17 Useful Things to Know When Visiting Amsterdam for the First Time

Since I grew up in London, Amsterdam was always on my doorstep. It was an easy 45-minute flight away, and when the Eurostar line between the UK and the Netherlands was introduced, travel to the Dutch capital became even easier. Now that I’ve relocated to Copenhagen, flying over to Amsterdam is still straightforward. As a result, I’ve visited multiple times (and at one point, I very nearly moved here). 

Many first-time visitors in Amsterdam are caught unprepared, and if you don’t know what to expect, it can ruin your trip. While the Netherlands’ biggest city is beautiful and full of interesting history, not everything is as it seems on Instagram. On top of that, understanding some practical tips will help you get the most out of your visit. 

Based on my various trips to Amsterdam, I’m giving you all my top tips to ensure your first visit goes smoothly. Once you’ve read this guide, you should know what to expect and can therefore plan your trip more effectively.

1. Card Payments Are Widely Accepted in Amsterdam

The Netherlands, in general, is largely a cashless society, and I haven’t used physical money in Amsterdam since my first visit back in 2017. Debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants throughout the Dutch capital. 

Both Visa and Mastercard payments are widespread in Amsterdam. However, I don’t recommend using your card from your home country, unless you’re also based somewhere in the Eurozone. If this isn’t the case (for example, you’re based in the UK, the US, or Australia), you may get charged hefty foreign exchange fees. 

Since I’m based in Denmark and we use the Danish Krone (DKK), I instead use Wise to waive foreign exchange fees. You can open an EUR bank account, making it easy to pay without accruing surcharges. Signing up for an account is free, and you can do so here.

2. Amsterdam Has a Big Trash Problem

I have always had an idea of the Netherlands being very clean and efficient, and for much of the country, this is true. Unfortunately, though, Amsterdam has a big problem with litter and trash. I was surprised how much dirtier the city had become in my first post-COVID visit, and to be honest, it was a huge shame. For example, there were countless overflowing trash cans around the city. 

While I still think that Amsterdam is worth visiting, understanding this reality is important. In addition to overflowing trash cans, you’ll see random items dumped in various areas—especially away from the central canals. 

How dirty you find Amsterdam will depend on where you’re from. I think that Copenhagen, where I live, is much cleaner than Amsterdam, for example. You’ll also probably find it surprising if you’re Japanese or Swiss. But at the same time, the Dutch capital is cleaner than the likes of Paris, London, and New York City. 

3. Tipping Isn’t Necessary in Restaurants

If you’re from the US, you’ll be used to *having* to tip. But in Amsterdam, you generally don’t need to do so. 

However, it is not considered rude to tip. If you had particularly good service, you can tip 5-10% if you would like to. Otherwise, you shouldn’t need to worry about doing so. 

If you do decide to tip, you can often add these to your bill via the card reader. 

4. Amsterdam Has Plenty of Great Day Trips Nearby

Don’t get me wrong, Amsterdam could keep you entertained for days. There are more than enough museums and other cultural attractions to do precisely that. But to be honest, the Netherlands has a lot of towns and cities worth visiting—many of which aren’t too far from Amsterdam. 

For example, Haarlem is less than 20 minutes away by train. It often feels like a miniature Amsterdam, and in my opinion, it feels like the Netherlands in a nutshell. Haarlem has pretty architecture and some nice cafés, and you can easily see the main parts of the city in a day. 

Utrecht and Rotterdam are also viable day trips. Rotterdam has a very different vibe, with mainly modern architecture compared to Amsterdam’s old-style houses. Utrecht, meanwhile, is a cozy city with good accommodation options if you find Amsterdam too expensive. 

Other worthwhile day trips from Amsterdam include Leiden and The Hague. You can buy your train tickets on the day; they’re pretty affordable, and Dutch trains are normally punctual. 

5. Getting From Schiphol Airport to the City Center Is Very Easy

Schiphol Airport is one of Europe’s most important transport hubs, and it has solid transport links to Amsterdam and other parts of the Netherlands. 

Taking the train from the airport to Amsterdam takes around 20 minutes, and departures are frequent. It’s possible to purchase train tickets from Schiphol Airport to the city center via the NS app (iOS and Android). From the main station, you can then get around the Dutch capital easily. 

From Schiphol Airport, it’s likewise very easy to reach The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and other cities in the Netherlands. 

One thing you’ll quickly realize after landing is that Schiphol Airport feels bigger than some towns and cities. Getting through customs and onto your train to Amsterdam is simple, but be prepared that Schiphol is massive. 

6. The Crowds Thin Out Significantly Away From the Central Canals

Leaving Amsterdam Centraal Station and heading into the city can feel overwhelming. You’ll immediately be met with sensory overload, and as you wander around the areas close by, you will have to deal with heaving crowds of tourists. This is especially true during the summer. 

The good news, however, is that many tourists spend the majority of their time in the same few places. As a result, you can easily avoid them by going elsewhere. When we visited in 2023, for example, we made an effort to explore some of the outer canals. The crowds were significantly smaller here compared to the ones closer to the city center.

Amsterdam has various interesting neighborhoods to explore, too, such as Noord on the other side of the water. Even if you’re only visiting for a weekend, I encourage you to venture beyond the main tourist areas. 

7. You’ll Have No Problem Getting Around in English

While Dutch is the official language in Amsterdam, you will have no issues getting around as a tourist. Pretty much everyone speaks excellent English, regardless of whether you’re in the main tourist areas or elsewhere. 

In some parts of the city, you’ll see bilingual signs. Of course, it does help to have a better experience if you know some basic phrases in Dutch. A simple “dank je wel” (thank you) goes a long way. 

8. Amsterdammers Are Direct, but Not Rude

One of the biggest culture shocks for tourists visiting Amsterdam (and the Netherlands in general) is that the locals do not beat around the bush. They will tell you precisely what they think, which can come across as surprising. When I visited during the times that I lived in the UK, this was something I was certainly not used to. 

Don’t worry, though—it doesn’t mean that they hate you. Being honest is a general part of the culture in the Netherlands, and at the very least, you’ll get the precise answer to your question. 

This directness also includes the service industries. When eating in restaurants or visiting the city’s various shops and bars, people will be polite but not superficial. 

9. Sidewalks Are for Pedestrians, Roads Are for Bicycles

Another huge culture shock for many people visiting Amsterdam for the first time is how big the cycling culture is. Cyclists can get aggressive if you’re in their way, so staying out of it is a good idea. 

When you’re around the Canals of Amsterdam, many of the sidewalks are very narrow. However, it’s worth not walking on the roads where possible. These are for cars and cyclists, and you will almost inevitably hear a bell ring if you stand in the road.

If you do need to cross the road or walk in it to get around crowds, look both ways before doing so. When taking photos, be sure not to obstruct the route for cyclists. Don’t worry if it confuses you, either; even though cycling is big in Copenhagen and I’m used to it, there are still a lot of differences 😄. 

10. Be Prepared to Pay a Lot for Accommodation

Since I live in Scandinavia, I’m used to things costing a lot of money. And to be honest, I think Amsterdam as a whole is quite pricey but not more than, say, Stockholm. Accommodation, however, is more expensive than in most cities I’ve visited. 

Hotels in Amsterdam are very expensive, especially during the peak tourist season. If you want to stay close to the main canals, you will almost certainly pay a lot of money. On some previous trips, I’ve based myself in nearby cities and commuted to Amsterdam. 

You can, however, lower your expenses in this respect. Booking in advance is a very good idea; the Dutch capital is popular year-round, and sorting out your accommodation as soon as possible is wise. 

Visiting during the week or staying outside the city center can also lower your costs. If you’re going to stay in a nearby city, I’d recommend either Utrecht or Haarlem. 

11. Don’t Leave Your Rental Bike Unlocked

Cycling in Amsterdam is an ideal way to see the city from a local’s perspective. You’ll have no issues renting a bike; there are rental spots all over the city. When visiting places, you’ll also find bicycle parking spots to store them. 

Make sure to always lock your bike, though. Bicycle theft in Amsterdam is very common, especially in the city center. Even if you’re only leaving your bike for a few minutes, you could needlessly put your bike at risk. 

Double-locking is wise if possible, and I would also recommend tying it to another object—such as a lamppost—where you can. 

12. Amsterdam Is Very Safe, but Pickpockets Do Exist

Generally speaking, Amsterdam is a very safe city. I’ve never felt in danger on any of my visits, even at night. But at the same time, that does not mean you should be totally naive. 

You probably won’t be a victim of violent crime, but pickpockets do exist—especially in the Red Light District and other popular areas. While not as bad as the likes of Barcelona, you should still keep an eye on your belongings. Don’t do anything that you wouldn’t do in any town or city, and you should be fine. 

When in Amsterdam (and the rest of the Netherlands), you do need to carry some form of photo ID if you don’t have a residence permit in the Netherlands or a Dutch ID card. A copy of your passport doesn’t count. So, be extra sure to keep this in a safe place where pickpockets can’t get to it.  

13. Check If You Need a Visa Before Visiting

The Netherlands is in both the EU and the Schengen Area. Citizens of the EU, Switzerland, and the EEA (EU + Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein) can enter the Netherlands and visit Amsterdam with just their national passport or ID card. You can stay for up to 90 days. 

The entry rules for non-EU citizens will vary greatly depending on your citizenship. Some nationalities require a visa to visit the Netherlands.

If you’re from the UK, you can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. However, you must not stay in the Schengen Area for longer than 90 days within a 180-day period. The same rules apply to citizens of the US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. 

If you’re from outside the EU, you will eventually need an ETIAS authorization before visiting Amsterdam. This has been delayed multiple times, but is expected to finally come into effect in the last quarter of 2026. You can learn more here.

14. Heineken *Does* Better in Amsterdam

Whenever I’m virtually anywhere else in Europe, I think nothing of Heineken apart from when it appears in Champions League ads. However, I was interested to see if it tasted better in Amsterdam, since it is a Dutch beer. In my opinion, the answer is yes—it does. 

While the Dutch capital has various other beer brands worth trying, I do think it’s worth having at least some Heineken when you visit. You will find it in almost every bar throughout Amsterdam.

In addition to getting Heineken in an ordinary bar, you can do the Heineken Brewery Experience. Here, you’ll get to try the famous beer and also learn more about its history. You can buy your tickets in advance.

15. There’s Much More to See in Amsterdam Than Just the Canals

The Canals of Amsterdam are a huge attraction for tourists, and in my opinion, they do deserve their popularity. This network of waterways, lined with beautiful houses and arched bridges, feels like an open-air museum—positive and negative connotations included. You can also join a canal tour to see the city from another angle. 

At the same time, though, Amsterdam is much more than just its canals. The city has lots of other interesting districts to visit, including some more daring modern designs. Going away from the canals will give you a better idea of how Amsterdammers live, and in my opinion, you’ll have more of an appreciation for the city. 

Considering the crowds, I would say that the Canals of Amsterdam are best visited in the morning. For the rest of the day, it’s worth venturing elsewhere and seeing different parts of the capital. 

16. Amsterdam Has an Excellent Public Transport System

Much of Amsterdam is walkable or easy to reach by bike. But if you need to take public transport instead, the city has an excellent network of trams, buses, ferries, and Metro trains. 

You will have no issues getting around the city center on public transport, which is typically clean and efficient. Tickets are well-priced, too, so getting around won’t eat into your budget too much. You can buy full-day passes if you plan to use public transport frequently.

One thing worth noting is that trams and Metro trains generally run from 6:00 to 00:30. As for buses, you will find a network of night buses. 

17. The Off-Season Is a Much Nicer Time to Visit Amsterdam

My first visit to Amsterdam was during the summer, and I’ll be honest—it was enough to convince me that I never wanted to visit at that time of the year again. While the days are long and there’s plenty going on, the city center in particular is crowded to the point of being uncomfortable. 

Visiting Amsterdam during the summer also means that accommodation costs *a lot* more. It’s not the nicest experience to be there at this time, and I can’t emphasize enough how much I prefer visiting during the off-season. 

If you’re going to pick any time to visit, I strongly suggest coming to Amsterdam in the autumn. The orange leaves are lovely, and it’s generally a quieter time—though many of the main attractions are still open. 

Winter can also be a good time to visit, especially in January and February. Most of the time, it’s not as cold as you might think it is. Moreover, you’ll get better hotel deals and smaller crowds. 

Final Thoughts

Amsterdam is a cool city to visit, but getting the most out of your trip requires some advance planning. Knowing what to expect (both good and bad) is essential, and if you can prepare for these, you will have a much better time. 

Think about when you would actually like to visit, and consider seeing other parts of the city outside its main areas. Going to different parts of the Netherlands is also a good idea. 

Now that you’ve read this guide, you should have a better idea of what to expect when you visit Amsterdam for the first time. As a result, planning your trip should be much more straightforward. 

Pin for Later 📌