amsterdam is amazing.
don't worry about violence or anything it is no worse than any other big city and much better than many...just the usual tourist rip off merchants.
the redlight district is the opposite of seedy. seedy implies something hidden from view and threatening...granted i wouldn't go there at 2 in the morning but during the evening it is fine, just lots of prostitutes in windows, sex show adverts and guys trying to sell you drugs by whispering "charlie, x" as you walk past them. really i have never found it seedy, or sexy for that matter, how can it be when there is a famliy and a bus group of tourists walking along next to you?
the coffee shops are great. just like anything if you haven't done it before take things easy, but you're not going to get yourself in trouble...just chill and have a good time. if you can i'd avoid the big coffee houses like the bulldog and head for places like barnies, the greenhouse effect, area 51 and the dolphin but everywhere is going to be fun.
otherwise enjoy what is a great city. check out some great museums and galleries, brilliant parks and boutiques, bars, restaurants, etc, etc. one of the best things about the dam is the lack of cars, it is great to be in a city where most people get about on their bikes and it appears to work wonders for the women's bodies
