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Amsterdam, Netherlands Canal Houses, Amsterdam
IntroductionAmsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands famous for it's liberal laws, red light districts, canals, windmills, and "coffee" culture. Holland is the name of two states in the Netherlands and not the country. Dutch is the name of the language and the inhabitants. When walking in the city, stay out of the bike lanes and watch out for bikes! Where You're DockedCruise ships primarily dock at Passenger Terminal Amsterdam just east of the Centraal Station right in the city center. There is a tram stop outside where you can take tram 26 one stop to Centraal Station (the city's main transport hub) or you can easily walk to the station (15 minutes). Cruise schedule and info here http://www.amsterdamcruiseport.com Waterland Terminal west of the city has been added as a cruise pier. Shuttles may be offered to Sloterdijk Station which is on the line between Schipol airport and Centraal Station. Both Passenger Terminal Amsterdam and Centraal Station offer luggage storage for those with late flights.
Felison Terminal by the entrance to the North Sea and 30km west of the city may also be used. Transportation info here http://www.amsterdamcruise.nl/getting-here-fct Cruise Ship Docked in Amsterdam Passenger Terminal Amsterdam Waterland Terminal Felison Terminal Money and Tipping
Exchange Rates Live
The Netherlands's currency is the Euro. Credit cards are accepted at a lot of places but most self-serve terminals require chip and pin cards. Ask before trying to use a magnetic swipe card. A small tip (5-10%) is appreciated when dining in restaurants or taking a taxi. Make sure you are not shortchanged by unscrupulous shopkeepers by indicating how much you are giving them.
Local TransportationThe best way to get around in Amsterdam is to either walk, rent a bike, or take the tram or metro network. Fares are €3.20 for a one hour disposable chip card or €8 for a 24 hr pass (Mar 2019, multiple days available as well). Tram and metro map linked from here http://en.gvb.nl/reisinformatie/plattegronden/Pages/plattegronden.aspx Transit info here http://www.gvb.nl If you follow a canal, you will end up doing a semi-circular loop since canals and streets ring out from Centraal Station. The IAmsterdam card offers one to three day transit passes with discounted/free entry to many attractions. Details here http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/ Amsterdam is very bike friendly with separated lanes, a bike share system and many shops offering rentals. Bike tours are also a good way to see the city. As a pedestrian, make sure you are not walking in a bike lane. Another way to explore the city is with the hop-on, hop-off canal bus. http://www.canal.nl/en/canal-bus City Sightseeing offers HOHO bus tours. http://www.citysightseeingamsterdam.nl/ Multiple companies run canal tours. Uber operates in Amsterdam.
To/From the AirportTaking the train is the easiest way to get from Schipol Airport (airport code: AMS) to Centraal Station. Ticket machines may not accept foreign credit cards so it's better to find a staffed counter to purchase tickets or you can also buy your ticket online with an app (generates a barcode that is scanned at the gate). Online tickets have a discount and no ticket surcharge. Trains are frequent, tickets cost €5.50 (includes €1 surcharge for disposable ticket) and journey time is under 20 minutes. http://www.schiphol.nl A taxi should cost around €45 to €50. Train info here http://www.ns.nl HotelsSearch hotels in Amsterdam here  SightsPrices updated Mar 2019
Shopping & RestaurantsThere are narrow pedestrian shopping streets on Nieuwendijk and Kalverstraat. There are a few flower markets including a floating one on Singel between Muntplein and Koningsplein. Albert Cuyp Market is a famous street market located on the same named street. It is open 9:30am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Nine Streets is an area with unique and interesting shops. Some department stores have excellent, self-serve cafeterias providing good value. La Place has restaurants on Kalverstraat and at the library by the cruise terminal. Hema has inexpensive cafes on both Nieuwendijk and direct across La Place on Kalverstraat. Authentic chinese food can be found in Chinatown. Indonesian and Surinamese restaurants are also popular with these countries being former Dutch colonies. For local specialties, try croquettes, poffertjes (mini dutch pancakes), oliebollen (dutch donuts), stroopwafel (waffles with embedded syrup), fries with mayo, and herring for the more adventurous. Croquettes can be found at the coin-operated, self-service chain Febo and even McDonalds has a McKroket burger. Post OfficesThere is a post office in Centraal Station.
InternetRestaurants and cafes may provide free wifi to customers. Passenger Terminal Amsterdam may have free wifi. The public library opposite the railroad tracks from the terminal has internet and wifi for €1 for every 30 minutes. http://www.oba.nl/oba/english/internet-and-wifi-in-the-library.html Maps (right-click to save)
Downloadable map https://www.iamsterdam.com/media/pdf/map-amsterdam-centre.pdf  Tram map Downloadable pdf version https://en.gvb.nl/sites/default/files/railkaart2019-2.pdf WeatherAmsterdam Weather Forecast Comments |