Getting around in Amsterdam

We recently spent a delightful few days in Amsterdam on a City break holiday. Even though it was October, the weather was wet and cold, we filled our time with a variety of activities. We had no problems booking our flights and found a beautiful hotel right in the middle of the action. Despite planning, reading guide books and asking friends and travel agents it is often a problem navigating the transport system and choosing from the list of sights to see and things to do. We were lucky to find “The Amsterdam Pass” on our first day – a scheme run by the Amsterdam Tourist Board. We found their ... more

Getting around in Amsterdam At first glance Amsterdam is complete Bedlam.The noise of trams, traffic, bikes and people as far as you can see.I thought how can anyone make sense of this mess.Factor in a good smoke and a few drinks and you have a recipe for disaster. Once you have been a few times it starts to make some sense.I will start with the basics, first of all the centre of Amsterdam is not that big and is probably best viewed on foot anyway, lots of canals nearly a hundred I think, all linked up with little bridges all throbing with activity.There is an old joke they somtimes play on ... more

If you ever consider taking a taxi when you visit Amsterdam, think twice, or you must have all the money in the world to spend, in which case i would advice to rent a limo. The taxi's are nice, Mecedes, and comfortable, but, next to Tokio, Amsterdam has the highest prices. You'll better take the public transport, or walk. Taxidrivers in Amsterdam have had an monopoly for years. When, a couple of years ago, the ministry of transport changed that, they went berserk. They molested every taxidriver who didn't work for their organisation. But still the fairs are to high. If you get in you already ... more

The best and most classically 'Amsterdam' way to get around the city is by bicycle - make sure you get a lock, as theft is rife. Of course, the city is of such a manageable size that you can reach most places on foot, but there's also an efficient public transport system. It covers almost the whole city (though the canal belt can be tricky as trams and buses stick to 'spoke' roads). Centraal Station is the hub of it all, where tram, bus, train and metro lines converge. Trams are good for the inner city, buses go farther out, while the train is most useful for getting to the airport and the ... more