Before I travel to a new destination I like to research as much as I can about the area so that I know what I’ll be getting myself into. For many, coffeeshops and the red light district is the first thing that comes to mind for this unique city. If you are traveling to Amsterdam or thinking about it, and are anything like me, here’s a few things to expect during your trip beyond just those two well known aspects:
The Food Can Be Expensive:
During our travels to Amsterdam we quickly realized that eating out in Amsterdam cost about the same as it did back home in Boston which is something we didn’t notice being mentioned often while doing our research. If you are planning on staying within a certain budget it helps to be aware of this and plan to find ways to spend less on food. Stopping into a grocery store to make a few meals on your own if you will have access to a kitchen or making a list of more inexpensive restaurants in the city to refer to when hunger strikes are always great options.
Public Transportation Can Be Difficult, But Very Useful:
This is one thing that I was very surprised I did not see being brought up often in different articles. I apologize if any locals are reading this, but the map of the transportation system that is posted everywhere is extremely difficult to figure out. And this is coming from someone who takes the subway on a daily basis at home. However, their public transportation system is very clean and extremely efficient. As a Boston resident, where our transportation system is forever failing, I applaud the Dutch for theirs. It is also an inexpensive way to quickly get around the city. I highly recommend getting international data through your cell phone provider to use Google maps for navigating. If this isn’t an option try to learn the main routes you will be using and don’t be afraid to ask someone for help.
Try The Local Beer, You Can Get Heineken At Home:
Even though most countries in Europe seem to think their own beer/wine is the best, the Dutch are not wrong for boasting their beer. You will notice the round, green Heineken signs all around the city, making it an easy way to spot the closest bar. The best way to crack open a cold one in Amsterdam though, is to order one from a local brand. One of my favorites was IJwit by Brouwerij’t IJ, but I discovered this one and a few other kinds by asking waiters and bartenders what their suggestions would be. You can also visit their brewery which features a scenic windmill and try a flight of beer as a fun way to rest your feet from walking all day.
Not Every Coffee Shop Is The Type You Are Expecting:
While there is certainly an abundance of coffeeshops that sell weed, not every single one does. In fact, most coffee shops are exactly what they are presented as: just a café selling coffee. The ones that do offer what so many tourists are searching for will usually include some type of graphic outside the shop that makes it really obvious what they have to offer. You will also come across countless smoke shops, however, none of these stores can actually sell anything besides paraphernalia and if you ask to buy some they will tell you that you have to find a coffeeshop. Don’t ask me why this is because I have no idea, but the coffeeshops are the only ones able to sell it. And before you critique my spelling, I intended to type ‘coffeeshop’ as one word because this is another way to differentiate in Amsterdam. Most regular cafés will be called ‘koffiehuis’ or coffee house.
If You Want To See The Anne Frank House, Buy Tickets Months In Advance:
We had tried to buy tickets to the museum two weeks before our trip, and apparently this was not early enough because they were completely sold out. If you don’t have a ticket bought in advance you can stand in line to get in after a certain time in the day (I don’t remember the exact time but it’s easy to look up) but you might not want to do this once you’ve seen the line. At almost any time of day it wraps around the building and down the street. Is all the trouble and waiting worth it? I’m not sure but is the neighborhood surrounding it worth it? Definitely! We decided to simply see the outside of the house and then explore the rest of Jordaan.
Lastly, The Red Light District Is Part Of The Experience:
Whether it makes you laugh, turns you on, or makes you uncomfortable, it is an experience you can’t miss. As one of the most liberal countries in the world, it is interesting to observe their tolerance and pragmatic approach towards sex and drugs. Visiting this short strip once the sun goes down is….well, it’s hard to find the right word for it. It isn’t awkward (maybe unless you’re with your family) but you will certainly see some very amusing things. At the very least, if the girls in the windows and live sex shows don’t do it for you, the reflection of the all the red lights on the waters of the canal is a nice sight. Do NOT attempt to take any photos or videos in the Red Light District or you may get your phone thrown in the canal.
