Amsterdam is Europe’s eighth most popular tourist destination, and it is not hard to see why. Between the beautiful sites, the long history, and the canals, Amsterdam has remained in the top 100 tourist sites even as other equally popular sites drop from the list due to overcrowding. And while most tourists will be walking around or taking the public transport route, some choose to drive.
Driving in Amsterdam is its own experience. And while you may have already guessed that everyone keeps right, there are many more road signs to learn and different unspoken rules to know. If you’re planning on driving during your next trip to Amsterdam, read on for a list of tips to keep in mind before you hit the road.
Get an International Driver’s Permit
This, in combination with your valid state driver’s license, is what the Netherlands prefers tourists on roadways to have, though it is not required like in other countries. An international driver’s permit (IDP) is valid in 150 countries, contains all of your identifying info from your driver’s license, and translates into ten languages.
Because an IDP functions as an official ID, it’s recommended you get one even if you do not plan to drive in Amsterdam. Travelers can apply for an official IDP through any AAA office. All you need to do to get started is complete the application and provide the following:
Submit two passport pictures (pictures can be taken from a local participating USPS or a retail photo center)
Valid US driver’s license
$20 permit fee
Note: The IDP you apply for must be from the country you are a citizen of. So, if you are a US citizen wanting to travel to Amsterdam, you will need to apply for an IDP in the US only.
IDPs usually last for an entire year, so if you’re covered if you plan on driving in other countries as well.
Never Drive Without a Passport
This is especially important if you do not have an active IDP on hand as a form of ID. Your passport is essential for traveling to and from Amsterdam, but you should also keep it with you at all times if you plan on driving as well.
This is because if you happen to be pulled over by police officers, ticket inspectors, or special enforcement offers like forest wardens, you’ll be able to provide suitable identification. Otherwise, you may be detained so officials can confirm your identity and travel plans and then fined for being without an ID.
Make Sure You Have Insurance
Check with your current car insurance company to see if you’re covered when traveling, and do the same with your health insurance in case of an accident. If either of your insurances does not cover you abroad, you will need to purchase both emergency health insurance and, at minimum, third-party driver’s insurance in the Netherlands.
If you plan on renting a vehicle to drive in Amsterdam, you will want to check with the rental company to see if rental insurance will cover you. You also have the option of enrolling in travel insurance as well, which, depending on the policy, may or may not cover your rental—although some comprehensive plans offer an add-on option so you can have your vehicle covered.
Keep Information About Your Rental Car Agency
Keep all of the paperwork you received from your rental car agency, either on your person or in a compartment in your vehicle; it should have information such as your rental insurance, an emergency phone number if you have an accident, and other critical information.
This would also be an excellent place to write down a list of emergency contacts as well as info about where you are lodging in case of an accident or other emergency.
Learn to Recognize Different Road Signs
Dutch roads are very monitored, and there is a litany of signs that tell the drivers different things about the road ahead and include signs for when things end. Ensure that you’re familiar with these road signs before you hit the road, especially if you’re new to driving in a European country.
Warning signs in Amsterdam will be red or yellow, while blue signs will either provide information or directions you must follow.
Understand Dutch Roadway Laws
To be a well-informed driver—and avoid getting into trouble with local police—it is also recommended that you become familiar with roadway laws in the Netherlands. The following are some key rules and laws you should remember as you travel:
Speed limits – In Amsterdam, the speed limit is generally 30 km/hr for residential areas, 50 km/hr in the city, and 100-120 km/hr on highways.
Do not speed – Speeding fines can be up to £600, or $823.70. You can be arrested if you are far enough over the limit.
Do not drive too slowly – Driving too slowly can create a dangerous traffic situation. It’s better to stick with the flow of traffic, despite the fact that bicycles are hugely popular and foreign drivers may be uncomfortable and drive slower because of them.
Keep right while driving – Much like America, the Dutch drive and cruise on the right, which is taken very seriously. Never stay in the left lane for longer than it takes to pass a car, even if you are traveling at the speed limit.
Never pass on the right unless the markings on the road indicate otherwise – This is seen typically by exit ramps, where cars will be slowing down in the left lane to get off the freeway and speeding up in the right to get on.
Do not assume right-of-way – There are many pedestrians and bikers in Amsterdam, and stop signs are typically only used when a smaller road intersects a larger one, and often the sign is a yield.
Mind the cyclists – Netherlands law states that cyclists should use the main roadways in the absence of bike or motorcycle lanes. Because of that, you might get stuck behind a few cyclists, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Trikes or bikes with a load wider than .75 meters can decide to use the roadway instead of the bike lanes as well.
Mind the pedestrians – According to the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, “Pedestrians may use the public carriageway if they form a column or if they are taking part in a march or a funeral procession.”
Do not drive aggressively – Traffic laws are heavily enforced in Amsterdam, and “it is an offence for any road user to act in such manner as to cause a hazard…on the public highway or to obstruct road users in any way” (Source: Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment).
Conclusion
Amsterdam is a great place to be, and while the city does not necessarily lend itself to vehicular travel, it does an excellent job of making sure those in cars are protected and fair to others around them. So, call your insurance agency, make an appointment with AAA, and get ready to visit Amsterdam!
When all is said in done, Amsterdam is an enchanting, laid-back city. In the event that you choose to drive in the city, set aside some effort to become familiar with the guidelines of the street and educate yourself about stopping alternatives before you get in the driver’s seat.
Is it easy to drive in Amsterdam? Driving a vehicle through its wonderful downtown area can be unpleasant for even the most experienced driver because of the restricted roads, the volume of traffic and public vehicle, and the predominance of cyclists.Be patient and on guard.
Driving through Amsterdam and the magnificent roads of the Dutch countryside is really interesting: you pass in front of skyscrapers of modern and avant-garde architecture, near buildings of the 700, and walking only a few kilometers you can admire pastoral landscapes where rivers and lakes mix windmills and endless fields of blooming tulips.
The autonomy and independence that a rental car gives in these parts are really fundamental, being able to stop at every corner to take beautiful photos, reflect on truly unusual and exciting landscapes and undertake the most popular excursions, such as those to discover Volendam, Marken or the Keukenhof park. Don’t miss the chance to discover the wonderful surrounding traditional villages such as Zunderdorp and Ransdorp.
Rules of the road
In the event that you will cruise all over Amsterdam, you should become more acquainted with the principles of the street. The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Environment distributes a brilliant free guide clarifying traffic signs and guidelines in the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, it’s significant that cable cars have the option to proceed with all things considered convergences. In the Netherlands (and Europe when all is said in done), traffic coming from the privilege at an intersection has the option to proceed naturally except if in any case showed.
Are cars allowed in Amsterdam?
Cars are allowed in the city center but the government is discouraging it more by the year. Overall, the city is being transformed into a more bike-friendly environment and parking fees are ridiculously getting higher by the year.
It’s likewise brimming with cyclists who consistently have the option to proceed. By and large, walkers stay on the trails and cyclists on bicycle ways yet now and then that is unrealistic. Continuously look out and recall: cyclists consistently have the option to proceed.
The different types of transport on the streets in Amsterdam can be very overwhelming for a rookie and most drivers won’t stand by quietly, so you’ll have to guarantee you comprehend the street administers prior to setting out on driving in the Netherlands. There are gas stations all through the city. However, you may battle to discover one in the downtown area.
Significant suppliers, for example, Texaco, BP, and Shell all have a presence in Amsterdam, and automated stations are getting more well known. These stations permit drivers to just utilize their charge or Mastercard subsequent to topping off.
Fuel costs in the Netherlands are costly for the most part, and you may find that Amsterdam is marginally more costly than other Dutch urban areas. The normal cost per liter for unleaded fuel in Amsterdam was €1.81 a liter – the costliest rate in Europe – while Diesel costs to some degree less, at €1.49.
Is it easy to park in Amsterdam?
Stopping in Amsterdam can be a test, with low accessibility and significant expenses in the downtown area. In light of this, you can hope to pay as much as € 7,50 for an hour. Ticket gadgets (parkeerautomaat) take coins and bank cards. In case you’re stopping for the time being, you could profit by fundamentally less expensive rates.
A decent option in contrast to leaving in Amsterdam’s downtown area is to leave your vehicle on one of the parking garages on the edges of the city. At that point utilize the excellent Amsterdam public vehicle to proceed with your visit.
These Park+Ride parts are situated close to the A10 ring are generally modest. There are seven of them and we show them on our devoted Park+Ride page. Anyway, they are not watched and the majority of them don’t have a fence. They are simply straightforward parking garages and leaving your vehicle there for a longer time may be risky.
Electric transport
Amsterdam is endeavoring to lead the path in electric vehicles. Just as the many electric charging focuses as of now introduced all through the city, there are appropriation plans for buying electric vehicles, and there is even an on-road electric vehicle rental plan worked via Car2Go.
On-Street Parking
On-road stopping is costly and spaces can be hard to track down, frequently expecting you to drive around and around for an hour just to find one. Search for the light blue box with the letter P in white which demonstrates a stopping meter. You should enter your license plate number into the meter, choose the time, and pay.
The advantage of leaving is that you will at this point don’t need to get back to your vehicle to put the ticket on the dashboard as your number plate currently fills in as your ‘receipt of installment’. The stopping reviewers can just scan your number plate to check if you have paid.
When the time you payed for is up your car will be towed away.
Traveling within Amsterdam by car
For those wishing to explore Amsterdam via vehicle, the main street to be acquainted with is the A10 ring street, which circles around the city. This street is crossed by 18 S-courses, each offering an immediate way into a different locale of the city. On the off chance that you know which S-course to utilize, your excursion is probably going to be considerably more basic.
Livable and accessible city
To keep up the tolerability and receptiveness in Amsterdam, the streets inside the ring road A10 are completely paid parking domains. The parking spaces in the midtown region are the most expensive since these spaces are the most inadequate. These costs can be genuinely huge, much the same as the fines if the standards are broken. Moreover, it’s simply not capable to drive inside central regions, as the flimsy streets are exorbitantly involved.
How to choose a rental car
You could save money by relying on so-called ‘low cost’ airlines, but on the other hand, they have less efficient customer service, which can be essential for some travelers and completely useless for others. In any case, the possibility of finding a rental car in Amsterdam that suits you is very high.
The smaller rental classes are practically perfect for young couples or for those who love to travel without too much luggage. They are very comfortable moving around the city and finding parking and obviously, they are the cheapest.
Families with small children or those who carry a lot of luggage even on vacation should opt for vehicle classes such as sedans and family cars, which at a higher cost allow great comfort and give the possibility to accommodate up to three large suitcases.
Finally, in winter, a trip to these regions can reserve surprises due to the very severe weather conditions: even if this should be the norm, it is always better to check that the rental you choose provides winter tires or snow chains.
Always wanted to see the Northern Lights? While in Amsterdam you may ask yourself if it is possible to see it from there.
Is it possible to see the Northern Lights in Amsterdam? Amsterdam is a beautiful city but unfortunately, it is impossible to see the Northern Lights from this city. The Northern Lights are not typically found in Amsterdam or elsewhere in the Netherlands. Occasionally, when there are strong sun-oriented storms, the Northern Lights can be evident over a much larger area than normal. In the event that this happens there may be an opportunity at that point that you can consider something as far south as Amsterdam however it is extremely rare. The last time we had the opportunity to see the Northern Lights was in 2015.
But there is much more in Amsterdam than trying to get a peak of the Norther Lights.
What are Northern Lights?
When a famous physicist specializing in the field of magnetohydrodynamics explains the Northern Lights to you, it is difficult to see the connection with these lights dancing so spontaneously and beautifully above your head. But this phenomenon can also be explained specifically: we have to thank the sun for everything, even the sunrise because in huge solar explosions and flares, large numbers of particles were launched from the sun into deep space. The areas of Northern Norway are considered the best in the world to see the Northern Lights. To be sure, the Northern Lights can also be seen elsewhere, not just in Norway.
But we can safely say that Northern Norway is certainly one of the most comfortable and interesting places to see the sunrise, given the wide variety of hotels and activities to stay and keep busy. The Northern Lights Belt touches northern Norway at the level of the Lofoten Islands (although in recent years it has increasingly appeared beyond Trøndelag, further south) and follows the entire coast to the North Cape and beyond. Anywhere in this area is perfect – you can see the same Northern Lights in Lofoten and Tromsø, 500 kilometers to the north, just from a different angle.
It’s important to remember that Aurora Borealis is a bit of a diva, and she’s the only one who decides when the time is right to start the show. Patience is a virtue, even when looking for the Northern Lights. But to have a better chance of a sighting, be aware that the Northern Lights are more frequent from late autumn and winter to early spring (September to late March), from 6 pm to 1 pm. However, the Northern Lights reach their peak when the weather is cold and dry, usually from December. Some say the driest climate and clearest skies are found inland, but that’s not always the case. With strong easterly winds, the coast can be clearer than in inland areas. Avoid a full moon, as it makes your vision noticeably paler.
Amsterdam capital of insubordination
Truly, yet in addition the city of Van Gogh and Anne Frank, plan, bikes that contribute a greater number of walkers than vehicles, tulips, huge global organizations and computerized new businesses, Heineken lager and Bruin espresso. It is a city where the vivid bloom markets are a bright antithesis to the grim notable structures of the middle, here and there somewhat dim and puzzling with their commonplace Northern European engineering, and to the renowned historical centers that draw in many guests from everywhere the world. world. Try not to consider it the Venice of the North: aside from the channels, an extremely dynamic port, which has consistently been one of the 10 most visited urban areas in Europe, Amsterdam shares nothing for all intents and purpose with the previous capital of the Serenissima. Amsterdam’s character is one of a kind and unquestionable, beginning with metropolitan arranging: a spiral base based on an exceptionally productive channel framework. During your days off in Amsterdam you can enjoy an exceptional air, dynamic yet never energized, free and innovative, yet in addition cosy and relieving. Enter and peruse the task shops, appreciate a lager at Café Bruin (the commonplace Dutch bar), enjoy the experience of espresso and walk gradually along the noteworthy waterways.
Amsterdam on stilts?
When you walk the streets of Amsterdam for the first time, think that this city was built entirely on stilts! Amsterdam, if you think about it, is a city that shouldn’t even exist: the place it is in has been pulled out of a puddle, dried and forged over the centuries with tenacity and patience. The origins of the Dutch capital (although the government and courts reside in The Hague) can be traced back to 1200 when a fishing community called Aemstelredamme gathered at the place where Dam Square is located. This name means. The Amstel River “. Seventy-five years later, on October 27, 1275, the Dutch count officially recognized the city.
The last will exclude occupants from paying costs for intersection Dutch scaffolds and bolts, making way for a prosperous business future. From the removed period of anglers and mariners, Amsterdam has consistently been an incredible port. There are numerous spots to find in Amsterdam!
In the mid-1960s it turned into the “enchantment port” of Europe. After the episode of the nonconformist development, flower vendors stayed in bed camping cots in Vondelpark and tried different things with new ideas of opportunity and social restrictions. As a port, Amsterdam has consistently been a spot open to outside impacts and contamination from the race, legislative issues, religion and customs. Over the long run, this city has gotten known as the most customary city in Europe. We have seen the one of a kind qualities of Amsterdam, including more subtle ones like resilience and innovativeness. The words that ring a bell while portraying the city are waterway, bike, receptive outlook, Rembrandt and Spinoza, Anne Frank, Dam Square, Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, just to give some examples.
Unique and open-minded. These are the descriptive words that best clarify the spirit of Amsterdam, a city that realizes how generally will be old and present-day, aesthetic and business, commonplace and cosmopolitan simultaneously. As indicated by many, the mystery lies in the Protestant culture of vendors and mariners, which enhanced the city from the center of the sixteenth century to the next century and made it the focal point of all exchange between the North Seas, India and America. Be that as it may, singular flourishing was and is simply significant whenever made accessible to the local area.
But what else can you see in Amsterdam?
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum (National Museum) is the principal Dutch exhibition hall and is situated on Museumplein (Museum Square), an excellent and all around kept square park that likewise incorporates the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum, a gallery of current and contemporary Dutch craftsmanship. The Rijksmuseum, then again, houses the most extravagant assortment of compositions from the purported “Brilliant Age”, from the seventeenth century, when Holland extended economically and provincially. The most well-known work of everything is without a doubt “Rembrandt’s Night Watch” (1606 – 1669), a canvas that numerous pundits saw as a defining moment in the Dutch craftsman’s life, set apart by an energetic achievement and, despite what might be expected. , an inexorably risky development for the wretchedness of late years. Notwithstanding Rembrandt, the gallery displays a few works by Vermeer (1632 – 1675), including the celebrated “Milkmaid” and “Lady dressed in Blue”. It’s not finished at this point, as the Research Library of the Rijksmuseum, the most exhaustive public workmanship history library in the Netherlands, is likewise worth a visit.
Van Gogh Museum
For many, the Van Gogh Museum is enough to choose to visit Amsterdam. A museum born thanks to the availability of the heirs, who in 1963 donated to the city more than 200 paintings and 500 sketches made by the artist during the years of intense activity in Holland, Belgium and France. In 1973, ten years after the donation, the homonymous museum lives, which in addition to some of the most famous works by Vincent van Gogh (to name a few, The Potato Eaters, The Sunflowers, The Wheatfield with Crows) also paintings by Monet, Gaugin, Toulouse -Lautrec and other contemporary artists of the genius of Zundert. The Van Gogh Museum has undergone several restorations and modifications over the years. The last, in 2015, with the replacement of the main entrance, now accessible directly from Museumplein.
The Stedelijk Museum
The Stedelijk Museum, the main Dutch historical center of current and contemporary craftsmanship, is found right close to the Van Gogh Museum and, similar to the last mentioned, has gone through a few rebuilding efforts over the long run. The last, in 2012 with the development of the cutting edge current structure whose exterior was made with a different manufactured material normally utilized in maritime and air designing. Transitory presentations are introduced in the advanced piece of the gallery, while in the old structure there is a perpetual assortment comprising of works by Manet, Mondrian, Appel, Chagall, Picasso and others. An assortment that traverses over a hundred years of history, from 1850 to now, it is intriguing to see a total outline of the Museumplein.
Certain cities of the world manage to capture the attention of tourists more than others. Amsterdam is one of them and it manages to gather an impressive number of tourists every year as a “Sin City”.
Why is Amsterdam called Sin City? Keeping in mind that the name Sin City originated in Las Vegas because of the high level of gambling, organized crime, prostitution and such. Amsterdam among others is popular for its Red Light District and the fact that Cannabis is legalized with boundaries.
The truth is that you can find quite a few amazing cities on the old continent, decorated with historic buildings, narrow rock-paved streets, and with a rich cultural background. However, Amsterdam attracts tourists in a very different manner. Called “Sin City” as well, this city offers a couple of features that can’t be found anywhere else. So, if you’re looking for an interesting and exciting city break, Amsterdam deserves to be on your list.
Why do they call it Sin City?
Reading the name is self-explanatory. A city of sin, an area or city where boundaries can be pushed or illegal activities are tolerated. Examples include gambling, prostitution and other sex-related services, drug use, organized crime, and gang activity.
Why is Amsterdam Famous?
A city that beats its popular nickname
If you’re attracted to visiting Amsterdam because it is a “sin city”, think twice, as this town has much more to offer than an open door to pleasure. It is an old European city that is packed with history and culture. It is an art center with several museums that are worth to be mentioned and visited. It is simply amazing to be there because this city has something to offer to every type of tourist that decides to visit it.
So, don’t see Amsterdam as a vulgar city, where everything is allowed. On the contrary, you will conclude that people over here are very welcoming, warm, friendly, and courteous. They are extremely tolerant and ready to embrace visitors regardless of their background culture. In other words, you will not just have a great time in Amsterdam, but you will also feel amazing and will give yourself the chance to live unique experiences.
A free and relaxed city
As soon as you arrive in Amsterdam, you will immediately notice just how relaxed and laidback everybody is. In fact, things are so permissive in Amsterdam that smoking is allowed even in indoor spaces. So, if you’re a smoker and weren’t allowed to smoke in enclosed spaces, this will no longer be an impediment in Amsterdam. Here, you can forget all about your worries and enjoy everything you want.
Due to the fact that, compared to other cities, Amsterdam decided to adopt a more liberal attitude toward smoking and products destined to smokers. It’s not like the city encourages the use and abuse of substances, but is more relaxed when it comes to other types of experiences as well and gives people the chance to judge what’s good and what’s bad.
So, if you want to enjoy a vacation where restrictions don’t exist or wish to enjoy things that are illegal in most parts of the world, Amsterdam can provide such experiences.
The rich culture and easy-going attitude
One of the best parts about visiting Amsterdam is that no one in the city will judge you for wishing to indulge in sinful behavior or try out less-moral activities. The inhabitants of this city are very relaxed and easy-going, being fully aware of why people choose to visit Amsterdam. Because Amsterdam itself has a rich cultural background, people here are accustomed to embracing diversity, cultural differences, and personal preferences, so you will certainly feel at home in Amsterdam.
You will never be judged based on how you look, how to talk, where you come from, and what you prefer doing in your spare time. And finding such a generous degree of freedom is very hard to find anywhere else.
While during the day the city is busy, it will truly come to life once the sun goes down. The evening is the moment when you can see the real colors of Amsterdam, as people of all kinds and ages, inhabitants and visitors, go out to enjoy the beauty and freedom of this urban center. Evenings are even busier during spring when the city is assaulted by tourists.
It is very easy to become part of the city and mingle with the locals if you choose to visit a bar and grab a casual drink. The locals are very open-minded and you’ll make friends easily. The relaxed attitude we talked about earlier is everywhere you look and Amsterdam is known for not being afraid to do things in its specific manner.
The ideal place for creativity and art
Leaving behind the tolerance and rich nightlife of Amsterdam, it is worth mentioning that this city has a very impressive artistic background. Here, art in all of its forms is encouraged, appreciated, and embraced. This can be easily seen in the high number of museums that can be visited in Amsterdam.
Without a doubt, this city loves its art traditions and will do everything it can to protect them. If you love art, you will be mind-blown in Amsterdam, as this is the place where you can enjoy, for real, the works of art of the most popular and appreciate artists in the world. So, when you’re in Amsterdam, make sure to visit the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Stedelijk Museum at least. You will not feel sorry for doing so. And in case you’re passionate about history, the Anne Frank House is the kind of museum that will quench your thirst.
If you’re lucky enough, you could even participate in art exhibitions during your stay in Amsterdam because many events of this kind are organized in this city. Some of them are extremely interesting, as they show sides less known of world-renowned artists, so it is definitely the kind of experience to look after. You can even come across artists in the city since many contemporary artists come to Amsterdam in search of inspiration. This city is known for depositing great efforts in preserving its artworks, artifacts, and historical vestiges, so no wonder it is so appreciated by artists and art enthusiasts alike.
Sin City is not the best nickname for Amsterdam
While it is true that the Red District exists in Amsterdam and that there’s a higher level of freedom, even when it comes to the darker side of life, Amsterdam is not a real “sin city”. In the opinion of people living in Amsterdam, the city is not about sins and living in disgrace, but a more practical and realistic life. Prostitution, drugs, and alcohol are not being hidden, as it happens in most cities of the world. They are unveiled and highly visible, and no one is ashamed of them.
The intriguing decision of making all these legal has nothing to do with the desire to give people the ultimate freedom but to regulate. Is the acknowledgment that making them illegal and forbidden will not help anyone, as there are always ways to go round the law. In Amsterdam, local authorities are fully aware of the fact that forbidden things will always be attractive to people. Thus, to avoid excesses and crimes of various kinds, the decision to make them legal seemed a much better option.
So, you will be amazed just how well is everything organized and systemized. Despite the fact that what is considered a sin by others is seen as normal activities in Amsterdam, you will not see people behaving wildly or wreak havoc in the city. In other words, it is possible to enjoy everything you want, but the game has rules and it is in the benefit of everyone to respect the rules. This is why even the Red Light District is safe to walk around, not worrying about a thing. Even young people can have a tour around it, not worrying that something bad will happen. There’s a high degree of civilization in this city, as every citizen will respect the privacy of the others, not bothering or interrupting unless you show clear signs of interest. Thus, you don’t have to worry about being assaulted by all kinds of people if you wish to visit the famous District. It will be as relaxing and safe as walking through the park.
All of this is possible because sex is not considered taboo in Amsterdam. If other cities don’t like treating this subject publicly, in Amsterdam it is seen as a normal and natural part of life. So, it is better to say that Amsterdam is a free city, rather than calling it a sin city. People here are not encouraged to sin or indulge in negative behaviors but are more allowed to take decisions into their own hands and live life as they wish to.
An amazing city to visit
Amsterdam is a city where people are allowed to indulge in their pleasures, regardless of their type, while still showing a high level of respect and tolerance to others. Thus, you will not be bullied, disrespected, judged, or offended in this city. These people are open-minded and more than ready to accept people of all kinds. Also, let us not forget the rich historical heritage of this city and the incredible art scene available here. Name the “Sin City” mostly by outsiders, Amsterdam is a capital city with very many things to offer. So, while it is recommended to take a bite of its freedom, bear in mind that Amsterdam can generate incredible experiences that go beyond the Red Light District and colourful coffee shops and bars. Amsterdam can open doors toward a unique culture and perspective over life, which makes it worthy to explore every side of it.
Frequently asked questions
Are drugs legal in Amsterdam?
Not al drugs is legal in Amsterdam. And if it is legalized it concerns softdrugs and are their boundaries for possessing or using them. Hard drugs is completely prohibited.
There is an exception for people older than 18 years if they have a small amount of soft drugs strictly for own use and not for selling. Only coffeeshops may sell softdrugs to a person once a day, max 5 grams
Amsterdam in general is a very safe place and tourist friendly. For your safety, like everywhere in the world you should always take precautions for not becoming a target for example pickpockets.
When travelling to Amsterdam you might want to know what the time zone is over there. Imagine arriving in Amsterdam with a jetlag and losing valuable time to enjoy the city to it’s fullest.
Amsterdam Time is in the Central European Time Zone. Central European Standard Time (CET) is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1). In the summertime is shifted forward by 1 hour, 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). After the Summer months, the time in Amsterdam Time is shifted back by 1 hour to Central European Time (CET) or (GMT+1).
The answer above sounds technical but I promise I will break it down in this article. So stick around!
What is a time zone?
A time zone is an area on earth where time is the same. These time zones are originated after centuries of perfection in measuring time. Especially with the development of the train rail, the need arose for a generalized time.
The time in an area is referred to as UTC (Universal Time Coordinated). UTC is the standard time since 1972 based on an atomic clock and coordinated with the rotation of the earth. In the military sphere, UTC is often called “Zulu time”.
UTC is almost the same as GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) which includes the United Kingdom. Originally the GMT was the mean solar time on the longitude of the Royal Observatory Greenwich, a hilltop observatory in the London borough of Greenwich.
The earth rotates around its axis in 24 hours. If the earth is divided into 24 zones, theoretical every time zone consists of one hour and is 15° wide (360°/24). This theory is only used on the open sea in international waters (also called nautical time or sea time).
In reality, there are more than 24 time zones. Worldwide there are 40 different time zones being used. In practice time zones often follow national borders and countries use the time zone of a major neighbouring country as a starting point for practical reasons.
What are all the different time zones in the world?
Below a list of all time zones. Countries with a * use a periodic summertime
UTC – 12:00
Baker | Howland
UTC – 11:00
American Samoa | Niue | Jarvis Island | Kingman Reef | Midway Atoll | Palmyra
UTC – 10:00 (HST – Hawaiian Standard Time)
Cook Islands | Tahiti | Hawaii | Johnston Atoll
UTC – 9:30
Marquesas Islands
UTC – 9:00 (AKST – Alaska Standard Time)
Alaska* | Gambier Islands
UTC – 8:00 (PST – Pacific Standard Time)
Canada (British Colombia*, Yukon*) | Mexico (Baja California*) | United States (California*, Idaho (north), Nevada*, Oregon*, Washington*) | Pitcairn Islands | Clipperton Island
UTC – 7:00 (MST – Mountain Standard Time)
Canada (Alberta*, Northwest Territories*, Nunavut Mountain *) | Mexico (Chihuahua*, Sinaloa*, Sonora*, Nayarit (part)*, Baja California Sur*) | United States (Arizona (most)*, Colorado*, Idaho (South)*, Montana*, Nebraska (West)*, New Mexico*), North Dakota (West)*, South Dakota (West)*, Utah*, Wyoming*)
UTC – 6:00 (CST – Central Standard Time)
Belize | Canada (Manitoba*, Nunavut (Southampton Island)*, Ontario (Western)*, Saskatchewan) | Costa Rica | Ecuador (Galapagos Islands) | El Salvador | Guatemala | Honduras | Chile (Easter Island) | Mexico (most)* | Nicaragua | United States (Alabama*, Arkansas*, Florida (west of panhandle)*, Illinois*, Iowa*, Kansas*, Kentucky (west)*, Louisiana*, Minnesota*, Mississippi*, Missouri*, Nebraska (East)*, North Dakota (East)*, Oklahoma*, South Dakota (East)*, Tennessee (West)*, Texas*, Wisconsin*)
UTC – 5:00 (EST – Eastern Standard Time)
Bahama’s* | Brazil (Acre) | Canada (Nunavut (East)*, Ontario*, Quebec*) | Cayman Islands | Colombia | Cuba* | Ecuador | Haiti* | Jamaica | Panama | Peru | Turks and Caicos Islands* | United States (Connecticut*, Delaware*, District of Colombia*, Florida (most)*, Georgia*, Indiana, Kentucky (east)*, Maine*, Maryland*, Massachusetts*, Michigan*, New Hampshire*, New Jersey*, New York*, North Carolina*, Ohio*, Pennsylvania*, Rhode Island*, South Carolina*, Tennessee (east)*, Vermont*, Virginia*, West Virginia*)
UTC – 4:00 (AST – Atlantic Standard Time)
Anguilla | Antigua and Barbuda | Aruba | Barbados | Bermuda* | Bolivia | Brazil (Amazonas, Mato Grosso*, Mato Grosso do Sul*, Rondonia, Roraima) | British Virgin Islands | Canada (Labrador*, New Brunswick*, Nova Scotia*, Prins Edward Island*) | Caribbean Netherlands | Curacao | Dominica | Dominican Republic | Falkland Island | Grenada | Guadeloupe | Guyana | Martinique | Montserrat | Paraguay* | Puerto Rico | Saint Barthelemy | Saint Kitts and Nevis | Saint Lucia | Saint Martin | Sint Maarten | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Trinidad and Tobago | US Virgin Islands | Venezuela
UTC – 3:30
Canada (Newfoundland*)
UTC – 3:00
Argentina | Brazil (Alagoas, Amapa, Bahia, Ceara, Federal District*, Esperito Santo*, Goias*, Maranhao, Minas Gerais*, Para, Paraiba, Parana*, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro*, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio Grande do Sul*, Santa Catarina*, Sao Paulo*, Sergipe, Tocantins) | Chile | French Guyana | Greenland (most)* | Saint Pierrre and Miquelon* | Suriname | Uruguay*
UTC – 2:00
Brazil (Fernando de Noronha)
UTC – 1:00
Cape Verde| Greenland (Ittoqqortoormiit) | Portugal (Azores*)
UTC / GMT (WET – West European Time)
Burkina Faso | Faroe islands* | Gambia | Ghana | Guinea | Guinea-Bissau | Iceland | Ireland* | Ivory Coast | Liberia | Mali | Mauritania | Portugal* | Saint Helena | Senegal | Sierra Leone | Spain (Canary Islands)* | Sao Tome and Principe | Togo
Bahrain | Belarus |Comoros | Djibouti | Eritrea | Ethiopia | French Southern and Antarctic Lands (Scattered Islands, Bassas da India, Europa Island and Juan de Nova Island) | Iraq | Jemen | Jordania | Kenya | Kuwait | Madagascar | Mayotte | Qatar | Russia (Zone 2- Moscow Time s.a. Moscow, St Petersburg)) | Saudi Arabia | Somalia | Tanzania | Turkey | Uganda | Yemen
UTC + 3:30
Iran*
UTC + 4:00
Armenia | French Southern and Antarctic Lands (Crozet Islands, Scattered Islands, Glorioso Islands, Tromelin Island) | Georgia | Mauritius | Oman | Oman | Reunion | Russia (Zone 3) | Seychelles | United Arab Emirates
UTC + 4:30
Afghanistan
UTC + 5:00
Azerbaijan* | French Southern and Antarctic Lands (Kerguelen Islands, St. Paul, Amsterdam Islands) | Heard Islands and McDonald Islands | Kazakhstan (west) | Maldives | Pakistan | Russia (Zone 4 – Ys.a. Ekaterinburg, Perm) | Tajikistan | Turkmenistan | Uzbekistan
UTC + 5:30(IST – Indian Standard Time)
India | Sri Lanka
UTC + 5:45
Nepal
UTC + 6:00
Bangladesh | Bhutan | Kazakhstan (East) | Kyrgyzstan | Russia (Zone 5 – s.a. Novosibirsk, Omsk )
UTC + 6:30
Cocos Islands | Myanmar
UTC +7:00
Australia (Christmas Island) | Cambodia |Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan) | Laos | Russia (Zone 6 – s.a. Krasnojark) | Thailand | Vietnam
UTC + 8:00(AWST – Australian Western Standard Time)
Australia (Western Australia) | Brunei | China | Hong Kong | Indonesia (Central)| Macau | Malaysia | Mongolia | Philippines Russia (Zone 7 – s.a. Irkutsk) | Singapore | Taiwan
UTC + 8:45
Australia (Eucla)
UTC + 9
Indonesia (Maluku, Papua) | Japan | North Korea | Palau | Russia (Zone 8 – s.a. Yakutsk) | South Korea | Timor-Leste
UTC + 9:30 (ACST – Australian Central Standard Time)
Australia (Northern Territory, South Australia)
UTC + 10:00(AEST – Australian Eastern Standard Time)
Australia (Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland Tasmania, Victoria) | Guam | Micronesia (Yap, Chuuk) | Northern Mariana Islands | Papua New Guinea | Russia (Zone 9 – s.a. Vladivostok)
UTC + 10:30
Australia (Lord Howe Island)
UTC + 11:00
Micronesia (Kosrae, Pohnpei) | New Caledonia | Norfolk Island | Russia (Zone 10 – s.a. Magadan, Petropavlovsk-Kamtsjatski) | Solomon Islands | Vanuatu
UTC + 12:00
Fiji* | Kiribati (Gilbert Islands) | Marshall Islands | Nauru | New Zealand* | Russia (Zone 11 – s.a. Kamchatka) | Tuvalu | Wake Island | Wallis and Futuna
The day on earth officially starts on the Line Islands in Kiribati which is 14 hours ahead of UTC (UTC + 14:00). Another fact is that 26 hours later (UTC – 12:00) the day starts at Howland and baker and also ends 24 hours later. Two consequents are:
A date remains somewhere on earth for 50 hours
Between 10:00 and 12:00 UTC, there are three different sets of data
Is Amsterdam CET time zone?
CET (Central European Time) is used in most parts of Europe. Amsterdam observes CET as standard time which is one hour ahead of UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), UTC+1:00. When days are getting longer and nights shorter during the summer, CEST (Central European Summer Time) is being observed. Time is then shifted forward by one hour.
What time zone is Amsterdam in GMT?
In comparison with CET, Amsterdam is one hour ahead in GMT (GMT+1:00)
What time zone does the Netherlands use?
The Netherlands uses the CET (Central European Time) which is used in most parts of Europe and a few North African countries. When days are getting longer and nights shorter during the summer, CEST (Central European Summer Time) is being observed. Time is then shifted forward by one hour.
Is Amsterdam same time as the UK?
Considering that Amsterdam (the Netherlands) and the UK are in different time zones, the Netherlands is one hour ahead of the UK
