Amsterdam Overview

Fast Facts

Main Languages: Dutch (more Netherlandish than Standard Dutch) and English. German, French, and all the Scandinavian languages are also spoken widely.

When to Go: The climate of the Amsterdam is great all year round, though the winters are quite chilly, with temperatures sometimes dropping below zero (quite rare). However, this is part of the charm of the city, and it is easy to be adequately prepared. Most restaurants and coffee-shops will have their heating on. The most popular time to visit Amsterdam is from June to August, when the summer sun shines and it’s absolutely delightful to be outdoors.  

Local Transport: Amsterdam is quite a small city, as also one of the cleanest in the world. There is hence no reason why you should not trample around town on foot, or on a cycle, which is the best way to experience the city. Note: always cross tram tracks at an angle, or it is easy for your bike tire to get stuck in them. Bike rental centres are everywhere, and it is easy to get one inexpensively. Do remember to lock your bike whenever you are leaving it unattended. You can also use trams, which are well-maintained and offer great connectivity with 18 lines across the city. Buses are of two varieties - regional and suburban - and offer good connectivity. There is also a 4-line metro that can be used. If you intend to use buses and trams regularly, buy a strippenkaart ticket. You can also use ferries (there are several free ones) to cross the IJ, to Amsterdam North. Taxis are plentiful but expensive. A new concept of Tuk-Tuks (three wheelers) is being tied, and offers yet another mode of transportation.

Phone Code: +20

Currency: Euro (EUR) 1 EUR is approximately 80 Indian Rupees (INR)

Voltage: 220V - 240V

Time Zone: GMT+1 hour. IST -4:30 hours. Summer (Daylight Savings): GMT+2 hours

Location: Set in North Holland at the end of the Amstel River, which makes up the IJ (river/estuary), around which the city is spread with canals.

Altitude: 2 metres above sea level