Amsterdam has a compact center and the best way to experience the city in all its glory is on foot. However, with its typically narrow, brick-cobbled streets and sidewalks, a slow pace is the order of the day. Do also ensure that before crossing a street you check for oncoming traffic; taxis bomb through the city and trams move practically silently (so take extra care near tram tracks). And, as for the ubiquitous bicycles? Well, most cyclists in Amsterdam have the attitude that if it's flat, they can cycle on it, and if it will get them from A to B faster, then it's fair game. So don't be surprised to see a bicycle bearing down on you on a sidewalk, with its bell ringing or horn tooting. Cyclists generally have little patience for pedestrians. And it probably goes without saying, but try to avoid standing in the middle of the road or cycle path reading a map.

If you do want to cross town quickly, Amsterdam has an excellent, and efficient, public transport system run by the GVB, comprising metro, tram and bus routes. Apart from more central stops at the Nieuwmarkt square and city hall, metros are used mostly by people living in the city who travel to the perimeters of the city. Trams are the most common way to get around town and generally run from 6am until just after midnight when 'night buses' take over. Most lines begin and end at Centraal Station where there is a GVB outlet where you can purchase tickets and get a free transport map which will come in handy.

You can either do what most 'Amsterdammers' do and buy a 'Strip Ticket' which can be stamped onboard trams at the start of your journey (either by a conductor or by yourself in one of the yellow machines when there is no conductor). The number of strips you stamp depends on the number of zones you travel across; tickets are also valid for a certain time so you don't have to stamp them again if you change trams (as long as you're within the time limit and designated zones). Stops are usually announced by drivers; do take care when getting off as many stops are in the middle of the road. Children under four travel free and there are reduced-fare strip tickets for 4-11 year olds. Strip tickets are valid for metros and buses, too; as well as at GVB outlets, they are sold at post offices, tobacconists and Albert Heijn supermarkets.

The system can be a little complicated for visitors, however, so consider buying one of the various one-day, two-day or three-day tickets offering unlimited travel on GVB trams, metros and buses (some packages also include discounts to museums and other attractions). These can be purchased from GVB outlets or tourist offices.

Bear in mind however, that the strip ticket is gradually being phased out and the OV-chipkaart (Openbaar Vervoer/Public Transport chip card) has been introduced. The size of a credit card, it can be loaded with 'money' and will soon be the only way to pay for public transport in Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands (including on trains). The switch to the PT Smart Card (when strip tickets will no longer be valid), was originally supposed to take place in 2007, but was postponed to 1 January 2009. Now it seems it won't come fully into play until 2010.

If you need a cab, the most reliable firm in town is TCA (Taxi Centrale Amsterdam; look for the sign on the roof). Generally speaking, you're not supposed to hail them in the street but if you need to, you'll find they will stop. You can pick them up at the various taxi ranks dotted throughout the city, especially near busy squares or by phoning 677 7777 or 777 7777 (if you're using a mobile from abroad, add the dialing codes 31 20 in front).

Finally, the most enjoyable way to navigate this unique city – often called 'the Venice of the north' – is from onboard a boat on the canals. Make sure this is top of your list of things to do.