1. Transportation: The city has an excellent public transport system including trams, buses, and trains. Biking is also popular.
2. Language: Dutch is the official language, but most people speak English well.
3. Currency: The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are accepted, but cash is still commonly used. It's best to carry a mix of cash and cards. Haggling at flea markets is okay.
4. Weather: The weather can be unpredictable, so bring layers and an umbrella, especially in fall and spring. It’s a city where people dress hip but casual (jeans and nice sneakers or boots, for example) and mix-and-match layers since the year-round weather is unpredictable. A light trench coat or windbreaker jacket is essential for all seasons besides winter, when a proper coat and warm gear are needed.
5. Culture: Amsterdam is known for its liberal culture. Respect local customs and be mindful of the rules around drugs and alcohol. Smoking marijuana and drinking in public is illegal and considered poor etiquette by Amsterdam natives. Taking photos of s– workers in the Red Light District is strictly prohibited.
6. Safety: Amsterdam is generally safe, but be aware of pickpockets in tourist hotspots. Watch out for pickpockets, especially walking around Amsterdam’s busy squares and typical visitor areas. Stay aware, and don't keep all your documents and valuables on you. Carry a copy of travel documents.
7. The Dutch are known for being extremely direct. If a local shares a blunt, unvarnished opinion with you, it comes from a place of honesty rather than rudeness.
8. Local Etiquette: Be polite and use "alstublieft" (please) and "dank u" (thank you).
9. Food: Try local specialties like Stroopwafels, Haring, and Dutch pancakes.
10. Cycling is one of the most popular ways to get around Amsterdam and bike thieves can be very capable. Use one lock for the front wheel (attached to the bike frame) and the other for the back, preferably attached to a post, bike rack or some other structure mounted to the ground. Also, pay attention to signage regarding bike parking. Bicycle racks near tram and train stations and in certain public squares are usually best, or you may risk it being removed by the police. Never walk in a cycling lane, or you'll risk the wrath of an angry local on wheels. Always take a good look both ways before crossing – bicycles are silent, but an accident can be very serious for cyclists and pedestrians.
11. Amsterdam is not a 24/7 city. Opening hours in shops are generally from about 10am to 6pm, and 8pm for supermarkets. Many shops and grocers do not open on Sundays (with the exception of busy tourist areas like Nieuwendijk and Kalverstraat). Coffeeshops tend to open in the morning and close around midnight, while bars and clubs go much later until 3 or 4am.
12. Pre-purchase tickets for convenience. At museums and galleries, it’s best to plan for long queues – especially during the high season from June to August. Ticketed time slots (most can be downloaded to your phone) are available at popular sights like the Anne Frank Huis and Van Gogh Museum and should be booked at least six weeks in advance.
13. In 2024, Amsterdam's tourist tax – which is added to the cost of accommodation per night – has risen from 7% to 12.5%, making it now the most expensive in Europe. The tax is charged at a percentage of your accommodation cost, and is payable on arrival.
14. Be careful around canals as most canals have no barriers.
15. Buy an OV-chipkaart for travel around the city. It is highly recommended for public transport since it’s more convenient than single tickets and is easily reloadable at machines or online. It's available for purchase from ticketing machines and supermarkets. Note: you need to touch on and touch off, including when you're getting off trams. Otherwise, you'll pay a hefty fee.
16. Tipping is not expected in Amsterdam where hospitality workers receive a fair wage for their professions, and are not dependent on tip like elsewhere.
17. The Dutch are known for the oranjekoorts (orange fever) or oranjegekte (orange craze). Wear orange and make some friends.
18. Tulip bulbs purchased at Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt can be shipped back to countries such as the United States, but an official certificate is needed for customs. Look for the sticker that says, “To the Plant Protection Service of the United States and Canada.” The additional certificate must be dated within six weeks of travel (otherwise, it’s best to have the seller ship them).
19. Most varieties of Dutch cheeses will make it through customs, although typically unpasteurized and raw cheeses may not. Cheese should also be vacuum-bagged (for the sake of your fellow travelers as well as for health and safety reasons).
20. Medical: Amsterdam has an abundance of English-speaking doctors and medical care services targeted towards travelers, such as Hoteldoc and Amsterdam Tourist Doctors. For urgent medical care, dial 112 for emergencies or +31 20 570 9500 directly for an ambulance.
Reichstag Building -You can visit for free. For more info and to register, see here.
Cruise through the UNESCO Canals
Rijksmuseum Museum
Van Gogh Museum
Dam Square - is a town square in Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands.
Jordaan is the creative hub of Amsterdam where you can experience Dutch hospitality and cuisine in real Amsterdam.
Heineken Experience
Rijksmuseum
THIS IS HOLLAND
Moco Museum - Banksy & More
A'DAM LOOKOUT
Amsterdam Canal Cruise
Rotterdam, Delft & The Hague Live Guided Tour
Tour de BonTon
Royal Experience - Royal Coster Diamonds
House of Bols
Zaanse Schans Card
Tourist Ferry Amsterdam
Pedal Boat Amsterdam
Macbike Bike Rental
Houseboat Museum
Amsterdam Castle Muiderslot
Volendam, Edam & Windmills Bus Excursion
Diamond Museum
Jewish Cultural Quarter
Amsterdam Pipe Museum
Zaanse Schans Bus Excursion
Amsterdam Tulip Museum
Tony's Chocolonely Superstore
Hop on-Hop off Boat Tour
Guided tour to Keukenhof Gardens & Tulip Experience
AMAZE Amsterdam – A new immersive experience by ID&T
The Life of Anne Frank & Neighborhood Tour
Madame Tussauds Amsterdam
The Amsterdam Dungeon
Royal Palace of Amsterdam
Bloemenmarkt
Begijnhof, Amsterdam
Anne Frank House
Westerkerk
Zaanse Schans - a windmill village
Edam Cheese Market
Carillon tower, the Big Church
FOODIE:
Dutch apple pie
Bitterballen is a favorite local snack
Stroopwafels
Hensley Travel
AmaWaterways Cruises
Need Activities For Your Cruise?
Book Your Vacation
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Viking Cruises
No comments:
Post a Comment