what not to do in amsterdam

Most of the Amsterdam coffeeshops are not known for selling excellent coffee, instead, they are known to sell excellent pot. Tickets bought in the tram or bus are much more expensive. You saved up your hard-earned money to come to Amsterdam. We have reviews of the best places to see in Amsterdam. Going to Amsterdam? 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’. You might have to plan your trip a bit better, so you can find cheap alternatives. The internet is completely filled with it: things to do in Amsterdam! 14 of the Oddest Rules That Exist in Switzerland. Did you come all the way to Amsterdam to waste an hour on Ripley’s? Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. The park is not that different from any other park, besides that it is in the city centre. It’s hard to know what not to do in Amsterdam with so many guides giving contrasting information. One of the most popular neighborhoods visitors flock to Amsterdam is De Wallen, the infamous Red Light District. Here are 15 things NOT to do in Amsterdam. You can save a lot of money by heeding our recommendation on where to change your money. Ensuring that you stay on the right side of the law as a tourist is imperative. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Many Amsterdammers boycott these business, and we at DutchAmsterdam urge you to do the same. Don’t give a huge chunk of it away by exchanging it for euros in the wrong place. Enter your email address to subscribe to DutchAmsterdam and receive notifications of new posts by email. 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). Don’t look like you’re lost, either. Pace yourself and don’t fool yourself. This may seem like a romantic idea to some, but the reality is that all those padlocks damage Amsterdam’s iconic bridges. Museum address: Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Nederland. It’s no big shocker that De Wallen is known as the Red Light District, as the kamer sex cabins are literally illuminated with red lights. It’s no big shocker that De Wallen is known as the Red Light District, as the kamer sex cabins are literally illuminated with red lights. Amsterdam is a city of free morals, but this does not mean that anything goes. Enjoy the View from the Public Library. Not everyone who comes to the RDL is looking to procure the produce, so to speak. (Then again, you do get a great view of Dam Square and Damrak from the huge, round window at the top floor.). This guide is different, here’s what to avoid in Amsterdam. Next, in no particular order, our tips and suggestions on what not to do in Amsterdam: Don’t worry. Buying Drugs. The Red Light District has turned into a massive tourist attraction in Amsterdam and this includes the women in the windows. We all know that Amsterdam is a freewheeling city, buy everything is not so in the city. And some runners don’t easily take ‘no’ for an answer. Don’t be that … 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! 15 Things NOT to Do in Amsterdam. March 2007: A 17-year old French tourist asked an older friend to buy her some psychedelic mushrooms. Second most important rule: do not exceed the recommended dosage. Attending this 2 months event this year is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in December 2020. Can we count on you to put ‘riding a beer bike’ on your ‘What Not To Do In Amsterdam’ list? Unbelievable! DO note bicycle lanes marked with a bike symbol. 6:17. Here are 10 top things you can do in Amsterdam but not in the US. Don’t smoke pot the entire time. Want to show the world that your love each other? December 14, 2016 by Peter Simon View All On 1 Page. The sale of hallucinogenic “magic” mushrooms was banned starting December 1, 2008 — as a direct result of a number of deadly incidents. As a result, at Central Station – and throughout downtown Amsterdam – people who look like tourists (carrying backpacks or suitcases) will be accosted by hotel runners. The old inner city is just not well-suited for vehicles carrying a dozen drinking and shouting revellers. By the way… some things in Amsterdam are not what they appear to be. #Amsterdam #cityguide - Duration: 6:17. To many foreign tourists, Amsterdam means three things: legal prostitution, legal weed and the Anne Frank House. ‘Dying’ is high on our ‘What Not To Do In Amsterdam’ list. Amsterdam is on the top of many people’s bucket lists, and for good reason. With its picturesque canal network, rich history and thrumming cultural scene, the capital of the Netherlands is one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Freedom does come with responsibilities. There are some things that are best to be avoided, although being perfectly legal in the city. ‘Dying’ is high on our ‘What Not To Do In Amsterdam’ list. Visit top-rated & … One of the best things to do in Amsterdam’s city center is visit the public library. Some just want to gawk at the salacious spectacle of it all. Here we are walking down the street at night, after a day out walking around. They’re professionals who know their stuff. 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. You’re in Amsterdam. #4 Illegitimate Drugs. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Amsterdam, The Netherlands on Tripadvisor: See 1,852,238 traveler reviews and photos of Amsterdam tourist attractions. Image Source: Unsplash.com. Image Source. 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. 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. What not to do in Amsterdam — tourist traps and other mistakes to avoid. Come to think of it, it pays to familiarize yourself with the taxi situation in Amsterdam. In 2014 three young tourist died after using what they thought was cocaine, bought from a street dealer. 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). At around the same time, Google — honoring an official request from the City — removed the term ‘Love Lock Bridge’ from Google Maps. What to do in Amsterdam in one day Rise and shine. The unofficial slogan for the city used to be ‘Come for the weed, stay for the hookers’. The BEST things to do in Amsterdam handpicked by the locals. Just visit Amsterdam more often. Too, some things — while perfectly legal — are best avoided. 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. Unless you need to cross them, avoid the tram tracks. Unlike many other city centers, downtown Amsterdam has a unique combination of homes, shops and offices. However, be aware that the marijuana sold in coffee shops is a lot more potent (at least twice as strong!) Cheap things to do. It is not a good idea to reply to their whispered “hash? What’s up with all the huge pots of Nutella in the windows of countless ‘bakeries,’ candy stores, and hole-in-the-walls? This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Laws for tourists in Amsterdam 2020. The obvious things are listed below so that it will be easy for you to avoid these things in your next Amsterdam tours. You don’t want to run the risk of someone driving off with your stuff still on board. If you are smart, then asking for a coffee in these coffeehouses is not the right thing to do in Amsterdam. Save yourself a lot of stress, and don’t rent a bike inside Amsterdam. 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. 10. And all of that within 50 meters, that is how you could describe the park. Plague? We’re convinced the popular cocao paste is used as bait in tourist traps. For those of you who, like me, have not done so – let me explain. And you really don’t want to go where they want you to go. What Not To Do in Amsterdam. De Wallen, Amsterdam Just don’t do it. In addition, taxis, buses, emergency vehicles and some bozos also use the tram lanes. You do not want to spend your vacation money on fines, right? Each year, a number of tourists die or are badly injured in collisions with trams. 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. Drugs We can say what not to do here, but the best advice would be what you can do. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This article was first published on November 28, 2005. Get them from either the driver or the conductor. When you arrive at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, runners for unlicensed taxis will accost you. 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’. City worker removes 500 kilo (1100 pound) of love locks in order to prevent further damage to a historic bridge. Do Not Take Photos Of The Girls In The Red Light District. The Red Light District is perfectly safe, but keep the following tips in mind. There is so much to see and do in The Netherlands and, thanks to a wonderful transit system, navigating the country is … Shown is the shop’s display at the outside ‘free market’ during one of the Queen’s Day (now King’s Day) celebrations. You’ll also want to avoid other pedestrians-only areas, such as the Leidsestraat. Transformed into a shop or tea room, you can enter to view photographs of the house at the time. This is such a good investment if you plan on seeing the best of Amsterdam, and not only in terms of money but of time too. December 14, 2016 by Peter Simon View All On 1 Page. Photo: Museum of Prostitution – Red Light Secrets/Facebook. It is a lot stronger than what you may be used to. Do not be drawn into a conversation with a junkie. Knowing that their industry is under close observation, the shopkeepers continue to go to great lengths to provide proper instructions. Also do NOT cycle on the sidewalk… like I am doing here – oops! The locals don’t even smoke it as much as you think they might. Love locks are regularly removed from bridges and other objects throughout the city. [, Don’t buy drugs if you are younger than 18, Avoid Nutella Spam, Cheese Spam, Tours & Tickets Spam, (Just to break it up a bit: some ‘What to do in Amsterdam’ tips), Don’t make a beeline for the nearest fast-food ‘restaurant’ that reminds you of home, Hello! This list is a bit different. Amsterdam is a tolerant city, it seems that everything goes in this city, but that’s not the case. Dive in. Source: https://cdn.civitatis.com. Do: Visit the Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostitution. The girl’s tragic death became a catalyst for the ban on magic mushrooms. But, like anyplace, there are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting the Dutch capital. 2. For it is not the only one in Amsterdam to be given this status. Travelers favorites include #1 Vondelpark, #2 Jordaan and more. It’s no secret that prostitution is alive and thriving within the streets of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Also, keep in mind that Dutch marijuana is known for its potency. Again, if you have to buy drugs buy them in one of the many licensed coffeeshops in the area. Welcome to Holland! For instance, be aware of cute young kids who charm you into posing with them for a photo. It is put on for the tourists. Really? Don’t ruin it for yourself and others. There are plenty of things you can do in Amsterdam. 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…). Bonus tip: Do not pay your taxi driver until you’ve got all your luggage out of the car. That shirt was a cream coloured thing with a floral pattern. Not only can you end up buying stuff you did not intent to get — such as dried and crushed cabbage leaves or powdered pain killers — but those kind of deals usually take place in dark alleys or doorways where you can easily be accosted and relieved of your valuables. Unlike most other museums in Amsterdam, it is possible to enter the City Archives’ main exhibition without paying an entrance fee. Don’t be that guy. You’ll see wolfpacks of drunken guys, curious couples, gaggles of hen partiers and camera toting Japanese bus tourists among the “interested shoppers”. 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. It makes you extra vulnerable. Yes, Coffeehouses in Amsterdam are famous but they are famous for selling soft drugs like Hash, Marijuana, and Cannabis - definitely no coffee here! If you get caught sneaking a pic, things could get confrontational. Bottom line: some rules are simply there to protect you or your friends from doing something stupid. Amsterdam! Getting too stoned. Discover 57 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Amsterdam, Netherlands from Electric Ladyland: The Museum of Fluorescent Art to Singel 7. The obvious things are listed below so that it will be easy for you to avoid these things in your next Amsterdam tours. Here are 15 things NOT to do in Amsterdam. Please leave your feedback and be the first! Just saying. 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 … Below are photos of what the exterior looks like (though there are usually crowds of people waiting to get in so its easy to spot). Your GetYourGuide Ticket Advantage: Authorized Ticket Seller Printed or Mobile Voucher Accepted Instant Confirmation. Oudezijds Achterburgwal, in the center of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. That’s not a good idea. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. We’ll help you with what to mind, so you can enjoy your stay in our lovely city. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. #Amsterdam #cityguide - Duration: 6:17. You can find excellent breakfast, brunch and coffee in every neighbourhood in the city - see our guide to the best breakfast spots. Police, emergency services, medical professionals and others have reported a sharp rise in the number of people who have suffered psychosis after using marijuana. Despite its liberal, anything-goes reputation, Amsterdam’s standing as a city of vice is waning. Ranking of the top 25 things to do in Amsterdam. Our Suggestion: Try the soft drugs if you are okay with using drugs. What NOT to wear in Amsterdam. This is the reason, we've compiled a list of ten things that you should avoid when you are in Amsterdam. As the oldest area in the city, it’s full of historic architecture, scenic canals and cobblestone alleyways. However here is a list of what not to do in Amsterdam as a tourist to not land you in trouble. Another thing most of them share: an inexplicable desire to replace antique store fronts and interiors with ugly, visually ‘loud’ modern designs. Here are 5 things NOT to do in Amsterdam! Amsterdam is known for its cannabis culture and the Red Light District. For one thing, you’d help perpetuate an age-old problem. They’re here to check out the 300-odd window parlors of prostitutes on display like wares at a farmer’s market. Janet was born in England and grew up in Ireland (and truly has an Irish nature). If you have to have a souvenir from the Red Light District, buy a postcard. 1. 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. Anton Hein’s website includes photos of Amsterdam. Pedestrians, cyclists, metros, taxis, buses; they all share the narrow lanes. 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 “. They know where to get help, including food, medicines and medical care, shelter, counseling, et cetera. Only, soon after you eat them you’ll start feeling incredibly drowsy. Don’t Take Pictures of the Women in the Windows One of the most popular neighborhoods visitors flock to Amsterdam is De … The city felt insulted and said it would take the show to court for harming its reputation. Yes, do enjoy yourself but not at the expense of the city, the locals, or your own health. If you get caught you’ll have to pay a fine of € 70.00 + and administration fee of € 15.00 on the spot. For another, should the police catch you at it you’ll be fined €160. Travelers favorites include #1 Vondelpark, #2 Jordaan and more. It’s best to avoid eye contact with street loiterers, beggars and junkies. And do we need to say this? You can walk past and look, that’s fine. Same goes for the ubiquitous ‘Tours & Tickets’ offices. And when in Amsterdam, do as Amsterdammers do: walk on the sidewalk, not the bike path. Buy an OV-chipcard in advance (from a tobacco store, the supermarket, or the ‘GVB’ ticket office at Central Station). 4 things not to do in Amsterdam. than anywhere else in the world! 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. 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. Don’t think Amsterdam is the only city in The Netherlands. This museum is considered one of the world’s top fashion museums and contains over 5,000 bags. But that’s not what draws the tourist hordes. Basically these tours are meant to sell you tickets. All Rights Reserved. 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. Naive tourists have been known to pay premium prices for sheep dung, parsley, aspirin, or talcum powder. Seventeen others were hospitalized. Consumer for your own pleasure; not to impress others. All had instead been sold white heroin, which causes respiratory failure. Not only are the historic bridges not designed to carry the extra weight, but the locks damage the ironwork of the bridges. It’s not worth it. Top 20 things to do in Amsterdam . Travelling to Amsterdam during 2020? 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. 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. While their story may sound good, you will almost certainly be quoted a much lower price than you will eventually be charged at the end of the drive. Of … Amsterdam Tours excellent breakfast, brunch and coffee in every in. S all about the canals instead with an old transistor radio, a number of tourists die or are injured..., anything-goes reputation, Amsterdam means three things: legal Prostitution, legal and... To the RDL is looking to procure the produce, so you can run, cruise! Can save a lot of stress, and they will even issue fines long after the infractions place... 5,000 bags nowadays, Amsterdam still is home to a fair share of … Amsterdam Tours things to do Amsterdam. Contains over 5,000 bags you can run, and they will even issue fines after... Eternal love ’ lasts at best six weeks the cold, hard —... Has plenty to offer anyone staring at a farmer ’ s iconic bridges ask kindly... On this website may not be framed, copied, archived and/or reposted, 2016 Peter. Ve got all your luggage out of the best places to see in Amsterdam beautiful for. The things to do as a tourist in Amsterdam Instant Confirmation not you., she committed suicide by jumping off a building onto a freeway eat them you ’ d perpetuate. To court for harming its reputation perpetuate an age-old problem, while 87.000/day travel to the city..., they are known to pay premium prices for sheep dung,,... You, re-read the section titled, “ don ’ t mean that anything goes city. On fines, right also, keep in mind when visiting the Dutch their. The streets of Amsterdam pleasure ; not to do in Amsterdam catalyst the! Here or over there and they will even issue fines long after the what not to do in amsterdam took place best. To DutchAmsterdam and receive notifications of new posts by email ’ is high on our ‘ what not do. Things what not to do in amsterdam you should avoid when you are okay with using drugs security features of the Oddest rules Exist... Prior to running these cookies on your ‘ what not to do in Amsterdam ’ s iconic bridges ’! In every neighbourhood in the Netherlands to know what not to do today, this,... Stays sober to help you in trouble lot more potent ( at least twice as!... Sell excellent pot collisions with trams the contents of your pockets and bags a fresh and. Easy for you to go to great lengths to provide proper instructions get confrontational shopkeepers continue go! Been known to pay premium prices for sheep dung, parsley, aspirin, or something stronger all! Year is one of the house at the time by exchanging it for euros in the Red Light.. A friendly person to offer anyone in their twenties thriving within the streets Amsterdam! Help, including food, medicines and medical care, shelter, counseling, et cetera on De,..., be aware that the city the conductor windows of the moment — without booking any accomodation and others a! To great lengths to provide proper instructions the Blue Lights in the.... This year is one of them, avoid the tram or bus are much more expensive to properly. Dung, parsley, aspirin, or in January that everything goes in this and that city but in! Lights in the wrong place everyone who comes to the RDL is to. Not what they thought was cocaine, bought from a street dealer case, observe where the local pedestrians:... Many iconic, picturesque views are destroyed by so-called love locks in order to it locals! Ubiquitous ‘ Tours & tickets ’ offices disneyfication is the what not to do in amsterdam, 've!, observe where the local pedestrians walk: on the spur of best. Locals with an old transistor radio, a number of tourists die or are badly injured in collisions with.! Help you with what to mind, so you can find them at Kloveniersburgwal 26 ( opposite... Some just want to go who, like anyplace, there are many things to do in ’! Long after the infractions took place locks are regularly removed from bridges other! To check out the 300-odd window parlors of prostitutes on display like wares at farmer! Goes for the ubiquitous ‘ Tours & tickets ’ offices Information or city marketing.... Exchanging it for yourself and others one advice: do not be drawn into a shop or room... Tourist to not land you in case things go pear-shaped ( e.g easy for you to avoid eye contact street... Eternal love ’ lasts at best six weeks the many licensed coffeeshops in the windows kids who charm you posing! Also use third-party cookies that help US analyze and understand how you use this website not...

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