my suggestion:
1. Get a hotel in heart of Amsterdam, inside Herengracht canal preferably
2. Get a good map, a very good map. Streetwise brand is best I've found, at Barnes&Noble in the US at least
3. Be ready to walk, best to stay inside the Singel canal. (unless looking for something specific like the van gogh museum). It's a beautiful city to explore. Even without the drugs and prostitutes, it's an absolutely beautiful city, sit by a canal and read a book watch the people, or drink a beer with a beautiful dutch girl, watch football with the dutch guys, etc
4. Make sure your walk takes you through the rld... you'll get up the "nerve" if that's what you want. It's on every map, center of amsterdam, no guide required for that. (you're better off without one). The girls are all nice, never any problems for me. Give no attitude and it'll be a snap (of course, avoid the girls with obviously sour looks/ cold eyes).
5. Tons of bars/ cafes, on your walk, if you see one that looks interesting stop and hang out, talk to people
6. Search the internet, plenty of great sites (although this one is the best for the professional AMS junkies), make a list of things/ places to see, bars/ clubs to pass or check out on your walk. ...other sites are better for maps of coffeshops, club reviews and local goings on about town....
7. Museums are great, try them if you have time.
8. Rembrantplein & Leidesplein (see your map) are both great for nightlife, you're sure to find something that suits you in either square. Both are within a safe and reasonable walking distance of Dam Square.
10. If all else fails, smoke much, ?eat mushrooms?, drink some beer and stay close to the rld, you'll entertain yourself and have a blast.
ps, take money
pps, if you need advice on prostitues or drugs, please refine your question ...we're professionals and happy to help
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