Once you’ve arrived in Amsterdam, took your taxi from Schiphol airport and reached your hotel, you might be eager to try everything there is in Amsterdam. You already know that it is one of the most tolerant cities in the world and you are aware of the experiences such a place could add to your life. But what about the things you should avoid when visiting Amsterdam?
Because the residents of this famous city follow strict rules and customs, we provide you the guide that will help you avoid the errors of judgement that could turn into unpleasant experiences during your stay. Here’s what you should avoid:
- Cycling during rush hours
After you reach to your destination with an Amsterdam airport transfer and are eager to explore the streets of Amsterdam, you might be already equipped and ready to rent a bike and discover every street of this amazing city- but there are certain things that you might need to take into account. Because cycling is the main mode of transport in Amsterdam, biking can be hectic during rush hours or at weekends.
- Queueing for museums
Anne Frank and Van Gogh museums are among the main tourist attractions in Amsterdam and therefore, they come with long tourist lines. These queues can be avoided if you book tickets in advance or if you simply avoid visiting them in the afternoon. Because they are opened until 10 p.m., you have the opportunity to save time by avoiding the boring lines.
- Speaking of the Red Light District
The Red Light District is a taboo topic among the people in Amsterdam. This is why stopping people in order to ask for directions regarding how to get to this area is not advisable. Some local people might even find it offensive, especially if you interrupt them at work or when they’re driving or cycling for this matter. It is a notorious part of the city and speaking about it can make you look bad.
- Buying from street dealers
Street dealers in Amsterdam are present and their ideas are as creative as you might think. From drugs to other products, selling things on the street is a common habit for some people in Amsterdam and can be dangerous. Buying deliberately tainted drugs caused many deaths in the last years and this is why you should not trust everyone you meet, especially shady characters who sell things on the street.
It’s not always enough to know what you should do when visiting a new city. A lot of unpleasant situations can be avoided if you are well informed about the things that you should, in fact, avoid. When in Amsterdam, try to keep your common sense and be aware of the people around you- especially when you’re on a bike! Save time by avoiding queues, avoid the sensitive subjects such as the Red Light District and your journey will be as successful as you have imagined it.