Overtourism in Amsterdam: Is the city sick of tourists?

Last Updated on April 4, 2025 by Lauren Allen

Over the past year or so, there have been headlines in the press telling potential visitors to skip Amsterdam and go elsewhere instead. Many state that the Dutch capital is taking drastic measures to curb overtourism before it gets completely out of hand. 

If you’re a long-time reader of Pack and Paint, you’ll know that I visit often. Not only that, but I’m a Brit and we’re getting a lot of stick from some publications. Apparently, we’re a large part of the problem. 

So, should you avoid Amsterdam?

In this post, I’ll share my thoughts on the topic as someone who knows a lot about the city. I also spoke to amsterdam&partners (the local tourism board) to get their thoughts on the matter…

Overtourism in Amsterdam 

There’s no doubt about it, Amsterdam is one of the most overcrowded cities in Europe. Drawing in millions each year, it’s a busy destination, to say the least. 

Although the city houses tons of unique attractions, most people tend to stick to the popular spots. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Franks House are worth seeing, but they’re also where you’ll find the biggest crowds. 

In fact, I see this for myself all the time. I’ve just got back from my 10th trip to the capital and even on a weekday morning, the Van Gogh Museum was rammed.

Often, these landmarks are fully booked days (or even weeks) in advance. This makes it hard to go on a whim or be spontaneous.

While that’s not ideal for tourists, there are larger problems at hand. Tourism is good for the economy, but the locals want change…

What is Amsterdam doing to combat the rise in tourism? 

Amsterdam doesn’t want to stop tourism altogether. However, they are trying to manage it in a way that keeps both residents and visitors happy. They’re doing this by: 

• Banning new hotels and offering fewer holiday rentals: Amsterdam is focusing on providing more housing for residents. 
• High city tax for tourists: It’s currently 12.5% of your accommodation cost. 
• Reducing the number of cruises: In the coming years, Amsterdam plans to reduce the amount of cruises by 50%. 
• Enforcing earlier closing times in the Red Light District: Establishments in this historic and controversial part of town now close much earlier. This is an attempt to limit issues caused by rowdy tourists. 
• Promoting hidden gems: These days, the likes of Iamsterdam are working hard to highlight other interest points in and around the city. They aim to draw people away from the main attractions and into other areas and nearby cities. 

Are tourists REALLY the problem?

The truth is that the Dutch capital benefits hugely from tourism. The demand creates thousands of jobs for residents. Without so many visitors, most small (and even big) museums would struggle to stay afloat. 

However, it’s a certain type of tourism that raises concerns… Party tourism. This is where Brits are getting a bad rep!

Amsterdam wants to deter UK travellers (or those from elsewhere) from going purely for its party scene as it can cause negative outcomes such as anti-social behaviour. This is something to consider in terms of safety, especially if you’re a woman travelling alone. 

Does Amsterdam still want tourists to visit?

Ultimately, if you’re only interested in booze cruises, nights out in the Red Light District and the infamous coffee shops – you should give Amsterdam a miss. Save your wild weekends for back home. 

If you’re going for its world-class museums, architecture and charming canals, the city will welcome you with open arms. But, don’t just take my word for it. Here’s what the tourism board had to say:

Visitors are an essential part of Amsterdam’s international character, enriching the city in numerous ways.

However, to address the impact of overcrowding in certain areas, amsterdam&partners is committed to creating a healthy visitor economy that benefits both the city and its residents.

Through our image campaign, launched in November 2023 under the motto ‘Renew your view on Amsterdam,’ we encourage more conscious tourism.

By unlocking information and offering alternatives beyond the usual options, spread across the city and the wider metropolitan area, we aim to shift perspectives, promote lesser-known gems, and restore balance in affected neighborhoods.

– Janine Fluyt, spokesperson at amsterdam&partners

In a nutshell, visitors are encouraged to learn about the city’s rich history, find hidden gems and discover up-and-coming places off the typical tourist route in the Netherlands.

For example, with the Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket, you can visit the likes of Haarlem, Marken, Volendam and many more beautiful regions.

Additionally, the Iamsterdam City Card gives you free entry into 70+ lesser-known attractions and plenty of other perks like free public transport. These cards boast a wealth of value for tourists hoping to delve deep into Dutch culture in Amsterdam. 

How to bypass the crowds in Amsterdam

There are lots of ways to enjoy the charm of Amsterdam (and beyond) without getting caught in the hustle and bustle. As someone who visits several times per year, here are my top tips to avoid the crowds for a more relaxing adventure:

Seek out unique experiences 

There’s so much more to the Dutch capital than canal tours and the Rijksmuseum. You may not realise this, but there’s a museum for pretty much anything. Some of the strangest museums in Amsterdam include: 

• Katten Kabinet 
• Vrolik Museum 
• Museum Tot Zover 
• Our Lord in the Attic Museum 
• Straat Museum 
• The Pipe Museum 

Not into museums? That’s fine too! You could also try an escape room, swing on Europe’s highest swing at A’DAM Lookout or search for colourful street art at NDSM Wharf. Find out more in this guide to Amsterdam’s craziest attractions. 

Visit hotspots early in the morning or late at night 

If you do plan to visit the major museums, aim to get there super early or an hour or so before closing time. Typically, there will be fewer people around and you’ll be able to visit at a slower pace.

This doesn’t really apply to Anne Franks House or the Van Gogh Museum though. They have time slots that are pretty much always sold out. Expect a decent amount of people no matter when you visit. 

Go to less popular neighbourhoods 

Outside of the city centre but easily reachable, Amsterdam is home to vibrant neighbourhoods like Noord and De Pijp. Noord has an industrial yet creative vibe with a whole host of events, exhibitions and quirky attractions that cater especially to art lovers. 

On the other hand, De Pijp is known for its array of vintage stores and wide selection of great restaurants. In other words, it’s a haven for foodies and shopaholics alike! 

Although you could easily spend a day (or more) in both of these areas alone, they receive far fewer visitors.

Discover more of the Netherlands 

On a similar note, you could consider leaving the city altogether. While you can easily spend a whole week in Amsterdam and not get bored, there’s a lot to see beyond the capital.

You could opt to explore historic Haarlem, cruise past the windmills in Zaanse Schans, admire the beauty of the Inntel Hotel in Zaandam or wander around traditional Dutch villages like Marken.

Alternatively, cities like The Hague, Delft, Leiden and Rotterdam are worthy of a spot on your Netherlands bucket list. 

These places are great for weekend trips from Amsterdam, but day trips are also possible if you’re short on time. 

Book a trip outside of peak times 

Some of the best times to visit Amsterdam are during Amsterdam Pride or tulip season. However, these events also bring in the biggest crowds.

To avoid this, go in October or November instead. Better yet, December is one of the quietest times to explore (and you’ll see Christmas decorations too, how cute).

Consider other nighttime activities 

Amsterdam is known for its nightlife, but it doesn’t have to be rowdy. There are many ways to spend your nights, such as: 

• Attend a show: Consider a Candlelight Concert or book a ticket for the Dutch National Opera. 
• Hit up the best cocktail bars: My personal fave is Pulitzer’s Bar, but there are lots of amazing cocktail bars in Amsterdam.
• Go on a late-night museum crawl: Some museums (such as Anne Franks House, NXT Museum and Moco Museum) offer late-night opening hours on certain days of the week.
• Relax at a brown cafe: They’re the perfect place to rest your feet after a long day.
• Visit a brewery: Brouwerij ‘t IJ is the best in town!
• Enjoy some live music: Venues like Paradiso hold regular gigs from both local and international artists. 

Stay outside of the city centre 

During peak times, staying outside of the city centre is key for saving money on accommodation in Amsterdam. Not only that, but it’ll help you skip the crowds too. 

You could also stay in a different city altogether. In the past, I’ve opted to stay in Haarlem during tulip season and managed to save hundreds. It won’t always be the case, but it’s worth looking into.

Plus, the queue for the bus to Keukenhof tulip garden was much shorter in comparison to when I got it from Amsterdam. This made the trip easier as we spent less time waiting around. It’s a win-win! 

Conclusion 

So, is Amsterdam sick of tourists? Not at all – only the ones who treat the city like party central. If you’re a mindful traveller hoping to experience its true charm, visit the wider regions and get off the beaten path, you’re the type of person they’ll welcome back again and again. 

Fancy escaping the crowds? Check out this guide on the best weekend trips from Amsterdam for some inspiration.

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