A First Timer’s Guide to Amsterdam
My Best Tips, Tricks & Recommendations for Your First Trip to Amsterdam
Amsterdam may seem daunting to first time visitors but don’t worry, I’ve got your back. The city may seem big, but truly Amsterdam is one of the easiest cities to traverse in all of Europe. Below you’ll find all the things I wish I’d known before my first trip to Amsterdam.
What’s below:
Hotel Recommendations
Transit Information
What to watch out for in Amsterdam
Where to Stay?
Before booking my first trip to Amsterdam, I was anxious after checking my hotel options. Amsterdam was the first city I ever traveled to alone and I wanted to be certain that I stayed somewhere safe, centrally located and affordable. Since my stay I’ve learned the best districts to stay in and the most unique and sought after hotel rooms in the city.
Amsterdam is a haven for incredible hostels, boutique hotels and boujee bed & breakfasts. The number of options may seem overwhelming, so here are my top three recommendations:
Amsterdam © 2023
Hotel Jakarta
Hotel Jakarta is like something out of a magazine. The hotel completely embraces a "green" concept and is absolutely stunning. If you are looking for a memorable and luxurious experience or perhaps treating yourself just for a memorable night, I highly recommend staying here.
2. Botel
Botel is a completely unique stay experience. If you are seeking an unconventional and artistic stay truly befitting of this amazing city, I highly recommend Botel. The hotel is situated right on the water at Amsterdam North and is a beautiful boat hotel. Though this hotel is a little farther afield, I think the stay is well worth it.
3. BUNK Hotel Amsterdam
Bunk is an upscale hostel at Amsterdam North. If you are hoping to go European travel style and bunk in a hostel, BUNK is the right choice for you. It is beautiful, clean and has a very nifty punk atmosphere. I would 100% consider bunking here on future stays.
Where I stayed on my first trip: Hotel Not Hotel
I stayed at Hotel Not Hotel on my first stay in Amsterdam and it was a very unique experience - my room was literally hidden in a library. But, I would not stay here again - I advise staying closer to the inner part of the city. While public transit is amazing and being in Amsterdam-West was doable, I wished I was a bit closer to Centraal.
Transit Information
Transit in Amsterdam will ruin you for public transit anywhere else in the world.
Bikes
Bikes are arguably the main form of transportation in the city. Just like all the pictures suggest, Amsterdam is a biking haven and is never short on bike lanes throughout the entirety of the city.
Tram Cars
Amsterdam has a seriously impressive above ground cable car system that traverses most of the city. You can get just about anywhere cheaply and easily.
Subway
Despite the above ground trams, Amsterdam also has an underground network. The same cards that allow you access to the trams also lets you ride this line. (See below for details)
Paying for Transit
GVB Cards
GVB cards will let you take any bus, tram or metro in the city for your designated period of time. It is not necessary to count trips or pay per ride, just get a GVB card and it will allow you to go! Where to purchase: Jump on a tram and buy one inside - I know it sounds odd, but literally get on a tram and you will find a person in a booth in the middle of the tram selling cards. Or buy one at a terminal near metro stations.
iAmsterdam Card
What’s Included:
unlimited public transport & the ferry
a free boat ride on the canals
entrance to over 70 museums/top attractions
a full day bike rental from any one of multiple suppliers
Where to purchase: Order one online here or buy on at the iAmsterdam Card Store in Centraal station.
Amsterdam’s Unspoken Rules & Tips for Your First Visit
Stay off the red bricks.
That’s right - no stepping on the red portion of the sidewalk. The red lane is the bike lane. Bikes will hit you and locals will yell at you if you stand or stroll in the red lane.
Unlike the US, striking up a conversation with someone on the train is frowned upon.
Netherlanders are wary of strangers so do your best to reign it in. People will look at you funny if you even say “excuse me” if you accidentally run into them - it really caught me off guard. No one was mean, most just weren’t openly friendly.
Most people speak English.
People are incredibly nice but not openly friendly (talking to strangers is a bit looked down upon). But, if you ask nicely people are very helpful if you need assistance.
LOCK your bike.
Amsterdam’s biggest crime contributor is bike theft and it is no joke. Resist the urge to leave your bike unlocked during a quick stop off - it will likely be gone when you get back.
Do NOT take pictures of people in the Red Light District
The working ladies of the district can and will hit you if you take a picture of them and law will take their side. The rules of the district are there to protect those that work there so do your best to respect their privacy and do NOT point your camera at people in the Red Light District.
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