I concede that a TR will not be forthcoming so I wrote up a couple brief lines about my quick trip to Amsterdam a couple days ago.
Getting around.
Walk, its beautiful.
There are car lanes in the bike paths.
Taxis drivers drive cars, cool people drive Vespas, everyone else rides a bike.
Taxis from the airport are a thieving 50€ each way. Avoid the highway robbery and pre-book for a third of that.
Andaz Hotel.
Wonderfully quirky, from the most unconventionally designed hotels I have been in.
I would rate it a minimum 8/10. Only negative I had was lack of view.
Great Central location, 20 min from the airport and 5-20 minute walk to all activities and attractions.
Food.
Pizza and Co is a pizza store, its a pizza store with good pizza, but it's a pizza store, it also doesn't take CC so it's a decent pizza store that doesn't take CC.
HaBaron is right next door to the pizza store and the small kosher grocery. Small and basic menu but remarkably phenomenal food. They take CC and charge for water.
Activities.
Rijksmuseum is a vast collection of art in a vast building with a vast amount of humans. Even if you despise art, paintings, and history there is still enough to keep you occupied for at least 9 minutes - taking into account a 3 minute bathroom break.
Anne Frank House was underwhelming and over-hyped. Blows my mind that people wait on line for 3 hrs to get in there. I guess when the book is mandatory reading for every student worldwide it holds plants interest and is intriguing to some. Viewing the wraparound line was a better use of my time. Buy tickets in advance or skip it.
Portuguese Synagogue is nice for a quick visit. A lot of info packed in there.
Heineken Experience was surprisingly interesting and fun. It's the first time I remember that it actually took me the full recommended time (1 1/2 hrs) to walk through it all. it baffles my puny mind every time I go to an attraction where people took the time to research and determine they wanted to do it but not to pre-book tickets. It isn't rocket science.
There are boat tours on every corner, no need to prebook. Easier than booking a cab or ordering a gourmet stain of cannabis.
Overview.
Amsterdam
Is crowded like NYC - but not quite.
Locals are outgoing and friendly like the Irish - but not quite.
Has canals and is romantically charming like Venice - but not quite.
Has quaint and picturesque designed streets and buildings like Prague - but not quite.
Overall a wonderful choice for a shortish vacation of one to 3 days. Unless your an art snob in which case you should only buy a one way ticket.