Amsterdam is a city in which I fell in love with first glance. I got here purely by chance, a lot of times I was invited here friends who live here, but there never had time for the trip. At one point I just bought a plane ticket, gathered things and flew away. I was completely disappointed. The truth is said that spontaneous solutions are always the best.
Get here very simple. Book a ticket Lviv - Munich - Amsterdam and a refund on the same route Schiphol Airport is located outside the city, about 20 km from Amsterdam. The city can be reached at any time of the day and night, because there is a convenient transport connection: by train, bus, taxi, you can also rent a car.
Where to settle? In the city a huge number of hotels, hostels - prices available, take it the opportunity to rent an apartment. The cost of staying in an inexpensive hotel in the center is about 50 euros per person with breakfast, the cost increases in the summer months. The cost of 4-5 * hotels from 200 euros per person per day.
The language of communication is Dutch. In fact, it combines English and German. I personally do not know personally, so everywhere (cafes, restaurants, shops, hotel) I am freely communicated with the staff in English. There was one interesting case: at the entrance to the "coffee shop" I was asked to present a document certifying my identity. When the guard saw my passport, switched to the Ukrainian language, because, as it turned out, he is from Lviv :)! In general, the locals are quite friendly to our tourists.
Regarding communication. Almost everywhere there is a Wi-Fi wireless Internet, so always the best way to communicate with relatives is Skype. In addition, I had a Trevel-Sim card ($ 15 for a week I was enough for a week).
The question of tips, as always, individual: you decide to leave or not. As a rule, it is customary to leave 10%. In expensive restaurants, the service of 10% can be immediately included in the account.
Security issue. He bothered me strongly, before the trip here. I confess, there was no resort on which I felt more secure than here. We walked at night, in the morning, during the day, and at any time of the day or night, always with me there were documents and money. Never have any experiences.
Everyone knows that Amsterdam is a kind of youth capital. Of course, I visited the Quarter of the Red Lights. Here is a huge number of "coffee shops" (places where you can smoke, try hallucinogens) and "smart shops" (here you sell a variety of light drugs in liquids, powders, tablets). Also here behind the windows you will see a lot of lady who will be affordable to invite you "to visit";). Again, despite all this, the situation around was absolutely calm, safe, everything is very culturally.
Last advice: Be sure to rent a bike. So moving around the city will be much more convenient.
Therefore, if you are a young active person who wants to have fun, and the same time, enjoy the incredible architecture, local attractions - welcome, Amsterdam is waiting for you.