Chances are, you already have your list of top things to do in Amsterdam city. Hotel brochures and guides are filled with all the things that first time and returning tourists should do, so is there anything more you need to know? Definitely!
There are a lot of things tourists aren’t really told – not on an official level, anyhow, when they go to Amsterdam. City hotel guides are of course, the best way to ensure you won’t get into trouble, but if you want to spend some time on your own, here are a few tips.
Stop Walking On Those Bike Paths (and Other Transport Tips)
Bicycling is a big thing here, with plenty of bike tours available. But if you’re going to forgo the bicycle and go by foot, do be careful where you walk. If there’s anything locals hate it’s tourists ambling along the bike paths. While you may encounter polite cyclists, who will only curse at you beyond your hearing, you may have the misfortune to encounter a few bullet riders who may decide to ride straight at you! Where should you walk when walking the streets then? The easiest thing to do is follow some locals and see just where they go.
The minute you land in Amsterdam, city ‘hotel runners’ will be there greet you. Avoid them like the plague: not only can they steer you in the wrong direction, they may recommend seedy hotels and disreputable establishments. Your best bet is always to book online before arriving and refuse to speak to these “black marketeers”.
Another thing you should remember is to avoid the many “unofficial” taxis that wait outside Schiphol airport. Make sure you only get in a registered taxi or book through your accommodation to be picked up by their shuttle.
Learn to Distinguish the Real Museums.
Almost the first thing you’ll notice upon arriving in the Dutch capital is that everywhere you look there seems to be a museum of sorts: cheese museums, wine museums, beer museums and many more! The truth is, not everything that’s called a museum is actually one in Amsterdam. City hotel guides will often have a list of the most important genuine, must see museums such as the Van Gogh museum and the like. Stick to them and you’ll be fine. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with going into one of those store-cum-museums if you’re aware they’re really shops. In fact, many of them do make for great souvenir shopping destinations so feel free to explore!
Reserve and Buy Tickets In Advance
For all first-timers, there are places that one absolutely must not miss – like the Anne Frank Museum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and more. To make the most of your stay and not waste precious time, arrangements can be made to purchase tickets in advance, or better still, online if possible before you leave.
Roberta Stuart
