How to Get Around Amsterdam on the Cheap

Amsterdam is a compact, beautiful city, where getting from place to place can be more than half the fun. Getting around doesn't have to cost a lot, either; in an otherwise expensive city, transportation is still a relative bargain.

Things You'll Need

• Comfortable Shoes
• Walking Shoes
• Maps
• Airline Tickets
• Bicycle Helmets

Instructions

1. Make your first stop the VVV office across from Centraal Station. The staff speaks excellent English (as do most people in Amsterdam) and will be able to help you figure out where to go next and how to get there.

2. Walk as much as possible to soak up the city. Central Amsterdam is compact and easy to get around, even with the fairly basic free map from the VVV. Just watch out for cyclists, who often have the right of way.

3. Cycle, if you dare! Amsterdam is definitely a cyclist's city, but it's not for the casual or faint-hearted cyclist. Bikes move very fast, have their own traffic signals, and often have the right of way over cars and even pedestrians.

4. Take advantage of the tram system, which is easy to use; it's usually the most efficient way to get around. Buy tickets at the small office in Stationsplein next to the VVV or from bus or tram conductors. Depending on how long you plan to stay, you may need a dagkaart, a strippenkaart or a sterabonnement.

5. Take the bus. There are local and regional buses, as well as a night-bus system that operates when other transportation services close down between midnight and 4 a.m.

6. Use the ferry system. Many ferries take pedestrians and cyclists across to Amsterdam Noord without charging a fare.

7. Take the railway or the metro. The railway provides the most direct connection between Schiphol airport and central Amsterdam (Centraal Station), and the metro (mostly used by commuters) is a good way to get to the outlying districts of Amsterdam.

Tips & Warnings

• Although canal boats can be expensive, they do offer a fascinating look at the city from the water. Most of the tour boats leave from the Damrak, near Centraal Station. Shop around to find an affordable, interesting tour.

• If you do decide to splurge on a boat ride, twilight is a beautiful time to go! There are also companies that offer combined canal trips and museum admissions, although you may find it cheaper to pay as you go.

• Amsterdam is a great place to begin a European holiday. It's easy to get around, the people are generally very friendly, and almost everyone speaks English.

• Don't bring an expensive bicycle with you because bike theft is common in Amsterdam. Instead, rent a basic model and take the extra insurance against theft or loss.

• The red-light district is a popular tourist destination, but don't go alone, especially at night. If you do go, stay with a group, and try to leave money and valuables locked up in your hotel's safe.

• When walking in Amsterdam, make sure you're headed in the right direction. With circular canals, you can go far afield if you get turned around.