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/19687 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19687 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19686 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19686 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19566 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19566 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19565 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19565 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19564 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19564 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19562 It’s among some lively coffeeshops and bars or is just a few hundred metres from the Van Gogh and Modern Art Museums for something more cultural!
Accommodation is cheap and includes breakfast and internet.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19562 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19563
This year’s highlights were Justice and Erol Alkan. Awesome performances!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19563 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19409
The clientele are sometimes very interesting….]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19409 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19168 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19168 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19052 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/19052 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18852
Try to catch one of the outdoor plays, as they really are a magical experience. The park also houses a fascinating museum, The Filmmuseum which is well worth a visit.

Both the museum and the outdoor plays, have great facilities for children.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18852 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18828 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18828 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18748
And once you've bought some for later, why not pop into Café Gollem to try a couple on tap and maybe a Kaasplank (literally a plank with cheese & bread on it). Very satisfying. There's also a second branch of Café Gollem right by the Albert Cuyp Market in the Pijp district.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18748 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18747 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18747 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18601 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18601 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18156
On summer weekends there is the Kwakoe Afro-Caribbean festival, which makes Notting Hill look like a family picnic. Football, food and kaseko and no multicultural pretensions.

When you get really hot and even the ginger beer don't work, take a dive in the sparkling clear waters of the Gaasperplas.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18156 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18155 Friday: Amsterdamse Poort
Saturday: Ganzenhoef]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18155 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18133
Pre-book your transportation from and to the airport through the internet with either TCA (the largest taxi organisation in Amsterdam) or Ambassador Services (a smaller taxi company). Also beware of hotel porters who sell your transportation to the airport for a commission (guess who will be paying this commission in the end?). You can book this yourself in advance at a set rate. The companies mentioned will give you a quote if you ask them.

In the streets of Amsterdam don't just hail a taxi, but ask your restaurant, bar or shop to call one for you. This way you always can trace the taxi that transported you and you're not just taking one of the 'cowboy-taxis'.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18133 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18023
You can buy it from Holland Tourist Information at Schipol by credit card and it makes it easier to work out a budget for the rest of your stay and you can hop on and off the fantastic trams without having to worry about buying and stamping tickets.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18023 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18022
The room space is above average for the price and the beds are massive and comfy. The pod is like a four poster bed with a wetroom and stools attached at either end. It lodges in the World Trade Centre and so there are cafes etc in the building for breakfast and cyclist watching.

The women all seem to turn up for work in black high heel boots, cycling, of course, and the men struggle to steer and hold their briefcases at the same time. They then disappear underground on a moving walk way to park their bikes. Dutch transport efficiency at its best.

Anyway, it's well linked to Schipol airport (train) and to Centraal on number 5 line tram, all in the same station Zuid. Very good value for money and pleasant escape from the city rush.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18022