hedonistic weekend

For the biggest (& most obvious) eye-opener, wander around the red light district, best seen at night when it really comes alive.

Quick Tips:

Getting there - from the airport, jump on a train, approx 20 mins to central station. The Dutch trains are very clean, quiet & comfortable, miles ahead of the British railway system.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking is the cheapest & easiest way to get around. Or invest in a canal bus day pass (15 euros) valid all day until 12 noon the follwing day, available from their main office near central station. It allows you to hop on / off & serves most of the major attractions. Defnitely the best way to see the canals, without wearing yourself out...

Asian style canteen bistro serving cheap (around 6-10 euros) but very good quality Japanese, Chinese, & Thai food. I ordered the Thai seafood stew, which was a gorgeous mixture of shellfish, fresh fish, & vegetables. There was also enough of a choice to keep the vegetarian I was travelling with happy as well. Bang in the middle of the red light district, perfect to quell any hunger pains without draining your pocket of money you could be spending elsewhere.

A museum dedicated to one of Holland's most famous inhabitants. The collection consists of many of Van Gogh's famous paintings, as well as pieces of art by other famous artists from the same era, including some of his biggest influences. The collection is ordered chronologically, highlighting the change in style particularly in the last few years of his life before his suicide.

The museum uses a variety of media to describe his life, including a vast array of PC terminals on the top floor. If you go to the 3 terminals on the 1st floor, you can log onto the museums website & send a virtual postcard of one of Van Gogh's artworks.

I visited the museum on a Monday, mid-afternoon, and even then, it was almost unbearably busy. Try to avoid going at peak times. Admission 9 euros (13-15 yr olds 2.5 euros & under 12's free).