Culture
Customs
Welcoming to foreigners? Yes. LGBTQ friendly? Yes.
Etiquette tip
If you’re invited for dinner, bring a box of chocolates or flowers instead of a bottle of wine as a gift for the hosts.
How to greet people
Handshake!
Tipping norms
5-10%
Food
As a former Dutch colony, Indonesian food is very popular in Amsterdam. You’ll find a lot of authentic Indonesian restaurants in the city.
National dish
Haring “Hollandse Nieuwe” — Dutch new herring
Must try local food
You should keep your eye out for these local delicacies during your trip.
Usually served with powdered sugar and butter, Dutch mini pancakes are popular street food in Amsterdam.
Thin waffle cookies with melted caramel filling - you'll easily find them in most stores in Amsterdam.
Dutch pancake, or Pannekoeken, is a crepe that is often served with powdered sugar and fruit.
Cheese, or Kaas in Dutch, should definitely be on your list - start with Amsterdam's most popular ones, Gouda and Edam!
Fries with mayonnaise, ketchup or curry sauce is one of the most popular street foods in Amsterdam.
Sugary deep-fried dough balls a.k.a. “Dutch doughnuts” are a popular winter treat.
Usually served with powdered sugar and butter, Dutch mini pancakes are popular street food in Amsterdam.
Thin waffle cookies with melted caramel filling - you'll easily find them in most stores in Amsterdam.
Dutch pancake, or Pannekoeken, is a crepe that is often served with powdered sugar and fruit.
Cheese, or Kaas in Dutch, should definitely be on your list - start with Amsterdam's most popular ones, Gouda and Edam!
Fries with mayonnaise, ketchup or curry sauce is one of the most popular street foods in Amsterdam.
Sugary deep-fried dough balls a.k.a. “Dutch doughnuts” are a popular winter treat.
Usually served with powdered sugar and butter, Dutch mini pancakes are popular street food in Amsterdam.
Thin waffle cookies with melted caramel filling - you'll easily find them in most stores in Amsterdam.
Dutch pancake, or Pannekoeken, is a crepe that is often served with powdered sugar and fruit.
Cheese, or Kaas in Dutch, should definitely be on your list - start with Amsterdam's most popular ones, Gouda and Edam!
Fries with mayonnaise, ketchup or curry sauce is one of the most popular street foods in Amsterdam.
Sugary deep-fried dough balls a.k.a. “Dutch doughnuts” are a popular winter treat.
Restaurants to visit
Restaurant recommendations from nomads & locals. 4.0+ rating, great atmosphere and authentic food.
Food festivals & markets
Hermitage Markt Nieuwmarkt Farmers' Market
Rolling Kitchens — Annual food truck festival (May 2023). Taste of Amsterdam — Another annual food festival, always held in Amstelpark. Amsterdam Wine Festival Amsterdam Coffee Festival
Art & music
Where to listen to live music
Maloe Melo — Live rock & blues
Bimhuis — Jazz club
Concertgebouw — 19th-century concert hall for orchestral, chamber & pop music.
Nightlife
Paradiso — A church converted into a live music venue & nightclub.
