Amsterdam Coffeeshop Directory Forums

im planning on going to dam for 2 or 3 days during july.

basically i was wondering if its reasonable to liek walk to all the coffeeshops (no tram). i donno why but i always feel like im going the wrong way on public trasnportation, nevermind ina place where i can speak the language.

or am i making a big deal out of nothing and taking the tram really not that bad?

ThatGuy

NO PROBLEM WALKING MAN...ITS FLAT AND ITS NOT REALLY A HUGE TOWN..WE WERE THERE FOR 2 WEEKS LAST YEAR AND DIDNT USE THE TRAMS ONCE..IF YOU DONT MIND WALKING THATS THE WAY TO GO..YA SEE ALOT MORE THAT WAY..JUST BRING A GOOD MAP OR GPS DEVICE AND YOU WILL HAVE A BLASTJUST WATCH THOSE BUSES TRAMS AND BIKES..

Dual answer:
1. Yes, the trams are extremely easy -- that said, if you're not comforable using them, as USBONGLORD said, you needn't bother. And frankly, if you're only going 2-3 days, you shouldn't bother. They're best used after a couple days getting acclimated. By then, you'll be leaving anyway.
2. Yes, you can walk anywhere and everywhere. The U.S. has no city like it, but you won't find many 750,000-population cities crammed into such a tiny main area anywhere. I would guess you could walk a big circle around the perimeter of central Amsterdam in about an hour, maybe just a bit more.

The confusing part is central Amsterdam isn't laid out on a grid, because of the canals. It's a labyrinth of semi-circular streets. But like any city, if you learn the main streets, you find yourself working off of them, and finding your way.

As USBONGLORD said, get a good, comprehensive map. Also, print out a copy of the ACD printable coffeeshop map from the main portion of this Web site before you go. If you have those two resources, you'll be able to figure out where you are.

And you don't have to worry about not speaking the language. They're smarter than us. They speak ours.

i walked most places! but occasioanly would hop on to a tram up to dam square, free of charge

Mark_d wrote:i walked most places! but occasioanly would hop on to a tram up to dam square, free of charge

If you get caught you'll face a fine of about €50 which just isn't worth the risk seeing you can get a weeks pass for just over €10.

In answer to the original question I'd say no to just walking do a mixture of both, say for example your at central station and you want to get to vondel park it takes about 10 mins on the tram but a good 30-40 mins walking, I personally use the trams, metro and something called the oopstopper (sp?) the majority of the time.

we always intended on paying its not like we were ' being badass skippin the fee' but when we got on the first time with a load of other dutch people no one made their way to the place to pay or had any tickets, so we didnt either.

I think what you're seeing is locals who have passes in their pockets boarding conductorless trams. Everytime I've seen the fare police board and check tickets very few riders are found ticketless.

I was in Helsink recently attending a muslim workshop and I was persuaded by some brothers to skip the fare.

Persuaded by some brothers to ride without paying the fare?!?!?!?!

You need the new WWMD bracelet.

(What Would Muhammad Do?)


http://www.wholesalerscatalog.com/prodd ... =d_210239d

Here in the U.S., evangelical Christians can be seen wearing WWJD bracelets to help them decide what to do when tempted by sin or other "unapproved" activities, like riding on the bus without paying the fare.

There is no way Jesus would have done that. Get yourself a WWMD bracelet, and the next time you're tempted to steal public transportation, or cloud your mind with substance abuse, look at the bracelet and ask yourself "What Would Muhammad Do?" and then decide upon your course of action.

Good luck in your quest for your Heavenly Reward. I hope it works out for you.



This guy has to be a troll......

Larry wrote:I think what you're seeing is locals who have passes in their pockets boarding conductorless trams. Everytime I've seen the fare police board and check tickets very few riders are found ticketless.

makes alot of sense....well i guess we just got lucky

I walked all over Amsterdam for my first 10 trips--then I rented a bicycle. Bike riding massively expanded my area of exploration(especially into the north amsterdam/ransdorp areas). After a couple of trips featuring bike rides, I decided to go back to walking since i seemed to be missing alot due to having to concentrate so much while stoned!
Once you know your way around you can augment your walking with trams, or, mainly, ride trams when the weather isn't cooperating---oh, and i mainly use the strippenkarts coz they're cheaper.
Regarding bikes: late night rides through the mostly empty streets totally rule!!

it is tempting to ride a bike when there...but i mean i find walking a challenge when that stoned

Oh man I love wandering around the streets completely blazed. Once you're used to the traffic systems and the main streets it's a hell of a lot of fun just to walk around for an hour or two building up an appetite (as if the weed doesnt do that for you) and enjoying your high. Walking around is one of the best parts of Amsterdam. I've only ridden a tram once and it was only because the people I was with had the passes.

One of my favorite things is just walking the canals in the Jordaan area at night.

i allways walk i dont advise taking a taaxi unless you want a rally lesson in a merc kompressor i did it once and never again.
my saying you got legs so use them even if there not working properly