WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AND USEFUL TIPS LANGUAGE
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Just about everyone speaks English in Amsterdam. Many people speak German and French too but not as well. Dutch is similar to German in the way that French and Italian are.
WEATHER
Amsterdam can best be travelled by public transport. Parking is not only a problem, but also rather expensive. Public transport is well-organised and you can either take a tram, bus, metro or taxi. For information about travelling in the Netherlands phone: 0900 9292 www.9292.nl/en
Pleasantly sunny days of 20 to 30ºC in the summer. Spring and autumn are pleasant.
TAXIS
TIME Amsterdam time is one hour ahead of GMT; when daylight saving time is in operation the sun is at its highest point at around 1.40pm.
AMSTERDAMMERTJES An Amsterdammertje is the typical red brown steel bollard that is used to separate the sidewalk from the street in Amsterdam.
DRIVING A CAR IN AMSTERDAM Amsterdam’s historic centre wasn’t built for the modern means of transportation and as a result it has become quite congested over the years. Driving in Amsterdam is not recommended.
In the Netherlands it is not customary to hail a taxi. To take a taxi you go to a taxi rank, of which there are many. In your hotel, restaurants, shops, etc. you can ask them to order you a taxi, or you can call (020) 677 77 77. Taxis are of good quality, but relatively expensive.
attractions of the ‘Venice of the North’. By daytime already very charming, by night they become even more enchanting because many of the canal houses and bridges are beautifully illuminated. You can sample the canal views by taking a canal tour with Blue Boat at the Stadhouderskade. We offer audio commentary in 21 languages. Our boats also give you an unique vantage point for taking the best photographs of the city! For reservations see blueboat.nl or call +31 (0)20 679 1370.
ELECTRICITY The voltage in the Netherlands is 230 volts.
CANAL BIKES TRAINS Trains in the Netherlands are fast, frequently going, comfortable and relatively cheap. Many stations have a taxi-sharing scheme called “Treintaxi’s” which only cost about e 4,20. www.ns.nl
THROUGH THE CANALS Of course the canals are one of the major
If you care to venture into the canals on your own or if you’re feeling energetic, you can also try the more adventurous pedal boats. You can set off from one landing stage and leave your Canal Bike at another., drift through the canals in your own time, you cannot fail to discover the most surprising things. Call (020) 62 655 74 for more information■
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