However it doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good trip to Amsterdam if you’re on a budget. 2. Hard to believe, but many young people travel to Amsterdam on the spur of the moment — without booking any accomodation. 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. Image Source. Surprisingly there are only a very few articles that guide you as of what not to do in Amsterdam. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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’. You’ll also want to avoid other pedestrians-only areas, such as the Leidsestraat. You do not want to spend your vacation money on fines, right? Amsterdam’s easily ranks among the best cities in the world for young people and has plenty to offer anyone in their twenties. Anton was born and raised in Amsterdam. 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. So we’ve made a counter list of things NOT to do in Amsterdam. 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. Same goes for the ubiquitous ‘Tours & Tickets’ offices. This article was first published on November 28, 2005. Don’t ruin it for yourself and others. How unfair! You’re glad the cookie provider is still around to help you get out of the crowd and into a quiet side street. If you are smart, then asking for a coffee in these coffeehouses is not the right thing to do in Amsterdam. ‘Dying’ is high on our ‘What Not To Do In Amsterdam’ list. Unlike most other museums in Amsterdam, it is possible to enter the City Archives’ main exhibition without paying an entrance fee. Laws for tourists in Amsterdam 2020. What Not to Miss in Amsterdam. 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. Here we go! 1. Police, emergency services, medical professionals and others have reported a sharp rise in the number of people who have suffered psychosis after using marijuana. But that’s not what draws the tourist hordes. Consumer for your own pleasure; not to impress others. And you get to annoy the locals to such an extend that the City Council has stepped in. Some guys, usually having found some ‘courage’ after drinking too much beer, act like completely idiots when they spot a scantily-dressed woman. Don’t give a huge chunk of it away by exchanging it for euros in the wrong place. The old inner city is just not well-suited for vehicles carrying a dozen drinking and shouting revellers. Do listen to — and follow — the advice of the staff in the coffeeshops. What Not To Do in Amsterdam. However, be very cautious about taking these from … Love locks are regularly removed from bridges and other objects throughout the city. Leliegracht, Amsterdam. Get them from either the driver or the conductor. It seems like a friendly gesture: a pretty Dutch girl, a young boy, or a grandmotherly women will walk up to you with a plate full of home-baked cookies. Too, some things — while perfectly legal — are best avoided. Amsterdam is on the top of many people’s bucket lists, and for good reason. December 14, 2016 by Peter Simon View All On 1 Page. Visit top-rated & … Here are 15 things NOT to do in Amsterdam. Most of the Amsterdam coffeeshops are not known for selling excellent coffee, instead, they are known to sell excellent pot. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Do not try to outrun trams. It’s no secret that prostitution is alive and thriving within the streets of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. Really? If you get caught sneaking a pic, things could get confrontational. Duration: 1 hour 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. Some things that Amsterdam is best known for are not exactly the places that you’d go to with the whole family. Some just want to gawk at the salacious spectacle of it all. #Amsterdam #cityguide - Duration: 6:17. That shirt was a cream coloured thing with a floral pattern. 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. For it is not the only one in Amsterdam to be given this status. When the CHA-CHING of a bike bell sounds, get out of the way! While residents usually avoid this area, thousands of people actually live in Amsterdam’s centre and don’t appreciate being sidelined by large groups of tourists walking slowly through thoroughfares like Damstraat, Leidsestraat or Damrak. 15 Things NOT to Do in Amsterdam. Stick to the below and we’re sure you will have a tip-top trip to Amsterdam! While pickpockets go after everyone, try not to look like a tourist. Those of you who have sampled the wares of a koffieshop are probably sniggering now. 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. This may seem like a romantic idea to some, but the reality is that all those padlocks damage Amsterdam’s iconic bridges. They know where to get help, including food, medicines and medical care, shelter, counseling, et cetera. Apparently it is just as effective at getting tourists to part with their money as the overpriced cheese sold in the luxury cheese shops that plague 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 “. The risk is yours.). Here are 5 things NOT to do in Amsterdam! Reportedly the city of Prague is also considering legal action against the program. Knowing that their industry is under close observation, the shopkeepers continue to go to great lengths to provide proper instructions. Hit the Bar when you hit 18 . You don’t want to run the risk of someone driving off with your stuff still on board. Can we count on you to put ‘riding a beer bike’ on your ‘What Not To Do In Amsterdam’ list? We all know that Amsterdam is a freewheeling city, buy everything is not so in the city. Amsterdam is known for its cannabis culture and the Red Light District. However, be aware that the marijuana sold in coffee shops is a lot more potent (at least twice as strong!) Amsterdam is a tolerant city, it seems that everything goes in this city, but that’s not the case. You can walk past and look, that’s fine. The Red Light District has turned into a massive tourist attraction in Amsterdam and this includes the women in the windows. Unless you need to cross them, avoid the tram tracks. Pages, articles and photos on this website may not be framed, copied, archived and/or reposted. Some popular shops have already voluntarily raised the age limit for customers to 21 as a result. Similar scenarios happen in bars, coffeeshops, discos and other ventures where it seems natural for some friendly people to offer you a round of drinks. And some runners don’t easily take ‘no’ for an answer. By the way… some things in Amsterdam are not what they appear to be. Once you wake up — on the cold, hard street — you discover that your valuables are missing. Don’t think that Amsterdam … 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. Even though it is free and features some truly fascinating items, including a police report given by Anne Frank concerning her stolen bicycle and the document that banished Baruch Spinoza from Amsterdam’s Jewish community, this exhibition rarely gets busy. Bottom line: some rules are simply there to protect you or your friends from doing something stupid. What Not To Do in Amsterdam. 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. Laws for tourists in Amsterdam 2020. Enter your email address to subscribe to DutchAmsterdam and receive notifications of new posts by email. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Amsterdam, The Netherlands on Tripadvisor: See 1,852,238 traveller reviews and photos of Amsterdam tourist attractions. Although the way people move about seems random, there is an order to it that locals understand… and tourists disturb this order. You will get caught — either here or over there. Dive in. The Sensi Seeds Bank has several locations in the center of Amsterdam. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. As in other historic cities, many bridges in Amsterdam are being destroyed by so-called love locks. Anton Hein’s website includes photos of 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. This list is a bit different. What NOT to wear in Amsterdam. Bike paths seem to hold a near-irresistible attraction for some tourists. Are you ready for our list? Don’t Mistake the Blue Lights in the Red Light District. 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. 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…). 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. Second most important rule: do not exceed the recommended dosage. You can find them at Kloveniersburgwal 26 (photo opposite), Singel 7 and Oude Hoogstraat 22. Don’t do the hop-on hop-off bus in Amsterdam. The locals don’t even smoke it as much as you think they might. It is a lot stronger than what you may be used to. Transformed into a shop or tea room, you can enter to view photographs of the house at the time. Original content is © Copyright DutchAmsterdam. Seventeen others were hospitalized. One of Amsterdam’s must-do activities which, though a cliché, is still the best way to explore the city. Unbelievable! When you arrive at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, runners for unlicensed taxis will accost you. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Here’s a handful of things that you should (and shouldn’t) do as a tourist in Amsterdam: Although no helmet is required when riding a bike in Amsterdam, obeying traffic rules is. It’s not only against the law, but if shops are caught selling to underage users they risk closure. In 2014 three young tourist died after using what they thought was cocaine, bought from a street dealer. It makes you extra vulnerable. That’s not a good idea. Since the ban, Smart Shops have turned to alternative products, some of which also have hallucinogenic effects. Pace yourself and don’t fool yourself. 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). 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. In a city built in the 12th century, it’s a liability. Too, you may end up in one of several illegal, overcrowded hotels. Getting too stoned. Tickets bought in the tram or bus are much more expensive. 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 “. If you have to have a souvenir from the Red Light District, buy a postcard. Enjoy the View from the Public Library. Going to Amsterdam? Usually the rates they quote are invented on the spot. Your mileage may differ, but in our opinion most tourists won’t ever lie awake from having missed these spots: Put the wax figures on the back burner until you have a chance to visit the vastly superior London location instead. 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. So we’ve made a counter list of things NOT to do in Amsterdam. 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. Here we are walking down the street at night, after a day out walking around. Want to show the world that your love each other? Photo: Museum of Prostitution – Red Light Secrets/Facebook. We are not affiliated with any official Amsterdam Tourist Information or city marketing entity. If that is you, re-read the section titled, “Don’t be foolish with drugs.”. 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). Plague? To many foreign tourists, Amsterdam means three things: legal prostitution, legal weed and the Anne Frank House. Normally you see travelling articles telling what you need to do in this and that city but not today! At the very least, use a money belt. Transformed into a shop or tea room, you can enter to view photographs of the house at the time. Source: https://cdn.civitatis.com. Those of you who have sampled the wares of a koffieshop are probably sniggering now. Travelers favorites include #1 Vondelpark, #2 Jordaan and more. While’s you’re concentrating on looking your best, they are concentrating on the contents of your pockets and bags. In other words, the trams always win. They’re here to check out the 300-odd window parlors of prostitutes on display like wares at a farmer’s market. You can count on the fact that people are watching you, and that they are just waiting for you to do something stupid — like entering an area where you can easily be robbed. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. However here is a list of what not to do in Amsterdam as a tourist to not land you in trouble. I must have been warm from the walking, because I had taken … It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Crazy locals with an old transistor radio, a little girl on skates and a homeless man playing guitar. Amsterdam is a freewheeling city, but contrary to popular opinion not everything goes. 50 Things Not To Do In Amsterdam. Just visit Amsterdam more often. When you come to Amsterdam, don’t stage crimes — and if you do so anyway, don’t lie about it. 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. But, like anyplace, there are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting the Dutch capital. Visit top-rated & … The women behind the glass windows on De Wallen in the red light district aren’t there for a risqué holiday snap. He did, but — as far as authorities have been able to determine — apparently failed to relay the extensive Do’s and Don’ts instructions the seller gave. 4 things not to do in Amsterdam. Also do NOT cycle on the sidewalk… like I am doing here – oops! Read more: A Complete City Guide to Amsterdam, Netherlands. One of the best things to do in Amsterdam’s city center is visit the public library. 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. Travelling to Amsterdam during 2020? 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. Amsterdam! Photo: Museum of Prostitution – Red Light Secrets/Facebook. There are some things that are best to be avoided, although being perfectly legal in the city. A secret like me, have not done so – let me explain sniggering now it doesn ’ t to! 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