Preparing for Amsterdam: Tips & Hints

1. Smoking in public places is prohibited in Amsterdam. You will have to forget even about usual nicotine cigarettes to meet this social rule.

2. Visitors are advised not to overeat cakes with cannabis and mushrooms, which can be acquired in smart shops. No more than three pancakes per day are considered safe.

3. We do not recommend buying SuperShiva in coffee shops. It has very depressing impact on the unprepared tourists.
4. Weather in Amsterdam is very unpredictable, so all residents always carry a raincoat with them. Travelers will also make a right decision if they get some protection from the rain. Those, who enjoy walking, will feel fine if they take an umbrella with them, and a raincoat is more suitable in case you ride a bicycle.

5. Those tourists, who plan to travel around the city, use public transport, and visit cultural institutions, are recommended to buy a special tourist pass in VVV service. It gives the right to use public transport for free and provides tourists with discounts when visiting museums.

6. Fans of flowers should visit a flower market located in the heart of the city. Only here you can buy a huge bouquet made of 50 fragrant tulips for just 5 Euro.

7. Fans of shopping are recommended to visit shops and trading centers in the morning. In the afternoon and on weekends all shopping streets of the city are crowded with numerous people, so looking at shop windows will be rather problematic.

8. A walk to the local antique store can replace a trip to a museum. Kind sellers will offer guests fresh coffee and will entertain them with interesting stories, but to thank for the entertainment a buyer will be simply required to purchase a souvenir.

9. It may be quite difficult to travel on the streets of Old Town on a bicycle. There are no special bike lanes here, so there are often traffic jams on all main routes.

Other articles about Amsterdam:
Traditions and lifestyle
Amsterdam sightseeing
Best restaurants and cuisine
Amsterdam attractions and leisure
Amsterdam cityguide
Photogallery of Amsterdam