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Traffic-free Amsterdam

Avoiding the traffic in Amsterdam

Anyone who’s ever been to Amsterdam knows it can be quite a challenge moving around in the city's narrow streets and alleys, especially when those small streets are loaded with tourists who don’t have a clue where they are heading.

Renting a Car

Renting a car is probably the last thing you should do. Walking around like a ‘chicken

without a head’ or as the Dutch say ‘als een kip zonder kop’ is probably a much better idea. Of course nobody wants to walk around like a chicken without a head. So the Dutch invented bicycles, billions of them!

Walking in Amsterdam

If you do decide do go for a walk, at least you won’t get stuck in traffic. It’s only a 30 minutes walk from Central Station to the museum area. Within those 30 minutes you can visit as many of the main tourist sites as you want. The city's numerous canals and historical buildings make it a scenic route along the way. Don’t forget to bring a good map so you don’t get lost, or you might end up in the Red Light District. The way Amsterdam is built makes all streets look similar. You can pick up a free map in almost all the VVV tourist offices and hostels near Central Station.

Public transportation

The public transportation network works well. Trams, buses and yes, even subways can take you everywhere you want to go. To use public transport you’ll need a public transport chipcard. This chipcard works like an electronic wallet for all modes of public transport. It’s the size of a credit card and you can buy it at all public transport services. Don’t forget to chip-out when you leave the bus or tram, if you don’t, 4 euros will be charged automatically. If you want to see the whole city you’re probably better off buying an All-in One Travel Ticket. This ticket also allows you to go from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam Central Station and back within 24-, 48, – or 72 hours.

Avoid traffic on 2 wheels

Here’s the key to avoiding traffic in Amsterdam: rent a bike! Although in general Dutch people know how to ride a bike (but not all of them!), many tourists have to get used to it. I know it looks easy seeing someone riding a bike, but for many tourists it is something they never did and they will probably need a few lessons. (Staying on a bike cannot be guaranteed). Fortunately there are dedicated bike paths throughout Amsterdam built for cycling only, which makes riding your bike a lot more comfortable.

Written by Marvin Croon