Amsterdam is definitely pedestrian friendly and a CITY MADE FOR WALKING. And that's just what we (Hans & I along with his sister Nel and husband Jean) did. Starting off at Centraal Station, we first took a Tram to the area of the Rijksmuseum at Stadhouderskade. We then headed to the nearby Vondelpark and walked a bit there. Our next stop was near the Holland Casino and the Leidseplein. As it was a beautiful sunny day, locals and tourists alike were taking advantage of the many lovely terraces and cafe's in the Leidseplein. We then headed on Rokin and passed the Hotel de L'Europe and the Amsterdam Diamond Center, which brought us to Dam Square and the Royal Palace. The square was busy with many people out and about and sitting everywhere in the Square. Next we took Damrak, the main street with tons of shops and restaurants. We had to stop here for some frites met mayonnaise - mmm lekker! Finally, headed back to Centraal Station and the train back to Schiphol. What a lovely lovely day!
Written Jun 24, 2011
Walking around the city is my preferred option.
Amsterdam is not a huge city , you can break your walking to parts and just walk.
Most of the attractions are in the middle of the city so it is not problematic to walk.
In 3 days you can walk in most of the touristic parts of the area to my opinion.
Written Apr 25, 2011
There are several guided tour operators in Amsterdam, like:
Genuine volunteer guides, also for handicapped people
Audiocitytours
Self guided audiotours
Amsterdam City Walks
Urban Home & Gardens
Double Dutch Tours
Citytour in the "Pijp" quarter
Rob van Hulst RLD tour
Randy Roy's RLD tour (tip by Geoff)
Mokum events walks
Amsterdam Insiders guided tours
Top Tours
Walther Schooneberg personal walks
New Amsterdam Tours
Altournive-Amsterdam
Wereldreis in Amsterdam, organised group walks along global influences at Amsterdam.
Updated Jul 6, 2010
The Renaissance is an excellent start point, as Centraal and all the trams head out from there. Suggestion is to get a Streetwise Amsterdam map, which has tram lines, points of interest, etc clearly marked. Barnes & Noble carries them, but you can also go to www.streetwisemaps.com
Have a great trip!
Written Aug 27, 2008
Website: www.streetwisemaps.com
Walking is a good alternative in Amsterdam.
** You can walk within 20-maximal 45 minutes to every interesting place you want to go to. You see more of beautifull Amsterdam, and you are able to take pictures. I live in Amsterdam, and I also walk often.
** If you are not sure if it is to far, you can always follow the tramrails in the middle of the street (but don't walk on it!). If you don't want to walk anymore, you can get a tram.
** There are also organized walks in the city, showing typical Amsterdam houses, places and things. And also very funny walks. Ask the V.V.V. (touristic information) outside the Central Station, or look at one of the websites below.
Updated Apr 30, 2008
Website: http://amsterdam.mokumevents.nl/rondleidingen
If you want to travel around the center of Amsterdam, walking is the best option. You get to see everything, it nice and flat everywhere, and you realise the city center is not as big as imagined. All the shops are close together, so you can find anything you want in just a short while.
Written Sep 27, 2007
My friend and I rented a car while in the city. It is NOT worth it. You can get around just by taking the tram, train or even a bicycle. If you are staying in a hotel that is right in the middle of everything, scratch the car idea because it is easier to take public transportation or even to walk than it is to drive. Parking is pretty expensive and that is if you can find a place to park!
Updated Apr 11, 2007
I've already described most of this on some of my other pages, but just to recap:
Car rentals -- no way.
Walking -- you betcha, and a lot of it.
Buses -- seemed to be going to outlying areas and places not covered by the trams. Not many of them and we had no need for them while there.
Bicycles -- everywhere, ridden by all ages, apparently hell-bent on getting to their destinations, and will run all over you unless you're very watchful when walking almost anywhere in crowded areas. Can be rented, but if you do be sure to lock that sucker to a solid structure anywhere you leave it. Theft is a very common thing.
Trains -- had no need for them either, and no direct knowledge to share.
Taxis -- no need for them either, but very expensive from what I've read. Be aware, though, that unlike in the U.S. if you're from there, they are prohibited from cruising around and looking for fares, and waving them down is not done. You will, however, find them parked near any popular area, with the front one in the line of cars being the first one to get passengers.
If doing over, we would have ventured to learn the tram routes and use them sooner than we did. Can't say it's a regret, since you can only really experience the sights and streets by walking (or via a canal boat tour), but in hindsight we tired ourselves out more than once the first couple of days there walking blocks and blocks to a destination that would have been a quick and effortless tram ride. The entire tram system was a very efficient thing from our experiences.
Updated Mar 3, 2007
Walking is definitely the way to go when exploring Amsterdam. And even if you are not much of a walker, it is still doable, but just don't try to overdo it. I would suggest planning your daily itenerary to see sights in particular areas, and just remember that you can always take a "coffee break"! Be sure and pack comfortable shoes, and if you have ever been to NYC, then you know to watch out for cabs - well in Amsterdam it's that way with bikes!
Updated May 5, 2006
In Amsterdam almost everything you are coming for to see and experience is in walking distance if your accommodation is not too far from the centre. The public transport network seems to be adequate but we used it only between the railway station and our hotel (which was also a walking distance btw.). For the public transport you buy best a "Strippenkaart", a ticket wioth 15 stripes (mostly 2 stripes for a normal ride, changes included). The special advantage is that this ticket is valid in all Netherlands, you can use it in other Dutch cities as well!
Updated Mar 2, 2006
Sponsored Links
Seven Bridges Hotel Amsterdam
4 Reviews and 488 Opinions We almost stayed here. Looked like a charming hotel, although we didn’t see the rooms. It’s in a...
Banks Mansion Hotel Amsterdam
5 Reviews and 650 Opinions “But New Amsterdam remained comparatively intact. The tongues of nearly every European nation were...
Estherea Hotel Amsterdam
10 Reviews and 991 Opinions It was amazing to find such a special hotel in the middle of Amsterdam. I was surprised even if my...
Walking tips and photos posted by real travelers and Amsterdam locals.
Write a Review
In Amsterdam almost everything you are coming for to see and experience is in walking distance if your accommodation is not too far from the centre. The public...
1,969 members live in Amsterdam
Q: Ok I'm going to be traveling to Europe for the first time ever and am spending a week in Amsterdam and then 3 days in London! I...

A: I have been to Amsterdam 3 times and twice by myself. Great city. You didn't say when you are going. This is my "hit list": -Heineken Museum: great fun especially...
Read 7 Replies
1

I've got some interesting experiences in Amsterdam. I'd love to share with you the 385 tips I've written, the 1141 photos uploaded, and 21 travelogues I've created.
2
God made the Dutch, but the Dutch made Holland

I have had the opportunity to visit Amsterdam 7 times without going to a coffee house - seems almost unbelievable!! (then again who wants to be stoned out of your mind in a beautiful place like...
3

PetraE and I have taken several breaks in Amsterdam between 2002 and 2007 because we love it so much. This place is fun and lively and colourful and there is so much going on and so many interesting...
4

KWAKOE FESTIVAL The festival of the Surinamese community, every Saturday and Sunday from July 5 until August 10, 2008, 13-23 hrs. From the website: The Kwaku Summer Festival is the biggest...
5
Amsterdam, where the Dutch money is spend

Amsterdam, our historical and (too) tolerant capitol has a name that goes in between famous and infamous. The canals with their typical houses enchant many tourists, the Dam(-square) is a great place...
Build your own Amsterdam page
Sponsored Links