What to see
Rijksmuseum
The Dutch national museum, with masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Anne Frank House
An intense, unmissable historical testimony of the Holocaust.
✦ Hidden gems — off the standard guides
Begijnhof
A historic courtyard hidden in the centre, an oasis of silence among medieval houses.
Jordaan district
Alleys, smaller canals and an authentic atmosphere away from the crowds.
NDSM-werf
A former industrial area in Amsterdam Noord, today a hub of street art and creative markets.
Haring (raw herring)
Marinated herring served with onion and gherkins from a street stall, an authentic local tradition.
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Before you go
Recurring scams and local rules worth knowing before you arrive.
⚠ Scams to know
Fake police officers asking to check your wallet or bag
verifiedOn the pretext of an anti-counterfeiting or anti-drug check, they steal cash during the inspection.
How to avoid it: Real police never handle your money; ask to go to the nearest police station or call 0900-8844 to verify.
SourceUnauthorized taxis, especially at Schiphol airport
low confidencePossible inflated fares for trips from the airport; the detail on exact figures isn't confirmed by the verified source, only mentioned generically.
How to avoid it: Use only official taxis with blue plates, roof lights and company signage (e.g. TCA), or book in advance.
SourceFake tickets for the Anne Frank House and other attractions
verifiedTouts sell counterfeit tickets, or ones at triple the price, outside the museum.
How to avoid it: Buy only from the official website, weeks in advance.
SourceTulip bulbs 'as a gift' sold in the street
low confidenceOften too old or treated to sprout; a claim mentioned generically in the source, not confirmed with specific data.
How to avoid it: Buy bulbs only from specialized shops certified for export.
Source⚖ Laws & penalties
Ban on smoking cannabis in public in the Red Light District, Dam Square, Damrak and Nieuwmarkt
medium riskverifiedSince 25 May 2023 the 'blowverbod' has been in force: smoking cannabis in the street in the old town (Red Light District, Dam, Damrak, Nieuwmarkt) is banned, with a fine of up to €100. Buying and consuming inside coffee shops remains allowed. The rule applies to residents too.
SourceBan on photographing sex workers in the Red Light District windows
high riskmedium confidencePhotographing or filming sex workers and their windows is strictly forbidden. It isn't codified as a national crime but is enforced through municipal rules, surveillance and immediate intervention by police and stewards: anyone caught risks an on-the-spot fine, confiscation of the device or being removed. You can photograph canals and architecture, not the windows.
SourceNew closing hours in the Red Light District
low riskverifiedBrothels close at 3am (previously 6am) and bars/venues at 2am (previously 3am); alcohol sales restricted after 4pm from Thursday to Sunday. Confirmed by the source.
SourceBicycles always have priority in the cycle lanes
medium risklow confidenceWalking or standing in the dedicated cycle lanes is improper and dangerous; cyclists have almost absolute priority in urban traffic.
Source
Recurring events
Hover over a month on the timeline for details.
Budget & timing
Average daily cost
Rough estimate (lodging + meals + local transport), not a precise verified source.
Best time by type of trip
Culture and museums — March-May, September-October
Pleasant weather and the tulip bloom in spring, fewer crowds than in summer.
Nightlife — June-August
Long days and King's Day/Pride bring the canals and venues to life, but with higher prices.
Budget — November-February
Cheaper hotels, a great time for indoor museums despite the cold.
Did you know... Amsterdam's historic houses often lean because they were built on wooden piles sunk into the marshy ground centuries ago.
Getting around
Car recommended: No — The old town is narrow, full of canals and built for bikes/pedestrians; parking is scarce and expensive, and traffic is complicated by cycle lanes with absolute priority.
An efficient network of trams, buses and metro run by GVB; the OV-chipkaart or a contactless card is recommended for payments.
- Renting a bicycle is the most practical way to get around (€8-15 a day), but you need ID and a credit card as a deposit.
- Cycle lanes are separate and bikes have priority: don't walk on them.
- Use two locks when parking your bike to reduce the risk of theft.
- From Central Station avoid unofficial taxis: choose only vehicles with blue plates and recognizable company signage.
Safety
- Pay by card when possible to carry less cash
- Use ATMs inside bank branches, not street exchange kiosks
- Keep bags and backpacks closed and in front of you in crowded areas
- Book popular attractions online well in advance
Sources
Every source below was opened and checked by hand — not just cited. Entries that didn't hold up were downgraded to "low confidence" or dropped, not presented as certain.
- https://amsterdamexperiences.nl/how-to-avoid-tourist-traps-and-scams-in-amsterdam/
- https://nltimes.nl/2023/05/25/amsterdams-ban-smoking-weed-red-light-district-streets-takes-effect
- https://www.amsterdam.info/red-light-district/
- https://www.iamsterdam.com/en/whats-on/kings-day/kings-day-2026-amsterdam-all-the-info-at-a-glance