Joe Pauker's Get Lost! the Cool Guide to Amsterdam (Get Lost)

Off-the-wall humor and opinions aside, you get the feeling that Pauker really knows Amsterdam and wouldn't give you bum advice. Hotels and hostels (including the comfortable couches at Schiphol Airport), restaurants, attractions, and shopping are all covered in some detail, and obvious care was taken in selecting those establishments hip enough (and cheap enough) to make it into the book. If you're the kind of traveler who might need the Dutch translation of "stoned as a shrimp," or if you simply appreciate a fresh perspective and directions away from the trampled path, let Pauker be your guide to the "coolest, most happening city in Europe."

Product Description
Joe Pauker is back! This 10th edition of his Cool Guide sizzles with new and exciting things to do in Amsterdam. Opinionated, but never irreverent, Get Lost! remains the only guide to cover Amsterdam's underground culture accurately and extensively, leading travellers to the cheapest, funkiest and most delicious spots in town: inexpensive organic restaurants, the coolest bars and clubs, an incredible array of alternative museums, mind-expanding cafes, one-of-a-kind shops, and, of course, the kinkiest corners of the Red Light District. Readers trust The Cool Guide for practical information, and for the lowdown on more obscure topics such as local pirate radio, and the squat scene. As always, it's printed on eco-friendly recycled paper with vegetable-based inks. With Joe Pauker's legendary guide, every traveler has a cool friend in Amsterdam.

Woah, what can one say? If you find yourself in the fortunate position of being able to venture to this city packed with everything the senses could desire, then TAKE THIS BOOK WITH YOU!
This book has everything that a HIP visitor needs to know. If you're some starchy, close-minded schmuck who is only going to Amsterdam for the museums, tulips and the quaint cafes along the canal, then you won't like this book's attitude. Pauker takes a no-nonsense approach to guiding you through the city. No kid-gloves here.

If you think you're an uptight person, then maybe you should get this book to help you loosen up...when you get to Amsterdam, skip the tulips and go to the Blue Bird Cafe. You'll see life in a completely renewed light.

Good luck and happy travelling.


Amterdam: I used all the books and Get Lost! was the best.   January 11, 1998
24 out of 25 found this review helpful

I just got back last month from a fantastic trip to Amsterdam. Joe Pauker's book, "The Cool Guide to Amsterdam", was the key to my trip. Before I left, my family and friends gave me several guides to the city. I took them all with me, but I ended up using only Get Lost! Not only was the information the most interesting and up to date, but I found it hillarious reading as well. I've travelled all around the world, used the various other "alternative" guidebooks and I have never found a book that covered so many cool and funky places in a city. Admitedly, Amsterdam is a city filled with beautiful architecture, great music, excellent coffee shops and unique squat restaurants, but Pauker's "Cool Guide to Amsterdam" showed me where they all were.


I'm a convert - a great book to take on your trip!   May 25, 1999
17 out of 17 found this review helpful

I wrote a previous review after I received Get Lost! Amsterdam but before I made my trip. At the time, I liked the book but felt it was overpriced. I just returned from 10 days in Amsterdam, and I'd like to change my review. This book was great!! Assuming, of course, that you're going to Amsterdam for Smart Shops, and a great scene. If you're not interested in drugs or the cheapest places to stay, this book isn't for you. The information was very useful; I repeatedly referred to the lodging, drug and general info sections. My only criticism is there could be more listings for restaurants - but then, this probably isn't the only guide you're going to bring with you. A very useful guide for anyone looking for a great trip . . .


Good, but bring another book!   August 16, 2001
Karen Cole (Santa Cruz, CA United States)
16 out of 16 found this review helpful

I spent 4 days in Amsterdam and found this little book to be great, BUT I wish that I would have had a more "mainstream" guidebook as well. This is meant to be a supplement, focusing on cheap eats, "coffee shops," smart shops, sex, etc. The map in it [stinks]!! But the information that IS there is good, accurate information. But it won't tell you how to use the tram system, or where every restaurant is, or more basic information such as the history of the city. Again, for what it is, it's great. For what it's not, it's not.