Central Amsterdam is the area running from Centraal Station along the Damrak to Dam Square. It is the most touristy part of Amsterdam, aside from the infamous Red Light District and the Leidseplein, and the first to meet travelers arriving by train. Here, hotels are overpriced and shops attempt to wring the last dollar out of a tourist's wallet. It is bright, noisy and active, and those looking for the real Amsterdam would do well to get away from the area as quickly as they can. It is still possible, however, to happen upon some finds in the area, and it is a real knock-out at night, if you can block out all the noise.

Red Light District lies just to the east of Central Amsterdam, and is known for the prostitutes who legally ply their trade there. People walk the streets at all hours of the day and night, gawking at the women in the windows, this is a life style that many girls try out, it doesn't work out for all of them. It is not necessarily dangerous, but visitors are advised to stay on their guard, especially late at night,(do not even talk to the drug dealers, get your stuff in a coffeeshop or smart shop) as people will approach you on the street trying to illegally sell drugs. The Red Light District is bordered by the small Amsterdam "Chinatown" along the Zeedijk.

Leidseplein is one of the best places to go to enjoy Amsterdam's nightlife. The square itself and the surrounding streets are the most touristy in Amsterdam, and a collection of bars and nightclubs assure that there is always something going on. A great number of restaurants of all different ethnicities can be found in the side streets that lead away from the main square.

Rembrandtplein is similar to the Leidseplein and is the second most important place for nightlife. The Rembrandtplein is more popular with locals, but also has fewer bars and restaurants than the Leidseplein. Rembrandtplein has a few restrauants, mostly bars or pubs with many more within steps. It is extremely loud around the square during popular times. Club Smokey is loud during winter and spring. The square has a small park and borders the gay and lesbian district of the Reguliersdwarsstraat. If you want to smoke and drink rembrandtplein is the place for you. This is not a family area of Amsterdam. The Irish Pub just below Hotel Atlanta serves up a fantastic full Irish breakfeast.

Jordaan is the area west of Central Amsterdam is a haven where quiet streets wind along sleepy canals. Historically a working-class neighborhood, the Jordaan seems untouched by the more seedy aspects of Amsterdam. It is a nice place to stroll or ride a bike and get lost among the gardens, markets and pleasant boutiques that line the streets.  A great way to get from the Jordaan to the Leidseplein is the Opstapper, a mini-van whose route is the Prinsengracht.

Oud West, Westerpark and De Baarsjes behind the Jordaan are 3 neighbourhoods worth visiting if you want to sniff a bit of local Amsterdam. Everything is a lot cheaper here then in the rest of Amsterdam and architecture and parks in these areas are well worth experiencing.