The recommended mode of transport from Schipol Airport to the city centre is by train. The airport has it's own train station and trains to Amsterdam Central Station are very frequent. Tickets can be bought from the ticket office or from one of the automatic vending machines. Machines accept a variety of credit cards, but not many accept cash, in particular not paper money.
Buses to the city centre are also available and there is a taxi rank outside the airport, however, if you are planning on taking a taxi, it is recommended you book in advance to avoid high fares. See recommended taxi companies below.
Ambulance/ Fire Brigade/ Police Tel: 112
Amsterdam is serviced by an excellent public transport network comprising trams, buses and metro. Tram and bus tickets can be bought on board, whilst metro tickets should be purchased from a machine before travelling.
Guests planning on making extensive use of trams, buses and metro can also purchase an OV-Chipkaart. This is an universal travel card that can be charged with credit and used on all public transport services in Amsterdam. It can also be used on the trains, but only when credited with €20 or more. OV-Chipkaarts can be purchased from ticket offices at all stations, as well as automatic vending machines. They cost €7,50 and can be charged with credit at all stations and at some retail outlets (Albert Heijn).
This green taxi company offers a good airport transfer service for a fixed price and customers can benefit from a discount if they book in advance. They can also be ordered like a regular taxi for shorter journeys in and around Amsterdam.
This company also offers and airport transfer and operates in and around the city.
Recommended Restaurants - Amsterdam
The following is a list of restaurants and eetcafés (cafés that also serve food) located in Amsterdam city centre.
The ones with two stars next to the name have been tried and tested by the ‘foodies’ who helped make this list!
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 2 – 8
A French restaurant which is linked to the Hotel de L’Europe, which is located just opposite Hotel Résidence Le Coin, for those guests staying there. It offers a fine dining menu and has lovely views over the Amstel.Booking in advance is recommended.
Nieuwe Doelenstraat 20/22
Café de Jaren is the perfect setting for lunch, dinner or just drinks and snacks. It has a lovely terrace overlooking the Amstel.
Stationsplein 10
Café Restaurant Loetje serves the best steak you will ever eat - ever. The other dishes on the menu are also nice, but few people ever bother with those as the steak is renowned! The atmosphere is warm and cosy, but you may have to wait a while for a table as it is always packed! It's worth it though...
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 30
A great pub in the heart of Amsterdam, which brews it's own (delicious) beer. They serve typical pub/ bar food, which is also supposed to be very good.
Bakkerstraat 12
Szmulewicz is located just off Rembrandtplein and serves a good quality, international menu. Despite being located in a tourist hotspot, it has a very non-touristy feel.
Professor Tulpplein 1
A fine dining restaurant which is linked to the Intercontinental Amstel Amsterdam Hotel.
Muntplein 7
This restaurant is perfect for people on a smaller budget. The homemade pasta is delicious and you get a huge portion for €6/€7. It may not look like much from the outside, but the inside is nicely decorated and welcoming and the prices are excellent for central Amsterdam.It is located close to The Bridge Hotel.
Prinsengracht 274
This is a French restaurant that serves seasonal, organic and locally sourced food of a high quality. Located on one of Amsterdam’s main canals, the Prinsengracht, it is well worth a visit.
Keizersgracht 312
This is a great little restaurant located in a cosy basement on the Keizersgracht. It serves great, wholesome food and offers a three-course menu for €25, which has been tried and tested and is great value for money.
Nieuwe Leliestraat 34a
Café de Reiger is located in The Jordaan, one of the most upmarket areas of Amsterdam. It has a small but high quality menu and the restaurant is well known for its spare ribs.
Lindengracht 62
Duende is a very authentic Spanish tapas bar located in the beautiful Jordaan district. The food is excellent and the atmosphere is always very relaxed and inviting. Perfect for a drink and nibbles or an evening meal.
Villa Zeezicht**
Torensteeg 7
This eetcafé is located on Singel, very close to Dam Square and is renowned for its excellent apple pie. However, it also has a very nice French-inspired evening menu and the prices are affordable despite it’s very central location.
Oudezijds Voorburgwal
This is a Chinese restaurant that does excellent Dimsum between 12:00 – 16:30. It is very centrally located.
P.C. Hooftstraat 27
This is a typical Indonesian restaurant located right in the heart of Amsterdam. An excellent place to try the traditional Indonesian ‘rijstafel’ (rice table), it is worth booking beforehand to avoid disappointment.
