Amsterdam is an easy city to love, with its canals, architecture, stroopwafels, and poffertjes. But when one loves a city, one wants that city to love you back, right? Amsterdam has been a leading example of the pitfalls of overtourism and, in part thanks to its liberal approach to drugs and sex work, it has gained a reputation as one of Europe’s biggest party capitals. This has attracted a swathe of tourists who perhaps take advantage of the beautiful city and view it merely as their playground, much to the chagrin of locals. At one point, the government even launched a 2023 campaign warning rowdy tourists from the United Kingdom to “stay away.” And while the Red Light district and coffee shops are cultural and historic threads that make up the urban, multifaceted fabric that is Amsterdam, it’s a city that offers so much more to those looking to explore its multiple personalities: dynamic and gentle, uber-cool yet warm. Below are just a few tips on how to do as the Amsterdammers do.
A version of this article was originally published in Condé Nast Traveller UK.
Rule 1: Cycle everywhere you go
Probably the most important thing to know before visiting Amsterdam is that biking is the city’s main mode of transport. Famously, there are more bikes in the city than there are people. The urban centre is set up with a network of well-defined bike lanes—they are marked in red alongside the roads—and while other modes of transport include trams, the metro, and taxis, bikes are the easiest way to see the city, and get from A to B quickly.
Rule 2: Watch where you walk
Even if you don’t plan on biking yourself, you will come into contact with bikers on their wheels. Many of them. And often. Cyclists in Amsterdam bike quickly, and the lanes can get incredibly congested. Mix that with visitors who aren’t used to biking cities, and you have accidents waiting to happen. It’s often easy when looking up at the beautiful gabled canal houses to wander into the cycling lane and find yourself facing the wrath of angry bikers’ bells. Be sure to stick only to walking on the sidewalks and look both ways when crossing the street. Twice. Maybe even three times. And if you hear lots of fast-approaching loud dinging sounds, run.
Rule 3: Know the rules of the road
While cycling in Amsterdam can be intimidating for many, it offers the most convenient and cost-effective way to get around the city. But before you rent a bike, there are some road rules to keep in mind: Stick to the right of the bike lane and overtake on the left. Cycle in a straight line and don’t weave about so that overtaking cyclists know where you’re going. Use your bell to communicate and let others know you’re overtaking, or to alert a tourist that has wandered into the bike lane. Cycle lanes are one-way unless there is a broken line down the middle, so don’t bike against traffic and always signal with your hand while turning. When crossing intersections, ride perpendicular to tram lines, as bike tires can easily get stuck in them, sending even the most experienced riders flying over the handlebars. And always lock your bike securely.
Rule 4: Learn a few Dutch phrases
The Dutch pride themselves on their excellent English, particularly in urban cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. Signs are often written in both Dutch and English, and while learning Dutch ahead of time isn’t necessary, some words are always appreciated: “goedemorgen” (good morning), “dankjewel” (thank you), “doei” or “tot ziens” (goodbye), “alstublieft” (please), and “een biertje” (one beer). Absolutely none of these words are pronounced as you’d expect, so do a quick search for an audio pronunciation before using them on a live Dutch person. Another word you’ll hear often is “gezellig,” which loosely means “cozy.” The Dutch often use it to describe when something is pleasant, and it is similar to the Danish “hygge,” but with more of an emphasis on socializing and the warmth of being with friends.
