6 Things tourists are doing wrong in Amsterdam
PLUS: Insider tips, things to do in Amsterdam, how to beat the crowds
Amsterdam in the Netherlands is on the bucket list of many international visitors, and for good reasons: Its canals, charming houses and relaxed atmosphere make it one of the most attractive destinations in Europe.
Yet the city has seen tourism accelerating over the last years and even launched campaigns discouraging “bad tourism”.
As someone who’s traveled and lived in Amsterdam, I’ve observed two complete opposites of this city: The “touristic area” (basically anything within the canal belt) vs the residential area (everything outside of it):
My top 6 things to avoid in Amsterdam
Here are 6 things that I’ve seen tourists in Amsterdam doing wrong, and ideas for things to do in Amsterdam instead.
And if you are travelling to Amsterdam this Spring, check out these 4 mistakes that tourists keep doing during Tulip season.
#1 - Missing the real “Postcard” moments
Waking up early morning over the weekends in Amsterdam really pays off: Streets and canals are usually empty before 10.00 AM since shops are closed and locals usually don’t go out early.
On the contrary, early mornings on weekdays in Amsterdam are busy! In fact, most people are commuting to work between 8.00-9.00 AM, making it more difficult to capture “empty” landscapes.
#2 - Staying in the city center and missing less touristy neighborhoods
The old city center of Amsterdam is beautiful, but have you tried some other neighborhoods? A good way to avoid tourist spots in Amsterdam is visiting the areas around ARTIS, Vondelpark and Amsterdam Noord where you’ll find cafés, parks and other things to see.
Or, try visiting Amsterdam’s secret gardens, many of which are accessible for free.
#3 - Queuing up for brunch at Instagrammable places
Sometimes I wonder why people are queuing up for hours for a brunch at some places in Amsterdam:
Going as early as possible and booking in advance are good ways to avoid queues. Otherwise, a good (and cheaper) alternative for breakfast are bakeries. There are many bakeries where locals go to buy fresh bread, pastries and coffee in Amsterdam, for example Bakhuys.
#4 - Underestimating sudden weather changes
Weather in Amsterdam can be extremely unpredictable, regardless of the season. While it’s always a good idea to consider travelling to Amsterdam during “shoulder season”, here are some tips valid all year round:
Pack for all seasons and always carry a foldable rain jacket
When the weather gets windy and rainy, it’s best to have a rain jacket rather than an umbrella. In fact, Amsterdam can get really windy. Packing for all seasons is also a good idea, especially when travelling between Spring and Autumn. Here are some tips and packing hacks if you’re travelling with a hand luggage.Download a Dutch weather app
With so many weather changes in one day, traditional weather apps in the Netherlands can get inaccurate. It’s a good idea to download a local weather app like Buienradar that show rainfall per hour.Always have a plan B if the weather changes
Even with an accurate weather app and the proper gear, it’s always good to have an alternative plan. In fact, it can be quite frustrating when you’ve planned for a rainy day but the sun is shining!
#5 - Visiting attractions like everyone else does
Official data shows that first-time visitors in Amsterdam tend to visit museums in the morning and go on a canal boat tour in the afternoon.
Why not reverse the order? You’re more likely to find less crowded canals and museums!
And if you’re a group of 4+ people, it might be worth renting your own small boat. Driving through the canals in Amsterdam is relatively easy, provided you observe some rules.
#6 - Underestimating flight disruptions at Schipol airport
When flying to/from Amsterdam Schipol Airport during peak periods (like school holidays in the Netherlands or big events, it’s best to be prepared.
These are my favorite tips & hacks to minimize flight disruptions; You can also pre-book a slot at the security checks of Schipol Airport via this page.
With so many things do and see in Amsterdam, it’s difficult to choose where to start from. These tips will hopefully help you getting the most out of your next holiday in the Netherlands.
About me:
As a skilled traveler and tourism professional I’ve experienced the world: From hiking the Andes to flying Business Class, from campsites in Serengeti to luxury resorts in Maldives.
In my career as a marketer I’ve driven brand collaborations, scaled up communities and websites and helped tourism companies reach international travelers.
Beating Jetlag is where my authentic experiences as a traveler and genuine curiosity as an industry insider come together for behind-the-scenes travel content and resources.
For quick travel tips and hacks you can also follow me on Instagram or Facebook.
The parks in Amsterdam are beautiful in the summer. It's lovely to get outside the city.