Amsterdam Still Enjoyable, But Too Many Overactive Tourists Print


Your travel4senior editor recently returned from a late summer visit to a favorite city. Beautiful Amsterdam, with its parks, classic buildings, museums, canals and shops is still there. However, senior visitors may too often find the Dutch city plagued by rowdy teens and young adults.

It can be disturbing to walk the streets at night through the noise, trash, human waste and drug parties. Some areas, such as the infamous red light district, attract many celebrating crowds of young people, and should be avoided by seniors who prefer clean sidewalks, peace and quiet.

Fortunately, in late autumn and early winter, the crowds are smaller and more mature, because the younger people are at school and work. If you go, make it from mid-October to early December. Of course, if you enjoy a walk through a winter city landscape, January and February in Amsterdam are nearly empty of tourists, and prices are at their lowest. And your camera will get you great snowy and selfie shots.