Wait, what? There's a smoking ban going into effect next summer? Total ban, or just smoking in public? Are shops closing? Is it confined to Amsterdam?

Crap!

I've been to the dam once when I was 13, so no joy then obviously. I really want to go back, either solo or with some friends, just having a hard scheduling it - so much going on this year.

Is there a consensus on best city to visit to party other than Amsterdam? I'm looking to visit and sightsee for at least 5 or 6 days.