Amsterdam Essentials

The famous Vincent Van Gough Museum (on Museumplein, Paulus Potterstraat) holds more than 200 paintings and over 500 sketches. It is open daily from 10am to 6pm (closed 1 January) and open until 10pm on Friday. On weekends the queue gets long so it’s advisable to go on a less busy weekday. Entry is free for under 12s and audio tours are available.

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In general shops are open from 1pm to 6pm Mondays and 9 or 10am to 6pm from Tuesday to Friday. Late night shopping is on Thursday until 9pm. Shops close at 5pm on Saturdays with supermarkets staying open until 8 or 10 pm. City centre shops are open on Sundays. Amsterdam’s many markets generally open during shopping hours (closing slightly earlier at 4 or 5pm).

 

Pancakes (pannekoeken) and waffles are typical Dutch fare, with lots of different varieties to try. Stroopwafels are addictive thin waffle-cookies with syrup. Other than Heineken, Amstel, Brandt, Breda, Grolsch, Oranjebook and Skol, you’ll discover many Dutch beers you never knew existed. There is an organic brewery in Amsterdam that brews everything from light pilsners to rich brown and dark stouts. As well as their beers, The Dutch are world-famous for their cheese; Gouda and Edam, Leiden (with cumin seeds) and goat cheeses. Ensure you have your cheese vacuum-packed for taking it through customs.

 

Tipping is not customary as by law, 15% is included for all services. It is standard to give Taxi drivers a 10%. If you are satisfied with the service at a restaurant throw in an extra euro or two. Amsterdam has a reputation for tolerance. The authorities, however, don’t appreciate disrespectful visitors and are particularly harsh to those who break the rules.

 

Amsterdam City Breaks  Getting Around Amsterdam

Things To Do In Amsterdam  Amsterdam Weather