Orientation
Amsterdam
Amsterdam's centre is enjoyably small-scale, though finding your way around the canal belt can be confusing. The old city is contained within the ring of concentric canals dating from the 17th century that form the crescent-shaped canal belt bordered by the Singelgracht. Think of it as half a bicycle wheel: the medieval city around Centraal Station is the hub, and several main roads, minor canals and the Amstel River function as spokes.
Dam Square, five minutes' walk south of the station, is the centre of town, but there are several other happening 'centres', all within walking distance: Leidseplein, with much of the city's cultural life and nightlife, Rembrandtplein (nightlife), Spui ('intellectual' life) and Museumplein (culture) are just some of the focal points that make the city a joy to explore on foot or by bicycle.
Centraal Station, the central train and bus station, lies on the south bank of the IJ. The airport at Schiphol is 18km (11mi) southwest of the city centre.
Visas Overview
Tourists from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, USA and most of Europe only need a valid passport - no visa - for a stay of up to three months. EU nationals can enter for a stay of three months with just their national identity card or a passport expired less than five years ago.
If you have a Schengen visa for one of the countries that is a member of the Schengen Agreement, it may be valid for the Netherlands also. Double-check with the embassies or consulates of the countries you're visiting though, to make sure the Schengen visa conditions still apply.
Tourist visas can be extended for another three months maximum, but you'll need a good reason and the extension will only be valid for the Netherlands, not the Schengen Agreement areas.
A three-month Dutch visa can take a little while to process, so don't leave it until the last moment; fees vary depending on the country in which you apply, but expect to pay around 35.00 EUR. Most types of visas also require that you show sufficient means to support yourself during your stay.
Customs Overview
EU nationals can bring virtually anything they like into the Netherlands, provided it's for personal use and local tax in an EU country has been paid. Residents of non-EU European countries can bring 200 cigarettes or 250g (8.75oz) of tobacco, 2L (0.5 gallons) of wine plus 1L (0.25 gallons) of spirits or 2L (0.5 gallons) of sparkling or fortified wine, such as sherry or port, 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.
Getting There and Away
Amsterdam's massive Schiphol airport, one of the biggest in the world, has connections and services galore. Buses are the best budget way to travel, but train is very pleasant - Centraal Station is both beautiful and efficient, and you can take the Eurostar train to Britain. Ferries run from Amsterdam to Britain and Norway. The roads in the Netherlands are characteristically well-maintained; if you want to continue your love affair with the bicycle, there are loads of bike paths, and the Dutch make popping your treddly on a ferry or train cheap and easy.
Getting to Amsterdam and Away by Air
Many of the world's airlines fly directly to Amsterdam, but it might be cheaper for you to fly to a nearby city such as London and get to Amsterdam by bus or train. Many airlines will offer you a free side trip within Europe, so ask around and see what offers are available. Departure tax is included in the price of your ticket. Amsterdam's Schiphol International airport is 18km (11mi) southwest of the city centre. An inexpensive train service to Centraal Station leaves every 15 minutes, taking 15-20 minutes. The more expensive KLM bus connects the airport with 15 or so city hotels every half hour. If you've got money to burn, a taxi takes 20-45 minutes.
Getting to Amsterdam and Away by Road
Amsterdam is well connected to the rest of Europe, including Britain, by long-distance bus. Buses are consistently cheaper than trains.
Getting to Amsterdam and Away by Rail
Amsterdam's main train station is Centraal, which has regular and efficient connections throughout the country and to all neighbouring countries. There are train-ferry services to Britain, or you can catch the Eurostar train through the Chunnel. Eurail passes are valid in The Netherlands. Ferries also run between Amsterdam and Norway.
Getting to Amsterdam and Away by Road
Freeways link Amsterdam to The Hague, Rotterdam and Amersfort - it's about a six-hour drive from Paris to Amsterdam. Standard European road rules apply.
Getting to Amsterdam and Away by Riding
The Netherlands are very amenable to cycling - this is one of the flattest places in the world, and there are dedicated bike paths throughout the country. Bikes are allowed on trains for a nominal charge and on ferries for very little if any charge.
Getting Around
The best and most classically 'Amsterdam' way to get around the city is by bicycle - make sure you get a lock, as theft is rife. Of course, the city is of such manageable size you can reach most places on foot, but there's also an efficient public transport system. It covers almost the whole city (though the canal belt can be tricky as trams and buses stick to 'spoke' roads). Centraal Station is the hub of it all, where tram, bus, train and metro lines converge. Trams are good for the inner city, buses go farther out, while the train is most useful for getting to the airport and the metro is best for getting to the international bus station.
Getting Around Amsterdam by Road
Parking problems, Byzantine one-way systems, narrow canalside streets and thieves mean you're better off parking your car outside the city and riding in on public transport. Amsterdam taxis are among the most expensive in Europe and drivers are rude - though it's no wonder when you consider the conditions under which they drive. In theory you're not supposed to hail cabs on the street, but in practice no-one seems to mind.
Getting Around Amsterdam by Riding
Amsterdam has 550,000 bicycles and this is an ideal way to get around, although you need to get used to the idea of having your bike stolen. If you're going to be around for a while, consider buying a secondhand bike and make sure you buy a lock (or two) as well.
Getting Around Amsterdam by Water
All the bicycle traffic means there's not much call for mass river transport - the closest you'll get are the overpriced water taxis. A free ferry crosses to Amsterdam North from near Centraal Station, and a variety of canal boats run organised tours.
