Culture and Customs

Etiquette in the capital city

Although many visitors to Amsterdam think of it as a city of sin where anything goes, in fact, the citizens are very polite and follow certain rules of etiquette. When you’re visiting this exciting city, keep in mind some of the following tips for a pleasant stay:

Be biker friendly

Bicycles are one of the most popular forms of transportation in the city. You’ll be amazed how many cyclists you see. To encourage this environmentally- and city-friendly mode of transportation, most of Amsterdam’s streets have a designated bicycle lane. These lanes are clearly marked with a symbol of a bike.

For the locals’ sake, don’t stand in or walk along the bike lane. Keep to the sidewalks and cross the street at intersections only. A bicycle’s bell is the equivalent of a car’s horn. If you hear one, move out of the way.

Visiting the Red Light district

A trip through Amsterdam’s Red Light District is a popular addition to most tours of Amsterdam. Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam, but discretion is still exercised. Never take photos of the workers or the visitors to the district. Not only is it considered rude, it’s also banned. Many pickpockets cruise the area looking for hapless tourists, so it’s best to leave your camera at home before venturing to this part of town.

Using cannabis

Another well-known pastime for locals and visitors are Amsterdam’s coffee shops (spelled koffieshop). Unlike North American coffee shops, the variety you’ll find in Amsterdam openly sells cannabis products and patrons are welcome to use the products inside the shop. Remember, the use and sale of cannabis isn’t legal in Amsterdam, but it is tolerated as long as all involved parties are discrete.

Should you decide to purchase cannabis from a koffieshop, etiquette dictates that you should stay at the shop and purchase a snack or beverage. Loitering at the shop without making a purchase is considered rude and in poor taste. Any aggression or violence within the shops will not be tolerated. Walking the streets or shopping while under the influence is heavily frowned upon and you may be ticketed by the police for doing so.

Never take cannabis products out of the Netherlands because the penalties are quite severe.

Language

Dutch is the primary language spoken in Amsterdam but the majority of the population also speaks English. You’ll find many citizens who also speak German and French. Trying to speak simple greetings in Dutch is highly appreciated. To show locals that you’re making an effort, use phrases like:

Tolerance

Amsterdam is known as a center of tolerance. When visiting, keep an open mind to the culture of those around you. Manners and general polite behavior are held as highly important in this city.

Amsterdam is a friendly, exciting place to visit. Local culture and customs dictate that you should be as polite and courteous to the citizens of the city as they are to you.

Culture and Customs

Etiquette in the capital city

Although many visitors to Amsterdam think of it as a city of sin where anything goes, in fact, the citizens are very polite and follow certain rules of etiquette. When you’re visiting this exciting city, keep in mind some of the following tips for a pleasant stay:

Be biker friendly

Bicycles are one of the most popular forms of transportation in the city. You’ll be amazed how many cyclists you see. To encourage this environmentally- and city-friendly mode of transportation, most of Amsterdam’s streets have a designated bicycle lane. These lanes are clearly marked with a symbol of a bike.

For the locals’ sake, don’t stand in or walk along the bike lane. Keep to the sidewalks and cross the street at intersections only. A bicycle’s bell is the equivalent of a car’s horn. If you hear one, move out of the way.

Visiting the Red Light district

A trip through Amsterdam’s Red Light District is a popular addition to most tours of Amsterdam. Prostitution is legal in Amsterdam, but discretion is still exercised. Never take photos of the workers or the visitors to the district. Not only is it considered rude, it’s also banned. Many pickpockets cruise the area looking for hapless tourists, so it’s best to leave your camera at home before venturing to this part of town.

Using cannabis

Another well-known pastime for locals and visitors are Amsterdam’s coffee shops (spelled koffieshop). Unlike North American coffee shops, the variety you’ll find in Amsterdam openly sells cannabis products and patrons are welcome to use the products inside the shop. Remember, the use and sale of cannabis isn’t legal in Amsterdam, but it is tolerated as long as all involved parties are discrete.

Should you decide to purchase cannabis from a koffieshop, etiquette dictates that you should stay at the shop and purchase a snack or beverage. Loitering at the shop without making a purchase is considered rude and in poor taste. Any aggression or violence within the shops will not be tolerated. Walking the streets or shopping while under the influence is heavily frowned upon and you may be ticketed by the police for doing so.

Never take cannabis products out of the Netherlands because the penalties are quite severe.

Language

Dutch is the primary language spoken in Amsterdam but the majority of the population also speaks English. You’ll find many citizens who also speak German and French. Trying to speak simple greetings in Dutch is highly appreciated. To show locals that you’re making an effort, use phrases like:

Tolerance

Amsterdam is known as a center of tolerance. When visiting, keep an open mind to the culture of those around you. Manners and general polite behavior are held as highly important in this city.

Amsterdam is a friendly, exciting place to visit. Local culture and customs dictate that you should be as polite and courteous to the citizens of the city as they are to you.