Travel with Julie

How To Use The Tram In Amsterdam

One of the best ways to get around in Amsterdam is via the tram.  But, it helps to have a few helpful tips before doing so.

• Get a good map of the tram system.  The numbers indicate the tram line and the dots indicate the tram stations.  Once you've determined your tram route, you will need to go to the nearest station to catch the tram.
• The next challenge is determining which tram to get on as many lines may pass through the same station. First, you must know the end stop of the line going in the direction you need to go.  For example, if you are at Rijksmuseum and you want to go to Dam Square.  Line 5 connects the two.  Head to the nearest station look for tram Line 5--Central Station.
• Tickets may be purchased from the conductor.  Tickets are €2.60 each and are good for 1 hour.  Other forms of tickets (24-, 48-, 72-hour tickets and passes) are available at discounted prices in several metro stations and tourist offices.
• Once you've purchased your ticket, you must validate it by swiping it at the door immediately upon entering the tram.

 

Now, pay attention.  This is where it gets tricky!

• Prior to reaching your stop (and after the tram has left the station prior to your stop), you must let the conductor know you want to get off at the next stop by pressing the red button on the hand bars.  Trams only stop at stations where people need to load or unload.
• Before leaving the tram, swipe your ticket at the door.  Tickets must have the entrance and exit recorded or they become invalid.

 

Amsterdam Houses

One of the most distinctive features of Amsterdam is its canals.  Another is its houses. Each unique, yet vaguely the same in design.  I was fascinated with their colors, large shutters and miniature gardens and patios.  A few have taken on a new and unusual shape as they have shifted to one side.  Here is just a sampling of what you will find:

Amsterdam's Bicycle Culture

Within minutes of arriving in Amsterdam, you realize something is very different from other cities:  bicycles are everywhere!  If hundreds of bicycles are not parked along sidewalks and streets, then even more are mounted by daring souls tempting fate with every pedal.

Amsterdam is the bicycle capital of the world.  Bikes out-number people (approximately 1 million to 700,000 people).  When I asked a local why so many people ride bikes, he said they wanted to stay skinny.  I think that was a sarcastic jab at fat Americans. Although I think the bicycle choice has more to do with a social movement, I have to admit, I rarely saw an overweight rider!

There is a unique understanding on the road for cyclists.  They have their own lanes. Should you happen to stray into the bike lane, you will get a little warning bell.  If you don't pay attention to the warning, you will be run down!  It's obvious more priority is placed on bike lanes than walking paths--sidewalks are broken, and sometimes non-existent.  While cyclists obey the rules of the road, they seem to have the right of way over cars and pedestrians.

Bicycle riders in Amsterdam are like none other.  They possess expert riding skills allowing them to ride centimeters apart at remarkable speeds.  They are seen talking on phones, texting, eating lunch, carrying large shopping bags, all the while balancing atop the two-wheeled machines.  Moms tote children in large boxes attached to the front; dads cart kids to school before heading off to work; and deliveries are made to residences and businesses.

Biking is a serious means of transportation in Amsterdam.  After careful consideration of renting a bike for a day, I decided to stay on foot.  I just didn't feel like working that hard to keep up! :)

First Friday Foto Therapy

The Jordan River, Israel

Taken by: Suzie Connor

On the first Friday of every month, I will share a photo from my travels or yours.  If you'd like a chance to see one of your fabulous vacation photos published on this site, send it (in .jpg format) along with a brief description to:  julie@MyFarAndAway.com.

Cure your travel bug with a little Foto Therapy!