http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14232 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14232 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14228 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14228 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14179 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14179 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14145
We have done it on a number of ocassions. Even when it is icy-freezing outside, the boats are always toasty-cosy warm and have all the conveniences you need for an easy-going holiday. Visit www.amsterdam-houseboat.com or speak to Klaus on 0031.624207088.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14145 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14126 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14126 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14110 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14110 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14091
First, you could hire a bike from a Rijwiel shop, which usually costs about 5-10 euros per day and simply involves showing your passport and paying a small deposit. Remember which side of the road to ride and watch out for roundabouts; vehicles appproaching the traffic have the right of way. All Dutch bikes have built-in locks which are easy to use - which is lucky, as second-hand bike trade is very lucrative in Holland. Travelling by road is a fantastic way of seeing the city.

Alternatively, on arriving in Amsterdam, cross the road in front of the station and jump on a canal boat - they run throughout the day and night all summer. Tours go through all parts of the city. Study gables on residential homes; until 1875, they were the only form of identification for a house. Find the 'spout', the 'step', the 'neck' and the 'bell'. Trips go right round the city, to the harbour, with good guides on board. There are left luggage lockers at the station.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14091 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14088
We took a trip down the canals on a barge and ended up as part of the flotilla, in the harbour. Go and see for yourself, make the most of the opportunities to go to other countries by Eurostar. Travel in comfort, in style and with confidence; Europe is closer than ever with Eurostar.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14088 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14073 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14073 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14072 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14072 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14061
We had a fantastic weekend watching the tourist boats go by and feeling quietly smug with a cold beer or three. There's loads to choose from but this is a good place to start: www.houseboathotel.nl.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14061 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14055 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14055 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14012
Our captain asked if we spoke English as he only spoke Dutch; what a fibber! "The canals originally had 3 metres of water, but now are only 2 metres because of 1 metre of bicycles," he told us.

In the evening, eat in Jordaan at the Eetkamer, Westerstraat 76. This small neighbourhood bistro is double its old size, but still friendly with a lovely atmosphere of locals noisily enjoying themselves with brilliant food. Don't book over the net: Frans doesn't read emails.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14012 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14001
Learn the secrets of houseboat life, like where they go to get their bottoms scraped (and it's not the red light district).]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14001 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13999 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13999 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13986 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13986 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13974
The incredibly friendly gay owners will fill your fridge with wine and your window boxes with flowers, all for less than the price of a good hotel. You will find yourself down a quiet side canal, but only five minutes walk from the action.

For Amsterdam junkies, fall in love with the city all over again; for newbies, lose your virginity in style. Bliss!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13974 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13966
Go to the bar of the Boom Chicago comedy club in the Leidseplein as soon as you arrive and book a place. The comedy is also excellent, and buying advance tickets will save you a few euros. Time your trip to end shortly before the show starts.

Buy drinks and snacks for the journey, then enjoy an unforgettable tour of parts of the city that many tourists never see.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/13966 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9827 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/9827 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4482 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/4482