About Amsterdam
Population: approx. 1.39 million
Settled as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age, a result of its innovative developments in trade. During that time, the city was the leading center for finance and diamonds. The 17th century is considered Amsterdam's Golden Age, during which it became the wealthiest city in the world. The Netherlands remains a strong economic powerhouse with Amsterdam being the 5th best city in Europe to locate an international business behind London, Paris, Frankfurt and Barcelona. The Amsterdam Stock Exchange is the world's oldest stock exchange and is one of Europe's largest bourses.
Amsterdam is the capital and largest city in the Netherlands and is often referred to as one of the most colorful cities in the world. Amsterdam is living history; a city where you will feel immediately at home. Built around a network of stunning canals, you can admire centuries old houses, as well as the most contemporary architectural designs. Where else do you find so many places of interest, famous museums, cozy pubs and fun shops and (flower) markets?
One of Amsterdam's busiest high streets is the narrow, medieval Kalverstraat in the heart of the city. Another shopping area is the Negen Straatjes: nine narrow streets within the Grachtengordel, the concentric canal system of Amsterdam. The Negen Straatjes differ from other shopping districts with the presence of a large diversity of privately owned shops. The city also features a large number of open-air markets such as the Albert Cuypmarkt, Westermarkt, Ten Katemarkt, and Dappermarkt.
Albert Cuypmarkt
This market nearly runs for a kilometre and is full of stalls along the Albert Cuyp street in the neighbourhood of De Pijp. These stalls sell several things ranging from fruits and vegetables to cosmetics and drapes at very fair prices. Stalls are open Mondays to Saturdays form 9.30 in the morning till 5.30 pm.
Address: Albert Cuypstraat/Ferdinand Bolstraat, 1072 LL
Access: Albert Cuypstraat - tram 16, 20, 24 & 25.
Dappermarkt
Frequented by locals, one of the cheapest markets in Amsterdam. Sells general good, clothes, vegetable and household articles. This market is open Mondays to Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm.
Address: Dapperstraat, 1093 BK
Access: Eerste van Swindenstraat: tram 9 & 14.
Amsterdam's historical charm is just one face of this dynamic modern city. The splendour of its waterside buildings blends with a sophisticated business environment, to create one of Europe's most popular destinations.
Getting to Amsterdam
Amsterdam by train:
Amsterdam Centre
Amsterdam Central Station: 10 minute walking distance from the Dam and Nieuwmarkt. Near the ferries of Amsterdam-Noord (Amsterdam north) and Java-eiland (Java Island).
Amsterdam by plane:
Amsterdam has the largest airport in the Netherlands and the 5th largest airport in Europe, and the 12th largest airport in the world in terms of passengers. One can reach the city center by train, taxi or hotel shuttle in just 1/2 an hour.
Schiphol:
After passing customs, you will reach the shops and bars of Schiphol Plaza, the large shopping centre at the airport. Here you are offered a choice of various transportations to Amsterdam.
Train:
‘Schiphol’ train station is located directly underneath the airport. From here, intercity and slow trains of the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Dutch Railways - NS) can take you to Amsterdam Central Station (city centre), Amsterdam Zuid-WTC (World Trade Center) and Amsterdam RAI (Exhibition and Conference Centre RAI). These stations are a maximum of 25 minutes away.
Ticket sales:
Train tickets are available at the ticket offices and yellow ticket machines. The latter are located near the baggage claims, shopping centre Schiphol Plaza and near the platforms. These machines accept Dutch cash cards, but no credit cards.
Frequency:
During the day, an average of 5 trains an hour runs from Schiphol to Amsterdam Central Station. At night, you can use the late-night routes. From 1 am to 5 pm, the night train runs once an hour from Utrecht CS to Amsterdam CS – Schiphol – Leiden CS – The Hague CS – Delft and Rotterdam CS and back, not stopping at intervening stations.
Taxi:
The taxi rank is located at the airport’s exit. Dependent on the traffic, a taxi can take you to the city centre in half an hour. One ride will cost you approximately 40 euros.
Hotel shuttles:
A hotel shuttle service enables you to travel to a number of large hotels that are situated at the airport area. The Connexxion Schiphol Hotel Shuttle connects Schiphol to over a hundred hotels in Amsterdam.
Public Transportation
Public transport in Amsterdam mainly consists of bus and tram lines, operated by Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf, Connexxion and Arriva. Currently, there are 16 different tramlines and a freight tram operation is being developed. There are currently four metro lines, with a fifth line, the North/South line, under construction. Three free ferries carry pedestrians and cyclists across the IJ to Amsterdam-Noord, and two-fare charging ferries run east and west along the harbour. There are also water taxis, a water bus, a boat sharing operation, electric rental boats (Boaty) and canal cruises, that transport people along Amsterdam's waterways.
Opening Hours of Shops:
- Mondays usually from 1 pm to 6 pm (department stores often from 11 am)
- Tuesday through Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm
- Sunday opening hours: from 12 noon to 5 pm in the city centre (not all shops are opened)
- Late night shopping: every Thursday until 9 pm in the city centre
Opening Hours of Cafés and Restaurants:
Most cafés and restaurants are open until 1 am. Some are open until 3 am during the weekend.
Opening Hours of banks:
Banks have varied opening hours. Use the following hours as a guideline:
- Mondays from 1 pm to 5 pm
- Tuesday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm
- Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
- Border exchange offices (located on the main stations) are opened in weekends.