Amsterdam
For general information about the wonderful city of Amsterdam, please visit I Amsterdam or the Tourism & Convention Board.
Travelling to Amsterdam
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is one of the major destinations in international air traffic. The airport is served by many European and intercontinental carriers.
Boat travel is an alternative option for travelers coming from the U.K and Scandinavia. Scandinavian Seaways (New Castle to Amsterdam), P&O North Sea Ferries (Hull to Amsterdam) and Stenaline (Harwich to Hook of Holland) offer ferry services for those looking for a different approach to the city.
For visitors from within Europe travelling by train can also be an attractive option. Excellent Inter City connections are available to and from Antwerp, Brussels, London, Paris, Hamburg, Berlin and Frankfurt.
Hotels
There are different sites where you can book online hotels in Amsterdam. Overviews can be found here and here. Most hotels are in the city centre. We estimate that from most locations in Amsterdam, the maximum travel time to the Meertens Instituut is about 30 minutes.
The Mercure Hotel and the Bastion Hotel are located in the vicinity of the Meertens Instituut.
Getting around
Public transport in Amsterdam is operated by the Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf (GVB). Comprehensive information on the bus, tram and metro lines in Amsterdam can be found on the GVB website.
Amsterdam is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world and has good provisions for cyclists such as bicycle lanes and bicycle stands, which are ubiquitous throughout the city. Bicycles can be rented at MacBike and Rent a Bike.
Weather
Early June is normally an ideal time of the year to visit Amsterdam. The weather in The Netherlands in June is usually mild. The average temperature is around 20°C (68°F). Be prepared, however, for rainy, chilly and hot days.
Credit cards
Credit cards are not widely used in the Netherlands. The Dutch normally use debit cards to withdraw money from ATMs and to pay in shops and restaurants. In larger shops and restaurants, however, all leading credit cards are accepted.
Language
English is widely spoken in the Netherlands and especially in Amsterdam. However, do not expect everybody to be fluent in English. When you want to go 'off the beaten track', a Dutch phrase book might come in handy.
