Amsterdam Central Station (Centraal Station)

Member Name: nickn5

Product:	Centraal Station
Date:	26/07/09 (17 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Central location, trams outside

Disadvantages: Busy, daunting first time visit

Amsterdam Central Station is for many people their introduction to Amsterdam, and quite a nerve-wracking one too. Step off the train, and you see stairs and elevators diving down everywhere, millions of people bustling around, trains everywhere, and you think 'help'.

After you've taken a deep breath, head to the nearest 'dive-down' and join the throngs heaving down on the very wide subway/concourse. If you need any last minute souvenirs or food, you can almost always get something in one of the shops here. The Dutch aren't big users of electronic information screens on platforms - to find out your train time, you need to consult one of the yellow multiple destination posters to see what platform you need.

From inside, it isn't obvious that you are in a building dated from 1889, but step outside and you'll admire the inspired architecture of Pierre Cuypers and A. L. van Gendt, and, believe it or not, the roof girders were made in Derby, England. On my last visit much of the exterior was covered up as there is some restoration work going on, and indeed, the whole station front area is a big building site.

One of the best features of the station is the frequent trams which depart from the very front of the station, and which can save your legs, not that you are very far from any of the main tourist attractions, which is why the name 'Central' is very appropriate.

If you get any problems, the station is staffed and ticket offices are open, at which most of the staff speak passable English and are happy to help.

Summary: Gets easier each time!