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/15961 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15961 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15958
The real cakes that they serve are pretty magnificent too. This is the Barbara Cartland of tea-shops.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15958 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15954
With sound stages and dancing in the street wherever you turn, it’s like an urban Glastonbury, or the Notting Hill Carnival with a friendlier vibe.

It’s impossible not to have a brilliant time, even if you take a dim view of some of the ‘Dam’s more liberal trademarks - don't turn up without sorting accommodation though, or you may find yourself kipping in the same hotel (complete with rat trap under the bed) that I ended up at...]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15954 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15953
There you will find the most amazing plants in giant greenhouses.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15953 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15952
These ladies of the toilette actually rent the toilets from the bar owner and for cleaning them charge you.

For those of you with weak bladders, this could prove expensive!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15952 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15943
The big Dutch Christmas celebrations are on St. Nicholas Day. A unique experience for all the family with street celebrations, treasure hunts, sweeties from Black Pete and clogs filled with carrots!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15943 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15938 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15938 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15925 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15925 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15910
There is a place called Central Rent a Bike which is quite close to the station at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 55-1hg.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15910 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15908
It has a remarkable collection of the best of a variety of great artists. The choice of the original collection was made by a very discerning art collector. The best Van Goghs are there which you can compare with those in the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam.

And there are many other artist’s works and sculptures in the park set in open countryside.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15908 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14260 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14260 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14258 www.seat61.com for advice on all European train travel.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14258 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14253 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14253 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14210 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14210 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14206 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14206 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14204 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14204 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14203
While you're there take in The Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum of Art, a marvellous collection of modern and Dutch art; go on a Wednesday, when it’s free.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14203 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14183 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14183 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14177
The best bar in Amsterdam is the Bastille Bar near the Leidseplein, which is very popular with the locals. The downside of this is that when they're busy they take the 'members only' attitude and the doormen will turn tourists away.

It's not a bad idea to tip doormen on the way in to a club. The Dutch tend to tip doormen when they're leaving but foreigners don't, so if you want to get onside with these guys offer a few euros on the way in.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14177 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14170 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14170