September is a great month to visit Amsterdam and enjoy the pleasures of after summer in the city.

The Dutch are surprising people. They live – all 16 million of them – on 41,528 square kilometres.
The Netherlands is thus one of the world’s most densely populated countries. But the Dutch have turned their crowded country into such a success that the world’s planners and architects flock here to find out how. The Netherlands is best known for its tulips, windmills and clogs and for its low altitude and vulnerability to flooding.Less well known is that it is the world’s eighth largest exporter of goods and capital and the world’s third largest exporter of food. Equally little known is that Dutch people have won 15 Nobel prizes: for chemistry, physics, medicine, economics and peace.The Dutch are major players in fields like science, the economy, the arts and sports – and their country is a beacon of forward-thinking social and cultural policy.

The Netherlands has an international outlook; among other affiliations the country is a member of the European Union (EU), NATO and the OECD. Along with Belgium and Luxembourg, the Netherlands is also one of the three members of the Benelux economic union. The country hosts four international courts: the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia, the International Criminal Court as well as the EU’s criminal intelligence agency (Europol).

Amsterdam is the most popular destination for foreign tourists. The museums, such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, the ring of canals with their elegant town houses, the atmosphere of freedom and creativity – many foreigners want to see them with their own eyes. What is more, Amsterdam has many hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered.

Travel tips and Weather

By plane
Schiphol Airport is Europe’s fourth largest airport and is located just a few kilometres from the city centre. All major cities in the world have direct flight connections to Amsterdam. A direct rail link connects Schiphol International Airport to Amsterdam central station and is the fastest and most convenient way to get into the city centre. Trains run every 10 minutes. NH Barbizon Palace is located just opposite the railway station. Of course taxi’s are also available at the airport. Taxi fares into town are approximately Euro 60-80.

By train

The Thalys connects Amsterdam with all major cities in Belgium, France and Germany.
NH Barbizon Palace is located just opposite Amsterdam central station.

By car
Travelling by car is not the easiest way of coming to Amsterdam, especially because of limited parking. Park and Ride (P+R) facilities are available and are located on the outskirts of Amsterdam (“Atrium”) near the ring A-10. The idea is that you park your car for a low fee with the unlimited 24 hours public transport ticket included in the price, and you continue your visit
using good metro, tram or bus connections with the centre of Amsterdam. We recommend you to travel by public transport.
For detailed information and time tables please check www.amsterdam.info/transport.

Currency

The official currency in the Netherlands is the Euro. Credit cards are widely used; Visa and Mastercard are accepted nearly everywhere, American Express and Diners are also used. Many banks and post offices provide ATM machines for cash advances with credit cards, Cirrus® or Maestro® card.

Tipping

Tips and service charges are included in the price of all services in the Netherlands. Good services may be rewarded with extra tipping at your discretion.

Security

The Netherlands and Amsterdam are safe places. However, the usual security precautions should be observed. Beware of pickpockets, especially on public transport.

Amsterdam and public transportation within the city

Amsterdam has a very fast, efficient and easy to use public transport system. It is the easiest way of travelling within the city centre. You can travel by tram, metro, canalbus, bus and train.

Weather
Amsterdam is unpredictable, but the weather doesn’t have to be – check out the forecasts (newspaper, internet or TV) to find out if you’ll need to take a coat or a sweater and an umbrella for your walk.

For more information on LES Benelux, please visit www.les-benelux.org.

For more information on LES International, please visit www.lesi.org