Don’t Do These 10 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, 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.

But if you really want to soak up the magic and avoid being “that tourist” in Amsterdam, you’ll need to pay heed to certain things.

Keep reading to know exactly what not to do in Amsterdam.

1. DON’T WALK IN THE BIKE LANES

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.

Amsterdam is a cyclist’s paradise, with dedicated bike lanes crisscrossing the city. Dutch cyclists, though, show no mercy – They’ll come out of nowhere and knock you off your feet before you realize what happened.

I actually saw a poor guy being knocked over by a biker… who, by the way, didn’t even stop to apologize!

Make sure you stick to the sidewalks, and be mindful of oncoming bicycles when crossing the streets in Amsterdam.

2. DON’T TAKE PHOTOS IN THE RED-LIGHT DISTRICT

The Red-Light District is one of Amsterdam’s most famous areas.

And 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, and their privacy is of paramount importance.

Taking pictures is strictly prohibited. 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.

While it’s perfectly fine to explore the district out of curiosity, don’t treat it like a zoo.

Remember, Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam, and the people working there are professionals. Filming them or shamelessly gawking at them is really not cool.

3. AVOID BUYING DRUGS FROM STREET DEALERS

Yes, Amsterdam has a liberal stance on cannabis, but that doesn’t mean it’s the Wild West when it comes to drugs.

Coffee shops are the only places where you can legally buy and consume cannabis. Street dealers, on the other hand, operate illegally and often sell dangerous or fake substances.

Don’t put your health at risk or contribute to illegal activities. Stick to reputable coffee shops if you’re curious about Amsterdam’s cannabis culture, and steer clear of anything being peddled on the streets.

Another thing worth remembering is that while cannabis is tolerated in coffee shops, it’s illegal to consume it in public spaces.

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4. REFRAIN FROM EXCESSIVE USE OF CARS

Think about renting a car in Amsterdam? Think again. The city center is notoriously car-unfriendly, with narrow streets, heavy traffic, and parking spots that are expensive and limited.

Instead, embrace the city’s charm by walking, biking, or using Amsterdam’s ultra-efficient public transport. Not only will these options save you money and frustration, but they’ll also allow you to experience the city like a true local.

Glide along picturesque canals, explore hidden courtyards, and discover neighborhoods that cars just can’t reach. Plus, it’s a more sustainable way to travel, helping preserve the very beauty you’ve come to enjoy.

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5. DON’T LITTER

Amsterdam’s charm lies in its pristine canals and cobblestone streets, and the Dutch take pride in keeping it that way.

Littering, whether in the streets or canals, detracts from the city’s beauty and environmental efforts. Public bins (segregated by waste type) are plentiful, and locals are eco-conscious, so it’s easy to dispose of waste properly.

As a first-time visitor, I noticed that the city wasn’t as clean as I expected. Empty beer cans and cigarette butts were ubiquitous. And it was easy to see that the mess was a making of the tourists, not the locals.

Respect the city by disposing of your trash properly, and you’ll help preserve its charm for everyone. The only thing we want to leave behind is footprints.

6. AVOID LOUD OR DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR

Amsterdam is celebrated for its liberal culture, yet it also boasts quiet neighborhoods and close-knit communities.

Engaging in public intoxication, shouting, or disruptive behavior is not only discouraged but can also lead to fines. For instance, public urination, disorderliness, and littering can result in fines of €140, while public consumption of alcohol can incur a €95 fine.

So, while it’s fine to enjoy the nightlife, remember to keep the noise down, especially in residential areas. Have fun, but keep it cool and respect the vibe.

7. DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE WEATHER

Amsterdam’s weather can be as unpredictable as a mystery novel, with welcome spells of sunshine followed by unexpected downpours. Just when you think it’s safe to leave your umbrella behind, a torrential rainstorm might surprise you.

Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, even in the same day, so packing layers is a smart move. And don’t be fooled by sunny skies; the thing about the Netherlands is – it’s ALWAYS windy.

Always check the forecast before heading out, and be prepared for the elements.

Also PSA – Don’t bother caring an umbrella. It wont hold up against the persistent winds. Even if you take one along, it’s always better to invest in a sturdy waterproof jacket.

8. 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 in the subway station, or a GVB chipcard from a supermarket or the ticket office.

You can also purchase electronic tickets on the GVB app, the official public transportation app for the Netherlands.

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.

If you buy a physical ticket, make sure you validate it on the elevated card reader you’ll spot at bus and train entrance doors.

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/by renting a bike. However, if you take public transport, don’t skip the ticket as it’ll lead to hefty fines.

9. AVOID OVER-TOURISTY AREAD DURING PEAK TIMES

Amsterdam’s major tourist spots like Dam Square or the Anne Frank House can quickly become overcrowded especially during peak times like summer and weekends. Popular museums can feel chaotic with long lines and noisy crowds

If you’re planning to visit these iconic places, try to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid long lines and large crowds.

Although it goes without saying that Amsterdam is always busy, Off-season visits, such as in winter or during shoulder season, could potentially offer fewer crowds.

Also there’s so much in the city beyond the regular touristy attractions. Explore lesser-known gems like Begijnhof, NDSM Wharf, or Hortus Botanicus for a quieter experience. Consider smaller museums like Foam or the National Maritime Museum.

10. DON’T FORGET TO EXPLORE BEYOND THE CITY CENTER

Amsterdam’s charm extends far beyond its tourist-heavy areas. If you venture into neighborhoods like Jordaan, De Pijp, or Noord, you’ll find a quieter, more authentic side of the city, complete with quirky shops, cozy cafés, and a unique kind of charm.

And the best part? The Netherlands is so wonderfully small that you can easily hop on a train and find yourself in a picturesque Dutch village, like Zaanse Schans or Giethoorn, within an hour.

Or you could cycle to nearby towns such as Haarlem, whose beautiful canals, historic sites, and lack of crowds, makes you think you’re in Amsterdam – but better.

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