The busiest place in Amsterdam is most likely Centraal Station, where trams, buses, the subways and trains all converge to take travelers in the city to their destinations. It can be intimidating at first, as it is so vast and busy, but you can purchase tickets for anyone of the public transportation vehicles at one place, where all your questions can be answered.

Roadway vehicles are not the only form of transportation located at Centraal Station; you can catch a ferry to Amsterdam Nood here, and they are free. Also noteworthy is the fact that the trams run until well after midnight, afterward there are all night buses. Virtually all of the popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam are accessible from the station, as well as the main districts and squares.

As with all busy public transportation areas in big cities, there are some precautions you should take, especially if this will be one of your first trips to Amsterdam. The station is thick with pickpockets, so keep your wallet in your front pocket of your pants and for the women, use short strapped bags which you can tuck under your arm. If the purse is zippered, keep it zipped, or carry a purse without an open top.

Also, pay attention to the names of the destinations, as many sound quite similar. You can get a map at no charge from the ticket window and there is an information booth nearby so you need never get lost as long as you are willing to ask for help. The currency exchange banks is located just across the street from the station, be sure to keep your money under cover; do not take it out and begin to figure currency conversions outside of the bank. There are safe lockers located in Centraal Station if you are just arriving and do not want to carry baggage, or if you are leaving your hotel but want to explore a little longer. If you keep all of these tips in mind you will look less like a tourist, or mark, and more like a traveler who won't be taken advantage of.