Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands

AMSTERDAM : Overview

OVERVIEW

Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands (with a population of just over 1 million,) is of a quaint little village with vibrant nightlife and cultural charm.  While many of the sidewalks and curbs are very wheelchair friendly, strolling along some of the older cobblestone streets or along some of the many tree lined canals could prove difficult for people with disabilities.  However, Amsterdam has been working hard to make the city more accessible for all.  For example, all new buses must be wheelchair accessible.  Despite its challenges, Amsterdam is worth visiting, and as a bonus, it’s ranked one of the top 25 safest destinations in Europe.

LANGUAGE

The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, however most people can speak English fluently.

CURRENCY

The official currency of the Netherlands is the Euro. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, through ATM’s, and at most hotels.

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

AMSTERDAM : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Schiphol Amsterdam Airport: The Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam is modern and accessible. However, it’s very important to call your airline in advance and discuss your needs (e.g. straight back aisle chair, transfer assistance, etc.) for your arrival and departure. They will place your information in the system to alert the airport of your have special needs. Holland’s Schiphol Arrivals Hall (North) has a service to help travelers with disabilities through the airport. You can call +31(0)20 316 1417 for this free service or visit the Schiphol Airport for more details.

There are large wheelchair accessible companion bathrooms in the Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, as well as the typical accessible bathrooms.

When departing from the Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, be sure to arrive a couple hours earlier, especially when flying international. If you have a motorized wheelchair and you typically check it at the gate, you won’t be able to do so at this airport, due to security measures. Airport personnel at the help desk will have you transfer into one of their wheelchairs before you go through security. They will then send your chair down with oversized luggage/items to be loaded into the belly of the plane.

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FERRY

GVB Ferry: The larger ferries are wheelchair accessible. Ferries travel between Central Station and northern parts of Amsterdam. Check the GVB website for more details on timetables, routes and accessibility.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

In Amsterdam, there are wheelchair accessible taxis available.

Boonstra: Boonstra is a wheelchair accessible taxi/wheelchair van service that is equipped with a rear entrance ramp. The van can fit one motorized wheelchair and had room for 6 able-bodied passengers. The owner, Dick Boonstra, was our driver and was very courteous and punctual for both pick up and drop off at the airport. Boonstra also offers city tours of Amsterdam. Since there are only a few accessible taxis in Amsterdam, reservations should be reserved in advance. For photos of the Boonstra accessible taxi, visit our Facebook page or click through the pictures on the top right corner of this page.

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SHUTTLE

GVB Stadsmobiel: Standsmobiel is a small shuttle bus that offers able bodied persons over the age of 65, and people who utilize wheelchairs, door-to-door transport service. To utilize this service, patrons must “hold a special travel pass.” Visit the GVB Stadsmobiel for more information about this service and how to obtain a travel pass.

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RENTAL CAR

The streets of Amsterdam can be quite congested with vehicles, public transportation, and bikes. There are many public transportation options in the city, and the city is relatively compact, so a rental car really isn’t necessary or recommended.

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BUS

GVB Bus: Amsterdam has been adding accessible buses to its fleet. Not all buses are accessible, and be prepared to wait a while for an accessible bus to arrive.

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TRAM

GVB Tram: The tram is a major mode of public transportation.  It travels on a track through the city streets of Amsterdam. There is a curbside platform to board the tram, however the tram door is not level with the platform so there is a gap.  Additionally, not all trams have wheelchair “accessible access”, the trams that claim to be accessible are marked with the international wheelchair symbol. Be careful – even though the trains have the international accessible icon it is still very difficult to board the tram without assistance, due to the gap between the platform and train entrance. A motorized wheelchair will not be able to board the tram easily.

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TRAIN

NS (Dutch Train Company): Many of the stations are equipped with lifts, ramps, and other equipment to assist travelers with disabilities. For travelers with a physical disability, there are people at the station to help assist with getting on and off the trains. Please call Netherlands Railways (tel. +31(0)30/235-55-55) for more information or visit the website. A days notice is required for assistance so they can prepare for your arrival.

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AMSTERDAM : Accommodations

HOTELS

Hilton Amsterdam: The Hilton Amsterdam was largely accessible, except from the street, as there was no curb cut. To get from the street or sidewalk up to the ramp that leads into the hotel, it can be slightly challenging, but there are some low spots to get up the curb. The hotel has a ramp near the stairs to get up to the entrance and has automatic doors. They have quite a few wheelchair accessible rooms, however there is only one room equipped with a roll in shower. Our particular room, room 803, has key card entry (but no automatic door), lowered closet space, a fantastic view of the canal and surrounding architecture, lowered queen bed, accessible bathroom equipped with grab bars that lower around the toilet, emergency call button near toilet, a very large roll in shower, lowered sink, and a makeup mirror that was wheelchair level. The only accessibility complaint would be the desk was too low and a wheelchair could not roll underneath.

Hotel Ibis Amsterdam Centre: Hotel Ibis is located near public transportation, which gives visitors accessible options to get around the city. The hotel currently has 187 rooms, and one room has been converted into an accessible room. Contact the hotel for more information about specifics on the accessible room and hotel.

Laterooms.com: Late Rooms is another good source to research and book wheelchair accessible hotels in Holland. This link was provided to us by the Holland Tourism Board.

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LUXURY RESORTS

Hotel Pulitzer: The Hotel Pulitzer is located approximately 2 blocks from the Anne Frank Huis in Prinsengracht. The hotel’s front entrance is easily accessible with no barriers. The hotel is also equipped with an elevator to access all levels. There are just a few accessible rooms at the Pulitzer and if you require special accommodations, call in advance to ensure you will have a room that meets your specific needs (e.g. roll in shower, etc.).

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AMSTERDAM : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Blue Boat Company: The Blue Boat Company canal tour offers wheelchair accessible access on one of six of their canal boats. The accessible boats are equipped with a ramp and a motorized lift to assist with access. Both manual and motorized wheelchairs will have no problem boarding with little assistance from the captain. The accessible boat dock is located near the Holland Casino on Stadhouderskade, across from the Hard Rock Café.

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ACTIVITIES

Anne Frank Huis: Because of the historic nature of the Anne Frank House, it is unfortunately not fully wheelchair accessible. The museum is a vertical, canal side structure with multiple, narrow staircases to climb. The museum store and café are wheelchair accessible and there is a lift for easy access. There is also a wheelchair accessible restroom located at the museum.

The museum also offers a downloadable word file document to assist people who have difficulty hearing. A tour is also available in Braille for people who have vision difficulties. Please visit the Anne Frank website or contact them for further information regarding access or other services offered for people with disabilities.

Canal Tour: The canal tour is a must do activity when visiting Amsterdam as it gives you historical knowledge of the city, and a glimpse of the beautiful architecture, the many bridges, and streets that line the canal. The Blue Boat Company has 6 accessible boats. Be sure to make reservations in advance because the boat can only accommodate a couple of wheelchairs per boat.

Flower Market: The flower market is one of the most popular places for locals and tourists to visit. Amsterdam is known to have some of the most beautiful flowers in the world and an early visit to the flower market when you first arrive in Amsterdam will give you an opportunity to purchase and enjoy a bundle for you stay in your hotel room. The flower market is located near Dam Square and in close proximity to popular lunch stops. At the market flowers stalls are afloat on the canal and line the entire block. The flower market is fairly accessible, however sometimes there are so many flowers inside the floating stalls it’s difficult to navigate a wheelchair around, plus the cobblestones in the street can be a bit bumpy as well.

I Amsterdam: The I Amsterdam sign is a popular spot for a fun photo opportunity. It’s located in the park near the Rijks and Van Gogh museums. People from around the world have their photo taken here and you can’t leave Amsterdam without a picture with this iconic sign!

Magere Brug: Magere Brug literally means “skinny bridge.” This bridge is a historical bridge, that arches the River Amstel and has been featured in the James Bond movie, Diamonds are Forever. The bridge was first constructed in 1934 and has been renovated several times. Today the bridge can still be accessed by pedestrians and bikers, as well as lifted for an occasional boat. The bridge can be seen by land or by canal boat tour. The bridge is wheelchair accessible.

Van Gogh Museum: The entrance to the Van Gogh Museum can be accessed via lift, which is located around the corner from the stairs. The museum, museum café, and shop are all accessible. There is a lift inside the museum for patrons with disabilities to access all floors.

Red Light District: When you hear “Red Light District” (RLD) the first thought that comes to mind are the scantily dressed women posing and dancing in the red lit windows in buildings alongside the canal and down the alleyways. Honestly, this area of Amsterdam shouldn’t be snubbed as this part of town has a lot of character and charm despite its reputation.

The RLD is sprinkled with bars and restaurants, and eye-catching architecture. When visiting, some precautions should be taken as it can be a bit challenging to get around in a wheelchair, or any type of mobility device. At the beginning of the district there is a small ramp attached to the road, to keep out automobiles. There are no curb cuts, and many of the restaurants and bars have a small step into the entrance. Accessible bathrooms are also difficult to locate. However, if you scout around a bit, you will find an accessible establishment to grab a drink or bite to eat.

Rijks Museum: The Rijks Museum is wheelchair accessible. At the entrance visitors are required to pass belongings through a security machine and patrons are scanned for security measures. The museum is equipped to handle visitors with disabilities and all floors can be accessed via lift. The museums has moved the most popular pieces into a small section of the museum to be exhibited, due to renovations that are underway. The entire museum is scheduled to open back up in 2012.

Shopping: Visitors will find great shopping boutiques throughout Amsterdam. One of the most well know places to shop in Amsterdam is on Kalverstraat, located nearby Dam Square. There are some shops that are wheelchair accessible, but most have a step. This seemed to be the shopping theme throughout Amsterdam.

Heineken Experience: Learn about the Heineken family and how beer is made at the Heineken Experience. The Heineken Experience is wheelchair accessible and a reservation should be booked in advance for people with disabilities. A reservation allows Heineken to prepare for your visit by giving you a guided tour of the facility. A guided tour is highly recommended because the elevators to access the various floors are located in obscure areas. Plus the tour guide gives you a lot of insight, more than you would get from a self guided tour. The tour is very interactive and fun, visitors can make their own videos and email them off to friends, or make a beer bottle logo with your name on it – these are just a few fun and interactive things to do. The facility is equipped with wheelchair companion bathrooms. The Heineken store can be accessed before the tour or via lift after the tour.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Café Gruter Amsterdam: Café Gruter was your typical cute little Dutch café, located just a short stroll from the Van Gogh museum on Willemsparkweg. The walls of the café are busily decorated with charming pictures and signs. The entrance to the café had a slight lip, so getting in with a wheelchair could be challenging, but doable. The café also has an outdoor terrace that can be enjoyed in the warmer months, where accessibility is not an issue. The food here was the best, and perfect for a lunch date!

Half Moon Lounge: Half Moon Lounge is wheelchair accessible and is located in the Hilton Amsterdam Hotel. To access the upper level, there is a ramp located at the back of the bar. There are various size tables to accommodate wheelchairs. While the atmosphere is sophisticated, it is very relaxing.

Hard Rock Café Amsterdam: The Hard Rock Café Amsterdam is located on Max Euweplein 61near the Holland Casino and Blue Boat Canal Tour. Hard Rock Café and the Hard Rock store can be accessed via ramp, which is a portable ramp kept inside the Hard Rock. Visitors must ask the hostess to place the ramp outside. There are also two levels inside the Hard Rock, but no worries; a stair lift is available to assist wheelchairs up to the second level.

Issimo: Issimo is an espresso café located inside the Hilton Amsterdam Hotel and is fully wheelchair accessible. Also a great place to grab a lunchtime Panini.

Pilsvogel: Located on Gerard Douplin, a popular nightspot in De Pijp where the locals hang out. This small café was a great place to experience a Dutch type of establishment and have a good time. Pilsvogel is wheelchair accessible, however the restroom was not.

Pulpo: The restaurant Pulpo, meaning “Octopus” in Spanish was our favorite evening stop and is located on Willemsparkweg. The restaurant is very cute and the service was great. Pulpo offered an affordable menu and the food, wine, and desserts were delicious. As for accessibility, there is a small step getting into the restaurant. Further, there are stairs going to the upper and lower level of the restaurant. However, there is a small dining area next to the bar with 5 tables which are accessible for people who utilize wheelchairs. During the warmer months, Pulpo also offers outdoor dining. Unfortunately, the restroom is located in the inaccessible area.

Robertos Restaurant: Robertos Restaurant is located in the Hilton Amsterdam Hotel and is wheelchair accessible. Chef Johnny can whip up a delicious omelet, if requested. He makes a wonderful “Chicago” omelet.

Small Talk Café: Small Talk Café is located in a convenient area near the Van Gogh and Rijks Museum. The café has a variety of menu options to choose from and is a great place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. The Café is wheelchair accessible. However, the restroom was not, like in many places in Amsterdam.

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AMSTERDAM : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

VZA Zorgt: VZA Zorgt is an ambulance service offering both paramedic care and transport and welfare. The website is written in Dutch, but Google can translate the page to your desired language.

There are many hospitals in Amsterdam, but the Academic Medical Center is one of the main hospitals and highly regarded.

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EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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AMSTERDAM : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Strolling the streets of Amsterdam is relatively safe, however, Amsterdam is known for it’s thousands of bike riders that fill the bike paths along the streets. There are dedicated lanes throughout the city for the bikers, but it can be difficult to see them sometimes. The culture in Amsterdam gives bike riders priority in the bike lane. They don’t mind if individuals in wheelchairs use these lanes, because sometimes it is necessary due to the cobblestones throughout the city, but one must be careful.

When departing from the Schphnool Airport in Amsterdam, be sure to arrive a couple hours earlier, especially when flying international. If you have a motorized wheelchair and you typically check at the gate, you won’t be able to at this airport, due to security measures. Airport personnel at the help desk will have you transfer into one of their wheelchairs before you go through security. They will then send your chair down with oversized luggage/items to be loaded into the belly of the plane.

Amsterdam is largely accessible; however there are many shops and restaurants that have small steps at the entrance. Not to worry though, there are still a lot of options around the city to find an accessible place to dine or shop. Do note that none of the public bathrooms located in restaurants throughout the city had wheelchair access. They are very small and sometimes located down flights of stairs.

Beware that Amsterdam is a bumpy ride… the steets and sidewalks are mostly cobblestone. Some of the bike paths are smooth, but watch out for bikers!

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