Do you have a reservation?
The Dutch are P-L-A-N-N-E-R-S. When scheduling an outing with Dutch friends, don’t be surprised if they whip out the calendar and pick a date several weeks away. This also means that they have a culture of making reservations.
In the U.S., we’re accustomed to walking in – to restaurants, to movies, to municipal buildings. In Amsterdam at least, we have adjusted to a whole new way of operating. Even bars take reservations, and the most popular museums require them.
Restaurants, cafes, and bars: Reservations are always a good idea – yes, even for happy hour. The places that do not accept reservations are few and far between. It’s especially necessary if you have a party of four or more, as many of the smaller places can’t accommodate a big (yes, four is big) group on a moment’s notice. Most restaurants have easy-to-use online booking systems, and there is no penalty for canceling, even last-minute (unless it’s a fancy place that requires a deposit).
Nail salons: Book in advance. Trust me on this. Usually a week ahead is enough, if you’re not picky about the salon.
Museums: The hottest museum tickets in town (Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh) all require advance booking, sometimes weeks beforehand. You’ll get to know their websites well, as especially as you get more friends and family visiting.
Banks and government: Yes, reservations! Because so much bank business is done online here (you literally cannot cash a check in the Netherlands, but that’s another story), you can’t just walk in and talk to a teller. You need an appointment to see a banker. For many government functions (picking up a new driver’s license, for example) you also need an appointment time. The Amsterdam municipality has a decent system online for booking, though sometimes you have to book at buildings in the outlying areas to get more time options.
Where you don’t need a reservation: local transit. I have taken regional trains a lot, and you can just hop on whichever one is most convenient. I’ve found 9292 is the best app for choosing your transit options, as it’s updated in real time.