THE NETHERLANDS - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 400

Base City: AMSTERDAM
www.iamsterdam.com
City Dialing Code: 20
One of the most unusual cities in Europe and built entirely on piles, Amsterdam is
a “fun city”—fun to see, fun to be in. It is a pleasant, human city where handsome
houses stand on quiet canals, shoppers walk uninterrupted on streets without
vehicles, and street organs play in the parks (even on rainy afternoons). It is the
kind of city that, when you are lost, sends a smiling old gentleman on his bicycle or a
bevy of flaxen-haired schoolgirls to your rescue. Amsterdam is a patient city whose
people listen as you attempt to read Dutch expressions from a phrase book—then
respond in perfect English. Amsterdam is a city to fall in love with.
Though picturesque, by European standards Amsterdam is not an ancient city. In
the 13th century it was a small fishing village tucked behind a protecting dam on
the Zuider Zee. It wasn't until the 17th century that it emerged as northern Europe's
most prosperous port. Dutch influence declined at the end of the 17th century, but
Amsterdam survived in style, having been built on 90 islands linked by more than
1,200 bridges arching 165 canals. Although their interiors have been altered many
times, the fronts of 17th-century houses along the canals remain unaltered.
As the Netherlands Board of Tourism states: “Amsterdam is to the Netherlands
what New York is to the United States. It is the cuckoo in the Dutch nest, the strange
bird with the big mouth, New York with a more easygoing nature. But that shouldn't
be surprising. After all, New York was founded by Amsterdammers. Now you are
invited to discover our Amsterdam.”
Arriving by Air
Schiphol Airport, P.O. Box 7501, 1118 ZG Schiphol Airport, the Netherlands; Hello
Port Schiphol Information Tel: [phone] or 2079 40 800; www.schiphol.nl .
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, which ranks fourth largest in Europe after airports
in London, Paris, and Frankfurt, is one of the most modern and efficient air terminals
in the world. Schiphol handles more than 25.4 million passengers per year and has
some of the best tax-free shopping in Europe. It was built to be convenient. At last
count, the airport provides flights to more than 2,000 destinations in 85 countries by
more than 90 airlines. After you have cleared customs, proceed to Schiphol Plaza to