What NOT to do in Amsterdam // Advice from a resident

[@aWanderlustForLife]

If you've been to Amsterdam before, let me know! Which of these rules surprised you?!

[@bennyboivanterve3640]

I’m from there

[@scottman895]

Great video! It's really sad to hear that people would do some of the things you mentioned such as peeing in the canals. A good rule to follow is, "Respect Amsterdam, and Amsterdam will respect you!" These are great tips overall!

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Exactly! It's a struggle. In Amsterdam, we love people enjoying the city, but many treat it like it's an attraction built for them and forget people live here. I look forward to welcoming back visitors! I just hope they behave 🙃

[@TwinsTry]

Thanks for the tips! Always good to know how to act / be respectful when in other countries!

[@aWanderlustForLife]

It's not always obvious, so I'm glad this was helpful :)

[@jwenting]

@@aWanderlustForLife as a Dutch person I consider all such things bloody obvious :) Except maybe the last, but if you consider that prostitution hasn't been legal for very long and still is a bit of a grey area, plus that people value their privacy even when in a semi-public occupation, it becomes obvious why they don't want to be photographed. Effectively it's little different from anywhere else: don't litter, don't cause trouble, behave like a civilised human being, and you'll generally be fine and appreciated as a visitor.

[@cals4991]

I love how relaxing your voice is

[@M.M0709]

She has the perfect voice for audiobooks. I could listen to her for hours on end!

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Thanks!

[@enlighten.147]

Thanks for the advice , I'm coming there on 5 feb 2021

[@Popopo220]

Waiting for the follow-up for what must do! 😄

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Noted! Thanks for letting me know!

[@FreekVerkerk]

From a local: Just walking around town. Check the canals, the architecture and have a beer on a terrace. And off-course take a walk around the red light district. What surprised me the most the first time I visited that area was that it was so big. There are more than 1000 women working there. And it is packed with tourists. Also just get in a coffee shop and try to see if it is possible to sit there and order a coffee and maybe something to eat, they might have sandwiches, but be careful with space-cake. That can be quite strong. .

[@Interloper1976]

I've been to Amsterdam and this basically makes sense. Still, good stuff. You would do excellent doing family friendly day tours.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Thanks! I've thought about tours. Maybe in the future 😊

[@nokickplz5154]

Visit the van Gogh museum

[@marcduhamel-guitar1985]

The week I visited the only mode of transportation I used was my feet. It's the best way to get to know a city. Next time, I will use the tram, metro, boats, and maybe even bike. My hotel was near Vondel Park. My longest non-stop morning walk to begin the day was to go to De Hortus.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

That is quite a walk to start your day! And I agree, walking is the best way to see a city. And always look up 😉

[@helenlampe8607]

Great video ❤

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Thanks, Helen!

[@thesaucegroup1877]

Great tips :) Thanks

[@aWanderlustForLife]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@TravelShades]

Thanks for sharing this video.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Thanks for watching!

[@thomashardy260]

Just treat the place as you would if you visit your grans house be respectful and you'll get to know a lot of the locals and every one is so happy to help just be respectful

[@jaaferbennasr7483]

great video Thanks a lot

[@KarynMannion]

Every time I tell people I'm going to Amsterdam they're all like oh Amsterdam 🍃🍃🍃 its so much more than weed and the red light! One of the most beautiful cities

[@aWanderlustForLife]

I definitely got the same reaction when I moved here. I've never had it, to this day! At this point, I figure, why start now? 😂 But seriously, thanks for being a champion of this wonderful city!

[@Razer5542]

Another tip, don't seek out the nightlife if you're uncomfortable with strangers and 'odd' looking people. Since they will approach you most of the time when all you want to do is avoid them.

[@ayngelina]

I went to Amsterdam when I was 16 and I think I did ALL the wrong things. I need to come back.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

🤣 It's okay! But yes, please come back one day!

[@unknownlllll2726]

Interesting want to visit Amsterdam so badly

[@aWanderlustForLife]

I have lots of tips and a whole playlist for visitors. This video was more about living here longer term...and I love living here. Just sharing that it's not perfect.

[@im8548]

Do you have videos about life in the Netherlands in general? And about other regions than Amsterdam?

[@aWanderlustForLife]

I haven't done too much of that, but I'm looking into to doing more so if you're happy to share some questions, I may do a video with them! But here's my Netherlands playlist with some Amsterdam, but mostly around the rest of the country: kzbin.info/aero/PLrNbogOIGSGiBskb9Ty3jKObuMcGGtcN_ There's a TON more I'll be doing this year! And here's a video on tips for relocating to Amsterdam but it's relevant to the rest of the country: kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2bRqqSkqrF6f9U I hope those help a little!

[@user-bf8bt2wf7d]

don't take pics in red light area, don't spend all your time in "coffeeshops" , don't walk in the bike lane, avoid "smartshops" unless you want to be out of your mind in Europe, Don't forget to try the gin and gouda, Don't assume people wear wooden shoes and live in windmills. Don't forget to book a ticket to the next Ali-B/Yes-R show because they are awesome dutch hip-hop group

[@chrissyg3160]

People stereotype cannabis users as these louts.... we go to dam every year for the city and the cannabis... its the stag and hen party's in the red light district that cause all of the problems... When your in a coffeeshop having a smoke it's nothing but a welcoming and friendly place and all we wany to do after is get lost in amongst the building and eat...

[@WM-eg4gh]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience. A silly question from me but in cafe's, is it okay to use English? Or should I made an effort to order in Dutch? Just wanted to double check as I don't mind learning a few survival phrases and make an effort. Just don't want to jump to conclusion and only just English, even though it is likely they are already proficient/fluent. Thanks

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Making an effort is usually appreciated but you'll have no problem ordering in English. Many times if they notice you aren't well-versed in Dutch, they will switch to English so it's easier for you. But it's nice to learn "good morning/evening". "please" "thank you". ☺️

[@WM-eg4gh]

@@aWanderlustForLife Noted, thank you so much, that was insightful and informative :) appreciate the quick response too! Amsterdam here I come ! ^___^

[@davidvandenbroeck5068]

While I have always heard about pot and the girls in the windows in regards to Amsterdam, they were way down my list of things to see or do, just right above peeing in the canals. 😄 Seriously, I think most people go there for all of the other things and not those couple of items.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

I'm so glad these aren't the main things on your list! Unfortunately, they are for many and it's an actual problem. I've worked with the city marketing company many times, and they are working to make it less of a problem. Luckily, it's not all tourists and there are many like you, as well, which makes me very happy!

[@RAWDernison1]

The biggest mistake made by tourists is the mix of alcohol and soft drugs use. Combined, they can be a nasty cocktail.

[@mahmoudsobeih5018]

Very nice tips I have visited Amsterdam and it is so beautiful I have one question have you noticed in your time living in the Netherlands that there are cats everywhere in the cafes and shops? Why is that and they dont want you to pet them.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

There are cats everywhere! We have a hope that they run the neighborhood 🤣 I've been told that many cats are in cafes and shops to help with mice control. But i didn't know you can't let them since I'm allergic and never tried...i try to avoid them!

[@mahmoudsobeih5018]

@@aWanderlustForLife makes alot of sense because of the water that's very smart and sustainable I lived in Sweden you should visit Scandinavia if I was still there I would of loved to reccomend you places.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

@@mahmoudsobeih5018 We've been to Sweden a couple times (we have some videos here on our channel). We haven't seen much but what we've seen is lovely!

[@mahmoudsobeih5018]

@@aWanderlustForLife glad you enjoyed

[@citydrivertours]

Nice accent.

[@kal77uk]

Brits wont be going to Amsterdam like before, not just brexit, but also AMS doesnt want the over tourism. Its Dubai for you fellas!!

[@Dutchbelg3]

The things you mention are for real but also in my honest opinion quite obvious. But I know... any busy place also entertains stupid people. Amsterdam is a real beautiful city with MUCH more to offer than the touristy things... BTW the Red Light District is getting smaller and is really not that unique ... Any major city has a red light district..And they are even wilder in cities like Antwerpen in Belgium. Amsterdam just has the reputation ;-) And tourists maintain this reputation. Seriously why would you like to pee against buildings and into canals... there are bars everywhere with a decent toilet. But the same goes for getting piss drunk in the streets... I understand of getting in a merry mood but getting into a state you can't control yourself... mhhhhhhh... Not my favorite pass time in a weekend ;-) Do I sound too old? I did enough stupid things in my life :-p

[@aWanderlustForLife]

I think that's the thing...they seem obvious but apparently are not since these things keep happening. If you sound old, then I'm old too 🤣

[@henrimessinghausen5185]

Someone peeing in the canal?...just give a little push!

[@aWanderlustForLife]

About a dozen people a year die in the canals because they were drunk, peeing, and fell in...so that's probably not the best idea.

[@henrimessinghausen5185]

@@aWanderlustForLife Best lessons are the hardest lessons. They won't do it again..that's for sure. (And yes, I have close exprience wath drunken drowning; my father in law died that way, thou not in Amsterdam canals)

[@aWanderlustForLife]

I'm so sorry that happened

[@Blue_G_41s]

So basically don't be a complete arse.. that should be the way without having to say really.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Should be. But sadly, isnt..

[@Blue_G_41s]

@@aWanderlustForLife thank you for the reply I love the city of Amsterdam it is truly magical, as a English tourist we get a bad name, To say in my 10 times visiting I have never seen any trouble apart from a couple of times involving locals.

[@aWanderlustForLife]

I understand the perspective! As an American, we also tend to get a bad name, so I totally get it. Having lived here foe 7 years, though, I've seen my share of bad tourist behavior. It's a big problem that the city is trying to reduce.

[@gullyhart2029]

1:25 you mean respect the transgenders

[@aWanderlustForLife]

Respect anyone in the window.