Amsterdam is terrible right now. Locals HATE tourism and even more so the immigrant businesses that appeal to them without returning any benefit to the community. The RL will move in the next few years, and cruise ships will no longer be allowed in the port, so things will change. In the meantime, jump on a train (amazing experience there) and visit these areas in Holland: 1. **Keukenhof Gardens**: - Famous for its stunning tulip displays, Keukenhof is a must-visit in spring. The gardens are located in Lisse, approximately 40 minutes from Amsterdam. 2. **Zaanse Schans**: - This picturesque village offers a glimpse into traditional Dutch life with its historic windmills, wooden houses, and artisan workshops. It's about 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam. 3. **Haarlem**: - A quaint city with beautiful architecture, historic sites, and museums, including the Frans Hals Museum. Haarlem is just a 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam. 4. **The Hague (Den Haag)**: - The political heart of the Netherlands, The Hague is home to the Dutch government, the Royal Palace, and several excellent museums like the Mauritshuis and the Escher Museum. It's about 50 minutes by train from Amsterdam. 5. **Utrecht**: - Known for its medieval old town, canals, and the iconic Dom Tower, Utrecht offers a vibrant cultural scene. It's a 25-minute train ride from Amsterdam. 6. **Zandvoort Beach**: - For a beach escape, head to Zandvoort. This seaside town has lovely beaches and is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. It's a 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam. 7. **Giethoorn**: - Often called the "Venice of the North," Giethoorn is a charming village with no roads, only canals and walking paths. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Amsterdam. 8. **Muiden and Muiderslot Castle**: - Visit the historic Muiderslot Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress located in the town of Muiden. It's about a 20-minute drive from Amsterdam. 9. **Texel Island**: - The largest of the Wadden Islands, Texel offers beautiful nature reserves, sandy beaches, and quaint villages. It requires a ferry ride from Den Helder, which is about an hour and a half from Amsterdam by train and bus. 10. **Kinderdijk**: - Famous for its 19 windmills, Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases traditional Dutch water management. It's about 1.5 hours from Amsterdam by train and bus.
While it's understandable that places like Amsterdam are concerned about the impact of over-tourism, the recent aggression against tourists is hypocritical and counterproductive. These destinations have historically courted visitors and continue to reap significant economic benefits from tourism. Moreover, those who now-too late-shout "tourists go home" clearly neglect what would happen if they really did. What would become of the giant train station in Amsterdam, the empty hotels, and the idle tour organizers and restaurants? Instead of hostility, they should focus on sustainable tourism management to balance the influx of visitors with the preservation of local culture and environment.
Hi, Amsterdam native here. Scooters are actually allowed on the ferry here! Its a lovely city but I definitely think y'all went to more touristy attractions which are quite lame. The trash is an unfortunate result of adding deposits of cans last year, everyone has been complaining abot it. That being said, the RLD is extra bad as you mightve noticed. I definitely laughed when yoh said you were acting european by sitting outside, always amazes me that thats not more common in the US & Canada
@@achdubloedesau Yeah the museum's are great. But stuff like the A'Dam tower? Or Dam Square? I only go there to pass through, not to actually visit it. For me a city is made up of it it's people, I love walking around the RLD, but only at night, there's nothing to see at the time of day they went.
@@Beyond4137 we definitely did not have enough time to find the worthwhile spots since it was a cruise port stop. We will return this fall by train and do a more in-depth visit. Thanks for your comment!
We are going on this cruise in September. I'm seeing that NCL is noting that we arrive at 7am but may take 2 hours before we can get off the ship. We also have to be back on the ship 2 hours prior to the cruise departure. Did you find that this was what actually happened on your cruise? There are a few museums that we are visiting, but the times are going to be a challenge with the limitations noted by NCL. Thanks for your help!
@@dreamdestinationsbydenisetx fortunately, the port is walkably close to the center of town and all the tourist attractions, so you shouldn’t have a problem with any organized tour. Be aware that the Netherlands are actively trying to pull the plug on the cruise port there so go while you can and enjoy it!
Do’s and dont’s for Amsterdam: Lederhosen are always fun, don’t miss Dunkin’ Donuts, avoid the Red light district - it’s full of dirt (caused by tourists), feeling European sitting outside of a tourist cafe at Damrak. Yes, these expectations may cause some frustrations - on both sides.
Heard people steal bikes and throw them into the canal when done their ride. Apparently this causes a loud cheer when this happens. Sanitation uses huge magnet sweepers to remove bikes from the canal every few weeks.
THANK YOU. Tourist attractions price gouge you. Yes Paris does this, London, Rome does this, they all do it, but Amsterdam price gouges you at least 2x more and offers way shittier attractions. Plus you have to book 6 months in advance to even get close to Anne Frank’s house .The city smells like pee. Homeless people everywhere asking you for weed and alcohol
@@wendymasters367 we did running to several homeless people. But that’s typical in many cities. We didn’t find the tourist attractions to be more expensive than any other big city.
Amsterdam is an overrated hype. In fact, the city sucks pretty badly and there are tons of more interesting places in the Netherlands. Think out of the box!
Interesting perspective. Regardless of how you felt, I believe that if you had just come on a sunny day you would have loved it, even with the issues that you found with it.
Comparing artsy long exposure n I g h t shots with the views on an overcast morning is a bit… naive. And yeah. The red light district is dirty in the morning. Much less so when the cleaning crews have been there. It’s still a red light district, though.
Very unnecessarily negative video of a very beautiful city ,the streets are cleaned regularly ,only early morning/ late nights or after events ( one of the biggest being King's Day ) are the streets dirty and ,they are cleaned up quickly ,of course you were only in a tiny part of the city and it was the busiest and most touristy, that bar you sat in on Dam sq can not be descrbed as trendy its just a rather boring tourist stop, its sad you decided to give out opinions on such a tiny walk around the most touristic area before it was cleaned up ,its a very well designed city with stunning architecture ( old and new ) has a fabulous transport system ,gorgeous parks ,beautiful canals that are teeming with wildlife ,world class museums ,funky street art ,great food and fabulous patisserie( not dunkin donuts ,they are crap ) sadly lots of cities have them because lots of people like crap , maybe you have seen some enhanced photos but really there's no need for that especially on a sunny day taking pictures here is a photographer's dream ,i dont recommend you visit again though as you seem to be unable to see the beauty surrounding you because of some litter , also yes cruise ships are being banned from docking there HURRAH!
@@millielechat9439 take off your rose colored glasses aunt Millie because we’re just reporting on what we saw. We weren’t the only ones who thought that town was a dump. Maybe your cleaners need to start a little earlier in the morning. This was about 10 AM
@@millielechat9439 we arrived on a cruise ship (that you hate) and only had six or so hours. We saw enough. Amsterdam knew well in advance that ship was coming that morning.
Amsterdam is terrible right now. Locals HATE tourism and even more so the immigrant businesses that appeal to them without returning any benefit to the community. The RL will move in the next few years, and cruise ships will no longer be allowed in the port, so things will change. In the meantime, jump on a train (amazing experience there) and visit these areas in Holland:
1. **Keukenhof Gardens**:
- Famous for its stunning tulip displays, Keukenhof is a must-visit in spring. The gardens are located in Lisse, approximately 40 minutes from Amsterdam.
2. **Zaanse Schans**:
- This picturesque village offers a glimpse into traditional Dutch life with its historic windmills, wooden houses, and artisan workshops. It's about 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam.
3. **Haarlem**:
- A quaint city with beautiful architecture, historic sites, and museums, including the Frans Hals Museum. Haarlem is just a 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam.
4. **The Hague (Den Haag)**:
- The political heart of the Netherlands, The Hague is home to the Dutch government, the Royal Palace, and several excellent museums like the Mauritshuis and the Escher Museum. It's about 50 minutes by train from Amsterdam.
5. **Utrecht**:
- Known for its medieval old town, canals, and the iconic Dom Tower, Utrecht offers a vibrant cultural scene. It's a 25-minute train ride from Amsterdam.
6. **Zandvoort Beach**:
- For a beach escape, head to Zandvoort. This seaside town has lovely beaches and is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. It's a 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam.
7. **Giethoorn**:
- Often called the "Venice of the North," Giethoorn is a charming village with no roads, only canals and walking paths. It’s about a 1.5-hour drive from Amsterdam.
8. **Muiden and Muiderslot Castle**:
- Visit the historic Muiderslot Castle, a well-preserved medieval fortress located in the town of Muiden. It's about a 20-minute drive from Amsterdam.
9. **Texel Island**:
- The largest of the Wadden Islands, Texel offers beautiful nature reserves, sandy beaches, and quaint villages. It requires a ferry ride from Den Helder, which is about an hour and a half from Amsterdam by train and bus.
10. **Kinderdijk**:
- Famous for its 19 windmills, Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases traditional Dutch water management. It's about 1.5 hours from Amsterdam by train and bus.
@@lock.robster heard the same exact story from a local restaurant owner
While it's understandable that places like Amsterdam are concerned about the impact of over-tourism, the recent aggression against tourists is hypocritical and counterproductive. These destinations have historically courted visitors and continue to reap significant economic benefits from tourism. Moreover, those who now-too late-shout "tourists go home" clearly neglect what would happen if they really did. What would become of the giant train station in Amsterdam, the empty hotels, and the idle tour organizers and restaurants? Instead of hostility, they should focus on sustainable tourism management to balance the influx of visitors with the preservation of local culture and environment.
Accurate overview of Amsterdam, especially for a one-day visit. Nice work.
Maybe coming from pristine locations in Norway and Iceland ruined our expectations.
Hi, Amsterdam native here. Scooters are actually allowed on the ferry here! Its a lovely city but I definitely think y'all went to more touristy attractions which are quite lame. The trash is an unfortunate result of adding deposits of cans last year, everyone has been complaining abot it. That being said, the RLD is extra bad as you mightve noticed. I definitely laughed when yoh said you were acting european by sitting outside, always amazes me that thats not more common in the US & Canada
As a tourist: you guys have great museums and other very touristy stuff that is actually great.
@@achdubloedesau Yeah the museum's are great. But stuff like the A'Dam tower? Or Dam Square? I only go there to pass through, not to actually visit it. For me a city is made up of it it's people, I love walking around the RLD, but only at night, there's nothing to see at the time of day they went.
@@Beyond4137 we definitely did not have enough time to find the worthwhile spots since it was a cruise port stop. We will return this fall by train and do a more in-depth visit. Thanks for your comment!
We are going on this cruise in September. I'm seeing that NCL is noting that we arrive at 7am but may take 2 hours before we can get off the ship. We also have to be back on the ship 2 hours prior to the cruise departure. Did you find that this was what actually happened on your cruise? There are a few museums that we are visiting, but the times are going to be a challenge with the limitations noted by NCL. Thanks for your help!
@@dreamdestinationsbydenisetx fortunately, the port is walkably close to the center of town and all the tourist attractions, so you shouldn’t have a problem with any organized tour. Be aware that the Netherlands are actively trying to pull the plug on the cruise port there so go while you can and enjoy it!
Do’s and dont’s for Amsterdam: Lederhosen are always fun, don’t miss Dunkin’ Donuts, avoid the Red light district - it’s full of dirt (caused by tourists), feeling European sitting outside of a tourist cafe at Damrak. Yes, these expectations may cause some frustrations - on both sides.
@@markus_ch dude Dunkin Donuts in Adam was AMAZING
@@admtim Lederhosen LOL
And a dealer, hustler, and a scammer on every corner
@@karnak50 well maybe not every corner but there were quite a few.
Heard people steal bikes and throw them into the canal when done their ride. Apparently this causes a loud cheer when this happens. Sanitation uses huge magnet sweepers to remove bikes from the canal every few weeks.
@@johnwalker5159 would have loved to see the magnetic sweep
That's nonsense. Who told you? Other toursists with YT channels?
THANK YOU. Tourist attractions price gouge you. Yes Paris does this, London, Rome does this, they all do it, but Amsterdam price gouges you at least 2x more and offers way shittier attractions. Plus you have to book 6 months in advance to even get close to Anne Frank’s house .The city smells like pee. Homeless people everywhere asking you for weed and alcohol
@@wendymasters367 we did running to several homeless people. But that’s typical in many cities. We didn’t find the tourist attractions to be more expensive than any other big city.
Amsterdam is an overrated hype. In fact, the city sucks pretty badly and there are tons of more interesting places in the Netherlands. Think out of the box!
@@yagi3925 completely agree. Already investigating locations for our next visit. Thanks!
Dunking Donuts looks amazing
@@cheryltracy3553 oh it twas
FEBO RULES
@@keeperzero ok
Interesting perspective. Regardless of how you felt, I believe that if you had just come on a sunny day you would have loved it, even with the issues that you found with it.
It was fairly sunny. But to your point, I think we needed more time.
Comparing artsy long exposure n I g h t shots with the views on an overcast morning is a bit… naive.
And yeah. The red light district is dirty in the morning. Much less so when the cleaning crews have been there. It’s still a red light district, though.
@@achdubloedesau but that’s exactly what the majority of potential tourists do. We simply want to deliver an honest overview.
@@admtim They cause the problems you then sell through your YT channel because you ended up here on your little cruise.
@@urbandiscount I'll make sure they roll out the red freaking carpet next time you head to New York.
Very unnecessarily negative video of a very beautiful city ,the streets are cleaned regularly ,only early morning/ late nights or after events ( one of the biggest being King's Day ) are the streets dirty and ,they are cleaned up quickly ,of course you were only in a tiny part of the city and it was the busiest and most touristy, that bar you sat in on Dam sq can not be descrbed as trendy its just a rather boring tourist stop, its sad you decided to give out opinions on such a tiny walk around the most touristic area before it was cleaned up ,its a very well designed city with stunning architecture ( old and new ) has a fabulous transport system ,gorgeous parks ,beautiful canals that are teeming with wildlife ,world class museums ,funky street art ,great food and fabulous patisserie( not dunkin donuts ,they are crap ) sadly lots of cities have them because lots of people like crap , maybe you have seen some enhanced photos but really there's no need for that especially on a sunny day taking pictures here is a photographer's dream ,i dont recommend you visit again though as you seem to be unable to see the beauty surrounding you because of some litter , also yes cruise ships are being banned from docking there HURRAH!
@@millielechat9439 take off your rose colored glasses aunt Millie because we’re just reporting on what we saw. We weren’t the only ones who thought that town was a dump. Maybe your cleaners need to start a little earlier in the morning. This was about 10 AM
Yes but you did not see enough of the city to give a balanced view
@@millielechat9439 we arrived on a cruise ship (that you hate) and only had six or so hours. We saw enough. Amsterdam knew well in advance that ship was coming that morning.
😂😂😂😂 and what ? They were supposed to clean up for you too funny
@@millielechat9439 that’s usually how *responsible* municipalities act, even here in the States 🤣
It's become crowded and ugly because of youse tourists. Now don´t come back, thanks. Also you didn´t get out of the RLD. Shows your taste in things.
Angry little man 🤣
Tell us you didn't watch the entire video without telling us you didn't watch the entire video 🤣
@@asmrvideosforrelaxationand2242 some people have no friends. We get it.