Amsterdam Essentials

Amsterdam Essentials

Currency Euro Journey Time 1H 20 mins Time Zone GMT = +1 hour Language Dutch Voltage 230 V (European two-pin plugs) 


Tourist Attractions

The famous Vincent Van Gogh Museum (on Museumplein, Paulus Potterstraat) holds more than 200 paintings and over 500 sketches. It is open daily from 10am to 6pm (closed 1 January) and open until 10pm on Friday. On weekends the queue gets long so it’s advisable to go on a less busy weekday. Entry is free for under 12s and audio tours are available.

Opening Hours

In general, shops are open from 1pm to 6pm Mondays, and 9 or 10am to 6pm from Tuesday to Friday. Late night shopping is on Thursday until 9pm. Shops close at 5pm on Saturdays, with supermarkets staying open until 8 or 10 pm. City centre shops are open on Sundays. Amsterdam’s many markets generally open during shopping hours (closing slightly earlier at 4 or 5pm).

Food and Drink

Pancakes (pannekoeken) and waffles are typical Dutch fare, with lots of different varieties to try, and stroopwafels are addictive thin waffle-cookies with syrup. Other than Heineken, Amstel, Brandt, Breda, Grolsch, Oranjebook and Skol, you’ll discover many Dutch beers you never knew existed. There is an organic brewery in Amsterdam that brews everything from light pilsners to rich brown and dark stouts. As well as their beers, the Dutch are world-famous for their cheese; Gouda and Edam, Leiden (with cumin seeds) and goat cheeses.

Tipping and Etiquette

Tipping is not customary as by law, 15% is included for all services. It is standard to give taxi drivers 10%. If you are satisfied with the service at a restaurant throw in an extra euro or two. The city has a reputation for tolerance, however, the authorities don’t appreciate disrespectful visitors, and are particularly harsh to those who break the rules.

Dutch Phrases For Tourists

Hello Dag/Hallo/Hoi Thank you Dank u Goodbye Dag Excuse me Pardon See you soon Tat ziens My name is... Ik heet... Yes Ja See you later! Tot ziens! No Nee What do you recommend? Wat bevel je aan? Please Alstublieft Do you speak English? Spreekt u Engels?

Amsterdam Useful Numbers

Public telephone booths in Amsterdam are numerous. Calls can be placed using coins, credit cards, or telephone cards. 
•Calling the UK from Amsterdam – 0044 + area code minus zero plus number •For emergencies dial – 112.

Disabled Access

Large museums, cinemas and theatres tend to be accessible for disabled users, and, except for the trams, Amsterdam’s transport is generally adequately equipped. Bank notes have raised shapes on the corner, and train timetables are published in Braille. There is a wheelchair-taxi service available for people with mobility, sight or hearing impairments. Call 633 3943 to book in advance.

Dutch Embassies

•Dutch Embassy in London: 38 Hyde Park Gate, SW7 5DP. Tel: 020 7590 3200
•Amsterdam Consulate: Koningslaan 44, 1075 AE Amsterdam, Tel +31 (0) 20 676 4343(Postal address: PO Box 75488 1070 AL Amsterdam).
•NS Lost Property – Stationsplein 15, Phone: +31 (0) 20 557 8544.

Weather

Amsterdam sees warm summer weather, with average highs of 22C during peak season, and up to 6 hours of sunshine, with ideal conditions for sightseeing and walking around. Days can be changeable, however, so it's best to be prepared for showers at any time and unpredictable conditions, with the city often being damp throughout the year. Spring experiences warm weather, and a visit during the tulip and daffodil season, which occurs in April and May, makes for a wonderful colourful setting. Winters can be cold and wet, with average temperatures of 5C - 8C. Rainfall is evenly spread throughout the year, and in all the city can expect 200 wet days annually.