Introduction
The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a thriving city famous for its canals and historic buildings and a rich multiculture. However is Amsterdam considered friendly to a visitor? This travel guide for Amsterdam will help shed some light on how friendly the people of Amsterdam are and give you tips on moving around the city as a tourist.
1. Friendliness and Recceptiveness
Residents of Amsterdam are reported to be friendly and hospitable to other people. The collective staff of the Dutch is friendly, liberal and commonly they have good command on English language that makes tourists comfortable to communicate with them. People are always ready to navigate and suggest something to travel and many citizens are ready to tell about their city.
2. Safety
A paramount consideration that tourists have, is safety. In general, crime rates in Amsterdam are relatively low, so if you start thinking about security and safety, there is no need to be too worried while still being more than cautious, as in any large city, particularly with pick pocketing. Be especially watchful over your property when in thoroughly crowded places and be careful of thefts, particularly in the visitor attraction areas like Dam Square and the actual red light district.
2.1 Public Transport and Bicycle Safety
Amsterdam has a very well developed network of public transport that is both comfortable and on time. Taxis, trams, buses and trains are safe to use and bicycle facilities in the city make cycling a safe and enjoyable way to travel. However, if a person intends to ride a bicycle, they should learn some of the traffic rules, biking lanes as well as signals. Share the road with other bikers, pedestrians and other car users to avoid stressing encounters.
2.2 Nighttime Safety
As with any city, the majority of crimes in Amsterdam occur at night, so when out on the town it is important to keep your wits about you. Only use well lit streets, if you are alone use public transportation or carry a group of friends, and do not get too drunk because that is an open invitation for someone to want to take you on. Avoid using unlicensed hacks and untested applications when going out at night.
3. Tolerance and Diversity
Amsterdam claims to be one of the most liberal cities in the world and was always treating diversity and tolerance as its main values. Amsterdam is among the best cities to be an LGBTQ+ person, people there enjoy fabulous events like Pride Amsterdam. No matter what your race, colour, creed or sexual orientation, most travellers find themselves easily accepted and appreciated in this multi-cultural metropolis.
4. Local Etiquette and Customs
You would have to read some tips on etiquettes and various other dos and donts within that city to have a great experience in this city of Amsterdam. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
While meeting people, they are orthogonal to touch; therefore shaking of hands is common among the Dutch.
It’s is a more liberal city, but guests should by all means respect its history and the relics it houses such as the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.
It should also be noted that loud sounds when living in a hotel are more preferable in the evening. Amsterdam has dwellers residing in the houses, and loud noise will definitely be a nuisance to the people.
If unsure or uncertain ask for consent before photographing people or their properties. Avoid intruding on other’s private spaces and invade their privacy.
Conclusion
Amsterdam is really friendly city and the inhabitants warmly welcome tourist coming from all over the world. The friendliness of the people, the policy of the city with regard to the acceptance of gay people and the overall concern of the city for the safety of its visitors make it ideal for first time travelers or travelers who are old hands. If you adhere to courtesy and use courtesy, you will remember and enjoy this unparalleled wonderful city.
