Since your trip destination city in Europe is AMS, I assume you did some research before your trip and are into either A) museums or B)coffeeshops or C) something else compelling and abundant there.

My reasons for going to AMS were two of the above and, as such, the few days I spent there were not enough. You are so lucky to be going for 7 days!

Here are my tips:

In the Canal area, on Spuistraat, the Caprese Ristorante Italiano. I recommend the Tortelli Carbonara, although they call it something different there. It had the usual white cream sauce, ham and peas, but the sauce, as with most cream sauces in Europe, was so fresh and out of this world, I practically died from endorphin overload. Also, the Tartufo there ... oh my god!

NOTE ABOUT RESTAURANTS: Except in McDonalds, taking food to go is considered very rude and is not done.

Conveniently next door was Kadinsky Coffeeshop. If wanting to experience a coffeeshop, but remain lowkey about it, this is a very small, quaint, friendly, free internet place to go.

NOTE ABOUT COFFEESHOPS:

If wanting to sample product, there isn't like a hash menu on the wall or anything. Everyone speaks English and a simple, "may I see a smoking menu, please" will get you handed a list of what is available.

You will find that the minimum amount of product available for purchase may be too much to handle at once for one person, so you may want to bring friends with you if you are going to sample. While you may take product with you "to go", most hotels discourage, via placards and such, smoking the stuff in your room. Finally, I remember the water at these places being expensive, and yet in the smallest of bottles, so you may want to work the cost of having drymouth into your coffeeshop sampling costs.

Discount transportation tickets for both the buses and canal boats can be had at the tourist center just outside of the main train station, where you'll be let off is you take the train from the airport, which is the usual way to go. Before you are tempted to grab a cab just outside of the station, look over to your left and the little building is over there. It is worth it to stop in and get a pkg which allows you, for example, unlimited canal boat usage, which you will need for museum hopping and such all over the city - walking will only get you so far when it comes to moving back and forth between the different areas.

NOTE ABOUT THE TRAIN FROM THE AIRPORT:

It is crowded, crowded and did I mention it is crowded. Expect to be pushed and rubbed against i.e. it is a pickpocket's dream zone. Keep your purse and valuables hidden under layers and under velcro, etc.

NOTE ABOUT THE CABBIES:

Yehah! Had one of the best cabdrivers of my life here. It was like a movie the way he darted and sped his way back to the airport from my hotel. As is usual in other countries, I noticed the lines in the road were used more as a guide than as an absolute rule. Sitting in the front was like the best ride at Disneyland. If I had thought about it, I would have got his phone number and used him everytime - it was awesome!