Hi mate,
when you arrive at schipol (reckon you're arriving by air) take the underground from the airport to amsterdam central bout $3.00 (3.10eu) takes 20mins station to station.
when you're o/side main exit straight across is the damrak and centrum, look to about 10 o'clock and thats the start of the red light district and loads of cafes and bars, stay on and around the damrak and dam square and get the feel first off, you'll also want to get to the leidsplein and vondel parkwhich are about 4km straight in front of you through the centre of the city, enjoy its a fabuously relaxed city and you will not want to go home. Promise!
cheers
alfox (UK)