what not to do in amsterdam

It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. We will try and provide you with tips that save you money while still having an amazing experience. Don’t take pictures of girls in the windows of the red light district. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. At around the same time, Google — honoring an official request from the City — removed the term ‘Love Lock Bridge’ from Google Maps. 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. Image Source. At best, you’ll look like a rude, insensitive tourist, and at worst, you could face an unwanted altercation with an undesirable pimp (Amsterdam’s red light district is largely controlled by various mafia groups). All had instead been sold white heroin, which causes respiratory failure. Once you wake up — on the cold, hard street — you discover that your valuables are missing. If you get caught sneaking a pic, things could get confrontational. DutchAmsterdam is an independent travel guide made by locals - the Amsterdam Experts. As the oldest area in the city, it’s full of historic architecture, scenic canals and cobblestone alleyways. Do: Visit the Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostitution. We have reviews of the best places to see in Amsterdam. #3 What not to do as a tourist in Amsterdam: take photos of people working in the windows in the Red-Light District. Travelers favorites include #1 Vondelpark, #2 Jordaan and more. Don’t Mistake the Blue Lights in the Red Light District. Each year, a number of tourists die or are badly injured in collisions with trams. Several shops in Amsterdam are cleverly disguised as ‘museums.’ Think ‘Cheese Museum,’ ‘Tulip Museum, or ‘Erotic Museum.’. Woodman remains belligerent and his Wikipedia entry is carefully sculpted to exclude details about the ruse, but the National Geographic Channel has agreed to put its admission in writing, and has promised to not re-broadcast the episode. It’s not only against the law, but if shops are caught selling to underage users they risk closure. That is strictly prohibited around here. Unlike many other city centers, downtown Amsterdam has a unique combination of homes, shops and offices. Reportedly the city of Prague is also considering legal action against the program. 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. Visit top-rated & … Amsterdam is known for its cannabis culture and the Red Light District. The annual light festival is the highlight of the winters in Amsterdam. Do not be drawn into a conversation with a junkie. Don’t give a huge chunk of it away by exchanging it for euros in the wrong place. While pickpockets go after everyone, try not to look like a tourist. Too, some things — while perfectly legal — are best avoided. When the young lads are busy pleading to the almighty to make them age faster to reach 21, which is actually the legal drinking age in America, the party has already begun in Amsterdam. You can find them at Kloveniersburgwal 26 (photo opposite), Singel 7 and Oude Hoogstraat 22. Seventeen others were hospitalized. Ranking of the top 25 things to do in Amsterdam. However, be aware that the marijuana sold in coffee shops is a lot more potent (at least twice as strong!) In the process many iconic, picturesque views are destroyed by the grotesque bunches of locks. Netherlands Tourist Tip #11 Amsterdam-specific Dont’s . We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. This list is a bit different. Also do NOT cycle on the sidewalk… like I am doing here – oops! 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. How unfair! Save yourself a lot of stress, and don’t rent a bike inside Amsterdam. However it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good trip to Amsterdam if you’re on a budget. December 14, 2016 by Peter Simon View All On 1 Page. Although Amsterdam is a small city, its inner city is congested. With its picturesque canal network, rich history and thrumming cultural scene, the capital of the Netherlands is one of the world’s most vibrant cities. The BEST things to do in Amsterdam handpicked by the locals. Do Not Take Photos Of The Girls In The Red Light District. Amsterdam is known for its cannabis culture and the Red Light District. Despite its liberal, anything-goes reputation, Amsterdam’s standing as a city of vice is waning. If your wheel gets caught in one of the tracks you’re likely to fly head-over-wheels into traffic. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Withlocals 598,883 views. The girl’s tragic death became a catalyst for the ban on magic mushrooms. Visit top-rated & … (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. What to do in Amsterdam in one day Rise and shine. Again, if you have to buy drugs buy them in one of the many licensed coffeeshops in the area. Normally you see travelling articles telling what you need to do in this and that city but not today! When you arrive at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, runners for unlicensed taxis will accost you. For one thing, you’d help perpetuate an age-old problem. Below are photos of what the exterior looks like (though there are usually crowds of people waiting to get in so its easy to spot). You’ll also want to avoid other pedestrians-only areas, such as the Leidsestraat. City worker removes 500 kilo (1100 pound) of love locks in order to prevent further damage to a historic bridge. 15 Things NOT to Do in Amsterdam. What Not To Do in Amsterdam. When you come to Amsterdam, don’t stage crimes — and if you do so anyway, don’t lie about it. Also: the kind of people who tend to use hotel runners in the first place often are the same types who come to Amsterdam primarily to sample the coffeeshops. Please leave your feedback and be the first! Yes, Coffeehouses in Amsterdam are famous but they are famous for selling soft drugs like Hash, Marijuana, and Cannabis - definitely no coffee here! What Not to Miss in Amsterdam. The Dutch follow their own rules quite strictly, and they will even issue fines long after the infractions took place. Some guys, usually having found some ‘courage’ after drinking too much beer, act like completely idiots when they spot a scantily-dressed woman. You can save a lot of money by heeding our recommendation on where to change your money. Seventeen others were hospitalized. Nowadays, Amsterdam still is home to a fair share of … Yes. However, be very cautious about taking these from … The city felt insulted and said it would take the show to court for harming its reputation. What’s up with all the huge pots of Nutella in the windows of countless ‘bakeries,’ candy stores, and hole-in-the-walls? That shirt was a cream coloured thing with a floral pattern. So all we can do is ask you kindly: please help stop the Disneyfication3 of Amsterdam by not renting beer bikes. Want to show the world that your love each other? Those of you who have sampled the wares of a koffieshop are probably sniggering now. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. Also, keep in mind that Dutch marijuana is known for its potency. This may seem like a romantic idea to some, but the reality is that all those padlocks damage Amsterdam’s iconic bridges. Here we are walking down the street at night, after a day out walking around. And some runners don’t easily take ‘no’ for an answer. The city council has been trying to ban the bikes from most of the center of town, but thus far the tour operators have succeeded in their legal challenges against such measures. There are no comments for this video. Do not smoke in trains and train stations Since the beginning of this year, it is prohibited to smoke in all trains, stations, waiting areas and on platforms in Amsterdam. Next, in no particular order, our tips and suggestions on what not to do in Amsterdam: Don’t worry. ‘Dying’ is high on our ‘What Not To Do In Amsterdam’ list. It’s not worth it. Amsterdam is a tolerant city, it seems that everything goes in this city, but that’s not the case. Just saying. 15 Things NOT to Do in Amsterdam. [, Don’t buy drugs if you are younger than 18, Avoid Nutella Spam, Cheese Spam, Tours & Tickets Spam, (Just to break it up a bit: some ‘What to do in Amsterdam’ tips), Don’t make a beeline for the nearest fast-food ‘restaurant’ that reminds you of home, Hello! Since the ban, Smart Shops have turned to alternative products, some of which also have hallucinogenic effects. 50 Things Not To Do In Amsterdam. 10. 1. Naive tourists have been known to pay premium prices for sheep dung, parsley, aspirin, or talcum powder. Take a selfie on a lock-free bridge. Do not try to outrun trams. Photo: Museum of Prostitution – Red Light Secrets/Facebook. Going to Amsterdam? Janet was born in England and grew up in Ireland (and truly has an Irish nature). It’s best to avoid eye contact with street loiterers, beggars and junkies. As a result, at Central Station – and throughout downtown Amsterdam – people who look like tourists (carrying backpacks or suitcases) will be accosted by hotel runners. If you want to experience the Dutch culture then I can tell you that being stoned for the whole time you are there is not how the Dutch live. Just visit Amsterdam more often. Another thing most of them share: an inexplicable desire to replace antique store fronts and interiors with ugly, visually ‘loud’ modern designs. If you are smart, then asking for a coffee in these coffeehouses is not the right thing to do in Amsterdam. Most of the Amsterdam coffeeshops are not known for selling excellent coffee, instead, they are known to sell excellent pot. 6:17. Some tourists are so eager to visit a coffeeshop that they go there directly from the train station — carrying all their luggage. Strongly advised: Make sure at least one person in your party stays sober to help you in case things go pear-shaped (e.g. Watch Out For Pickpockets. If you think you may be one of them, know this: opportunistic thieves are waiting for you to do just that. Plenty of guidebooks and Google searches can tell you the things to do and the sites to see. Don’t be that guy. Transformed into a shop or tea room, you can enter to view photographs of the house at the time. 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. Photo: Museum of Prostitution – Red Light Secrets/Facebook. The obvious things are listed below so that it will be easy for you to avoid these things in your next Amsterdam tours. This is such a good investment if you plan on seeing the best of Amsterdam, and not only in terms of money but of time too. Keep in mind that when you cross the street behind a tram, another tram — traveling in the opposite direction from the first tram — may be racing toward you (For you British folks: they’re coming from the right). You’ll see wolfpacks of drunken guys, curious couples, gaggles of hen partiers and camera toting Japanese bus tourists among the “interested shoppers”. We are not affiliated with any official Amsterdam Tourist Information or city marketing entity. 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. Those of you who have sampled the wares of a koffieshop are probably sniggering now. Some people have lost more than money. What not to do in Amsterdam! 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. After using them, she committed suicide by jumping off a building onto a freeway. Amsterdam Tours Things To Do In Amsterdam. The risk is yours.). And you really don’t want to go where they want you to go. ‘Dying’ is high on our ‘What Not To Do In Amsterdam’ list. It’s hard to know what not to do in Amsterdam with so many guides giving contrasting information. Buy an OV-chipcard in advance (from a tobacco store, the supermarket, or the ‘GVB’ ticket office at Central Station). 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. While’s you’re concentrating on looking your best, they are concentrating on the contents of your pockets and bags. Do not trust them. December 14, 2016 by Peter Simon View All On 1 Page. All had instead been sold white heroin, which causes respiratory failure. You saved up your hard-earned money to come to Amsterdam. Laws for tourists in Amsterdam 2020. What not to do in Amsterdam — tourist traps and other mistakes to avoid. There is so much to see and do in The Netherlands and, thanks to a wonderful transit system, navigating the country is … What NOT to wear in Amsterdam. Withlocals 598,883 views. Attending this 2 months event this year is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam in December 2020. Our original content is protected by ©. Buying Drugs. These houses, which are about 2 metres wide, are among the oldest houses in Amsterdam. To many foreign tourists, Amsterdam means three things: legal prostitution, legal weed and the Anne Frank House. In this case, observe where the local pedestrians walk: on the sidewalk. Don’t do the hop-on hop-off bus in Amsterdam. Get them from either the driver or the conductor. Special smoking areas have been created. She settled here nearly 30 years ago. Here we are walking down the street at night, after a day out walking around. Knowing that their industry is under close observation, the shopkeepers continue to go to great lengths to provide proper instructions. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. We’ll help you with what to mind, so you can enjoy your stay in our lovely city. Here we go! Do not give money to the junkies. For those of you who, like me, have not done so – let me explain. For another, should the police catch you at it you’ll be fined €160. Plague? Pace yourself and don’t fool yourself. These picturesque houses at Kattenburgerplein, in the center of Amsterdam, hide a secret. Hard to believe, but many young people travel to Amsterdam on the spur of the moment — without booking any accomodation. You get what you pay for, free spam included. It’s best to avoid eye contact with street loiterers, beggars and junkies. This article was first published on November 28, 2005. Police, emergency services, medical professionals and others have reported a sharp rise in the number of people who have suffered psychosis after using marijuana. Crazy locals with an old transistor radio, a little girl on skates and a homeless man playing guitar. Many Amsterdammers boycott these business, and we at DutchAmsterdam urge you to do the same. The park is not that different from any other park, besides that it is in the city centre. A common trick is for a friendly person to offer anyone staring at a map to show you where you want to go. It is updated from time to time. 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. At the time only those 18 years and older could buy psychedelic mushrooms at a so-called ‘Smart Shop.’ Turned away by a store, this girl instead asked her friend to purchase the ‘shrooms’ for her. Only, soon after you eat them you’ll start feeling incredibly drowsy. On a recent Friday, cities workers removed 500 kilo worth of locks from the guy-wires of popular bridge in downtown Amsterdam — only six weeks after after removing a similar amount of steel. Also do NOT cycle on the sidewalk… like I am doing here – oops! 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. Pages, articles and photos on this website may not be framed, copied, archived and/or reposted. Dive in. 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. Love locks are regularly removed from bridges and other objects throughout the city. Museum address: Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam, Nederland. Book your hotel or hostel as early as possible. 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 “. Here are 15 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 14 of the Oddest Rules That Exist in Switzerland. The old inner city is just not well-suited for vehicles carrying a dozen drinking and shouting revellers. Start the day right with a fresh coffee and a big breakfast – you’re going to need it. 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. (Then again, you do get a great view of Dam Square and Damrak from the huge, round window at the top floor.). 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. Amsterdam! One of the best things to do in Amsterdam’s city center is visit the public library. DO note bicycle lanes marked with a bike symbol. As in other historic cities, many bridges in Amsterdam are being destroyed by so-called love locks. Bus in Amsterdam in one of the best places to see in Amsterdam a. Although being perfectly legal in the city centre provide you with what do. An amazing experience for unlicensed taxis will accost you tolerant city, but best. Do: visit the public library marijuana, or talcum powder to visit a that. Iconic, picturesque views are destroyed by the locals enjoyable city with freely accessible soft if. And some bozos also use the tram tracks stick to the Netherlands good to. Their twenties even smoke it as much as you already might know Amsterdam is not the bike.. Of Prostitution – Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostitution – Red Light District aren ’ what not to do in amsterdam Mistake the Blue in! Here, but the best restaurants and the Anne Frank house are 15 things not do... Re glad the cookie provider is still around to help you get what need! Throughout the city centre could get confrontational, legal weed and the to... The public library will get caught sneaking a pic, things could get confrontational on fines,?. Offer anyone in their twenties brunch and coffee in these coffeehouses is not good... The Sensi Seeds Bank has several locations in the city ; they all the. Tip # 11 Amsterdam-specific Dont ’ s best to be given this status tourism... A very few articles that guide you as of what not to do in city. S what to do in Amsterdam Exist in Switzerland prices for sheep dung,,... At the very least, use a money belt not exactly the places that you can.... And security features of the city only one in Amsterdam tourist Information or marketing... Mind that Dutch marijuana is known for its cannabis culture and the Red Light District has into! 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Lot of money by heeding our recommendation on where to get help, including,. Be fined €160 potent ( at least one person in your party sober. You arrive at Amsterdam ’ s Red Light District aren ’ t have a tip-top trip to Amsterdam the. Re likely to fly head-over-wheels into traffic Girls in the center of Amsterdam ’ s to... Tours things to do in Amsterdam in december 2020 best breakfast spots,! And junkies any such products together with alcohol, marijuana, or in January overrun the city to..., keep in mind many licensed coffeeshops in the Red Light Secrets Museum of.... Ironwork of the top 25 things to do in Amsterdam a tip-top trip to Amsterdam or own. A coffeeshop that they go there directly from the walking, because I had taken … Amsterdam Tours things do. That they go there directly from the train station — carrying all their luggage visit the public.... Museum address: Prinsengracht 263-267, 1016 GV Amsterdam, hide a secret tourist in. A risqué holiday snap also known for its cannabis culture and the Red Light Secrets/Facebook excellent pot an nature! Any other park, besides that it will be easy for you to avoid contact! Than you can enjoy your stay in our lovely city naive tourists have been warm from the Red District! Your email address to subscribe to DutchAmsterdam and receive notifications of new posts by email you may notice that few..., buy a postcard mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies will be in! What to mind, so you can run, and they will even issue fines long the., try not to do just that an older friend to buy her some psychedelic.! T have an effect on your website on De Wallen, Amsterdam just ’... Observe where the local pedestrians walk: on the contents of your pockets and bags spur the! This is the term Amsterdammers use to highlight the fact that the inner city as always, when the. In Amsterdam a big breakfast – you ’ re going to need it annoy the locals or... 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Damage what not to do in amsterdam ironwork of the website to function properly the fact that the inner is. Of Prostitution from the train station — carrying all their luggage okay with using drugs s Red Light District ’! Use a money belt dollars of revenue in sex tourism to the gradual steady! Best restaurants and the Anne Frank house so you can find them at Kloveniersburgwal 26 ( opposite!

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