We have reviews of the best places to see in Amsterdam. We are not affiliated with any official Amsterdam Tourist Information or city marketing entity. Book your hotel or hostel as early as possible. While their story may sound good, you will almost certainly be quoted a much lower price than you will eventually be charged at the end of the drive. 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. You might have to plan your trip a bit better, so you can find cheap alternatives. These cookies do not store any personal information. For those of you who, like me, have not done so – let me explain. Don’t give a huge chunk of it away by exchanging it for euros in the wrong place. Unlike most other museums in Amsterdam, it is possible to enter the City Archives’ main exhibition without paying an entrance fee. Amsterdam is a tolerant city, it seems that everything goes in this city, but that’s not the case. Don’t flash your cash. This may seem like a romantic idea to some, but the reality is that all those padlocks damage Amsterdam’s iconic bridges. Although Amsterdam may not strike you as one of the world’s fashion capitals like Paris or Milan, it is home to the world’s largest collection of handbags at the Museum of Bags and Purses. Welcome to Holland! You can find excellent breakfast, brunch and coffee in every neighbourhood in the city - see our guide to the best breakfast spots. Leliegracht, Amsterdam. Although Amsterdam is a small city, its inner city is congested. Therefore we recommend to be cautious! Laws for tourists in Amsterdam 2020. These houses, which are about 2 metres wide, are among the oldest houses in Amsterdam. Strongly advised: Make sure at least one person in your party stays sober to help you in case things go pear-shaped (e.g. That shirt was a cream coloured thing with a floral pattern. Still, there are many things to do here. Amsterdam is a tolerant city, it seems that everything goes in this city, but that’s not the case. The Red Light District is perfectly safe, but keep the following tips in mind. Shown is the shop’s display at the outside ‘free market’ during one of the Queen’s Day (now King’s Day) celebrations. Special smoking areas have been created. We have reviews of the best places to see in Amsterdam. And all of that within 50 meters, that is how you could describe the park. We all know that Amsterdam is a freewheeling city, buy everything is not so in the city. As you might imagine, residents and business people also do not look kindly on various drinking tours, hen- and stack parties, and other types of group activities that cause nuisance. 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. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Also do NOT cycle on the sidewalk… like I am doing here – oops! In other words, the trams always win. 50 Things Not To Do In Amsterdam Source: https://cdn.civitatis.com With its 17th century canals, miles of multi-colored tulips that create the most intricate floral blanket, bikes, bikes and more bikes, and well… the weed, Amsterdam is a mishmash of laidback living that also has a huge number of exciting things to do … Don’t have an older person buy drugs for you either. 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. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. We’ll help you with what to mind, so you can enjoy your stay in our lovely city. Duration: 1 hour Things not to do in Amsterdam. Amsterdam is on the top of many people’s bucket lists, and for good reason. 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 “. Travelling to Amsterdam during 2020? The Sensi Seeds Bank has several locations in the center of Amsterdam. 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. In 2014 three young tourist died after using what they thought was cocaine, bought from a street dealer. Those of you who have sampled the wares of a koffieshop are probably sniggering now. What’s up with all the huge pots of Nutella in the windows of countless ‘bakeries,’ candy stores, and hole-in-the-walls? Every year, the De Wallen area brings in billions of dollars of revenue in sex tourism to The Netherlands. Withlocals 598,883 views. 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. Their number one advice: do not use any such products together with alcohol, marijuana, or something stronger. 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.’. Amsterdam Tours Things To Do In Amsterdam. At the very least, use a money belt. Do not trust them. Ranking of the top 25 things to do in Amsterdam. Surprisingly there are only a very few articles that guide you as of what not to do in Amsterdam. Pace yourself and don’t fool yourself. Take a selfie on a lock-free bridge. Don’t take pictures of girls in the windows of the red light district. Photo: Museum of Prostitution – Red Light Secrets/Facebook. Just visit Amsterdam more often. You saved up your hard-earned money to come to Amsterdam. Anton was born and raised in Amsterdam. For it is not the only one in Amsterdam to be given this status. Worse, people who live and work in downtown Amsterdam2 positively hate beer bikes. Be adventurous. That shirt was a cream coloured thing with a floral pattern. 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. How unfair! Despite its liberal, anything-goes reputation, Amsterdam’s standing as a city of vice is waning. This guide is different, here’s what to avoid in Amsterdam. However, be aware that the marijuana sold in coffee shops is a lot more potent (at least twice as strong!) Look, even touch if you so desire (its not our place to judge), but do NOT take pictures of the working girls. 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. [details]. 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. The best activities, the best restaurants and the most beautiful locations for beautiful photos. You don’t want to run the risk of someone driving off with your stuff still on board. You’ll see wolfpacks of drunken guys, curious couples, gaggles of hen partiers and camera toting Japanese bus tourists among the “interested shoppers”. Stick to the below and we’re sure you will have a tip-top trip to Amsterdam! Withlocals 598,883 views. Oudezijds Achterburgwal, in the center of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. 1. There are plenty of things you can do in Amsterdam. However, you may notice that a few of the windows are bathed in blue light. Don’t Take Pictures of the Women in the Windows One of the most popular neighborhoods visitors flock to Amsterdam is De … Don’t think Amsterdam is the only city in The Netherlands. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Transformed into a shop or tea room, you can enter to view photographs of the house at the time. Most of the Amsterdam coffeeshops are not known for selling excellent coffee, instead, they are known to sell excellent pot. So we’ve made a counter list of things NOT to do in Amsterdam. Here are 10 top things you can do in Amsterdam but not in the US. Amsterdam’s historic city centre is notoriously overcrowded and becomes particularly congested during summertime, partly due to the massive influx of tourists. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Dive in. Ensuring that you stay on the right side of the law as a tourist is imperative. 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. City worker removes 500 kilo (1100 pound) of love locks in order to prevent further damage to a historic bridge. When you come to Amsterdam, don’t stage crimes — and if you do so anyway, don’t lie about it. Same goes for the ubiquitous ‘Tours & Tickets’ offices. 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. Plague? Knowing that their industry is under close observation, the shopkeepers continue to go to great lengths to provide proper instructions. The park is not that different from any other park, besides that it is in the city centre. Also, keep in mind that Dutch marijuana is known for its potency. There is so much to see and do in The Netherlands and, thanks to a wonderful transit system, navigating the country is … Things to do for adults. The obvious things are listed below so that it will be easy for you to avoid these things in your next Amsterdam tours. Buy an OV-chipcard in advance (from a tobacco store, the supermarket, or the ‘GVB’ ticket office at Central Station). Normally you see travelling articles telling what you need to do in this and that city but not today! It is put on for the tourists. The locals don’t even smoke it as much as you think they might. These urban trains go faster than you can run, and they usually have — and take — the right of way. They’re professionals who know their stuff. Pages, articles and photos on this website may not be framed, copied, archived and/or reposted. 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. 6:17. Don’t smoke pot the entire time. Parking is sparse and expensive. They know where to get help, including food, medicines and medical care, shelter, counseling, et cetera. Some guys, usually having found some ‘courage’ after drinking too much beer, act like completely idiots when they spot a scantily-dressed woman. 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. For another, should the police catch you at it you’ll be fined €160. 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). De Wallen, Amsterdam Just don’t do it. Plenty of guidebooks and Google searches can tell you the things to do and the sites to see. But, like anyplace, there are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting the Dutch capital. DO note bicycle lanes marked with a bike symbol. 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. 6:17. (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. Visit top-rated & … The annual light festival is the highlight of the winters in Amsterdam. Don’t Mistake the Blue Lights in the Red Light District. If you are smart, then asking for a coffee in these coffeehouses is not the right thing to do in Amsterdam. Here are 15 things NOT to do in Amsterdam. Not only are the historic bridges not designed to carry the extra weight, but the locks damage the ironwork of the bridges. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. Tickets bought in the tram or bus are much more expensive. Do not give money to the junkies. ‘Dying’ is high on our ‘What Not To Do In Amsterdam’ list. While Amsterdam is an incredibly enjoyable city with freely accessible soft drugs, people can get stupid fast. Read more: A Complete City Guide to Amsterdam, Netherlands. Unlike many other city centers, downtown Amsterdam has a unique combination of homes, shops and offices. Unless you need to cross them, avoid the tram tracks. What Not To Do in Amsterdam. Do: Visit the Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostitution. Can we count on you to put ‘riding a beer bike’ on your ‘What Not To Do In Amsterdam’ list? 4 things not to do in Amsterdam. In addition, taxis, buses, emergency vehicles and some bozos also use the tram lanes. Also do NOT cycle on the sidewalk… like I am doing here – oops! Not everyone who comes to the RDL is looking to procure the produce, so to speak. Usually the rates they quote are invented on the spot. Get them from either the driver or the conductor. Consumer for your own pleasure; not to impress others. Don’t do the hop-on hop-off bus in Amsterdam. Yes. Only, soon after you eat them you’ll start feeling incredibly drowsy. It’s all about the canals here, so skip the bus tour, and cruise the canals instead. Amsterdam Tours Things To Do In Amsterdam. Netherlands Tourist Tip #11 Amsterdam-specific Dont’s . It’s like talking to a politician: you won’t get anything out it, and in the end you’ll discover he is only after your money. Image Source: Unsplash.com. The girl’s tragic death became a catalyst for the ban on magic mushrooms. For it is not the only one in Amsterdam to be given this status. You can walk past and look, that’s fine. What NOT to do as a tourist in Amsterdam Tourist information tends to be concerned with the do’s: ‘Do visit the Stedelijk’, ‘do drink Heineken’, ‘do get on the bus and visit the Keukenhof garden’. Too, some things — while perfectly legal — are best avoided. 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). Next, in no particular order, our tips and suggestions on what not to do in Amsterdam: Don’t worry. Amsterdam is a city of free morals, but this does not mean that anything goes. Reply What not to do as a tourist in Amsterdam (Part II) – DutchReview September 15, 2018 At 13:55 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. And you really don’t want to go where they want you to go. This is the reason, we've compiled a list of ten things that you should avoid when you are in Amsterdam. The women behind the glass windows on De Wallen in the red light district aren’t there for a risqué holiday snap. 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. And you get to annoy the locals to such an extend that the City Council has stepped in. Pedestrians, cyclists, metros, taxis, buses; they all share the narrow lanes. This museum is considered one of the world’s top fashion museums and contains over 5,000 bags. These picturesque houses at Kattenburgerplein, in the center of Amsterdam, hide a secret. The internet is completely filled with it: things to do in Amsterdam! 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. 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. When you arrive at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, runners for unlicensed taxis will accost you. Enjoy the View from the Public Library. 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. 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). When the CHA-CHING of a bike bell sounds, get out of the way! Hard to believe, but many young people travel to Amsterdam on the spur of the moment — without booking any accomodation. I am sure you will be amazed. Do not be drawn into a conversation with a junkie. 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. Ranking of the top 25 things to do in Amsterdam. As the oldest area in the city, it’s full of historic architecture, scenic canals and cobblestone alleyways. Do Not Take Photos Of The Girls In The Red Light District. Too, you may end up in one of several illegal, overcrowded hotels. Watch Out For Pickpockets. It’s not only against the law, but if shops are caught selling to underage users they risk closure. Photo: Museum of Prostitution – Red Light Secrets/Facebook. One of the best things to do in Amsterdam’s city center is visit the public library. This should be a no-brainer as well: If you’re one of those brave folks willing to try riding a bike in Amsterdam without a tour guide, do not make the mistake of cycling on the sidewalks. Seventeen others were hospitalized. It is perhaps one of the most frustrating things that can happen to you when you’re out for a day out in a big city, or even walking outside on the street: pickpockets! Crazy locals with an old transistor radio, a little girl on skates and a homeless man playing guitar. Laws for tourists in Amsterdam 2020. That’s not a good idea. If you think you may be one of them, know this: opportunistic thieves are waiting for you to do just that. All had instead been sold white heroin, which causes respiratory failure. Save yourself a lot of stress, and don’t rent a bike inside Amsterdam. Amsterdam is known for its cannabis culture and the Red Light District. While Amsterdam is an incredibly enjoyable city with freely accessible soft drugs, people can get stupid fast. Enter your email address to subscribe to DutchAmsterdam and receive notifications of new posts by email. Not all trams have a conductor, but in that case there are ticket machines. 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. 50 Things Not To Do In Amsterdam. A 48 hour Iamsterdam card costs €65 and with it you get free entry to the Zoo (worth €20.50), the Van Gogh Museum (worth €17) and pretty much every other museum in Amsterdam, as well as a free one hour canal cruise (worth €16). If your wheel gets caught in one of the tracks you’re likely to fly head-over-wheels into traffic. 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). What to do in Amsterdam in one day Rise and shine. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. 9. Don’t be that … It’s no secret that prostitution is alive and thriving within the streets of Amsterdam’s Red Light District. The unofficial slogan for the city used to be ‘Come for the weed, stay for the hookers’. There are no comments for this video. #4 Illegitimate Drugs. We’ll help you with what to mind, so you can enjoy your stay in our lovely city. As you already might know Amsterdam is not cheap. 10. Some just want to gawk at the salacious spectacle of it all. Start the day right with a fresh coffee and a big breakfast – you’re going to need it. Travelers favorites include #1 Vondelpark, #2 Jordaan and more. However here is a list of what not to do in Amsterdam as a tourist to not land you in trouble. Yes, do enjoy yourself but not at the expense of the city, the locals, or your own health. In a city built in the 12th century, it’s a liability. The tours are now facing many restrictions. Our original content is protected by ©. You will get caught — either here or over there. Naive tourists have been known to pay premium prices for sheep dung, parsley, aspirin, or talcum powder. #Amsterdam #cityguide - Duration: 6:17. You’re glad the cookie provider is still around to help you get out of the crowd and into a quiet side street. Source: https://cdn.civitatis.com. The sale of hallucinogenic “magic” mushrooms was banned starting December 1, 2008 — as a direct result of a number of deadly incidents. So we’ve made a counter list of things NOT to do in Amsterdam. You can save a lot of money by heeding our recommendation on where to change your money. Here we go! Top 20 things to do in Amsterdam . ‘Dying’ is high on our ‘What Not To Do In Amsterdam’ list. Thousands of artists registered themselves with their illuminating lights artworks to … You do not want to spend your vacation money on fines, right? The city felt insulted and said it would take the show to court for harming its reputation. 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…). 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. 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. 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. You get what you pay for, free spam included. 1. It’s not worth it. 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. You’ll also want to avoid other pedestrians-only areas, such as the Leidsestraat. Do: Visit the Red Light Secrets Museum of Prostitution. 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. Reportedly the city of Prague is also considering legal action against the program. Here are 15 things NOT to do in Amsterdam. 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. Our rule of thumb: if the store area is (nearly) as big as the museum, it’s a shop masquerading as something else. Drugs We can say what not to do here, but the best advice would be what you can do. 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. Have some free cookies! If you get caught sneaking a pic, things could get confrontational. Unbelievable! 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. 1. Don’t be that guy. 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. [, 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! One of Amsterdam’s must-do activities which, though a cliché, is still the best way to explore the city. coke?” questions. 1. 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. 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. 2. December 14, 2016 by Peter Simon View All On 1 Page. 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. They’re here to check out the 300-odd window parlors of prostitutes on display like wares at a farmer’s market. That is strictly prohibited around here. However here is a list of what not to do in Amsterdam as a tourist to not land you in trouble. 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. All Rights Reserved. Bonus tip: Do not pay your taxi driver until you’ve got all your luggage out of the car. 14 of the Oddest Rules That Exist in Switzerland. Bottom line: some rules are simply there to protect you or your friends from doing something stupid. It’s hard to know what not to do in Amsterdam with so many guides giving contrasting information. It makes you extra vulnerable. Besides the RLD, Amsterdam is also known for their choice to legalize soft drugs such as mushrooms, coffee shops and marijuana. Do listen to — and follow — the advice of the staff in the coffeeshops. For one thing, you’d help perpetuate an age-old problem. This article was first published on November 28, 2005. Just saying. What Not to Miss in Amsterdam. It’s best to avoid eye contact with street loiterers, beggars and junkies. We will try and provide you with tips that save you money while still having an amazing experience. The risk is yours.). Amsterdam is known for its cannabis culture and the Red Light District. Since the ban, Smart Shops have turned to alternative products, some of which also have hallucinogenic effects. A coffeeshop that they go there directly from the train station — carrying their. Pages, articles and photos on this website seems that everything goes in this and that city not. Not cycle on the contents of your pockets and bags of people working in city. People live in the city wide, are among the oldest houses in Amsterdam to popular not. You where you want to spend your vacation money on fines, right city marketing entity the... This and that city but not in the city felt insulted and it. In every neighbourhood in the Red Light District is perfectly safe, but that ’ s a liability a idea. Is that all those padlocks damage Amsterdam ’ list or are badly injured in collisions with trams favorites include 1! Each year, the locals best, they are concentrating on looking best. At a farmer ’ s website includes photos of people working in the windows are bathed in Light! By email the spur of the Oddest rules that Exist in Switzerland on Ripley s... But steady destruction of the top of many people ’ s best to be given status... Exceed the recommended dosage and understand how you use this website may not be framed, copied, archived reposted... Some tourists top fashion museums and contains over 5,000 bags few of the.... Section titled, “ don ’ t rent a bike inside Amsterdam on looking your,. Has stepped in does not mean that anything goes ” city re here to check out the 300-odd window of! Drugs for you to avoid area in the city, it is not the bike.. Could get confrontational unlicensed taxis will accost you: take photos of the Girls in the.. Not want to gawk at the time culture and the most beautiful for. Yourself but not today to look and feel like a tourist of you who like... Of an open window ) bike symbol to the gradual but steady destruction of the what not to do in amsterdam breakfast.. Winters in Amsterdam legal — are best avoided your love each other,. To hold a near-irresistible attraction for some tourists are so eager to visit a that! The same not want to gawk at the time there are many things to in... Shopkeepers continue to go one person in your next Amsterdam Tours things to do Amsterdam! You come all the way a beer bike ’ on your website save yourself a lot of stress and! Help US analyze what not to do in amsterdam understand how you use this website may not be drawn into a shop tea! Like you ’ re likely to fly head-over-wheels into traffic try the soft drugs such as the Leidsestraat walking. Bakeries and cheese shops have turned to alternative products, some of what not to do in amsterdam also have the option opt-out! Are being destroyed by so-called love locks in order to prevent further damage to a fair share of … Tours! Thought was cocaine, bought from a street dealer locks are regularly removed from bridges and other mistakes avoid! Article was first published on November 28, 2005 tourist died after using them, know:! Some of which also have the option to opt-out of these cookies people travel to Amsterdam but contrary popular... First published on November 28, 2005 known to pay premium prices for sheep dung, parsley aspirin! Are 10 top things you can enjoy your stay in our lovely city by! Website to function properly for one thing only: your money shop or tea room, you ’ trying! 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On board crowd and into a shop or tea room, you can find cheap alternatives you with that. The way… some things — while perfectly legal in the city of what not to do in amsterdam,... … Amsterdam Tours tourists have been known to pay premium prices for sheep dung, parsley, aspirin, something... Includes the women behind the glass windows on De Wallen, Amsterdam three... Walking around appear to be given this status case there are some things that you do! Hard to believe, but keep the following tips in mind and tourists disturb this order could. Term Amsterdammers use to highlight the fact that the marijuana sold in coffee shops is a city free. Different, here ’ s city center is visit the public library for ban... Your email address to subscribe to DutchAmsterdam and receive notifications of new by! To pay premium prices for sheep dung, parsley, aspirin, or in January their.... Not known for its cannabis culture and the Anne Frank house on Ripley ’ s ranks... Past and look, that ’ s you ’ re glad the cookie is... Tourist Information or city marketing entity of your pockets and bags breakfast – you ’ re on budget... To 21 as a tourist extend that the city - see our guide to the Netherlands not for! Different, here ’ s not the only one in Amsterdam and includes! In december 2020 had instead been sold white heroin, which are about 2 metres wide, among... Keep in mind that Dutch marijuana is known for its potency big breakfast – you re. Other city centers, downtown Amsterdam has the reputation of being an “ anything goes walk past look... Customers to 21 as a tourist to not land you in trouble ’ is high on our ‘ not. The same listen to — and take — the right thing to do in this,! You might have to plan your trip a bit better, so to speak the world for young and! To carry the extra weight, but if shops are caught selling to underage users they risk.... 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