Arrival by Car

Short answer: Not recommended. Amsterdam is one of the most car-unfriendly cities in Europe — this is intentional and city policy. The problems:

• Parking: Street parking in the center costs €7.50 per hour (!) — the most expensive parking in Europe. Parking garages: from €40–60/24h.
• Environmental zone: Older diesel vehicles are not allowed in the center.
• Narrow streets: Many streets are designed for bicycles and pedestrians, not cars.

If you still come by car: Use park-and-ride (P+R) on the outskirts (from €1/24h + public transport ticket). Locations: P+R Zeeburg, P+R Sloterdijk, P+R ArenA. From the P+R, you can reach the center in 15–20 minutes by metro or tram.