The Basics
City Name: Amsterdam
Where is it located?: Amsterdam is located near the west coast of the Netherlands, in the middle of the country.
Why do people go there?: Smoke um, smoke um, smoke um if ya got um…home to infamously relaxed drug and prostitution laws, but also Van Gogh, the Heineken Experience, and Flemish masterpieces. Throw in calm canals and chaotic bikers and you have the walking contradiction that is A
How do travelers get there?: Amsterdam is an airport hub for KLM, and flights from the UK are numerous. Train travel from Germany is common.
Currency: Euro
City Code: 20
Population: 800,000
Languages: Dutch, although most speak English as well
Travel Information
Neighborhoods: Central Amsterdam, Red Light District, Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, Jordaan, Oud West, Westerpark and De Baarsjes
Attractions: Heinekin Brewery, Van Gough Museum, Red Light District, Marijuana, Flemish paintings
Accommodations: Amsterdam Hostels, Amsterdam Hotels
Tourist Office: Netherlands Board of Tourism, P.O. Box 458, 2260 MG Leidschendam, The Netherlands, Telephone: +31 70 3705 705, Fax: +31 70 3201 654, Email: info@nbt.nl.
Off-the-beaten-path: Vondelpark, The Blijburg Beach
Health Issues: Don’t smoke too much weed, and watch out for people selling hard drugs on the street – those are illegal!!!
Tips for Visiting
When to go: April to mid-May are the best months to see the infamous tulips. The summer months are the warmest and have the least amount of rain.
Common Phrases: Yes = Ja, No = Geen, Please = Alstublieft, Thank you = Dank u, Do you speak English? = Spreekt u het Engels?
City Specific Events: Every March 4, Amsterdam celebrates Remembrance Day, National Museum Weekend and Queen’s Day are commemorated every April
How to get around?: By foot! If that’s too tiring, grab a yellow bike and pedal around the city.
Good to know: The Red Light District is all right in during the day, but solo females should avoid it at night, as they are not behind glass like the other girls.
Cheapest airport to fly into: Schiphol International Airport is just about 15 kilometers away from the southwest part of Amsterdam.
Need more information?: Check out the Amsterdam travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
