Violence occurs less frequently in Amsterdam than in many European cities, so simple precautions usually suffice. However, pickpockets do operate regularly. Watch your wallet or handbag, especially on public transportation and in department stores, and watch your bags when waiting for a train or bus. Be wary of strangers trying to distract you while you're using an ATM. Be alert if you walk around the Red-Light District, especially at night. The Red-Light District is a major tourist attraction, and there are plenty of noncustomers there just looking around. If you choose to walk around this area alone, stick to main, well-lit streets. Keep your camera well-stowed; taking pictures is not appreciated and will lead to immediate problems.

Trafficking in either hard or soft drugs is illegal. However, soft drugs (marijuana and hashish) are sold in so-called coffee shops, which are easily identified by their window displays. (Confusion with regular coffee shops is highly unlikely.) The soft-drug coffee shops are allowed to sell small quantities only (no more than 5 grams per person), which can be smoked there or taken to go. The minimum age for this is 18. Police vigorously prosecute those who possess or sell hard drugs, such as heroin or cocaine.

For more information, contact your country's travel-advisory agency.

Dos & Don'ts

Do take a boat trip: The city is at its loveliest from the water.

Don't bother trying to speak Dutch unless you know more than a couple of words. Most locals speak English well.

Do leave the athletic shoes, shorts and baseball cap at home if you want to pass for a local.

Don't walk in the bicycle paths (narrow lanes sometimes marked with a white cycle symbol).

Do try raw herring with chopped onions and pickles or, at the very least, the great frites.

Don't miss the appropriately situated 3-D bronze rendition of Rembrandt's The Night Watch in Rembrandtplein.

Do make an evening pit stop at the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge). Of Amsterdam's 1,280 or so bridges, it's arguably the most beautiful, lit up as it is at night. Hardly surprising, then, that it's a popular smooching site.

Don't overlook the city's green lung, the Vondelpark. It's located in the south of Amsterdam, just a five-minute walk from the Leidseplein and within walking distance from the Museumplein. The Vondelpark is a perfect respite from the beaten tourist path.