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Netherlands
This is a blue multi-strip ticket which can be used on trams, metros and buses in Amsterdam and all over Holland. Works out about half the price of buying a ticket on board.
See www.gvb.nl (Amsterdam Transport organisation, mainly in Dutch)
Good English explanation of the Strippenkaart at
www.amsterdamtips.com/getting-around-amsterdam-the-strippenkaart.php
Because of a deregulation of the taxi branch there are a lot of bad taxi drivers around. Although the city of Amsterdam is working on making things better there are a few things you can do to avoid getting a taxi that will charge you a high fare price.
Pre-book your transportation from and to the airport through the internet with either TCA (the largest taxi organisation in Amsterdam) or Ambassador Services (a smaller taxi company). Also beware of hotel porters who sell your transportation to the airport for a commission (guess who will be paying this commission in the end?). You can book this yourself in advance at a set rate. The companies mentioned will give you a quote if you ask them.
In the streets of Amsterdam don't just hail a taxi, but ask your restaurant, bar or shop to call one for you. This way you always can trace the taxi that transported you and you're not just taking one of the 'cowboy-taxis'.
TCA: www.tca-amsterdam.nl
Ambassador Services: www.ambassador.demon.nl
You pay upfront to have free entrance to key museums and art galleries and free tram, bus, metro transport. I bought one for 48 hours and found it very good value for money. I certainly got more than 43 Euros worth of museum, canal trip and transport from it.
You can buy it from Holland Tourist Information at Schipol by credit card and it makes it easier to work out a budget for the rest of your stay and you can hop on and off the fantastic trams without having to worry about buying and stamping tickets.
Eurostar to Brussels, Thalys to Amsterdam - the most wonderful long weekend destination.
See the "Night Watch" at the Rijksmuseum, visit Anne Frank House, take a boat on the canals, stay in one of the converted houses on the waterside, eat an Indonesian Rijsttaefel in Nieuwe Leliestraat, take in a sports event at the Ajax stadium.
Get yourself an "I love Amsterdam Card" when you arrive, they come in one, two, and three-day versions.
With this you get free travel for the duration of your card, on trams, buses and metro, and you get free admission to most of the city's historic attractions, including many museums and other historic sites.
You also get two free canal boat trips and reductions and offers in restaurents.
Even if you only use a fraction of the offers included it will be great value.
Take a self powered trip on the pedal boats, a relaxing way to see the city from a different view point.
Hire a bike from Mac Bikes, left of Amsterdam Central Station.
Don't bother trying to take a car there, or to hire one. The public transport system is amazing, very prompt, very clean, cheap, goes everywhere.
Don't take the taxi into town when you land in Amsterdam.
It's expensive (around £35-40) and unnecessary. the train will take you into the centre in 15-20 minutes for 3.60euros.
After checking in, and whilst waiting to board the train, pop into the duty free shop and choose a nice bottle of champagne. The Eurostar staff seem more than happy for passengers to 'bring their own' and it makes the journey feel especially luxurious!
Before setting foot on a platform check www.seat61.com for advice on all European train travel.
Make use of the great train service in Amsterdam. On a recent trip we visited neighbouring towns for as little as £5 return and got to see some fabulous Dutch scenery!
Canals by pedalo - for a totally different perspective!
Arrive by train at Central Station and you'll find that trams to all parts of the City depart from right outside the entrance - no need for expensive taxis.
Don't be frightened by the idea of train travel in a foreign country, and don't be afraid to smile and ask for help. Most people are not trying to steal your wallet - they just want to be friendly.
If possible, avoid using taxis and take trams or walk instead. Due to deregulation, a large percentage of the taxi drivers genuinely don't know where they're going. This can work out a bit pricey for a tourist as there's a fair chance you won't know either.
The best bar in Amsterdam is the Bastille Bar near the Leidseplein, which is very popular with the locals. The downside of this is that when they're busy they take the 'members only' attitude and the doormen will turn tourists away.
It's not a bad idea to tip doormen on the way in to a club. The Dutch tend to tip doormen when they're leaving but foreigners don't, so if you want to get onside with these guys offer a few euros on the way in.
If you're taking a night train sleep on the seat facing the direction of travel. It means your less likely to slip off and sustain a nasty bump on the head!
Bow to the inevitable - take your own bicycles with you to Amsterdam. There are a host of interesting places to cycle to in the immediate vicinity. It's also a conversation piece to be able to say you've cycled through the Rijksmuseum! (There's an arch in the South facade with a roadway through it.)
Getting around Amsterdam by tram is a great and easy way of exploring the city for about two euros a ticket. Tickets can be purchased on board and you can cover most of the city.
Alternatively, try spending the day exploring on foot and getting the tram back at night - but remember they stop running after 2am, so dont get stuck anywere. Amsterdam is a fantastic city with something for everyone; you cant fail to have a great time!
Buy a 24-, 48- or 72-hour Amsterdam Card opposite the railway station for hassle-free travel on trams, buses and the metro for the duration of your stay.
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
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