Traditions and customs in Amsterdam

1. Cycling as transport

Bikes have priority and their own lanes and signals. Walking in a bike lane is the fastest way to be shouted at.

• Tip: Never stop in a red-asphalt lane. Lock the frame and the wheel to a fixed object — bike theft is endemic.

2. Borrel

The Dutch after-work drink with bitterballen and cheese, in a brown café.

3. King's Day

The whole country in orange on 27 April, with canals full of boats and the city turned into a free market anyone can sell in.

• Best time: 27 April

4. Brown cafés

Centuries-old bars, tobacco-stained ceilings, no music, long conversations. The gezellig ideal in built form.

5. Sinterklaas

The 5 December gift tradition that predates and differs from Christmas, with poems and surprise packages.

• Best time: Late November to 5 December