Top 10 Must Know Amsterdam Travel Tips

Curling canals, colorful houses, spanking bicycles and livable people. That's what is called Amsterdam. The capital of the Netherlands is one of the most charming corners of Europe and admires the visitors not just because it's beautiful. The city is rich history, affluent in culture and attractive in the landscape. Amsterdam dates back to 12th century and has a lot to show its visitors, so before you visit the Netherlands capital, make sure you looked through these must know Amsterdam travel tips and essential information.

1. Beware of the weather

If there is just one uneasy point in Amsterdam, that's the weather. The climate in the Netherlands capital is super humid. It will rain at the most unexpected moment, no matter it is the hottest day of summer or the coolest day in winter. The locals here don't even pay attention to this fact; it rains so often, that being wet became the daily routine. But it is stressful sometimes for the tourists. The average temperature in August is 17°C, while in winter it is normally 3°C. So never forget your raincoat or umbrella, when going for a walk and sightseeing. A positive fact? There's always tones of freshness and coolness in the air. The amount of the oxygen makes you crazy.

Bike lanes can be dangerous

Bicycles are the principal means of transport in Amsterdam. They are considered to be a big part of the city traffic. The city itself is associated with the flow of bicycles in every street. They are more bicycles, than residence in Amsterdam. This gives a fascinating additional charm to the city. The city has unique rules for cyclers, which can be unknown for new-comers. Locals on bicycles are absolutely careless about the pedestrians. So while discovering Amsterdam on foot, beware of the bike lanes. They can be dangerous sometimes.

3. There is much more in Amsterdam than Red Light district and drugs

When thinking about Amsterdam, the first thing that comes to the mind is undoubtedly legalized drugs and the famous Red Light District. Millions of people associate Amsterdam with these 2 points. But in fact, Amsterdam is just a jar of historic spots, museums, cultural centers, breathtaking parks and attractions which will leave you amazed. One one hand the Anna Frank's house and Van Gogh museum, on the other hand, the are the attractions that every tourist should discover. Another good option is getting further from Amsterdam for one day and explore the neighborhood. It will help to understand and feel the real Netherlands. Windmills, for instance, are emblems for the country, and you can found them everywhere in the country. Tulips fields are also symbolic, as the flower is too dear to the Netherlands people. So, discovering the city and the surrounding more in-depth than the Red Light District will give you countless memories and emotions. The complete list of Amsterdam must-see spots you can find here. You can also discover the tours in Amsterdam here.

4. Take OV-chipkaart for transport and iAmsterdam card for museums.

The OV-chipkaart is an excellent option for using the public transport in Amsterdam. You can buy them in the devices at the station, at a newsagent or at a supermarket. The cards are comfortable for tourists, as they give unlimited access to the transportation. OV-Chipkaart has 2 options; Anonymous, suitable for more than a day or longer distances and disposable, suitable for single use or for a short period. Check all the details and prices about the card beforehand.

iAmsterdam, in its turn, is a comfortable option for those, who plan to visit many museums. The card provides entrance to the city museums without any line. The card is really affordable, includes a canal cruise and some public transport. Here are the details about the iAmsterdam.

5. Amsterdam is not friendly to the credit cards

The whole country and Amsterdam especially is saturated with all the needed facilities and technologies both for the locals and for tourists. The only problem is credit cards. Not all the credit cards are available in Amsterdam for use. The cards, which are provided for international ATMs, or which you used everywhere in the world, can lose their power in the Netherlands. So always have your cash with you and check your card's availability before your visit.

6. Where to stay

As most touristic cities, Amsterdam is also beautiful in the center, but comfortable in the suburbs. The experienced tourists don't advice to stay in the center. First, it's 2-3 times more expensive; second, it's too noisy sometimes. Booking a hostel or hotel a bit far from the center will be a good idea. The quieter and better areas for staying in Amsterdam are Vondelpark, the Western Canal Ring, the Jordaan and De Pijp. These districts are good options to stay with families, with friends or alone. And they are still in the central parts of Amsterdam.

7. Eating and drinking

The Netherlands cuisine is less popular among the tourists, but it doesn't mean that the food in Amsterdam will not soothe your palate. Never leave Amsterdam without tasting the local cheese; it's a real pride for the Netherlands people. And of course the world's best known Heineken Experience.

Some hidden spots in the city will provide food, which you'll remember for a long time. Bistro Bij Ons, La Falote cafes are the places you need to visit at least once.

8. Protect your pockets

Though, Amsterdam is not so famous for pickpocketing, being careful will be helpful. It's always crowded, especially in the central part, and the city is too beautiful. Sometimes it makes you forget about everything else and admire the surrounding. The pickpockets wait for the moment to do the job. And they recognize the new-comers in seconds. So always protect your pockets, money and documents.

9. Don't overuse your camera.

It's clear, being in one of the most beautiful cities in the world and not to take hundreds of photos is really hard. Yet, every tourist should take into account the fact, that using camera is not always and everywhere allowed in Amsterdam. Check, if you can take pictures at a particular place, and then start. In the well-known Red Light District, for example, photos are strictly prohibited.

10. Canal tours instead of “hop on-hop off.”

One of the most interesting facts about the Netherlands capital, is that Amsterdam has more canals and bridges than Venice itself. Discovering both the city's highlights and hidden points is fun, romantic and effective with canal tours. The canal tours are on top of the Amsterdam things to do list. Every canal has its history, unique surrounding and beautiful bridges. The tours offer guides, who will tell stories, that are known only to the locals. This will make the tour more catching and unforgettable.

Following these tips will make you visit to Amsterdam an experience for the lifetime. They will help to make the best from your holidays and enjoy the city by all means.