What No One Tells You About Visiting Amsterdam (But Should)
Amsterdam may be known for their tulips, canals, and Rembrandt, but let’s be realistic. It’s also the city where you can get accidentally flattened by a rogue bicycle while trying to take a photo of a leaning house. This city is equal parts picture-perfect and “what the hell just happened?” in the best way possible.
Built on 11 million wooden poles and more bridges than Venice, Amsterdam truly is a city that floats, both literally and culturally. It’s full of history, charm, and a few quirky things that can trip you up if you aren’t ready.
So, before you hop on a bike or wander into a “coffeeshop” thinking you’re just getting your daily latte, here are a few things you need to know before visiting Amsterdam.
Bikes are the boss
Amsterdam isn’t just bike-friendly. It’s a full-blown pedal-powered kingdom. Before you go, you should know:
Cyclists have the right of way. ALWAYS look both ways—even when you are on the sidewalk. ( I know…)
Whatever you do, don’t walk in the bike lanes. Even if you check and it’s totally clear, it’s never totally clear, and inevitably, a local will ring at you.
You may feel like a pro after spending so much quality time with your Peloton during COVID, but cycling here isn’t for the faint of heart. And just because you see people on Instagram rent bikes and ride through the city doesn’t mean you need to. Navigating the narrow paths along with the crowds is incredibly tricky. Add tram tracks in the mix, and you just ask for a catastrophe.
Amsterdam | Fortunate Enough To Have Perfect Weather The Entire Trip
The weather can be fickle
Similar to Nashville, Amsterdam can throw all four seasons at you in one day. Plan ahead and pack for all four seasons, even if your forecast says “sunny.” It can drizzle, then shine, then have incredible gusty winds all in the pan of one canal crossing.
Pack layers. Bring a rain jacket over an umbrella ( wind + canals = best of luck)
If the sun is making an appearance, locals will drop everything and go outside.
Book Museums In Advance (Trust Me)
Amsterdam has one of the richest and most accessible museum scenes in Europe. It blends world-renowned art with quirky, offbeat collections ( KattenKabinet, anyone?).
Big hitters like the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and Rijksmuseum often require timed-entry tickets. To secure your preferred entry
Book online a few weeks ahead, especially during peak seasons
For the Anne Frank House, bookings open exactly six weeks in advance and sell out quickly
If you’re like me and want to avoid the crowds, go early (or late)
Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends
Pack light- Often, large bags aren’t allowed and must be checked. Umbrellas and rain jackets may be restricted (something to keep in mind during the rainy months)
Van Gogh Museum | Bedroom in Arles
Van Gogh Museum| Vase with Irises Against a Yellow Background
Cafés ≠ Coffeeshops
ICYMI: Cafes and coffeeshops are not created equal. A café in Amsterdam is exactly what you’d expect: a place to sip a cappuccino, nibble on a croissant, and maybe even enjoy a slice of apple pie topped with whipped cream ( always say yes to whipped cream). Think cozy, quiet, and laptop-friendly. Perfect for breakfast or a mid-morning break.
However, if you enter a coffeeshop, don’t expect barista art or a pastry case. Trust me when I tell you, this is not your morning caffeine stop. Coffeeshops in Amsterdam legally sell cannabis products. While you can grab the occasional beverage, let’s be real, that’s not why people go. It’s important to note that you must be 18+ to enter, and they don’t sell alcohol.
When in doubt, quickly peek at the menu or simply smell the air. The scent will usually give it away.
Locals | Picture Perfect Cappuccino
Tipping is optional, but appreciated
Tipping isn’t required or suggested on every transition, like in the U.S., but it’s a nice gesture.
Unless you’ve received exceptional service, round up or leave 5-10% if the service was good
At cafés or bars, leaving the change is totally fine
Amsterdam Sunset
Public transportation is easy to navigate
Amsterdam is wonderfully walkable, and the public transportation is super efficient. Trams, buses, and metros are incredibly clean and punctual. You’ll need a transit card or a contactless debit/credit card. If you prefer a rideshare option, both Bolt and Uber are available.
Tip | Always tap in and out, yes, even on trams, or you risk being overcharged. Take it from someone who had to learn the lesson the hard way.
This trip isn’t a stiletto situation
Cobblestones + canal bridges = fashion regrets and sprained ankles
Tip | Leave the heels and flimsy sandals at home. If you’re doing it right, you’ll be walking a LOT, and most sidewalks are small, uneven, and slippery when wet.
Flagship Amsterdam | Wine & Cheese Cruise Outtake
Take the canal Cruise- But Choose Wisely
Before you roll your eyes, I am aware that this is touristy. But it’s totally worth it. Especially when the sun is shining and you have a glass of wine in hand. Our tour was booked through Flagship Amsterdam, and they have various options. We chose the tour that provided unlimited Dutch cheese and wine, which I loved. It was a great introduction to Dutch cheeses other than Gouda. Not to mention, we learned about the history of the city. Did you know they pull roughly 12,000-15,000 bikes out of the canals yearly? While nobody knows why so many bikes end up in the canals, some may fall in by accident, some are tossed in for fun, and others are stolen and dumped.
Flagship Amsterdam also offers a tulip tour, which is perfect for those tulip lovers or content creators.
Amsterdam | Tulips At The Keukenhof
Spoiler Alert- Those famous tulip fields aren’t in Amsterdam
If you dream of frolicking through endless rainbow tulip fields, you need to head outside of Amsterdam. The famous fields are mainly in the Bollenstreek region, about 30-40 minutes outside the city by train or bike. Keukenhof Garden(which I will share more about in an upcoming post) is the most popular spot, with millions of blooming bulbs and picture-perfect paths.
Tip | Tulip season spans from mid-March to mid-May. And I know you’ll be tempted, but don’t pick the flowers!
And there you have it, your unofficial but reliable cheat sheet for Amsterdam survival. Now that you know that bikes have the right of way and cafés and coffee shops aren’t created equal, you can ditch the rookie mistakes and get straight to the fun part: stroopwafel tasting, canal cruising, and pretending you speak Dutch. So pack your comfy shoes and your sense of adventure, and go make some memories. Amsterdam is waiting, just try not to get flattened by a bike while you explore!
Until Next Time!
