Going Dutch In Amsterdam
What largely separates backpackers from holiday goers (apart from budgetary restrictions and sleep deprivation) is a desire to experience the true spirit of a country in the manner of the people that live there, to stray from the tourist trail and go beyond the guidebook.
On a recent trip to Amsterdam I was keen to see whether or not this ethos could be applied successfully when visiting a major Western European city for a short period. I had the financial restrictions sorted – my proposed budget of £50 for four days (a mistake in my calculations!) needless to say proved to be conservative in the extreme.
But with a laid-back attitude and a convivial atmosphere, the capital of the Netherlands is an ideal place to visit with an open mind and an anything goes attitude.
So here are five tips for approaching a trip with the same principles that natives might apply. Here’s how to do as the locals do and 'go Dutch' when visiting Amsterdam.
1. Hire a bike.
Anyone who’s ever visited Oxford will understand the futility of being a pedestrian or worse, a car driver in a city that is so perfectly geared up for cyclists. Not only is it infinitely practical it is also carbon neutral, ethical and one of the most exhilarating ways to get around.
Expect fellow Dutch cyclists to ‘tut’ irately as you on your (obviously rented) tourist bike when you threaten to wobble nervously whenever they pass. A good place to hire a bike is Yellow Bike Tours where the rental of the world’s most sensibly designed town bikes will set you back just 10 euros for 24 hours.
With large parts of Amsterdam dedicated to cycle routes and off limits to cars or pedestrianised completely, you can largely avoid cycling on main roads and instead stick to the small canal side paths. It’s easy even for inexperienced cyclists to get around.
A bike ride to the beautiful Vondelpark is especially worthwhile and after a couple of circuits you should definitely find a spot against the busy railings of a cafe, chain up your bike and enjoy a beer in the fresh air.
2. Stray from the well-trodden tourist route.
Ok, so the major tourist sights of a European city such as Amsterdam are obviously a great draw for many visitors but while seeing Anne Frank’s house may well be high on your itinerary, a visit to a traditional ‘British’ pub to watch Sky Sports probably shouldn’t be.
There have been enough stag and hen parties in Amsterdam to spawn a television series showcasing the Brits’ drunken antics abroad and you’ll probably want to stay well clear. However saying that, culture abounds in Amsterdam and with museums and galleries filled with 17th century Dutch masterpieces, contemporary exhibition spaces and famous theatres, culture enthusiasts will find their interests well catered for by Amsterdam’s key tourist attractions.
It shouldn’t however be assumed that the only sights worth seeking out are those described by the guidebooks. Hidden walled courtyards and back street museums were just some of the delights that I unwittingly stumbled upon whilst meandering through the city’s historic lanes.
3. Be Independent.
There really is no excuse for grabbing some fries from a Burger King or drinking in a pub that belongs to any kind of chain when you are in Amsterdam. Unlike many major cities in the UK, independent cafes, restaurants and boutique shops reign supreme in the capital of the Netherlands and you don’t have to stray very far to find a pleasant place to grab breakfast. The general result is that the food tastes better, the clothing is more interesting and anyone with a penchant for vintage items will be in their element. It feels good to support the little guy right?
4. Make friends.
You should apply this wherever you travel to but if you have limited time in Amsterdam you’ll find that this is the most efficient alternative to leafing through extensive travel guides. Maybe it’s something about the laid-back Dutch attitude that encourages tolerance and an open minded approach but I suspect that it’s more universal than that. Striking up a conversation with a local gives you a valuable insight into the places to visit.
Students are often accommodating to backpackers and are pleased to let you know where a younger crowd can get their thrills. When I struck up a conversation with a shop assistant in a vintage clothes shop I was instantly encouraged to visit a student-run cinema and bar some way out of the city centre. This was definitely worth the detour. Your hostel staff will also be pleased to go that extra mile, direct you to that underground music venue and tell you where to find the best Jenever (Dutch gin). All you have to do is ask!
5. Make the trip your own
This last tip really does apply to every backpacker visiting any destination, but it’s worth pointing out. Make the trip your own. See the things that you want to see and approach the trip in an individual way. Just be open to having experiences that aren’t likely to be documented in any travel brochure.
Kathleen Steeden
