These friendly, “Gezellig” pubs are warm, comfortable meeting and drinking places for the Dutch, and their visitors. The center of the local Dutch scene, be prepared to down some jenever (gin) and a lot of beer. If you’re lucky a little snack as well. They say they are called “brown” because of the walls being stained by centuries of tobacco smoke wafting through the air. They are “gezellig” because that’s the Dutch word for cozy or comfortable.

For a refreshingly different view of Amsterdam, try a canal boat tour. The canals provide a leisurely pace from which to observe Amsterdam’s unique architecture and street life.

You can find a convenient departure either in the daytime or evening hours from many locations throughout the city. There are even canal boat taxis that can take you directly to your destination. You’ll notice numerous tour operators near Central Station and along the Damrak downtown. There are some good bargains to be found if you shop around.

A fun way to spend explore Amsterdam is to purchase a day ticket, get on and off at different stops to walk around or see a museum then get back on another boat from the same company later, to another destination. Don’t forget the camera!

In the summer you will find talented people performing music, comedy, magic, juggling, etc. all around town, but especially in areas where people congregate like the Leidseplein, Vondelpark or Rembrandtplein. These artists are usually very entertaining and it’s worth a few minutes time to relish the street scene. You’ll probably be asked to donate something and it’s only right if you enjoyed the show. These people are often foreign travelers and this is how they earn money to stay on the road. Busking can be long hard work for little reward.

It’s not only fun, but a convenient and inexpensive way to get around. If you’re going to just ride for one day, get a day pass from the tram conductor or at a vending machine in any train station. You can also purchase “strippenkaarts”with spaces to be stamped by the conductor as you ride. Most rides within the city are in one zone, and take two spaces on your strippenkaart. Each additional zone requires one more space to be stamped. Many trams rely on the honor system, with little clock punchers that you stamp your card yourself with. There is a 60 guilder fine for riding the trams and or subways and trains without a valid stamped strippenkaart.

In spite of all that, you’ll find the tram rides fun, better than walking long distances, and really convenient. It seems there’s always a tram going somewhere, and each stop has very clearly detailed maps of the entire city, and the system. Even if you are not riding the tram, but get lost exploring the city, the tram stop maps can help you find your way to wherever you may be going.

If you are really tram crazy, there is a Tram Museum, and they roll out the old antique trams regularly for tours of the city.