Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Amsterdam, The Netherlands on Tripadvisor: See 1,852,238 traveller reviews and photos of Amsterdam tourist attractions. Here’s a handful of things that you should (and shouldn’t) do as a tourist in Amsterdam: Although no helmet is required when riding a bike in Amsterdam, obeying traffic rules is. It’s like talking to a politician: you won’t get anything out it, and in the end you’ll discover he is only after your money. In Amsterdam locals and tourists alike can legally buy and use soft drugs, but the best place to do so is in licensed coffeeshops (yes, that’s what we call them…). The old inner city is just not well-suited for vehicles carrying a dozen drinking and shouting revellers. As the oldest area in the city, it’s full of historic architecture, scenic canals and cobblestone alleyways. Plenty of guidebooks and Google searches can tell you the things to do and the sites to see. But, like anyplace, there are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting the Dutch capital. What Not to Miss in Amsterdam. If you get caught sneaking a pic, things could get confrontational. Transformed into a shop or tea room, you can enter to view photographs of the house at the time. Police, emergency services, medical professionals and others have reported a sharp rise in the number of people who have suffered psychosis after using marijuana. For those of you who, like me, have not done so – let me explain. For it is not the only one in Amsterdam to be given this status. To many foreign tourists, Amsterdam means three things: legal prostitution, legal weed and the Anne Frank House. Do not try to outrun trams. Yes, do enjoy yourself but not at the expense of the city, the locals, or your own health. Here are 10 top things you can do in Amsterdam but not in the US. After using them, she committed suicide by jumping off a building onto a freeway. Hit the Bar when you hit 18 . 14 of the Oddest Rules That Exist in Switzerland. Amsterdam! And if someone wearing a ‘police uniform’ approaches you and demands to see your wallet ‘because there are false Euros in circulation,’ you can be sure that — if you comply — you’ll soon discover that your real money was indeed exchanged for fake bills. Even though it is free and features some truly fascinating items, including a police report given by Anne Frank concerning her stolen bicycle and the document that banished Baruch Spinoza from Amsterdam’s Jewish community, this exhibition rarely gets busy. Don’t flash your cash. 2. Look, even touch if you so desire (its not our place to judge), but do NOT take pictures of the working girls. Do not give money to the junkies. Another thing most of them share: an inexplicable desire to replace antique store fronts and interiors with ugly, visually ‘loud’ modern designs. Did you come all the way to Amsterdam to waste an hour on Ripley’s? Keep in mind that when you cross the street behind a tram, another tram — traveling in the opposite direction from the first tram — may be racing toward you (For you British folks: they’re coming from the right). Trust us when we say this: absolutely nobody is impressed with the number and size of joints you believe you can smoke at one time (or, for that matter, the amount of beer you think you can drink). Welcome to Holland! You can count on the fact that people are watching you, and that they are just waiting for you to do something stupid — like entering an area where you can easily be robbed. Amsterdam is on the top of many people’s bucket lists, and for good reason. Amsterdam has the reputation of being an “anything goes” city. Photo: Museum of Prostitution – Red Light Secrets/Facebook. Anton Hein’s website includes photos of Amsterdam. Don’t be that … Too, you may end up in one of several illegal, overcrowded hotels. What NOT to wear in Amsterdam. Save yourself a lot of stress, and don’t rent a bike inside Amsterdam. While Amsterdam may be known as one of the most permissive places on Earth, some things here aren't merely within your right to do, but rather are your responsibility to experience. Second most important rule: do not exceed the recommended dosage. Things not to do in Amsterdam. In the process many iconic, picturesque views are destroyed by the grotesque bunches of locks. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. #Amsterdam #cityguide - Duration: 6:17. Usually the rates they quote are invented on the spot. Most of the Amsterdam coffeeshops are not known for selling excellent coffee, instead, they are known to sell excellent pot. Want to show the world that your love each other? If your wheel gets caught in one of the tracks you’re likely to fly head-over-wheels into traffic. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Visit top-rated & … At the time only those 18 years and older could buy psychedelic mushrooms at a so-called ‘Smart Shop.’ Turned away by a store, this girl instead asked her friend to purchase the ‘shrooms’ for her. Watch Out For Pickpockets. The girl’s tragic death became a catalyst for the ban on magic mushrooms. Besides the RLD, Amsterdam is also known for their choice to legalize soft drugs such as mushrooms, coffee shops and marijuana. You can save a lot of money by heeding our recommendation on where to change your money. Take a selfie on a lock-free bridge. These houses, which are about 2 metres wide, are among the oldest houses in Amsterdam. And when in Amsterdam, do as Amsterdammers do: walk on the sidewalk, not the bike path. Janet was born in England and grew up in Ireland (and truly has an Irish nature). What to do in Amsterdam in one day Rise and shine. 81.000 people live in the center of town, while 87.000/day travel to the inner city for work. Really? Some tourists are so eager to visit a coffeeshop that they go there directly from the train station — carrying all their luggage. Yes, Coffeehouses in Amsterdam are famous but they are famous for selling soft drugs like Hash, Marijuana, and Cannabis - definitely no coffee here! Next, in no particular order, our tips and suggestions on what not to do in Amsterdam: Don’t worry. So as not to spoil your holiday, read our guide to Amsterdam, keep to the rules we outlined above, and you will only have lovely memories of your trip. Worse, people who live and work in downtown Amsterdam2 positively hate beer bikes. As you might imagine, residents and business people also do not look kindly on various drinking tours, hen- and stack parties, and other types of group activities that cause nuisance. 10. Don’t do the hop-on hop-off bus in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is not a free-for-all, so don’t go about town possessing, buying, and using pills, heroin, cocaine, and meth — you will face legal action if caught. You’re in Amsterdam. What Not To Do in Amsterdam. Woodman remains belligerent and his Wikipedia entry is carefully sculpted to exclude details about the ruse, but the National Geographic Channel has agreed to put its admission in writing, and has promised to not re-broadcast the episode. 4 things not to do in Amsterdam. There are plenty of things you can do in Amsterdam. You get what you pay for, free spam included. However here is a list of what not to do in Amsterdam as a tourist to not land you in trouble. Your mileage may differ, but in our opinion most tourists won’t ever lie awake from having missed these spots: Put the wax figures on the back burner until you have a chance to visit the vastly superior London location instead. However here is a list of what not to do in Amsterdam as a tourist to not land you in trouble. (That said, a police officer will always have to answer affirmatively to the question, “Are you a police officer?” That may or may not work. March 2007: A 17-year old French tourist asked an older friend to buy her some psychedelic mushrooms. You can take pictures of, say, the area’s architectural treasures, but if you aim your camera at one of the scantily-clad ladies in the windows you may find yourself getting closely acquainted with the nearest canal – via one or more bouncer types. The city felt insulted and said it would take the show to court for harming its reputation. There are endless things to do in Amsterdam in any weather and many of the most rewarding experiences lie beyond the well-trodden tourist paths of the city centre. One of Amsterdam’s must-do activities which, though a cliché, is still the best way to explore the city. Do not be drawn into a conversation with a junkie. This guide is different, here’s what to avoid in Amsterdam. However it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good trip to Amsterdam if you’re on a budget. Strongly advised: Make sure at least one person in your party stays sober to help you in case things go pear-shaped (e.g. A 48 hour Iamsterdam card costs €65 and with it you get free entry to the Zoo (worth €20.50), the Van Gogh Museum (worth €17) and pretty much every other museum in Amsterdam, as well as a free one hour canal cruise (worth €16). The sale of hallucinogenic “magic” mushrooms was banned starting December 1, 2008 — as a direct result of a number of deadly incidents. So your declaration of ‘eternal love’ lasts at best six weeks. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Yes. How unfair! Come to think of it, it pays to familiarize yourself with the taxi situation in Amsterdam. You don’t want to run the risk of someone driving off with your stuff still on board. The women behind the glass windows on De Wallen in the red light district aren’t there for a risqué holiday snap. Don’t do 2: Get high in all sorts of ways I know Amsterdam is known as the city of sins, but I never understood why people would come to Amsterdam “j ust to get high “. If that is you, re-read the section titled, “Don’t be foolish with drugs.”. Don’t Mistake the Blue Lights in the Red Light District. At best, you’ll look like a rude, insensitive tourist, and at worst, you could face an unwanted altercation with an undesirable pimp (Amsterdam’s red light district is largely controlled by various mafia groups). This may seem like a romantic idea to some, but the reality is that all those padlocks damage Amsterdam’s iconic bridges. Here we are walking down the street at night, after a day out walking around. Amsterdam’s electronic ticket system (which, just like the Euro, wasn’t going to be more expensive than the old one — but still appears to costs twice as much as before) has greatly curtailed fair dodging, but shifty characters can still find ways to travel for free. Thousands of artists registered themselves with their illuminating lights artworks to … Buy an OV-chipcard in advance (from a tobacco store, the supermarket, or the ‘GVB’ ticket office at Central Station). Unless you need to cross them, avoid the tram tracks. You can walk past and look, that’s fine. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Amsterdam Tours Things To Do In Amsterdam. There is so much to see and do in The Netherlands and, thanks to a wonderful transit system, navigating the country is … Be adventurous. These urban trains go faster than you can run, and they usually have — and take — the right of way. December 14, 2016 by Peter Simon View All On 1 Page. The locals don’t even smoke it as much as you think they might. In many buildings, you will not find lifts so pack light and save yourself the agony of dragging your belongings up flights of stairs. Pages, articles and photos on this website may not be framed, copied, archived and/or reposted. Not everyone who comes to the RDL is looking to procure the produce, so to speak. I am sure you will be amazed. December 14, 2016 by Peter Simon View All On 1 Page. Withlocals 598,883 views. What’s up with all the huge pots of Nutella in the windows of countless ‘bakeries,’ candy stores, and hole-in-the-walls? It is not a good idea to reply to their whispered “hash? As in other historic cities, many bridges in Amsterdam are being destroyed by so-called love locks. While pickpockets go after everyone, try not to look like a tourist. The obvious things are listed below so that it will be easy for you to avoid these things in your next Amsterdam tours. Amsterdam is a tolerant city, it seems that everything goes in this city, but that’s not the case. coke?” questions. Have some free cookies! Withlocals 598,883 views. than anywhere else in the world! 50 Things Not To Do In Amsterdam Source: https://cdn.civitatis.com With its 17th century canals, miles of multi-colored tulips that create the most intricate floral blanket, bikes, bikes and more bikes, and well… the weed, Amsterdam is a mishmash of laidback living that also has a huge number of exciting things to do … Start the day right with a fresh coffee and a big breakfast – you’re going to need it. Although Amsterdam is a small city, its inner city is congested. Just visit Amsterdam more often. So all we can do is ask you kindly: please help stop the Disneyfication3 of Amsterdam by not renting beer bikes. While’s you’re concentrating on looking your best, they are concentrating on the contents of your pockets and bags. Pedestrians, cyclists, metros, taxis, buses; they all share the narrow lanes. ‘Dying’ is high on our ‘What Not To Do In Amsterdam’ list. DutchAmsterdam is an independent travel guide made by locals - the Amsterdam Experts. We’re convinced the popular cocao paste is used as bait in tourist traps. Going to Amsterdam? The BEST things to do in Amsterdam handpicked by the locals. 1. 15 Things NOT to Do in Amsterdam. Of course, you can not miss extensive shopping streets with the most exclusive brands in the world and there are hundreds of tips for a day out. Our rule of thumb: if the store area is (nearly) as big as the museum, it’s a shop masquerading as something else. Love locks are regularly removed from bridges and other objects throughout the city. The annual light festival is the highlight of the winters in Amsterdam. Photo: Museum of Prostitution – Red Light Secrets/Facebook. Here are 15 things NOT to do in Amsterdam. Some just want to gawk at the salacious spectacle of it all. If you are smart, then asking for a coffee in these coffeehouses is not the right thing to do in Amsterdam. What NOT to do as a tourist in Amsterdam Tourist information tends to be concerned with the do’s: ‘Do visit the Stedelijk’, ‘do drink Heineken’, ‘do get on the bus and visit the Keukenhof garden’. If you have to have a souvenir from the Red Light District, buy a postcard. The city council has been trying to ban the bikes from most of the center of town, but thus far the tour operators have succeeded in their legal challenges against such measures. He did, but — as far as authorities have been able to determine — apparently failed to relay the extensive Do’s and Don’ts instructions the seller gave. For instance, be aware of cute young kids who charm you into posing with them for a photo. Do listen to — and follow — the advice of the staff in the coffeeshops. Shown is the shop’s display at the outside ‘free market’ during one of the Queen’s Day (now King’s Day) celebrations. Amsterdam is not a free-for-all, so don’t go about town possessing, buying, and using pills, heroin, cocaine, and meth — you will face legal action if caught. Also, keep in mind that Dutch marijuana is known for its potency. Reportedly the city of Prague is also considering legal action against the program. Don’t help pickpockets empty you out — and, DutchAmsterdam is registered with the Kamer van Koophandel (Chamber of Commerce): 62798995, This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Basically these tours are meant to sell you tickets. 15 Things NOT to Do in Amsterdam. Nowadays, Amsterdam still is home to a fair share of … They know where to get help, including food, medicines and medical care, shelter, counseling, et cetera. Same goes for the ubiquitous ‘Tours & Tickets’ offices. Don’t Mistake the Blue Lights in the Red Light District. It seems like a friendly gesture: a pretty Dutch girl, a young boy, or a grandmotherly women will walk up to you with a plate full of home-baked cookies. On a recent Friday, cities workers removed 500 kilo worth of locks from the guy-wires of popular bridge in downtown Amsterdam — only six weeks after after removing a similar amount of steel. Its relaxed, permissive, tolerant, liberal approach to things like sex and drugs are legendary, so one might think there were no rules or guidelines to abide by here. We’ll help you with what to mind, so you can enjoy your stay in our lovely city. 2. Tours, Skip the Line Tickets, Museums, Excursions and Activities, Where (and where not) to change your money, Public Transport to and from Schiphol Airport, Pick Your Own Tulips in Amsterdam on National Tulip Day …, Amsterdam Coronavirus (COVID-19) Measures, The shop at this location, Singel 387, is currently called ‘420 Coffeeshop’. That’s not a good idea. There are some things that are best to be avoided, although being perfectly legal in the city. Some guys, usually having found some ‘courage’ after drinking too much beer, act like completely idiots when they spot a scantily-dressed woman. When the young lads are busy pleading to the almighty to make them age faster to reach 21, which is actually the legal drinking age in America, the party has already begun in Amsterdam. Getting too stoned. The internet is completely filled with it: things to do in Amsterdam! And do we need to say this? What Not To Do in Amsterdam. 1. This museum is considered one of the world’s top fashion museums and contains over 5,000 bags. The unofficial slogan for the city used to be ‘Come for the weed, stay for the hookers’. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. There are some things that are best to be avoided, although being perfectly legal in the city. Don’t Take Pictures of the Women in the Windows One of the most popular neighborhoods visitors flock to Amsterdam is De … It is a lot stronger than what you may be used to. While Amsterdam is an incredibly enjoyable city with freely accessible soft drugs, people can get stupid fast. So whether you’re looking to party, eager to discover new experiences or just want to chill out with some friends, Amsterdam really has it all. Also do NOT cycle on the sidewalk… like I am doing here – oops! Visit top-rated & … So we’ve made a counter list of things NOT to do in Amsterdam. Bike paths seem to hold a near-irresistible attraction for some tourists. Please leave your feedback and be the first! That is strictly prohibited around here. Don’t look like you’re lost, either. Source: https://cdn.civitatis.com. It is perhaps one of the most frustrating things that can happen to you when you’re out for a day out in a big city, or even walking outside on the street: pickpockets! It’s not worth it. The Red Light District is perfectly safe, but keep the following tips in mind. Although Amsterdam may not strike you as one of the world’s fashion capitals like Paris or Milan, it is home to the world’s largest collection of handbags at the Museum of Bags and Purses. Top 20 things to do in Amsterdam . Don’t smoke pot the entire time. Don’t be that guy. [details]. You do not want to spend your vacation money on fines, right? Again, if you have to buy drugs buy them in one of the many licensed coffeeshops in the area. Surprisingly there are only a very few articles that guide you as of what not to do in Amsterdam. Some of the ladies (or those pretending to be) will douse you and your camera with a bucket full of ammonia- or bleach-laced water. While residents usually avoid this area, thousands of people actually live in Amsterdam’s centre and don’t appreciate being sidelined by large groups of tourists walking slowly through thoroughfares like Damstraat, Leidsestraat or Damrak. It’s best to avoid eye contact with street loiterers, beggars and junkies. There are no comments for this video. In recent years open borders with more and more east-block countries have contributed to, among other things, an influx of criminals who employ a range of creative methods. Those of you who have sampled the wares of a koffieshop are probably sniggering now. The risk is yours.). Don’t have an older person buy drugs for you either. At around the same time, Google — honoring an official request from the City — removed the term ‘Love Lock Bridge’ from Google Maps. Therefore we recommend to be cautious! As always, when visiting a foreign country check and see what the locals are doing. 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