Transport
Public transport and trams
The GVB network of trams, buses and metro covers the city efficiently, with an OV-chipkaart or contactless card accepted throughout.
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Delegate City Guide
Welcome to Amsterdam
A leading European hub for finance, logistics and trade, anchored by Schiphol and one of the continent's busiest ports.
Getting Around
Amsterdam Essentials
Everything you need to know before you step out the door.
5-day forecastForecast by Open-Meteo
Airports
Schiphol Airport
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the main international gateway, connected to the city centre by direct train in around fifteen minutes.
Currency
Euro (EUR)
The Netherlands uses the euro, and card payment is standard for almost all transactions including small purchases.
Weather
Temperate maritime climate
Conditions are mild but changeable year-round, and business travellers should carry a compact umbrella regardless of season.
Safety & Emergency
Low crime, standard precautions
Amsterdam has a low rate of violent crime; petty theft in busy tourist zones is the main concern, and 112 is the emergency number.
Wi-Fi & SIM
Connectivity
EU roaming agreements cover most European SIMs, and local prepaid SIMs are readily available at Schiphol and city retailers.
Where to Eat
Dining in Amsterdam
From fine dining to neighbourhood classics. Filter by dietary preference.
Moeders
Photos of mums & antiques line this quirky restaurant with a terrace, serving Dutch classics.
- Fully Halal
- Vegetarian Options
Kebab Show
A straightforward halal grill house near Dam Square popular for quick lunches between meetings.
- Halal Meat
- Vegetarian Options
Persian Parsa
A long-established Persian restaurant offering halal lamb and chicken dishes.
- Halal Chicken & Lamb
Levant Table
A Levantine restaurant offering halal meat dishes alongside a substantial vegetarian mezze selection.
- Halal Meat
- Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Options
Istanbul Grill House
A Turkish grill restaurant with halal-certified meat and a menu geared towards larger group bookings.
- Halal Meat
Delhi Darbar
An Indian restaurant near the centre offering halal chicken and lamb options alongside an extensive vegetarian selection.
- Halal Options
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarian Options
- Gluten-free Options
De Kas
A fine dining restaurant set in a converted greenhouse, serving a seasonal fixed menu popular for client dinners.
- Vegetarian Options
Restaurant Vinkeles
A Michelin-starred French restaurant located in a former bakery, suited to formal business entertaining.
Book a Table →The Duchess
A British-influenced brasserie in the former De Bijenkorf bank hall, suited to breakfast meetings and client lunches.
- Vegetarian Options
Sea Palace
A large floating Chinese restaurant on the IJ river, practical for sizeable group bookings with river views.
- Vegetarian Options
Yamazato
A Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant at the Hotel Okura, offering a formal kaiseki-style menu for business entertaining.
- Gluten-free Options
Please note: Please confirm specific dietary requirements with the restaurant directly as their menu is subject to change.
Retail & Markets
Shopping in Amsterdam
Department Store
De Bijenkorf
The country's principal department store, offering a broad range of fashion, homeware and gifts near the city centre.
Visit →Luxury
P.C. Hooftstraat
The city's principal luxury shopping street, home to established international fashion houses.
Visit →High Street
Kalverstraat
The main high street shopping strip, carrying mainstream fashion and international retail chains.
Visit →Concept Store
Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes)
A compact grid of independent boutiques and concept stores between the main canals.
Visit →Market
Albert Cuyp Market
The largest daily street market in the country, useful for a quick sense of local retail beyond the centre.
Visit →Antiques & Vintage
Waterlooplein Market
A long-standing flea market suited to those seeking antiques, vintage clothing and second-hand goods.
Visit →Shopping Mall
Magna Plaza
A shopping mall housed in the former main post office building, close to Dam Square.
Visit →Business Gifts
Coster Diamonds
A long-established diamond house offering tours and a retail counter suited to business gifts.
Visit →Landmarks & Culture
Must-See Attractions
Museum
Rijksmuseum
The national museum holding the country's principal collection of art and history, useful for delegates seeking context on Dutch trade heritage.
Museum
Van Gogh Museum
The world's largest collection of the artist's work, typically requiring advance booking due to demand.
Heritage Site
Anne Frank House
A preserved wartime residence documenting the Holocaust, widely regarded as a essential point of reference for understanding the city's twentieth-century history.
Landmark
Royal Palace Amsterdam
A former town hall turned royal palace, still used by the monarchy for state functions and receptions.
Heritage Site
Canal Ring (Grachtengordel)
A UNESCO-listed seventeenth-century urban planning achievement, best appreciated by boat or on foot between meetings.
Free EntryBook Tickets →
Park & Gardens
Vondelpark
The city's principal park, offering a straightforward option for a walk or short break from a conference schedule.
Free EntryBook Tickets →
Viewpoint
A'DAM Lookout
An observation deck across the IJ river giving an orientation over the city and its port infrastructure.
Innovation & Tech
NEMO Science Museum
A science and technology centre relevant to delegates in innovation-focused sectors, with exhibits on Dutch engineering.
Business District
Zuidas Business District
The city's principal financial and legal district, home to major banks, law firms and the World Trade Center Amsterdam.
Free EntryBook Tickets →
Waterfront
Port of Amsterdam Waterfront
One of Europe's largest port areas by throughput, giving visiting delegates a sense of the city's continued logistics importance.
Free EntryBook Tickets →
Insider Knowledge
Delegate Tips
Confirm halal status directly
Menus and certification can change, so it is advisable to confirm halal status directly with the restaurant before booking.
Punctuality is expected
Meetings typically start precisely on time, and arriving even a few minutes late is noted.
Cash is rarely required
Card and mobile payment are accepted almost everywhere, and some venues no longer accept cash at all.
Cycling infrastructure
Cyclists have priority in many areas, and pedestrians should watch for dedicated bicycle lanes when crossing streets.
Direct communication style
Dutch business communication tends to be direct and informal, with first names commonly used even in senior meetings.
Book major attractions ahead
Popular museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House require timed-entry tickets booked well in advance.
Explore the City
Key Areas
City Centre (Centrum)
The historic core around Dam Square, mixing government buildings, retail and hotels within walking distance of most conference venues.
Zuidas
The modern financial and legal district, home to major banks, law firms and the World Trade Center Amsterdam.
Museumplein / Oud-Zuid
The museum quarter and adjoining upmarket residential area, also home to the P.C. Hooftstraat luxury shopping street.
Jordaan
A former working-class district of narrow canals, now known for independent shops and quieter dining options.
De Pijp
A dense, mixed residential and commercial area south of the centre, known for the Albert Cuyp Market and varied restaurants.
Amsterdam Noord
A former industrial area across the IJ river, now home to creative businesses, the A'DAM Tower and NDSM wharf.
Oosterdok / Eastern Docklands
A redeveloped waterfront area combining NEMO Science Museum, offices and modern residential architecture.
De Baarsjes
A diverse western district with a wide range of international restaurants, within easy tram reach of the centre.
Book Your Experiences
Things to Do in Amsterdam
Browse tours, attraction tickets and curated experiences. Book in advance to secure your preferred time slot.
Amsterdam City Guide
Prepared for delegates by London Training for Excellence
All information was correct at the time this guide was prepared. Opening hours, prices and services change, so please confirm details directly before you travel or book. London Training for Excellence has no control over the content of external websites; some links are affiliate links through which we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.