Tourist information

It is estimated that nearly five million travellers find themselves needing Amsterdam tourist information every year. This highly populated capital of the Netherlands is one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. If you are heading to this cultural city, you are going to need to know a little general tourist information to help get you around.

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Amsterdam is close to the North Sea so although winters are typically mild, you need to be prepared for some harsh winds at times. Many tourists assume that they need to pack plenty of warm clothes but the city enjoys a heat island effect, rarely dropping below -5 °C which makes venturing around the city quite comfortable. Summers are moderate but expect rainfall, Amsterdam sees rain around 186 days a year but many days are super brief showers.

If you are looking for tourist information on transportation, you should know that Amsterdam is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. You can get virtually anywhere on their extensive circuit of bike paths and there's plenty of racks and guarded bike storage garages. Renting a bike can be done anywhere and it's really a great way to enjoy the city.

If you are not up for bicycling or weather doesn't permit, Amsterdam is made up of a network of bus and tram lines as well as water taxis and electric rental boats. Driving a car is strongly discouraged in Amsterdam, many roads are closed to through traffic and parking fees are extremely high. The local government sponsors carpooling initiatives so even getting into the city in a car can be a chore. Don't be intimidated by their transport system through, everything is designed for the traveller! Simply ask any hotel, restaurant, visitor centre, etc., for help on where you need to go and they will give you the tourist information you need to head in the right direction.

Since Amsterdam caters to tourism, finding English-speaking people isn't too hard. The official language spoken by most inhabitants though is Dutch. It is estimated that about 70 percent of the population in the Netherlands has good knowledge of English, 59 percent speak German and at least 19 percent speak French.

Amsterdam uses euro currency; you typically want to make sure that you have 50 euro bills on hand because many places won't take anything higher. Most people looking for tourist information on currency find it easiest to use credit cards for most purchases and only keep a bit of currency on them. Credit cards are accepted nearly everywhere in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a fairly safe city but like any touristy area, you need to keep an eye out for petty theft. Typically the places to hold onto your wallet is near Central Station or if you venture into the red-light district. Speaking of, if you do visit the red-light district, do not try to take pictures or you can find yourself in an undesirable situation.

Cannabis is legal in the country for personal use but you can't carry or sell more than five grams at a time. Please do not try to smoke in restrooms or on trains.

If possible, try to get a European Health Insurance Card before you visit. If you need the police or have a medical emergency, call 112