Isn’t it great to get to a new city and feel like a local from day one? Doesn’t it feel good to get all the insight information and learn essential tips upfront? This post intends to do just that. Use these 10 tips to walk and talk like a local even during your first trip to Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Last updated: June 28, 2025
First Time in Amsterdam
I’m not that person who would jump with excitement about a trip to a big city. But Amsterdam was different. So beautiful and stunning, it captivated me at once. One my first evening and despite the persistent rain, I walk across the city admiring its endless canals, alluring bridges, cute restaurants, and the long rows of narrow houses.
It took another day for the initial excitement to subside and open my senses to other things in Amsterdam that were not less interesting. I was becoming more aware of my surroundings and paid closer attention to locals and customs in Amsterdam. One thing is certain, the city doesn’t have strict rules for everybody to follow. But knowing a few tips upfront will definitely make your first trip to Amsterdam more enjoyable.
10 TIPS FOR YOUR FIRST VISIT TO AMSTERDAM
1. Explore Amsterdam on Foot
Amsterdam may look big at first. But don’t rush to flag down a taxi or book an Uber. Start walking, and you’ll see how receptive the city is to your effort. With every step you make Amsterdam unveils its treasures that otherwise would stay hidden from you. The bonus part, most of the major attractions are located in or near the city center, not far from each other.
2.Take Advantage of Free Ferries
Another useful tip for the first trip to Amsterdam involves public transportation. In cities like Paris or London, you’d think about taking a bus or subway. In Amsterdam with its endless amount of canals and waterways, ferries play an essential role in providing frequent rides across the water. Amsterdam’s ferries connect the city center with Amsterdam Noord. Moreover, they are free for pedestrians, cyclists, and moped riders.
3. Look up Frequently
The narrow houses of Amsterdam usually have steep and often winding staircases. There are of course some minor exceptions. Yet almost all buildings have one thing in common. It’s quite difficult to take inside large objects such as furniture. Therefore there are hooks on top of the buildings to make it easier to get those bulky things up and into a window at the proper floor.
For passersby, though, those hooks and large objects are things to steer clear of. But accidents can still happen. So if you don’t want to spend your first trip to Amsterdam in hospital after being injured by a falling down chair or couch, look up frequently.
4. Don’t Walk in Bicycle Lanes
Bicycles are one of the most popular and used modes of transportation. Bicycling in Amsterdam is a necessity, leisure, and sport. Almost every road, except for some streets in the city center, has bicycle lanes. And if you forget all other tips for your first trip to Amsterdam, make sure to remember to never walk along these lanes. First, you can easily be run into. Second, you don’t really want to annoy locals on your very first day in Amsterdam.
5. Rent a Bike
If you want to feel like a local even during your first visit to Amsterdam, do like the majority of the locals do and get around the city by bike.
READ MORE: Culture in the Netherlands: 9 Traditional Dutch Norms
6. No Dutch Language? No problem
When you travel to a new country, you’re expected to know at least a few common phrases in the local language. In Amsterdam, this problem is almost irrelevant. Apart from Dutch, the official language of the Netherlands, the majority of the residents of Amsterdam speak English.
7. Visit Amsterdam during Weekdays
One thing that can really spoil your first visit to Amsterdam is high prices for hotels. Even a room in a budget hotel can cost you a small fortune. The best advice here would be to travel to Amsterdam during the weekdays and avoid weekends at all cost.
8. The Red Light District Is Just Another Neighborhood of Amsterdam
The famous Red Light District of Amsterdam is a regular urban area during the day. Located in the city center, it doesn’t have a flushing sign or any other distinguishing characteristic. You can walk through the area without realizing that it turns into an adult district in the evening.
But when the sun goes down, ladies in seductive lingerie show up in the display windows of the buildings. At this time, even if you accidentally stumble upon this infamous area of Amsterdam like I did, you know exactly where you are. You may want to get out of here as quickly as possible, unless you have other things in mind.
9. Don’t Take Pictures of Sex Workers in the Red Light District
If it’s your first time in Amsterdam, moreover the first time intentionally or unintentionally wandering across the Red Light District, remember this. Don’t take pictures of any sex workers. Be respectful. Furthermore, stay away from any troubles.
I’d suggest putting your camera or phone back in your bag or pocket. If you are accused of taking photos or videos without permission, you can say goodbye to your gear. It may be destroyed before you get a chance to prove your innocence.
10. No Drinking in Public in Amsterdam
Drinking in public in Amsterdam is strictly prohibited. If you feel like gulping down a drink, go to a pub or cocktail bar.
