Amsterdam: Not only for drugs By Eric Schaffer  Thursday, October 5, 2006

Amsterdam. The name alone can probably make you grin. It’s the European capital where everything is legal and everyone is happy. Drugs, prostitution, and parties are the first thing that come to mind for most, and with Red Light District being the city’s most recognizable landmark, who can expect much else? And this is not a bad thing either. The freedom and tolerance allowed to residents and visitors alike is one of the things that make this city so amazing.

As a student, stepping out into Amsterdam for the first time feels a lot like when your parents drove away the first day of college: uninhibited freedom. There is no one to tell you that you can’t do what you want. If a joint in a canal side coffeeshop is your thing, then toke away. Drinks in a bar followed by clubbing to world renowned DJ’s is a regular Saturday night in Amsterdam. However, there is a lot more to Amsterdam than the party scene. There are a ton of things for students to enjoy while spending their time in the city.

Museums

Before you spend a day touring the coffeeshops, take some time to discover everything else this cultural haven has to offer. My favorite museum in Amsterdam is the national gallery, the Rijksmuseum. Located in the south on the convenient Museumplein, the museum is a tour of Dutch history, containing works from all of the 17th Century Dutch masters.

Another must-see is the Van Gogh museum. The museum takes you through the life and works of the famous Dutch artist, while the building itself remains a work of art. Finally, no visit is complete to Amsterdam without seeing the Anne Frank house. The typical canal side house on the Prinsengracht remains in the state it was when the Franks hid there during Nazi occupation. The rooms leave you with a numb feeling and remind of the horrors of the Holocaust. All of these museums can be done in a day, and all offer student discounts. Each is in English and easy to follow, and guarantee not to disappoint.

Parks

For anyone who can appreciate nature, Vondelpark is a perfect respite on a nice day. The park, which seems to stretch on forever, has roaming animals, wonderful vegetation, and expansive lakes. For Amsterdam’s take on Central Park, Vondelpark is seemingly enchanted from the moment you walk through the old black entrance gates. Though it is easy to get to in the south, right next to the Liedseplein, you will quickly forget you’re in a city. Spend all day wandering through Vondelpark and you will be pleasantly surprised by whatever you find.

City Squares

One of the nicer things about Amsterdam’s city layout is its squares. Surrounded by beautiful architecture and years of history, the town squares are centers of activity and always vibrant and buzzing. Dam Square is the city’s main plaza. There is a wax museum, street vendors, street performers, and other things that could allow for an entire day to be spent here. In the Liedseplein, there are street shows ranging from jugglers to break dancers.

The Liedseplein is also the traditional center of Amsterdam nightlife, meaning you can come here for a rowdy crowd at any hour of the day. One thing to know about these town squares are that there are “party companies” that will approach you about organized nightlife tours. Ignore them, as you can probably make a better night for yourself for much cheaper. Also remember to always avoid hard drug dealers in these areas. They are sketchy and most of their products can be purchased in a “smart” drug shop anyway.

Bikes and Canals

Amsterdam is a city synonymous with bikes and canals, and visitors are encouraged to discover both. All of the roads have bike lanes and even separate bike traffic lights! One cannot be in awe at the amount of bicycle activity in the city. After getting comfortable, renting a bike as your main method of transportation is promised fun. However, if you prefer to avoid the bikes in the city, try out a canal tour. Amsterdam is a city of canals and is sometimes called the Venice of the North. Appreciating the lit canals on an evening stroll or using them to navigate the city is inevitable. With little or nothing to do, sip a coffee at a café along a canal and watch the boats and people float by.

Food

Another misconception about Amsterdam is that it lacks in the culinary department. The food in Amsterdam is quite delicious, and trying something local will make you love the city even more. Many street vendors offer herring by itself or in a sandwich. It takes guts to try the raw fish, but there is something undeniably fun about partaking in something so unique to the city. The city also offers a plethora of patisseries that serve traditional Dutch chocolates and pastries, like apple strudel.

World class restaurants can also be found, as in any European capital. Because of Amsterdam’s large immigrant population, international cuisine is a common theme. Iguazu is a Brazilian restaurant on Prinsengracht that has a warm ambiance and meats that slide off the bone. In the Liedseplein, Café Americain has a delicious breakfast buffet for cheap, as well as surrounding themed restaurants like the Hard Rock Café.

Surely, you will arrive in Amsterdam and first notice the pot, the red-lit windows, mushroom shops, and everything else that make the city the most tolerant in the world. You may even leave and only remember (or not) those things. But the fact is this city has way more to offer. Amsterdam will seem touristy, but if you take a day or two to try out the activities above you will have an enriching cultural experience that is positively Dutch.

Additional Student Tips

• The trams that run through the city are cheap, efficient, and all run to Central Station.
• Avoid taxis. They are usually less necessary than you think and often a rip off
• Get to the Anne Frank House early. 8 am early, or the line will be around the block.
• For an unforgettable live music or club experience, go to Paradiso. There are public signs pointing to it, telling of its popularity.
• Amsterdam is a walking city and can be walked multiple times in a day. Don’t let your hotel location prevent you from going anywhere.
• Before you buy any drugs, ask any questions you might have. There is no stupid question and people will be happy to answer.
• Don’t abuse the Dutch tolerance… keep smoking to coffeeshops and parks
• The Albert Cuypmarket is a perfect place to get souvenirs…it’s a 100 year old flea market in the southeast of the city
• Plan on little sleep.