As of: March 6, 2024, 11:29 a.m
By: Franziska Kaindl
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Overtourism is a big problem in Amsterdam.
However, if you want to avoid this, you will find numerous nice alternatives - sometimes even very close by.
Magnificent houses, cute alleys, romantic canals: Amsterdam has been a popular destination for a city trip for many years.
However, the crowds of tourists are becoming more and more difficult for the Dutch capital - and every year new rules are introduced that are intended to increasingly restrict the flow of visitors.
Since 2021, there has been an upper limit of 20 million overnight stays per year.
Holidaymakers also pay a tourist tax of seven percent of the hotel bill, which is now supplemented by a bed tax of three euros per night per person.
A campaign expressly advises party vacationers not to travel to Amsterdam.
And last but not least, there has been a ban on tourist buses in the center since 2024: travelers have to switch to local transport instead.
If your head is now spinning because of all the requirements and additional costs, you can also switch to other cities for a nice weekend trip.
Canals, boats and gabled houses are not only found in Amsterdam.
Haarlem, Netherlands – little sister of Amsterdam
Haarlem is very close to the Dutch capital.
© Depositphotos/Imago
A charming alternative to Amsterdam is just half an hour's drive from the Dutch capital: Haarlem impresses with dreamy canals, historic facades and a charming windmill called De Adriaan, which is located directly on the banks of the Spaarne River.
Another highlight are the “Gouden Straatjes”, which means “Golden Streets”.
They are picturesque shopping streets in the heart of the city, full of vintage shops, boutiques and specialty shops that invite you to shop and linger.
Utrecht, Netherlands – canal paradise without crowds of tourists
There are many shipyard cellars on the Oudegracht in Utrecht, which are now home to many bars and restaurants.
© Pond5 Images/Imago
Tourists will also find picturesque Utrecht, just an hour's drive from Amsterdam.
In the vibrant center of the city, in addition to historical buildings, beautiful canals and beautiful parks, there are also many shipyard cellars.
In many places, the former storage rooms have been converted into lively bars, restaurants or shops that travelers should definitely explore when visiting.
There are also numerous museums in Utrecht, including the Nijntje Museum, which exhibits the works of the Dutch children's book illustrator Dick Bruna.
In Germany, his main character is known as Miffy.
Copenhagen, Denmark – a touch of Amsterdam
In Copenhagen, the Nyhavn is the closest thing to the Dutch capital.
© Pond5 Images/Imago
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Tourists can also find a similar flair to Amsterdam in another European capital - namely Copenhagen.
Above all, Nyhavn (German for “new harbor”) is reminiscent of the Dutch canals with its colorful houses.
Even the well-known Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen used to live in different house numbers on Nyhavn.
Today the lively harbor area attracts visitors with its restaurants, bars and jazz music.
Aside from that, Copenhagen tourists can also add Tivoli Amusement Park, Amalienborg Palace and Strøget shopping district to their to-do list.
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Bruges, Belgium – tranquil city with a similarity to Amsterdam
There are plenty of canals in Bruges.
© Alfredo García Saz/Imago
Bruges is characterized by its numerous canals, which flow through the city like veins - a small Amsterdam in northwest Belgium.
The best way to explore the canals with their fairytale bridges and medieval house facades on both sides is on a boat trip.
If you want to explore the city even further, you shouldn't miss the Burgplatz with the Holy Blood Basilica and the town hall.
Friedrichstadt, Germany – Little Amsterdam in Schleswig-Holstein
Similarities to Amsterdam can be found in Friedrichstadt.
© Ronald Wittek/Imago
There is also a sweet alternative for a trip to Amsterdam in Germany: Friedrichstadt on the North Sea coast of Schleswig-Holstein calls itself “Little Amsterdam”.
And there is certainly a similarity, as a look at the gabled houses near the river and picturesque canals that wind through the city shows.
Tourists can discover the tranquil place on a boat trip or go on a canoe trip on the water.