Amsterdam is considered one of the safest cities in the world, ranking 6th in The Economist’s Safe Cities Index 2021. However, terrorism continues to plot attacks in the Netherlands, making it as safe as most European capitals. The country is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur. The US State Department recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in the Netherlands due to terrorism.
Travel advisories and country-specific information can be found on the State Department’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management website. If you use common sense, avoid dangerous areas, and stay alert, Amsterdam is totally safe for a solo getaway. The author, an avid traveler, shares his experiences with Amsterdam during the Covid-19 pandemic, noting that while the rate of violent crime in the Netherlands is low, tourists are often targeted by pickpockets, bag snatchers, and other petty thieves.
In addition to the safety of Amsterdam, other European cities such as Canada, France, and Germany also offer travel advisories and travel advice. For example, Canada’s government states that it is relatively safe to travel by rail from city to city, compared to some other European countries, but be aware of pickpockets.
In conclusion, Amsterdam is considered one of the safest cities in Europe, but tourists should exercise caution due to terrorism and petty crime.
📹 Amsterdam – The Don’ts of Visiting Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Things you should never do in Amsterdam as a tourists. Whether you are going for a cultural trip or a party trip there are a few …
Is Amsterdam safe for US tourists?
The city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands is generally regarded as a safe destination for tourists. However, it is important to note that instances of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur. It is advisable to exercise caution in crowded areas, refrain from carrying valuables, and ensure the security of one’s belongings.
Is Red Light District safe at night?
The Amsterdam Red Light District, despite its reputation for dodgy areas, is actually quite safe. Despite issues like pickpocketing, petty theft, and drug-dealing, the area is surrounded by constant police presence and is a popular destination for tourists, elderly couples, and families. Antisocial behavior has been a topic of contention in recent years, but the area is generally safe as long as valuables are hidden, interactions with dodgy characters are avoided, and street dealers are ignored.
Despite the presence of drugs, prostitutes, and sex clubs, there is no reason to be scared of visiting this part of town. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, take the same precautions as in any city at night. For more information on staying safe in Amsterdam, check out the blog ‘Is Amsterdam Safe’.
If you’re concerned about safety but still want to explore the infamous Red Light District, consider joining a Pub Crawl, where you can meet many drinking friends and have staff available to help with any issues.
Is it OK to speak English in Amsterdam?
The Dutch are known for their impressive foreign-language skills, with around 90% of the population fluent in English. The language is used in many international businesses, organizations, and universities. Other languages spoken in major cities include Turkish, Arabic, and Indonesian. Dutch is the major official language, but West Frisian, Dutch Low Saxon dialects, and Limburgish are spoken in certain regions. West Frisian is a regional language in Friesland, with around 450, 000 speakers.
Dutch Low Saxon dialects have become less common but still have 1. 8 million speakers. Limburgish, spoken in Limburg and neighboring parts of Germany and Belgium, has around 825, 000 speakers. These languages are part of the diverse and diverse Dutch culture.
What is the number one crime in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is a popular tourist destination known for its unique attractions, nightlife, and unique vices. However, the city’s most frequent crimes are petty theft. Common threats to safety in Amsterdam include crime in certain neighborhoods, potential hazards in Central Amsterdam, and public transport. To ensure safety, it is recommended to avoid these areas and ensure that you are aware of potential hazards and take necessary precautions. Despite these concerns, Amsterdam remains a popular destination for visitors seeking a safe and enjoyable experience.
Should I carry my passport with me in Amsterdam?
The United States of America It is a legal requirement for U. S. citizens to carry either a U. S. passport book or a valid Dutch residence permit, as the U. S. passport card is not accepted as identification by the Dutch authorities.
Is Amsterdam safe for solo female travellers?
Amsterdam is a safe destination for solo female travelers, ranking among the top ten safest cities in the world according to The Economist’s Safe Cities Index. The most common crime in Amsterdam is bike theft, but pickpocketing can be more prevalent in tourist hot spots like the Red Light District. To keep your belongings safe, avoid having your phone on show and keep an eye on your bags, even when dining. It is recommended to leave your passport at your accommodation and ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance.
When exploring the nightlife, be extra vigilant after dark and steer clear of dark alleyways and dimly lit areas. Amsterdam has a bustling social scene, and learning Dutch can make a good impression on locals. To make a good impression, try using phrases like “Bij te kneep” or “Bij te kneep” to communicate with locals.
Is Amsterdam foreigner friendly?
Amsterdam is a diverse and international city with a small town vibe, attracting many expats and government workers. The city’s small size and easy accessibility make it a cozy place to live. However, the city center is often busy with tourists, making it unappealing to locals. The area is often crowded and loud, with overpriced entertainment and overpriced entertainment. Tourists are often unaware of city cycling rules, making it dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians.
Additionally, not all tourists are respectful, and fights can break out due to intoxicated visitors. The congestion of tourists also makes pickpocketing a common problem. Overall, Amsterdam offers a unique blend of culture, history, and modern amenities, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a comfortable and diverse lifestyle.
What do US citizens need to travel to Amsterdam?
A passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen area. Two pages are required for an entry stamp, but not for stays under 90 days. The U. S. Embassy in The Hague and the U. S. Consulate General in Amsterdam provide consular services, with emergency services available at both locations. The Hague Embassy can be reached at John Adams Park 1 or via email at AmsterdamUSC@state. gov. All consular services are provided by the U. S.
Is it safe to walk Amsterdam at night?
Amsterdam is a popular destination for tourists, but it is important to be cautious of dark, unlit streets at night, the Red Light District, Amsterdam-Zuidoost, and the City Centre. The Red Light District is a fun place to visit after dark, but the early hours of the morning can be dangerous. Amsterdam-Zuidoost is the most dangerous area, but it is not near the city. The City Centre is the most problematic area for tourists, with traffic and petty crime being prevalent. It is essential to keep money safe, as losing it is a common issue worldwide.
Is it safe for foreigners to go to the Netherlands?
Terrorism in the Netherlands is expected to increase, with attacks potentially indiscriminate and targeting foreign nationals. The National Terrorist Threat Level was raised on 12 December 2023, indicating a heightened risk of terrorist attacks. Protecting personal belongings is crucial, as pickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in central Amsterdam and around Amsterdam Central Station. Thieves often operate in gangs on trains and trams, distracting and stealing from passengers. Sleeping on trains can also make individuals easy targets.
What is the crime in Amsterdam for tourists?
Amsterdam is a safe city with a large network of public transport, including buses, subway trains, taxis, and trams. However, most violent crime is shared between criminal organizations, so residents and tourists are rarely involved. Amsterdam Zuidoost is relatively safe during the day, but it is advised to avoid it at night or travel in groups. Central Amsterdam, known for its red light district, cannabis cafes, bars, and clubs, is considered a safe part of the city. However, pickpocketing is prevalent there, so it is essential to keep belongings safe. Public transport is considered safe, but be aware of pickpockets and keep your bags and coats closed.
📹 AMSTERDAM TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | 30+ Must-Knows Before Visiting Amsterdam + What NOT to Do!
Amsterdam Hotels Mentioned (Affiliate Links Below): Note – many of the links below are affiliate links which means I earn a small …
My number 1 dont for Amsterdam…. Dont stay in Amsterdam your whole trip. There are lots of beautiful towns and cities, beaches, lakes etc etc… There is so much to do and its really a waste to spend all your time in the tourist ghetto. Trains are very clean, cheap, frequent and go everywhere. Visit Haarlem, Utrecht, Leiden or Delft and enjoy the countryside while going there from your comfy train seat. You can get to all those towns within the hour from Amsterdam Central Station. Go out there and go see stuff!
Two tips, if you’re a north american don’t complain about the small hotel rooms or lack of lifts. Many buildings are old and narrow, and you are in Europe now so expect things to be different and embrace it! Also don’t take photos of the prostitutes because ultimately, it’s pretty disrespectful. These women are working; and while it’s legal they are still sometimes still exploited and treated badly enough by clients.
Another dont : DO NOT THINK ITS FUN TO BIKE IN AMSTERDAM. You dont know the rules. You dont know the biking culture. And lets be honest. These people come from a culture where they bike maybe few times a year. Then how busy amsterdam is + people walking everywhere… You willl die when unexperienced on that bike. Im dutch and i dont eaven wanne bike in amsterdam centre and i bike everyday to everywhere
Great article Mark! I’m from Amsterdam and always love to see the perspective from an outsider in to my city. I do think theres so much more then the things you say. Amsterdam is a beautiful city as you say. And the cheesy canal tour is a must! I think things people should do (because 90% of the tourists do the same things with in the city centre) is: – Going to other neighborhoods in the city (de Pijp: hip/student district, great food places and a lot of amazing places to grab a drink), Oud-Zuid: the poshest area of the city, a bit quiet but with amazing food places and just around the corner with the biggest park, the Vondelpark and it’s at the Museumdistrict, Noord: for more industrial sight seeing and a lot of art and hidden bars, The Amstel, it’s the biggest river and i love most of the bars there) – Grab the tram/subway. The system is great in Amsterdam and almost every place is within 30 minutes from the centre. – Go to a ‘bruine kroeg’, or a typical Dutch café. If you want to meet and really know the locals, it’s a must-see – Don’t go out in at the touristy bars/clubs. They are awful. Amsterdam has a great club scene and festival scene. If you like clubbing or going to festivals, in the summer there are A LOT of great festivals around the city. djguide is a site where you can find clubs and in the summer the festivals. – Go to festivals across the city. Amsterdam has a festival almost every week somewhere in the city. Can be something as a food festival, neighborhood festival, wine festival, kids festival.
There is quit good accomodation available for a decent price if you think out of the box. The public transport is great and a lot of towns are within 20 minutes with Subway, light rail or train. Amstelveen, Haarlem, Amsterdam North, Almere for example. And just half an hour from Amsterdam is another beautiful city: Utrecht, its city center is much older and it has very special old canals with warfs: platforms that are just on water level. And intercities are going at least four times an hour from Amsterdam CS as well as Schiphol Airport. Travelling is cheap so you can even combine several towns and cities and still have much more value for your money. Another tip if you don’t like long lanes and want to visit the top museums in Amsterdam: travel outside the busy season. September is for example a very nice month will still acceptable temperatures (no it is not Spain or Italy) but a friendly 15-20 degrees is still very common. Notice that no other city in europe has so much art galeries and just a very few have the combination of having really top museums (Centraal, Stedelijk, Van Gogh) next to one of the best classical orchestras in the world (Concertgebouw), ballet next to a popular music scene that is absolutely top. Whatever your taste is, you can find it in Amsterdam. Drugs and right light districts are also in lesser and cheaper cities available around Europe.
Just returned and this was on point. Be careful of bikes, and scooters. Scooters are a menace. Rent a bike a see the city. A damaged ankle prevented me from renting a bike, but on a previous trip i explored. Truely the best way to see city. The “IAmsterdam” Sign…has been moved to another location…thankfully. Too many tourists. Used ‘Flagship” boat tours for 2 boat rides and loved them. Boat leaves opposite Anne Frank house. Did “Watertank” for a late sunset beer. We took a small tour to Giethoorn… The wife did damage 2x’s at the Noordemarkt. Really ..too much to list. Great city. Ill Be Back!
good article Mark…I visited the Nederlands last year and I confirm all you said. If I might suggest one more thing I did rent a city bike in Amsterdam and cycled through Waterland up to Volendam…I am not a biker and the bike wasn’t great so I was a bit tired when I came back….but guys if you can give it a try…the landscape is beautiful…the air is so fresh…green fields all around with cows and a couple of mills on the way…
Pre book any ticket to something you want to go to. It usually is cheaper and like you said, you skip a lot of the line! Riding a bike is fine, just remember to stay at the most right side of the road and DONT JUST STOP. It will annoy the hell out of locals. The same with crossing the road, don’t stop in the middle of the road.
when did you visit Amsterdam? as the “IAMsterdam” letters on the background have been removed since December 2018 😉 So, must be somewhere around no later than september ’18? and next to that: go see the rest of the Netherlands, in Example, the Oldest town of “Holland”, Dordrecht! it’s a REALLY beautifull city, with a very nice city core, and A LOT of history!
My favorite day trip from Amsterdam would be Scheveningen, the beach outside Den Haag (the Hague). Although the locals will laugh at your pronunciation of it (and they used that in the war to ferret out Germans who also can’t pronounce it) there is a palace there, and lots of other neat stuff. If you don’t know where you want to go, Medurodam is also in Den Haag. It’s everything in the Netherlands worth seeing in miniature. You could plan where you want to go by what you see there.
Great suggestions. Been to Amsterdam numerous times. I like the spring and autumn (October); less tourists. The Riks and Van Gogh museums are not to be missed. If you go to the Van Gogh museum, go early when it first opens. Take the trams. Love the FEBO automat. And watch out for the bikes … silent killers … “ring” “ring”! Just be cool.
Tourist tours in Amsterdam. I have noticed frequently how consistently touristic walking tour guides, mainly tell negative lies about the Netherlands. Every time I hear a tourist guide on a walking tour talk in my neighbourhood (around municipal office), he is telling negative propaganda. It can no longer be a coincidence. Touristic tours are hardly ever given by locals anymore, so the info he gives is provided by his company as the “story to tell”. I stopped today to confront the guide, he became physically threatening and told me he studied History in the Netherlands. I asked him what country he originally came from, but he refused to tell me this (even after asking several times). He told me I was ruining his tour. I told him he was ruining my country. My conclusion? It is good to hear the point of view on your history from other countries, perspectives, mainly to enrich understanding of own history. It is STUPID to let foreigners tell your history, since (often not always) they tell not your history, but perhaps tell whatever is the agenda of the foreign country they work for.
Hey, Mark! I’ve been living in A’dam for 10 years (I live and work very close to Nieuwmarkt/ the Red Light D.) and never ONCE I encountered beggars. I think you might be referring to a) drunk people (usually not living permanently here) or b) dealers. Just don’t go to the RLD after 11pm. Everything else in Amsterdam is so so soooo beautiful! Why bother being anxious in that part of the city? I love your articles!! 😀
Born in the Red Light District where Dad had a small business. After serving in the compulsory Army, I fulfilled my dream since age 3, becoming a Police Officer in my famous district (until age 29.) And yes, be careful with the ladies of “Horizontal Pleasure”. Their pimps may warn you not to take pictures. Ignore them and they may throw you into the canal. (No Joke). Enjoy your stay.
i don’t think a lot of people know this (including dutch people), but i wouldn’t recommend the “Vending machine restaurants”, because sometimes there are these drunk students who thinks it is funny to go there and pee at the food and then watch someone eat it. It doesn’t happen a lot, but it does happen especially in the evening.
As a Dutch I can say you need to pre-book your tickets for almost every tourist attraction in Amsterdam. And why the tourist go not to my town Rotterdam? I still don’t understand it. But their are at least more tourist the last months. Oude Haven is more populair and also Kop van Zuid. The last thing we want is the same urban jungle after 10 pm. as Amsterdam.
Even if you do smoke weed, be very careful what you buy in Amsterdam. The strongest weed in Amsterdam is very likely stronger than anything you’ve ever smoked. Start with some mild hash and work your way up. The first time I went I made the mistake of going into the first coffee shop I saw and ordering the strongest weed there – it wasn’t a pleasant experience.
Crossing the road in Amsterdam is certainly quite a challenge, as first you have to cross the bike path, then the tramlines, then the actual road. Always use the proper crossings as not doing so is not at all smart. In terms of the beggars, i found Paris to be worse, but as with everywhere, it’s best just to say no and keep on going, and as long as you’re sensible you’ll be fine.
The “I amsterdam” Sign in front of the Rijksmuseum was removed in December 2018 by the City of Amsterdam’s government as one of their campaign “I live here” meassures to keep the present mass tourism down. This sign attracted too many people that overcrowded the place. Reagarding this point, your article material seems to be older than December 2018 as no such selfies in front of that sign at the Rijksmuseum are possible anymore. Greetings from Germany
Awesome city, full of high culture and nice people. My problem was that the two guys I went with just wanted to trawl the red light district all day and night. Not to employ the girls but just to look like they were two children in a sweetshop instead of grown men. You’d have thought they’d never seen a scantily clad woman before. I mean, you’ve got to see the red light district but once you have either use the place or leave. I’m no prude but I got irritated at that. There’s more to do. Next time I’ll go with different mates who’ll embrace more of the city. No weed for me. Drug tests at work and blow stays in your system able to be detected for ages. Beware of this. Your job might depend on it.
Been to Amsterdam, Both Schiphol and Amsterdam. The guide i had explained, 3 to 1 bike ratio for the locals. By that i mean for every local or person who lives in amsterdam there are 3 bikes. But the beggars with the famous handicap note ou have to sign and they ask for at least 10€. I say NJET and for hotels i would reccommend Accor, they have some for every vallet
Hey mark and all, I plan to do the Camino de Santiago next spring break, any experience on that? Any chance Mark that you could do a article about that? God Bless from O H I O PS anyone who has any questions about touring the midwest, The Southeast, or the USA in general, I have experience travelling all over many times in these regions
Amsterdam is an amazing city full of welcoming, accepting people. I totally agree with you…enjoy what aspects of the city you want, don’t feel pressured to enjoy things you don’t, and you’ll have a great time! Marijuana can be a pleasant part of the city if you know what to expect, but as you say, if you haven’t smoked recently, take it easy. There are so many other things do to that you can skip the coffeeshops completely and have a great time. Visit the Anne Frank house for a sobering, yet important reminder of the past, and take advantage of the other cultural aspects of the city…so many museums. I haven’t seen the drunks and beggars you refer to, and I was there in 2018, going back in 2020. I think it’s generally good policy to ignore them and people who take an otherwise unusual interest in you as a tourist.
Im Dutch and last week i have been in Amsterdam and i didnt feel good by only the smell of drugs. Before you go to Amsterdam BE SURE YOU WATCH YOUR STUFF ALOT THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE THAT STEALS YOUR STUFF wow my english is bad. But one day come to amsterdam but be carefull with yourself and your stuff
As a Dutch person, I would recommend to not go to Amsterdam at all. Yes it’s beautiful city but it’s overcrowded by tourists. The local shops/restaurants are gone and replaced by tourist shops and the museums are also overcrowded . Go to cities such as Delft, Utrecht, Haarlem and Maastricht! They are equally beautiful! And there are excellent train connections and it’s pretty close 🙂
I was there visiting family a year ago. I didn’t end up going to Anne Frank House or doing a canal tour because I was on a shoestring budget, but I did spend a day in the Rijksmuseum and it was marvelous! I plan to go to Anne Frank House when I return. Here’s a little article of my Poffertjes being made. youtu.be/b8MwbmEsgxc
Majority of those beggars are imported from eastern european countries like Bulgaria, Romania and Albania. They are forced to handover most of the money they get to people who provided them transportation (from their homecountries to the Netherlands) and shelter while staying in the Netherlands. In the Netherlands you get money and housing from the goverment when your un-employed and have Dutch nationality. So dont have to feel sorry for those beggars, they are part of organised crime, are not Dutch and are capable of looking after themselves (they travel halfway through the continent to scam tourists, are healthy, choosing to make a career of begging from tourists in a country which is not theirs). BTW: when you come via Schiphol airport and want to take a taxi………TAKE THE OFFICIAL TAXI. There are alot of douchebags there who will approach you offering a ride to Amsterdam. If you do that be prepared to loose hunfreds if not thousands of euros because they WILL rip you off!!!! Any airport employee/official/railway cleck can tell you were the official taxis are. If those douchebags approach you and behave aggresifly, make alot of noice and alert the security or an airport employee, the douchebags will back off garanteed. Because they are NOT allowed to offer a taxi ride (only licensed taxi drivers are) and Schiphol airport is activly chasing after them. Edit: best way to Amsterdam is to go to the railway station (entrance and loket can be found in the mainhall) and take the train to “Amsterdam CS” it is a very short ride, is cheap and when you step out you are in the centre of Amsterdam (and at Amsterdam CS you can also find taxis).
Next article should be “Reasons Not to Visit Vietnam”, think of the seediest red light district where the police department supplies all the drugs (and they don’t take 911 calls)… now imagine it’s an entire country. Yes, every hotel is a brothel and every street is a red light district here. Blow your mind? It blew mine too.
Really good article mate it’s my favorite place, but people do a lot of stupid stuff like take truffles and jump the canal very stupid. I’ve been twenty tIme a plus and not used a bike leave it to the locals there dangerous, get a rickshaw there crazy Bastards but exhilarating. Me and my missus love the canals and the stroopwaffles are awsome. Bikers will not stop they crash in to you and it’s your fault . Once you except the cost and the mayhem it’s the best place on earth
My advice – do not get drunk and do not pee in the websites. The websites are not fenced and you can easily drop into them. Getting out of them is difficult because I did not meet any stairs to the websites. You are drunk and dead. The second tip – bulbs in Keukenhof are usually more expensive than in Amsterdam.
Just don’t.. come. At all. Please. There are so many tourists. Too many tourists. The city is already too small for all the people who want to live here. The government is actively looking into how they can lower the amount of tourists coming here. It’s why they removed the “IAmsterdam” sign from Museumplein. They also want to stop all tourist advertisements for the country. And are realising how much of a problem Airbnb is with people buying out whole buildings to rent to tourists. We literally need people not to come here.
The important one is don’t go to Amsterdam. It’s a big tourist trap and there’s much more to see in the country. You won’t get to know the country at all if you only go to Amsterdam. We have some cities that are much more beautiful than Amsterdam is. Some bigger ones like Nijmegen, Maastricht, Amersfoort, Dordrecht (and others) and some smaller ones like Heusden, Naarden, Bourtange, Giethoorn (allthough that last one is becoming a tourist trap too). If you go to a different city, your accomodation is a lot cheaper too. We also have some beautiful National parks too, like De Veluwe (forests and heath), Biesbosch (wetlands), Loonse en Drunense Duinen (forests and sand dunes). You can also stay on Wadden Islands and go visit the Wadden sea, which falls dry with low tide. And if you still want to visit Amsterdam you can just take a train and you’ll be there in just a few hours or less because the country isn’t very big.
Great advice all the way around! Totally agree with getting out of Amsterdam, if you have the time. I was there in October 2018 and spent time going to Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Marken. Really cool sights to see and food to enjoy. Also, great advice about street food. I think I ate in an actual restaurant once. I highly recommend Foodhallen; ate their my first night in town and absolutely loved it!
I went to Amsterdam for 5 days and in them 5 days, I saw outside my hotel balcony on different days but the same area 2 people get hit by a bike, 1 old woman and 1 man. There wasn’t a time I was walking around there where I wasn’t thinking about getting hit by a bike xD but that could of just been the paranoia from the weed who knows xD
Good advice. Also read some history before you visit. A lot of Dutch people don’t like Amsterdam. When you go to the Anne Frank house remember that it was the Amsterdam police that arrested and transported Anne Frank, not the Germans. Amsterdam was the 2nd city with the most people colliding with the Germans. It’s basically an NSB city as we call it.
When you are in Holland you could also visit Dordrecht, the oldest city in Holland (not the Netherlands) with al lot of monuments, a very old citycenter (lot of the buildings dated around the late middle ages) beautiful small ports and canals in the citycenter and a lot less tourists as in Amsterdam. And just only about an hour by train from Amsterdam (direct intercityservice twice an hour).
Thanks for the perfectly timed advise about the Anne Frank House! I’m visiting Amsterdam at the end of July (29th). I knew about the Anne Frank house but didnt know I had to book tickets online. I just booked them now! That was very handy. I’m flying into London on July 28th from Winnipeg, Canada and am going to take the “Stena Line” overnight ferry to the Netherlands 🙂
Enjoyed the article Mark. I’m going in June for my second time. One thing I think you should’ve mentioned is the Heineken Brewery Experience not being the actual brewery. It’s basically just a long-lined, expensive Heineken marketing circlejerk. Instead, tourists should try to find tours for the local Dutch brews where they actually make the beers and aren’t as pricey or touristy.
Cracks and sinkholes are appearing alongside the waterways of Amsterdam. Bicycles are tumbling into the swirling water as the canalsides vanish beneath their wheels. Quay walls are collapsing against houseboats. Bridges are in trouble. While the recent Covid-19 restrictions have relieved the Dutch capital from the more superficial blight of overtourism, it seems the city has a more pressing existential crisis. It’s in danger of crumbling into the water it’s built upon. And only a makeover of enormous proportions can save it. Fortunately, no one has been hurt yet, but unless it can work out how to carry out the millions of dollars’ worth of delicate repairs needed, some of the beautiful medieval infrastructure that makes Amsterdam such a popular destination could be lost. Amsterdam’s day of reckoning shouldn’t really have come as a surprise.
And please, please, please don’t bike drunk. I was aware of my surroundings, well away from any bikes that were passing me, and I still nearly got hit by a bunch of drunk British college boys who were biking down the street. I would have been relatively fine, I come with my own cushion + if the force was enough to push us all into the canal, I can swim, but the bikers who were drunk? Would have most likely hit their heads + been knocked out, then maybe hit the water + drowned. Please keep yourselves safe, and others.
The IAmsterdam sign at Rijksmuseum is gone though, thankfully. I liked thenother articles on Amsterdam you did… this ones isnt as good tho. Canal tours are okay, id never recommend them tho even just for the canal view… not worth being squished in a boat like sardines in a can. Stay in another city than Amsterdam, life is cheaper there and travel out to Amsterdam from there. We dont tip. No set amount anyway or only in case of exceptional service.
If you visit Amsterdam, make sure you dont lose your passport or get it stolen. The last thing you want to do is visit the unprofessional and very rude staff at the U.S. Consulate which is a dump, unhygienic old building with no ventalation or drinks. They treat you like criminals and try to embarrass you in front of everyone waiting, which also takes for ever! The hostility that one may encounter, should be reported to your congressional representatives if experienced. Your best bet, is just stay clear all together!
7 is simple. They try it one time, after that they will never do it again. 😂😂 8 be clear to them. Don’t talk with them, just send them away. It is trash, treat them like that! 9 get a place outside Amsterdam. It is cheaper and you can easily visit Amsterdam if you want, but there is more and better outside Amsterdam!
Yeah bikes. I’ve never seen so many bikes in one single place. I’ve been almost hit by them like a zillion times. I remember one day I’ve got so confused to cross a crossroad Lol bikes were “ding ding” at me all the time, and when I’ve finally got away from the red line I’ve been almost hit by cars on a double hand street. Lol and no, I didn’t do any drugs Lol I’ve actually didn’t have the time I wanted to get to proper know the city. And as others have said here too, it’d be nice to know other places than Amsterdam.
If you are planning to give some money to homeless people, give it to somebody who is not asking for money and just has a cup instead. Beggers who are asking for money and have a little kid next to them are most of the time illegal. The come from romania or albania and arrive in a huge BMW and they pretend to be homeless. But i guess that is the case in any city
ALMOST get killed? The bike riders WILL kill you if you walk on the bike path! Hell, even CROSSING can be dangerous! It’s the same in Denmark. As a bus driver in Copenhagen I once had to warn a couple of American(?) tourist when they left the bus (Yes! He almost got run over by passing bike riders just by leaving the bus and cross the bike path!)!
Also, buying drugs at the streets is illegal. Even for cannabis, pre-rolled joints or hashies. You can be arrested. Besides that you never can be sure whats in them if you don’t buy them in a coffeeshop. And we aren’t so tolerant to all kind of drugs, harddrugs like cocaine, XTC and heroin are illegal at all times and you will be arrested when a police-officer sees you (or suspects you from) buying or using it.
I was in Ams this last November. I was freaked out when I saw a ocean of bikes.I was riding for 6 days on a bike all across Ams and I have to say you cant ride your bike slow no matter how much high you are (my case).My friendly tip is you have to look over your shoulder for motorcycles,other bikes and people,just for your own self,but if you know how to ride a bike well,you good.My friend crashed in a old lady also on a bike I almost died laughing lol so just be carefull in traffic.As far as weed and RLD, Ams is not only about that,as much as you explore the city the better experience you’ll get.After 6 days I’ wished not to go back home. Back to the main script,I can confirm you can smoke weed almost everywhere you want nobody will approuch you bcuz nobody dont give a DAMN! About the RLD,just respect the girls,whats the point filming her when you can see that on youtube in many articles,dont shame yourself. One thing in this article is very true,the hotels have fucked up stairs I was at the hotel high and hungry and fell down cliff stairs almost broked my arm. Enjoy Amsterdam!!
love your vids but… Weed and hash from any coffeeshop in the Netherlands are completely harmless “DRUGS”. Would caution against mushrooms and of corse the actual harmful drugs such as heroin and cocaine that are sold on the streets of the red light district. Coffee shops(where you buy weed) are not just in the red light district but all over the Netherlands in every large city.
Amsterdam is an overrated tourist trap…Rotterdam is a soulless mix of concrete and ghettos…Utrecht is overcrowded and ugly…Scheveningen is an incoherent mix of property development (although the Boulevard and Pier are nice)…if you want the atmosphere of Amsterdam but without the crime and crowds go to Delft, Leiden or Haarlem…or the centre of the Hague
Hello, is the only thing you have to offer is the obvious ? People don’t go to Amsterdam to do Drugs or for Girls. Some people smoke but not for drugs. Beggars,Drunks seriously? That’s not true at all. It’s articles like yours that make people think it’s all about drugs & beggars & girls. The red light district really? There’s so much more to talk about things not to do. Like cut queues or wait to but tickets at the venue or not to try and ride the tram for free . Have you ever been to the Netherlands before?
Re. Don’t number 2: can confirm that these ‘attacks’ do happen. We took a selfie in the red light district, completely forgetting the rules. Next thing I know there was a full can of coke flying within an inch of my head which smashed off a church wall. Incidentally in the photo you can see an open door and a woman about to hurl the can!