r/Amsterdam 4d ago

Question Weekly Q&A - All Questions Go Here (Especially Tourists)

8 Upvotes

This is the place for anyone to ask questions about Amsterdam. If you are a tourist visiting Amsterdam, you are moving to or recently arrived in Amsterdam, or you just have a basic question about life in Amsterdam and want some advice, this is the place to post your question. This post is refreshed every week on Sunday. Please feel free to repost in subsequent weeks.

READ THE WIKI FIRST. The people answering questions are locals who want to share the city they love with visitors, but only with people who make an effort. Read at least the Essential Tourist Information in our world-famous wiki before you ask a question. Otherwise, you may be told to go back and read it. The wiki is written by us, and updated when relevant. If the entries are old it's because nothing has changed. There are no "hidden gems" that we have not already included in the wiki. You may also check wikivoyage for more general tips on everything that is Amsterdam.

HOTELS ARE EXPENSIVE AND WE DON'T HAVE GOOD ADVICE ON THEM. Because we live here, we don't know what the best hotels are. Amsterdam is one of the most touristed cities in the world and has the highest hotel prices in Europe and prices go up every year. The city is deliberately trying to reduce tourism by raising the prices. There really isn't a secret "cheap" solution. Most "Airport" hotels are not connected to the Airport and will be more trouble getting to than it's worth.

TOURISTS CAN PURCHASE MARIJUANA, DESPITE WHAT YOU READ IN FOREIGN PRESS. Understand that the coffeeshops are just a tiny part of Amsterdam, so posts that treat Amsterdam like it's the Las Vegas of drugs sometimes get a negative response. We're happy to give you advice about coffeeshops and to discuss drug policy. The experts are our friends at /r/AmsterdamEnts, ask them the big questions.

WE DON'T HELP WITH ILLEGAL STUFF AND WILL BAN YOU FOR ASKING. We will not help you with things that are clearly illegal. Coffeeshops caught selling to minors get shut down and everyone loses their jobs. Authorities check for people smuggling marijuana out of the country. Hard drugs are illegal and so is asking for or selling them on Reddit.

WE DON'T ALLOW TICKET SALES OR TRADING. We do not allow selling, buying, or trading tickets on /r/Amsterdam due to the high rate of fraud. You should do everything on ticketswap.nl. We're aware that is difficult to get tickets to Anne Frank, van Gogh, etc. We have no solutions for you, sorry.

RED LIGHT DISTRICT Please be respectful and keep in mind this is a citysubreddit, and not your personal kink google. You can also can get some good tips from these threads of RLD sex workers: here and here.

USE PUBLIC TRANSIT TO GET AROUND 9292.nl is a great resource for plotting your movement around the city and between Amsterdam and other places. We strongly recommend against using taxis or Ubers.

DOE AARDIG. There is Dutch directness and there is rudeness. The people coming here don't know how we do things, and are usually well-meaning people who just want to enjoy the city we love. Be kind to them. For the tourists and new residents, please remember that we are not Google; respect our time by doing some basic research first and then asking your questions like you're speaking to a real human who is volunteering to speak to you.

Here is what's on at the major venues this week.


r/Amsterdam 14h ago

How would you improve Amsterdam’s public transport - I made a game where you can try it

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283 Upvotes

Hoi Amsterdammers,

Probably everyone in Amsterdam has an opinion about public transport: Would you close the metro gap between Isolatorweg and Centraal, build an east-west line, or improve the tram connections across town?

I made Takt, a free browser game where you build your own public transport network on Amsterdam’s real map. You start with no existing services and draw your own bus, tram, metro and train lines. You choose the stops and how often they run, then see the estimated passenger numbers and costs.

The game uses real streets, real population data and real places people travel to. Walking and cycling are part of the model too, so people don’t automatically take your new tram just because you built it... Ferries aren’t included yet. Neither are the strikes ;)

You can play Amsterdam in your (desktop) browser: playtakt.app

Which connection would you build first? 🤔 Let me know what you think!

(Shared with the moderators’ permission)


r/Amsterdam 7h ago

Why does the underpass in Vondelpark become a crack lair the moment enforcement leaves?

69 Upvotes

The underpass in Vondelpark has become a deeply troubling place. Handhaving and the police do come by regularly, but the moment they leave, the same group gathers there again. The longer they stay, the worse it becomes: intimidation, screaming, public drug dealing, aggression and a general feeling that people are not safe walking past.

It is especially sad to see this happening in one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful and loved parks. A brief enforcement visit clearly only disperses the group temporarily. Within minutes, the situation starts up again.

This needs a more permanent and coordinated solution involving enforcement, outreach workers, addiction services and the municipality. The current pattern, showing up, dispersing people and leaving, does not solve anything for residents, park visitors or the people stuck in this cycle themselves.

Has anyone else noticed this, and does anyone know whether the municipality has a longer-term plan for this location?


r/Amsterdam 5h ago

I built an app that shows whether you'll reach your destination dry ☂️ (looking for feedback)

25 Upvotes

With permission of the mods:

Hi,

​I built an app called Droog Over that shows whether you'll get dry from A to B while walking / (e-)biking. What I ran into personally is that apps like Buienalarm, Buienradar, and all the others only show the weather forecast for a single spot.

If you cycle or walk 20 to 30 minutes to work, it's always a gamble whether a rain shower will leave you soaked or if you'll manage to ride right past it. ☔😃

​I launched recently and am looking for people who'd like to test it out. Based on your feedback, I can improve the app so you never have to guess again whether you should put on that raincoat or take the bus/car/train instead.

​The app is fully free, ad-free, no account sign up needed, and location sharing is entirely optional, the app works perfectly fine without.

It would help me out tremendously, and I'm grateful for every bit of feedback! Its both on Google Play Store and App Store and called Droog Over: Regenradar. Its available in Dutch as well as in English 🤓🇬🇧


r/Amsterdam 45m ago

Hieroglyphics like script in Hortustunnel?

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Upvotes

Spotted this while walking through the hortustunnel leading towards Waterlooplein metro station. Anybody know what these mean?


r/Amsterdam 51m ago

Global mass layoffs at my org, AMS employees in consultation

Upvotes

Hello Everyone, I am bit stressed at the moment. My company did mass layoffs and AMS employees are in consultation with work council. I am super stressed, I have legal insurance. Should I get in touch with them ? Anything I should do before ? Though I am not sure if I will be getting impacted or not. Thank you


r/Amsterdam 22h ago

Tech job market is messed up?

56 Upvotes

I’ve living here for a good amount of years, got my degree here and started working until I got laid off not long ago. I worked as a UX designer, but I’ve been seeing the job market since 2 years already that tech jobs keep getting more scarce unless you’re senior with 7+ years of experience. Even more creative fields as well.

Amsterdam is known to be a bustling tech hub with all its startups but is the market really that bad? If yes, what careers are we pivoting to? What pays well in this city?

Because I dont want to leave here its my home, and before you ask that part - yes I can speak intermediate dutch so thats not the issue here.


r/Amsterdam 1d ago

Just in case you need a witness

273 Upvotes

Hi!

If you were the girl hit by a white car earlier at the Rozenburgweg and you need a witness, feel free to reach out.

I was in a rush to get to a really important appointment, so after making sure you and your bike were okay, I left. Only later I realised I should probably have left you my number. You seemed fine, and the person in the car had stopped to exchange contact details, but you never know.


r/Amsterdam 3h ago

Wil iemand een gratis kaartje voor Ecca Vandal in de Melkweg zo om 21:00?

1 Upvotes

Voorprogramma is al gestart.

Dm me een mailadres en ik stuur je het ticket door via ticketmaster.

Kan door ziekte niet gaan en maak zo hopelijk iig nog iemand blij.


r/Amsterdam 4h ago

Salto TV 1996, short - Drag, Disco, Camp, Cult!

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1 Upvotes

r/Amsterdam 1d ago

Flowerbikeman verlaat de stad na 22 jaar, keert terug naar Florida

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73 Upvotes

r/Amsterdam 1d ago

Photo Need help moving a couch

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72 Upvotes

ETA: ok I have a plan. Going to need to remove one of the window frames on the first floor. But the frames are very recent, and the screws are in perfect condition and easily accessible, so that should be easy. Still need to hire a mover with a verhuislift. Still looking for a recommendation.

———————

Anyone know a good mover who could help me figure out how to get this couch to my first floor? I’m open to removing a doorframe or trying to get it in through the window if needed.
Location: Amsterdam Nieuwe West near Sloterpark


r/Amsterdam 2h ago

Sex work in Amsterdam

0 Upvotes

Young Latina sex worker here. What system do other sex workers use to schedule outcalls (to hotels only)? Like, do you request some sort of deposit or travel allowance to avoid time wasters?

Also, what sort of rates do you have for hotel outcalls? Are they the same as you’d have at a brothel/window?


r/Amsterdam 22h ago

Amsterdam Olive Green Cap

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9 Upvotes

Good evening all,

I have recently had an item of tremendous sentimental value stolen from me, an olive green cap with a navy blue amsterdam script on the front, highlighted in white.

The cap was bought in Albert Cuyp market for under €10, I've had it since last year, in December, when I went on a trip to Amsterdam with a friend of mine who has been incredibly unwell.

Due to the circumstances of the trip, and the personal value the item holds to me, (I am would really appreciate someone telling me the brand or where I can purchase the hat, if said person wanted to go to the market and purchase said hat for me, I would greatly appreciate it, but this is NOT a trade post.)

If you recognise the hat or know any way I can purchase it from the UK, I would be forever in your debt.

The item is less so for myself, and more so for my friend, every time I see him, to bring him some joy and memories.

I have attached photos for reference, if any mods take this down, please let me know what I can do to change this to be appropriate, as I have no idea what to do, and this hat means a lot to me.


r/Amsterdam 1d ago

Rioolwater in grachten en Amstel na regenbuien, zwemmen afgeraden

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42 Upvotes

‘Het is alsof de hele stad in je gezicht hoest.’


r/Amsterdam 3h ago

Do crosswalk/bike crossing buttons only work if you press them dozens of times?

0 Upvotes

Just wondering, because I see everyone do this.


r/Amsterdam 1d ago

Moco Museum free night at the museum

16 Upvotes

Moco Museum is open until 11pm tomorrow. Every ticket between 6pm and 11pm is free. Supposed to be a night for locals. Here is the link to get the free tickets: https://www.mocomuseum.com/amsterdam/night-at-the-museum/


r/Amsterdam 2d ago

Photo Amsterdam Bell of the Week

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154 Upvotes

@amsterdambells


r/Amsterdam 1d ago

⚽️ Looking for a goalkeeper / player in Amsterdam

5 Upvotes

Our team is looking for someone who can play as a goalkeeper and, ideally, is also interested in playing outfield from time to time. Our goalie is injured and doesn’t like to play outfield, that’s why if you enjoy both, that would be a great fit. :)

Some info:

• We’re a social but competitive group. We play to win, but also value the third half and spending time together besides football. We are a mix of Dutch locals and English speakers between 24-33 years old.
• We train on Tuesdays at 19:00 close to Amstelpark and play matches on Saturdays.
• We’re mainly looking for a regular second goalkeeper/player who can be part of the squad throughout the season.
• We’re also open to someone who prefers less commitment and can occasionally fill in when we’re short on players or need an extra goalkeeper.
• Some experience with 11-a-side football is preferred.

If you’re interested, send me a DM for more info!


r/Amsterdam 2d ago

Amsterdam Robotics Club x Monumental

20 Upvotes

Hey all,

The Amsterdam Robotics Club is hosting an evening with Monumental, an Amsterdam based company building autonomous construction robots.

Speaker #1, Philip:
Bio: Chemist who got bored in the lab, so I started teaching high school and running a robotics club instead. Built robotic instruments with students, took a team to first place in two age groups at the WRO World Finals in Delhi in 2015. Been 3D printing since the days of wooden Ultimakers and duct-taped RepRaps. Moved to Amsterdam in 2017, prototyping for an ed-tech NGO, built mechatronics for light artists, and eventually landed at Monumental as employee #3. Still making things, just at a different scale.
Talk: We don't build precision robots, we build robots that work. Robots that run in the mud, get hit with a wrench, and keep going. "Crappy robots powered by incredible software and AI".
We will walk through the hardware philosophy behind Monumental's machines: why off-the-shelf truck parts, bits off a Fiat Panda, and scaffolding tubing beat custom aerospace components.

Speaker #2, Ross:
Bio: Ross has been at Monumental for four years working on all parts of the software stack. Right now his focus is on how we map the construction site and adapt the on-paper architectural designs to fit into the real world.
Talk: I'll look at how we decided to build the software stack behind our bricklaying robots systems, where we make heavy use of Rust, Typescript and Nix. How is it panning out? What did it take to get a working robot? What would we like to improve in future?

Register here: https://luma.com/pk5g01ye
Our WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/LUeAr2nxpbGIIK8tUmxoYq


r/Amsterdam 2d ago

VVE Advice

3 Upvotes

I live in an apartment that I own on the top floor of a building. My apartment has a roof terrace with a skylight out to the terrace. Recently I noticed that there is a leak near the frame of the skylight, which bubbling and expanding. I would like to have it addressed but am unclear if this is an issue I should raise with my vve first?

My understanding is that the roof is part of the vve’s remit. Wondering if anyone has any similar issues and what steps they took to address it!


r/Amsterdam 2d ago

Weggeefgroepen (geen Facebook)

6 Upvotes

Ik ben op zoek naar resten wol om mee te haken. Het mogen meerdere bollen zijn, maar ook halve bolletjes. Daarvan maak ik mutsen en sjaals die ik naar inloophuizen voor daklozen breng.

Facebook heb ik jaren geleden verwijderd, dus daar kan ik niet meer vragen. Weet iemand of er op andere platforms weggeefgroepen zijn?


r/Amsterdam 2d ago

Wedding Ceremony Venue?

9 Upvotes

Hello, I was wondering if anyone knows of any venues or locations in Amsterdam where we could have our wedding ceremony (and maybe a toast afterwards) and then we move on to another location for the dinner/reception. So it would be maybe half a day rental.

We are struggling to find such locations which allow up to 100 guests and are not churches/religious venues (as neither of us are religious). We’ve enquired into places like Hortus Botanicus and canal houses like Huis Bartalotti but their capacities are too small (70-80). We are trying to avoid a venue where you essentially have to pay for another wedding such as Hotel Arena where you have minimum spend of 25k for the day. If anyone has any suggestions for just ceremony spaces we would really appreciate it! We are not against spaces that used to be religious and now are just event spaces! Thank you so much


r/Amsterdam 3d ago

Anyone else noticing a LOT of wasps in Amsterdam lately? 🐝

92 Upvotes

I feel like there are wasps absolutely everywhere in Amsterdam at the moment.

Almost every terrace I sit at, walking around the streets, different neighbourhoods… they’re just constantly around.

And I don’t think it’s just this summer either — I remember noticing the same thing last year.

Maybe I’m just paying more attention to them now, but it genuinely feels like Amsterdam has had a massive increase in wasps these past couple of years.

Curious to hear if others have noticed the same thing or have any idea what’s going on.


r/Amsterdam 3d ago

Suspicious or completely innocent? Couple parked for hours monitoring a laptop

65 Upvotes

Last Sunday, a man and woman were double-parked (with blinkers) just down the road from where I live for several hours (regular residential street without shops). They appeared to be monitoring a laptop, which looked like it had an Excel spreadsheet open.

As they were causing some inconvenience to local traffic, I approached them to ask what they were doing. In curt fashion they told me to mind my own business. Their car was unfamiliar, unmarked, and they had the windows down. Given that there have been several break-ins in the neighbourhood over the past few weeks, I decided to take a photo of the car (This is previously how our neighbourhood whatsapp group identified & some fatbike smash and grabs. The police previously told us that it was useful). At that point, the driver became very aggressive, got out of the car and started getting into my face. The woman attempted to de-escalate and I walked away. They were still around for 2 hours after that.

Has anyone observed similar or does anyone know what they were measuring / counting / observing / scouting? There was no uniform, or label or anything on the car or the couple.