Tourist Fines & Rules in Netherlands
Updated March 20262 cities26 total rulesFines up to €500
Amsterdam has become Europe's most expensive city for tourists, with a 12.5% accommodation tax — the highest in Europe. The city banned cannabis smoking in the Red Light District, Dam Square, and surrounding areas (€100 fine). New hotels have been banned since April 2024. Cruise ships are capped at 100/year from 2026, with the terminal moving outside the city center by 2035. Public drunkenness carries a €140 fine plus a criminal record.
City Guides
Rules That Apply Everywhere in Netherlands
Cannabis: legal in coffeeshops only, banned on streets in tourist zones
Accommodation tax: 12.5% in Amsterdam (highest in Europe)
Public drunkenness: €140 fine + criminal record
Red Light District photo ban with people
Cyclist right-of-way: be extremely cautious crossing bike lanes
City Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke cannabis on the street in Amsterdam?
Not anymore. Cannabis smoking is banned in the Red Light District, Dam Square, and surrounding areas. Fines are €100. Consumption is only legal inside licensed coffeeshops.
How much is the tourist tax in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam charges 12.5% of your room rate — the highest in Europe. On a €200/night hotel, that's €25 extra per night.
Is public drunkenness a big deal in Amsterdam?
Yes. Unlike many European cities where it's just a fine, in Amsterdam public drunkenness (€140 fine) also results in a criminal record that can affect future visa applications.