19 things to know before traveling to Amsterdam

In delightfully vibrant Amsterdam, you'll find cannabis-clouded coffee shops next to cozy bars, lovely parks plus cycling lanes aplenty, and museums so outstanding that it is difficult to choose between them. Better understanding the city, the local culture and Dutch customs in general will help make your trip even better.

Here's what to know about Amsterdam before your visit.

1. Amsterdam is not a 24-7 city

Amsterdam's businesses keep very regular hours. Shops are generally open 10am–6pm, 8pm for supermarkets. Many shops and grocers do not open on Sundays (except in busy tourist areas like Nieuwendijk and Kalverstraat). Coffee shops tend to open in the morning and close around midnight, while bars and clubs go much later, until 3 or 4am.

2. Budget for the tourist tax

Amsterdam's tourist tax adds 12.5% to the cost of accommodations per night. It is payable on arrival. Factor this fee into your budget.

3. Purchase museum tickets early

At museums, it’s best to plan for long lines, especially during the high season from June to August. Timed tickets (most can be downloaded to your phone) are available for popular sights like the Anne Frank Huis and Van Gogh Museum, and should be purchased at least 6 weeks beforehand.

4. Book accommodations and restaurants in advance

Similarly, lodging should be secured at least 4 months before your trip, especially if you’re visiting during the summer or on a weekend. Seats at must-visit restaurants are best squared away at least 2 weeks in advance.

5. Pack layers of clothing

Practical clothing will get you far in Amsterdam. It’s a city where people dress hip but casual (jeans and nice sneakers or boots, for example) and mix and match layers year-round since the 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.

6. Carry a mix of cash and cards

A growing number of Amsterdam's cafes and restaurants are going cashless, while some of the more traditional, older haunts like bruin cafés (brown cafes) may not take cards at all. It's best to carry a mix of cash and cards.

7. Be respectful on the streets

Dutch locals are tired of Amsterdam’s reputation as a destination for bachelor parties and bad behavior, so authorities have taken steps to curtail the effects of rowdy visitors. To avoid disapproving looks and humiliating conversations, acting sensibly is a must.

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Smoking marijuana and drinking in public is illegal and considered poor etiquette by Amsterdam natives. Similarly, taking photos of sex workers in the Red Light District is strictly prohibited.

8. Get an OV-pas for travel around the city

The OV-pas is highly recommended for public transportation since it’s more convenient than single tickets and is easily reloadable online and on the app. Note: you need to touch on and touch off, including when you're getting off trams. Otherwise, you'll pay a hefty fee.

9. Make friends by wearing orange

Dutch sports fans are known for oranjekoorts (orange fever) or oranjegekte (orange craze), when it seems like every person in the stands is bedecked in the color.

If you want the Dutch to know you’re cheering for them, wear the royal family’s traditional hue. The more outlandish and over the top – we’re talking wigs, feather boas and face paint – the better.

10. Mind the Dutch mentality

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. In Dutch culture, it’s gracious to speak your mind and keep it short – don’t be surprised to find "no" is a complete sentence.

Despite the brutally honest Dutch mentality, certain talking points are considered too close for comfort and should be avoided – for example, asking personal questions about income.

11. Tip sometimes

Tipping is not expected in the Netherlands, where hospitality workers receive a fair wage for their professions and are not dependent on tip jar contributions. Of course a tip for excellent service is not going to be considered odd (around 10% is normal). Feel free to tip in bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels if the service warrants it. If you take a free walking tour, presenting your guide with a decent tip at the end is normal.

12. Ride a bike, not in a car

Driving in Amsterdam is notoriously difficult, especially in the city center. Narrow cobblestone alleys shared with cyclists and pedestrians make maneuvering a car tough, plus parking is scarce and pricey (and it's usually not available, even at hotels).

Cycling is one of the most popular ways to get around Amsterdam, so follow the locals' lead and rent a bike. While not legally mandated, helmets are strongly recommended. Most bike shops rent them for as little as €2.50 a day.

Even when you are on foot, be bike aware. Cyclists in Amsterdam mean serious business. 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.

13. Lock up your bike twice

Most rental bikes come with two locks – it’s best to use them both! Bike thieves in Amsterdam can be very capable. Use one lock for the front wheel (attached to the bike frame) and the other for the back wheel, 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 the bike being removed by police.

14. Pay attention to plant transport rules

Tulip bulbs purchased at Amsterdam’s Bloemenmarkt can be shipped back to countries such as the USA, but an official certificate is needed for customs. Look for a sticker that reads: “To the Plant Protection Service of the United States and Canada.” The additional certificate must be dated within 6 weeks of travel (otherwise, it’s best to have the seller ship them).

15. Haggle at flea markets

When shopping at Amsterdam’s famous rommelmarkt (flea markets) like IJ Hallen, the first price given by the seller is usually a starting point and not a firm number. This rule applies to secondhand items, not artisan-made goods. Use your judgment and always be respectful.

16. Bring some cheese home with you

Most varieties of Dutch cheese will make it through customs, although typically unpasteurized and raw cheeses may not. Cheese should be vacuum-packed (for the sake of your fellow travelers as well as for healthy and safety).

17. Be careful around canals

Almost none have barriers, and yes, tourist drownings have happened.

18. Watch out for pickpockets

Amsterdam’s compact downtown (chock-full of foot traffic and often folks who are under the influence) is a prime target for thieves, especially in busy squares and tourist areas. Stay aware, and don't keep all your documents and valuables on you.

19. Plan ahead in case you need medical care

Amsterdam has an abundance of English-speaking doctors and medical care services targeted toward travelers, such as Touristdoc and Amsterdam Tourist Doctors. For urgent medical care, dial 112 for emergencies or +31 20 570 9500 for an ambulance.