AMSTERDAM'S THREE CROSSES: FROM SAILORS AND OLD TATTOO SHOPS TO YOUR OWN AMSTERDAM TATTOO
THE STORY BEHIND AMSTERDAM XXX, THE CITY'S TATTOO HISTORY AND THE PERFECT SOUVENIR TATTOO
Amsterdam has a symbol that follows you everywhere: three little crosses. You will see them on flags, bridges, buildings, street bollards and souvenirs. And, increasingly, on skin.
But why does Amsterdam have three Xs? And how did this old port city become such an interesting place to get tattooed?
THE THREE Xs: AMSTERDAM'S MOST FAMOUS SYMBOL
The three crosses are part of Amsterdam's historic coat of arms. They appear vertically on a black band, against a red shield. They are often called St Andrew's crosses, after the X-shaped cross associated with Saint Andrew.
One popular story says the crosses stand for the three threats that shaped the city: fire, floods and plague. It is a memorable legend, but historians have not established it as the true explanation. The exact origin of the three crosses remains uncertain.
And no: XXX did not originally mean the Red Light District. Amsterdam's symbol is much older than that association.
A CITY BUILT ON WATER, TRADE AND ADVENTURE
Amsterdam grew from a settlement beside the Amstel into a major trading city. Its canals, ships, merchants and dockworkers connected it to places far beyond the Netherlands.
The city's history was never just about pretty canal houses. It was also about long journeys, difficult work, migration, reinvention and people carrying stories across oceans.
Those stories eventually found their way into Amsterdam's tattoo culture.
WHEN AMSTERDAM TATTOOS BELONGED TO SAILORS
Long before minimalist tattoos filled Instagram feeds, tattooing was closely associated with sailors, travellers and port neighbourhoods.
A tattoo could be a reminder of home, a symbol of luck, a lover's name or evidence of a journey. Anchors, ships, swallows, hearts and lettering became part of a visual language that could travel from port to port.
Amsterdam's old city centre, particularly the streets around the harbour and Red Light District, became an important part of the Dutch tattoo story.
One of the city's best-known historic shops is Tattoo Peter, established in 1955 near the old harbour. Its history is a reminder that Amsterdam tattooing existed long before today's international tattoo boom.
FROM OLD-SCHOOL TATTOOS TO FINE LINE AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam's tattoo scene has changed enormously. Traditional bold-line designs still have their place, but visitors now also look for delicate fine line tattoos, minimalist symbols, botanical designs, blackwork and personalised pieces.
A tiny tulip, an Amsterdam canal house, a bicycle, the coordinates of a favourite street or the famous three crosses can each tell a different story.
The best souvenir is not necessarily the largest one. Sometimes a small tattoo carries the biggest memory.
WHAT DO THE THREE AMSTERDAM CROSSES MEAN AS A TATTOO?
Today, an XXX tattoo can represent a connection to Amsterdam: the city where you live, where you fell in love, where you celebrated, or where you spent an unforgettable weekend.
Some people choose the three crosses in their traditional vertical arrangement. Others prefer a clean horizontal composition, a tiny blackwork design or a fine line interpretation combined with a tulip or another Amsterdam symbol.
There is no single personal meaning that everyone must follow. The historical symbol belongs to the city; the story behind your tattoo belongs to you.
MORE THAN XXX: AMSTERDAM TATTOO IDEAS FOR TRAVELLERS
THE THREE CROSSES
Minimal, recognisable and unmistakably Amsterdam.
A TULIP
A classic Dutch symbol that works beautifully as a botanical fine line tattoo.
A CANAL HOUSE
A little piece of Amsterdam architecture, reduced to a simple outline.
A BICYCLE
For anyone who remembers the city's streets on two wheels.
A BRIDGE OR CANAL
A personal reminder of the city's waterside atmosphere.
CUSTOM LETTERING
A date, street name, initials or meaningful phrase from your visit.
BEFORE YOU GET A SOUVENIR TATTOO IN AMSTERDAM
A spontaneous tattoo should still be a considered decision. Choose a professional studio, look at actual tattoo work, ask about placement and aftercare, and make sure the design suits the size you want.
If you are travelling, think about what comes next. Swimming, heavy sun exposure and friction from clothing or luggage may interfere with healing. Plan accordingly and follow the instructions given by your artist.
If you want a very small fine line design, ask whether the details are suitable for long-term readability. Good tattoo design is about more than how it looks on the first day.
TATTOO CLUB AMSTERDAM: YOUR OWN PIECE OF THE CITY
At Tattoo Club Amsterdam, we combine more than 20 years of tattoo industry experience with fine line, minimalist, blackwork, flash and custom tattooing.
Our studio welcomes Amsterdam locals, first-time clients and travellers from around the world. We particularly enjoy designs that turn a visit into something personal: a tiny tulip, an understated symbol or a custom Amsterdam memory.
Walk-in tattoos are available Wednesday to Saturday, 11:00–15:00, subject to availability and studio conditions. Flash tattoos start from €60. For more personal ideas, custom appointments are available.
Find us at De Clercqstraat 69HS, Amsterdam.
WHAT HAPPENS HERE, STAYS ON YOU.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY DOES AMSTERDAM HAVE THREE Xs?
Three crosses. One rebellious city.
You might think Amsterdam's famous XXX stands for sex, drugs and wild nights. But the real story goes much deeper.
The three crosses are Saint Andrew's crosses, part of Amsterdam's centuries-old coat of arms. An old legend connects them to three dangers: fire, floods and the plague. But their exact origin remains a mystery.
Today, the crosses are often linked to Amsterdam's official motto:
VALIANT. STEADFAST. COMPASSIONATE.
Or, in Dutch: HELDHAFTIG. VASTBERADEN. BARMHARTIG.
The motto was awarded to Amsterdam by Queen Wilhelmina in 1947, honouring the city's courage and resistance during World War II.
From its dark history to its wild reputation, Amsterdam has always had its own character.
THREE CROSSES. THREE VALUES. ONE CITY THAT DOES THINGS ITS OWN WAY.
DO THE THREE Xs STAND FOR FIRE, FLOOD AND PLAGUE?
That is a popular story, but it is not a historically established explanation.
ARE THE AMSTERDAM Xs CONNECTED TO THE RED LIGHT DISTRICT?
Not originally. The city's coat of arms predates the modern association with XXX entertainment.
CAN TOURISTS GET A WALK-IN TATTOO IN AMSTERDAM?
Yes. Tattoo Club Amsterdam offers walk-in hours Wednesday to Saturday from 11:00 to 15:00, subject to availability.
WHAT IS A GOOD SMALL AMSTERDAM TATTOO?
Popular ideas include the three crosses, a tulip, a canal house outline or a meaningful date. The best choice depends on your own connection to the city.
HOW MUCH DOES A SMALL TATTOO COST AT TATTOO CLUB AMSTERDAM?
Flash designs start from €60. Prices depend on the design, size, placement and complexity.
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