Don’t Do These 5 Things In Amsterdam

Tips for Visiting Amsterdam

Amsterdam is indeed a ‘Dam’ good city (I’m the ultimate pun queen) for the young and adventurous traveler, in that it’s extremely liberal and tolerant. Folks from around the world travel in heaps to this city of bucolic canals, bicycle garages and marijuana to soak in its hedonistic spirit.

Amsterdam Tips: 5 Things You Shouldn’t Do

In terms of experience, vibe, and things to do, Amsterdam stands apart from most other cities in Europe.

However, there are certain things that might ruin your trip and land you in trouble. Keep reading to know exactly what not to do in Amsterdam.

1. Don’t Do Drugs In Public

Extremely important: While cannabis is tolerated, you’re only allowed to smoke in Coffee Shops (which interestingly sell a whole lot more than just coffee) or in the privacy of your home or hotel, if permitted.

Now, you’ll often see people smoking pot in public and getting away with it. The cops are kind of lax and generally don’t bother, and they’ll mostly let you off with a warning if at all they do. But they have the authority to fine you or arrest you if they want to.

Oh, and don’t buy drugs from anyone on the streets. It’s illegal and unsafe. You don’t know what you’re being sold, and who’s selling it to you. Steer clear of chemicals in particular. You’ll solely be responsible for what you get into.

[You Might Like: 10 Reasons Why I didn’t like Amsterdam]

2. Don’t Take Photographs At The Red Light District

I have to put this on record: Amsterdam has the most aesthetically organized and sensibly managed Red Light Area ever.

The women stay behind windows adorned with luminous red lights. They don’t persistently solicit you like they do in, say, Thailand, and their safety is of paramount importance. If you’re caught clicking a picture of the escorts, within seconds you’ll see two hefty men making a run at you and tearing up your camera (and you) into pieces.

Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam, and these women have been granted the prerogative to choose a profession for themselves. Filming them or shamelessly gawking at them is really not cool.

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3. Don’t Walk In The Middle Of The Streets

While a large part of the Amsterdam city center is a car-free zone, it’s not the place for casually ambling down a street as you admire the visual grandeur of the city. Particularly in the bike lanes. The cyclists are merciless – They’ll come out of nowhere and knock you off your feet before you realize what happened.

Make sure you stick to the sidewalks, and be very vigilant while crossing the road. People seem to be in a mad rush of sorts.

I actually saw a guy being knocked over by a biker. So make sure to add this to your list of what no to do in Amsterdam!

4. Don’t Take Public Transport Without a Ticket

Make sure you purchase a valid ticket before boarding a metro, bus or tram in Amsterdam. You can buy the ticket from the bus driver, at the kiosk outside the metro station, or a GVB chipcard from a supermarket or the ticket office. Alternatively, you could get the I Amsterdam City Card, which also gets you free entry to all the major museums and free public transport across the city.

Personally, I didn’t feel the need to travel by public transport all that much. Amsterdam largely has a flat terrain and a manageable size, and it’s best explored on foot. However, if at all you buy a ticket, make sure you validate it on the elevated card reader you’ll spot at bus and train entrance doors.

5. Don’t Smoke So Much You Can’t Remember Your Trip

This may sound rhetorical, but cannabis is mostly viewed as something of a forbidden fruit in most parts of the world. This adds to the lure of visiting Amsterdam and smoking up no holds barred.

But don’t get carried away. Because Amsterdam has massive tourist footfall, the odds of falling prey to petty crimes and scams cannot be ruled out.

So only have as much as you can handle. As long as you’re mindful and street smart, it’s all good.

Have you been to Amsterdam? Do you have any other tips around what not to do in Amsterdam as a tourist? Drop a comment below.

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