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10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a world class city, no matter which way you look at it. Excellent local culture, unique work opportunities, fascinating arts and entertainment and a rich history through and through. 

The following are some reasons why I think everyone needs to visit Amsterdam at least once:

1. It’s Not a Car-Heavy City

In Amsterdam, most people walk or use bicycles to get around. Those who don’t, tend to opt for one or another form of the city’s efficient public transport options — which also happen to be affordable. 

Amsterdam – by Ank Kumar –

Experiencing a city that isn’t totally crammed with cars and fumes is a worthwhile experience for any globe trotter. 

2. Coffee Shops…

…and I don’t mean places where one drinks coffee. Amsterdam is known for their lenient laws when it comes to the sale and consumption of marijuana for recreational use. 

While more and more countries are following suite, it’s still great to get the authentic coffee shop experience while in a city that pioneered this worldwide movement. 

The Best Coffee Shops in Amsterdam

3. Public Decency 

This is always important to me when pondering where to go next. There are some destinations where public indecency runs rampant; cat calling, drinking in public, harassment. 

Amsterdam – by Thomas Dahlstrøm Nielsen –

You won’t find a lick of this in Amsterdam. This is a place where people mind their manners, adhere to basic rules surrounding public behavior, and respect women on the streets (Mostly. There’s always that one guy, isn’t there?).

10 Things You Shouldn’t Do in Amsterdam

4. Dutch Beer

You’ve probably been tossing these back since high school, never giving thought as to the origin of the brew. The Netherlands is home to some of the best breweries on the planet, including Heineken, Amstel, Grolsch, Bavaria, Brand, and Hertog Jan. 

You can drink all of these to your heart’s content in and around the Dutch capital. 

5. Walking Lanes

It often feels like the Dutch have thought of everything; and that’s because most of the time, they have. 

Amsterdam – by Fons Heijnsbroek –

In order to keep the city moving as efficiently as possible, you’ll find dedicated sidewalk lanes for walking, and dedicated lanes for cycling. You’ll also find said walking lanes are often divided into directions, so as to keep foot traffic flowing with ease. 

Top 7 Things to Do in Amsterdam

6. An Invisible Drug Street Culture

There are some cities in Europe where you can’t even walk to get a coffee without being accosted by a dealer trying to peddle cocaine and other narcotics. Amsterdam is not like this at all. While the city has a vibrant underground music scene where drugs are definitely present, there isn’t a strong presence of it as you move through the suburban streets. 

7. Street Food!

This isn’t really something people expect prior to arriving in Amsterdam, but many are pleased to find an abundance of street food kiosks no matter where they venture. 

Stroopwafels – by Andy Mabbett –

You’ll almost always have somewhere nearby where you can grab some authentic Dutch fries, or fresh hot stroopwafels. 

8. Attractions, Attractions, Attractions

You’ll never run out of things to do or see in Amsterdam, especially not if you’re into museums and historic monuments. 

Whether you want to learn about Picasso’s knack for color blocking, or you’re more interested in what Anne Frank was doing during all that time in the attic, there’s a cultural experience just waiting for you to book your slot. Always book ahead in Amsterdam, this will save you hours of queueing. 

Top 10 Facts About Anne Frank House in Amsterdam

9. Little to No Crime Zone

While you’re wandering through Amsterdam, pay attention to how you feel. This was something very different to any city I had previously visited; in Amsterdam, I found my nervous system relaxed to unexpected levels even though I was in the middle of a chaotic city. 

Amsterdam – by Ank Kumar –

There is virtually no crime in the Netherlands, and in Amsterdam you’re really only at risk of a pickpocket here and there. 

10. It’s Beautiful

Often this is reason enough for me to visit a city. Meandering streets and basking in the beauty of architecture merging with nature is one of the best parts of being in Amsterdam. The canals are truly spectacular, and something that seems overrated before you actually witness them.