Amsterdam Residents Revolt as Overtourism Sparks Protests and Drastic Travel Restrictions to Save the City, Here is What You Need to Know

Published on January 27, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

The streets of Amsterdam have become a battleground as furious residents take to the Leidseplein, voicing their outrage over the unrelenting flood of tourists that has rendered their city nearly uninhabitable. What once was a charming canal city is now at the epicenter of Europe’s overtourism crisis, and locals are saying enough is enough.

The Diamond Hotel: A Symbol of Tourism Excess

At the heart of the controversy stands the newly built Diamond hotel, an eyesore to many locals and a magnet for tourists. Once home to the iconic Heineken Hoek, a beloved corner landmark, the site now boasts a contemporary facade that has drawn widespread disdain. Protest organizer Dingeman Coumou called it a “horrible hotel” that epitomizes the problems plaguing Amsterdam: overcrowding, skyrocketing property prices, and an unrecognizable city center.

Unveiling Amsterdam’s Tourism Crisis

Amsterdam welcomed a staggering 22 million overnight stays in 2023, exceeding its proposed limit of 20 million. From the famed tulip gardens to the infamous Red Light District, the city’s attractions continue to draw millions, despite escalating tensions between locals and visitors.

Protesters claim that the deluge of tourists has made life unbearable, driving up housing prices, displacing residents, and transforming neighborhoods into tourist playgrounds. Dingeman Coumou warns, “Our children can no longer afford to live here. The center is becoming unliveable.”

A City Fighting Back

Amsterdam’s government has introduced a series of dramatic measures aimed at curbing the chaos. The city’s increased tourist tax, controversial “Stay Away” campaign, and strict “Amsterdam Rules” quiz targeting rowdy visitors—particularly from the UK—are just the beginning. In April, authorities capped the number of river cruises on its waterways and announced a freeze on new hotel constructions.

These steps reflect growing frustration over the city’s tourism-dependent economy. While vital to the Dutch capital, the tourism sector has become a double-edged sword, benefiting businesses but alienating residents.

A Legacy of Tourism and Resistance

The “I Amsterdam” slogan, once a beacon of pride, has taken on a more controversial legacy. Conceived by Frits Huffnagel, a former economic affairs councillor, the phrase was intended to promote unity and tourism. However, its removal from the Rijksmuseum in 2018 marked a turning point in the city’s stance on tourism. Huffnagel himself criticized Amsterdam’s laissez-faire approach to disruptive visitors, saying, “You can’t let people ruin our city.”

Protests Signal a Turning Tide

The Leidseplein protest, led by the “Het is Genoeg” (That’s Enough) campaign, underscores the urgency of the situation. Residents demand bolder action to prevent Amsterdam from becoming a “tourist monoculture” where authentic Dutch life is pushed out by relentless crowds.

Red Light District Under Fire

The city’s world-famous Red Light District is another flashpoint in the tourism debate. Efforts to clean up its image and reduce overcrowding include relocating sex workers and imposing stricter rules on guided tours. These measures aim to preserve the district’s cultural heritage while curbing disruptive behavior.

Tourism’s Heavy Toll on Amsterdam’s Soul

Critics of overtourism warn that Amsterdam’s charm and authenticity are at risk. The quaint streets, historic canals, and unique culture that draw millions each year are being eroded by the very industry they sustain. High real estate prices, crowded public spaces, and environmental strain are the high costs of unchecked tourism.

Looking Ahead: Can Amsterdam Reclaim Its Identity?

Amsterdam’s fight against overtourism is far from over. As the city grapples with the delicate balance between welcoming visitors and preserving its essence, one thing is clear: the path forward requires bold action and innovative solutions.

The Diamond hotel’s controversial presence on the Leidseplein is just one chapter in this unfolding drama. Will Amsterdam’s protests spark a wider European reckoning with overtourism? Or will the allure of the canal city continue to draw visitors, despite the growing backlash?

A City at a Crossroads

As Amsterdam’s residents rise up against overtourism, the city’s future hangs in the balance. This iconic European destination must navigate a complex web of economic reliance, cultural preservation, and resident well-being. One thing is certain: the fight for Amsterdam’s soul has only just begun.

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