Amsterdam is a great city to get tattooed in.
For some visitors, a tattoo becomes part of the trip itself: a small memory of Amsterdam, a personal symbol, a spontaneous design or simply the perfect moment to finally get something they have been thinking about for a while.
If you are visiting Amsterdam and considering getting tattooed during your stay, there are a few practical things worth knowing before you book.
I’m Elmar, a tattoo artist based in De Pijp, Amsterdam, specialising in fine line, single needle and tiny tattoos. I regularly work with international visitors, and in this guide I’ll walk you through what to consider before getting tattooed while travelling.
Should You Get a Tattoo at the Beginning or End of Your Trip?
In most cases, I would recommend getting your tattoo towards the end of your trip.
A fresh tattoo needs a little extra care, especially during the first few days.
That means you should avoid:
- swimming pools;
- the sea;
- hot tubs;
- saunas;
- long periods of direct sunlight;
- excessive sweating;
- and anything that can rub against or irritate the tattoo.
If you get tattooed on the first day of your holiday and then plan to spend the next five days swimming, cycling in the sun or visiting a spa, that is not ideal.
If possible, schedule your tattoo for one of the final days of your stay.
Can You Fly After Getting a Tattoo?
Yes, in most cases you can fly after getting tattooed.
Flying itself does not normally damage a fresh tattoo, but there are a few practical things to consider.
Long flights can mean:
- tight clothing;
- dry cabin air;
- prolonged sitting;
- swelling;
- and less opportunity to properly clean your tattoo.
For a small fine line or tiny tattoo, this is usually manageable.
If you are getting a larger piece, it may be more comfortable to leave a little time between your appointment and a long-haul flight.
Wear clean, loose clothing over the area and follow the aftercare instructions you receive after your appointment.
Can You Walk Around Amsterdam After Your Tattoo?
Yes.
For most small tattoos, you can continue enjoying the city after your appointment.
You do not need to spend the rest of the day in bed.
However, use common sense.
If your tattoo is on your foot, ankle or leg and you plan to walk 25 kilometres through Amsterdam immediately afterwards, the area may become irritated.
Likewise, a fresh tattoo under a tight backpack strap or clothing may not be very comfortable.
Amsterdam is a walking and cycling city, so think about your tattoo placement when planning the rest of your day.
Can You Cycle After Getting Tattooed?
Usually yes, especially after a small tattoo.
But again, placement matters.
A fresh tattoo on your thigh, hip or another area that rubs against clothing or the bicycle seat may become irritated.
If you know you will be cycling around Amsterdam all day, mention this when booking your tattoo.
Sometimes a slightly different placement can make your trip much more comfortable.
Can You Drink Alcohol Before or After a Tattoo?
I recommend avoiding alcohol before your tattoo appointment.
Alcohol can affect how your body reacts during the session and may make bleeding more noticeable.
It is also simply better to arrive well rested, hydrated and clear-headed.
After your appointment, having a quiet evening is usually a better idea than going straight into a heavy night out.
Amsterdam has plenty of nightlife, but your fresh tattoo will appreciate a little recovery time.
Can You Go Swimming After Getting Tattooed?
No.
A fresh tattoo should not be submerged in:
- swimming pools;
- the sea;
- lakes;
- baths;
- hot tubs;
- or spas.
Your tattoo is essentially healing skin, and prolonged exposure to water increases the risk of irritation and infection.
If your Amsterdam trip is followed by a beach holiday, plan your tattoo carefully.
This is another reason why getting tattooed near the end of your trip often makes sense.
What About Sun Exposure?
Fresh tattoos and strong sunlight are not a good combination.
Do not expose a fresh tattoo to prolonged direct sun while it is healing.
Once the tattoo has fully healed, sunscreen can help protect both your skin and the appearance of your tattoo.
For very delicate fine line and tiny tattoos, protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure is especially important over the long term.
Can I Book a Tattoo Before I Arrive in Amsterdam?
Yes — and if you are travelling on specific dates, I strongly recommend it.
When contacting me, send:
- your tattoo idea;
- reference images if you have them;
- approximate size;
- preferred placement;
- the dates you will be in Amsterdam;
- and whether this is your first tattoo.
That gives me enough information to let you know what is possible and find a suitable appointment.
Can I Book a Tattoo While I’m Already in Amsterdam?
Sometimes, yes.
Availability depends on the week and the design.
For a small tattoo or flash design, a short-notice appointment may sometimes be possible.
However, if getting tattooed is an important part of your trip, booking in advance is the safest option.
Do I Need to Know Exactly What I Want?
No.
You can arrive with:
- a finished idea;
- a reference photo;
- a sketch;
- a screenshot;
- a symbol;
- a memory;
- or simply a rough concept.
I can help you turn that into a tattoo that works for the size and placement you have in mind.
You do not need to understand tattoo terminology before getting in touch.
Can I Bring a Pinterest or Instagram Reference?
Absolutely.
Reference images are useful for showing style, composition, line weight or the general feeling you are looking for.
I do not copy another tattoo artist’s original work exactly, but references can be used as inspiration to create something that feels personal to you.
Fine Line Tattoos in Amsterdam
Fine line tattoos are especially popular with visitors who want something subtle and personal.
They use thin, precise linework and can work beautifully for:
- botanical designs;
- small illustrations;
- lettering;
- symbols;
- minimalist tattoos;
- and personal travel memories.
Fine line does not simply mean making every design as small as possible.
Size, spacing and detail all affect how the tattoo will age.
[READ MORE ABOUT FINE LINE TATTOOS →]
Tiny Tattoos in Amsterdam
A tiny tattoo can be a great way to remember a trip without committing to a large piece.
But tiny tattoos still require careful design choices.
If too much detail is squeezed into a very small space, the tattoo may not remain readable over time.
That is why I always look at the balance between:
- size;
- detail;
- placement;
- and long-term readability.
[READ MORE ABOUT TINY TATTOOS →]
Single Needle Tattoos
Single needle tattooing uses very small needle configurations to create delicate and detailed linework.
It works particularly well for small illustrative tattoos and subtle designs.
Fine line and single needle are related, but they are not exactly the same.
Fine line describes the visual style, while single needle describes the technique used to create it.
Where Is Elmar Tattoo Located?
Elmar Tattoo is located in De Pijp, Amsterdam.
Van Woustraat 4-III
1073 LL Amsterdam
The Netherlands
The studio works by appointment.
De Pijp is centrally located and easy to reach by public transport, bicycle or on foot from many parts of Amsterdam.
Is Amsterdam a Good Place to Get a Tattoo?
Yes.
Amsterdam has a long and diverse tattoo culture, ranging from traditional tattooing to contemporary fine line and experimental styles.
For visitors, one of the advantages is that English is widely spoken, so communicating your tattoo idea is generally easy.
My appointments are available in both Dutch and English.
What Should I Do Before My Appointment?
Try to arrive:
- well rested;
- hydrated;
- having eaten properly;
- wearing comfortable clothing;
- and without alcohol in your system.
Choose clothing that gives easy access to the area being tattooed.
For example, if you are getting a tattoo on your upper arm, a loose T-shirt or sleeveless top can be helpful.
Bring a form of identification if required and arrive a few minutes early.
What Happens During the Appointment?
Before tattooing begins, we will look at:
- the design;
- size;
- placement;
- and position on the body.
There is time to make adjustments before we start.
Once everything feels right, the tattoo is applied and I will explain how to care for it afterwards.
If this is your first tattoo, feel free to tell me.
There is no expectation that you already know how the process works.
Tattoo Aftercare While Travelling
Travelling does not make tattoo aftercare difficult, but it does require a little planning.
Keep your tattoo:
- clean;
- protected from unnecessary friction;
- out of pools and open water;
- away from prolonged direct sunlight;
- and follow the aftercare instructions you receive.
If you are staying in a hotel, wash your hands before touching the tattoo and use clean towels.
You can find my full aftercare instructions online as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tourists get tattooed in Amsterdam?
Yes. International visitors are very welcome. If you are only in Amsterdam for a few days, booking in advance is recommended.
Is it safe to fly after getting a tattoo?
For most small tattoos, flying afterwards is usually fine. Wear loose, clean clothing and follow your aftercare instructions.
Can I drink alcohol after my tattoo?
A quiet evening is preferable immediately after your appointment. Avoid arriving at your appointment after drinking alcohol.
Can I go to the sauna after getting tattooed?
Not while the tattoo is fresh. Avoid saunas, hot tubs and prolonged soaking until the tattoo has healed.
Can I swim in a hotel pool after my tattoo?
No. A fresh tattoo should not be submerged in a swimming pool until it has healed.
Can I walk around Amsterdam after my appointment?
Yes. For most small tattoos, normal walking is fine. Placement and clothing may affect comfort.
Do you tattoo in English?
Yes. Appointments can be done in English or Dutch.
Can I book before travelling to Amsterdam?
Yes. Send your tattoo idea, approximate size, placement and travel dates through the booking page.
Can I get a tattoo as a souvenir from Amsterdam?
Of course. A tattoo can be a personal way to remember your trip, whether it is inspired by Amsterdam or has a completely different meaning.
Planning a Tattoo During Your Amsterdam Trip?
If getting tattooed is part of your Amsterdam plans, the most important thing is simply to plan around the healing process.
Choose a suitable day, avoid swimming and strong sun afterwards, and give yourself enough time to enjoy the appointment without rushing.
If you already know your travel dates, you can send me your idea before you arrive.
Elmar Tattoo — De Pijp, Amsterdam
Fine Line · Single Needle · Tiny Tattoos