Hey, im off to the dam in 2weeks time for the 1st time, really looking forward to it, im travelling over on a tuesday & my mates are flying over on the thursday so i was wondering, is it safe for a single traveller in the dam & whats the best places/areas to visit & should stick to, ie. best coffeshop, best weed, best private house, best everything really, ive done my homework online but i still need more info & thats why the hip forums are probably the best place to find out. Im a weed connaisseur & hopefully with some info from here, i will be able to enjoy the couple of days i have on my own in the dam before my wild mates arrive, any info appreciated, cheers
Like many will say "watch for pickpockets" Keep your Cash and documents safe. Be careful if you take the train to Centraal Station several robberies, so keep a tight grip on your luggage and they also recommend that you do not sit by the door. Be careful of the street drug dealers that say "psssst" they are trying to sell junk. I probably would not go out alone to RLD at night, just my preference many will say its very safe. Make sure you do not look like an easy target, as their surely is strength in numbers. As far as coffeeshops you have read the reviews, I would suggest get a coffeeshop map and go in a few to see which you prefer. Have fun, wish I was going in 2 weeks as well !
Echoing much of what tug said...look confident, mind your valuables, stay out of alleys if alone at night. Want the best gear? Check out Grey Area, Amnesia, Dampkring and it's satellite shops, Barney's, and probably a few others that I *somehow* can't remember. You'll want to check out Koopa's Newbie info and his 2007 gear listing. Enjoy your visit to the NL!!
http://www.hipforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236477 http://www.hipforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=189198
Thanks guys, information much appreciated, i'll report on my adventures when i get back, im actually staying in the NH Amsterdam centre hotel which i believe is a good hotel & in a good area, im playing in the master classic of poker in the holland casino so its only a stones throw away from the NH Hotel, i'll probably get too wreaked to play any poker, cheers:H
cheers & thanks to koopa for all that information, my god, there is alot to read but very good reading at that, thanks again. & just one more question, ive read loads of different reports of when wandering around in the RLD alone, they varied from being dangerous to safe. can i get some other opinions off ye, i know most of the threats such as pickpockets, pill pushers, pimps etc. but is it honestly safe for someone wandering around, taking in the sights, i know this has probably being answered in previous posts but they range from back 2 years ago, cheers
pickpockets are always a random possibility in amsterdam so you should always guard your cash. the junkie guys advertising hard drugs will always be found in certain areas..... oudezijds voorburgwal and damstraat always have them. my advice is to not engage in conversations with these people and keep moving. if you feel you have to engage in conversation with them, a forceful "no" or even more forceful "go away" usually suffices. more advice: stick to streets in the red light that are more heavily populated. avoid alleys whenever possible. i mean if you see a narrow street that looks dark, just turn in a different direction. avoid walking down streets that are empty except for a "group of people just hanging in one area". more advice: have fun and party but don't walk around really really drunk or you will be an easy target. that aside, bad things can happen but more often than not your time in amsterdam will be safe.
Thanks koopa, i suppose its like most europeans cities really, just be cool, know what your doing & keep your guard up against the normal crimes of any city. I will use all the info ive got now to enjoy a wonderful week in the dam, cheers again
i think there is crime in any big city with lots of tourists , i never had any problems alone in Amsterdam or any where else maybe its just they way i carry myself , who know, ive been told i look and act liek a cop, lol wheni hear that i say to myself yeah ok a stoned 24/7 one lol, just your use your common sense.
