AMSTERDAM

The first thing that comes to mind for many tourists when you hear the word Amsterdam is the Red Light District and smoking pot. However, to fully enjoy Amsterdam you have to look past this stereotype and see Amsterdam as the locals see it. Look past the open public urinals along the canal in the Red Light District to prevent stoned men from falling in while peeing and drowning. Look past the nursery school located between 2 brothels. Look past the coffee shops where you buy and smoke weed off a menu. Instead enjoy the history like the oldest building in Amsterdam - a church located in the Red Light District, Anne Frank House, Dam Square...and learn how sex work is regulated and the sex workers pay taxes from their earnings and receive affordable health care.

Amsterdam is a biking city, a bikers dream come true for bike riding, cyclists, motor bikes, and even tiny cars. There are dedicated lanes for bikers, pedestrian lanes and car lanes. You will absolutely get run over if you are in a bike lane! Biking in Amsterdam is an absolute pleasure for bike riders with the use of dedicated bike lanes. Bike rentals are available throughout Amsterdam.

The oldest part of Amsterdam known for its Adult atmosphere of legalized and regulated sex workers in windows soliciting their services. An illuminated red light indicates that a sex worker is open for business. Blue lights indicate that a transgender sex worker is behind the glass. Here's an interesting fact: There is a church (Oude Kerk), several brothels and Princess Juliana nursery school all within 50 meters of each other.

The Prostitute Information Center "PIC" is a non-profit information and education center about sex work in the Red Light District and offers unique walking tours of the Red Light District from a sex worker perspective. PIC is located behind the Oude Kerk a few doors down from Princess Julianna nursery school.

Note: Sex workers pay taxes on their earnings and receive affordable health care!

Coffee shops in Amsterdam are not a place to buy and drink coffee but a place where cannabis is sold and consumed. The employees are very knowledgeable and each coffee shop offers a menu with a wide range of joints, hash and edibles for the first timer, casual smoker or hard core smoker. The Bull Dog is touristy and the oldest Coffee Shop in Amsterdam.

Heineken beer lovers will enjoy the Heineken Experience brewery turned museum tour and learn the history of the brand, story behind the logo, brewing process and a cold beer after the tour.

Eat and shop for everyday items with the locals at the Albert Cuyp Markt. Try the local street food of Dutch herring (raw herring with pickles and onions), Kibbeling (fried cod fish), Stroopwafel, Poffertjes (Dutch pancakes), Belgium fries (served in a cone topped with mayonnaise) and other street food.