Amsterdam: An overview - Part 1

I have been lucky enough to spend some time in many of the famous cities around the world so here are some overview guides to some of them.

Before we get started I thought it would be useful to cover some of the basics first. A large number of visitors arrive via the airport; Schiphol is a modern, efficient and easy to use airport. Nearly 100 airlines use Schiphol to over 250 destinations around the world. The easiest and cheapest way to travel to and from the airport to Amsterdam is by train. It takes about 20 minutes to the Central Station and trains run every 15 minutes. The train station at Schiphol has been built directly below the airport. A one way tickets can be purchased for about €4 at the NS service desk or ticket machines.

Public transport is a good way to visit all attractions and to explore the city. Visitors arriving by car are advised to park the car at one of the P+R sites at the city limits and to use public transport. This costs €8 for 24 hours and includes up to 5 public transport tickets. In Amsterdam there are 16 tram lines, 55 bus lines, 5 free ferry connections and 4 metro lines take you throughout the city. The most convenient transport ticket is a GVB 1, 2, 3 or 4 day OV chip card. These tickets give use of all the transport on all GVB lines which includes the night buses. You can buy them at any GVB Tickets office and all tourist offices. You can also buy the 1 hour and 24 hours disposable OV chip cards from the drivers and conductors on the trams and buses.

Taxis can be handy when travelling to and from the airport late at night when the trams have stopped running. Depending on the traffic during peak times however, public transport will probably get you there quicker. Also taxis to the city centre cost around €50 with a tip. If you hail a taxi you should remember that taxis cannot stop anywhere they want. If you want to find one in the centre then one of the designated cab stands is your best bet. You will find these in places such as Dam Square, Leidseplein and the Rembrandtplein.

Post
The main post office has all the usual services, but you can also buy stamps many other shops.

Pharmacy
Pharmacies have a sign which is Apotheek and are usually open weekdays from 09:00 to 17:30. During the night and at weekends there are some pharmacies open. To find out which ones are open you can call a central number or look for a sign on your local shop.

The telephone country code for the Netherlands +31 and the area code for Amsterdam is 020.
Electricity uses 230 V with a C or F type socket and the currency is the Euro.

In any Emergency the number you should dial is 112

Visitor Information Centres can be found at :-

Schiphol Airport (Holland Tourist Information).
Schiphol Airport, Arrivals 2 at Schiphol Plaza
Central Station Noord-Zuid Hollands Koffiehuis, Stationsplein 10

Continued in part 2