Bicycles
-Amsterdam has more bikes per capita then almost any city in the world. Bicycle is the primary method of transportation in the city. Designated bicycle lanes are well established on the side of roads and are divided by yellow lines. Pedestrians should NOT walk on bike lanes and if crossing bike lanes or roads that do not have designated bike lanes look several times (we recommend 6 times) prior to crossing the road.
Getting to Amsterdam from Schiphol International Airport (Do I take a taxi or the local train?)
-If you have several pieces of luggage we advice you to take a taxi to your lodging in Amsterdam. Talking the train to Central Station will save you money but it can be difficult getting several pieces of luggage on the train and if compartments are crowded luggage storage can be limited. If you are traveling light or with 1-2 small pieces of luggage then the train to Central Station is fine. If taking the train always be vigilant about pick pockets. Click on this link for more travel information.
Nighttime in the Red light District (De Wallen) and City Center
-For a major city Amsterdam is relatively safe however care should always be taken in the city center and especially the red light district when walking during the day, but especially at night. The main source of trouble will be pick pockets, scammers, and drug dealers. For more information on the red light district click here. Here are some tips for keeping yourself safe:
-If walking through the red light district at night, especially down deserted alleyways you should always walk in groups and be wary of people approaching you out of the blue to ask you questions or try and sell you drugs.
-You may be offered illicit substances (cocaine, heroin, LSD, etc) by street dealers if walking through populated sections of the red light district especially at night. The Netherlands has strict laws about these illicit substances and if caught will be sent to jail. It's better to walk past these street dealers without engaging them.
-There are pick pockets operating in the red light district day and night, so make sure you keep your purse/wallet in plain sight.
Museums
-For the more popular museums such as Anne Frank Huis and the Van Gogh Museum, book tickets well ahead. Museums are best visited early in the morning or later in the afternoon as 11am-2pm are some of the most popular times to go to museums.
Sample the Local Cuisine
-The Amsterdam food scene has made incredible strides in the past 5-10 years. Local Dutch cuisine in addition to Indonesian Cuisine are "must do's" however Amsterdam also has some great International cusine including Chinese, Italian, French, and some great burgers and BBQ joints. Oh, don't forget the FRENCH FRIES & SMOKED FISH STANDS.
Click on Restaurant Recommendations for more information
-Amsterdam has more bikes per capita then almost any city in the world. Bicycle is the primary method of transportation in the city. Designated bicycle lanes are well established on the side of roads and are divided by yellow lines. Pedestrians should NOT walk on bike lanes and if crossing bike lanes or roads that do not have designated bike lanes look several times (we recommend 6 times) prior to crossing the road.
Getting to Amsterdam from Schiphol International Airport (Do I take a taxi or the local train?)
-If you have several pieces of luggage we advice you to take a taxi to your lodging in Amsterdam. Talking the train to Central Station will save you money but it can be difficult getting several pieces of luggage on the train and if compartments are crowded luggage storage can be limited. If you are traveling light or with 1-2 small pieces of luggage then the train to Central Station is fine. If taking the train always be vigilant about pick pockets. Click on this link for more travel information.
Nighttime in the Red light District (De Wallen) and City Center
-For a major city Amsterdam is relatively safe however care should always be taken in the city center and especially the red light district when walking during the day, but especially at night. The main source of trouble will be pick pockets, scammers, and drug dealers. For more information on the red light district click here. Here are some tips for keeping yourself safe:
-If walking through the red light district at night, especially down deserted alleyways you should always walk in groups and be wary of people approaching you out of the blue to ask you questions or try and sell you drugs.
-You may be offered illicit substances (cocaine, heroin, LSD, etc) by street dealers if walking through populated sections of the red light district especially at night. The Netherlands has strict laws about these illicit substances and if caught will be sent to jail. It's better to walk past these street dealers without engaging them.
-There are pick pockets operating in the red light district day and night, so make sure you keep your purse/wallet in plain sight.
Museums
-For the more popular museums such as Anne Frank Huis and the Van Gogh Museum, book tickets well ahead. Museums are best visited early in the morning or later in the afternoon as 11am-2pm are some of the most popular times to go to museums.
Sample the Local Cuisine
-The Amsterdam food scene has made incredible strides in the past 5-10 years. Local Dutch cuisine in addition to Indonesian Cuisine are "must do's" however Amsterdam also has some great International cusine including Chinese, Italian, French, and some great burgers and BBQ joints. Oh, don't forget the FRENCH FRIES & SMOKED FISH STANDS.
Click on Restaurant Recommendations for more information
