Being a shy British gentleman, however, who values good manners over any form of fun or adventure, the information that I most craved when reading about Amsterdam was what is unacceptable for tourists to do. To my disappointment, this type of information was not commonplace and so I learned little from the web or from books. Thankfully however, through numerous visits to the fair city and conversations with veteran idiocy-spotters, I have been able to compile my own short and highly opinionated list of no-nos for the courteous and the curious.
When picking up your shiny blue, yellow or red bicycle from the various rent-a-fiets shops across the city, you assume a great deal of responsibility. You have a responsibility to yourself not to get killed, and you have a responsibility to not maim or kill anyone else. But most important of all you have a responsibility to⦠not piss off the locals. Beeping, ringing and swearing will intensify. What do you do?
There is a pretty high chance that you live in a country where Mcdonalds is on every street corner; it makes your kids obese, your dopamine flow and your guilt swell. I have no issue with this. Instead, I suggest getting your grease with a pinch of authenticity. Look no further than the glowing, food-bearing walls of Febo. Sure, you can still get burgers and chips easily enough.
Beware the bars of Leidseplein and Rembrantplein! At all. It helps to remember your stereotypes: clogs, windmills and tall women on the one hand; efficiency, sausage and lederhosen on the other. Any other stuff you should not do as a tourist in Amsterdam? Feel free to comment! The Dutch know tolerance as other people could only dream of. A lovely place and one full of beautiful memories. They are to be respected. Mostly importantly, tourists and locals alike!
I am a native and lived in Amsterdam for many years. I am so happy I escaped before the current tourism-boom because after the quadrupling of annual visitors I can only image the hell residents must live in on a daily basis. However, that does not mean you can treat the city and its residents and shops like garbage. You will NOT benefit from cycling and you will be a danger and nuisance to others.
