There are many things to do in Amsterdam. Visit the museums, walk along the canals or try some typical Dutch food. But did you know there are also things you absolutely shouldn’t do in Amsterdam?
As an Amsterdam local I’ve seen my fair share of tourists making the same mistake, over and over again. Here’s a list of things you shouldn’t do when you’re in Amsterdam.
Don’t do 1: Walking in a bike lane
This is probably one of the biggest irritations of Amsterdammers: tourists walking in a bike lane. Us Amsterdammers love riding our bikes – and we do it fast. Super fast. Having a lost tourist wander in the bicycle lane doesn’t only slow us down, it is dangerous. It won’t be the first time a cyclist knocks over an oblivious tourist. Please be mindful when walking on the streets of Amsterdam, and use the sidewalk.
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 “just to get high“. Yes, it is very easy to get all sorts of drugs in Amsterdam, and it is super cheap as well. But honestly, if this is the reason you come to Amsterdam, I’d like to ask you not to come at all.
Taking drugs and flying sky high is something you can do anywhere in the world, Amsterdam is actually no exception. And it would be such a big shame if you waste your time in one of the most beautiful cities in the world by getting high. Please enjoy Amsterdam and all it has to offer to the fullest, and stay away from the hard stuff. Sure, you can smoke a joint (careful – Dutch weed is much stronger!) at one of Amsterdam’s most famous coffee shops just for the experience, but please don’t go all out. It also won’t be the first time a high tourist falls into a canal and doesn’t survive. Just saying.
Don’t do 3: disrespect the ladies of the Red Light District
I get it. Sexy women standing behind glass windows with red lights shining on them is not your usual every day sight. And you know what? If you’re visiting Amsterdam with a group of guy friends and one of you wants to give it a try, then I don’t blame you either. Each to their own.
But please, please, please have some respect for these women. Don’t take photos and don’t treat them like they’re just a piece of meat. Yes, their occupation might be very different from what you and I do in our daily lives, but that doesn’t mean you should disrespect them. Also please be mindful that some of the girls working in the Red Light District are not doing it voluntarily.
The Mayor of Amsterdam, Femke Halsema, is currently making plans to make some drastic changes to the Red Light District. She acknowledges that with the ever growing number of tourists the scene and vibe in the Red Light District is changing: “Back in the days, when I was studying in Amsterdam and walked around the Red Light District, I’d get yelled at by the prostitutes for peeking inside. These days they aren’t this strong anymore, but vulnerable. We can’t accept putting vulnerable women on display like this.”
Don’t do 4: Only stay in the city center
How many times I’ve heard “Oh, you’re from Amsterdam? Yeah, I liked Amsterdam, but it was so busy!”. I know mate. It’s super busy… If you only stay in the city center!
Amsterdam is home to many lovely suburbs that are worth visiting. So move away from the touristic hotspots and explore the local areas. Have breakky in De Pijp. Go for lunch in de Baarsjes. And have dinner in Oud-west.
Don’t do 5: Riding a beer bike
Oh lord. Whenever I see a beer bike in the far distance I make sure I turn left or right to avoid it at all costs. Local residents absolutely hate beer bikes. Our Amsterdam streets are simply not made for these giant riding beer bars with its yelling drunk passengers.
The Amsterdam council has tried to get the beer bikes off the streets, but has lost all legal cases so far. So that’s why I’m turning to you and kindly ask you: please don’t go on a Beer Bike 🙂
Don’t do 6: riding a bike and not looking at the tram tracks
Okay, I have a confession to make. I moved to Amsterdam when I was 19 and I learned the hard way to never make this mistake again…
When you’re riding a bike, be careful with tram tracks. Tram tracks are small and deep, and the perfect size for a bicycle wheel to get stuck in. One afternoon I was cycling through the city, and I wasn’t paying attention. Before I knew it – BOOM – my bike and I were laying on the ground.
If you’re riding a bike and you can’t avoid crossing the tram tracks, make sure you cross them perpendicular to avoid getting stuck or falling like I did 😉
Okay, but now I can see you thinking… “So many things we can’t do in Amsterdam, Eef! But what can we do?”. Well, I’ll dedicate an entire blog post to that in the future, but for now I’d like to tell you three of my absolute favorite things to do:
– Walk around the canals. Yup. That’s it. Just stroll around and take in Amsterdam’s beauty by foot.
– Get on a boat! You’ll get to see the canals from a whole different perspective. You can either find an Amsterdam boat rental yourself, or book a private boat tour Amsterdam 🙂
Enjoy the beautiful Dutch capital!
All pictures in this article are edited with Eef’s Presets – get yours here.
❤ Eef
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