I just came back from 2 weeks in Amsterdam, and I want to share some practical tips with you. Some things may sound obvious, but they were not obvious to me before I arrived. If this is your first time visiting, I hope this helps you feel more confident.
Arriving at Amsterdam airport
When you land at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the first surprise is this: there is a train station inside the airport. It’s very easy.
Just take the train to Amsterdam Centraal Station (Central Station). The ride is about 15 to 20 minutes and costs around €5 to €6. Trains leave every 10 minutes or so, and you don’t need to pre-book anything. Just walk down to the train platforms (follow the signs inside the terminal) and tap your bank card or buy a ticket at the machines.
When you exit Central Station and walk toward the city (south, away from the harbor), it can feel overwhelming. There are many people, trams, bikes, and sounds. Take a breath. For me, this was the hardest transportation moment. After this, everything became easier.
One thing I didn’t expect: your luggage won’t be a problem on the train. There’s plenty of space and nobody will rush you.
If you are staying in Amsterdam Noord, go the opposite direction and take the free ferry across the water instead of walking into the city center.
How to use trams
The trams are right in front of Central Station. They go almost everywhere in the city.
What I did:
- Open Google Maps
- Enter my hotel address
- Choose public transportation
- Follow the tram number and stop
Each tram stop has an electronic board that shows which tram is coming and in how many minutes. Even if you miss one, the next usually comes in 5 to 8 minutes during daytime hours.
One small tip: board through the front door when possible, that’s where the driver is, and it’s easier to validate your pass or ask a quick question if needed. Exit through the middle or back doors.
How to pay
You have a few options:
- Use your bank card directly (tap in and tap out)
- Buy a multi-day pass
- Use the GVB app
I bought a 7-day pass because I didn’t want to think about ticket prices every time. If you’re staying 3+ days and planning to move around a lot, it’s usually worth it. For shorter stays, just tapping your bank card works perfectly fine
Very important: always check out when you leave the tram. If you forget, you may get charged extra. The announcement will remind you every time; it’s easy to forget when you’re distracted. I forgot once and got charged for a longer zone than I actually traveled. Lesson learned.
There is also a metro system (underground entrances). It’s faster for longer distances, especially useful if you’re going from Central Station to the south of the city. The same card works for trams, buses, metro, and ferries.
Personally, I did not enjoy using Uber. The city was built long before cars, so traffic can be slow and complicated. A tram is almost always faster.
Walking and biking in Amsterdam
Walking is the best way to understand Amsterdam. The canals, small streets, and old houses are beautiful. Most of the main sights are within 20 to 30 minutes of each other on foot, so don’t underestimate how walkable this city really is.
But here is something VERY important: Bikes have the right of way. This is not a joke.
A big street can have:
- Sidewalk
- Bike lane
- Car lane
- Tram tracks
- Car lane
- Bike lane
- Sidewalk
Sometimes the bike lane looks like a normal walking path. Look for the red pavement, which usually means it’s a bike lane. Always look both ways before crossing anything. Cars usually stop at zebra crossings. Bikes often do not. They may ring a bell, but they keep going. Don’t be offended if a cyclist rings at you aggressively. It’s just the culture. Step aside, let them pass, and move on.
Many tourists rent bikes. I did not, because it looked stressful for me. If you are a confident cyclist and used to riding in heavy traffic, you might enjoy it. If not, walking and trams are enough.
Where to stay (avoid the crowded core)
The area near Dam Square is historic and interesting, but it is extremely crowded. It feels like a theme park sometimes, full of tourist shops, bachelor parties, and souvenir stalls. Not the most relaxing place to base yourself.
If I go again, I would choose to stay slightly outside the very center, for example:
- Jordaan: charming, quiet streets, great cafés, still very central
- De Pijp: younger vibe, great food scene, close to Museumplein
- Near Oosterpark: more local, less touristy, easy tram access
- Amsterdam Noord: across the water, really interesting, creative neighbourhood, and surprisingly affordable
Don’t worry about distance. The tram system is excellent, and you’ll rarely wait more than a few minutes. You can even stay in Haarlem or another small town nearby and take a short train ride to Amsterdam. Haarlem is beautiful and much quieter, worth it if you want a more relaxed base.
How I saved money in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is expensive. I am quite careful with money, so here is what worked for me:
Buy groceries: Go to Albert Heijn (the most common supermarket; you’ll find one almost everywhere) or local markets. A simple breakfast or lunch from the supermarket costs a fraction of what you’d pay at a café. I kept snacks and drinks in my bag most days.
Choose museums carefully: Museums are excellent, but not cheap. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are worth it in my opinion, but book tickets online in advance; queues can be very long, especially in summer.
Consider an Amsterdam City Pass: There is a city pass option, but I did not buy one, so I recommend calculating first to see if it fits your plan. Add up the entrance fees of the places you actually want to visit, then compare.
Use free activities
- Take the free ferry behind Central Station (great views, totally free)
- Visit the top floor of the public library (OBA) for a great city view, also free
- Spend time in Vondelpark or Oosterpark (on Sundays, you might even find a free concert)
- Walking through the Jordaan neighbourhood, just exploring the streets, costs nothing and is genuinely lovely
Final thoughts for first-time visitors
For me, Amsterdam felt overwhelming on the first day. But after two tram rides, I felt confident.
My main advice:
- Don’t panic at Central Station
- Use Google Maps
- Always check out on public transport
- Watch for bikes
- Stay slightly outside the most crowded area
- Walk as much as possible
Amsterdam is organized, efficient, and English-friendly. Almost everyone speaks English, so don’t worry about the language barrier; it basically doesn’t exist here. Once you understand the transport system and bike culture, everything becomes simple.
If it’s your first time, just relax. After one or two days, you’ll start to feel like you know what you’re doing. I also recommend reading my guide on things to do in Amsterdam based on my experience.