Amsterdam - Walking

Last Updated: December 3, 1999

The central city of Amsterdam is not very big. It is reasonable to walk as a means of transportation. In fact, it is enjoyable to walk to places. It's reasonable safe (although it's crowded, and pickpockets are supposedly a concern; I haven't had problems yet, but take reasonable precautions), it's pleasant walking by the canals, and it's interesting looking at the buildings and shops. But: it can be hard to find your way around, and you need to be bike/car aware.

Amsterdam is like a game of Zork: A maze of twisty little passages all alike. Take a map, learn the landmarks, ask for directions. If you walk along canals, it's harder to get lost, but it's possible. I enjoy getting slightly lost: Wandering somewhere that I don't quite know, but knowing that I can get back if I walk around enough. Except the first time I did this, I confused two landmarks and walked in circles for 2 hours.

The biggest concern when walking is where to walk and crossing streets. On big streets like Damrak there are wide sidewalks and it's no problem. On the smaller canal streets, the sidewalks are often blocked and you have to walk in the streets. That's a bit more of a problem. So a few lessons in pedestrian safety and how to not look too much like a tourist.

There are bicycle lanes. They may be tempting to walk in, and at times you will, but if you do, watch closely for bicycles and expect someone will eventually ring their bell at you or brush by you at high speed. The most annoying things about tourists in Amsterdam is that they don't understand the bicycle lanes and often stand in them obliviously starting at something.
Bicycles ignore traffic lights. When you cross the bicycle lanes, look both ways before crossing, especially if you have the light. Bicycles will usually ignore the lights.
You will cross against the lights, but be careful doing so. On big streets, there are lots of lanes with different vehicles in them. The medians make it easier; use them. Watch for taxis: they drive fast and on the tram lanes, which is a bit unexpected.
Watch your step. Most people don't clean up after their dogs.

What you'll eventually find is that it's a bit much to walk to all the places you want to go to, especially if you want to walk around in the musuems. In that case, consider getting a bike or taking public transit. You should still do some walking through the city and along the canals, but that'll happen almost automatically.