Cycling

There are more bikes than people in Amsterdam, there are currently over 800,000 bikes and counting! Everybody and anybody uses bikes as their main form of transport and once you see the how bike-friendly the city is you will surely be doing as the locals do in no time. Amsterdam is designed for cycling, bikes are treated with the same respect as cars and are given very wide city lanes, tunnels, special roads and crossings. You can even travel the countryside on your bike and it is the perfect way to visit the local areas and experience the beautiful scenery on offer.

Be aware of the law

Amsterdam is also a popular place for tourists because of their relaxed drug laws. Cannabis is common and you are allowed to smoke it publically, so don't be alarmed if you enter a “café” expecting coffee and all that is on offer is Marijuana ! It is normal in Amsterdam and there is an endless number of Cannabis cafés, but you will find a lot of the locals don't smoke it themselves and it is mainly a tourist attraction.

Art appreciation

Art is everywhere in Amsterdam. Whether it is public murals and sculptures lining the streets, or modern art at the Stedelijk museum, or the professional works of Vincent Van Gogh at the Van Gogh Museum, you will never be far from a piece of art! Whether you're an art aficionado or not, there is something for everyone in Amsterdam's art world.

A sense of adventure

No matter how long you plan on being in Amsterdam be sure to get outside of the city and explore the surrounding areas because they are just as beautiful as the city itself. If you purchase a rail and public transport pass you will be able to catch trains and busses to most destinations outside of the city.

You can go swimming in the gorgeous beaches to the North of the city, or visit the famous tulip farms which are only 15-20 minutes outside of the city. Haarlem is where you will find castles and amazing historical buildings surrounded by rolling green hills and gardens and it is only 20 minutes outside of the city. There are also plenty of restaurants and cafes on offer, so even if you only have time for short day trips, you will not be disappointed.

Don't be shy !

There is so much to experience and so many different types of people to meet ! There are travellers and locals, business people and young people, alternative people and fashionable people, and every other type of person in between.

You were drawn to doing an internship in this city for a reason just like everyone else was drawn to Amsterdam, so go out and meet as many people as you can. If you're on a student internship or placement be sure to be actively involved in any social activities your colleagues and co-workers might invite you along to. Don't be shy because the Dutch are super friendly !