Hi Alireyza, I’ve been to Amsterdam several times, although never for the cannabis cup. In my humble opinion, visiting during the cup is a fairly big waste of time, for several reasons. First, you’ll be in the city during one of its most crowded times. Second, you’ll be lucky to get into the nicer coffee shops which will most definitely be packed. Third, from what I have heard, those packed places are packed with our fellow countrymen (Americans, mostly). Everyone has their different reasons for traveling, but personally, if I wanted to spend time with Americans, I’d do a cross country road trip (or go down to the mall) rather than shell out a chunk of money to hang out in Amsterdam. If I may suggest, do what some of my friends did….wait one week until AFTER the cup, then go online and print up ALL of the competitors and, most important, all of the main winners. When you arrive in Amsterdam a week later, you can go on your OWN “tasting” at any shop you like with no crowds. Not only will you get to taste EVERYTHING you want, but you’ll get a chance to actually meet with and talk to the owners of the shops. In other words, the experience will be more personal and rewarding. That being said, here are my recommendations regardless of when you go:

Amsterdam: If you are looking to stay with like minded folks, check out the Flying Pig Hostel (Downtown). I stayed there a few years ago and the rooms all have their own bathroom/shower. The prices are like that of any other hostel….cheap. Even though I don’t enjoy the party scene anymore, Flying Pig is still a good place. When I was there several years ago, “drinking coffee” was permitted (encouraged even), there’s a cellar/movie room with DVD’s playing all the time, and the vibe is nice and laid back. Not to mention, it’s location is central of where most of the best shops are.
If you prefer a classier, cleaner, and more low key place to stay, then I can’t recommend Vondelpark HI Hostel enough. While drinking coffee is not permitted on premises, I thought the rooms were great, the location was amazing, and the staff friendly and informative. It’s on the other side of town, but really it takes all of 30 minutes to walk across Amsterdam from one end to the other, so that’s not big deal. Vondelpark is beautiful, and it’s close to the Heineken Brewery.
Finally although I have never stayed at this place, one can’t help but hear about the infamous Bobs Youth Hostel. If you’re looking for dirt cheap, no frills, balls to the walls insanity, I heard that’s the place to stay.

Paris: I’m betting you’ll be too overtaken by the strong coffee Amsterdam is known for to ever make it over to Paris, but in case you do, I recommend the Aloha Hostel. It’s about a 30 minute walk (or less) to the eifel tower, its fairly central to all of the main sights, and I like the neighborhood.

I personal think 800 USD (about 550 Euro) is just at the threshold of a workable budget. For instance, if you pay 22 euro (i’m estimating low for the tax, probably closer to 25) a night in a hostel, that’s 150 euro gone, leaving you with 400 Euro left. In order to enjoy the various coffee shops, you’re probably going to need all of that money to sample all of the good stuff, as well as feed yourself (and see other things). Let’s not forget that strong coffee can make you very thirsty and very hungry

In all probability, Paris might not be workable unless you really stretched your budget.

Best of luck.

Hey Scott thank you so much insight. I just looked at the flying pig it seems like the ideal place for me and my budget. Now I’m just gonna cross out Paris out of my trip and just stay in Netherlands. I’m actually thinking of going before the cup when its not as crowded so I will be spending quality time relaxing and meeting people while sipping on my coffee

Are there bicycles for rent in the city or no?

The hostel suggestions are right on. Bikes are not needed in Amsterdam unless you want to go out to the cheese farm and windmill for photos. Definately don’t ride after smoking, it is more dangerous than highways in the U.S. and avoid rush hour on the bike paths. It is great to sit back and watch the locals ride the busy bike paths as they go to and from work or the markets. DON’T STAND or WALK in the bike paths. The dutch will smack you upside the head! Bike rentals are available through many companies like macbike.nl and mikesbiketoursamsterdam.com
The trams cost 1.60Euro per ride. You can by strippenkaart tickets available in 8, 15 and 45 on the tram, at the tourist office across from the train station, at your hostel, newspaper stands, post offices and most major supermarkets. It takes two strips per ride. Don’t try to ride for free, transit police were very busy in June & July writing tickets. You can walk to all the places you need to see in 20 – 30 minutes maximum from the station or your hostel.
The best way to see Amsterdam is by walking and take the FREE Amsterdam walking tour or Coffee Shop Tour. Google Amsterdam FREE walking tours and coffee shop tours. If it is raining or cold and windy, jump on a tram and take it for the loop so you can see other parts of the city. After you check in at your hostel, go to the local supermarket and buy a few packages of StroopWaffels, “roomboter” made with butter are the best. look for them in the biscut/cookie aisle. The supermarket behind the palace at Dam Square has a great cheese counter with large rounds of cheese stacked in the back.