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Getting Around Without Breaking the Bank (Or Your Dignity)

Skip the Taxis (Seriously, Your Wallet Will Thank You)

Amsterdam taxis are super pricey. I paid €35 for a 10 minute ride from the airport. Ouch!

What I wish I knew: Amsterdam’s public transport is great. Get a GVB day pass to ride trams, buses, and metros all day. Even better, rent a bike! Cycling by the canals feels like you truly belong. Just practice if you’re not used to biking.

Get That OV Chipkaart (And Look Like You Know What You're Doing)

Picture this: me, standing on a tram, frantically digging through my pockets for exact change while everyone stares. Not my finest moment.

Do yourself a favor and get an OV chipkaart the moment you arrive. You can buy one at any metro station or even at Schiphol Airport. Load some money on it, tap in when you board, and tap out when you leave. Boom   you're basically a local now.

Where to Stay (And How Not to Blow Your Budget)

Location, Location, Location

I get it suburban hotels seem cheaper. I saved €30 a night in Amsterdam Noord but spent €15 daily on transport and lost hours commuting. It’s not worth it.

Stay near the Canal Ring, Jordaan, or museums. You’ll pay more, but you’ll walk everywhere and really feel like you’re in Amsterdam.


That Sneaky Tourist Tax

Nobody told me about this until I was checking out of my hotel. Amsterdam charges a tourist tax   anywhere from €1 to €7 per person per night, depending on where you stay. It might not sound like much, but it adds up, especially for families.

Just budget for it ahead of time so you're not scrambling at checkout like I was!

Don't Be That Tourist: Local Etiquette Essentials

Respect the Bikes (They're Everywhere!)

Amsterdam has more bikes than people, seriously. And those cyclists? They mean business. I nearly got taken out by a bike on my first day because I was wandering around taking photos in the bike lane.

Those red paths aren't decorative, they're bike lanes. Stay out of them. When you're walking with friends, go single file on narrow streets. And always, ALWAYS look both ways before crossing anything. Trust me on this one.

Be Cool About Photos

Yes, Amsterdam is Instagram gold. But remember, people actually live in those beautiful canal houses you're photographing. I once had someone rightfully tell me off for taking pictures through their window embarrassingly!

And in the Red Light District? Just don't. Taking photos of the workers isn't just rude, it can get you in serious trouble. Sometimes it's better to just put the phone down and enjoy the moment.

Eating Well Without Getting Ripped Off

 

Avoid the Tourist Traps

Those restaurants by Central Station with big picture menus and pushy greeters? Avoid them. I paid €25 for terrible pasta on my first night.

Instead, go where locals eat De Pijp and Jordaan. I found Café de Reiger in Jordaan and loved it so much, I went three times in one week.

Try the Real Deal

Don’t stick to familiar food! I lived on McDonald’s until a local friend showed me Dutch dishes. Erwtensoep (pea soup) on a cold day? Amazing. Fresh herring from a cart? Strange but good. Stroopwafels from the market? Pure heaven.
Try Albert Cuyp Market for lunch. The Indonesian food there is top notch and cheaper than restaurants.



Museum Madness (And How to Actually Get In)

 

Book Ahead or Go Home

Don’t skip this book museum tickets early! I went to Anne Frank House on a Tuesday morning and waited three hours in the rain. Ouch.

The Anne Frank House sells out weeks ahead in summer. Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum are easier but still better booked online. Your future self will thank you for skipping those lines.

 

Slow Down and Actually Look

I tried to do all the major museums in one day. Big mistake. I was so rushed that I barely remember what I saw. The Rijksmuseum alone deserves half a day. Those Rembrandt paintings aren't going anywhere, so take your time with them.

Pick 2 3 things per day max. Quality over quantity, always.

Money Matters: Budget Smart

Cash Still Matters Sometimes

Amsterdam is pretty card friendly, but I got caught a few times. That cute little brown café only took cash. The public toilet at the market? Coins only. Street vendors at festivals? Cash.

Just keep some euros on hand. And use actual bank ATMs, not those tourist exchange places that'll rob you blind with terrible rates.

Weather Reality Check

 

It's Going to Rain

Amsterdam weather is moody, kind of like that friend who can't decide what they want for dinner. I've been caught in downpours in July and had beautiful sunny days in October.

Always, ALWAYS carry a compact umbrella or rain jacket. And waterproof shoes are your best friend. I learned this after spending a day squelching around in soaked sneakers.

Summer Isn't Always Better

Sure, summer has the best weather, but it also has the worst crowds and highest prices. I actually prefer late spring or early fall, still nice weather, but you can actually get into restaurants without a reservation and the locals aren't hiding from tourists.

The Real Secret to Amsterdam

Here's what I wish someone had told me before my first trip: Amsterdam isn't a theme park, it's a real city where real people live. The locals are actually pretty friendly once you show that you respect their space and their rules.

Learn some easy Dutch like “dank je wel” for thanks. Don’t block bike paths, and remember those pretty canal houses are homes, not just pictures. Use Flightd to plan time to sit in a brown café with local beer, watch from a bench by the canal, or stroll quiet streets without a plan. The best Amsterdam times come when you relax and let the city surprise you.

Be kind, curious, and wear comfy shoes. With Flightd, you’ll love every moment there.

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