Getting Around Amsterdam
It's extremely easy to explore Amsterdam on foot, as the majority of the city's key attractions and most diverting neighbourhoods lie in the city centre, within relatively short walking distance of most hotels. You can also travel by public tram, or grab a taxi - fares for the latter run about 9 to 12 Euros for most trips within the city centre.
A good strategy for taking in the city is to begin at the central Dam Square and work your way around the city centre, passing through some of the other main squares, such as the Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein.
Thanks largely to the network of canals which limits the traffic, the city benefits from the infrastructure of a large city with great transport, entertainment, history and culture and yet it still maintains a calm and tranquil atmosphere. This is a small and beautiful city which is best explored on foot, by bicycle or by taking a tram.
Amsterdam has an excellent public transport system. There is a good network of trams and the facilities for cyclists are also superb with a network of cycle lanes and even traffic lights for cyclists. If you are not one for pedaling, you can even hire one to cycle for you!Pedestrians should take care when walking not to amble into cycle lanes which are distinguished by their reddish colour as cyclists will show you no mercy - you have been warned.
The I Amsterdam Card offers unlimited transport on buses, trams and metro for up to three days including massive discounts on museums, canal cruises and other attractions
From the Aiport
Schiphol Airport (AMS) is nine miles (15km) southwest of Amsterdam. The quickest and easiest way to travel into the city (or anywhere else in the Netherlands) from Schiphol is by train. Thanks to a train station smack in the middle of Schiphol airport, getting into Amsterdam (or any other city in the Netherlands) is fast, cheap, and easy. Hit one of the plentiful ATM machines (that’s “Geldautomat” in Dutch)—they even have them in the baggage claim area—then buy a train ticket to Amsterdam Centraal Station and a tram pass. There are also night trains running hourly to Amsterdam Centraal Station and other Dutch cities.
Website: www.schiphol.nl
Trams
By far the most convenient way to get around the city is by using the frequent and reliable tram network. Tickets are available from either the driver or a machine in the middle of the tram. Buying a 'strippenkaart' from a post office, tobacconist or railway station is cheaper though and can also be used on buses, trains and metros within the city boundaries (so not to the airport, for example).
The most bona fide and probably enjoyable way to get around the city though is by bike. It’s practically a national past time and with little traffic and dedicated cycle lanes it is an absolute doddal - especially as there’re no hills to climb! Take one for a day, to explore the Vondelpark, the trendy Eastern docklands, or the hip area of de Pijp.
You can rent a bike from the following addresses, just make sure you take some identification with you.
- Macbike, Leidseplein (next to Paradiso) 528 7688
- Mr. Visserplein 2, (Waterlooplein), 6200985 and Central Station, 625 3845
- Bike City, Bloemgracht 68 (Westerkerk), 6263721
- Damstraat Rent a Bike, P Jacobszoondwarsstraat 11 (Dam), 6255029
When renting a bike, avoid the big rental agencies (MacBike, Yellowbike) with their prominently displayed logos, and look like a native with an unadorned “fiets”. Try the friendly folks at Frédéric Rent a Bike —but most any bicycle shop will also have a few bikes to rent.
There are also bike-taxis available throught the city, for those who don't want to put the exercies in!
Walking
Armed with a good map and some ‘sensible’ shoes the relatively small distances are easily covered on foot. This makes a great way to take in the wonderful architecture of the city at your own pace.
A trip on the canals is well worth doing and it’s a very pleasant way to get your bearings and see more of the city. You can get a boat from Damrak by the Central Station and Rokin by the Spui. These circular tours travel at a suitably leisurely pace around the city and harbour and last about 90 minutes.
