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The tram is Amsterdam’s most popular mode of transport. Trams run from 6am (6:30am on Saturday and Sunday) till midnight. Most start at Centraal Station. You can buy tickets in advance from the GVB, or on board the tram itself — from the driver, the conductor or a ticket machine.

Most buses start at Centraal Station. A few follow similar routes, but buses also go to areas not covered by trams; again, see the map at the back. Buses have the same ticketing system as trams. The red and white De Ostapper bus runs every 10 minutes, Mon– Sat, down Prinsengracht (Centraal Station to Stadhuis) and can be hailed anywhere on route. A limited night service runs from midnight to 4am.

Serving more remote parts of the city, the metro has only four lines, all terminating at Centraal Station. There are four other stations in the central area: Amsterdam CS, Nieuwmarkt, Waterlooplein and Weesperplein. It is best to avoid taking the metro at night.

The cheapest way to travel by tram, bus or metro is to buy astrippenkaart (ticket strip available in multiples of 15), adagkaart (day ticket), or asterabonnement (season ticket) — all sold by the public transport authority, the GVB (Gemeente Vervoer Bedrijf ), tourist offices, post offices and some newsagents. A new card, topped up at any ATM and valid on all transport, is currently being tried out.

You cannot hail taxis in the street, but finding one in the centre is usually easy, as there are plenty of taxi ranks: at Centraal Station, Dam Square, Elandsgracht, Leidseplein, Muziektheater, Nieuwmarkt and Rembrantsplein. There is also a 24-hour phone service, Taxicentrale.

The city centre has a complex one-way system, its roads are dominated by trams and cyclists, and parking is limited – and expensive. All of these are good reasons to avoid driving. If you have to, park in a car park or on a meter (most allow you up to two hours).

You will never be very far from a bicycle hire shop in this city of cyclists: Bike City, Holland Rent-a-Bike and Take-a-Bike are all conveniently central. Bike theft is rife, so secure your bike carefully when you park it.

These two-or four-person pedaloes provide a fun way of getting around. There are four moorings in central Amsterdam, where you can collect or leave the bikes all year round.

Nederlandse Spoorwegen, the Dutch national rail company, is renowned for its clean, punctual trains and reasonable fares. Contact the OVR (Openbaar Vervoer Reisinformatie) for information.

Amsterdam is a great city for walking. The main pedestrian hazards are bicycles, trams and cobbled streets, so keep clear of cycle lanes, take care crossing tram tracks, and wear comfortable, flat shoes.