Last Updated on June 16, 2019

Normally you see travelling articles telling what you need to do in this and that city but not today!

Here are 5 things NOT to do in Amsterdam! 

1. Don’t smoke pot the entire time

The locals don’t even smoke it as much as you think they might.  It is put on for the tourists.  If you want to experience the Dutch culture then I can tell you that being stoned for the whole time you are there is not how the Dutch live.  Don’t be that person who can’t remember their whole trip because they smoked too much!  It is not the locals who cause trouble because of the drugs, it’s the tourists.  So, smoking does not make you Dutch if that’s what you think.

2. Don’t stare at your map on a bicycle lane

You will soon find out that if you do not look up, you can pretty much say goodbye to a limb.  The locals get so frustrated with tourists who walk or cross the bike lanes without looking.  I would be irritated as well if I was on my way to work and some douche decided to step out in front of me because they don’t know the rules.  If you hear a bell coming from behind you, run as fast as you can out of there!

3. Don’t take photos of the windows in the Red Light District

You will get thrown into the canal by a non-apologetic PIMP.  Keep your phone in your front pocket when going down the alleyways in the Red Light District too.  While tourists are distracted looking at the ladies, this is a prime time for pick-pocketers to nab your goodies!  Keep everything at the front of you.  If you want to negotiate a price for a lady make sure you have seen what coloured light is above them!  If it’s red then it’s a woman.  If it’s red and blue then you have just paid a lady-man.

4. Do not think a coffee shop means they sell coffee

In Amsterdam, a coffee shop is where you can buy the drugs and smoke them.  You might find coffee here but you might also have to buy a bag of weed.  If you are looking for a hot drink with no twist then look for a cafe.  Try not to get mixed up and bring your parents into the coffee shops by mistake.

check out the best accommodation in Amsterdam here

5. Don’t eat at fast food chains for your entire trip

Experience local cuisine, its delicious!  I am biased because I come from a Dutch background and I have grown up with the food.  If you are around the city at New Years you HAVE to try the oliebollen!  It’s a Dutch doughnut with apple, sultanas, currants and raisins.  They are so scrumptious!

Of course, you have to try bitterballen as well.  My mouth is literally watering right now.  Stamppot is another classic.  I make it with potatoes and kale mashed together and then Dutch sausage on the side called rookworst.  This is a hearty meal and is a classic in Dutch households.  They are also mad on apple so you definitely have to try an appeltaart while you are there!  So much food you need to try!

I hope you liked this post and you got some good tips on what not to do in Amsterdam.

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