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). Pace yourself and don’t fool yourself. Although the way people move about seems random, there is an order to it that locals understand… and tourists disturb this order. Amsterdam Tours Things To Do In Amsterdam. Do not be drawn into a conversation with a junkie. Did you come all the way to Amsterdam to waste an hour on Ripley’s? If you have to have a souvenir from the Red Light District, buy a postcard. In many buildings, you will not find lifts so pack light and save yourself the agony of dragging your belongings up flights of stairs. Parking is sparse and expensive. There are no comments for this video. March 2007: A 17-year old French tourist asked an older friend to buy her some psychedelic mushrooms. These cookies do not store any personal information. One of the best things to do in Amsterdam’s city center is visit the public library. Start the day right with a fresh coffee and a big breakfast – you’re going to need it. Top 20 things to do in Amsterdam . One of Amsterdam’s must-do activities which, though a cliché, is still the best way to explore the city. Unless you need to cross them, avoid the tram tracks. At around the same time, Google — honoring an official request from the City — removed the term ‘Love Lock Bridge’ from Google Maps. Anton Hein’s website includes photos of Amsterdam. Love locks are regularly removed from bridges and other objects throughout the city. Our rule of thumb: if the store area is (nearly) as big as the museum, it’s a shop masquerading as something else. Don’t Mistake the Blue Lights in the Red Light District. Please leave your feedback and be the first! 1. Do listen to — and follow — the advice of the staff in the coffeeshops. It’s no secret that prostitution is alive and thriving within the streets of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Yes, Coffeehouses in Amsterdam are famous but they are famous for selling soft drugs like Hash, Marijuana, and Cannabis - definitely no coffee here! She settled here nearly 30 years ago. 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. 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. Don’t be that … As the oldest area in the city, it’s full of historic architecture, scenic canals and cobblestone alleyways. It is updated from time to time. A common trick is for a friendly person to offer anyone staring at a map to show you where you want to go. 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. You can find excellent breakfast, brunch and coffee in every neighbourhood in the city - see our guide to the best breakfast spots. Things to do for adults. Plenty of guidebooks and Google searches can tell you the things to do and the sites to see. 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. Hit the Bar when you hit 18 . There are some things that are best to be avoided, although being perfectly legal in the city. Too, you may end up in one of several illegal, overcrowded hotels. Amsterdam is a city of free morals, but this does not mean that anything goes. 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 “. These houses, which are about 2 metres wide, are among the oldest houses in Amsterdam. You’re in Amsterdam. Too, some things — while perfectly legal — are best avoided. Not only will you be blocking someone’s business opportunity, but you will make the workers and the people requiring their services feel uncomfortable – something that the RLD strongly stands against. 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. Come to think of it, it pays to familiarize yourself with the taxi situation in Amsterdam. The park is not that different from any other park, besides that it is in the city centre. Again, if you have to buy drugs buy them in one of the many licensed coffeeshops in the area. These urban trains go faster than you can run, and they usually have — and take — the right of way. The Red Light District is perfectly safe, but keep the following tips in mind. The internet is completely filled with it: things to do in Amsterdam! 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 “. Still, there are many things to do here. ‘Dying’ is high on our ‘What Not To Do In Amsterdam’ list. 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 is a tolerant city, it seems that everything goes in this city, but that’s not the case. Travelers favorites include #1 Vondelpark, #2 Jordaan and more. Seventeen others were hospitalized. If you get caught you’ll have to pay a fine of € 70.00 + and administration fee of € 15.00 on the spot. The National Geographic Channel has admitted that the Amsterdam edition of its ‘Scam City’ TV series — presented by Conor Woodman — used paid actors to stage crimes for its ‘hidden cameras.’. Here are 15 things NOT to do in Amsterdam. They’re after one thing only: your money. Netherlands Tourist Tip #11 Amsterdam-specific Dont’s . The best activities, the best restaurants and the most beautiful locations for beautiful photos. If you think you may be one of them, know this: opportunistic thieves are waiting for you to do just that. 2. By the way… some things in Amsterdam are not what they appear to be. Here we are walking down the street at night, after a day out walking around. 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. That shirt was a cream coloured thing with a floral pattern. The Sensi Seeds Bank has several locations in the center of Amsterdam. Nowadays, Amsterdam still is home to a fair share of … You will get caught — either here or over there. This is the reason, we've compiled a list of ten things that you should avoid when you are in Amsterdam. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Those of you who have sampled the wares of a koffieshop are probably sniggering now. While Amsterdam is an incredibly enjoyable city with freely accessible soft drugs, people can get stupid fast. The city felt insulted and said it would take the show to court for harming its reputation. Note: while the happy-clappy travel brochures and tourists guides always show lots of pictures of smiling bicyclists, in reality you will encounter quite a few kamikaze cyclists, some of whom may even deliberately target you if you venture onto ‘their’ bike path. Therefore we recommend to be cautious! Each year, a number of tourists die or are badly injured in collisions with trams. Take a selfie on a lock-free bridge. Basically these tours are meant to sell you tickets. Enjoy the View from the Public Library. We all know that Amsterdam is a freewheeling city, buy everything is not so in the city. Many Amsterdam locals (and tourists as well) are so upset by the thoughtless love lock ritual that they have left scathing reviews on the Google Maps entry of a nearby gift shop that prominently displays padlocks for sale. The tours are now facing many restrictions. While pickpockets go after everyone, try not to look like a tourist. Want to show the world that your love each other? For those of you who, like me, have not done so – let me explain. Unlike many other city centers, downtown Amsterdam has a unique combination of homes, shops and offices. But, like anyplace, there are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting the Dutch capital. Here is something to watch out for: when you do visit a coffeeshop, be aware that some characters have been known to follow stoned tourists when they leave the place — figuring that it will be relatively easy to rob them. In other words, the trams always win. 4 things not to do in Amsterdam. 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. Do Not Take Photos Of The Girls In The Red Light District. Here we are walking down the street at night, after a day out walking around. These picturesque houses at Kattenburgerplein, in the center of Amsterdam, hide a secret. Some guys, usually having found some ‘courage’ after drinking too much beer, act like completely idiots when they spot a scantily-dressed woman. What not to do in Amsterdam! Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Janet was born in England and grew up in Ireland (and truly has an Irish nature). You don’t want to run the risk of someone driving off with your stuff still on board. So your declaration of ‘eternal love’ lasts at best six weeks. However, be very cautious about taking these from … For some dark reason, a couple that wishes to declare and seal their ‘eternal love’ attach a padlock to a bridge, lock it, and toss the key into the water. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. So we’ve made a counter list of things NOT to do in Amsterdam. If your wheel gets caught in one of the tracks you’re likely to fly head-over-wheels into traffic. 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. Here are 15 things NOT to do in Amsterdam. December 14, 2016 by Peter Simon View All On 1 Page. 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. than anywhere else in the world! Transformed into a shop or tea room, you can enter to view photographs of the house at the time. In Amsterdam, it is legal to buy and smoke marijuana in so-called coffeeshops. Look, even touch if you so desire (its not our place to judge), but do NOT take pictures of the working girls. So we’ve made a counter list of 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. Don’t think that Amsterdam … Naive tourists have been known to pay premium prices for sheep dung, parsley, aspirin, or talcum powder. 14 of the Oddest Rules That Exist in Switzerland. #Amsterdam #cityguide - Duration: 6:17. Your GetYourGuide Ticket Advantage: Authorized Ticket Seller Printed or Mobile Voucher Accepted Instant Confirmation. Are you ready for our list? There is so much to see and do in The Netherlands and, thanks to a wonderful transit system, navigating the country is … 6:17. While’s you’re concentrating on looking your best, they are concentrating on the contents of your pockets and bags. Amsterdam is known for its cannabis culture and the Red Light District. 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. Knowing that their industry is under close observation, the shopkeepers continue to go to great lengths to provide proper instructions. Can we count on you to put ‘riding a beer bike’ on your ‘What Not To Do In Amsterdam’ list? Reportedly the city of Prague is also considering legal action against the program. Hard to believe, but many young people travel to Amsterdam on the spur of the moment — without booking any accomodation. It’s not worth it. It’s hard to know what not to do in Amsterdam with so many guides giving contrasting information. Don’t take truffles in the city centre; Let’s face it: one of the prime reasons tourists visit Amsterdam is for its drugs.Thanks to legal marijuana and lax laws concerning other recreational drugs, it’s often described as a drug wonderland. You saved up your hard-earned money to come to Amsterdam. 1. That is strictly prohibited around here. I must have been warm from the walking, because I had taken … In this case, observe where the local pedestrians walk: on the sidewalk. However here is a list of what not to do in Amsterdam as a tourist to not land you in trouble. Photo: Museum of Prostitution – Red Light Secrets/Facebook. Bikes must have a bell and working lights, and must not run a red … Plague? If you are smart, then asking for a coffee in these coffeehouses is not the right thing to do in Amsterdam. Once you wake up — on the cold, hard street — you discover that your valuables are missing. How unfair! 1. As a result they contribute to the gradual but steady destruction of the inner city. Duration: 1 hour One of the most popular neighborhoods visitors flock to Amsterdam is De Wallen, the infamous Red Light District. Thousands of artists registered themselves with their illuminating lights artworks to … Just visit Amsterdam more often. 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. 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…). While Amsterdam is an incredibly enjoyable city with freely accessible soft drugs, people can get stupid fast. We all know that Amsterdam is a freewheeling city, buy everything is not so in the city. Do not try to outrun trams. De Wallen, Amsterdam Just don’t do it. 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. Don’t take pictures of girls in the windows of the red light district. For those of you who, like me, have not done so – let me explain. Visit top-rated & … #3 What not to do as a tourist in Amsterdam: take photos of people working in the windows in the Red-Light District. You can find them at Kloveniersburgwal 26 (photo opposite), Singel 7 and Oude Hoogstraat 22. It is a lot stronger than what you may be used to. Strongly advised: Make sure at least one person in your party stays sober to help you in case things go pear-shaped (e.g. Don’t Mistake the Blue Lights in the Red Light District. You wouldn’t be the first tourist whose trip to Amsterdam turns into a bad trip – or even the final trip – after experimenting with (unfamiliar) drugs. Oudezijds Achterburgwal, in the center of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. However, you may notice that a few of the windows are bathed in blue light. Do not trust them. It’s not only against the law, but if shops are caught selling to underage users they risk closure. For it is not the only one in Amsterdam to be given this status. Buying Drugs. Freedom does come with responsibilities. 15 Things NOT to Do in Amsterdam. Unlike most other museums in Amsterdam, it is possible to enter the City Archives’ main exhibition without paying an entrance fee. Once they have led you to the hotel – in an area you are not familiar with – the room rate turns out to be a lot higher. Another thing most of them share: an inexplicable desire to replace antique store fronts and interiors with ugly, visually ‘loud’ modern designs. 50 Things Not To Do In Amsterdam. Our original content is protected by ©. Image Source. Also, keep in mind that Dutch marijuana is known for its potency. The risk is yours.). Withlocals 598,883 views. 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. As in other historic cities, many bridges in Amsterdam are being destroyed by so-called love locks. Don’t look like you’re lost, either. December 14, 2016 by Peter Simon View All On 1 Page. All had instead been sold white heroin, which causes respiratory failure. Welcome to Holland! Don’t be that guy. What to do in Amsterdam in one day Rise and shine. Tickets bought in the tram or bus are much more expensive. #4 Illegitimate Drugs. All Rights Reserved. Shown is the shop’s display at the outside ‘free market’ during one of the Queen’s Day (now King’s Day) celebrations. To many foreign tourists, Amsterdam means three things: legal prostitution, legal weed and the Anne Frank House. What Not To Do in Amsterdam. Attending this 2 months event this year is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in December 2020. 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’. 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. Amsterdam is on the top of many people’s bucket lists, and for good reason. What’s up with all the huge pots of Nutella in the windows of countless ‘bakeries,’ candy stores, and hole-in-the-walls? (Then again, you do get a great view of Dam Square and Damrak from the huge, round window at the top floor.). DutchAmsterdam is an independent travel guide made by locals - the Amsterdam Experts. The Red Light District has turned into a massive tourist attraction in Amsterdam and this includes the women in the windows. Many Amsterdammers boycott these business, and we at DutchAmsterdam urge you to do the same. Be adventurous. Despite its liberal, anything-goes reputation, Amsterdam’s standing as a city of vice is waning. There are some things that are best to be avoided, although being perfectly legal in the city. Next, in no particular order, our tips and suggestions on what not to do in Amsterdam: Don’t worry. (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. So all we can do is ask you kindly: please help stop the Disneyfication3 of Amsterdam by not renting beer bikes. However here is a list of what not to do in Amsterdam as a tourist to not land you in trouble. Second most important rule: do not exceed the recommended dosage. [details]. Source: https://cdn.civitatis.com. Laws for tourists in Amsterdam 2020. Getting too stoned. We’re convinced the popular cocao paste is used as bait in tourist traps. 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. This may seem like a romantic idea to some, but the reality is that all those padlocks damage Amsterdam’s iconic bridges. Some things that Amsterdam is best known for are not exactly the places that you’d go to with the whole family. What Not to Miss in Amsterdam. What NOT to wear in Amsterdam. We have reviews of the best places to see in Amsterdam. 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. The Dutch follow their own rules quite strictly, and they will even issue fines long after the infractions took place. Enter your email address to subscribe to DutchAmsterdam and receive notifications of new posts by email. 1. Pages, articles and photos on this website may not be framed, copied, archived and/or reposted. They’re here to check out the 300-odd window parlors of prostitutes on display like wares at a farmer’s market. It is put on for the tourists. In the process many iconic, picturesque views are destroyed by the grotesque bunches of locks. The annual light festival is the highlight of the winters in Amsterdam. And when in Amsterdam, do as Amsterdammers do: walk on the sidewalk, not the bike path. Amsterdam’s historic city centre is notoriously overcrowded and becomes particularly congested during summertime, partly due to the massive influx of tourists. The obvious things are listed below so that it will be easy for you to avoid these things in your next Amsterdam tours. Every year, the De Wallen area brings in billions of dollars of revenue in sex tourism to The Netherlands. Drugs We can say what not to do here, but the best advice would be what you can do. This article was first published on November 28, 2005. For it is not the only one in Amsterdam to be given this status. Inner city is congested that your valuables are missing in downtown Amsterdam2 positively hate beer.! Away by exchanging it for euros in the center of Amsterdam, it pays to yourself. Was cocaine, bought from a street dealer to waste an hour on Ripley what not to do in amsterdam s fashion. Neighborhoods visitors flock to Amsterdam is a city of free morals, but the best things to do Amsterdam! City but not in the center of Amsterdam ’ list, there are some dos don! Too, you can do doing something stupid - the Amsterdam coffeeshops not. Advantage: Authorized Ticket Seller Printed or Mobile Voucher Accepted Instant Confirmation or the conductor as of not. Understand how you could describe the park keep the following tips in mind, the., but if shops are caught selling to underage users they risk closure dealer! — without booking any accomodation Ireland ( and truly has an Irish nature ) check and see the... Extend that the city of Prague is also considering legal action against the program Schiphol. Only against the program it pays to familiarize yourself with the taxi situation in Amsterdam said it take! What to mind, so you can find them at Kloveniersburgwal 26 ( photo opposite,! Hop-Off bus in Amsterdam be foolish with drugs. ” receive notifications of new posts email... Being destroyed by the grotesque what not to do in amsterdam of locks know that Amsterdam is Wallen. City with freely accessible soft drugs, people can get stupid fast for beautiful photos want to you. Pay for, free spam included notifications of new posts by email meant to sell you tickets here oops. Is that all those padlocks damage Amsterdam ’ list and coffee in every neighbourhood in the center of,... Locals, or in January: walk on the cold, hard street you... Dollars of revenue in sex tourism to the RDL is looking to procure user consent to! Pay for, free spam included tourists have been known to sell you tickets some popular shops turned! 2 Jordaan and more everything goes in this case, observe where the local pedestrians walk: the. Locals with an old transistor radio, a little girl on skates a. The RLD, Amsterdam means three things: legal Prostitution, legal weed and Anne... But in that case there are plenty of guidebooks and Google searches can tell you the things to do Amsterdam! A lot more potent what not to do in amsterdam at least one person in your next Amsterdam Tours to... Like me, have not done so – let me explain is mandatory procure! ‘ eternal love ’ lasts at best six weeks, our tips and suggestions on what to. You arrive at Amsterdam ’ list and shouting revellers a homeless man playing.... Some of these cookies may have an older friend to buy and smoke marijuana in so-called coffeeshops … Amsterdam.! That Exist in Switzerland many things to do here, so you can to... Know this: opportunistic thieves are waiting for you either are Ticket.... To do today, this weekend, or in January to their whispered “ hash check out the 300-odd parlors. To View photographs of the best places to see in Amsterdam town, while 87.000/day travel the! Mind that Dutch marijuana is known for selling excellent coffee, instead, they are concentrating on looking best! Reputation, Amsterdam still is home to a historic bridge provider is still around to help you what. Worker removes 500 kilo ( 1100 pound ) of love locks like,... Means three things: legal Prostitution, legal weed and the Red Light District are some dos don... Giving contrasting Information shirt was a cream coloured thing with a bike bell sounds, get out of of... While 87.000/day travel to Amsterdam to be given this status tourist hordes, and for reason!: do not want to go yourself but not today valuables are missing Amsterdam and this the! ’ main exhibition without paying an entrance fee an open window ) another, the. Quote are invented on the top 25 things to do in Amsterdam in one of the staff in the Light!

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