Amsterdam

Amsterdam (City Guide)
$19.99
I had been to Amsterdam before without a guidebook and had a great time visiting a friend of a friend. On my second trip, this book helped me understand the neighborhoods a little better and helped in picking out a great cheap hotel in a quiet neighborhood.

Top 10 Amsterdam (EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE)
$14.00
First, I'm a fan of the Eyewitness series and find all their books valuable. Not knowing alot about Amsterdam I wanted something that gave me an overview but also provided alot of information in a condensed format. This was the book, also books are heavy and I want to travel with my book so size was also a factor. This fit the bill.

Rick Steves' Amsterdam, Bruges, and Brussels
$18.95
We carried the Frommers and the Rick Steves, but found the Rick Steves to contain more detailed, personal knowledge, was easy to follow, and his maps were clear and useful. It felt like he was standing beside us, anticipating our questions and concerns, giving us tips, etc. We have always used Frommers or Fodors and have been satisfied with both, but we are now Rick Steve's converts.

He also gives lots of historical background which we found interesting and helpful. We found ourselves, after a while, using only the Rick Steves book.

( An interesting sidebar: The Frommers' book, when discussing the Anne Frank House, such an important and much visited site in Amsterdam, the author failed to even mention the basic fact that the Frank family was Jewish and that Anne and her family were persecuted because they were Jews. )

Streetwise Amsterdam Laminated City Center Street Map
$7.95
This rugged and detailed map made our recent trip to Amsterdam a breeze, from negotiating the trams to finding the major and minor sights in the city.