Planning a 3rd visit to AMS, in late Nov Thurs - Sun.
It seems Belgium (Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent) are better than making a 1st trip to Haarlem, Alkmaar, Den Häagen-Dazs.

Any advice on going from AMS to the easiest/best RLDs as a foreigner? Would like to make it back to AMS the same night and it seems to be a 2.5 hr train from AMS.

I would say Antwerpen, skip Brussels and Ghent if you only have one day to spend.
Way better RLD than Brussels and closer distance from Amsterdam by train.


however best time to visit any RLD is from 21.00-00.00


you might want to consider going for one night in Antwerpen then get back again for the rest of your stay. Hotels are cheaper in Antwerpen compared to amsterdam... so you dont really loose any money really going for one night there...

Thank you! I'll focus on staying in Antwerp, especially if there's cheaper hotels in Antwerp close to Antwerp RLD. I've been to De Wallen twice and always saw 20-30 window girls that I felt were hot. So if Antwerp has similar tier of girls for 50-100E cheaper, better service, and more peaceful area then I have no problem staying in Antwerp Thurs-Sun. Still I can just make a day trip to AMS at least 1x to compare.

Is there a particular train you recommend? Or day pass for rail?

Antwerp is much better than Ghent/Brussels then I don't need to waste time there. I don't care much for tourism, just somewhere to stay cheap, eat relaxed, and cheap. Maybe go to English speaking bars if I'm really bored.

- try to book close to the old plaza around the church / buildings. its 7-10min away by foot from RLD. the best area of Antwerpen for sure.

- train should be around 35-45euro I guess. there are plenty daily from Amsterdam .

- for hot girls it might be the same price or 50euro cheaper. average looking maybe 50-10euro cheaper. I was talking more about cheaper hotels compared to amsterdam.

- brussels are very dirty and rough these days. The RLD isn't that bad, but the surroundings are getting worse with lots of drug dealers and scammers around. (my opinion)

Can only echo what has been said in this thread.

I've found Brussels RLD to be a bit ropey if I'm honest, even on the main drag.

Antwerp is just an all round more pleasant RLD. It's also more compact and also more modern, meaning there's more girls in a smaller area. As with any city, the small hours especially at weekends can attract some shady characters, but just keep your wits about you and you'll be fine.

I'd pick Antwerp over Brussels any day of the week. Despite multiple visits to Ghent for work I've not actually ever made it to the RLD there. I hear it is very small.