When most people think Amsterdam, they think of spending a hazy night in the Red Light District and returning to their hotel days later. While it’s entirely possible to do that here, we don’t recommend it. We tend to think of that as a complete waste of your vacation in Amsterdam, no matter how much of a party animal you are.
There’s so much more to Amsterdam than smoke clouds and space cakes. Don’t miss out on what a gorgeous, multifaceted city this is, and be sure to explore the cool, gritty neighborhoods around the city’s center. From unpretentious art galleries to bakeries with mouth-watering treats (the legal kind), Amsterdam holds a diversity of experience that not many people take advantage of.
Don’t dwell in the teen-centric tourist traps of the Red Light District – dig deep and discover some of the most meaningful and recent historic treasures in Europe.
10 Things Not to do in Amsterdam
- Don’t make a scene of the women in the windows. It’s rude.
- Don’t spend all your time in the Red Light District – it’s geared toward tourists, so it’s less authentic than you might imagine.
- Don’t live up to the American stereotype of going nuts over marijuana. Experiment if you must, but don’t make a show of it.
- Don’t miss stroopwaffels. They’re circular caramel waffle pieces of heaven.
- Don’t bother with the Sex Museum. It’s hokey, not sexy.
- Don’t pretend you’re going to buy something in a gallery. Curators in Amsterdam don’t expect visitors to always make purchases. It’s ok to pop in and pop out without pressure, so don’t lie about wanting to purchase, you’ll just waste their time.
- Don’t underestimate an afternoon by the canal. Sit on a nearby bench and soak up the scenery.
- Don’t miss the Anne Frank Huis under any circumstances. The best times to go are weekday mornings.
- If you want to see how Dutch artists and students really live, don’t leave without spending a day in the Jordaan.
- Don’t smuggle “gifts” home for your friends. Airport security doesn’t care if you miss your flight – and you will.
© Cheapflights Ltd
