Anymore, one city is just like another. As the world grows more interconnected and technology advances, differences in major cities worldwide become less and less.
To see things truly unique and different you need to head to smaller places off the beaten path.
Not so. If "the beaten path" you refer to is a "tourist path" the yes, you'll have a cardboard holiday. If you make an effort not to alienate yourself from your surroundings, you'd be suprised how unique people and places can be. My favorite is seeing the amusing mix of stereotype with the fluidity of "the human approach." I admit it would be difficult to know a place without living there for awhile tho, which isn't possible for a vacationer.
JJ - central Amsterdam is heavily touristed and very seedy, not in a good way. If you're traveling alone, do some research on hostels. Some are shit (curfew, etc), but some will be party central with heaps of good times (every girl backpacking in Europe is there to screw: fact). Pack light mofo, I mean light! Don't take any drugs with you out of Holland, there's a good chance they'll check you anywhere you arrive given your age and origin. Also, don't tell anyone, "I'm American!" - they'll already know.
