9 Mistakes People Make When Visiting Amsterdam
What Not to Do in Amsterdam on Your 1st Visit
Some of the mistakes people make when visiting Amsterdam won’t usually ruin a whole trip, but knowing what to avoid may ensure a smoother visit to the Dutch capital. Innocent misunderstandings are common when experiencing any new destination and local culture, while some other “mistakes” can lead to hefty fines.
This guide shows you all the things not to do in Amsterdam on your first visit. We’ve included things you ought to be aware of while roaming the streets of the “bicycle capital of the world” as well as some aspects you should know about the city’s coffeeshop culture and red-light district. Let it be your handy “things to avoid” list for visiting the capital of the Netherlands.
9 mistakes people make when visiting Amsterdam
- Walking along the fietspaden (bike paths)
- Thinking a coffeeshop is a cafe
- Drinking alcohol and smoking in public
- Renting a bike but not knowing the local rules
- Thinking Amsterdam is only Damrak and De Wallen
- Taking pictures in De Wallen
- Forgetting advance booking to some attractions
- Missing out on street food
- Misjudging the weather when packing
1. Walking along the fietspaden (bike paths)
Amsterdam is more of a cyclist’s city than a pedestrian’s
Categoría: Parejas, Familias
The first and foremost rule in Amsterdam is not to walk along the fietspaden (bike paths), where bikes reign supreme. The city is well-known for its cycling culture, with an infrastructure of paths and dedicated lanes built as early as the 1890s. Most of the roads you’ll see will have these separate bike paths alongside. In some neighborhoods, there are clearly marked lanes on shared roads.
Firstly, it’s wise for pedestrians to stay off the bike paths. Then, always look right, left, and right again before crossing, as cyclists tend to whiz through crosswalks and often ignore red lights. If you do find yourself walking along a shared-use sidewalk, walk on the left side and let cyclists pass.
Walking along the fietspaden (bike paths)
2. Thinking a coffeeshop is a cafe
They sell more than just coffee
Categoría: Historia, Exótico
Coffeeshops in Amsterdam aren’t cafes in the traditional sense. Well, some of them do sell coffee and other beverages, but they’re really the main places to experience one of the world’s most enduring cannabis cultures.
The history behind the name is basically the same as that of speakeasies. The first coffeeshop was on the site of an old bakery that also served coffee, and everything else was sold in secret. The police raids and secrecy are things of the distant past, but the name “coffeeshop” is here to stay. To discover the stories behind the iconic coffeeshops, join a walking tour that offers history and insider insights.
Thinking a coffeeshop is a cafe
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3. Drinking alcohol and smoking in public
It’s either illegal or frowned upon
Categoría: De aventura, Vida nocturna
Drinking alcohol in public spaces is illegal in Amsterdam. The police may be more lenient during festivals and weekends, as well as in Vondelpark and De Wallen. But if you carry open bottles, note that the police may have a word.
Outside the privacy and security of coffeeshops, you’re also urged against smoking in public. Doing so will result in a polite reminder of the rules from a patrolling police officer at best, and at worst, you’ll get fined. Wandering about the city while under the influence is not a good plan, especially with the ever-present risk of being hit by a bicycle. Always be mindful of the local laws and stay safe.
Drinking alcohol and smoking in public
4. Renting a bike but not knowing the local rules
You’ll need to get used to Amsterdam’s bike traffic
Categoría: De aventura, Parejas, Familias
If you want to rent a bike in Amsterdam, you need to know the local rules. The cycling scene here requires getting used to, whether you’re a pedestrian or a cyclist. When you get a bike, you’ll notice Amsterdam’s traffic pace, often being overtaken by various characters, from mild to aggressive.
Among the basics are keeping to bike paths, staying in your lane, and making room and giving way to other cyclists. Follow all traffic lights and signs, hand-signal before turning, and park respectfully in designated places. You’ll notice that a lot of the locals hardly ever adhere to these and most also don’t wear helmets. However, for your safety, don’t do as the Amsterdammers do in these cases.
Renting a bike but not knowing the local rules
5. Thinking Amsterdam is only Damrak and De Wallen
Enjoying some local atmosphere outside the Canal Ring
Categoría: De aventura, Historia, Foto
Amsterdam is thankfully flat and navigable by foot, and there’s more to explore beyond only the central neighborhoods of Damrak and the De Wallen red-light district. There are districts known for their museums and others graced with beautiful architecture and green parks.
Among the trendy neighborhoods to visit in Amsterdam are De Pijp, with its narrow townhouses and bustling Albert Cuyp Markt. While, Westerpark, with its vast green park and lovely recreation grounds, also features beautiful 20th-century architecture. For the fabulous Vondelpark as well as charming streets like Kinkerstraat and Overtoom, head to Oud-West.
Thinking Amsterdam is only Damrak and De Wallen
6. Taking pictures in De Wallen
It’s very disrespectful to workers in the area
Categoría: Historia, Vida nocturna, Exótico
Taking pictures is considered rude and unacceptable in De Wallen, Amsterdam’s medieval hub and red-light district. It has many bars, sex shops, erotic museums, and over 200 window brothels. Seeing and experiencing De Wallen is often an Amsterdam bucket-list item for many a visitor, even if it’s just for the quirkiness, but taking pictures of the window brothels or their workers is not a good idea.
Storefronts have CCTV and the area is monitored by police cameras (it’s a safe place). The workers themselves may grab your camera or phone if they catch you snapping candid shots, so do respect the “no photo” signs.
Taking pictures in De Wallen
7. Forgetting advance booking to some attractions
If you do, you’re in for an hours-long queue
Categoría: Parejas, Familias, Foto
Forgetting advance booking to some attractions can turn a dream trip into a waiting game. Getting yourself the I amsterdam City Card (ordered online) is a wise move as it offers you access to major Amsterdam highlights, including public transportation and more than 70 museums, but there are certain must-sees in the city that you’d need to book in advance separately.
The Anne Frank House, as an example, releases a limited number of online tickets. If you get hold of one of them, you can happily just show up and walk right in. If you don’t, prepare for a wait in what is usually a very long line.
Forgetting advance booking to some attractions
8. Missing out on street food
Local Amsterdam flavors add to the experience
Categoría: Parejas, Familias, Gastronomía en
Amsterdam’s De Pijp neighborhood is home to the colorful (and flavorful) Albert Cuyp street market, filled with stalls selling affordable goods and tasty street food. Among the must-tries are pickled herring (nieuw haring). Not into fishy treats? Hot stroopwafels are perfect for those on the go.
Extra crunchy fries known as frites are another tasty snack not to be missed while in Amsterdam. They’re served with your choice of sauce. Instead of the common rich mayonnaise-based sauce, try curry, cheese, or even peanut sauce.
Missing out on street food
9. Misjudging the weather when packing
Typical European weather awaits
Categoría: Parejas, Familias
It often rains in Amsterdam, so don’t misjudge the weather when packing. There are chances of rain even in summer (June–September). During certain times of the year, it may even pour for a whole day. Of course, that doesn’t stop the cycling. You’ll often see locals pedaling through the rain, either balancing an open umbrella against the wind or wearing a plastic poncho.
Besides packing comfy shoes for walking or cycling in the city, waterproof clothing and rainwear are essential for your visit to the Dutch capital. If you forget to pack any, or if your umbrella gets flipped and bent by strong gusts, just buy more wet weather gear in the city.
Misjudging the weather when packing
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