

On that budget, I'd strongly recommend you consider bidding on a 4* Hotel using Pricelines 'Name Your Own Price' - preferably within the City Centre & Central Canals zones. I've used it myself and have secured rooms at a serious discount.

The Tripadvisor forum below details recent bids & which Hotels your most likely to bag - often the well situated Nh Caransa, Carlton or Nh Amsterdam Centre by the Leidseplein. Worth scanning the last 20 or so pages to get an idea of how much you should be bidding - my guess would be anything between $55-$85usd but start low.

http://www.tripadvisor.ie/ShowTopic-..._Province.html

http://www.priceline.com/default.asp...31491&plf=PCLN

frozenbanana wrote: »

Anne Frank's museum can put a serious downer on your trip and it's always packed. If you want to go get a ticket in one of the tourist centres, otherwise you will queue for well over an hour.

Bypass the throng by booking online

http://www.annefrank.org/en/Museum/Practical-information/Online-ticket-sales/

Sheldons Brain

I arrived there last year on Jan 1. It should be a good time, the crowds begin to diminish and prices to fall, but it is still lively.