Biggest Tourist Traps to Avoid in Amsterdam
Do’s and Don’ts of the Tourist Traps in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a GREAT city; filled with iconic landmarks, unique canals and a rich historical tapestry. There are plenty of fun things and exciting places explore, but a question I get asked frequently is: What are the biggest tourist traps to avoid in Amsterdam?
My family and I have had the pleasure of visiting this stunning city several times now, and there are definitely things we’ve picked up on that you want to avoid. Keep scrolling for more info!
Please note that these are my OWN opinions after visiting Amsterdam several times as a Canadian tourist.
First I’ll talk a little about what I DO recommend when planning your trip!
I DO recommend planning your visit for the month of April or May to see the most AMAZING flower displays (not even slightly exaggerating). The Keukenhof is the best place to see them.
If you do decide to visit in April be aware that the city hosts Kings Day this month. This celebration is a lot of fun and is celebrated on 27 April (26 April if the 27th is a Sunday) every year, but it can be very busy and congested. We happened to land on Kings Day one year, and couldn’t get close enough by car to our accommodation, so we ended up walking a ways with our suitcases.
The date marks the birth of King Willem-Alexander, and the entire city and surrounding areas show up to PARTY! There are plenty of vendors selling items on the street similar to a car boot or garage sale, and lots of free games and activities for kids! Don’t forget to wear ORANGE!
Museum Tourist Traps in Amsterdam
Firstly, there is a lot of so called “museums” in Amsterdam trying to capitalize on the city’s history and huge tourism industry. They are just waiting to take the money from unwary tourists who have not done their fair share of research before visiting.
There is a bunch of broadly named museums in Amsterdam, and most of them are a complete waste of money.
So if you see fake museum names like: Amsterdam Tulip Museum, Hash Marijuana & Hemp Museum, Sex Museum, Erotic Museum, Museum of Prostitution, Cheese Museum, and Vodka Museum – AVOID.
Be warned that these are not museums but in fact just shops where you pay entrance fee and contain very little actual information or history for you.
Madame Tussauds is also a complete waste of time. The cheesy wax figures are not worth the entrance fee. You don’t want to spend time here when you can be touring other parts of the beautiful city anyway.
Try These Highly Recommended Museums Instead:
Rijksmuseum although the lineups can be incredibly long this museum contains some of the greatest works of art in the world. Contained within are 8,000 works of Dutch art and history, including masterpieces by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh.
Anne Frank House Although this museum is contested (with some believing it’s a tourist trap) on some online forums, I found the Anne Frank House to be a special experience indeed.
The thought is because of how busy this place gets (you can only enter with a pre-purchased ticket, during a specific time slot), that it has become a tourist trap instead of a genuine attraction. I beg to differ.
Although you will be touring the spaces that Anne Frank lived for years in hiding, you will be doing it with a large group of people. The spaces are SMALL, so be aware if you’re somewhat claustrophobic.
Rembrandt House a unique destination that is fully immersive. You follow Rembrandt’s life story, from his move into the building as an ambitious celebrity artist, to his forced departure due to an accumulation of debts. (Buy tickets and a timeslot in advance of your visit).
Tourist Trap Areas to Avoid in Amsterdam
The Damrak – is busy tourist centered shopping street, complete with fast food outlets and cheap hotels.
This is a main thoroughfare from the Central Station up to Dam Square. This area is normally pretty crowded with tourists. If you happen to be in the area, stopping to take a peek & photo at the Royal Palace of Amsterdam or the National Monument is a good idea. The Royal Palace is SOMETIMES open to the public, but check their website here for more information. I wouldn’t suggest making a special trip to do this, however. The National Monument is a cenotaph dedicated to the fallen peoples of WWII.
Try These Awesome Neighborhoods in Amsterdam Instead:
We have stayed in both De Pijp, and Jordaan neighborhoods in the past. I haven’t stayed in the Oude-West neighborhood, but I’ve heard great things and it is on the list to try next time we’re in the city!
De Pijp Is a quiet residential area, and the family we stayed with was one of the best hosts we’ve ever met in all our years traveling. We found the Dutch people overall to be very friendly and welcoming.
There is a peaceful park (Sarphatipark), and many playgrounds nearby if you’re traveling with little kids. We also found a petting zoo: Kinderboerderij De Pijp. This neighborhood is very close to the Rijkmuseum and Van Gogh museum.
The Jordaan Is PICTURESQUE. When you think of Amsterdam and all the beautiful tree lined streets with beautiful canals, I bet you’re thinking of the Jordaan neighborhood.
It is also quite centrally located and we were able to walk to almost all the places we want to see. It is also less touristy, so the streets won’t be as busy. If you want a fabulous dinner – make reservations at Pesca – The Theater of Fish restaurant.
Oud-West This community sits in a handy position in the city, bordering VondelPark and the Rijkmuseum.
It is also the location of an amazing food destination: FoodHallen. Foodhallen boasts some amazing food vendors, including a fabulous selection of a local favorite ‘Bitterballen’ (technically Dutch meatballs, but they more like meat and gravy balls – YUM).
Tours that are Tourist Traps in Amsterdam
The Heineken Experience I must admit, we did this tour. It was just okay. It felt very impersonal, but it was in the neighborhood we were staying in (De Pijp) and we thought we had to try Heineken beer from it’s original source.
Two free beers are included with the tour, but honestly there are much better cultural things to do in Amsterdam
The Hop on Hop Off bus Tour You know the one, these iconic red busses are found in almost every major city, and in some cities they work really well. You can sit back and relax and look at the sights as you drive by, or get off as you like.
Unfortunately in Amsterdam, the streets are so narrow, (or they aren’t streets at all, but canals) and the busses can’t make it down into these areas. These areas are best seen by foot, or bicycle.
Tuk-Tuks There are plenty of these peddle powered conveyances around in the touristy parts of the city, and you may be tempted to take advantage if your feet are sore.
The overall consensus of these rides are that they are a waste of time and money, I would recommend avoiding them.
Support the Local Economy by Doing These Tours Instead:
Brouwerij de Prael This is local brewery with several locations all over the city. Each location offers a great food menu with plenty of tasty snack options, and a yummy selection of locally produced beer.
When we are away on holidays, my family and I try to support local businesses as much as we can – they deserve it!
With Locals This is a great locally based tour company, with people from Amsterdam conducting the tours. My family LOVES this kind of tour when we visit any city around the world.
When touring with a local, we always come away learning some fascinating details that you wouldn’t otherwise discover while visiting the city as a regular tourist.
Don’t get Trapped Buying these things in Amsterdam
Did you know that in Amsterdam there is a huge tulip-bulb scam? It has been going on for years! Unscrupulous tulip-bulb sellers will try to sell you bulbs out of season – that is anytime other than Autumn.
They will try to sell you “blue” colored tulip bulbs; these don’t exist in real life except in paintings. These same people will sell you “special” tulip bulbs that aren’t found anywhere else… these also almost always turn out to be regular old red and orange tulip bulbs.
Please don’t buy tulip bulbs from the small souvenir shops around the city, or the airport. Most often these are left-over bulbs that haven’t sold from the previous season.
Does your home country’s winter temperature dip below freezing? No? Be aware that tulip bulbs will not grow in your climate.
Read more on the Tulip Bulb Scam here.
Take Home These Fun Souvenirs Instead:
- Gouda Cheese is the most popular type of cheese in the Netherlands, and oftentimes is allowed back in a suitcase as long as it’s hard cheese packed in wax.
- Stroopwafels are yummy cookie type treats that look like a giant flattened waffle with syrup inside.
- The Diary of Anne Frank, if you haven’t read this story, pick up a copy at the Anne Frank House Museum.
Coffee shops to avoid as a Tourist in Amsterdam
You might be surprised to learn that coffee is not the only thing sold in ‘coffeeshops’ in Amsterdam. It’s more of a code word for cannabis dispensaries that ALSO sell coffee.
The Bulldog, and Barney’s are not places that locals recommend. The product there is considered a weaker variety and not of the highest quality. You should avoid these places if you can. They are typically in the very heart of the busiest tourist areas.
Instead, Try These Coffee Shops that Locals Recommend in Amsterdam
Tweede Kamer Is a coffee shop in Amsterdam that made it start in 1985, less than 10 years after cannabis was allowed to be consumed for recreational purposes.
The location is quite small and seating can be difficult, but the staff are very helpful. If you’re looking to try something new; be sure to ask one of the friendly folks behind the counter.
Dampkring Is another famous coffee shop, and the movie Ocean’s 12 was filmed there. They offer exclusive strands, and seasonal varieties. The location itself is beautiful, and it has many 5 star reviews.
How to stay safe as a tourist in Amsterdam
Amsterdam overall is a very safe city; but as with any major city, there are places and people you should be careful of. Keep your wits about you, keep your valuables close to your body and be aware of your surroundings.
You can watch out for pick-pockets at Amsterdam Central Station. This is a problem across the entire continent of Europe currently, but these types of crowded places are prime locations for thieves looking to score easy pickings from unwary tourists.
Next, DO NOT buy drugs off the street. There are plenty of tourists that get VERY sick from street drugs, some of it is poison.
If you’re going to rent a bike, make sure everyone in your group understands the rules of the road for biking in Amsterdam.
Bikes are a way of life here, and most locals are just trying to go about their normal day going to and from work. Tourists who don’t know what they’re doing make it dangerous for everyone on the roads.
The Red Light District
The Amsterdam Red Light District is not an attraction. It doesn’t have an entrance or an exit, but it’s simply a small neighborhood. It basically consists of two canals and some connecting alleys.
In the area, you’ll find a lot of 18+ entertainment, sex shows, sex shops and brothels in the form of open windows.
When visiting the red light district please remember that even though the city tries to keep things legal and take care of the women, many are not there because they want to be. Human trafficking is a big problem and most tourists aren’t aware of this.
There are not as many windows open if you walk this area during the day, but at night it can have a whole different feel to it. We’ve walked the area as a family during the day, and never felt unsafe.
Other parts of the Red Light District:
The Red Light District can also be a fascinating place, because it is filled with centuries of history and culture. Read more below on some things to do and see in the Red light district that aren’t 18+.
Don’t avoid this area, I do recommend you visit the Red Light District at least once while in Amsterdam. There are some great things to see such as the Oude Kerk , which is the oldest building in the city, and it features rotating contemporary art displays.
There’s another neat gem typically not on a tourists radar, and that is the hidden catholic church located on the inside of a house called Our Lord in the Attic Museum.
When we visited, they had a fun scavenger hunt for our young son to do. As a history buff, I found it a fascinating place to get a real life look at how people lived hundreds of years ago, and how different religions weren’t always tolerated.
If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat while walking the Red Light District, I really loved the cone of fries with different sauces from Friet Point.
Other Resources:
If you’re looking for additional resources for your trip to Amsterdam, visit my guide to the Top 21 Things to Do and See in Amsterdam.
Flying the red eye from Canada or the US to Amsterdam? Check out my guide on how to beat jet-lag for kids and families. We’ve done it many times as a family and it is totally possible!
There are plenty of great places to stay in Amsterdam. I loved the Citizen M hotel and would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun, high tech hotel adventure.
Thanks so much for stopping by my post on Tourist Traps to Avoid in Amsterdam! With direct flights from many Canadian & US cities right now, this has become a really popular destination!
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me by hitting the “Contact” form on the top menu.
Have a great trip!
xoxo Tanya
Hello,
As someone who lives in Amsterdam this was interesting to read. I’m trying to find out how toursist experience Amsterdam.
I agree with a lot of things you wrote, but just wanted to share some of my opinions / thoughts. Yes, King’s Day gets very busy, in the whole country. Some days just as busy are the days when we celebrate Pride. It’s always near the end of July and early August. I would say avoid these days if you don’t like big crowds. But if you like to party I would recommend these days. There are tons of street parties with music and performances. No entrance fee. Lots of fun. Just keep in mind the drinks can be extra expensive those days. Besides these days, every other day you usually have to pay for public toilets, so always carry some money with you. It’s usually between 50 and 90 cents for one toilet visit.
If you come in December, it’s cold but there are so many pretty lights, ice skating rinks and Christmas markets. In December there’s also the anual Light Festival. Lots of light artworks in and around the cannals. You can walk the route (for free) or do a tour with a boat (not for free). It’s beautiful.
In the red light district area there are tons of churches and other old religious places. And in Zeedijk (street in red light district area) is the biggest Chinese temple of Europe. Which can be visited only around lunch time. Just look up He Hua Tempel in Amsterdam for more information.
Another old and free entrance place to visit is the hidden (but in the middle of the centre of the city) Begijnhof.
If you like plants, don’t forget to visit one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world: Hortus Botanicus (not free entrance). And nearby is Artis, the royal zoo. It’s a zoo and botanical garden and has a planetarium and multiple restaurants too. They treat the animals good and you won’t find tiny cages or animals having to perform shows or visitors touching animals, nothing like that, this is a good zoo.
If you’re intesested in seeing a beautiful graveyard, I recommend going for a walk on Zorgvlied. Which is also the place where most Dutch celbrities are burried.
Don’t forget to visit tue North side of the city. You can get there from central station with a ferry, don’t have to pay for that. Either visit the side with the A’dam Lookout tower and Eye (movie museum / restaurant) or visit the NDSM werf. Especially the giant street art museum named STRAAT.
I agree the Tulip “museum” and Cheese “museum” are mostly just tourist shops. But I do recommend visiting Red Light Secrets, which might be the museum you refered to as prostitution museum. It’s worth a visit.
For a good view over the city with free entrance, you can go to the roof top terrace of NEMO museum, near Central station. You can bring your own food and drinks or order there. No crazy tourist prices.
And if you want to buy stroopwafels, buy them freshly made at a market, instead of a store. At the stores in the centre they charge tourist prices which is at least 4 or 5 times more than what you pay at the market.
One more thing, the photo you posted under the Rijksmuseum part is not a photo of the Rijksmuseum. It’s the Basiliek van de Heilige Nicolaas (church near central station).
I hope you enjoy your next visit(s)
Amazing tips, I just love strolling around Amsterdam and visit the Flower Market. Rijkmuseum is definitely worth the visit and I would love to go.
Great advice. This post is a must-read for anyone planning a trip to Amsterdam!
Great advice! I always forget to check for holidays and celebrations that might affect crowds and closures… and I love alternative souvenirs instead of tacky junk! Great post!
We loved visiting the Rijksmuseum, despite the somewhat crowded atmosphere. Glad to see this on your list of places to visit.