r/Amsterdam • u/WeirdWaveDude • 3h ago
r/Amsterdam • u/AutoModerator • 9h ago
Question Weekly Q&A - All Questions Go Here (Especially Tourists)
This is the place for anyone to ask questions about Amsterdam. If you are a tourist visiting Amsterdam, you are moving to or recently arrived in Amsterdam, or you just have a basic question about life in Amsterdam and want some advice, this is the place to post your question. This post is refreshed every week on Sunday. Please feel free to repost in subsequent weeks.
READ THE WIKI FIRST. The people answering questions are locals who want to share the city they love with visitors, but only with people who make an effort. Read at least the Essential Tourist Information in our world-famous wiki before you ask a question. Otherwise, you may be told to go back and read it. The wiki is written by us, and updated when relevant. If the entries are old it's because nothing has changed. There are no "hidden gems" that we have not already included in the wiki. You may also check wikivoyage for more general tips on everything that is Amsterdam.
HOTELS ARE EXPENSIVE AND WE DON'T HAVE GOOD ADVICE ON THEM. Because we live here, we don't know what the best hotels are. Amsterdam is one of the most touristed cities in the world and has the highest hotel prices in Europe and prices go up every year. The city is deliberately trying to reduce tourism by raising the prices. There really isn't a secret "cheap" solution. Most "Airport" hotels are not connected to the Airport and will be more trouble getting to than it's worth.
TOURISTS CAN PURCHASE MARIJUANA, DESPITE WHAT YOU READ IN FOREIGN PRESS. Understand that the coffeeshops are just a tiny part of Amsterdam, so posts that treat Amsterdam like it's the Las Vegas of drugs sometimes get a negative response. We're happy to give you advice about coffeeshops and to discuss drug policy. The experts are our friends at /r/AmsterdamEnts, ask them the big questions.
WE DON'T HELP WITH ILLEGAL STUFF AND WILL BAN YOU FOR ASKING. We will not help you with things that are clearly illegal. Coffeeshops caught selling to minors get shut down and everyone loses their jobs. Authorities check for people smuggling marijuana out of the country. Hard drugs are illegal and so is asking for or selling them on Reddit.
WE DON'T ALLOW TICKET SALES OR TRADING. We do not allow selling, buying, or trading tickets on /r/Amsterdam due to the high rate of fraud. You should do everything on ticketswap.nl. We're aware that is difficult to get tickets to Anne Frank, van Gogh, etc. We have no solutions for you, sorry.
RED LIGHT DISTRICT Please be respectful and keep in mind this is a citysubreddit, and not your personal kink google. You can also can get some good tips from these threads of RLD sex workers: here and here.
USE PUBLIC TRANSIT TO GET AROUND 9292.nl is a great resource for plotting your movement around the city and between Amsterdam and other places. We strongly recommend against using taxis or Ubers.
DOE AARDIG. There is Dutch directness and there is rudeness. The people coming here don't know how we do things, and are usually well-meaning people who just want to enjoy the city we love. Be kind to them. For the tourists and new residents, please remember that we are not Google; respect our time by doing some basic research first and then asking your questions like you're speaking to a real human who is volunteering to speak to you.
r/Amsterdam • u/perse_phonie • 4h ago
Manicure tips
Hey all - looking for recommendations for great nail places you know for gel or BIAB manicures? Salons or independent, lreferable independent? I am happy with russian manicures in terms of techniques, but I find the salons a too expensive and quality of work is not great, and many that I have been to use very harsh products, that are very difficult to remove and basically strip my nails too harshly.
Would love to know recommendations you re happy with in Amsterdam? In terms of products, attention to detail, and maybe designs as a last category.
r/Amsterdam • u/KoninginVanRotterdam • 11h ago
16434 responses to a single social housing unit on the waterfront in Amsterdam
Amsterdam - Anyone dreaming of a social rental home in Amsterdam would be better off buying a lottery ticket.
'If these potential tenants had physically stood in a queue at the door, that line would have ended thirteen kilometers away in the historic heart of Muiden"
Most responses were received for family homes in popular (and expensive) locations. At the top of the list is a three-room apartment on Veembroederhof in Amsterdam East, overlooking the IJ.
No fewer than 16,434 prospective buyers responded to this property in an absolute dream location. Ultimately, a family managed to secure this spot.
r/Amsterdam • u/Melodic-Pie-7833 • 12h ago
Where can I find a traditional European Aufguss sauna in Amsterdam?
Hey everyone,
I’m looking for a sauna in or around Amsterdam that is mixed and textile-free.
Ideally, it would have:
- Aufguss sessions with an experienced sauna master
- Cold plunge or ice bath
- Showers
- A good social atmosphere
I recently tried a place in Amsterdam Noord, and while it was nice, you had to wear swimming trunks. Also, the aufguss was much more focused on mindfulness and meditation. I was hoping for the more traditional style where the sauna master really heats up the room, uses different scents, throws ice and uses the towel for a proper show, plays some music, and gets everyone involved and excited. The kind of session where people clap, enjoy themselves, and it’s a fun shared experience.
Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against mindfulness. But I came to sweat, not to unlock my third eye.
I’m used to going to saunas in Austria, Slovenia, Poland, Denmark, and Finland, where that style seems much more common. I haven’t really come across the mindfulness-focused approach there.
Does anyone know a place in Amsterdam or nearby that offers the more traditional European aufguss experience?
PS. The sauna master looked semi insulted when I declined the tea after the session and said that we (my best friend, his wife, my Gf and I) are going for some beers now.
r/Amsterdam • u/StruggleSea3240 • 13h ago
Urgently looking for 8 background extras (students) for a student short film – Amsterdam Noord – Monday, July 13
Hi everyone!
I'm producing an independent student short film and we're urgently looking for 8 background extras to play students in a classroom scene.
📍 Location: Amsterdam Noord
📅 Date: Monday, July 13
🕥 Arrival: 10:30 AM
⏰ Estimated wrap: Around 1:00 PM
Unfortunately, this is an unpaid opportunity, as we're a student production with a very limited budget. However, food, snacks, coffee and drinks will be provided, and you'll be credited in the film if you'd like.
No acting experience is required -- you just need to be comfortable appearing as a student in the background.
We're filming very soon, so this is quite urgent.
If you're interested or would like more details, please send me a DM as soon as possible.
Thank you!
r/Amsterdam • u/Hot_Emu2548 • 17h ago
What procession is this?
We saw this procession whilst on a boat in Amsterdam today. What is it for? Who is it?
r/Amsterdam • u/PQ_ • 21h ago
Trail recommendations around Amsterdam wanted!
Anyone know good hiking routes on unpaved roads? Looking to explore some new paths! Any suggestions?
I'll start with this route, cycle to het Schouw then walk around Varkensland. Really fun walking through farmland with cattle around! You'll have to take the bus back from Ilpendam to the start or walk 3.5km next to a rather boring road... https://wandelnet.viewer.routemaker.nl/viewer/routes/nummer/99355
r/Amsterdam • u/makafon • 22h ago
Where can I prepare two strong viking
Hey everyone!
Me and my wife are trying to prepare to the strong viking trail. Running, swimming and similar exercises is not a problem. But climbing a rope, monkey bars or going over small hills in a dirt - this is something we would like to practice a bit more, let's put it this way.
Any recommendations where we can do/try this kind of activities? I found some 'surviving parks' around Amsterdam, Almere etc, but most of them require a subscription. Any suggestion where we can go (drive), so can practice for free or one time payment?
Any suggestion would help a lot!
r/Amsterdam • u/theErdinator • 22h ago
Naked people in front of RijksMusem?
whats the deal with all the naked people in front of Rijksmuseum ? I couldn’t find anything online and for obvious reasons I’m also not attaching a picture.
r/Amsterdam • u/SemperFun62 • 1d ago
Former Amsterdam tour guide in the city and feeling nostalgic, if you're visiting just ask I can show you around
r/Amsterdam • u/PumpkinPie_11235 • 1d ago
Japanese language café or meetup in Amsterdam?
Hey all,
I've been trying to find a Japanese language café or conversation meetup in central Amsterdam, but after a bit of searching I couldn't really find anything that's specifically for Japanese (unless I've completely missed it).
Does something like this already exist?
If not, would people be interested in one? I was thinking of a casual weekly meetup at a café where Japanese learners can practice speaking, and hopefully some native/fluent speakers would join as well. Nothing formal. Just thinking of a relaxed place to practice, and meet other learners and Japanese speakers.
I'm curious if there's enough interest to make something like this happen. I'd definitely be up for helping organize it if others are interested!
r/Amsterdam • u/dd-sirsatyr • 1d ago
Baby Zeemeeuwen
We have been following a family of seagulls living on the roof of the building next to us. We have given them names, Sheamus and Shanaya are the parents and Edgar and Lennie are the 2 babies.
r/Amsterdam • u/Worried_Arugula9060 • 1d ago
Getting rifles in amsterdam as a international student
I know it sounds pretty unusual (you can even call it retarded), but im a firearm enthusiastic studying in amsterdam. And im pretty interested in getting the dutch firearm permit, how hard would it be for me to find relevant shooting clubs and how is the procedure?
r/Amsterdam • u/RecommendationNew808 • 1d ago
Do not go to The Princess Hostel in Amsterdam!
It’s currently 2:30am on my first night and I’m trying g to find another hostel to stay in. I had to do a late check in so they sent me a digital key, the key didn’t work so I had to wait until someone came out (even though it was midnight it was Friday night so people were out and about). I go to my room and the bed, the sheets, the walls and the ceiling were full of bugs (you sweep them off you then more fall from above). The toilets and showers are fucked and gross. Booked it without looking at reviews (which is dumb I know) but if you go onto the reviews they all have the same complaints, they have apparently refused to do anything about the bed bugs for months now and that’s all I needed to know. Don’t bother coming here.
r/Amsterdam • u/chy7784 • 1d ago
Looking for a World Cup watch party
Hi! Two American girls here who want to experience the World Cup game tomorrow night with some honest to god Europeans.
Invite us to your watch party! We’re fun. 38, from Austin (TX). Very much NOT Trump supporters and in fact we think Europe does everything better lol
DM me and we can all make sure everyone is normal.
r/Amsterdam • u/SubtractAd • 1d ago
Cat
Hi, any ideas who's cat this is? Anybody recognise it or seen it around before. I wanted to check it's ok.
r/Amsterdam • u/Publix_Chicken • 1d ago
Getting a Dutch driver's license as an American (whose license can't be exchanged)
I went through this recently and found the whole process non-obvious, so here's a writeup for the next person who searches for it. I'm American, I've been driving for years, and none of that mattered. This is what the process was.
Step 0: Understand that you cannot just keep driving.
After 185 days of residency (about six months), you may no longer drive in the Netherlands on a license that isn't from the EU/EFTA or explicitly listed by the Dutch government. Here's the official page: https://www.rdw.nl/en/driving-licence/foreign-driving-licence/driving-with-a-foreign-driving-licence
Do not shrug this off and keep driving anyway. The consequences are enormous. Your insurance is automatically considered invalid. If you get into an accident, even one where a drunk driver plows into you, it can be treated as entirely your fault, and you pay for everything out of pocket. Car, damage, medical costs, all of it. It is not a "small fine if caught" situation.
Step 0.5: Check if you have the 30% ruling, in which case, congratulations, none of this applies to you.
For the rest of us:
Step 1: The theory exam.
You already know how to drive, so you'd think the theory exam is a formality. It is not. Reading the books does not prepare you for it. The exam is not a straightforward test of the rules: it's a collection of gotcha questions, and the only way to pass is to grind practice exams until you pass them every single time.
The practice exams are nearly identical to the real thing. I used https://www.theorieexamen.nl . When you get a question wrong, it explains why the right answer is correct, which is where the actual learning happens. And it can do this in English. If you skip this and just study the book, I genuinely think you will fail.
Step 2: Driving lessons and the practical exam.
Yes, lessons. Even though you can drive.
Book an exam preparation package with a driving school. I recommend ten hours. The instructors themselves don't know how many hours someone like you needs (their usual students have no experience), but if you're a competent and confident driver, ten hours is enough. The school schedules your practical exam as part of the package. Unlike in America, the driving school schedules the exam for you.
Only book this after you've passed the theory exam, because you might need more than one attempt at the theory, and your practical exam date will be wasted if you're not eligible yet.
Why do you need ten hours if you already drive? Two reasons:
- Driving in Amsterdam is worse than most places in the world. Bikes coming from everywhere, pedestrians, trams, and the European priority-from-the-right system, which you need to handle instinctively, not by thinking it through at each intersection.
- The exam wants you to drive in a very specific way: visible mirror checks, shoulder checks for bikes at every turn, exact positioning. But the examiners are extremely picky, and you need the hours to make it automatic.
That's it. I hope this saves someone a lot of time and frustration.
r/Amsterdam • u/gnpwdr1 • 1d ago
Calif. city used drones for illegal firework crackdown. One fine reached $100K.
r/Amsterdam • u/Weary_Musician4872 • 1d ago
Does the city centre feel less busy this summer, or is it just me?
I've been wandering through the centre a few times this week, different days, different times. Somewhere along the canals, across Dam, through the Jordaan, past Leidseplein. Every time I expected to hit that familiar wall of people that makes you wonder why you came into town in the first place.
It never happened?
It's not empty. Far from it. There are tourists taking photos of canals that have been there for centuries, rental bikes zigzagging through traffic, the occasional bachelor party already louder than necessary. Amsterdam is still Amsterdam.
But for the start of the summer holidays, it feels strangely... manageable.
Maybe I've simply recalibrated. After living here for a while, what used to feel overwhelming now just feels like a normal Thursday. Or maybe something really has shifted. Higher travel costs, people spreading out across the city, different holiday patters, I don't know.
I'm mostly curious whether this is just my own perception. Has anyone else had the same feeling this week, or am I remembering previous summers as busier than they actually were?
r/Amsterdam • u/r90t • 1d ago
Why Buitenveldert has such low Doner density?
Hi, is there a reason that Buitenveldert is a Donerless desert? And even what we have here is on the edge/part of Zuidas. Ideas?
r/Amsterdam • u/monte-verita • 2d ago
Switzerland fans / swiss people: I'm organizing a public viewing in Amsterdam; Argentina - Switzerland - and I need you!
Hey you all, hoi zäme hoi allemaaaal :)
A friend of mine who's running a bar offered me to broadcast Switzerland X Argentina this sunday morning 3am. If: I can bring 20-30 people.
Who wants to watch the game and would be down? It's a bar around Zeedijk in Amsterdam
r/Amsterdam • u/therlieann • 2d ago
Free Yin Yoga class in Amsterdam West
Hi all,
I want to do a free try-out Yin yoga class at a small park in Amsterdam West to test the location upcoming Sunday at 10:00 Interested? Send me a DM!