I have never been to Amsterdam and would love to go. I only really have about a week to do so, and I have never stayed in a hostel OR traveled completely by myself. Any info would be great. What is staying in a hostel like? My main concern would be theft. Can you leave your belongings in a locker or somewhere while you are out exploring the city? Or should I just expect to carry stuff around everywhere? Also getting around? I have read that you can rent bicyles, which would be great. However, how would I get from the airport to the hostel in the city center? I could grab a cab, but I do not speak the language and dont want to be taken for a "ride" by a cab driver (or ripped off!!) And, is Amsterdam a safe city?? I know they have some things regarding red light district and such, I am mainly interested in seeing the canals and museums and maybe a night club or two....lol. Basically....I dont want to be "scared" to go it alone, cause non of my other friends ever seem to have the money or the time to travel along, and I think going it alone would push me out of my shell, so to speak and I think it would be a very rewarding experience. Anyway, I guess my main concern is the hostel situation, but the prices are cheaper and I'd love to meet other travelers/locals as well. Any info is appreciated!
Reply to this My best bet would be to go to a hostel. I've had some friends stay at them over there, and they've loved it! I don't have any names or anything, but I know that there's lots of them over there.
Reply to this You can get the train from the airport to Amsterdam Centraal. Maybe takes 15 mins and trains are regular. Make sure you get your ticket before boarding the train cos the conductor may charge you more. There are self service machines or a ticket office. Everyone in Amsterdam also speaks English.
I went for the 5th time in August and couldnt believe how expensive pre booking hostels were. When ive been before we just got hotels from the touts at the train station in Amsterdam or just walked in to hotels which worked out pretty cheap
Red light district is safe cos it's the main tourist area of the city. Loads of people about, including police. I would suggest you also explore other parts of the city. A 3/5 day tram ticket is a great way to get around and you find it's cheaper and less tourists away from the centre/red light district. Leidseplein is a good place to visit as well.
Reply to this Hello Bailey 😊
Travelling is not as complicated as many might think.
A guidebook for Amsterdam, such as the one by Lonely Planet will tell you just about everything you need to know.
You can book hostels on the internet these days. It may be worth booking it in advance, to make sure you dont have to spend time wandering around the city looking for some place that has vacancies. And yes, it is easy to meet people in hostels. You might find a hang out buddy there.
There are lockers in mosts hostels these days, at least big enough to hold a laptop. Some are even big enough to put your entire backpack in. Take a small padlock with you for the locker. Sometimes they provide them and sometimes not.
It is easy to get from the airport to the city. A train from the airport will get you to the old centre of Amsterdam in 15 minutes. This train will be easy to find, at the airport. And if it isnt, there are information desks at the airport which will point you in the right direction.
Dont worry about not speaking Dutch. Almost everybody in the Netherlands speaks fluent English.
Amsterdam is reasonably safe. Though, I would be careful about wandering around the old part of it alone at night. There are a few dodgy types selling drugs, bothering women etc.
I have been to Amsterdam a couple of times alone. I think it is safe enough for you to go there alone.
The red light district is in the old part of the town. But, go there. It is a good place to hang out. Beautiful buildings, canals.... And it is quite an experience to see how tolderated things such as prostitution and marijuana smoking is in the Netherlands.
Mel
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