Amsterdam General Information
Amsterdam is a very international city, with many people from all over the world living, working in, and visiting the city. Despite that, you are always going to come across new customs and ideas when visiting the city for the first time.
Here, you'll find all of the advice and information you need to help you get around the city and its people. From advice on what language to use (stick with English), to great things to do during your visit, to strange little tidbits (you have to pay for the bathroom!), you'll find it below.
Amsterdam is a great city, but there are some things to know before you arrive. Be prepared for what you'll find in Amsterdam, and you won't be caught by unpleasant surprises.
A Guide to Schiphol Airport
Situated nine miles south-west of Amsterdam, in Haarlemmermeer, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the Netherlands main international airport. It provides excellent facilities and is one of only four airports globally to have been awarded Skytrak four stars. It is the base for KLM, Martinair, Arkefly and Transavia.com and a focus for Delta Air Lines as well as being the starting point for flights to …
Amsterdam Canal and Bus Tours
Amsterdam is a city based completely on sea trade. Because of that, the structure of the city was built on the concept of transportation of goods via the water. And while this was very useful in its time, now Amsterdam's canals go mostly unused but are one of the many things that make the city so appealing to visitors.
Unlike some other waterway cities, Amsterdam itself is clean and …
Begijnhof / The Wooden House
Amsterdam is a city full of exciting things to do. There's the casino in the museum area, the city's many coffeeshops, streets full of great shopping, and the titillating red light district. But especially during a longer visit, taking a break from all the excitement can be more than a little welcome.
The Begijnhof Amsterdam area is one of the quietest, most pleasant spots in …
Dam Square
If you're looking for a good time in Amsterdam outside of the Coffee Shops and the infamous red light district, you need look no further than Dam Square. Named for the dam built at the Amstel river in the 13th century, Dam Square is just five minutes from Centraal Station just a short walk down the Damrak.
Dam Square has a long history as a place to hang out, and the area was …
Finding a Hotel in Amsterdam on a Budget
There are lots of great places to stay in Amsterdam. It's a beautiful city full of picturesque streets and parks and canals. And if you have a lot of money to spend on your vacation great! You'll have your pick of elegant, world class hotels. However, if you don't have much money to spend on a hotel, but still want to have a pleasant stay in the city, there are some budget options for …
Free and Unusual Things to do in Amsterdam
While you're in Amsterdam, you may find you've had your fill of museums and shopping and galleries. If so, there are lots of free things to do in Amsterdam that will take you away from the sometimes exhausting rush of sightseeing.
Read more about Free and Unusual Things to do in Amsterdam »
Heineken Brewery The Heineken Experience
30 years ago, you used to be able to visit the Heineken brewery for the equivalent of a couple of euros and get the grand tour. A peek into the inner workings of a functional brewery in a city famous for its beer. Plus they gave you a free drink (or five) and a bunch of free gouda to go along with it. The ultimate Dutch experience.
Well, it's not like that anymore. But while the …
Holidaying in Amsterdam
If you're planning a visit to Amsterdam, it's a good idea to know if your trip coincides with any of the local holidays. After all, you don't want to miss out on the chance to watch the festivities or run out of deodorant on a day when the shops are all mysteriously closed. Below, you'll find a list of some of the most notable Amsterdam holidays and festivities.
In January, …
Language in Amsterdam
In most European countries, the ability to speak English is enough to help you communicate with the staff at the major tourist attractions and restaurants geared towards the tourist trade. However, in many countries, an inability to speak the local language can be rather limiting. Not speaking French can make it difficult to eat and order in the better (in other words, cheaper and less …
Prices of beer and lager
We often get asked what is the current price of beer and lager in Amsterdam so we've decided to add an article to Amsterdam Travel Guide about this exact question.
Please find the region(s) that you will be visiting from the extensive list of beer prices below
Prices correct as of 18th June 2008 …
Arnhem$4.31 USD
Assen$4.31 USD
…
Traditional Dutch Food The Rijsttafel
When you visit a country for the first time, you always want to try the signature dishes. When in Spain, you want to sample the paella, in Japan sushi, in India you want to taste different curries. But what kind of food is traditionally Dutch?
The answer is a lot, and not many. The Dutch have an interesting culture, and much of what you find there isn't actually Dutch. Much like …
Tulips and Amsterdam A Tumultuous History
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With Map
One of my favorite things about being in Amsterdam is the flowers. A short walk along the flower market is, for me, a sort of rainbow-hued heaven. That may sound like a strange thing to say about a city with so many other things to offer, but I've always been crazy about flowers in general and tulips in particular.
I'm not alone. Holland has had a very special relationship …
Visiting The Red Light District
When I was a teenager, all of the teenaged boys at school used to talk (in voices of awe) about Amsterdam as the party capital of the world. I always imagined it a place filled with grime and drugs and half-naked women.
Vondelpark
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Especially if you visit Amsterdam in the spring or summer, one of the first things you'll probably notice is all of the city's wonderful green spaces. The oversized public park Vondelpark is the most visited green area in Amsterdam, and is in fact the most famous park in the Netherlands.
Vondelpark is located just south of Leidsplein near the museum district and sees about ten million …
Weather in Amsterdam
Holland is the tulip capital of the world for a reason. With cool summers and long, wet winters, it's the perfect place to grow these lush and delicate flowers. But Dutch weather isn't as nurturing and peaceful as it might sound. Holland, known for its cheeses, its tulips, and its liberal outlook, is also prone to surprisingly crazy weather. So no matter what time of year you visit …