Amsterdam, Netherlands Hotels and City Guide

Amsterdam - Travel Tips

When to Go

Seasons
Amsterdam peaks with people around Easter and July-August but both of these times have their pros. April to May sees daffodils and tulips come to life through the cracks in the crowds. The beautiful summers are a great time to grab a bite and a drink alongside a canal. While winter can be a bit bleak it's rarely extremely cold, and sheltering in the cosy-hearthed pubs will give you a chance to meet 'real' Dutch. Also around this time accommodation is cheaper (except around New Year) and the best sights are all but deserted. 

Events
Remembrance Day, 4 Mar, some 20,000 locals remember the war dead with the Dutch Royal Family, Dam Square
National Museum Weekend, Apr, free entry to many of Amsterdam’s museums, throughout the city
Queen’s Day, 30 Apr, parades, fireworks and celebrations, throughout the city
Liberation Day, 5 May, celebrations to mark the end of German occupation in 1945, throughout the city
KunstRAI, May, major arts event, Amsterdam RAI
National Biking Day, 14 May, locals take to the streets on their bikes, throughout the city
National Windmill Day, 11 May, Amsterdam’s six working windmills open to the public, various windmills
Floating Amsterdam, last two weeks May, outdoor productions, River Amstel
Holland Festival, Jun, music, dance and drama, various venues 
Canal Run, Jun, race around the canals, Prinsengracht and Vijzelgracht canals
Over Het IJ, Jul, festival of experimental theatre, NDSM Shipyard Neveritaweg
Parade, first two weeks Aug, circus and fair, Martin Luther Kingpark
Grachtenfestival, Aug, over 70 classical concerts, various venues
Amsterdam Pride, Aug, gay festival with a canalside parade, various venues 
Flower Parade, first Sat Sep, colourful and fragrant parade through the city streets to celebrate the Dutch love of flowers
Amsterdam Marathon, Oct, around the city
Museumnacht, Nov, special presentations and performances in over 30 museums, which open their doors 1900-0200 that night, throughout the city
Christmas Day, 25 Dec, throughout the city
New Year’s Eve, 31 Dec, street party, Dam Square

Local Holidays
1 January: New Year’s Day (Nieuwjaarsdag/oudejaarsavond) Tuesday
21 March: Good Friday (Goede Vrijdag). National holiday, government offices and schools close; many businesses remain open
23 March: Easter Sunday (Paasdag)
24 March: Easter Monday (Tweede Paasdag)
30 April: Queen’s Birthday (Koninginnedag) Wednesday
1 May: Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag) Thursday
4 May: Remembrance Day (Dodenherdenking) Sunday; two minutes silence at 20:00
5 May: Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) celebrated every year but a public holiday only every five years: next 2010
12 May: Whit Monday/Pentecost (Pinksterdag)
25 December : Christmas Day (Eerste Kerstdag/Kerstmis) Thursday
26 December: Second Day of Christmas (Tweede Kerstdag) Friday

Local Customs & Language (including Tipping)

Customs
In Holland, the use of cannabis is tolerated in designated 'coffee shops' in major cities. This policy exists to prevent the marginalisation of soft drug users thereby exposing them to more harmful drugs. However the trafficking in hard or soft drugs outside licensed premises is illegal and the possession of soft drugs in public places will incur a prison sentence. Everybody from the age of 14 is required to show a valid identity document to law enforcement officers on request. Tobacco smoking in cafés, bars and restaurants is prohibited.

Language
The official language of The Netherlands is Dutch (also known as Netherlandish), which is spoken by 14 million people. There are also nearly 6 million Dutch speakers in Belgium, mostly based in Flanders. English is widely (and well) spoken in Amsterdam as it is taught in schools from an early age. Many people also speak German and French.

Tipping
Service charges are included in hotel rates, restaurant bills and taxi fares, usually at 15%. Tips for good service are always appreciated but not necessary. It is customary to tip taxi drivers and waiters 10%.

Health and Security

Health
There are no health risks associated with travel to the Netherlands and no inoculations are required. It is safe to drink tap water. The standard of health care in the Netherlands is very high, but the necessary health insurance provisions must be made before travelling. A reciprocal agreement exists with other EU countries, which entitles nationals to low-cost emergency medical treatment. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is necessary for this purpose.

Security
Travel in Holland is fairly safe. Travellers should however always exercise caution in empty streets at night and be aware of pickpockets, particularly in central Amsterdam and at Central Station. There have been several incidents on trains from Schiphol Airport where heavily laden passengers have been targeted by thieves. There is a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks and visitors should be vigilant in public places and tourist sites, particularly since extra security measures have been set up around the country in response to concerns about a possible terrorist attack.

Police in Amsterdam are warning travellers of a new scam whereby tourists will be approached by 'plain clothes policemen' who claim to be investigating credit card fraud and counterfeit currency. Tourists are shown fake identification in the form of badges (Dutch police do not carry badges and plain clothes police will rarely conduct such an 'investigation'), and asked to hand over credit cards and money. This will be returned but with some money/cards missing. If approached, travellers are advised to ask for proper identification or to accompany them to the nearest police station. There is also an increase in the number of spiked drinks occurring in Europe.

Tax Refunds

All visiting tourists from another EU country can obtain a tax refund at shops displaying the tax-free shopping sign.

Hotels in Amsterdam, Netherlands