How to Experience Amsterdam Like a Local: 6 Essential Tips Every Visitor Should Know
- Inbal Tur-Shalom ענבל טור-שלום
- Dec 10, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: 23 hours ago
You’ve just arrived in Amsterdam. You rented a car but aren't sure where to park it. You want to rent a bike but don’t know the local cycling rules. Maybe you're curious about trying a joint and assume it's totally legal to smoke on the street…
Exploring Amsterdam like a local is a whole different experience—and to do that, you’ll need to know a few key things. What’s allowed and what isn’t? Where can you go and how should you behave? In this guide, I’ll walk you through six essential tips that will help you navigate Amsterdam like a true local.
1. Biking in Amsterdam Isn’t for Beginners
Cycling is the fastest and most convenient way for locals to get around. We use bikes for everything—from grocery runs to commuting to late-night outings. But the pace is quick, traffic is dense, and the cycling culture can be intimidating for newcomers.
Even many Dutch people from outside Amsterdam avoid biking in the city center. My advice? Skip cycling in the city center unless you're truly confident. Instead, rent a bike near Vondelpark and enjoy a peaceful ride in the park. Go during off-peak hours (outside of the work rush) for the most relaxing experience.
2. Basic Biking Rules in Amsterdam
Whether you’re in the park or on the street, these are must-know biking rules:
Traffic from the right has priority—unless white triangles on the road (shark teeth) indicate otherwise.
Always bike on the right side of the path or street.
No riding on sidewalks.
Stay in the designated bike lanes, and never ride against the flow of traffic.
Don’t bike in pedestrian-only zones, like shopping streets.
Look behind you before turning, especially left.
Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
Never stop in the middle of a bike path or street. Pull to the side.
Only park your bike in designated areas. Violators risk having their bikes removed.
3. Cannabis in Amsterdam: What You Need to Know
Contrary to popular belief, cannabis is not legal in the Netherlands, but its use is tolerated under strict rules. The Dutch government focuses on controlling hard drugs, so soft drugs like cannabis fall into a “grey zone” with very specific regulations.
Cannabis Rules & Coffee Shops:
You must be 18+ and show a valid ID to enter a coffee shop.
Alcohol is not allowed in coffee shops.
Tobacco smoking is banned, though some shops have separate smoking areas.
Don’t ask for anything not on the menu (e.g., other drugs or alcohol)—you’ll be kicked out, or worse, the police might be called.
It is illegal to smoke cannabis in public, including parks, bars, hotels, and cafes. You're only allowed to smoke inside coffee shops or at home.
Entering bars or restaurants while visibly high is considered rude—and you may be refused service.
Yes, you might smell cannabis on the streets, but it’s typically tourists or rebellious locals. While enforcement is lenient, a police officer, local, or security guard may still ask you to put it out. If you really must smoke outdoors, find a quiet spot away from the crowds and be discreet and respectful.
4. Party Like a Local—With Respect
Amsterdam is a global nightlife capital, with music venues and clubs hosting world-famous DJs year-round. But many of these venues are located in residential neighborhoods—not tourist zones. Locals live there, raise families there, and work regular hours.
To party responsibly, check out this list of top 9 clubs in Amsterdam [insert link], and be mindful of your noise and behavior on your way there and back.
5. How Locals Behave (and How You Should Too)
Amsterdam might have a reputation for freedom, but it’s built on mutual respect and shared space. "Live and let live" only works when visitors respect locals’ quality of life.
Here’s how locals behave—and how you’re expected to, too:
Use public restrooms, not alleyways or canals (€140 fine).
Throw trash in bins, not on the street (€140 fine).
Drink alcohol only in bars/cafés, not in public (€90 fine).
Keep noise down, especially in residential areas (€140 fine).
Don't take photos of sex workers in the Red Light District—this is strictly forbidden and may result in serious consequences.
6. Red Light District: Real People Live There
Amsterdam's Red Light District isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s also home to about 3,750 residents, including 245 children. Many of these locals have no connection to the sex or cannabis industries.
As tourism grows, these residents have asked for more respect. The city’s “Enjoy & Respect” campaign reminds visitors that real people live here. Signs throughout the district read “I live here” and “Think of the neighbors.”
So when you visit the area:
Be quiet.
Don’t photograph workers or their clients.
Avoid loitering or acting like it’s a theme park.
Treat it as someone else’s neighborhood—because it is.
Signs That Keep It Simple
If you ever feel unsure about what’s allowed, look at the signs posted across the city. These signs and symbols make it clear where you can and can’t do certain things:
Left: No bike/scooter way and parking.
Right: Pedestrian-only areas - No bikes, no vehicles.
Left: No alcohol consumption outside bars or cafés.
Right: No cannabis smoking. You will find this sign especially near playgrounds and family areas.
Respect the locals: Signs say “I live here” and remind you to keep noise down.
Parking in Amsterdam: What You Need to Know
The City of Amsterdam is actively discouraging private cars in the city center. Streets are being turned into bike lanes and pedestrian zones, and many roads are now one-way—making driving difficult. On top of that, parking in the center costs €7.76 per hour.
If you’re staying in Amsterdam, do not rent a car for your entire stay. Instead, rent a car only for the day(s) you plan to travel outside the city.
Many families stay in holiday parks outside the city and drive in for the day. In that case, use one of the P+R (Park + Ride) lots located near the A10 ring road.
P+R Amsterdam Rates:
€6 for 24 hours (Mon–Fri after 10:00 AM, all day Sat/Sun and holidays)
€13 for 24 hours if you enter before 10:00 AM Mon–Fri
Valid for up to 4 days (exception: P+R RAI is limited to 24 hours)
To get the reduced rate, you must:
Use public transport to return to the P+R after your visit. One paper transit ticket is required for the reduced parking price.
Buy a paper transit ticket onboard the tram or from the machine next to the tram stop when returning.
Scan this ticket at the parking machine when paying.
You can purchase daily tickets for public transportation in advance here.
Learn more and find a list of P+R lots on the official City of Amsterdam website.
Want to Park in the City Center?
If you must park near the center, consider Parking Centrum Oosterdok, within walking distance of Amsterdam Central Station. Daily rate: €25.
Check current rates and reserve your spot on their website.
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