Eating Out in Amsterdam

The "TOURIST MENU" blue and white sign at restaurants will tell you that a set-menu, affordable and good value dinner awaits you. But more specialized cuisine – regional recipes and seasonal ingredients can be found in eateries with the sign "NEDERLANDS DIS". Moreover, you have the choice of deciding between many different cuisines – Russian, Israeli, Tunisian, Turkish and Indonesian. Both expensive as well as moderately priced restaurants can be found around Dam Square, Jordaan, LeidSeplein, Koepel Kwartier and Museumplein. The bright city lights of Amsterdam are as dazzling as befits the tourist mecca of an entire continent.

Clubs, bars, dance clubs and exotic shows line the night streets. The classier – and more expensive – night acts would be found around Leidseplein and Rembrandtsplein. The Zebra Lounge, Melkweg, Escape, NL Lounge and Rain are just some of the many bars and clubs that dot the city. The famed "coffeshops" of Amsterdam are actually a euphemism for legalized places selling pot and hash. There are places called smart shops where one can buy soft drugs.

On a more sober note take in a jazz or mime show at one of the numerous theatres or better still catch an improvised comedy show put up by an American group called Boom Chicago. If gambling interests you then a visit to Holland Casino is called for; blackjack, roulette and slot machines. You will need some identification though and will have to be suitably dressed and over 18 years to gain entry into the casino.