Amsterdam is an ideal walking city, compact and quiet with excellent public transport. A bicycle is the preferred Dutch way to get about and cars are discouraged in the city's central canal ring. The GVB company runs an integrated metro, tram and bus service.
Short break visitors can pick up a one, two or three-day IAMsterdam Card for free travel on all public transport and free entry to most Amsterdam attractions. Get cards from GVB centres, train stations, hotels or tourist offices.
Amsterdam by bike
Amsterdam and bikes go hand in hand. The city is criss crossed by bike lanes and there are several bike rental firms and city tours. To hire a bike you need a deposit and some ID. Dutch bicycles often have no hand brake and you must take care to stay out of tram lines. A good cycle lock is needed as bicycle theft is a city-wide problem.
Amsterdam bicycle rentals at MacBike
Amsterdam by tram
Trams are a very handy way to get around. Trams leave every few minutes from Amsterdam Centraal until 12.15am You can buy tickets on the tram but it costs more. Strippenkaarts or ticket strips are cheap and widely available. Get a free map of routes from tourist offices.
Amsterdam by bus and metro
City buses mainly feed outlying suburbs or run when the trams have stopped. Night buses cover most routes linking Centraal Station, Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein. The metro is fast but only really useful for travelling outside the city centre or to Amsterdam Arena.
See Amsterdam Metro map
Amsterdam by canal boat
Canal boat trips are aimed exclusively at the tourist trade. The Canal Bus runs every 40min from 9.50am to 7.25pm with 14 stops along three different routes. All the major attractions are visited and you get a commentary thrown in.
The Museumboot (Museum Boat) runs a daily tour with stops at Centraal Station, Prinsengracht, Leidseplein, Herengracht, Muziektheater and Oosterdok. Tickets give half-price entry into most museums. It's a good deal if you have no IAMsterdam Card.
Amsterdam by taxi and car
Taxis are found at most tourist hubs, including Leidseplein, Dam Square and Centraal Station. Hailing a taxi is not easy. If you need one call 0900 677 7777. Fares are reasonable and cabbies expect a 5-10% tip. For a nice Dutch twist, try a bicycle taxi. The pedal-powered cabs carry up to two and are much more fun.
There are car rental firms at Schiphol Airport and in the city centre, mainly along Overtoomstraat, near Vondelpark. But be warned - driving in the city is not easy. Parking is difficult and regulations are strictly enforced. Away from the city centre it's a good idea to use the cheap Amsterdam Arena car park with a free tram ticket into the city.
Amsterdam on foot
Amsterdam is a great city for walking. Tourist centres have booklets on popular city walks including the Rembrandt trail, the former Jewish Quarter and in the Jordaan area.
Get around Amsterdam with a City Navigator