My 8 practical tips for visiting Amsterdam

You are looking for practical tips for visiting Amsterdam?

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Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in the world.

But the city can be quite intimidating for some.

Fortunately, I'm here to help you make sense of it all!

Practical tips in Amsterdam: article summary

Practical tips in Amsterdam: Cycling is king

If there's one thing that defines the modern Netherlands more than anything else, it's probably the predominance of the bicycle as a mode of transport.

Visit bicycles are not only common in Amsterdam, they're an absolute necessity. While most residents don't own a car, they all own a bike.

Cycling is the most common way to get from any point in the city to any other point in the city.

There are many ways to rent your bike. Personally, I recommend visiting this link to make sure you find yours.

Avoid visiting in August

If you can, avoid visiting Amsterdam in August. It's the same as other destinations in Europe. Many people in Europe take August off.

This makes almost all popular European travel destinations ridiculously crowded in August, and Amsterdam is no exception.

If you're not limited by your children's school schedule, May and June are the best months to visit Amsterdam.

However, if you want to see the famous fields of tulips Dutch, you'll need to visit them in April.

Practical tips in Amsterdam: Get the I Amsterdam City Card

If you are planning to visit several museums, I recommend thebuy a City Card I Amsterdam. Essentially, it's a pass that gives you access to almost all museums (but not to the Van Gogh museum or the Anne Frank House). You can also visit other places such as :

• Zaanse Schans
• Visit zoo Artis
• Visit Heineken Experience

It also includes a free canal cruise, free bicycle rental and unlimited access to the metroat bus and tramway.

Visit a local market

Markets are scattered around Amsterdam. Most sell fresh produce, cheese, pastries and seafood.

Some also sell handicrafts and gifts such as sweaters and scarves.

The most famous market is theAlbert Cuyptmarktin the neighborhood de Pijpjust south of downtown.

Dutch markets are fun to visit, even if you don't buy anything. Just wandering around can be fun.

But the best thing about the markets is the free samples. You can sample as much Dutch cheese as you like!

Practical advice in Amsterdam: don't take photos in the red light district

You're not supposed to take photos of the women working the windows in the red light district. While it's not technically illegal, it is prohibited and considered extremely rude to sex workers.

If you're caught taking photos of women, don't be surprised if they come out from behind their windows to kick your ass.

You don't need to know a Dutch word

The rate of English proficiency in the Netherlands is probably better than in the U.S.. Almost everyone in Dutch cities speaks English, and most of them fluently.

When you go out in the countryside, it's common to find people who don't speak English, but in Amsterdam, everyone you deal with will speak English.

There are also people who speak enough English, but not necessarily fluently. They're often not very comfortable explaining things to you, but can have a decent conversation.

However, these people are unlikely to work in the service sector, so you won't meet them.

Nevertheless, I'd advise you to learn a few words of Dutch. It's sure to delight the person you're talking to.

Practical tips in Amsterdam: prepare for rain and wind

If you've never been to Northern Europe before, the weather can be a shock.

Amsterdam's climate is notoriously bipolar. You can sit in the sun drinking a beer at breakfast and return to your room to enjoy your vacation, watching hail fall from the sky an hour later.

Summer offers the best weather on the whole, but even then you should bring a rain jacket, because rain is common throughout the year.

So bear in mind that it will probably rain at some point during your stay in Amsterdam, so don't let it get you down. There are so many great things to do indoors in Amsterdam that all will not be lost.

Grocery stores do not accept credit cards

Dutch grocery stores do not accept credit cards. You'll need a debit card from an EU country, or a "Maestro" card, to use a card in a supermarket.

If you do not have this type of card, you will need to pay cash if you want something on the market.

It seems strange in the 2020s to need cash in a modern country like the Netherlands, but that's the way it is.

The same applies to other small stores and places like street markets. However, department stores like H & M will accept your credit card, and almost all restaurants and bars will.

However, it's wise to take some cash with you when you're in Amsterdam. You'll probably need at a given moment.

With these few tips, you should be able to get by on your trip to Amsterdam. What you need visit the city with complete peace of mind!

What to do in Amsterdam in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?

Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Amsterdam guide.

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