anyone recomand where to stay in amsterdam for a weekend trip and what things to see

Dutch fries are the best :p

thanks choosa! it was pretty simple to get around--loved the fries you talked about.

Hop on the train it will take you to central station in Amsterdam, about 20-30 mins. From there, if you cross over the street past the trams, you wil find the city. To th left the red light district, to the right, everything esle.

I'd suggest you start with a morning boat city tour which will take you through the various canals and give an intro to the city. Then, you have a number of options which including visiting some museums some of which are quite famous, others, lets just say you'd only enjoy it if you were an arty type of fellow.

You should keep an eye out for chips/ french fries from the street cafes - frites and mayo with onions - sounds awful, try it, you'll fall in love.

You can visit Anne Franks house, its an easy walk, maybe 30 mins from central station if you dont get lost down one of side streets or you can take a hop on hop off canal boat there. If the weatheris good I'd suggest the walk, its a nice city to see on foot.

Excuse the construction, they are building a subway. Keep your eyes peeled for trams, avoid the cars, and of course keep an eye out for the cyclists, they are EVERYWHERE.

The city has a large ethnic community so no shortage of non-dutch food eateries, but I'd suggest you try dutch cuisine, its, different.

Enjoy your travels!