Restaurant Scams in Amsterdam, Netherlands
Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks. Below are the restaurant scams scams reported in Amsterdam — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Mykonos, Barcelona, and Krakow.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Restaurant Scams Scams
10
Total in Amsterdam
How it works
Bars in and around the Red Light District charge extremely inflated prices — €15–25 for a beer — without displaying a price list. Bills include drinks you may not have ordered, and cash-only payment is insisted upon.
How it works
In some bars near the Red Light District and on Leidseplein, tourists report having their drinks spiked while seated or after briefly leaving their glass unattended. Victims are rendered disoriented and subsequently robbed of phones, wallets, and bags, sometimes by bar staff or individuals working alongside them. Dutch authorities and the UK Foreign Office have both flagged this as an active risk, particularly for solo travelers.
See all scams in Amsterdam
10 total warnings across all categories