Amsterdam Central Station Tips & Tourist Information

Central Station Tips & Tourist Information

Note: Currently large sections of Central Station, both inside and outside the main entrance, are construction sites. Amsterdam City is building a new metro extension that will eventually make it possible to travel from Amsterdam-North to Station Zuid (South) in just 15 minutes.

Naturally, there have been all kind of delays and cost overruns, and the project is currently slated to be completed in 2013.

Behind Central Station the city is working on the completion of a new bus terminal.

• Money Changing
  The best place to change your money is at the GWK Bank/Travelex currency exchange located within the Central Station.
• Tourist Office
  

  
  Just across from Central Station: the Amsterdam Tourist Office, Smits Koffiehuis — used by many as a convenient meeting point, either inside or outside — and a GVB public transport ticket and information office.

  © Copyright DutchAmsterdam.nl.
  Want to use this photo?

  The tourist office is located outside Central Station, in the white building across from, and to the left of, the entrance.

  While handy if necessary, it pays to plan your trip ahead of time using guide books and web sites.

  If you do need to visit the Tourist Office, a word to the wise: ignore the sales pitches and hold out for free answers. There are better things to spend your money on.

  Note that hotels and hostels also have tourist information available.

  Besides, the Amsterdam you’re interested in is a relatively small place. You’ll find your way around to all the hot spots in no time.

  VVV Tourist Office
  Stationsplein 10 [Google Map]

  Tel: 020 551 25 12 [Amsterdam phone info]

  A newer, expanded Amsterdam Tourist Office location is found inside Amsterdam Central Station, at Track 2.

• Lost Property
  Collect lost property at:

  Stationsplein 15
  Tel: 020-557 85 44 [Amsterdam phone info]

  You will need to bring a valid ID.

  Found items are kept for only 3 days. They are then forwarded to a depot in Utrecht.

  You can report lost items by calling 0900- 321 21 00 (Euro 0,80 p.m) [Amsterdam phone info], Monday through Friday, 8:00 – 20:00 (8 AM – 8 PM).

  Mind you, it can take up to three weeks to locate your property — if it is was found in the first place. There is a fee for shipping a found item.

• Grand Café Restaurant
  While there are lots of fast-food hote-in-the-walls in and around the Station, the more discerning traveler may want to enjoy the first class, 19th century surroundings of Grand Café Restaurant ‘1e Klas.’

  Fringe benefits include observing the real life parrot who happily lives at one end of the bar. Plus you get good coffee — certainly coffee that is infinitely better than the stuff served at Smits Koffiehuis just outside of Central Station. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

  It is located in the former First Class Waiting Lounge on Platform 2B.

Things to Beware of

• Beware of pickpockets
  As in every city, large or small, you should beware of pickpockets and luggage thieves. A quality money-belt is not a luxury.
• Beware of hotel runners
  Helpful though they may seem, reject the services of anyone who offers to get you a hotel, show you a good place to eat, or wants to help you carry your luggage. If you are not led into an alley where his or her cohorts can rob you, you will most likely be taken to either an illegal hotel, or a hotel where the final bill will shock you senseless.
• Beware of the trams and buses
  Don’t get hit or run over by them. It annoys drivers and passengers alike, causes unnecessary delays, and can ruin your vacation as well.

Original content © Copyright 2009 DutchAmsterdam.nl [Read what that actually means]

More articles on this topic: Old City Center, Public Transport

---

Like this article? Subscribe (free) for more Amsterdam news and info

---

DutchAmsterdam.nl's Twitter Stream
Get the goods on Amsterdam via email
Get Amsterdam News & Information via 'RSS' News Readers
Subscribe to this topic only: Old City Center, Public Transport

• Home Page Previous entry: Amsterdam Currency Exchange — Where To Change Your Money Next entry: Amsterdam Best Town To Live In Despite Top Crime Rate

What else would you like to know about Amsterdam?