Hi! It’s Alexandra from Who Is Amsterdam Tours, I’ve had the privilege of guiding thousands of travelers through this beautiful and yes this city is full of hidden gems, but it also has its fair share of potential pitfalls that can catch visitors off guard.
Below are the top 10 things you should not do in Amsterdam. By avoiding these things you will also keep lots of locals happy:)
1. Don’t walk on the bike paths
Amsterdam is famous for its cyclists, and trust me, they don’t take kindly to pedestrians invading their bike lanes (fietspaden).
The bike paths are often marked by red asphalt, but if you’re not familiar with the system, it’s easy to mistake them for sidewalks.
Getting in the way of speeding cyclists can lead to accidents or, at the very least, some stern Dutch words.
Always stick to the pedestrian walkways and stay alert.
2. Don’t confuse a coffeeshop with a café
In Amsterdam, a “coffeeshop” is not where you go for a cappuccino.
Coffeeshops in the city are tolerated to sell cannabis, and stepping in expecting a latte might surprise you.
A coffeeshop which has cannabis you can always recognise by the white and green sticker at the front of each official coffeeshop.
If you’re after a regular café experience with some coffee and a snack, look for places labeled “café” or “koffiehuis.”
3. Don’t take pictures in the Red Light District
Respect is crucial when visiting Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District.
Taking photos of the sex workers behind the windows is not only disrespectful but also prohibited.
You may find yourself getting lots of words and trouble with the sex workers and believe me, you don’t want that!
This area is meant to be experienced in the moment, not documented.
4. Don’t buy drugs on the street
While cannabis is legal in licensed coffeeshops, the open sale of hard drugs is strictly
illegal.
Street dealers often target tourists, offering them fake or dangerous substances.
Even if they approach you in a friendly manner, steer clear.
Police keep a close eye on these activities, and you don’t want to risk your safety or legal trouble.
5. Don’t assume all public spaces allow smoking
Amsterdam is known for its liberal attitude towards cannabis, but this doesn’t mean you can light up anywhere.
Smoking is prohibited in most indoor public spaces and many outdoor areas, especially near schools and playgrounds.
Always check if there’s a designated smoking area before assuming it’s okay to smoke.
6. Don’t ignore the Tram etiquette
Amsterdam’s tram system is efficient and convenient, but like any public transport system, it comes with its own set of rules.
Let passengers exit before you board, and if you’re standing, avoid blocking the doors.
Also keep in mind that only the door at the front and the 2nd last door are the doors to ENTER the tram. The other doors are only meant to exit the tram.
Remember also to tap your OV-chipkaart when you board and exit the tram, or you may face fines. Locals will appreciate your awareness.
7. Don’t rent a car in the city
Amsterdam is designed for bikes, pedestrians, and trams, not cars.
The narrow streets, lack of parking, and heavy traffic make driving in the city more trouble than it’s worth.
Plus, you’ll miss out on the charm of exploring Amsterdam on foot or by bike.
Stick to walking, cycling, or using public transport to get around.
8. Don’t Visit Only Tourist Traps
While places like the Anne Frank House and Rijksmuseum are undoubtedly worth visiting, don’t limit yourself to the typical tourist attractions.
Some of the most authentic Amsterdam experiences are found off the beaten path.
Explore neighbourhoods like De Pijp, the Jordaan and Noord, where you can experience local life and find hidden treasures.
Also, talking about tourists traps, there is a serious invasion of “hip” stroopwafel (our most famous cookie) and pancake shops in the city centre where you pay 3 times as much for a stroopwafel then in an local, authentic stroopwafel shop like Rudi’s stroopwafel on the Albery Cuyp market.
If you want authenticity and truly local I would highly recommend to do some research.
If you’re looking for a quick solution check out our self-guided food tours in de Pijp and in de Jordaan district which only feature local businesses which have been around for sometimes decades and where locals truly go (and there are still reasonable prices)
9. Don’t stop in the middle of the street to take pictures
We get it—Amsterdam is beautiful, and the canals make for perfect Instagram shots.
But stopping in the middle of a busy street or bridge to snap a photo can cause serious congestion or accidents, especially with the heavy flow of bikes. It can also cause serious annoyance of locals😉
Step aside to a safe area to take your pictures and enjoy the view without disrupting others.
10. Preferably don’t split the bill but pay in one go
In Amsterdam, it’s more common and culturally accepted to settle a bill in one go rather than asking the waiter to split it.
While it’s not a strict rule, splitting the bill can slow down the service and may inconvenience the staff.
Plan ahead and either have one person pay or use apps like Tikkie to settle up among yourselves afterward.