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Our recommendation of things to do and not do in Amsterdam

Stuck for what to do in Amsterdam?
Take a look at our 5 simple suggestions for enjoying your Amsterdam city break, from people who know and love the city. Want to know what to avoid? Read through our 5 tips from Amsterdam residents and independent travellers who’ve discovered Amsterdam for themselves. But remember…Amsterdam is what you make it, the decision is yours!

5 Things to do

  1. Hit the streets!
  2. Explore Amsterdam’s waterways on a can...
  3. Alternative shopping.
  4. See some of Europe’s finest art collec...
  5. Chill out, open your mind

5 Things not to do

  1. The consumption of cannabis is tolerated...
  2. Do not take pictures of the prostitutes ...
  3. If badly stoned, do not walk on your own...
  4. Don’t drive in the city centre
  5. The bike is king in Amsterdam

5 Things to do

1. Hit the streets!

Amsterdam is a compact, pedestrian-friendly city. Get a map from the tourist office and explore on foot: essential areas include hip, happening Joordan, the Central Canal Ring, and the Oude Zijde (Old Town), Amsterdam’s historic quarter.


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2. Explore Amsterdam’s waterways on a canal cruise...

...the best way to see the city’s sights in a short time.


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3. Alternative shopping.

Don’t miss the Albery Cuyp open air market in the bohemian Pijp district. Bargains galore!


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4. See some of Europe’s finest art collections

Admire the maverick genius of van Gogh at the Van Gogh Museum, and the legacy of the Dutch Masters at the Rijksmuseum


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5. Chill out, open your mind

Enjoy an energetic night out around the energetic Dam Square and upbeat Leidesplein, plus a tour around Amsterdam’s red light district, or a quick toke in an Amsterdam coffee shop, or not…do whatever takes your fancy, find your own Amsterdam!


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5 Things not to do

1. The consumption of cannabis is tolerated in the coffees shops, but do not buy, consume or accept any type of drugs on the street.

All class A substances are illegal and police can put you in jail just for buying them. You have been warned


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2. Do not take pictures of the prostitutes in the red light district.

As well as intrusive, you can get fined


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3. If badly stoned, do not walk on your own through the centre

Pickpockets are waiting for you!!! It’s best to ask directions or get the coffee shop waiter to ring for a taxi.


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4. Don’t drive in the city centre

It’s difficult and expensive to park. What’s more, street parking is heavily regulated and you risk getting your car clamped if parked illegally. Use public transport or hire a bike.


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5. The bike is king in Amsterdam

By far the most popular method of transport, bicycle lanes are clearly marked and heavily used. Don’t walk in them under any circumstances, you risk injury and are a danger to others. Respect the bicycle lanes as you would a route used by cars.


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Give us 5!
Why not send us your 5 Amsterdam essentials, and / or 5 things to avoid in the city? Share your insider information with other independent travellers: Please send an e-mail listing your 5 suggestions to: content@engrande.com

DISCLAIMER:
The opinions represented in this section are the subjective views of independent contributors, and not necessarily those of EnGrande SL itself.