Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about mistakes that people often make when they visit Amsterdam. While many travel blogs will tell you the best things to do in Netherlands, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do when you travel to Amsterdam. We brought in some local help for this post, with our friend from Dutchified.
Mistaking a Coffee Shop for a Cafe
Amsterdam has long been a destination for partying and drug-taking since drugs are legal in Amsterdam. However, the terminology of where you can buy cannabis in Amsterdam is confusing. A coffee shop in Amsterdam is a place where you can purchase and consume cannabis. A cafe is what you might expect a coffee shop to be elsewhere. It’s a place to purchase coffee and baked goods. It’s not where you go to buy cannabis.
Buying Drugs on the Street
The whole point of having legalized drugs in Amsterdam is to have them regulated so you know what you’re getting. If you bypass the coffee shops and opt to buy drugs on the street, there’s no telling what’s mixed into them.
Underestimating the Strength of Drugs in Amsterdam
While marijuana is legal in more states in the US these days and travelers may be used to purchasing it legally, the potency of these drugs can vary quite a bit. If you choose to partake in the drug scene in Amsterdam, start off slow and give yourself time to adjust. Do not assume anything in Amsterdam is the same strength as what you’ve experienced at home. Again, part of legalization is having access to knowledgable vendors who can help you make a choice that is right for you.
Only Visiting the Red Light District
Amsterdam has long been branded as an “Adult Disneyland” with legal drugs and prostitution. However, that’s pretty much confined to the Red Light District of Amsterdam. There are so many other great things to see in Amsterdam, and it’s a shame that many travelers never leave the Red Light District. There’s a Museum District, markets, canals, and amazing architecture. When it comes to Amsterdam sightseeing, there are some really great museums, from major art museums to small niche museums. Don’t miss out on them!
If and when you DO visit the Red Light District, be respectful of the workers there. Do not photograph the women in the windows; they are just doing their job and taking their photos is very disrespectful.
Missing Other Parts of the Netherlands
Besides missing out on great Amsterdam neighborhoods, there are also great day trips from Amsterdam that allow you to experience Dutch culture outside of the big city. I’ve stayed in Utrecht and Haarlem, both of which are a quick train ride away from Amsterdam. Not only will you save a ton of money on accommodation, but you will also see a different side of the Netherlands, one that is less touristy. The Netherlands is actually quite small, so you can get around the entire country very quickly.
Visit Haarlem: What to Know Before You Go
Looking for Weekend Deals
With a reputation as a party city, Europeans from all over converge on Amsterdam nearly every weekend. There are very rarely any good deals to be had in Amsterdam over the weekend. We recommend visiting Amsterdam during the week or staying outside the city.
Overpacking
This is a common problem Americans have when coming to Europe. In Amsterdam, all of the buildings are tall, narrow, and historic. That means very narrow staircases, not elevators. If you are renting a flat in Amsterdam, be prepared for steep stairs to reach your accommodation. The lighter your suitcase, the happier you will be.
Common Mistakes Made by First-Time Travelers
Missing Out on the Anne Frank House
You HAVE to pre-book tickets if you want to visit the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam. Without a pre-booked ticket, you could wait hours in line only to never get in. This is an important part of Amsterdam’s history that you don’t want to miss out on: pre-book your ticket before you go!
Expecting Dutch Culture
Amsterdam is really an international city. You wouldn’t visit New York and expect to experience the full breadth of American culture. Yes, you will find Dutch food in Amsterdam, but you’ll also find Japanese food, Italian food, and many other international cuisines. To really experience a culture, you have to get out into the smaller towns and villages. Don’t try to just eat Dutch food, as you’ll be pretty limited in what you eat. Jocelyn’s favorite restaurant in Amsterdam is solely based on avocados. There are great Indonesian and Thai restaurants in Amsterdam.
When it comes to food in Amsterdam, street food is really where it’s at. Bitterballen are a popular street food snack in Amsterdam. They come piping hot out of vending machines.
Avoiding Public Transportation
Amsterdam is quite small and traffic is often congested, so while you may be tempted to take an Uber or a taxi, it’s much quicker to use the public transportation. Actually, most places you will visit in Amsterdam are easily reached on foot or bicycle.
Trams are everywhere, and an easy way to get around. However, there’s a certain “tram etiquette” you should know about. Not all doors are meant for entry and exit. The front doors are the entrances, while the rear doors are for exiting. This helps alleviate congestion at the tram stops.
Bicycle Mistakes of Amsterdam
Biking is a major form of transportation in Amsterdam. The bike lanes here are like freeways, and you cannot just step into them. That said, renting a bike in Amsterdam is a quintessential experience you should have. You just need to know the rules of the road, don’t take up a whole lane, and don’t ride in the wrong direction. Be sure not to ride in the tram lanes, as your bike tire can easily get stuck and cause an accident.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
Amsterdam is a fun city full of culture and excitement. By avoiding these common tourists’ mistakes, you’ll have a great time when you visit Amsterdam and the Netherlands. Want more tips on travel in the Netherlands? Check out some of our other blog posts: