Amsterdam was originally founded in the 12th century as a small fishing village and has since become the largest city in the Netherlands. The city is famous for its liberal coffee shops, multiculturalism, red light district (de Wallen) and its many canals, which is why Amsterdam is often called the "Venice of the North". The city is relatively small and therefore can be best explored on foot. Visitors to Amsterdam are often attracted by its liberalness, however Amsterdam is also a picturesque city with its many canals, relaxed atmosphere, green spaces and narrow fronted houses. And of course we should not forget Amsterdam's great selection of museums – Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Rijksmuseum, and the Rembrandt House Museum – all located close to each other.

Country Dialling Code +31
City Dialling Code 20
General Emergencies 112
Fire Brigade +31 (0)20 5556666
Local Police +31 (0)20 5599111
National Police 0900 8844 (within the Netherlands only)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Information 0900 0141 (within the Netherlands only)
Public Transport Information 0900 9292 (within the Netherlands only)

GVB – Amsterdam's General Transport Provider
NS – The Netherlands's Train Network Provider
Thalys – High Speed Train Provider

Australian Embassy +31(0)70 3108200
British Embassy +31(0)70 4270427
Canadian Embassy +31(0)70 3111600
Indian Embassy +31(0)70 3469771
Irish Embassy +31(0)70 3630993
New Zealand Embassy +31(0)70 3469324
South African Embassy +31(0)70 3105920
United States of America Embassy +31(0)70 3102209

* Please note that the embassies are normally based in The Hague and not Amsterdam.