My Unfiltered Thoughts On Living In Amsterdam As An American

These are my unfiltered thoughts about living in Amsterdam as an American. I spent the last month living in Amsterdam and these are just a few of my observations and experiences after visiting Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands.
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[@camdendavid]

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[@carolinacadabra8278]

😊I first went to Amsterdam at the age of 20 in 1972 and it was like Disneyland for a kid who had never been anywhere and never seen anything. Now, however I find that I appreciate the quiet corners of Amsterdam, the architecture and the views. What thrilled me in my youth now drives me away.

[@camdendavid]

I can relate haha

[@adjmm]

Well done and right on. I probably was visiting Amsterdam before you were born and have been maybe 8-10 times and agree with at least 90% of what you have shared with us. As a Canadian I have always been warmly welcomed (Canadian troops liberated the Netherlands in WW2) but that doesn’t take away from the fact that the people are abrupt, honest to a fault, not afraid to speak truth, not overly friendly to tourists who only go to Amsterdam for the red light district, the drug cafes, the party crowd who drink themselves into a stupor. Unfortunately there are a lot of those people. I love the food, not sure what you referred to with your food comment. Hate the weather, when the winds come off the North Sea it is almost impossible to get warm but a warm sunny day, sitting beside a canal, listening to the quiet the rustle of a breeze in the trees, the sun on the water….it’s magical. One thing I have discovered, Amsterdam and the Netherlands are 2 very different places….kinda like NYC and the rest of America. Amsterdam is not my favourite European city but its charm, unique qualities make it a city everyone should experience fully after you’ve done the red light district and smoked a joint 😂. Keep up the good work!

[@camdendavid]

Much appreciated! Always great to see you in the comment section :)

[@Paul_C]

I know Amsterdam only as visitor, basically the only connection it has for me is competition rowing as a teen, gave it up when I actually needed to start studying. After that most visits had to with work or with changing work. I don't like the city, it became a caricature of itself. Only the passerby can find peace in there, they can dream; only to wake up in a city that works in a photograph, not in real life. You should visit Almere, that is the place where the Amsterdammer moved to when it became too expensive to live there.

[@kimshivonne]

I love Amsterdam! I enjoy just walking and getting lost in the city. It is a city that I will always come back and visit. The people are very inclusive and cool! However, like you it is the city. It is simply my vibe. I would love to visit other parts of the Netherlands to experience the difference.

[@camdendavid]

Hope you get the opportunity to travel around the Netherlands soon! Similar to Amsterdam but definitely some differences that I'm sure you'd enjoy :)

[@Meppeler1971]

I live in the Netherlands and I visit Amsterdam since my youth... with my parents... after more than 40 years it's still for me is Amsterdam like coming home... I feel free in Amsterdam... nobody 'see' you... just part of the city.. I💗Amsterdam

[@camdendavid]

Much love :)

[@SonicExplorer]

My wife and I loved Amsterdam when we traveled there in 2019. We loved that it is such a walkable city and you can just wander around it. Yes, the weather isn't great and it rained the whole day when we were out but we had such a great time wandering the city during the day we didn't even care we got rained on.

[@jeanpierreviergever1417]

If you want to meet locals, stay out of the city center and visit one of the many festivals.

[@camdendavid]

100% agree

[@mpoliva9559]

I already left a super long comment on your London video, so for this one, I'll just say: spot on! 👍 Since I moved to Utrecht from the UK, I also feel more attached to the city than the people, so I understand what you mean... loooove the backpack thing, it puts a smile on my face every time 😁

[@robertboender5816]

As a Dutchie i try to avoid Amsterdam as much as possible. Not representative of Dutch life in general and more an amusement park for tourists.

[@camdendavid]

Which places in Netherlands would you recommend?

[@JokerNL070]

​@@camdendavid big city? The hague or rotterdam smaller towns? Tiel or lunteren

[@RealConstructor]

I have the same. I live 18 km outside Amsterdam and I haven’t been in the city center for over 25 years. Back then I went there almost every weekend for going out, cinema, shopping. But it got kind of obnoxious, too left, with protests, demonstrations, drugs use, squatters, tourist groups, criminality, too busy, no polite people, I just didn’t feel at ease there anymore. Decided to try other cities and even my own town center. Never went back to Amsterdam city center. And no regrets. None.

[@danniionderwater]

Most Dutch hate Amsterdam. To busy, to many outsiders so Amsterdam is change not in goof way. The smaller city's are more Dutch than Amsterdam.

[@somedude5951]

@@camdendavid Den Bosch, or 's-Hertogenbosch, where I live, is also very much appreciated by tourists. There is a river going under the city, this goes also under the houses and cathedral.

[@YassinePineapple]

As an amsterdammer. I fully agree with your starting statement. Amsterdam is a city with a soul.

[@MIA_DaDe]

Was just suggested your channel a few days ago and I'm hooked! Regarding this one, great perspective. I first visited AMS for just 3 days in May 2018 .. was so intrigued that I flew back for a week later that year. I 've gone to AMS every year since (minus Covid year). There is subtle, quiet buzz of drive and energy in its people in a city of relatively quiet "side streets' and neighborhoods. I've only visited once in peak tourist season and never again. That said, I also do day trips to other cities.. Delft, Rotterdam, etc. even over into Belgium . I. Love the place (Nederland).... no nonsense people, everything. works and is efficient. I will be there for my annual in two weeks! Can't wait!

[@camdendavid]

Welcome to the community and thanks for sharing this! You're so right about some of the day-trips from Amsterdam -- so much to explore! I hope you have a wonderful time and I look forward to seeing you in the comment section :)

[@vincidicaprio298]

My mother was born in Amsterdam, and I have been living nearby my whole life. I have seen it change from the seventies till today, some for the better, some for the worse. It is funny how you said cycling changes your whole perspective of the city. I remember the exact same, when I always went there by train and walking since childhood, as I grew up and eventually capable of cycling towards Amsterdam it was a revelation for me and at the same time made it much smaller, but also accessible. I also remember the first time I was buying something in a shop and could not converse in Dutch and found it really strange they would hire somebody that doesn't even speak the language, but I got used to that and it has become a lot more common nowadays. As for the bluntness and directness that is absolutely also kind of an Amsterdam thing. When you go below the rivers that is definitely a different story.

[@camdendavid]

Appreciate you sharing all this

[@moldar81]

I can relate. I had that feeling with Seattle, and fell in love with the city for 16 years. I left though, it changed a lot. I'm looking for a new place to live now, and I loved visiting Utrecht, Nijmegen, Amersfoort, Rotterdam, and Wageningen. I see myself living in The Netherlands-the cold weather, train and buses, and my industry in food- all fit in what I'm looking for in a city. Also, reminds me of Seattle rainy weather 🌥️, which I love.

[@camdendavid]

Thanks for this. I hope you find your new home soon :)

[@moldar81]

@@camdendavidyou're welcome:). I hope the same for you. Thanks. It's a long shot since I don't have enough experience to be hired as a skilled worker, or a CEO lol. DAFT is too expensive. I'm looking at other countries and options in The Netherlands.

[@quickbrown-f0x]

Dutch native here, lived in Rotterdam for about 10 years, then finally settled here in our capital and frankly never left. I think it's been about ehr... 16 years now? Something like that. To illustrate the difference between both cities there's a Dutch saying that goes "Rotterdam is the place where one works hard to earn money, and Amsterdam is where one spends it". This is also reflected in the difference in culture, layout and how both cities "feel". It's also because Rotterdam was bombed to sh*t by the Germans in World War 2, so it lost most of its historic buildings, architecture. They had to completely rebuild it and that's why it perhaps doesn't feel as cozy or can look a little rougher around the edges, more industrial (in my opinion, anyway). It's partly why I'd advise people to move to the Amsterdam area over Rotterdam. Don't get me wrong - I loved living and studying in Rotterdam, but if you like cozy, vibrant streets, hipster cafés, world famous museums on every corner, events and festivals up the wazoo plus plenty of nature, gorgeous parks 5 minutes from wherever you are - Amsterdam is really where it's at. It's also more centrally located. It takes, like an hour and a half, maybe two by train and boom - you're in a National Park, with pine forests, moorlands, dunes, deer, castles/palaces - all that stuff. It's great. Anyway, very interesting to listen to/read all the experiences of non-Dutchies. 👍🏻

[@ksc743]

I spent a month in Hilversum with friends in the 90's. We would often cycle into 'town'. I did the obligatory canal trip (very boring) but loved the art galleries and the general vibe. I believe for young people there's a big music culture there these days - bars and dj's etc. I really love The Netherlands. My kind of place!

[@camdendavid]

Appreciate you sharing this. Definitely think there's a big music culture but I'd be lying if I said I've really taken part

[@ksc743]

@@camdendavid I think one has to be around 20 yrs old and single to appreciate it😄

[@marcelburgers7485]

Spot on my friend. You totally get it. Enjoy your time in the netherlands. And there are a lot more places in the netherlands which are interesting.

[@camdendavid]

Absolutely! I'm having a wonderful time exploring some of the towns/villages :)

[@rickfairbank1755]

I could not agree with you more. Amsterdam for me, is all about the city. I feel the same way about Prague. Both have sort of a congested small tourist area, but if you get outside of there, it's magical. Thanks for sharing, because I had never been able to quite figure it out, but you nailed it.

[@camdendavid]

Totally understand the Prague comparison - appreciate you sharing

[@vast001]

In Europe in general there is no creditcard culture like in the USA. We use our debitcards as you use your creditcard. American food is over spiced therefore our food tastes bland. The graduation of students with the backpack hanging on the flag pole is a Dutch thing and you find that all over the Netherlands not just in Amsterdam. Go in summer to Scandinavia where the sun sets even later than 10 PM and rises early. As a Dutchie I haven't been to Amsterdam except for the airport. The stroopwafels we Dutchies eat are the plain ones from the supermarket. The Febo can also be found in Groningen for instance. Go to Amsterdam if you want to visit the museums, the Anne Frank House etc but if you want to feel the Dutch culture go outside Amsterdam. The Netherlands is larger then just Amsterdam and the western part of the country. Most of the time tourists forget the east, north and south of the Netherlands. Like for instance you can visit a German Island Borkum with a ferry from a Dutch harbour.

[@herkovaneerden6105]

True that there is more then just Amsterdam in the Netherlands, but still it is a beautiful city, worth a visit. When you've only seen the airport is really a pity:)

[@camdendavid]

Great info in this! Much appreciated :)

[@vexisonline]

Very insightful, I'm glad you got past those tourist traps and I think you've hit on some typically Dutch approaches to life that we tend to enjoy, like being in the moment and respecting each other's time. You've hit the nail on the head with the 'You do you, so long as everybody can be adults about it,' which sums up our culture's openmindedness perfectly. Amsterdam is a town, and I love that about it. Great vid 😊

[@camdendavid]

Much appreciated :)

[@chooselife1509]

I was in Amsterdam last year in November...My thoughts were that it has a mysterious vibe to it. It always felt like something mysterious was brewing underneath. I'm not sure if it's the people and culture or the city, or both, but it was there, in a good way....Could be my new favorite city and possible country. I want to explore more in the Netherlands.

[@camdendavid]

I hope you get the chance to explore soon :)

[@Michel-r6m]

If you travel it makes a huge difference when staying is contemplated. As a passenger it matter far less what housing you're in, it is temporarily... The people you meet are in a phase of life (just as you) and everything changes with another job, a partner (another partner 😅) etc. Things change, sometimes quick and sometimes very gradually.

[@GJWielinga]

I'm a local and agree with your observations. It's the city that binds, and if you live here long enough you'll find the people you need around you. It's indeed very much more a town than a city and the city center is just magical with the canals and the architecture. As always, life can distort the view on your surroundings and one can take their surroundings for granted, but I noticed, during my almost 30 year (!!!) stay in this town that the love affair with the city is always waiting to renew itself in unexpected ways. On the moment I'm researching the beginning of the 18th century, a time not many historians are interested in because the 'golden age' was the 17th century, and political history picks up again around 1790 with the rippling effect of the French revolution, but the 18th century is such an interesting time in Amsterdam. Still very rich and one can feel the change to the Enlightenment that agreed much with the individual bourgois trading energy of this town. Let me know if you and Sarah need some inspiration on Amsterdam history. Have fun!

[@Hrn250]

I fully understand you. I left the city years ago after many years living there in old Zuid and in old West and working in the city centre and I moved to several different places in the province of Noord-Holland and yet Ansterdam as a city is still in my heart. it is still part of me. It's the city and not necessarily the people, you can meet nice people everywhere, but a city like Amsterdam is unique in its kind and always will be for me

[@camdendavid]

Well said and much love :)

[@rinynewton8297]

As a Dutchy i think you are spot on. But go and visit Leiden and Utrecht. Den Haag. Sooo many beautiful city's. Ones you know the Dutch people they can be very helpful and welcoming but don't "overact" or be loud! We have a saying here ...act normal that's mad enough! Equality is on a high level here to. " i am not more or less important than any other person"! Don't show your wealth is considered vulgar! Above all enjoy your stay in Amsterdam but explore! You will be surprised. 😊

[@camdendavid]

Thanks for this! Totally agree on some of the other cities (spent some time over in Utrecht and Den Haag over the last 2 weeks). I'll try to visit Leiden soon. Much love :)

[@AndreUtrecht]

Amsterdam is part of the biggest Megalopolis of Europe: The Randstad. The Randstad consists of the 4 biggest cities of The Netherlands: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Den Haag and Utrecht. And bordering cities and towns. It is also the economic heart of the country. When you talk about London as this big hub, you should compare The Randstad to London and not just the small part that is Amsterdam. Distances in between the 4 big cities aren't big. Where you could easily like travel for 45 min to an hour within London to go from one place to the other, the same goes for traveling to a location in one of the other cities. Because of good train connections, other public transport and the possibility to use a bike from any station in any city it is very practical to travel back and forth. Like I live in Utrecht, and from Utrecht Central Station to Amsterdam Amstel Station it is like 20 minutes. To Amsterdam Central Station just under 30 minutes. To Den Haag Central Station it is just under 40 min. Where as in other large cities you have everything concentrated in one metropolis: the harbour function, the political function, the cultural function, the airport, the embassies. In the Netherlands all of this is spread over several cities. People often tend to stay inside their local city bubbles, like everywhere in the world. But many many people living in the Randstad use the Randstad as their living space. They go to Rotterdam to see an exhibition, got to the beach in Den Haag or in Zandvoort, they go have lunch in one of the cities, go party, have dinner, go to a concert, to the theatre etc etc. And it is easy to go there by train and public transport because the connections are reliable and go until late, and often even the whole night. That makes living in The Randstad even more attractive. It is this huge megalopolis. Many 1000's of people live in one city in the Randstad and commute everyday to another one in The Randstad for work. Because the distances traveled are to be compared to larger cities like London, Istanbul or Barcelona.

[@camdendavid]

Thanks so much for taking the time to share all this! Great info here and you explained it well -- much appreciated :)

[@drerri]

As an Amsterdam local I completely understand why you would feel more connected to the place/city than the people. Even for locals it sometimes can feel that way. You have al these cultures, neighborhoods, age groups, tourists, locals etc. etc. in a compact city of just 1 million people. But somehow it just works!

[@hunchbackaudio]

Adverse to spicy is bland is a weird statement? It would imply all pastries are bland because they’re not spicy? I love spicy food, but it has its place. Nothing wrong with tasting some ingredients, spicing everything means it’s all gonna taste the same. I have the impression when Americans use the word bland, they mean it’s not overloaded with salt and or sugar. The Dutch have some strong tasting foods and when foreigners taste it they will be disgusted, because they are not used to strong tastes, which is the real opposite of bland. Easiest example is drop.

[@camdendavid]

Totally fair! I'll clear that up next time :)

[@hunchbackaudio]

@@camdendavid That would be great , because I hear the term often from Americans and it sounds pretty condescending but it’s totally not clear what they mean. Never been to the States and fastfood chains are my only reference when it comes to American food and you know what that tastes like.

[@OP-1000]

@@hunchbackaudioOnce you fried your tastebuds with hot sauce etc. you are addicted and you think everything needs chili. You won’t taste the actual food anymore.

[@artonx4719]

Nice to hear your thoughts about the city of Amsterdam. I would recomment to visit other cities like Utrecht, Delft or Leiden. And yeah... I'm a Dutch guy who like to hear tourists giving their honest opinion. I also follow the vids of Buncharted; 2 Americans who are living in the Netherlands since 2 years for the same reasons as you mentioned. Worthwhile to take peak.....? Good luck and have a nice stay here!

[@silsilsilly]

I liked to visit Amsterdam around 2000 because it had an alternative vibe to it. But now i think there are too many tourists and last time i was in a bar where s the waitress didn't even spoke Dutch. Havent been there for a while after The old buildings are beautiful though. A tip from me if you like architecture: Go to the Tusschinsky cinema and get movie tickets for a movie in the "grote zaal" and go there a little bit early to see it when the lights are still on and let me know what you thought of it :)

[@camdendavid]

Oh my wife is a HUGE fan of going to the movies so we've been to Tusschinsky a few times (beautiful place). So many unique cinemas around Amsterdam :)

[@TheHeartofAmsterdam]

You made me smile, thanx for that. There's a lot going on in this country, we are torn apart by the political situation (as are many other countries), so there's a lot of doom and gloom among the people. It's nice to hear such a positive comment on my city for a change

[@camdendavid]

Glad to hear it made you smile. You have a special home :) Thanks for watching!

[@JulesStoop]

Interesting observations! I live in the Netherlands and obviously experience Amsterdam somewhat differently from you, but contrary to how many dutch people seem to almost condemn it, I very much like Amsterdam (outside the touristy black hole). With regards to 14:39 (the infrastructure): check the youtube content of Canadian Amsterdammer ‘Not Just Bikes’. Because what I would call implicit, ‘invisible’, infrastructure, is a big part of what makes the city-and the country in general-such a welcoming and almost tranquil place for people outside cars in spite of its high population density. Road design in the Netherlands is actually determined by a set of very deliberate and smart guidelines known als ‘duurzaam veilig’ (sustainable safety).

[@camdendavid]

Thanks for the recommendation - I'll be sure to check it out! Much love :)

[@bertkassing8541]

I was born on the Koninginneweg (edge ​​of Vondelpark) in Amsterdam. You should just look it up. I turn 65 on Monday. And I have to tell you: Amsterdam is no longer my Mokum. Far too many tourists and in shops you are addressed more in English than in Dutch. I do miss my old Amsterdam. I still live in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area (Hoofddorp) and I like it very much. I recognize many of the things you mention. These are all things that we Dutch people are used to. When you come abroad as a Dutch person, you often think: How poorly organized everything is here. For example, contact with the government. You can arrange everything online here. Buying tickets for public transport, what is that? I have a smartwatch on my wrist and I use it to check in and out. This is not yet feasible in many surrounding countries. Is everything expensive here? Groceries are becoming increasingly expensive. Also buy or rent houses. Cars are expensive, but often you don't need one. I do everything by bike :-)

[@camdendavid]

I was just up in Koninginneweg last week (lovely area)! So glad to hear you're enjoying Hoofddorp. And I appreciate you taking the time to share all this. Perhaps our paths will cross on the bike paths haha :)

[@Aviopic]

Amsterdam is city of about 1 million citizens that consists out of 200 different nationalities and receives about 20 million visitors each year. Amsterdam is about tourism, how could you even think to find a connection 🤔 Even the chance you bump into an Amsterdammer is pretty much zero. There is a good chance your experience will be different in most of not all other Dutch cities.

[@j.vanderson6239]

Tourists on bikes here are a disaster. Seriously. Imagine a Dutch tourist that has not driven a car for years. Then goes to the US and rent a car to drive in Manhattan during rush hour. Yeahh, the US, country of cars !! Going from lane to lane, stopping in the middle of the road, driving on the pavement and against traffic. So much fun !! How would the average NewYorker react ?

[@camdendavid]

So true haha. I have to admit that I was a relatively inexperienced biker and probably drove locals crazy for the first few weeks of my visit... sorry about that. I'll be making a video soon to help tourists understand the bike culture/rules here :)

[@peaceofmindofpeace1650]

Even more dangerous are the teenagers on fatbikes

[@corriedebreij2989]

Nice video. However, most of the short video's you showed were still of the city center. There is much more. Two out of the box tips: visit Amsterdamse Bos, 3 times the size of Central Park, there is a childrens swimming pool, a pancake house, lots of water, you even sometimes watch rowing competitions. For the winter time: we have a ice hockey team which plays every other week (in season of course) at Jaap Eden in the east of Amsterdam. About a 1000 visitors every home game, and you can also skate yourself outside at a nice romantic skating rink with nice lighting during the evening. I have lived here all my life btw and hardly ever visit the city center only when I have to be there for work. Too many tourists... which they are trying to discourage a bit to come because it is really getting out of hand.

[@rishithakur7186]

My perception of Amsterdam is: Goods: - Great Urban Planning - Effective Use of Space for maintaining a great density in city Cons: - Lack of Credit Card use in local shops which is very odd… - Drug use or substance abuse which I hope to not be extreme as that is really negative about any part of world. And I generally feel depressed in a city with drug problem including extreme alcoholism, smoking, weed or any legal or illegal drugs. - Cities that have a drug problem or peer pressure problems with such drug consumption tend to take up a very depressive turn in the long term. I don’t think Drugs of any kind whether legal or illegal are much of a problem in city like Amsterdam or at least I hope not… .

[@thomastoadie9006]

People do love to hate on Amsterdam, especially the more rural types referring to themselves as “Dutchies”. Not sure why though, because the fact of the matter is Amsterdam is a gorgeous city with an amazing historical legacy to enjoy, and is and has always been thoroughly internationally oriented. essentially the most quintessentially Dutch icon there is in all its diversity and vibrancy. Too many tourists, yes, but that’s more of a global systemic issue than something to blame Amsterdam specifically for. Cheers for your thoughts, enjoyed them. 👍

[@camdendavid]

Much appreciated :)

[@jsb7975]

If you get the feel of the 16 hundreds (still actually there) you really can strawl through that very big "museum" Tourists or no tourists the historic centre, (for a centre of an old city not small at all), you walk right through ages and that's the feel of Amsterdam. All still there.....

[@camdendavid]

Absolutely

[@kchoog]

You made the distinction perfectly

[@camdendavid]

I appreciate that :)

[@Boom110768]

Just saw this and I agree; I'm Dutch and have lived in several cities in the Netherlands including a 6-year 'stint' in Amsterdam. I live in The Hague now, but I still consider Amsterdam to be 'my town'. The locals won't appreciate this, since I'm not an Amsterdam native ;), but it's the city for me; not so much the people. Now mind you, the same can be said of many - especially capital - cities around the world; I love New York as well, but would I say it's because of the people? No; that would be the vibe as well. Same goes for Paris, Vienna, Berlin (to a lesser extent actually), etc. And of course always the caveat that has been said may times before: Amsterdam is NOT The Netherlands. Even the directness is at its peak in Amsterdam (and maybe Rotterdam, but they're less 'rude' imo).

[@qazatqazah]

Dutchie here. I don't live in Amsterdam, but to me this city has always been the most beautiful city of the country, and I like to visit and go out there from time to time. It's overpriced and busy, sure, but the architecture and the canals give an atmosphere that just doesn't exist elsewhere. Also, it's the one city in the country where I've met more foreigners than anywhere else (which is a plus if you want to practice your language skills.)

[@camdendavid]

I would agree. Thanks for taking the time to share :)

[@thijsv6770]

It's because all the local real Amsterdam people have left. Many foreigners don't realize, but pretty much all the native Amsterdam born&bred people have moved out from the 70s-2000s, to Purmerend & Almere, and have been replaced by Dutch people from outside who are not connected to the culture, the humor, the togetherness. I'm one of those newcomers, sorry to say, and we miss the real Amsterdammers a lot. Good observation by the way!

[@camdendavid]

I appreciate the insight!

[@cvh49]

Feel Amsterdam, feel free! Be Amsterdam. Be free!

[@camdendavid]

:)

[@4390hoover]

You're right about on e thing I was visiting Zaandam self catering and went to a big store to buy a lot of groceries and couldn't believe that they would not accept my credit or debit card you had to have a Dutch bank card in the 21st century I found this to be so weird apart from that the Netherlands is still one of the best places in the world to visit

[@camdendavid]

I'm assuming you went into an Albert Heijn?

[@n.q163]

Amsterdam is fun if you go outside the canals. That's where the real Amsterdam is. For the real Netherlands you should go to cities like Utrecht, Amersfoort, Zwolle, The Hague and Rotterdam. Edit: Dutch food is amazing. But if you stay within the tourist traps you wouldn't find good food.

[@camdendavid]

Couldn't agree more :)

[@ChrisTop-k9p]

I lived in Amsterdam most of my life.. I really love the city but I cant stand all these tourist traps. Like you said, just walk around and explore. Avoid the red light district is tip no 1. Haarlem, Leiden and Utrecht are closeby and definetely worth a visit.

[@camdendavid]

Absolutely! Just spent yesterday exploring Haarlem :)

[@wzupppp]

Interesting to hear from an american. I grew up in amsterdam but I dont like it. For me its too crowded especially since the last 15 years. And the energy is just off. Architectually its a gorgeous city tho. I now live in Antwerp and im much happier there. Less touristy and laid back atmosphere

[@camdendavid]

Glad to hear you're enjoying like in Antwerp :)

[@melvin6228]

What do you think about Utrecht vs Amsterdam? I feel Utrecht has a lot less of the downsides that Ams has

[@camdendavid]

I'd agree with you. Utrecht definitely feels less touristy and is more affordable. Don't think most travelers end up choosing it over Amsterdam because of the proximity to the airport (and most haven't heard of Utrecht like they've heard of Amsterdam). But I haven't met a traveler who hasn't enjoyed their time spent in Utrecht. I think both are great options depending on what you're looking for. How about you?

[@melvin6228]

@@camdendavid I like the canals of Utrecht more. But of all the Dutch cities, Haarlem feels like my home. I don't know what it is, I just feel like I get the people there.

[@vanderquast]

Better towns to live in The Netherlands than Amsterdam are: Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Amersfoort, Haarlem, Leiden, Alkmaar, Delft, Dordrecht, Gouda, Groningen, Leeuwarden, Assen, Zwolle, Apeldoorn, Arnhem, Nijmegen, Eindhoven, Den Bosch, Breda, Venlo, Roermond, Maastricht, Middelburg, ...

[@camdendavid]

Definitely some great ones here. Thanks for this!

[@O.Shawabkeh]

It's exactly as you described it. We fall in love with the Amsterdam city, but not long until you notice there's a big factor missing there. But it is one of a kind without equal. In case you have time, you gotta visit Utrecht, Zwolle, and St. Hertochenbosch (or something similar).

[@camdendavid]

Thanks for this :) I spent some time in Utrecht last week but will add the other spots to my list!

[@ageoflove1980]

Its a lot like NYC in that regard. Because almost all the tourists stay in the Times Square area they really think that is the city. And to be fair, thats also the area where the most attractions are of course. And with all the bright lights and all, its a very iconic place. But in reality its probably the least NYC part of the entire city because its almost like a parody on itself. A Disneyland "fake" version of it. And yeah, if I would just stay there in that area for a week and do you know, a show, the Empire State building, the Rockefeller centre, the MOMA, Central Park etc... I would be like... alright cool, I think ive seen it all, no need to come back for that. Only whe you actually stay in a city longer, like weeks or months, you start to get glimpses what the place is really about.

[@camdendavid]

Couldn’t agree more

[@snroos1860]

If you enjoy Amsterdam and want to stay for some time: DON'T stay in Amsterdam! Chose a city with a trainstation nearby Amsterdam! E.g. Haarlem, Zaandam, Leiden, Utrecht anywhere but Amsterdam. It's much too expensive. Even for locals! Enjoy your stay 🙂

[@camdendavid]

Great advice! Much appreciated :)

[@PieterBreda]

Personally, I don't even want to be buried in Amsterdam. It's nice for the occasional day out but life is much better, safer and easier in other Dutch cities. Not to mention cheaper. Amsterdam is the most undutch city in our country.

[@dereknewbury163]

I know exactly what you mean but have not been able to articulate for 50 years

[@Hendrik-jan-de-tuinman]

amsterdam is hyper cosmopolitan obviously there isn't much of a community feeling

[@camdendavid]

I can understand that perspective

[@TheHeartofAmsterdam]

You are talking about the center I presume. Amsterdam is a lot bigger than that! Although I have lived right in de the middle of it (Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk - we used to own a shop there) for a few years in the 90's, and among the residents and workers there is (or was then at least) definitely a sense of community - but of course you don't see that as an outsider. Now I live in the South East and in my neighborhood there is a lot going on to get people together, both for socializing and also to address issues around maintenance, new projects, helping each other out and all sorts of other stuff. And I know this to happen in other parts of the city (stadsdelen) as well. They all have elected commissions, next to the central government. The whole municipal structure is build to accommodate and facilitate civil participation as best as possible

[@Hendrik-jan-de-tuinman]

@@TheHeartofAmsterdam wat loop je nou te brabbelen ik heb het helemaal niet enkel over het centrum

[@herman65]

I don't see how those are mutually exclusive

[@peaceofmindofpeace1650]

In some neighborhoods there is community for sure. It depends on the street but overall I agree it's everyone for themselves.

[@9422-b9i]

Great content, greetings from cartagena de indias 🤙

[@camdendavid]

I appreciate the support :)

[@mavadelo]

Contrary to popular believe, the green stuff is NOT legal in the Netherlands. But it is tolerated. IF stopped by the police for whatever reason they WILL take it 9 out of 10 times.

[@Derek-z7k]

Correct it ws couldn't remember the name , seriously I had to remind them that we are in the 21st century

[@randar1969]

Born in Amsterdam and i will die there... I do agree with many people tourist really should spent their money outside Amsterdam the less here the better don't see any in my neighbourhood though.. ;-) But we are already working on it soon the Red Light district will cease to exist.

[@melvin6228]

Space for both Ha!

[@miran4471]

Visit Dordrecht and Breda🙂🌷

[@camdendavid]

Added to my list :)

[@qualitytraders5333]

1. The Netherlands are on the same latitude as Newfoundland and Labrador. Have you ever been there? No? That's what I thought. There's no American state on the same latitude as The Netherlands besides Alaska. Come back to The Netherlands in winter and you'll have to turn on the lights at 4 pm. 2. I've always lived in the eastern and southern parts and beyond the vertical, through Utrecht, is no-go land. 3. If you have a real job with a company, you'll make acquaintences but not friends. Will they invite you to their homes? No. They'll be friendly but not friends. And you'll have to learn Dutch. 4. Common wisdom anywhere: never pay for food with a credit card. The food will be gone and the debt remains. Just stupid and the Dutch aren't known to be stupid. We know the bank's game. After all we invented the stockmarket.

[@Preppie-thirty]

Adverse to spice = bland😂

[@camdendavid]

Hahahhahaa

[@OprechtLetterlijkBizar]

@@camdendavidin the Dutch cuisine we don’t use huge amounts of salt (like they often do in more southern European countries such as Spain), but we use spices like nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and mace (we’ve been importing these for centuries, and it’s the Dutch who introduced many of these spices to Europe through the VoC - Dutch East India Company). Furthermore we often use parsley, mint, thyme and dill. But I suppose when you’re really used to extremely strong flavors such as all sorts of peppers, turmeric, ginger, cilantro etc, they mess up the taste buds and they become desensitized to the more “subtle” kind of spices. I know many Americans who eat all their food with hot sauce or Tabasco because they’ve basically ruiend their taste buds and now find everything they eat “bland” simply because their tongue is irreversibly damaged from all the peppers and salt they used to consume. It’s a pity.

[@johnveerkamp1501]

THERE BETTER CITY'S IN THE NETHERLANDS

[@camdendavid]

Which ones are your favorite?

[@strikeformatik]

@@camdendavid Utrecht, Haarlem, Leiden, Rotterdam, Maastricht, Groningen are all better than Amsterdam. They contain a more dutch character whereas Amsterdam is very much a meltingpot hub (the other cities are too but on a different scale). Hell.. even visit Terschelling or one of the many festivals outside of Amsterdam. Everything you name you like about Amsterdam is what all those other cities have too. But.. other than that.. its lovely that you enjoy Amsterdam and The Netherlands. Its cool that you add to the place. Have a good life :)

[@K55365]

Why would you want to live in Amsterdam 😂 it's a circus

[@camdendavid]

Certain areas, yes. But there are some magical areas if you know where to look :)

[@peaceofmindofpeace1650]

You have a limited view on Amsterdam. There are many ' normal peaceful' areas even with village vibes.

[@K55365]

@peaceofmindofpeace1650 Man I've lived in Amsterdam for 4 years 😂 I've visited every area.

[@Ron-id1ze]

Hate video’s about Amsterdam

[@camdendavid]

thanks for watching anyways haha