Amsterdam: Often misunderstood due to its conflicting reputations, this city offers so much more than just crazy parties and indulgence. It's a city filled with life, history, and beauty.

While the Red Light District is what most people know about Amsterdam, there are plenty of myths surrounding it that simply are not true. It remains a European city that's fairly lax about its rules, but these rules apply within establishments, for the most part. Additionally, the city has cracked down on some of the less savory things that most would expect from a seemingly lawless region.

In an attempt to correct the stereotypes that surround this gorgeous city, here are 19 truths about myths that simply don't stand in this day and age.

19 Bars Aren't Open 24-Hours A Day

It's just not true! While the party atmosphere is abundant here, it's nothing like one would expect at a spring break location or summer destination. Rather, the bars usually close around three in the morning, and it's rare that you'd find an establishment holding their doors open for 24-hours straight.

18 Not Everything Is Allowed In Public Places, You Can't Just Indulge Anywhere

Sorry to disappoint those who thought they could light up anywhere in the city... This isn't quite the case, either. The police force in Amsterdam won't hesitate to provide citations for going against their laws, and this type of indulgence is limited to coffee shops. Find one of those and you're home-free.

17 There Is A Police Presence, It's Not Just Anarchy All The Time

It might be surprising to hear that there are, indeed, cops in a place such as Amsterdam. Whether they're on horseback or driving around casually, they do exist and do uphold the laws. This city has limitations just like any other, and it's nothing but hubris to book a quick trip without realizing that.

16 The Red Light District Is The Extent Of All Things Rated 'R'

Even this has been cleaned up quite a bit since its conception. The Red Light District is still very much part of Amsterdam's culture, but it's far more private than one would expect. Don't anticipate floor shows in the windows or feisty behavior in the streets - you need to book a private sesh and pay for all of that craziness.

The term 'police officer' isn't used loosely, in this city or anywhere else. They do still reserve the right to search homesteads, cars, etc., as is their job. Above all, they want the city to be safe - for both travelers and for locals. That means they reserve the right to do what it takes to ensure such a notion.

14 Coffee Shops And Cafes Require Visitors To Be Over 18 To Indulge

Surprise! There's no ageless limit in Amsterdam. You still need to be over a certain age in order to indulge in certain, ahem, activities... This is non-negotiable. The age limit is there to protect both visitors and the establishment, and don't even think of trying to pull out a fake ID to get past them.

13 All The Party People Stay In Until About 11 PM

If you're seeking out a party specifically, then get ready to stay up pretty dang late. Many people believe that once the sun goes down, the true Amsterdam comes to life. This isn't exactly true, either. After about 11 PM, the party people begin to leave their houses, and this is when you'll either want to be in bed or out on the streets ready to go.

12 Transportation Is Much Easier Than Most Make It Out To Be

Getting around Amsterdam isn't as intimidating as it seems, either. It does take a bit of thinking and planning beforehand, but it's not impossible. Plus, if you stay in the city, you can likely walk to most places. With some research and help from the locals, getting around should be a breeze.

11 Less Than 10% Of The Population Takes Part In The Same Things Tourists Do

All of that 'indulging' we were talking about earlier? Less than ten percent of the population actually does it - which means it mainly exists to keep tourists happy. In fact, certain industries blossomed with the help of tourist-driven revenue. Consider that the next time you plan a trip to an Amsterdam coffee shop!

10 Speaking Of The Red Light District, It's Much Safer Nowadays

The reigns have been tightened just a bit when it comes to the Red Light District. You can expect to see exactly what you'd think you would see, but it's not as ostentatious and rambunctious as it once was. There are laws and rules in place now to create a safer space for everyone.

9 It's Also One Of The Oldest And Prettiest Locations In The City

This city is full of surprises, and its local beauty is definitely one of them. The Red Light District is one of the oldest locations in the city - if you couldn't tell by the buildings - and it's also the most picturesque. Red lights aside, this city has a lot to offer in terms of photogenic spots.

8 Don't Let Anyone Fool You, Heineken Is Not The Only Beer Available

For some reason, tourists think that Amsterdam is just overflowing with Heineken. This myth might even prevent you from trying some truly awesome brews, given the chance at a local bar. Forgo the Heineken for now and try some locally-brewed goodness instead.

7 The Dutch Are Not Mean To Outsiders Unless Given A Reason

The cruel streak of the Dutch seems to be another myth that commonly pops up on traveler's radars. There's simply no truth to this whatsoever and if anything, it's the ignorance of tourists that will ultimately put them in a bad mood. Be respectful and courteous, and you'll be surprised at how nice people can be.

6 Most Tricks Are Turned Down Alleyways, Not In Plain Sight

If these types of Red Light District tricks are what you're aiming to see, you can expect to see them down alleyways rather than in windows. The alleys are still full of workers ready to act on a variety of offers, and it's a well-known fact that deal-making and haggling is all part of the industry.

5 There Are Both Men And Women On The Streets Until About 8 PM

It's not like men are the only ones walking up and down the streets at night. While the gender ratio does decrease significantly when it comes to women being out past 8 PM, that doesn't mean it's a male-dominated city. This is yet another myth that holds no water.

4 There Are, Ahem, Certain 'Shows' Tourists Can Sign Up For In Private

We vaguely alluded to this before and it's a fact... Amsterdam offers some very interesting entertainment shows. Don't be surprised when these 'shows' become interactive as well, as is just the culture of a live show inside a private establishment. The things that are legal here vary greatly from other cities.

3 Surprisingly, Brothels Are Still A Local Custom

More so for locals rather than tourists. Brothels are surprisingly a local hit, and it's not surprising for regulars to show up weekly. While these aren't normally places that tourists would head into, they do exist and they are still legal throughout Amsterdam. What happens behind closed doors, stays behind closed doors.

2 You Won't Get Busted In A Cafe And For Concerned Tourists, 'Space Cakes' Are The Equivalent Of 'Special Brownies'

We all know what 'special brownies' means, right? Well, if you're that concerned about getting nabbed for indulging inside of a coffee shop, Amsterdam offers 'space cakes' which give the same effect. They are strong, though, so proceed with caution. They also offer several other enhanced baked goods if 'space cakes' aren't your thing.

1 The City Has Cracked Down On General Crime And Illegal Acts

Overall, Amsterdam is a fairly different place than what it once was. Rather than being full of debauchery and chaos like many think it is after a certain hour, it's quite clean and calm. That doesn't mean there aren't parties or that the Red Light District won't get crazy at times, but it's much more travel-friendly these days.