Amsterdam, Netherlands

Transfers
Transfers are not included in vacation packages to Amsterdam, but they can be purchased. Private car transfers are also available. Motorcoach transfers that run between the airport and most of the city center hotels can be purchased upon arrival. Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is also connected via rail to the city’s Central Station.

Walking
Using one’s two feet to get around Amsterdam is a great way to see the city. The main tourist area of Amsterdam can easily be walked in a day. And with the many brown cafés and street stands, you can always stop for a little fortification along the way. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as most of the streets are made from cobblestones.

Bicycle
Bicycles are another great way to travel in Amsterdam. Streets have bike lanes and bikes even have their own traffic lights and special parking areas. Sunday mornings are usually quiet and a good day to try out the cobblestone streets of the city before the traffic picks up. Bikes can be rented from several companies located near the Central Train Station.

Bus
Trams and buses are yet another inexpensive mode of transportation and the best way to get around Amsterdam. Pick up a copy of "What’s On in Amsterdam." Inside is a transit map showing the location of all the major tourist sights and the routes of all the trams. Tickets can be purchased in single-ride tickets or the more economical strip tickets with up to 45 ticket units. More than one person can use a strip card, as long as it is stamped for each passenger. There are 17 tram routes, 11 of which begin and end at the Central Station, so you can always get back to there if you get lost. Most bus routes begin at the Central Station, as well. Children 3 and under ride for free; kids 4-11 ride on reduced-rate tickets.

Subway
Amsterdam does have a Metro, consisting of four lines. The routes run out to the suburbs, so for transportation to tourist sights you are better off walking or taking a tram.

Taxi
Taxis are expensive. However, if you must take one, they can be picked up at stands near the train station, major hotels, and major squares. Water taxis are also available.

Car
Renting a car is not recommended within the city. With a jumble of one-way streets, narrow bridges, and no parking zones, a rental car is more of a hassle than a convenience. Also, parking can be very difficult and expensive.

Dining in Amsterdam is much more international than most people might think. Be sure to try a rijsttafle, an Indonesian meal (or rather a feast) made of numerous small dishes of food and bowls of rice. Out on the street there are numerous falafel stands for a quick bite. For traditional Dutch treats, try bitterballen, deep-fried breaded meat balls served on a toothpick and dipped in mustard. Here are some other restaurants to possibly try while in the city:

• Christophe
  A Michelin-rated restaurant, Christophe is an elegant, intimate restaurant serving delightful French fare highlighted with North African flavors. Expensive but worth it.
• De Bakkerswinkel
  A wonderful Dutch bakery with mouth-watering baked goods. In addition to the scones and fresh-baked breads, enjoy quiche, soups, tarts, and light sandwiches.
• De Knijp
  Located near Amsterdam's concert hall, the menu features traditional Dutch cuisine as well as international favorites in a cozy, casual atmosphere.
• Restaurant VandeMarkt
  Highly fashionable, VandeMarkt features a menu based on the day's fresh ingredients and specialties such as venison, chicken, duck, and quail.

In Amsterdam’s Red Light District, it is safe to walk the main streets with the other gawkers and fellow tourists. While coffeehouses do sell marijuana, it must be consumed on the premises — it is illegal to sell, buy, or use any type of drugs on the street.

For a list of events, pick up a copy of "Day by Day/What’s On in Amsterdam", which is published by the Amsterdam Tourist Office. This monthly magazine is full of details about art exhibits, concerts, theater performances, plus lists restaurants, clubs, bars, and more. While not free, it will only set you back a couple of dollars.

Store hours are regulated in Amsterdam and open only one night a week — Thursday is reserved for late shopping. However, that is slowly changing and many stores are open later and later. Prices are fixed in Holland, so going from store to store to find the best bargain is usually futile. Diamonds, antiques, art, and flower bulbs are good buys in Amsterdam. If buying bulbs, make sure to get a U.S. agriculture sticker. Schiphol Airport has the most variety and best prices of any duty-free shopping area the world. Some other places for great shopping include:

• De Bijenkorf
  Amsterdam’s best-known department store and the one with the best variety.
• Metz & Co
  Owned by Liberty of London this department store sells furniture, fabrics, and other traditional items, along with offering a excellent café.
• Vroom & Dreesman
  A no-nonsense department store with a wide range of everyday goods at everyday prices.
• Bell Tree
  A wonderful store for the kids, selling toys made from wood.
• The Waterlooplein
  This flea market stems from the days of the pushcart trade and continues in its lively character. You won’t find much of value, but the experience is well worth the visit.
• Bloemenmarkt
  Located along the Singel canal where permanently moored barges sell flowers and plants.

An art market is held on Sundays if the weather is good, from April – October on Thorbeckeplein and from April – November at Spui.

Amsterdam is a thriving city, full of world-famous museums. For the latest on what’s happening, make sure to pick up a copy of "What’s On in Amsterdam." Here are a few events known at publishing time.

Elfstedentocht
January. Not held every year, but when the weather is cold enough to freeze the many rivers and canals of the Netherlands, the Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities Tour) is the center of attention. Last held in 1997, the Eleven Cities Tour is an ice skating marathon.

Koninginnedag (Queen's Day)
April. A nationwide holiday celebrating the House of Orange with a 24-hour street carnival. You’ll see orange ribbons, hair, and faces everywhere to accompany the Dutch flags.

Amsterdam Pride
August. The big event in Europe’s most gay-friendly city. 150,000 people gather to watch elaboratly decorated boats cruising the canals.

Museum Renovations
The world famous Rijksmuseum is undergoing the biggest rebuilding, renovation, and modernization program in its history. But don’t worry, you can still view the greatest paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Hals in the museum’s Philips Wing. Also, the Royal Palace in Amsterdam is currently closed due to renovations.

Eat Like the Dutch
To truly immerse yourself in the Dutch culture, you'll probably find yourself cycling everywhere you go. And with that comes a healthy appetite and an urge to eat like the Dutch, which means round-the-clock. Start your day with a breakfast of fresh bread with butter and cheese, ham or chocolate sprinkles. At 10:30 it's time for the traditional cup of coffee. Lunch is another bread and butter meal but perhaps served with thinly sliced cold meats. Tea time is 4pm with Dutch pastry. At 5pm it's time to enjoy the "borrel" or drink. Grab a glass of beer, a nip of Dutch jenever (Dutch gin), a glass of wine or sherry and pair it with cheese, nuts, crackers, or bitterballen. International dishes are served at dinner time and are followed with a cup of Dutch coffee or tea.

Holland or the Netherlands?
There is often confusion about the name Holland. Some people call the Netherlands "Holland," but it is not the same. Holland is divided into two provinces, North Holland and South Holland, and are only a smaller part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. As for the Dutch, this term can relate to citizens of the Netherlands, as well as Nederlander, or to descibe an ethnic group decended from various Germanic tribes forming the majority of the population of the Netherlands.

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