Getting Around Amsterdam: A Travelglaze Guide to Traffic and Transportation
Amsterdam is a city full of life, canals, and bikes, but figuring out the best way to get around can feel a bit overwhelming at first. In this Travelglaze-style guide, I’ll walk you through all the ways to explore Amsterdam, from walking and biking to boats, cars, and public transportation. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you navigate the Amsterdam traffic with ease and make the most of your time in this magical destination.
Want to learn more about Amsterdam and why you should visit? Check out my other Amsterdam Blog
Travelglaze Moment:
Do you remember Katie Melua’s 2005 song “Nine Million Bicycles in Beijing”? Well, I’ve been to Beijing, and I’m convinced she chose Beijing over Amsterdam because it sounded better for the song. Honestly, I’ve never seen so many bikes in a city as in Amsterdam!
The Netherlands is a flat country, which makes biking easy and practical. There are plenty of dedicated bike lanes—although in Amsterdam’s city center, they can be harder to find. However, I should warn you about the bridges over the canals. They can be surprisingly steep! Also, keep in mind that Amsterdam can get pretty windy. That said, the hours between 6 and 9 in the evening are often calm and magical, with barely any wind at all.
And yes, I do own a bike—but to be honest, I don’t use it much. I prefer to walk or hop on a tram to get around.
Walking: The Best Way to Explore the Heart of Amsterdam
One of the best things about Amsterdam is its compact city center. It’s not very big, so you can see and do a lot just by walking. Strolling through the streets gives you time to take in the details you might otherwise miss, like the intricate facades of the canal houses, charming little bridges, or the unique “street gardens” (geveltuintjes). These are tiny gardens that locals create by removing a few paving stones in front of their houses and planting flowers, herbs, or greenery. It’s a small touch, but it adds so much character to the city streets!
If you’re wondering how to plan your walking route, you’ve got plenty of options:
- Use guides: Book a walking tour with a local for a more in-depth experience.
- Create your own route: Use Google Maps to map out the places you want to see.
- Wandering apps: Apps like IZI.Travel offer audio guides for self-paced exploration.
- Go freestyle: Simply follow your curiosity and explore at your own pace.
Travelglaze Tip: For something truly unique, try an interactive game-based walking tour. These tours turn your walk into an adventure where you solve clues, follow challenges, and uncover hidden spots that most tourists miss. It’s a fun way to make your exploration unforgettable!
Biking: A True Amsterdam Experience
With more bikes than people in Amsterdam, cycling is practically a way of life here. Bikes are everywhere—you’ll see them parked on every corner, zipping through the streets, and even stacked in bike parking garages. Amsterdam locals use their bikes to avoid traffic jams, beat the long waits at traffic lights, and get around quickly and efficiently.
But cycling in Amsterdam comes with its own quirks. Here are some key things to know:
- Bike theft: Sadly, bike theft is common in Amsterdam. Always lock your bike securely with two locks (a chain lock and a frame lock) and avoid leaving it in isolated areas.
- Bike parking garages: There are several bike parking facilities around the city. Check out the Fietsenstalling Stationsplein (near Amsterdam Central Station) or Fietsenstalling Rokin. These garages are secure and convenient if you plan to explore the area on foot afterward. At the streets there are markings where it is allowed to park your bike.
- Tram tracks: Be careful of tram rails—they’re notorious for trapping bike wheels and causing falls. Always cross them at a sharp angle!
Tourist-friendly options:
- Guided bike tours: If you’re new to cycling or want to learn more about the city, guided bike tours are a great option. I recommend taking a tour outside the citycenter to enjoy the beautiful suburbs of Amsterdam.
- Different types of bikes: In Amsterdam, you can rent regular bikes, tandem bikes, or cargo bikes for families.
- Fat bikes: Be cautious with these oversized bikes. They’ve become a trend, but they’re often ridden recklessly by young users who may not be aware of the risks.
- OV-bike: While OV-bikes are handy for locals using train stations, they’re less suitable for tourists since you need a Dutch public transport card to rent one. In other cities of the world, you’ll often find bike-sharing services where you can rent a bike, park it, and pick up another later, but this isn’t available in the center of Amsterdam yet.
Outside the center there are options to “share a bike”
Travelglaze tip: Though it is not mandatory to wear a helmet in Amsterdam, I highly recommend it if you are not an experienced citybiker
Driving: Avoid the Center, but Know Your Options
Driving in Amsterdam is not the easiest way to get around, especially in the city center. The streets can be narrow and crowded, parking is expensive, and there’s often construction causing detours.
If you still plan to drive, here are some tips:
- Parking garages: Use secure parking facilities like ParkBee or Q-Park. Both allow you to reserve a spot in advance, which is helpful during busy times.
- Park & Ride (P+R): For a hassle-free visit, consider parking at a Park & Ride location outside the city. From there, you can take public transportation into the center. It’s cheaper and avoids the stress of inner-city driving.
Boats: Explore Amsterdam from the Water
Amsterdam is famous for its canals, and exploring the city by boat offers a completely different perspective. It’s relaxing, magical, and undeniably fun.
Here are some boating options:
- Free ferries (pontjes) across the IJ: These ferries connect Amsterdam Central Station to Amsterdam North. They’re free, run frequently, and offer a lovely short ride.
- Canal boats: Take a hop-on-hop-off boat or museum boat for a flexible and scenic way to explore the city’s highlights.
- Whisper boats (fluisterboten): Rent one of these electric-powered boats for a quiet, eco-friendly canal cruise.
- Explore the waters outside the city center:
For more water activities explore for instance the nieuwe meer, the sloterplas or the gaasperplas.
Travelglaze Tip: Many boat tours offer evening cruises, which are especially magical when the city lights reflect off the water.
Public Transportation: Easy and Efficient
Amsterdam’s public transportation system is well-connected, making it a great way to get around the city. Managed by GVB, the network includes trams, buses, metros, and ferries.
Key points to know:
- Planning your trip: Use the GVB app or 9292 app (if you want to explore more cities in the Netherlands) to check routes, schedules, and delays.
- Tickets: You can buy tickets at GVB machines; use your bank, or credit card; use the IAmsterdamcard; or find information here about how to use P + R
- Options: Trams are great for short trips through the city, while the metro connects to areas farther out. Buses can be useful for reaching destinations not covered by trams or metros.
Travelglaze Tip: Starting January 2025, all ticket vending machines will be removed throughout the city. Purchasing tickets on trams and buses is no longer be possible. Instead, you can check in using your bank card or credit card.
Travelglaze insight:
Amsterdam has so many ways to get around, each offering its own unique experience.
You’ll probably notice some unique traffic habits in Amsterdam.
– Some pedestrians cross the street even when the light is red.
– Some cyclists don’t wait for green lights or stop at zebra crossings. and
– Amsterdammers park their bikes wherever they want.
Not everyone does this, but it’s part of the busy and sometimes chaotic flow of the city.
Travelglaze Tip: If you’re not used to Amsterdam’s traffic, make sure to follow the rules—it can get quite chaotic out there!
