Not everything goes in the Dutch capital.
Amsterdam is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. The Dutch are famously friendly and tolerant, overlooking many tourist faux pas. But there are some rules—whether rooted in etiquette or enshrined in law—that can earn offenders an angry glare, a stern rebuke, or even a fine. And you don’t want to mess with people that can move mattresses on bicycles while eating a sandwich. If you’re planning a trip to the capital, make sure to avoid these common mistakes and you’ll stay on the good side of Amsterdammers (and the law).
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Smoking Weed in Public
Did you know that cannabis is not actually legal in Amsterdam? It is rather tolerated. But the Dutch capital is not a weed paradise where anything goes. It has strict rules about smoking weed, and while it is tolerated, tourists should be aware that it is illegal in some parts of the city to smoke up in public.
Do not light up in public in the city center—you will get fined. Additionally, public drinking is also prohibited. If you are caught smoking weed or drinking outside in the city center (De Wallen, Dam, Nieuwmarkt), you can get fined €100 ($114).
Locals would also appreciate it if you didn’t roll it in residential areas, parks, or anywhere around kids and families. Look out for smoking bans, but in general, you are better off inside a coffee shop. Also, verify if you can smoke inside your hotel room—it may be prohibited, too.
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Walking in Bicycle Lanes
There are more bikes than people in Amsterdam, and it’s the number one mode of transportation. But it can be stressful when the city is busy. The Dutch hate it when unaware tourists get in their way. Look out for cyclists when you cross the streets and never walk on cycle lanes—aimlessly drifting in the city can cause an accident.
And, if you decide to rent a bicycle, learn all the road rules, both spoken and unspoken. The city center, with its overflowing crowds, is not the place to get back on the saddle if you’ve not cycled in years. Remember that locals are comfortable on bikes, so they can get away with not following all the rules. Tourists need to be more aware and sensible.
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Paying €7 for a Stroopwaffel
Spoiler: you don’t need to wait half an hour for a sandwich or fries because there are other options. And, you don’t need to pay a pretty penny–€7 ($8) for a stroopwaffel is highway robbery–for something you can find for much cheaper outside of the popular spots. You will hardly ever find locals queuing up for these snacks, and it is very inconvenient for them when tourists take over sidewalks and bridges. If you do decide to wait for something, make sure you check off-peak times and don’t block anyone’s way. You may get a mocking stare or laugh, but that’s because locals really don’t do this.
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Staying in the City Center
Tourists are concentrated in the city center, but there are so many pretty neighborhoods in Amsterdam, like Oost and Zuid. Amsterdamse Bos is a forested area on the southern edge of the city, and it’s a wonderful place to spend a day swimming, walking, and attending concerts.
Also know that the ferry is free and takes you to Noord, which is much quieter than the city center. Across the IJRiver, this part of the city is a hip contrast with cool museums, chill terrace restaurants, and lively nightclubs. You can do a cycling tour here and see the peaceful lives in quaint villages, or attend a festival at NDSM.
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Staying in Amsterdam Only
Better yet, take a train to other parts of the Netherlands—Maastricht in the south or Groningen in the north. You can also travel to Gouda fairly easily to learn more about the famous cheese, or see the picturesque village of Giethoorn, which is a no-car haven.
The beaches, pretty small towns, and bigger cities are all easily accessible thanks to a robust public transportation network.
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Getting Train Tickets at Full Price
In the Netherlands, you can tap in and out using your cards on every mode of public transportation. However, for train travel, it is much cheaper to buy tickets through the NS app or website. If you already know your dates, book in advance (between a day and a month prior to your travel) to get as much as a 60% discount. You will have to travel off-peak for these deals, but it’s worth it. For those traveling with friends or family, group tickets are also much cheaper on the NS app, so book together rather than paying individually.
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Not Booking Museums in Advance
In the summer season, the Anne Frank Museum is impossible to get into on short notice. People plan their trips around museums in Amsterdam, including Van Gogh and the Rijksmuseum, so make sure you book tickets online weeks before your trip. In case you miss out on your first choices, the city has beautiful museums that may not be on the radar as much. The Grachtenmuseum (Canals Museum) on Herengracht showcases how the city was built in an interactive way; Our Lord in the Attic Museum is a 17th-century secret church museum in a canal house; and FOAM museum is a photography museum on Keizersgracht, which is much loved by art lovers.
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Taking Pictures in the Red Light District
The Red Light District (De Wallen) is a part of the city’s heritage, but it is not Disneyland. Sex workers should be allowed to work with dignity and respect, so photographing them is strictly forbidden. To protect their privacy and reduce nuisance in the neighborhood, guided tours are also not allowed to pass through their windows.
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Peeing or Jumping in the Canals
This one’s especially for men—do not pee in the canal. Not only is it disgusting and illegal, but it’s also dangerous because you can fall over. Same for going for a swim. Canals are not the cleanest, especially in crowded areas, and bikes often fall into them, making them a hazard if you jump. The city has designated areas for swimmers if you’re here in the summer and feel like taking a dip. Otherwise, the beach in Zandvoort is 30 minutes from Centraal.
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Trying Space Cakes or Mushrooms Without Prep
This one is also a warning: do not eat mushrooms or space cakes without checking how much cannabis they contain. Some of these things can be very strong, and they can ruin your night (or two). If you can, go with a local to a trusted place, or ask the shop staff for recommendations as per your tolerance. Make sure you’re in a safe space when you try something new.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Amsterdam’s Top Attractions