Useful Tips for Visiting Amsterdam to Avoid a Disaster

Visiting Amsterdam is on many people’s bucket lists. While Amsterdam is a wonderful city, there are some rules that tourists need to follow. Knowing certain Amsterdam travel tips would also make your trip nicer, possibly cheaper and easier.

Living in Amsterdam and Leiden (another Dutch city) gave me a perspective on what is unique about the Netherlands. Here are my best tips for visiting Amsterdam.

2. Don’t Forget to Check Out When Getting Off the Train or Tram

IMPORTANT: Whether you’re using I Amsterdam Card, public transportation pass, or OV-Chipkaart, you’ll need to touch a reader once you get on the tram and do it again before getting off.

If you don’t do it, it will invalidate your card or charge you 20 Euros. 

3. When Crossing the Street Look in All Directions

Before crossing the road, triple check all directions as people in Amsterdam pedal through the city at great speed. Never stand in the middle of a bike path, or you’ll be yelled at. 

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4. Follow The Rules When Riding A Bike

Should You Rent a Bike in Amsterdam is the most common question. Here are a few Amsterdam travel tips when it comes to biking:

• Avoid walking in the cycle lanes under any circumstances. You’ll be yelled at immediately and someone will drive into you – and it will be your fault.
• Never drive on the road. Bike paths are the only place to ride your bike in Amsterdam.
• Always signal with your arm which way you’re going to turn.
• You can’t take your bike on a tram or bus unless it’s foldable. If you’re planning on taking your bike on a train, unless it’s foldable, you need to purchase a separate bike ticket for it. You’ll be fined if you don’t.

You can’t park anywhere outside of designated spots, if you park in the wrong place the police will take your bike and you’ll have to buy it back for them for 30 Euros.

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5. Bring Cash, Your US Credit Cards Will Be Useless

As much as Americans like to pay for everything with a credit card, it doesn’t always work that way in Europe, Amsterdam included. Most machines will only take chip cards (so no AmEx) and many will only accept Dutch cards.

In grocery stores like Albert Heijn if you see PIN graag, it usually means that they may only accept cash or a Dutch debit card.

8. Tipping Isn’t Expected At Restaurants

Dutch people don’t ever tip at restaurants or cafes. At nicer restaurants you can tip 5-10% if the service was really good, but you’re not expected to do so.

Here are a few of my favorite restaurants in Amsterdam:

• Bijbels Museum Cafe (Spui) – Lunch spot.
• Greenwoods (Canalbelt) – Best eggs benedict.
• Café-Restaurant de Plantage (Plantage)
• De Pizzabakkers (West) – Great pizza.
• Bazar (De Pijp) – Arabic restaurant is housed inside of an enormous renovated church.

9. Don’t Expect Michelin Star Dining

Dutch food isn’t the best food in the world. Expect a lot of fried and mushed things. A very Dutch experience would be going for some kibbeling from a street stall or fresh and warm stroopwafels. 

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10. Don’t Take Photos in a Red Light District

It is illegal and disrespectful to photograph those working in the Red Light District. Plus, there are plenty of security guards around that might knock your camera down for breaking those rules.

If you’re curious about the Red Light District, but feel intimated going alone, book a walking tour. Note that free tours are currently banned in this area and licensed guides can only take you there before 7 pm.

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11. If You Want to Smoke Weed, Be Discreet

Cannabis isn’t legal in the Netherlands, but it’s decriminalized for personal use so not surprisingly many tourists come to Holland to smoke. Don’t be obnoxious when smoking weed, especially for the first time. Many Dutch people will get angry at you if you ask about weed and ask that it’s just for tourists. I only had a few local Dutch friends who smoked, most did not.

That said, don’t go to Bulldog (Amsterdam’s most famous coffeeshop). For a gram of weed, you’ll pay about 15 euros there and the quality is questionable since it’s catered towards tourists. 

There are some better local coffeeshops like Katsu in De Pijp or Green House near Central Station. Again, if you feel intimidated and want some directions you can always book a tour.

IMPORTANT: Never buy any drugs or weed on the street. Not only the cops are everywhere, but there were many incidents with faulty drugs being sold around the city.