Useful info
Etiquette & rules in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is famously open and tolerant, but it's a real, lived-in city — not a theme park — and the freedoms come with rules. Be a good guest, and the city is yours.
Last updated: June 2026
Bike lanes are sacred
Never walk or stand on the red asphalt. A bell is your first warning.
Carry ID
Required by law — passport or ID card, not a driving licence for De Wallen or coffeeshops.
Keep it down at night
People live between the canals. Loud, drunken antics earn real fines.
The Dutch way
- Directness. Refreshingly blunt and honest — take it as straightforwardness, not rudeness.
- English is everywhere. A friendly "dank je wel" is always appreciated.
- Tipping is modest. Service is included; rounding up or 5–10% is plenty.
Coffeeshops & cannabis
Cannabis isn't actually legal — it's tolerated. In practice:
- Licensed coffeeshops sell to 18+, up to 5 grams, ID required.
- Smoke inside the coffeeshop or accommodation — public smoking in the central zone (Red Light District, Dam, Damrak, Nieuwmarkt) is a €100 fine.
- Never carry cannabis across borders. Hard drugs and street dealers: always illegal.
The Red Light District (De Wallen)
The city's oldest quarter — fascinating, and both a workplace and a residential neighbourhood. Visit with respect.
- No photos or video of sex workers or their windows — rule #1.
- No alcohol on the street (~€95 fine) and no public cannabis smoking.
- Don't block windows, stare, tap on glass, or sit on residents' steps.
- No street dealers, no drones, and watch for pickpockets.
Drinking, smoking & noise
- Tobacco smoking is banned indoors everywhere.
- The city has cracked down on street drinking and party nuisance: alcohol-ban zones in the centre, plus the "Stay Away" campaign around Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein.
In one line
Camera down at the windows, cannabis inside the coffeeshop, drinks off the street, voice down at night. Do that, and Amsterdam is yours.