Amsterdam & Noord Holland Travel Guide

By all means visit the markets, but watch out for pick pockets, they are very organised and experienced. Special places to visit include the Royal Palace, Madame Tousaude's for some local wax and if you must, a local coffee shop, but then remember the first item. Amsterdam isn't that representative of Holland any more, if you really want to experience it, head to one of the smaller towns. Centraal Station will take you pretty much anywear quickly and easily. If you are there and they do a public address warning about the pick pockets, don't do what everyone else automatically does, which is clap their hands to where they keep their wallets. Anyone would think the crims were paying the people to do the PA's lol.

If you plan to travel during the summer, make sure you reserve a hotel/hostel far ahead.  However, if you do find yourself lacking an accomodation, the airport hotel is only a quick train ride away.

buy your bus tickets from tourist information before you get the bus