I need info! Have you been to the Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam?

Question

My boyfriend and I are really wanting to go this year. We're going to Ireland for a week before so would it be better to fly from Ireland to Amsterdam or use the rail system? Also, which is a better option: renting a house (or apartment) for a week, or just getting a hotel? Is it better to rent a car or just use taxis? How much more expensive is their food, restaurants, neccesities etc., etc. Neither one of us has been to Europe which is why I am asking so many questions. Should I just hire a travel agent or are they just a waste of money?

Thanks for the link, but I already read High Times and have them as one of my faves on the internet. They don't really help me out with my questions. Plus, most of the hotels that they feature look pretty sh*tty. Thanks though! I appreciate ALL feedback!

Answer 1

For a week in Amsterdam it is not useful to have a car.
Amsterdam has a very good system of trams and busses, with a few metro (underground) trains for the farther suburbs. You will not need either taxis nor a car in town, not even after midnight.
If you are going to travel round the Netherlands it might be worth it, but public transport is pretty good.
Flying is the better option, as train travel through England is very expensive and the ferries cost as much or more than the flight.
You can expect the prices in Amsterdam to be like Dublin or Belfast or any bigger city you are familiar with, you can get lucky and find a cheap restaurant, or you can spend a fortune.
I like the many small places on the Zeedijk, (Nieuwmarkt towards the central station.) Not to expensive and much choice.
A cheap option many budget travelers like is buying a cooked lunch and self-cater for sandwiches for dinner and breakfast. There is a supermarket at Nieuwmarkt.
http://www.atlas.amsterdam.nl/asp/get.asp?map_width=600&map_height=450&view=&laag=topografie&xdl=Stadsplattegrond&xsl=Default&zoekstraat=&huisnummer=&postcode=&panning=&point=true&minx=121042.48&maxx=122626.48&miny=486476.4&maxy=487664.4&zoom=2500&mapguide_input.x=300&mapguide_input.y=61

You will not be able to rent a house for just a week, and appartments in Amsterdam are not cheap, so a hotel might be as cheap.

Walk into a travel agents and ask for a pack-price for a week in Amsterdam, and then go to internet and search for the same things.
Sometimes the packs are much cheaper, and a travel agent will add about 20 Euro to the bill, but they will take care you have all you need.

PS.
I have not been to the Cannabis Cup, and will not go there, but this is info about Amsterdam that is always right.