After living in Amsterdam for over three years and experiencing it as both a American tourist and now a local, I’ve learned a few tips that are quite necessary for visiting Amsterdam.
Here’s my top 11 basic travel tips for Amsterdam from a tourist turned local. They are Amsterdam insider tips, which are basic but necessary to make your trip enjoyable and help respect the local culture.
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1. When crossing the street, look left, look right, and repeat.
Seriously, or you’ll be hit by a biker or get yelled at because bikers have the right of way here. They can do what they want like ride up a one way street if they feel like it and fly by in the blink of an eye sooo look left, look right, and repeat!
This might seem like a very basic tip, but after seeing countless tourists aimlessly walking in the bike lane and expecting bikers to stop for them as they cross the street, it actually is quite deserving of the #1 tip.
Want to take a break from the bikes for a bit?
Try a private boat tour in Amsterdam.
2. Stay out of the dark red bike lanes.
Back to bikers having the right of way, they own everything: the road, the sidewalk, the bike lanes, etc.
If you want to steer clear of sticking out like a sore tourist then don’t dilly dally in the bike lane, which are dark red (it’s confusing because the sidewalk is such a similar red to the bike lanes… why Amsterdam? Why?!).
If you want to take photos or look up directions, pull to the side of the street to let other pedestrians and bikes by or simply be aware of your surroundings like eyes in the back of your head aware.
3. Drink the tap water.
This really should’ve been the number one tip but considering the bike is king in Amsterdam, I had to boot this down. The tap water in Amsterdam is drinkable. It’s clean, tastes good, and it’s freeeeee.
Pro Tip: At restaurants, they’ll ask to serve you “still” or “sparkling” water, which you’ll have to pay for. You can ask for tap water– the sneaky 3rd free option they never mentioned– but some restaurants (mostly Chinese ones from experience) will charge for tap water or don’t serve it…like they don’t have a sink in their kitchen.
You might also like: Best Restaurants in Amsterdam
4. Don’t be all stoney bologna in public like when you first got high at 16.
Do smoke in coffee shops, on a bench in a scenic setting, at Vondelpark, or someplace more hidden from the general public if you’re in more neighborhood areas. You definitely will smell the herb everywhere in city center but rarely will you see people openly smoking unless they’re tourists.
If you must smoke in public, roll up a j or, BONUS, buy a pre-rolled one at a coffee shop. By the way, unlike the States where you need a medical marijuana license in a few states, you can walk into a coffee shop as if it were a normal store and TREAT YO SELF.
5. Download an offline version of Google Maps to use it without data or wifi.
If you want to save money on data in Amsterdam, then it’s very possible! There is free wifi at Schipol Airport and many restaurants and museums. It’s even available at Albert Heijn, which is the largest grocery chain here. You can always pop into the grocery store to get connected if you don’t have a data plan.
In the meantime, download an offline version of Google Maps, and star the places you’ll be visiting ahead of time. Amsterdam is so small that it’s easy to walk around by using the map. Public transportation is not always a necessity.
6. Always have cash on you.
The currency used here is the Euro. Mostly everywhere takes cash, some places take credit*, and no place takes a debit card unless it’s a local Dutch debit card so it’s really your best bet to have cash on you.
You can find ATMs pretty much everywhere, and from what I’ve noticed, unlike greedy American banks, there’s no fee to use the ATMs here outside of what your bank would charge you.
Also, always have small change on you like one euro and under because many places charge for you to use the public restroom. Sounds odd coming from America, but the bathrooms are much cleaner and maintained this way!
*AMEX credit cards are the least likely to be accepted.
Exception: The only place that you absolutely need a PIN/credit card for is if you’re buying a tram ticket directly on the tram and not at a machine.
7. Tip minimally (relative to the US).
Your server’s still getting tipped so don’t worry! 15% tip and tax is already included in the price of your meal, hotel, cafe, taxi, and much more. So you technically don’t have to tip, but if you want to do the European thing, round your bill to the next dollar and leave the difference in change, and of course, if you receive customer service that’s off the chain, tip 5%!
8. English is your best friend.
Unless you’re fluent in Dutch, English will be your best friend here. Everyone speaks English, except for maybe your server at that hole-in-the-wall Chinese restaurant deep inside Chinatown.
However, a few simple words in Dutch will always go a long way with the locals such as ‘dankjewel’ (pronounced ‘dank-you-well’ / thank you very much) and bring some smiles with your ever so clear American accent.
9. Carry an umbrella or a poncho.
The weather is VERY quite fickle here. Sometimes it can go from sunny and bright to rainy and gray in a matter of minutes, but it’s nothing that an umbrella or poncho can’t fix.
Amsterdam is a sight to see rain or shine so don’t let possibility of a few drops from the sky rain on your parade. If anything, the rain here enhances the environment by adding this dreamy, dewy layer to the already romantic scenery.
Because Amsterdam is so windy, I’d recommend this windproof umbrella that I personally own.
Pro Tip: A really great Amsterdam insider tip is to download Buienradar, an app that locals use. It tells you if it’s going to rain within 2-3 hours and is very precise. You can use this app to decide if you need an umbrella or poncho.
You might also like: Ultimate European Packing List
10. Have a foldable, reusable bag on you.
The Netherlands charge you €0.05 to €0.10 a bag even at stores you wouldn’t expect it like Forever 21 or Zara. This is because by law, stores are not allowed to give out plastic bags.
To save a little bit of money on crappy plastic bags, I always carry a foldable, reusable bag on me. There are several other reasons why I love having a foldable, reusable bag on me in general when I’m traveling or exploring my own city.
Get a handful of foldable, reusable bags from Amazon. You’ll find them really handy for your trip!
11. Make reservations.
The Dutch love making plans in advance as well as not overbooking their restaurants. As a result, you need to make reservations for dinner!
Do this at least a week or two in advance if it’s a popular like Gartine or Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs. If you want to know good places to eat, check out my where to eat in Amsterdam post.
You’ll also need a reservation for the Anne Frank Museum in advance although sometimes you can find tickets day of around 10-11AM online.
I hope these tips make your trip to Amsterdam a more hassle-free and enjoyable one!
Thanks for stopping by! xo.
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I’d love to know if you made it this far down into the post. It’d actually make me quite happy if you reached out on Instagram and said hello!
Jessica C. (A Wanderlust For Life) says
Hi Sarah! I live in Amsterdam too (from the US)! Great list. When you said the bikes have the right-of-way basically everywhere, it definitely feels true. But at least if they are on the sidewalk, they know they shouldn’t be and probably won’t hit or or ding at you! I always find it funny when they are in the wrong and know it!! Speaking of dumplings, where do you stand…Sea Palace or Oriental City?
Sarah says
Yes the sidewalk is definitely off limits! I haven’t been to either! I’ve been extremely biased against the Asian food I’ve tried here so far. I haven’t liked ANY to be honest, and I’ve been to a good 10 restaurants so it’s discouraged me from trying anymore places. Which place do you like most? I’ll go try it out soon!
Ivana says
Great tips, I’ll be there next month! Can’t wait 😀
Sarah says
Awesome! When next month? The tulip show is going on in Keukenhof!
Alonzo Quigley says
These are awesome tips! I have listed Amsterdam in my bucket list of places I want to visit one day.
Sarah says
Thank you! I hope you get to visit soon. I love it here.
Courteney says
This was awesome! I love your sense of humor and your style of writing. I’m traveling to Europe this summer and will definitely be in Amsterdam. Thanks for the tips, I’ll be sure to keep them in mind 🙂
Sarah says
Awesome! Glad you liked and hope they help.
Shayan says
Wow, interesting that cyclists always have the right of way. Shouldn’t pedestrians? Good to know if I ever go to Amsterdam. This just gave me an idea for a post series.
Thanks Sarah.
Sarah says
Let me know what that post series is!
Dev says
A great post Sarah. Love your style of humor and writing.
Sarah says
Thank you!
DrifterHannah says
YES to number 1! Oh my, the biking system is so complicated in Amsterdam. My Dutch boyfriend says it’s the hardest city in the world to be a cyclist, and then makes me go on one of those rented bikes where you have to brake by pedalling backwards, yeah thanks… Saying this, there’s such a lovely feeling that comes with cycling in Amsterdam in the summer! I can’t wait to get back in July!
Sarah says
Ooh have a great time!
Stephanie says
I can see how it was easy for you to adjust to living there! A lot like New York! I fear bikers more than gangsters. They are fierce and ruthless, and in NYC pedestrians technically have the right of way…until they meet a biker! Hoping to make it to Amsterdamn one day!! Adjusting to people smoking will probably be my biggest challenge. I am so used to no smoking of any kind in NYC (well…yeah the pot everywhere, but not inside).
Sarah says
Lol bikers more than gangsters? That’s funny. Yes New York is similar to Amsterdam!
Katie says
OMG so true about looking left, right and repeat, it wasn’t the bikes that got us, but we almost smacked into a tram . I do like Amsterdam though, it has a great vibe and something to interest my straight-laced museum loving friend, as well as the drinkers and smokers!
Katie
Sarah says
Yah those trams are tricky too. They come so close to the sidewalk!
Marteen says
I’ve never bee to Amsterdam but it’s on my list so I’ll definitely keep this post in mind for when I do visit. You really need to have your wits about you with the cyclists and bikers.
Sarah says
Have fun when you visit! Thank you.
Kerri says
Great (and funny) tips. I’m definitely used to bikes in all of Europe now having such priority, but I remember nearly getting mowed down when I first visited their fair shores! Bike riders are treated as second class citizens in Australia many times, so we get used to not having to really watch out for them. Did you see the toilets out in the streets ? Thought they were the weirdest things ever!!!!
Sarah says
Yes the toilets are weird but make sense. I’d rather have men pee in there than on the streets ’cause in NYC it smells so bad already, we don’t need more guys peeing everywhere. Apparently, they’re there because too many men were falling in the canals while peeing HAHA
Natasha says
What a great guide! I can’t wait to visit Amsterdam someday and these tips will help a lot! I didn’t realize you could drink in public in most places. In Korea, it’s encouraged to drink inside and outside of convenience stores. Talk about a cheap night out for drinks lol
Also, I’ll try not to be all stoney baloney when I visit Amsterdam 😉
Sarah says
Lol drink inside and outside of convenience stores? That’s good to know! I’m going in August.
Tara says
I can’t wait to visit a place where the bicyclists rule. I’ve heard drivers here in New England actually say that bikes have no business being on the roads. Can’t we just make room for one another. Amsterdam seems lovely, and your tips are truly helpful for people who are thinking of visiting.
Sarah says
Ah that’s a bummer that the New Englanders think like that. I’m from New England by the way lol. I hope you can visit soon.
Lauren of Postgrad & Postcards says
I enjoyed the gifs throughout 😛
You make a valid point about carrying cash. Good info to know about Amsterdam, because it really is location-specific if the place your visiting will be open to your foreign debit card.
Voyager says
Amsterdam is waiting to happen for us and your tips will definitely come in handy, thanks for sharing.
Sarah says
Check out my Where to Eat in Amsterdam post too, and feel free to reach out to me before you come. Thanks!
Neha says
Sarah,
Thanks for this super helpful post! My husband and I will be visiting Amsterdam with our 19 month old son in June for 5 days. Do you have any specific tips for seeing Amsterdam with a toddler?
Sarah says
Hi Neha! Sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner. I’d 100% go to Amsterdam Central Library and check out the kids floor. It’s really fun and there’s this amazing mouse house I always bring my friends and family too (all adults).
Daley says
As a Amsterdam girl I agree with most tips, except for tipping and making reservations. Service charge is hardly ever included in prices?? Maybe in some touristy areas, but it’s much appreciated if you give a tip. It’s not mandatory of course but if you’re satisfied definitely tip like 5-10%. I think most of us Dutch don’t tip if it’s bad, otherwise we do. I always tip as a Dutch girl, because I worked in “Horeca” too (Hotel-restaurant-cafe as we call it) and the pays are mostly low but the tips make up for it. Reservations come in handy for the very popular restaurants especially in the weekends I guess, but I go to dinner ever week and actually never make reservations.. There’s most of the time place for a couple. With a group I would definitely advice reservations 🙂
Also a tip from a former weed smoker (it’s been ages but I still know this): If you really want to get high never buy pre-rolled joints. There’s a lot less in it than if you’d buy it yourself 🙂 🙂 🙂
Loved the article about my city so wanted to add some insider information for who-ever is reading this haha 😉
Sarah says
Thanks for your insight! I guess the restaurants I go to need reservation because I seem to have a tough time with some places. As for service, I do tip 5% sometimes but a lot of the service I experience in Amsterdam is very very subpar. In NYC I always tip 20% no matter what but in Amsterdam it’s a bit more ambiguous. We’ve had very different experiences so it’s good to see your point of view.
Steven says
Hy Sarah, thank you for the tips and i glad to read your article, if you can recommend some great food there too, i will love to read the next article,, keep sharing the good post
Sarah says
Hey Steven! I actually have a Where to Eat in Amsterdam post. I’ll email it to you!
Christina says
You make an informative point about the public smoking protocols in Amsterdam. The coffee shop tips will be very much appreciated by visitors.
Sarah says
Thanks for your feedback!
Kay fom Canada says
I’m pretty excited to be returning for my third time in May! I’ll be renting a bike this time, which is a bit scary. Any biking tips?
Sarah says
Hey kay! I would start out biking in Vondelpark to get a feel for it but otherwise, there’s no reason to be really scared because the bike lanes are fully separated from cars and pedestrians. It looks scarier from the outside than when you’re actually biking so be confident! Also use hand signals to let people know when you’re turning 🙂 Get in touch when time gets closer. Maybe I’ll be around for a personal bike tour!
Jamie Holmes says
Thank you for your great guide, I’ll be visiting some of these places early February 🙂
Sarah says
That’s great. Check out my other Amsterdam posts for help!
David says
Hey Sarah,
Great tips! We will be travelling there and arriving on Feb 10! Might take you up on that personal bike tour you mentioned above!
Sarah says
Cool! I sent you an email.
McKenzie says
WOW! Thank you so much for this extremely helpful post. Amsterdam sounds pretty fun, I hope I can visit sometime!
Sarah says
Yes if you visit, please let me know!