I love the dutch countryside, windmills and mad canals. I checked out a small town where my uncle got his testicle shot off (no joke) in ww2, there is little memorial where i got an etching and photo. Uncle was so happy i didnt just go to holland and get mad stoned, i remembered the history. You guys should consider going to see one of the war graveyards all the guys in them were like 17-21. Its quite an eye opener.
But on a lighter note amsterdam rocks. I almost punched out a black guy who wouldnt take no for an answer to "do you want some coke?" But they have a burger king, and macdonalds, so you wont go hungry. They charge extra for ketchup, i think mayo is free though.
I would stay away from any coffeeshop named after a band, like the doors, pink floyd etc. The menu is ofen hidden and you push a button and it lights up, comes out of ceiling etc. I dont think you can get a menu to take home anymore as a souvenier. Most of the places that have won or even entered cannabis cups are a good bet. the noon, greenhose effect, barneys, abraxas,de kuil, dampkring (sp), rusland, there are so many i cant really remeber. The bluebird is known for its many types of hash. I liked dread rock for good tunes. You can drink in the bulldog. Alot bars will let you toke if you ask 1st, esp seedy ones in the red lite. One of the seed companies i think maybe dutch passion has a place where you can see it growing, but not sure. There is at least one seed company operating a coffee shop i seem to remember. Dont get hit by a bike, you can step out of a store right into their path, and they yell at you. I wish i had taken a canel boat tour.
There is a vistors center just outside centraal stn that has great maps, that are either cheap or free. I would get a map, you wont get so lost you cant find your hotel, but as someone said alot of shops are on tiny streets near the waag, and finding the one you want can be hard. Some places i never did find. Gracht i think is canel in dutch