First Time in AMSTERDAM? Wish I Knew! (Must-See, Tips & Traps)

First Time in AMSTERDAM? Wish I Knew! (Must-See, Tips & Traps)

First time in Amsterdam? Oh, you’re in for a treat 
—but it’s not just tulips and canals. Watch out for scams, tourist traps, and even hefty fines.
This no-nonsense guide will help you avoid 3 BIG mistakes, skip 5 tourist 
traps, discover 2 hidden gems, and explore Amsterdam’s 10 must-see attractions 
with tips from my 13 years as a tour guide. Plus, I’ll share how to navigate the city like a local.
Let’s get you ready by diving straight into Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District. Yeah, 
it’s famous for all the wild reasons, but it’s so much more than cannabis and red-lit windows. For 
example, it’s home to Amsterdam’s oldest building, De Oude Kerk. It’s wild to see these iconic 
red-lit windows next to schools and churches— but hey, this is Amsterdam. If you’re curious, 
you can visit the Erotic Museum, the Red Light Secrets Museum, or even a Marihuana Museum.
But here’s a BIG no-no that gets many first timers in big trouble: taking photos of the 
red-lit windows. It’s absolutely forbidden. Keep your phone or camera deep in your 
pocket, or you’ll risk a run-in with angry security. Best case? You get yelled at. 
Worst case? Your phone gets smashed. Trust me, it’s not worth it. But Beer is worth it!
Amsterdam is home to one of the world’s most famous beer brands: Heineken. The original 
brewery, built over 160 years ago, now hosts the super popular Heineken Experience Tour. Heads up: 
It’s more Heineken commercial than history lesson, but the modern, interactive exhibits are a 
blast. You can even bottle your own custom beer and finish off with a tasting session. But 
before you head out to explore, there’s something you need to know about Amsterdam’s streets.
If you’re arriving via Central Station, you’ll quickly notice bicycles everywhere. They’re fast, 
quiet, and often catch unaware tourists off guard, leading to serious accidents.The golden rule is 
to stay alert and never ever stand or walk in the bike lane. Seriously, I can’t stress this enough. 
Always make sure to look both ways before crossing street as these accidents can happen in a flash.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of bike dodging, take a short stroll down Damrak Boulevard, which 
leads you straight to the heart of Amsterdam: Dam Square. On one side, you’ll see the 
Royal Palace; on the other, the magnificent Gothic-style church, which hosts royal weddings 
and unique exhibitions. From here, the streets branch out in every direction, making this the 
perfect starting point for your exploration. But wait—if you’re craving some stunning views, 
head over to Amsterdam Noord and visit the A’DAM Tower. The rooftop offers a panoramic view of the 
entire city, and trust me, it’s a must-see for any first-time visitor. If you are feeling brave you 
can even try Europe’s highest swing, which lets you dangle over the tower’s edge.
To get there, 
just hop on the free ferry behind Central Station. You can easily find it by following the ferry 
signs. No tickets are required—just hop on like a local and enjoy the ride, taking in the views.
You’ll find a popular party area on a lovely Rembrandtplein Square. Besides being one of the 
city’s hottest nightlife spots it is also a great daytime place for soaking up the atmosphere. 
Named after the famous Dutch master painter, the square is dotted with cafés, bars, and 
terraces. But before you sit down at any of these places, here’s something you need to know.
In most cities, cafés and coffee shops mean the same thing—but not in Amsterdam. A café 
is your go-to spot for coffee and snacks, while a coffeeshop is where you 
can legally buy and enjoy Cannabis. But be aware of third surprising mistake, many 
first timers make in Amsterdam, as you may end up with a hefty fine. Smoking and drinking on 
the street is strictly forbidden. Smoking is only allowed inside Coffee Shops or just in front 
of it. The same goes for alcohol as you can drink it only in the bar or in front of it. Break these 
strict rules, and you’ll be facing a €100 fine. You should also explore one of the 
city’s most charming neighborhoods, Jordaan district. Once a working-class area, 
the Jordaan has transformed into a trendy and picturesque part of the city. Its narrow 
streets and picturesque canals are lined with art galleries, quirky boutiques, and cozy cafés.
At the edge of Jordaan, you’ll find another must-visit spot—the Anne Frank House. This 
is where a young Jewish girl wrote her famous diary while hiding in the Secret Annex for 761 
days during WWII. To visit, you’ll need to book a timed ticket online as tickets are not sold at 
the door. Pro tip: tickets for the next month go live every first Tuesday, so mark your calendar!
Amsterdam’s compact center makes it perfect for walking, but if you need to get across the city 
quickly, use public transport. Simply tap you contactless debit or credit card at the reader 
at metro stations or inside trams and buses. Just make sure to tap your card at the start and 
end of each journey. Alternatively you can get a dedicated travel card called OV-Chipkaart from 
wending machines at Amsterdam Central Station and most metro and tram stations, but you’ll 
still need a debit or credit card to buy it as cash is not accepted.
World’s largest collection 
of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings is another must see. The Dutch painter, who spent much of 
his life in poverty, lived in Amsterdam for a while. The museum displays over 200 paintings, 
500 drawings, and 700 letters—a real treat for any art lover.
Just on the other side of the park, 
you can dive deeper into Dutch art and history at the Rijksmuseum, the most important museum in 
the Netherlands. It’s packed with masterpieces, including Rembrandt’s legendary Night Watch. 
Even the building itself is a stunner, designed as a symbolic entrance to Amsterdam. 
And, in true Amsterdam fashion, there’s even a bike tunnel running straight through the middle! 
These museums get busy, so you have to book your tickets in advance. Check out the links below to 
secure your spot!
Now, you can’t visit Amsterdam without experiencing the Canal District. This 
UNESCO-listed area is pure Amsterdam magic. The canals are the heart of the city, and 
cruising along them is a must. If you can, try an open-boat tour on a sunny day for the best 
views. I’ve included some of my favorite tours in the description below—trust me, you’ll thank me 
later! Now let’s toss in a couple of hidden gems that most tourists miss but totally shouldn’t:
The Nine Streets are a charming series of streets that are perfect for a leisurely 
stroll, shopping, or grabbing coffee. This picturesque area is full of boutique 
shops, vintage stores, and local cafés, giving you a taste of Amsterdam’s architectural 
heritage that stretches back 400 years. Just a short trip from Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans 
is an open-air museum showcasing the Netherlands’ windmill culture. It’s the oldest industrial 
area in Europe and offers a glimpse of working windmills, traditional crafts, and those iconic 
green-painted houses. I know it looks amazing, but before you pack your bags, let’s also talk about a 
few tourist traps you’ll definitely want to avoid. Right after landing at Schiphol Airport, 
avoid taxis unless you’re sure about the prices. Some drivers are notorious for 
ripping off tourists. Info about prices to the most common destinations can be found on 
the airport. Uber, the bus, or the train are all very convenient alternatives without the headache.
Another smart move is to avoid street dealers as they often target tourists in popular 
areas. They are selling drugs at an extremely low price. However, these drugs 
are often mixed with dangerous chemicals, causing serious health risks. And trust me, 
there is no such thing as a free sample. You should also be cautious with cheese! Amsterdam 
is packed with cheese shops, but many of them charge inflated prices for questionable 
quality. If you’re a cheese lover, head to local markets like Noordermarkt or specialty 
shops like Henri Willig for the real deal. Tulips are another tourist trap. Many end up 
buying overpriced tulip bulbs that might not grow outside the Netherlands. Instead purchase 
certified bulbs from reputable sellers like the Amsterdam Flower Market to avoid the scam.
But scams may start even before you pack your bags, as rental scams are a big issue 
in the Netherlands. If a property seems too good to be true—it probably is. Always use trusted 
websites and go for places with plenty of reviews. Many places in Amsterdam no longer accept cash, 
so be sure to bring plenty of debit or credit cards. Knowing where to go, how to get around 
and booking ahead is key to making the most of your time in this amazing city. That’s 
why also check out a list of my favorite tickets and experiences in the description 
below. Let me know in the comments—what’s your favorite thing about Amsterdam? If this 
guide helped you out, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. My name is Rok, thanks 
for watching, and I’ll see you next time!

First time in Amsterdam? Oh, you’re in for a treat —but it’s not just tulips and canals. Wish I Knew this before my visit! Watch out for big mistakes, tourist traps, and even hefty fines.
This no-nonsense guide will help you avoid 3 BIG mistakes, skip 5 tourist traps, discover 2 hidden gems and explore Amsterdam’s Top 10 attractions with tips from my 13 years as a tour guide. Plus, I’ll share how to navigate the city like a local. Knowing where to go, how to get around and booking ahead is key to making the most of your time in this amazing city.

Amsterdam Content:
00:00 What To Expect
00:31 Red Light District
00:58 Big Mistake #1
01:19 Heineken Experience
01:48 Watch Out for Bikes
02:19 Dam Square
02:44 A’dam Lookout
03:05 Free Ferry
03:19 Rembrandtplein
03:37 Big Mistake #2
03:56 Big Mistake #3
04:20 Jordaan
04:40 Anne Frank House
05:05 Public Transport
05:39 Van Gogh museum
05:57 Rijksmuseum
06:26 Canal District
06:51 The Nine Streets
07:14 Zaanse Schans
07:38 Taxi Scams
07:57 Street Dangers
08:16 Cheese Shops
08:32 Tulip Scams
08:47 Booking Scams

My Favorite AMSTERDAM Experiences & Tickets (affiliate links):
ENTIRE LIST: https://gyg.me/B2AdFH34

ENTRY TICKETS
Red Light Secrets Museum Entry Ticket – https://gyg.me/QPKOe9im
Royal Palace Entry Ticket and Audio Guide – https://gyg.me/DDadgghC
Heineken Experience Ticket – https://gyg.me/wLdDa51E
Van Gogh Museum Ticket – https://gyg.me/dqEv7lPs
Rijksmuseum Entry Ticket – https://gyg.me/3zBOdYX8

GUIDED TOURS
Red Light District & Coffee Shop Tour – https://gyg.me/K4FAj9A6
Red Light District Tour – https://gyg.me/uTB8C6Rx
Zaanse Schans 3-Hour Small Group Tour – https://gyg.me/k0FKlrI0
Guided Bike Tour City Centre – https://gyg.me/dXYSGrOK
Life of Anne Frank and World War II Walking Tour – https://gyg.me/qMF7TTfc

WATER ACTIVITES
Classic Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine Option – https://gyg.me/5Daphz4Q
City Canal Cruise with Audio Guide – https://gyg.me/RW4JGBSk
Smoke and Lounge City Boat Cruise – https://gyg.me/rYUzi4MD
Covered Canal Cruise with Unlimited Drinks Option – https://gyg.me/0TMsK0nb
Evening Canal Cruise – https://gyg.me/yxoSO5am
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Boat options – https://gyg.me/Vg24uBI7

BUNDLE
City Canal Cruise and Rijksmuseum – https://gyg.me/6SUkkcFR
City Canal Cruise and Heineken Experience Ticket – https://gyg.me/TdZoYJeZ

DAY TRIPS
Volendam & Zaanse Schans Live Guided Tour – https://gyg.me/afTcSHTw
Zaanse Schans, Volendam, and Marken Day Trip – https://gyg.me/FCBjVL8W
aanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Bus Tour – https://gyg.me/snvpr5Qw

If this guide helped you out, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. If you have any questions about Amsterdam, leave them in the comment section. Also share your thoughts, your ideas and your experience about Amsterdam.
Thank you,
Rok Goes Around