Are you planning a trip to Amsterdam soon? From its relaxed atmosphere about drugs and sex to its beautiful attractions and delicious national Dutch quisine, there a million reasons 20 million people visit Amsterdam each year. There are also countless coffeeshops to enjoy a cup of joe while legally smoking cannabis, as well as popular bars and nightclubs. Some of the most popular sights and destinations include the canals, the beautiful historic buildings, the Red Light District, the Anne Frank House, and the Rijksmuseum. There are some things you need to know about navigating and being a good tourist while in Amsterdam. Before packing your bags and setting off to the Netherlands, check out the following frequently asked questions about traveling in Amsterdam.
While there is much in popular culture about the ease a tourist can buy drugs in Amsterdam, that is a myth. Buying drugs such as ecstacy, cocaine, and heroin from street dealers in Amsterdam is both highly dangerous and illegal. You don’t want to end up being arrested in Amsterdam.
No, English and Dutch are very similar linguistically and share some common grammatical roots. Dutch people pick up English easily by watching TV and movies. However, it’s a good idea to learn some basic Dutch phrases to help while you are navigating the city and to please the locals.
Yes. While Amsterdam has more relaxed drug laws than some other European cities, Cannabis is available, but only from licensed coffee shops. Look for establishments with a green and white sign posted at the entrance. Remember, you can only smoke cannabis at licensed venues.
Unlike American bars where everything bigger is better, the Dutch prefer to drink beer in vaasjes or fluitjes, which are small glasses. They are believed to not only preserve a beer’s taste, but also to reduce intoxication, so expect to be ordering half-pints when you hit the bars.
The majority of roads in Amsterdam are separated into two sections by a white line. While there may be no traffic in the inner lane, it is designated for bicyclists only. That means no cars, and absolutely no pedestrians. When visiting Amsterdam, stay out of the cycle paths.
While Amsterdam is known for its Red Light District where prostitution is legal, there are plenty of other interesting neighborhoods that offer hundreds of attractions and things to do and see. Look into signing up for a walking tour of other neighborhoods while in Amsterdam.
Paying with cash or foreign cards can be tricky in Amsterdam. Many establishments have stopped accepting physical money. Because MasterCard and Visa are rare in the Netherlands, many stores only accept Maestro. Most establishments will have clear signs posted specifying their preferred payment method.
In the Netherlands, every form of public transportation accepts OV-chipkaart, which can be purchased at train or tram stations. Similar to the Oyster card in London, you can top up your balance and then travel by trams, buses, or trains. You can choose between one-hour passes or day-long passes.