The DrupalCon Venue
Amsterdam RAI
Europaplein, 1078 GZ
Amsterdam, Netherlands
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The DrupalCon Hotel
Hotel Novotel Amsterdam City
Europaboulevard 10, 1083 AD
Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Fly to Schiphol Airport
Schiphol Airport (airport code AMS) is the main international airport of the Netherlands, located 20 minutes southwest of Amsterdam. It is the fourth busiest airport in Europe.
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Getting Around - Transit Options
To get from the airport to the RAI in Amsterdam, you will need to take a train. Once inside the city, you are encouraged to walk, take the city transit, or bike!
| Go by train | The easiest way to reach the RAI from Schiphol airport is via a 15 minute train ride. Follow signs from Schiphol for Amsterdam RAI station, platform 1-2 - Sprinter to Almere Oostvaarders OR to Hilversum). Single train tickets are 3,60 € and are available from a ticket machine in the baggage retrieval area and in the main hall. If you do not have a card with a chip and pin code, bring Euro coins..
Not all ticket machines sell paper tickets: you need one with a blue sign on top - NOT the one reading 'OV-chipkaart cardholders'. |
| Yellow Bike | For 50 € enjoy touring the city like a local - by bike! Included in the rental is a bike helmet, two bike locks, a bike map of greater Amsterdam, and insurance. The rental is from Monday-Friday. The bike rental company requires a security deposit of 150 € or 50 € and proof of identity, which Yellow Bikes will retain for the duration of the rental period.
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| Public transport | For 30 € enjoy 6 days or 144 hours of unlimited rides on area trams, metro, and most busses via the city's transit operator, GVB.
Train: Station RAI, with trains from Schiphol and Amsterdam Zuid from the West and Duivendrecht from the East |
| Taxi options | Taxis are usually expensive - even when you share it - and often not even faster then public transport. It's not common to flag taxis down, and they are not allowed to stop everywhere. Instead, walk to a specially marked taxi rank or taxi waiting area or reserve a taxi by phone or online.
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Currency
The official currency in the Netherlands is Euro. While Visa, MasterCard, and Maestro are accepted at most shops and restaurants, cash is welcomed everywhere. Most restaurants do not allow split checks on multiple credit cards, so be sure to carry cash while dining out with large groups! Schiphol airport and your hotel will likely have an ATM for quick cash. View current exchange rates.
Power
If visiting from outside the Netherlands, be sure to bring a 230v power adaptor (plug type F), to ensure your laptop doesn't run out of battery on the first day! If you forget your adaptor, ask your hotel's front desk.
Weather
The mild October weather in Amsterdam is not too warm, not too cold, and can be quite lovely. There may be a chance of rainy weather, so just be sure to pack an umbrella or rain coat!
What's the weather like in Amsterdam?
Dining
Amsterdam is a melting pot of cuisine from all over the world, you can find most anything from street vendors to fine dining, breweries, and bakeries. The biggest meal of the day for the Dutch is dinner, so don't be surprised to be served a lighter breakfast and lunch than you may be used to.
Dining Tips
- Most restaurants serve dinner from 18:00 until about 22:30.
- Amsterdam restaurants are small, so call ahead to reserve a table
- Groups of 12 may be asked to order from limited menus
- If the restaurant is full, you can wait, or you can wander around - there are plenty of dining options in the area!
- Eating hot food out of vending machines is normal
- Bring cash - even if the restaurant takes cards, split checks on multiple cards is generally not possible
Local Picks
- 10 Dutch foods you should try at least once
- 5 Gluten-Free restaurants in Amsterdam
- 15 Vegetarian and Vegan restaurants in Amsterdam
- Need a meal on the go? Moaz has great falafel
- Stock up on healthy snacks at Marqt, a local market with healthy and quality food
Passports and Visas
All visitors to the Netherlands will need a valid passport to enter the country. If you are a citizen of the European Union, the United States, or your country is a party to the Schengen Agreement, you should not need a visa in addition to a passport to enter the country if you plan to stay in Europe for fewer than 90 days. Be sure to check with your country's consulate to determine if you need a visa to travel.
The Drupal Association is happy to issue an official letter of invitation to attendees who require a letter to obtain a visa for travel. If you do need a letter to apply for a visa, we encourage you to request one as early as possible. You must be registered prior to requesting a letter. The last day to request a letter is 12 September.
Plan your Amsterdam trip
Amsterdam Passport and I am Amsterdam are city guides for visitors to Amsterdam, who would like to take some time to explore our inspiring and exciting city.