Been there | Tips 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. IJburg day trip http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15961 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15961 Kitsch coffee shop 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 Not all liberal http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15956 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15956 The Queen's birthday 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 Hortus Botanicus 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 Spending a penny? 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 Sinter Klaas 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 Walk or cycle or lose out http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15938 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15938 Mac Bikes http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15925 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15925 Lost in Amsterdam? http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15921 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15921 Get early to Anne Frank's http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15919
Then you will be one of the first in and can wander around at your own speed, rather than being in a long queue that snakes it's way around the house.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15919 Special lanes http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15918 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15918 Thumbs up for public transport http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15915 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15915 Kerbless dangers http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15913 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15913 Rent a bike 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 Make your journey luxurious http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14260 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14260 Travel advice http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14258 www.seat61.com for advice on all European train travel.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14258 Trains that work http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14226 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14226 Brouwerij 't IJ http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14204 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14204 Head for Rotterdam 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