Transport

Getting around

  • Trams and Buses - A new system has been introduced recently: the OV chip card. Buy a non-personalized card with enough credits from the vending machine at the entrance of the subway or other places. They are also available at Kiosk 43, Nieuwe Hoogstraat 43. Just opposite the metro entrance. When traveling on metro or tram hold it to the entrance sensor on entry at the beginning of your trip and to the exit sensor at the exit at the end or your trip. It deducts your fare automatically from your card.
  • By Car - Parking at the Transferium - Cars are not a way to get around in the city, and parking is no fun either: it will cost you up to 5 Euros-something per hour. Parking in the street is very impractical as you will have to fill the meter daily. Parking garages like the Waterlooplein Parking are usually a fraction cheaper.

    We advice you to bring your car out of city center as soon as possible after unloaded your luggage. We suggest the P + R parking in the Transferium Arena. It costs 5, 50 euros for 24 hours, including free metro tickets. Save your stamped tickets to qualify for the special fare and be sure you mention you want P+R as they tend to charge you the full non-discounted amount if you don't specifically ask for it. From Arena it is very easy and fast to reach your apartment by the subway.
  • Trains - Holland has a pretty good transportation system, which makes it easy for you to get around and visit other places in Holland or even Belgium.
  • Canal Bikes - Rent a canal bike, you can do this at several locations (Keizersgracht corner Leidsestraat is one). A tourist favorite and a lot of fun, they even have small roofs now to protect you from the sun or the rain.
  • Rent a Bike - Orange Bikes on Gelderse Kade 37. Enjoy Amsterdam as the Dutch do and bike along the canals and do not forget to go to the Vondelpark by bike. You may also cross the IJ by ferry and find yourself in a completely different world, just 10 minutes out of the city centre. Ask for a map and ride along the Nieuwendammerdijk towards the village of Durgerdam, or maybe even to Marken.
  • Rent Skates - Skates can be rented at the Vondeltuin Restaurant at the far end of the Vondelpark ( near the exit to Amstelveenseweg), then you can also join the friday night skate event!

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Tours

  • Canal Cruises - Dinner Cruises - Boathouse, at the corner of Prinsengracht and Leliegracht - tel. 0203379733. The canal tour is a must-do. It literally gives you a different perspective of the city. Boathouse is located a few houses down from the Anne Frank House. They do tours with a classic canal boat with live commentary. You can book it in combination with an interesting Jordaan walking tour: see the narrow streets, hidden courtyards, hear the interesting stories and enjoy the exciting views. Boathouse offers dinner cruises on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night or private ones any time you like.
  • Amsterdam Pass - Buying yourself a Visit Amsterdam pass, gives you unlimited tram travel, free entrance to the museums and a canal boat tour.
  • Canal Bus - Three different routes with 14 stops are offered by Canal Bus. Their tickets are valid till the next day noon. In Amsterdam you can buy your ticket at e.g. the Rijksmuseum or at the shop in the NZ Hollands Koffiehuis (opposite Central Station) or pre order them online.
  • Architectural Tours - There are several tours on foot or by tram or boat as advised by the Arcam , the Centre for Architecture of Amsterdam

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Taxis

  • Airport Taxi Service De Meerlanden - If you would like a pre-arranged taxi for an airport transfer, then contact + 31 20 6475994. The rate for up to three guests is € 35, saving you around € 10.
  • Taxis within the city - Taxis in Amsterdam have a bad reputation. Some taxi drivers refuse to do short rides, e.g. from Central Station to the apartments. That ride should not cost more than € 8-10. Some drivers will take you, however, they will do a little city tour rather than taking you straight to the apartment. From central station it better is to take the metro to Nieuwmarkt station (a 30 second ride exactly). If you need an airport transfer by taxi, then order a pre-arranged taxi (check elsewhere in this section). If you need a taxi within Amsterdam call 0207777777, the Taxi Centrale Amsterdam.
  • Water taxis - In Amsterdam you find taxis of another kind: the ones on water! Not to save money, but to have a lot of fun. Phone 5356363 for reservations.
  • Bike Taxis - Yes, bike taxis! You can't miss them: they are all around in the city centre. A very relaxed way to tour. (for you, not for the driver hauling you up and down bridges and fighting the other traffic). Stop them in the street, or make an advance booking by tel. 0611529967.

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Legend

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