Amsterdam: Tips

Language Though we’re big believers in attempting the local language, virtually everyone in Amsterdam speaks English better than visitors could ever hope to speak Dutch. This is one destination where that dictionary might sit in your suitcase (except for some restaurant menus).

Pedal power There are some 750,000 people in Amsterdam, and 600,000 bikes, so cycling is a major transportation mode. Dedicated bike lanes – with reddish pavement – parallel all major streets. Rental shops are at Centraal Station and around town – figure about $10 per day.

Parking Good luck! Unless you’re heading elsewhere after your trip to Amsterdam, don’t bother renting a car. Parking on the city’s narrow streets is expensive and often inconvenient.

”Coffeeshops” Wander into an Amsterdam café for an excellent coffee, but in Amsterdam’s “coffeeshops” the menu is largely smokeable. Marijuana is nebulously legal in the Netherlands; its purchase is restricted to certain shops. Most are geared toward younger travelers – look for rasta colors and psychedelic murals, mon.

Queen’s Day Some cities have block parties, but on April 30th the entire city gets into the act. Expect private boats to fill the canals, live bands and dance platforms to fill the streets and squares, and impromptu yard sales to fill sidewalks and parks. Wear something orange, the national color.

Gay Pride Weekend Amsterdam is one of Europe’s gay capitals – the Netherlands was the first nation in the world to legalize same-sex marriage – and for one weekend in August the town paints itself pink and all the other colors of the rainbow flag. The highlight: the world’s only floating gay pride parade, along the Prinsengracht canal; a quarter of a million people watch it each year.

Umbrellas and bikes You'll find that most hotels are prepared with loaner umbrellas and bikes – a cultural comment, because in lieu of size, hotels have focused on what makes them unique: chic design, rare antiques, all-inclusiveness, or entertainment.