Lonely Planet guides remain in a class by themselves. Their first offering dates from the early `70's, and was mimeographed. Its audience was a "new breed" of tourists, backpackers, traveling overland, through Asia, from Australia to London, back in the days when it would not be suicidal. They built on their initial success, and have become the premiere guide for those who truly want to experience all that this good earth has to offer. I recently reviewed Lonely Planet Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. True to their origins, much of the guide concerns the trails you can (and should!) hike. In this guide, Lonely Planet uses its same outlook... see the joys of the world, and obtain value for the money spent... and applies it to one of the most enjoyable cities: Amsterdam.
The museums are a key reason to go, notably the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum. The problem is the crowds, particularly in the summer, as the guide says, and the authors do present the optimums ways to minimize the troubles associated with maddening crowds, which includes purchasing e-tickets in advance (of course, going in the middle of winter helps too.) But then, that makes biking a bit more unpleasant, and which is another prime reason for me to go.
Amsterdam is known for its tolerance... and regrettably, that, at times has been abused. There are now restrictions on foreigners partaking in their favorite vehicle for enhancing a tolerant mood. Of course, there is still plenty of alcohol, and the guide provides an ample selection of restaurants and pubs that serve it. There are special sections for those traveling with children; for gays; and for those seeking another famous attraction: the picture windows, and the women who are so featured there.
Overall, the guide has a superlative, color-coordinated layout, with enough pictures to give a feeling of the mood and ambiance, but without dominating the guide, which, as it should be, is the written information to help you have a truly quality experience, since... you only go around once in life. In addition to the detailed maps of the various neighborhoods that are part of the guide, there is a two-sided pull-out city map at the end, of the entire city, with the tram and bus routes on the reverse side. Kudos to the authors, Zimmerman and Chandler, for their succinct and knowledgeable style. See you there. 5-stars.