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Price of a cup of coffee
Around € 3
Tipping
Tipping is not required. In a sit-down restaurant tips around 10% are common.
Experiencing Amsterdam for free
Amsterdam offers great options for any kind of traveller. Many of the greatest places can be visited completely for free. Our guide how to see Amsterdam for free shares local tips on what to do and what to avoid, and how to truly experience the city without spending a single euro. Perfect for those who have a long transfer in Amsterdam, or those who aren’t sure yet where to start.
Tap water
The tap water in the Netherlands is drinkable, enjoy!
Public transport
The common way of travelling by public transport in the Netherlands is by using an 'OV Chipcard'. The OV Chipcard is a chargeable card that can be bought at a regular price of € 7.50, for instance at vending machines inside metro and railway stations, in tobacco shops or in supermarkets.
Checking in and out
Make sure you 'check-in' with your OV Chipcard at the start of your ride, and don't forget to 'check-out' when leaving. When using the Intercity Direct (the high-speed train), make sure to check-in an extra time at a supplement post on your departure platform.
Single tickets
If you are just planning to use public transport occasionally, you could also decide to buy single tickets inside the bus, tram or at vending machines inside metro and railway stations. Single tickets are also available for journeys by train. Please note that travelling is slightly cheaper with the OV Chipcard, compared to buying single tickets.
Planning your journey
All information about trains in the Netherlands can be found on NS (de Nederlandse Spoorwegen). For a detailed planning of your public transport journey — including other public transport such as buses, trams and metro — use 9292.
From Schiphol Airport (AMS) to Amsterdam
Train
The best way to go is by train. It takes 15 minutes to Amsterdam Central Station. The trains run 24 hours, frequently during the day. You can buy tickets at the yellow/blue machines in Schiphol Plaza, for around € 5. The departure platforms are located one level below the main hall of Schiphol Plaza. Plan your detailed journey on NS
Bus
It is also possible to go by bus to Amsterdam centre. Buses leave from outside Schiphol Plaza, just a few minutes walking from Arrivals. A bus ticket costs around € 4 and can be bought at Schiphol Plaza. Plan your detailed journey on 9292.
Taxi
Taxis depart right in front of the entrance hall of the airport. A better option may even be to use Uber, which works well in Amsterdam. A taxi to the centre costs around € 40. It takes about 20-30 minutes to Amsterdam city centre.
Check out the official website to learn more about Schiphol Airport.
Events in Amsterdam
Amsterdam Dance Event
ADE is the largest dance event in the world and is the mecca for dance lovers. It is every year in October and lasts five days.
Festivals
Amsterdam offers many festivals throughout the year. Indoor and outdoor, in all genres. Find an overview at Iamsterdam.
King's Day
On the 27th of April we celebrate the day of birth of the King. Everyone is in orange on King's Day. It may be the most special day of the year to be in Amsterdam, but note that it can be extremely crowded!
Theatre Festival De Parade
De Parade is a theatre festival which travels through the Netherlands every summer, making stops in the largest cities of the country. Its final stop is Amsterdam, where the festival can be visited in the Martin Luther Kingpark – get directions. The festival offers concerts, numerous cool acts and theatre performances. Above all, De Parade is known for its wonderful festival atmosphere, with plenty of food stands and bars to keep you going. Learn more about De Parade and book your tickets on the official website (Du).
The Gay Pride
The Gay Pride is a huge party on and around the canals of Amsterdam, held every year in the first weekend of August. The highlight of the event is the Canal Parade on Saturday, which is a parade of boats packed with people parading and dancing extravagantly. Check out the official website for the latest news.
Uitmarkt
The Uitmarkt is a big cultural festival, every year in the last weekend of August. The festival celebrates the start of a new cultural season, with lots of performances and different types of music. Often theatres open their doors for free. On the streets you can find many stands of people selling books and other goods. The exact location of the Uitmarkt has been changing over the years, see the official website (Du) for the latest updates.
Local pages
Bike rental
In Amsterdam bikes are more common than cars. At the back of Amsterdam Central Station, near the river 't IJ, you can find MacBike which we can recommend.
Canaltour
As Amsterdam has more canals than Venice, it's nice to see the city by boat. Many canal tours are being offered, and they are easy to join. In front of the Heineken Experience (see landmarks) you will find Blue Boat, which we can recommend – get directions.
Doing business in the Netherlands
Doing business in another country should be seamless and without surprises, like in your home country. Unfortunately this is not always the case. Should you have any questions about doing business in the Netherlands, do not hesitate to contact Jerry Maguire. Whilst Jerry Maguire focuses on advising clients on finance and taxes, they will be able to help you with all kinds of practical questions about doing business in the Netherlands, or more specifically in Amsterdam.
Leaving your luggage
Schiphol Airport offers affordable baggage storage – learn more on their official website. If you find yourself already in the centre of Amsterdam, try the baggage storage at Amsterdam Central Station – learn more on the official website of the NS.
Nightclubs
Find an overview of the parties per day at Partyflock.
Rain radar
Check if it will rain today in the Netherlands at Buienradar.
Real estate
Find real estate for rent or for sale throughout the Netherlands at Funda.
Rules and fines
The Netherlands is known as a very tolerant country. A country where it is allowed to smoke marihuana about anywhere, although it is formally not legal. But beware, the Netherlands has a number of surprising rules in place, which are strictly enforced. The official website (Du) of the Public Prosecution Service offers a list of violations and the applicable fines.
Tourist office
The official tourist office of Amsterdam also has plenty of information to offer. Check out their official website to learn more.
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