http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18828 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18828 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18133
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'.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18133 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18023
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/18023 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15949
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15949 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15941
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15941 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15931 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15931 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15925 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15925 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15915 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15915 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15749
It's expensive (around £35-40) and unnecessary. the train will take you into the centre in 15-20 minutes for 3.60euros.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15749 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14260 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14260 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14258 www.seat61.com for advice on all European train travel.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14258 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14231 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14231 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14220 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14220 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14217 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14217 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14202 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14202 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14177
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.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14177 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14172 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14172 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14161 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14161 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14158
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!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14158 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14153 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/14153