Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Amsterdam

Whether you are visiting Amsterdam for the first time or you’re a seasoned frequent visitor, it’s important to know a little bit about this amazing city. Amsterdam is a city that is full of beauty, culture, and charm, but it also has its own set of rules and etiquette that visitors need to know before visiting, so they can experience the city to its fullest.

This guide explains everything you need to know when visiting Amsterdam, from the best way to get around the city and the local customs that you need to fit in the culture with, to exploring exciting nightlife and all the amazing activities that the city has to offer.

Getting Around Amsterdam

The most common way of getting around Amsterdam is by bike. The streets are flat, the distances between attractions are usually quite small and cycling is a fun and convenient way to explore. Almost every local makes use of a bike daily and they are available to rent all over the city. There are also plenty of bike rental companies who offer guided bike tours around Amsterdam, so you can visit all the famous sites and learn more about Amsterdam culture along the way.

Amsterdam also has a great public transport network which includes trams, buses and metro trains. Public transport is free for children under four years old and tickets for adults can be bought at any GVB ticket office, at GVB ticket machines or through public transport apps. The buses, trams and metro lines are incredibly easy to navigate and provide visitors with an efficient way to travel around the city.

Staying Safe in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has generally a low crime rate, so it’s an incredibly safe city to visit. However, there are certain areas that are best avoided in order to stay safe during your trip. Generally, these areas are located in the outskirts of the city and certain parts of the Red Light District should be avoided after dark.

It’s also important to be aware of your personal belongings in crowded places, such as busy shopping streets or tourist attractions. Pickpocketing can be a problem during peak season, so it’s essential to always keep an eye on your belongings. Be especially vigilant when leaving cafes or restaurants and make sure you have your passport or identity documents on your person at all times.

Navigating the Red Light District

The Red Light District is one of Amsterdam’s most famous and iconic areas, home to many adult entertainment venues and street prostitution. While it’s an incredibly fascinating part of Amsterdam, it’s essential for visitors to keep in mind that taking photos inside or outside of these establishments is absolutely forbidden and doing so can lead to a fine or punishment by law enforcers.

Exploring the Red Light District can be a great experience, as long as visitors keep an eye out for scammers, fake clubs and illegal activities. It also pays to avoid unregulated tours of the area as they can be dangerous and illegal.

Exploring Amsterdam’s Nightlife

No trip to Amsterdam is complete without experiencing the city’s vibrant nightlife. From cool pubs in lively squares to sophisticated cocktail bars, Amsterdam has plenty of options for those who want to experience its nightlife. Many popular bars host great events throughout the week which make for a great night with friends or family.

For those looking for something out of the ordinary, there are tons of hidden gems to discover. From fascinating underground speakeasies to clubbing events and secret rooftop bars, Amsterdam’s nightlife is truly extraordinary. To get a deeper insight into the city’s culture, why not try out a private night tour of speakeasies and bars, so you can explore some of the hidden gems that one wouldn’t stumble upon when touring alone.

Conclusion: Why Visit Amsterdam?

The Netherlands’ capital city is more than just legal prostitution and powerful weed – it’s full of culture, vibrancy and history that permeates through its every street corner. From relaxing canal tours to classic museums, from monumental churches to seemingly winding streets beyond imagination – all no more than a 10 minutes bike ride away from each other -, Amsterdam is brimming with activities for everyone at all times. Taste traditional Dutch food or have an unforgettable night out; gaze at some of Europe’s most coveted art pieces or take a stroll down the red light district – whatever it is you wish for and seek, Amsterdam can provide.

Visiting this wonderful city is definitely worth it and one could not regret such a trip according to no matter their interests and backgrounds – just make sure to follow our guide and enjoy yourself in this beautiful Dutch capital city!