Amsterdam Travel Tips You NEED to Know! • 2024

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I am fascinated by the Netherlands and how efficient its public transport system is—I think most countries can look to them for how public transport should be done right. Needless to say, I was excited to avoid all forms of private transportation from the minute I hopped off the plane. But don’t get me wrong, it does feel as overwhelming as it is ambitious!

There’s absolutely no reason to be overwhelmed though—I might as well have written “TOURIST” on my head on my first tram from the airport. Thankfully, every tram has a helpful attendant stationed behind a desk who’ll sort you out with the right ticket. You can either buy one-hour, one-day, or multi-day tickets. If you’re staying a bit outside the central buzz, a multi-day pass is probably your best bet. It made travelling in Amsterdam a breeze.

9292 is a good app to download to plan your journeys between stops in your itinerary. Whether you need to take a train, bus, tram, metro or ferry, it’ll figure out a route for you and even take into account if you need to cycle for part of your route. You’ll be cutting about like a local in no time. If you wanna be super duper prepared you can buy your transport pass in advance here.

Amsterdam’s food culture is by far one of the top reasons I visited and continue to fall in love with the city. You can honestly get food from all over the world and it’s damn good too. From sushi and Thai to world-class burgers, expect to come back a wee bit heavier than when you arrived.

But don’t just dine on cuisines you can get home. No trip to Amsterdam would be complete without getting stuck in the local food scene. Stroopwafels, herring, Poffertjes… Dutch local cuisine ranges from the weird to wonderful so get stuck in.

Herring is the quintessential Dutch street food and is best served raw and fresh. The “Amsterdam way” to eat it is sliced into small pieces, topped with raw onion, and eaten with a toothpick (preferably with a Dutch flag on top). They can often be found from street vendors scattered all over Amsterdam – ideal for a midday pick-me-up after your step count becomes dangerously high.

Don’t forget to try Stamppot too—a pure comfort meal. It’s got a mix of potato, veg, gravy and your choice of meat (which is traditionally sausage). As a Brit, home to a plethora of stodge-based creations—I approve.

Dutch food to try out:

I stumbled upon an article recently about the TikTok-ification of travel and food recs. TikTok’s fab for travel inspo, sure, but don’t make it your Bible.

Places going viral on TikTok have created a bit of an echo chamber—some restaurants and food spots get hyped to oblivion when they’re actually, let’s be real, pretty shit.

Don’t let aesthetics lure you into a place and for the love of God DON’T be spending €20 on a stroopwafel just for the gram!!!! Ask the locals for their favourite spots and hidden gems in Amsterdam —be prepared to be taken to food heaven for a fraction of the price.

Want a local guide’s food for thought on the top eats in the city? I highly recommend this walking food tour—it’s a delicious way to explore the culinary scene!

To coffee shop or to cafe? That is the question…they’re the same, right? Nope! The answer will be dependent on what you’re looking for. Do you want something from the bakery or to get baked? Two very different vibes.

A café is your classic spot for a cappuccino and croissant, while a coffee shop is where you go to indulge in some of that infamous Dutch greenery. It’s a massive part of the Netherlands travel experience – there’s something surreal about sitting by the canal, puffing away, and watching the world go by.

One thing to note: coffee shops might sell coffee, but they don’t sell booze or tobacco. Smoking tobacco indoors is a no-go in the Netherlands, and if a place has a license to sell weed, it can’t also sell alcohol. So take your pick and roll with it (literally).

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without hopping on a bike and cruising along the canals. It’s hands down the best way to get around—there’s a reason locals practically live on their bikes.

Most rental bikes come with two locks and trust me, you’ll want to use both. Unfortunately, bike thieves in Amsterdam aren’t messing around. Lock the front wheel to the frame, and secure the back wheel to something solid like a post or bike rack. The last thing you want is to lose your bike—and your deposit!

Just in Amsterdam for a weekend but craving the full local experience? Hop on a bike tour and cruise through the city with a guide—it’s a fantastic way to see all the highlights on two wheels!

One of my favourite things about Amsterdam is just how walkable the city is. All you really need is a pair of comfy trainers and you can stomp your way through the city in no time.

The city is a complex system of canals and I won’t blame you for thinking all the streets look the same when trying to navigate your way around. My favourite way to explore the city is to put the maps away, walk and get lost. You’ll find some of the best places to visit on your own two feet and the canals never get old, trust me.

And if you’re feet are tired… hop on a canal city cruise! If the canals never get old then surely the best way to explore them is on a boat?! This is always on the top of my to-do list when visiting Amsterdam. I highly recommend doing this at the start of your trip as it’s a great way to get your bearings on the city’s layout.

It’s also great to get some local insight from your guide—they’ll tell you niche little anecdotes which will leave you feeling WAY more in the know. How many miles of canals does the Netherlands have? Why are some of the houses so wonky? How many bikes are in the canals? No spoilers! I’ll let you figure that out on your own…

Pro tip: I always book for a cruise with an unlimited alcohol option. Alcohol in Amsterdam is expensive! Kill two birds with one stone and do a pretty little sunset cruise that also serves as your pre-drinks for the evening…

As someone who wrote their dissertation on prostitution, the Netherlands’ legalisation of sex work FASCINATES me. The world’s oldest profession being on display in central Amsterdam is understandably quite the tourist attraction. Wandering down De Wallen with its red-lit windows is an experience, but there are a couple of rules you’ve gotta respect to keep things safe and enjoyable.

First up: those “no photos” signs? Take them seriously. Sure, the sight of so many boobies on display might throw you off, but don’t act like an 18-year-old on their first lads holiday. And remember, no cracking open a cold one in the middle of the district—I know this is a top European party city but if you’re after a beer, find a bar. These are women earning a living, so keep it cool and don’t ruin the vibe for everyone else!!!

Even after multiple trips to the city, I still haven’t crossed off all of Amsterdam’s top things to do – thanks to my own lack of planning. If you’re aiming to hit the most popular spots, pure spontaneity isn’t going to cut it! Tourist hotspots book out as soon as their books open.

Of course, the busier the season you travel in, the more on it you have to be with your planning—and this counts for accommodation, attractions and popular restaurant reservations. Anne Frank’s House and Van Gogh Museum are both big to-do’s in Amsterdam but it’s hard to snag a ticket last minute.

However, If your trip to Amsterdam happens to be more of a spontaneous adventure, don’t stress! Set those alarms and be ready to hustle over to these museums first thing in the morning. They sell a limited number of tickets on the day and trust me, you’ll want to be at the front of the line!

And hey, if you do end up missing out it just gives you all the more reason to come back for another trip, right?

Amsterdam has this magical system where pedestrians, cyclists, and cars somehow coexist in tight quarters without total chaos. But if there’s one golden rule in this city, it’s to never, ever dawdle in the bike lane.

Cyclists here don’t mess around, and nothing gets a collective eye roll more than a pedestrian wandering into cyclist turf. Not only will you get an earful from the cyclist who’s nearly taken you out but you’ll also feel very publicly embarrassed.

Yes, sometimes the pavement and bike lane do blend together in Amsterdam’s cosy little streets, but a bit of street smarts goes a long way. Heads up, step aside and resist the urge to document your food then and there.

Amsterdam has recently increased the city tax you pay on your accommodation to a staggering 12.5% at the start of 2024—that’s the highest tax you’ll pay on your digs in Europe! You’ll want to factor this into your Amsterdam budget upfront, or you might be living off instant noodles for the rest of your trip…

This tax hike is part of Amsterdam’s ongoing mission to curb over-tourism, with funds going towards improving local neighbourhoods. So, at least you know your euros are helping to keep the city livable for everyone.

You might think that you’ve found a bargain with your Amsterdam hotel… just to end up being stung with the unexpected cost with you arrive. Amsterdam travel tip #11 is to look into the city tax before you book!

We all know Amsterdam ain’t cheap.

If you’re trying to keep your accommodation costs down you can always check out one of Amsterdam’s hostels. Amsterdam’s hostel scene is notoriously vibrant which means it has some absolute gems and some…not so shining stars.

When I travel solo, hostels in Amsterdam are my go-to for diving right into the backpacker scene. Yes, Amsterdam (and its hostels) can be pricey, but trust me, booking the absolute cheapest option here isn’t worth it.

My favourite places to stay in the city are Generator Amsterdam and Hans Brinker Hostel Amsterdam. They’re both pretty central, have great on-site bars and are a sure way to make some pals if you’re travelling solo in Europe.

All in all, the Netherlands is a fairly cashless country. Unless you’re hitting up the markets or getting involved in some… let’s say, questionable activities, card is king in Amsterdam. Even most market stalls will accept card payments these days, though it can vary from vendor to vendor.

One of the only exceptions is brown cafes. To Amsterdam locals, brown cafés are what pubs are for Londoners – cosy places to enjoy local beer and food. They are every part as part of the tapestry as the canals and architecture. Their only catch is that they often only accept cash.

Many places operate on a card-only basis now too, including tickets for the tram and many museums. Make sure you have a backup card in the unfortunate instance that you lose it!

Don’t stress about taking out euros, make sure you have a decent travel card and tap away. If you do need some cash, ATMs are everywhere and are generally a better option than money exchanges.

Travel with peace of mind. Travel WITH a security belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Hide Yo’ Money!

Wondering when the best time to visit Amsterdam is? Without a doubt, the shoulder seasons! Fewer crowds, shorter queues, and way less strain on your wallet. You’ll find it easier to tick off those bucket list spots, nab better accommodation deals, and actually enjoy the city without getting lost in the shuffle. Plus, the locals will thank you for it.

Look, I get it – not everyone’s planning trips with an Excel sheet and six months’ notice. But if you’re aiming for a more laid-back, spontaneous adventure, you gotta travel outside of peak season.

Amsterdam’s a compact city, crammed with both locals and a constant stream of tourists year-round. Come in peak season, and it can feel like you’re wading through a sea of people at every turn. The Dutch government has even been trying to keep summer crowds in check – and for good reason. Of course, if you’re visiting for a festival in Amsterdam or other major event this can be hard to avoid but boy, oh boy, be prepared for the crowds.

The weather can be pretty unpredictable here. Nippy in the morning, sweltering come mid-afternoon and rain and wind should never surprise you either. In short: pack for it all.

Nothing is worse than coming in the peak of summer and freezing your tits off because you had more Mediterranean getaways in your head packing at home only to receive the classic soggy Northern European summer.

This is dependent on the season too, but as a rule of thumb, I always bring a good jacket for the rain, a couple of extra layers, and COMFY trainers. Rain or shine you will be getting an unfathomable amount of steps in so don’t want to cut corners here. Dress to be comfy, not cute!

Checking out the local markets is always one of my favourite things to do and is one of my top Amsterdam travel tips! With everything from street food and fresh flowers to quirky trinkets, it’s a fantastic way to escape the tourist traps and really immerse yourself in local life. Be sure to check out Albert Cuypmarkt (my personal fave) and Noordermarkt.

For all the thrifting enthusiasts out there, you’ll fall head over heels for IJ-Hallen. This place is Europe’s biggest flea market, bursting with budget-friendly vintage designer pieces, antiques, and all sorts of retro treasures. It’s just €6 to get in and trust me, it’s worth every cent—you never know what hidden gem you might stumble upon.

Just be sure to check the opening dates and hours, as many markets don’t operate every day. Nothing’s worse than trekking out with dreams of fresh stroopwafels only to find the market is closed. Been there, done that, save yourself the heartbreak.

Local markets to check out:

If you’re looking for a unique Amsterdam experience, why not stay on a houseboat? There are tons of vacation rentals and houseboats-turned-hotels to choose from and the biggest perk is that being on the water often means you’re smack bang in the heart of the city.

My top choice is this EPIC Houseboat-Amsterdam — the clue is in the name, duh. It’s got all the amenities you’d expect from a hotel whilst feeling waaaaay more homey. You’ll be feeling like a local in no time.

The I Amsterdam City Card is a tourist pass that gets you access to tons of museums, a canal city cruise and even includes access to the trams for the duration of the pass.

However, advice would be to figure out where you want to visit and tally up the potential savings (or lack thereof) of the price of a pass. It’s good to note that the Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank aren’t included in this pass, so you’ll have to fork out extra for them.

For me personally? I tend to stick to the central neighbourhoods of Amsterdam and rely on my own two feet and the occasional two wheels. I worked out that with the museums I wanted to visit, it wasn’t worth it to get the I Amsterdam City Card!

Pickpocketing in Amsterdam isn’t as rampant as it is in places like Paris or Barcelona, but, it’s still something to watch out for. Keep your phone tucked away while you’re strolling around, and stick it in a good quality bumbag (sorrrrry, fanny pack for the Yanks out there) for good measure. Plus, most museums don’t allow backpacks, so a bumbag is the way to go!

Amsterdam is a pretty safe place but that doesn’t mean things can’t go wrong. Even to the best of us backpackers.

Nothing kills a trip more than unexpected medical bills or losing your phone. Prepare for the worst and expect the best by making sure you take out good travel insurance before your trip to Amsterdam. Pass those unexpected expenses onto your insurance provider!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Amsterdam might just be my favourite city in Europe—and yes, that’s a big claim. But it’s hard not to love a place that’s got a little of everything: amazing food, endless culture, and a lively music scene. Plus, there’s something so hypnotic about walking through those canals. And, let’s be real – the legal herb certainly adds a little extra sparkle to it all.

These Amsterdam travel tips should make your trip planning much smoother. If I had known what I know now, it would’ve saved me a ton of hassle my first time round. So, consider it my duty as a fellow traveller to hand over these nuggets of Amsterdam wisdom.

Go forth, light that spliff, devour that stroopwafel, and, for the love of God, try not to fall into the canals inebriated.

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