Yes, Amsterdam has its Red Light District and hash-selling coffee shops, but they are just a small part of this world-class city. Studded with canals and bridges, Amsterdam begs to be explored by foot or bike. Visit the Anne Frank House, view masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, shop the Waterlloplein flea market and let your nose lead you to the floating flower market. The locals are famously friendly, so strike up a chat (most speak English) over a beer at a brown café.Amsterdam Health & Safety
Amsterdam is a major urban area and is at least as safe as other major European cities. Violent street crime is virtually unheard of. That said, always be aware of where your valuables are. As in all crowded situations men should keep their wallets in their front pockets. Women should have a good hold on their handbags. Pickpockets do work the train station (Centraal Station), the trains back and forth to the airport, trams, and crowded areas. Make sure your other valuables, i.e., cell phones, iPods, cameras, etc, aren't hanging out there to be snatched by passers by.
In the Red Light District, do not attempt to take pictures of the women on display in the windows because somebody is bound to harass you or even take your camera. If you think nobody is watching you, you are wrong. They have eyes everywhere which you never notice. Be respectful.
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Amsterdam Tourist Board
There are four offices of the Tourism and Convention Board of Amsterdam (VVV Amsteram) located at:
- Schipol International Airport (office of VVV Holland), in hall 2, open every day from 7AM to 10PM
- Central Station, on platform 2b, open Monday-Saturday 8AM to 8PM, Sunday and public holiday 9AM to 5PM
- Stationsplein, in the Holland Koffiehuis (in front of central station), open every day from 9AM to 5PM
- Leidesplein (corner with Leidsestraat), open Sunday-Thursday 9.15AM to 5PM, Friday-Saturday 9.15AM to 7PM
For more info, visit their website at http://www.holland.com/amsterdam/gb/
These offices are a great resource once you arrive in Amsterdam. They also sell tickets and do bookings. They can be very busy.
www.tripadvisor.com
There are four offices of the Tourism and Convention Board of Amsterdam (VVV Amsteram) located at:
- Schipol International Airport (office of VVV Holland), in hall 2, open every day from 7AM to 10PM
- Central Station, on platform 2b, open Monday-Saturday 8AM to 8PM, Sunday and public holiday 9AM to 5PM
- Stationsplein, in the Holland Koffiehuis (in front of central station), open every day from 9AM to 5PM
- Leidesplein (corner with Leidsestraat), open Sunday-Thursday 9.15AM to 5PM, Friday-Saturday 9.15AM to 7PM
For more info, visit their website at http://www.holland.com/amsterdam/gb/
These offices are a great resource once you arrive in Amsterdam. They also sell tickets and do bookings. They can be very busy.
www.tripadvisor.com
