I've been in early October, late November and early march. October was warmish (sat outsite for food/drinks, with sweater on), March is quite cool, but you'll be indoors a lot. The shopping street is very compact so even if out shopping you can keep warm by dotting in and out of shops. You will need warm clothes for the evening though.

I'm not sure where's good now, it's been a couple of years since I've been. There's a big place called The Grasshopper near Centraal Station, and there's an Irish pub I think just down from the flowermarket. There's bars on Damrak also, and other areas nearby. There's plenty of places in Rembrandsplein (just down from flower market) and also Leidseplein. 'Plein' is a square. Leidseplein is the biggest I think.

A lot depends on your taste. lets just say that Amsterdam is rife with bars and clubs....most with very lenient opening times. You will have a hoot! Best thing is probably to ask locals when you visit the odd bar or two - they will happily tell you whats "in or out" these days!. Brings back happy memories to me of a few drunken weekends in this vibrant city!

Nivsy