8 things you need to know before visiting Amsterdam

Well hello to you my reader chums! Amsterdam has to be one of the top places I've visited. There was something about its chill vibe and beautiful canals that left a small place in my heart. Whilst I was planning my weekend in Amsterdam last year, I read plenty of articles on things to know beforehand, and during my trip, I picked up a few tips to share with you. 

Amsterdam city canals

Whether you're new to the city or visiting again, here are 8 things to know before visiting Amsterdam.

Accommodation in the city is expensive 

When booking my trip to Amsterdam, I found that accommodation stood on the pricier side compared to other European cities, especially in the city centre along the canals. However, after a bit of research, I found accommodation away from the city centre could be found at a reasonable price. I stayed in Osdorp during my visit, which was around a 30-minute tram ride into the centre. At the Air BnB apartment, we stayed in, there was a tram stop outside, so it made the trip in and out of the centre quite convenient every day.

Book Anne Frank's house in advance 

Anne Frank's house Amsterdam

One of the most popular attractions in Amsterdam is Anne Frank's house, and many tourists flock every day to visit. On my trip, it had to be among the top few things we did - the experience was eye-opening and ever so insightful. The thing to note with Anne Franks's House, however, is to book it in advance before your trip otherwise you may be disappointed on arrival. I booked our tickets around a month before and there were still enough slots available to choose the time we wanted. If you do book in a timely manner, then you'll have the freedom to pick the time and day of your visit. 

Public transport is super easy to navigate in the city

As our apartment was out of the city centre, we needed to grasp the knack of their public transport system pretty quickly - and by the second day got the gist of it. The tram system was quite easy to get the hang of as the tram stop by our apartment went straight into the centre. Trams are labelled by numbers and at the tram stop, it'll show you the route of each tram. The 48-hour pass (which we bought on our trip) cost £12.50 and it gave us access to unlimited trams - and I can assure you it came in very good use. If you get lost on the trams, ask a local or travel back to the centre to get your bearings back.

Explore the city on foot

Amsterdam canals in autumn

I always say this about every city, but exploring by foot can sometimes be the best way to discover hidden gems and get a real feel of the city. You can discover independent shops, restaurants, bars, and quaint neighbourhoods for a lovely stroll around. Amsterdam is picturesque at every corner and makes for a charming walk around to see the sights.  

Use Uber to get around instead of taxis

Taxis can be expensive in the city, and that goes the same with Amsterdam. To save on cash, instead of booking a taxi, download the Uber app and order an Uber to transport you around, wherever you need to go. 

Dine away from the main tourist hub in the city

Again like any city, dining near the main tourist spots will always work out more expensive, and to save on your spending, dine 'out of the main areas'. Not only can you save money, but you're more likely to find independent restaurants and good quality eateries.

Know the difference between the types of coffee shops 

Amsterdam is renowned for legalising cannabis and many tourists who visit like to take advantage of that. However, if it's not for you, you need to know the difference between a coffee shop and a cafe. Coffeeshops (with no space between the words) or also known as 'Koffieshop' will sell cannabis legally and a 'Coffeehouse' or Koffie Huis are your usual coffee shop. 

Watch out for the bicycles

Amsterdam bicycles

Amsterdam is renowned for avid cyclists, and many locals use it as their main form of transport. You'll see them lined up across the city, and plenty of people passing the canals on them - so keep your eye out as you walk past.

For more information on what to do and see when visiting Amsterdam, check out my 48-hour guide to the city.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Have you visited Amsterdam?

Thank you for reading <3


9 comments

  1. I loved visiting Amsterdam but those cyclists, they were so fast and scary haha!

    Lovely blog post, Della!😊

    Xoxo
    Shirley | https://shirleycuypers.blogspot.be

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  2. These are great tips! Amsterdam is on my list for next year, I have looked into it before and agree the accommodation is so expensive so I think we would also stay outside of the city

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    1. Thank you lovely! I hope you get to visit soon xx

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  3. Great tips! Amsterdam is on my list of places to visit and I wish it happens soon enough!

    xx
    www.thedecemberdame.com

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  4. I was hugely disappointed with the Anne Frank Museum. I felt like they didn't tell her story well at all. Luckily when we went, it was during Pride so the queue didn't feel too bad though!

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    1. Oh really? I thoroughly enjoyed it but I get what you mean xx

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  5. Some really great tips for people visiting Amsterdam for the first time! Especially the bikes - lethal aren't they hahah!


    Elle - ellegoesglobal.co.uk

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