The last time I was in Amsterdam, the place was a lot tamer than when I first went there back in 1987 or so. The "red zone" was much smaller and most of the window-shopping was restricted to side-streets. There were no longer signs like "Live Sex on Stage REAL FUCKY-FUCKY" (I'm not making this up) anywhere to be found, it seemed.

The intentions of the Amsterdam administration is to reduce the influence of criminal activities in the "Wallen" (Red Light District). Since prostitution is legal in the Netherlands the intention is not to remove all window-whores but just to reduce the number of whores. The authorities want more a mixture of activities in the medieval part of town.
There is a new small gay area on the Zeedijk on the edge of the Red Light district, very pleasant atmosphere, especially when the weather is nice and everyone is outside.

The Other Side used to be one of my first stops whenever I arrived in Amsterdam. It was never exclusively gay, but sorry to hear that it's "not-so-gay-anymore". And, although I've never been a spacecake fan, I can say there are shops proffering delightful choco-pot bonbons that will add a certain zing to any tour. I'm not really sure how many times I've been to the Netherlands (they don't call me Lucky Pierre for nothing), but I do know that it is chock full of surprising things to do and see. Hop a train to Edem, Den Haag, Utrecht or Leiden for a day or an overnight. Find yourself a traditional gin bar and have yourself an icy-cold-filled-to-the-brim jenever with the locals. After visiting the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh museum, seek out the more obscure venues (and I don't mean the Sex Museums near the Centraal Station). I could probably go on and on, but I've got a deadline thats creepy ever closer . . .

OY . . ."creeping ever closer"

Proof, proof, proof before hitting "post"

I've never been to Europe much less Amsterdam, so I can't really comment on this post. I have no idea if the Red Light District is way worse than the French Quarter in New Orleans.

We don't have whores in the windows, but we'll have plenty of "LIVE ORGIES!" places and strip joints. I've always wanted to see the LIVE ORGIES just once but I need to find a few buds to go with to share the skivvy experience with.

I am all for a liberal atmosphere though! As long as Amsterdam doesn't become conservative, then I am fine with whatever the powers-that-be decide is best.

Is Amsterdam liberal? I thought that the Netherlands had a scary right-wing government and everyone was running screaming about the country being overrun by Muslims.

Is that a photo of your parents in front of G Books?

I think I saw them on an episode of COPS.

Thanks for the travel tips.

I'm hoping we get sidetracked to Amsterdam this winter while visiting Germany. That would really suck if there is no T-n-A in the windows anymore.

Not so savory as sex shops, but every traveller gotta fill their tummy......I just read that the excellent food blog Chocolat & Zucchini has a list of "Amsterdam Highlights" dated April 8 2008 from her recent trip for good eating choices that she found there.

DB: Awesome. Thanks!

Amsterdam is not the capital of The Netherlands. Any right wing scariness that's cropping up is in Den Haag. Note: the "screaming about the country being overrun by Muslims" is less about not wanting Muslims in the country, than it is about a worry that a very vocal minority is attempting to impose their strict edicts on morality upon the rest of the population. In effect, a new wave of Islamic fundies are telling the Dutch that they can't be Dutch (ie. a traditionally open-minded society with a live-and-let-live attitude).

If this is your first trip to the Netherlands you are obliged to eat at a “'pannenkoekhuiz'.” or at a pancake house. Their pancakes/pannenkoeks are more like large flat crepes served with a variety of toppings both sweet and non sweet. Speaking of eating, the Dutch have a savory sweet tooth be sure to pop into a bakery. Also eat a stroopwaffels or syrup waffle, a favorite Dutch cookie or a banket a delicious almond filled pastry and don’t forget appel koek or apple cake. If you’re feeling adventurous there is always maatjesharing or smoked herring a historic dish for the Netherlands. You will find streets vendors sell these throughout Amsterdam.

As far as seeing Amsterdam, be sure to wonder through the Jordan, a charming historic neighborhood. Browse through the local shops and see the quaint neighborhoods which are intersected with narrow canals, cozy restaurants and local markets. The entire centre city consists of concentric ringed canals. So even if you wonder off the beaten path eventually you will come to one of the major canals. In addition to Vondel park there is also Amsterdamse Bos a huge regional park with forest and abundant paths.

I would also suggest seeing the Hortus Botanicus or Botanic Gardens, Amsterdam. It was established in 1682 to house many of the plant items collected through the Dutch empires exploration, conquest and trade. They also have a greenhouse with butterflies which you can walk through.

If you’re looking for shopping, there is the Kalverstraat, a long pedestrian street lined with shops that starts near Centraal Station and winds through the city. It is worth the stroll but if you don’t like crowds this is not the place to be.

There are SO many other things to see and do in Amsterdam which are not the “usual” attractions but I’ll stop here with one last suggestion. The Netherlands is a small country with a great public transportation system take side trips outside of Amsterdam. There are many great places to visit and you will get a better feel for the entire country.

I had some friends who said they had a good time riding bicycles on the dikes in windmill country, wherever that part is.

the Heineken brewery tour is cool and well worth the price. They give you three beers and a souvenir. Some how Heineken tastes much better in Amsterdam than in the States. At the end of the tour you can take your picture or participate in a dutch video (not that kind) and email them to your friends (for free).

Ive just returned from the dam and the other side is still plenty gay. There is something for everyone in Amsterdam. 3 dyke bars, 50 gayboy clubs. Holland is going smoke free in august (sadly that doesnt mean you get to smoke free but it's cheap enough anyway) all it means is you are no longer allowed to mix tobacco in your doobie so double yay