Europe, Netherlands

16 Common Tourist Mistakes in the Netherlands

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Last Updated on March 8, 2025 by Lauren Allen

Heading to the Netherlands? Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned visitor like me, there are some things to keep in mind.

As someone who spends a lot of time there, I’ve seen countless tourists make the same mistakes. In fact, I made many of them myself on my first trip in 2015.

Some could cost you time or money. Others could leave you injured. From accidentally strolling through the bike lanes to getting overcharged on public transport, it can all be avoided.

By learning what not to do, you can create everlasting memories without embarrassing stories. You’ll blend in better, skip awkward situations and experience the country like a local. These tips will help you travel smarter and make the most of your time!

Lauren (the owner of this blog) walking around the streets of Amsterdam. She is standing in front of a bike and you can see a view of the Rijksmuseum in the far distance. — Amsterdam

Windmill views in Kinderdijk on a sunny day with blight blue skies and lillies in the water. — Amsterdam

Mistakes that tourists make in the Netherlands

Here’s what not to do in the Netherlands…

1. Only visiting Amsterdam

This is the biggest mistake that I see tourists make in the Netherlands. By only visiting Amsterdam, you don’t get a true representation of the country. Trust me, there is so much more to see beyond the capital city!

For example, you could learn more about Dutch culture in Zaanse Schans, admire the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk or go on a day trip to Rotterdam. Alternatively, get off the beaten path in places like Monnickendam and Broek in Waterland.

The point is, you could easily spend weeks there and not get bored. At the time of writing, I’ve been eleven times, with some trips lasting several weeks. Despite that, there are still things I haven’t done. I’d love to wander the car-less streets of Geithoorn and release my inner child at Efteling, but they’re yet to be ticked off my bucket list.

If you can, I recommend spending at least a few days in Amsterdam. This gives you enough time to see other nearby destinations.

Traditional Dutch green wooden buildings surrounded by flowers, bushes and trees in Zaanse Schans. — Zaanse Schans

Views of a windmill exterior from inside another windmill in Kinderdijk. The window is decorated with net curtains that have hearts on them. — Zaanse Schans

Lauren sat on some stairs admiring the cube houses on a day trip to Rotterdam. — Admiring the Cube Houses in Rotterdam

Views of Monnickendam Harbour and Museum de Speeltoren during sunset. — Admiring the Cube Houses in Rotterdam

2. Skipping hidden gems in favour of the main hotspots

Likewise, most people only visit the main hotspots. In Amsterdam, thousands of tourists head to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House each day. While they’re well worth seeing, they’re usually quite crowded.

By visiting lesser-known museums, you can learn more about Amsterdam’s rich past. I recommend places like the Houseboat Museum, Amsterdam City Archives and Museum Van Loon.

Outside of the capital, there are lots more attractions to add to your Netherlands bucket list. For instance, the Teylers Museum in Haarlem is the oldest in the country, and the Kunstmuseum in The Hague is a must-see for modern art lovers.

This guide shares 40+ unique things to do in Amsterdam.

The Houseboat Museum in Amsterdam after its renovation into a more retro style. The walls are covered in brightly coloured wallpaper and it has a modern yet mid-century style decor with pops of colour. In this photo, you can see an old orange telephone, some fake tulips in an orange vase and a book about De Jordaan. — The Teylers Museum, Haarlem

3. Not booking attractions and restaurants in advance

It’s fun to be spontaneous, but this may mean you’ll miss out on must-do activities. Top attractions like Keukenhof Gardens and Anne Frank House have timed tickets, and without these, you may be left disappointed.

As an example, Anne Frank House is almost always fully booked during peak seasons (spring and summer). Tickets are released every Tuesday at 10am EST for the following six weeks. This means you’ll need to book several weeks before your trip in order to secure a ticket.

Similarly, some restaurants are incredibly popular – especially in Amsterdam. Dutch restaurants like Moeders and The Pantry are often full.

Although pre-booking isn’t always required, it’s worth checking online as you plan your itinerary.

Delicious Dutch food displayed on a table at Restaurant 't Zwaantje. — Restaurant ‘t Zwaantje

4. Walking in the bike lanes

Whatever you do on your Netherlands adventure, please do not walk in the bike lanes. I’ve seen this happen time and time again, and it’s very frustrating for locals.

While it’s easily done if you’re not aware, take this as your warning! The country is very bike-friendly, meaning you’ll find cycling paths pretty much anywhere. Keep focused when you’re on your travels and make sure you’re walking on pavements.

Furthermore, always look where you’re going. Cyclists can come out of nowhere!

Bikes secured to the railings on a bridge in the city centre. You can see beautiful Dutch homes in the background which sit alongside the canal. — Amsterdam, Netherlands

5. Not preparing for unpredictable weather

Dutch weather is wildly unpredictable, even in summer. I visited in August two years ago and it rained almost every day for two weeks. However, I got much luckier last year when I was treated to glorious sunshine for the duration of my trip.

Basically, make sure you come prepared for all types of weather. Layers are your best friend! You should also pack a raincoat, umbrellas, sunglasses and whatever else you need to stay comfortable (and dry).

6. Wearing the wrong shoes

On that note, it’s important to wear good shoes. Whether you’re strolling through beautiful tulip fields or joining an informative walking tour, comfy shoes are a must. Trust me when I say that you’ll be doing a lot of walking. In fact, I typically walk between 20,000 and 30,000 steps a day.

Personally, UIN shoes are my go-to on European city breaks. Once you’ve worn them in, they’re super comfy for everyday wear and offer great foot support.

A woman wearing shoes from UIN with an abstract colourful pattern in blue, red, white, yellow and black. The woman is walking in a park amongst greenery and flowers. — UIN Travel Shoes

7. Not checking out on public transport

This one is easily done as it’s not common practice in most countries, but you should always check in and out using the same card on public transport. If you don’t, you’ll be charged for the full fare. This can lead to being overcharged by several euros.

Read my review of the Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket to find out if it’s worth buying.

8. Eating at tourist traps

Like any popular destination, the Netherlands has its fair share of tourist trap restaurants. They’re typically chains like the Hard Rock Cafe, on busy streets or near big landmarks.

For a more authentic experience, venture into quieter streets or ask a local for recommendations. Try classic Dutch dishes like bitterballen, stew and stamppot – they really are delicious!

Also, it’s worth noting that restaurants serve a wide range of cuisines from across the globe. Neighbourhoods like De Pijp in Amsterdam are a haven for foodies, but you’ll find great restaurants everywhere.

Dutch bitterballen and mustard sauce served at an autentic brown bar in Amsterdam with a red gingham paper napkin. — Tasty bitterballen

9. Expecting free tap water

Annoyingly, most restaurants in Amsterdam (and beyond) don’t serve free tap water. You’ll either have to go without, pay for a bottle or order a cocktail instead (what a shame).

However, the costs can really add up. If you’re on a budget, pack a reusable water bottle and fill it up at public water fountains.

10. Spending more than needed on activities

Tourists often end up overspending on attractions simply because they’re unaware of available offers.

If you love museums as much as I do, read my Iamsterdam City Card review. You’ll get free or discounted entry into 70+ attractions and plenty of other perks like a free canal cruise, freebies and 24-hour bike rental.

The Netherlands Museumkaart is also a fab option if you spend a lot of time in the country. It gives unlimited free entry to hundreds of museums. More money saved = more stroopwafels. Yum!

Lauren holding her Iamsterdam City Card in front of the Damrak dancing houses. — You can save money with an Iamsterdam City Card

11. Overspending on transportation

One huge mistake that tourists make in the Netherlands is overspending on transport. I’ve lost count of the number of complaints I’ve seen on Facebook groups about overpriced taxis from Schiphol Airport.

Honestly, this is mostly down to a lack of planning. Getting between the airport and central Amsterdam couldn’t be easier by train. Plus, it only costs about €6.20 depending on where you’re staying in the city.

The same can be said for other Dutch cities, too. Taxis and Ubers are usually quite pricey, so you’ll save a small fortune by opting for public transport.

And, because the country is so well connected by bus and train, there’s often no need to rent a car either. I’ve personally travelled extensively around the Netherlands as a non-driver and had no issues at all.

If you’re spending a lot of time in Amsterdam and the wider regions, the Amsterdam and Region Travel Ticket could save you some cash. You can use it to explore the likes of Muiderslot Castle, Edam, Haarlem and many more.

Views overlooking the sea from Muiderslot Castle with lots of boats in the distance. — Muiderslot Castle

Lauren checking out the pretty views from the Kwakelbrug in Edam. She's wearing a blue and white floral dress with a yellow ribbon in her hair. — Muiderslot Castle

12. Not carrying any cash

For the most part, paying digitally or by card is completely fine. However, there are some instances where it’s handy to carry at least some cash.

Small shops or market stalls may not accept card payments, especially if it’s under a certain amount. Plus, cash can be handy when it comes to tipping for excellent service.

13. Thinking that coffee shops are cafes

In the Netherlands, a coffee shop is a place where you buy weed, not coffee. If you fancy a latte, look for cafes instead. Don’t be surprised if you head inside a coffee shop and they don’t sell flat whites. Take this as your warning!

The exterior of a coffee shop in Amsterdam Centrum. — A coffee shop in Amsterdam

14. Taking photos in the Red Light District

The Red Light District is a controversial yet famous part of Amsterdam that most tourists visit. Whatever you do, please don’t take photos of the workers. Not only can it get you in trouble, but it’s also highly disrespectful.

15. Visiting at the wrong time of year

Deciding on the best time to visit Amsterdam (and the rest of the Netherlands) all comes down to personal preference, but there are some things to keep in mind before you spend your hard-earned cash on plane tickets.

If you dream of seeing the tulip fields, don’t show up in December – they’ll be long gone. If you’re not a fan of big crowds and price hikes, avoid peak summer.

Ultimately, you just need to do a little research and pick the season that most suits you.

Lauren posing at Tulip Experience Amsterdam surrounded by colourful pink, yellow, orange and red tulips of different varieties. — The Tulip Experience, Lisse

Views of Molen De Valk in Leiden on a sunny day with two women cruising along the canal in a boat. — The Tulip Experience, Lisse

16. Booking accommodation in Amsterdam

If you do decide to visit at peak times, staying in Amsterdam can be costly. I experienced this myself while booking a tulip-focused getaway last spring. Hotels in the Dutch capital were way out of budget!

Instead, we booked a lovely hotel in Haarlem and saved hundreds in the process. Plus, it’s not that far from Amsterdam, and there was a direct bus that took us straight to Keukenhof from the train station.

If you’re in a similar position, you could also consider staying in Zaandam. The Inntel Hotel is known for its striking architecture, but it also boasts low-cost rooms compared to Amsterdam.

A woman holding a polaroid photo in front of the Inntel Hotel in Zaandam. The hotel is a very unique building that reminds many people of Lego blocks. It looks like a lot of green and blue Dutch buildings stacked on top of each other and it's one of the main reasons people visit the town. — Inntel Hotel, Zaandam

Final Thoughts

This incredible country has so much to offer. Now that you know the common tourist mistakes, you’re ready to explore the Netherlands like a pro!

With this expert guidance, you’ll have a much smoother and more enjoyable getaway. One that (hopefully) doesn’t involve dodging bikes, getting overcharged or accidentally walking into a coffee shop expecting a cappuccino.

Happy travels!

Staying in the capital? Read my top tips for visiting Amsterdam.

Lauren Allen

After experiencing her first solo adventure overseas soon after graduating from university, Lauren has discovered a love of solo travel. The countries she visits often fuel ideas for her art and design work, which along with travel tips and guides, she loves to share with other like-minded art and travel enthusiasts on this blog.

16 Common Tourist Mistakes in the Netherlands