THE NETHERLANDS

The Netherlands blends artistic heritage with futuristic innovation. Known for windmills, tulips, and its flat landscape, it offers a perfect mix of cosmopolitan cities and peaceful countryside—all connected by bike paths and sparkling canals.

Region: Western Europe

Capital: Amsterdam

Official Language: Dutch

Level of Travel Safety: The Netherlands is very safe for travelers. Petty theft is uncommon but can happen in crowded areas. Public transport and streets are well-maintained and secure, even at night.

A map of Europe with Belgium highlighted in green.

Why Visit the Netherlands?

Canals & Cycling Culture: Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals and 35,000 km of bike paths.

Art & History: Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Anne Frank House.

Tulip Season: Keukenhof’s flower fields (April–May) and colorful bulb markets.

A traditional Dutch windmill by a body of water under a blue sky with clouds.

Unique Urban Vibes: Rotterdam’s modern architecture and Utrecht’s cozy wharfs.

Cheese & Stroopwafels: Taste Gouda at Alkmaar’s market or fresh syrup waffles.

Sustainable Living: Eco-friendly cities, floating houses, and windmill villages (Zaanse Schans).

A city canal lined with historic buildings reflected in the water.

Essential Trip Information

The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, allowing visa-free travel for short stays (up to 90 days within 180 days) for citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the EU.

Check visa requirements based on nationality via the Dutch Immigration Service or your local consulate.

Passports must be valid for three months beyond your stay and issued within the last ten years. Six months of validity is recommended.

Immigration may request proof of onward travel (return ticket) and sufficient funds (€55/day per person).

The Netherlands uses the Euro (€). Banknotes: €5–€200 (€500 rarely used). Coins: 1c–€2.

Best Ways to Handle Currency

  • Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount for immediate needs; avoid airport rates. Consider travel cards (Revolut, Wise) for better rates.

  • During Your Trip: Use ATMs at major banks (ABN AMRO, ING, Rabobank). Opt to be charged in euros. Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted, but keep €20–€50 cash for small vendors.

  • What to Avoid: Standalone ATMs in tourist areas with high fees.

Official language: Dutch. English is widely spoken, especially in cities.

Learn basics: Hallo (Hello), Dank je (Thank you), Spreekt u Engels? (Do you speak English?).

Very safe, but pickpocketing occurs in tourist areas (Amsterdam Central, train stations).

Watch for bicycle traffic—always look both ways before crossing bike lanes.

Emergency number: 112.

No special vaccinations required.

EU citizens: Bring EHIC card; others need travel insurance.

Pharmacies (apotheek) provide over-the-counter help. Tap water is safe.

Cities: Trams, buses, metros (OV-chipkaart required). Biking is the local way!

Trains: Fast and efficient (NS Dutch Railways). Book early for discounts.

Driving: Good for countryside trips, but cities have limited parking and bike priority.

Taxis/Ride-sharing: Uber available in major cities.

The Netherlands is moderately expensive, especially in Amsterdam.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Hostels/budget hotels (€40–€70/night)

  • Mid-range: 3-star hotels (€100–€180/night)

  • Luxury: 4-5 star hotels (€250+/night)

Food

  • Street food: €3–€7 (stroopwafels, fries)

  • Café meals: €12–€20 (lunch specials)

  • Restaurant dinners: €25–€50/person

  • Coffee: €2.50–€4 (espresso at cafés)

Drinks

  • Beer: €4–€7 (bars), €1–€3 (supermarkets)

  • Wine: €5–€12/glass

  • Cocktails: €10–€18

Transportation

  • Metro/tram/bus: €3–€4/ride (OV-chipkaart saves money)

  • Trains: €10–€30 (book early for discounts via NS.nl)

  • Bicycle rentals: €10–€15/day

Money-Saving Tips

  • Visit outside peak season (April–May or September–October).

  • Use the I Amsterdam City Card for discounts on attractions and transport.

  • Eat at eetcafés (local pubs) for affordable meals.

Explore the Netherlands

The vibrant capital known for its elaborate canal system, artistic heritage, narrow houses with gabled facades, and cycling culture. It is located in the Western Netherlands, in the province of North Holland.

Home to one of the world’s largest flower gardens, showcasing millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in breathtaking displays. It is located in the province of South Holland, between the towns of Hillegom and Lisse.

A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its iconic 18th-century windmills. You can explore the area by foot, bike, or boat. It is situated in the province of South Holland, southeast of Rotterdam.

Often called the “Venice of the North,” this charming village is known for its car-free streets and instead relies on canals and bridges for transport. It is located in the province of Overijssel, in the northeastern part of the Netherlands.

A historic city boasting a beautiful medieval old town, a unique canal system with wharves at water level, and the iconic Dom Tower. It is located in the central Netherlands, serving as the capital of the province of Utrecht.

The seat of the Dutch government and home to the International Court of Justice, featuring grand buildings, wide boulevards, and the popular Scheveningen beach. It is situated on the west coast of the Netherlands, in the province of South Holland.

A modern and innovative city known for its bold architecture, impressive port, and vibrant arts scene, largely rebuilt after WWII. It is located in the province of South Holland, on the banks of the Nieuwe Maas river.

A picturesque city with a rich Roman past, charming cobbled streets, historic buildings, and a unique underground cave system. It is located in the southernmost part of the Netherlands, in the province of Limburg.

A quintessential Dutch town famous for its charming canals, historic old town, and its association with the renowned Delftware pottery and painter Johannes Vermeer. It is located in the province of South Holland, between The Hague and Rotterdam.

A vast natural park offering diverse landscapes, including woodlands, heathlands, and sand drifts, perfect for cycling and wildlife spotting. It is located in the province of Gelderland, in the eastern part of the Netherlands.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Authentic Local Vibe
  • Cozy Atmosphere
  • Ice Skating Opportunities (weather permitting)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Cold Temperatures
  • Shorter Days
  • Limited Outdoor Activities (non-skating)
  • Some attractions might have reduced hours

Key Regions:

  • Amsterdam: Enjoy museums and canals without the usual crowds.
  • Utrecht: Charming canals and medieval architecture feel extra cozy.
  • Maastricht: Explore underground caves and a festive Christmas market.
  • Dutch Coast: Experience blustery beach walks and seafood.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Festivals & Events
  • Blooming Landscapes (Spring) & Autumn Colors (Autumn)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Unpredictable Weather (Spring/Autumn)
  • Spring flower crowds can still be significant in specific areas

Key Regions:

  • Keukenhof & Tulip Fields (Spring): Witness spectacular floral displays.
  • Amsterdam: Enjoy outdoor cafes and canal cruises in pleasant weather.
  • Kinderdijk: Iconic windmills surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Giethoorn: Explore the “Venice of the North” by boat.
  • Veluwe National Park: Perfect for cycling amidst diverse landscapes and wildlife.
  • Mid-Summer (June-August)
  • Christmas and New Year Holiday Period
  • King’s Day (April 27th)

Planning Your Trip

Greetings: A handshake is standard; cheek kisses (3x) among friends.

Cycling Rules: Don’t walk in bike lanes—locals will ring their bells!

Tipping: Service charge is included, but rounding up (or 5–10%) is polite.

Dining:

  • Early dinners (6–8 PM); try bitterballen (bar snacks) or stroopwafels.
  • Coffee shops (for cannabis) are only for adults—know the rules.

Directness: Dutch people are famously frank—don’t take it personally!

Accommodation: Hostels (€25–50), hotels (€100–200), luxury (€250+).

Food: Street food (€3–6 for frites or haring), casual meals (€12–20), fine dining (€50+).

Transport: Train tickets (€10–20/city), bike rental (€10/day), OV-chipkaart (€7.50 fee).

Activities: Rijksmuseum (€22.50), Van Gogh Museum (€20), free walking tours (tip-based).

  • Daily Budget:

    • Budget: €50–80 (hostels, bikes, markets).

    • Mid-range: €100–150 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).

    • Luxury: €200+ (design stays, guided tours).

Free Wi-Fi: Cafés, hotels, and public transport (NS trains).

SIM Cards: Lebara or Vodafone (€10–20 for 5–10GB). EU roaming applies.

eSIMs: Supported (Airalo, Holafly).

Required for non-EU visitors (Schengen visa rules).

EU Citizens: EHIC/GHIC covers emergencies (supplement with insurance).

Coverage for bikes/e-bikes if renting.

From houseboats to design hostels, the Netherlands has quirky and practical stays.

Hotels:

  • Budget: CitizenM or Ibis (€80–120/night).
  • Luxury: Pulitzer Amsterdam (canal-side) or Conservatorium (design).

Hostels:

  • ClinkNOORD (Amsterdam) or The Student Hotel (mixed dorms/private rooms).

Houseboats/Airbnb:

  • Unique stays on Amsterdam’s canals (book early).

B&Bs (Bed & Breakfasts):

  • Charming options in smaller towns (e.g., Delft or Haarlem).

Camping:

  • Popular in summer (sites like Vliegenbos near Amsterdam).

The country’s compact size and superb infrastructure make travel easy.

Trains:

  • NS (Dutch Railways): High-frequency connections between cities (e.g., Amsterdam to Rotterdam in 40 mins).
  • Thalys/Eurostar: Fast links to Brussels, Paris, and London. Book early for discounts.
  • OV-chipkaart: Reusable card for trains/trams/buses (or use contactless bank cards).

Buses/Trams:

  • Efficient in cities (GVB in Amsterdam, RET in Rotterdam).
  • FlixBus for budget intercity travel.

Biking:

  • Rent bikes (€10–15/day) to explore like a local. Dedicated paths everywhere—even for long-distance routes like the LF Waterliniepad.
  • Tip: Watch for bike theft—always lock up.

Car Rental:

  • Only needed for rural areas (e.g., Giethoorn or Zeeland’s beaches). Parking is expensive in cities.

Public Transport in Cities:

  • Amsterdam: Tram/metro system covers the city; avoid taxis (pricey).
  • Uber/Boats: Uber available; canal ferries in Rotterdam are free.

Handy Tips

The Netherlands uses the Euro (€), with banknotes in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500 denominations. Coins come in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, plus €1 and €2.

Exchanging Currency: ATMs (called pinautomaten) offer the best rates and are widely available. Avoid exchange offices at airports for large sums—they often charge high fees.

Using Cards: Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere, but some small shops or markets may have a €5–10 minimum spend. Always carry cash for flea markets, public toilets, or bike rentals.

Tipping Etiquette: Service charges are usually included, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated for good service.

  • Restaurants: Round up or add 5–10% (e.g., €28 bill → €30).
  • Cafés/Bars: Leave €0.50–€2 in the tip jar.
  • Taxis: Round up to the nearest euro.
  • Hotels: €1–2 per bag for porters; €1–2 per day for housekeeping.

Dutch is the official language, but 95% of Dutch people speak English fluently. Still, locals appreciate basic efforts:

  • Hallo (Hello) / Dank je wel (Thank you)

  • Alsjeblieft (Please/You’re welcome)

  • Ja (Yes) / Nee (No)

  • Pardon (Excuse me)

  • Spreekt u Engels? (Do you speak English?)

  • Waar is…? (Where is…?)

  • De rekening, alstublieft (The bill, please)

Pro Tip: Avoid calling the country “Holland”—it’s technically just two provinces (North and South Holland).

The Netherlands is very safe, but watch for pickpockets in Amsterdam (Central Station, Red Light District) and bike theft everywhere.

Emergency Contacts:

  • 112: All emergencies (police, medical, fire). English-speaking operators.
  • 0900-8844: Non-urgent police matters.
  • Your Embassy: Keep details handy (e.g., U.S. Embassy in The Hague).

The Netherlands uses 230V/50Hz with Type F plugs (two round pins + grounding clips). Bring an adapter if needed; converters are unnecessary for most modern devices.

Tap water is safe to drink and of high quality. Restaurants serve it free upon request (kraanwater). Bottled water is widely available but unnecessary.

Many shops close on:

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day

  • 7 Apr: Easter Monday

  • 27 Apr: King’s Day (national celebration—wear orange!)

  • 9 May: Ascension Day

  • 20 May: Whit Monday

  • 25–26 Dec: Christmas

King’s Day Pro Tip: Book accommodations early—this is the busiest day of the year.

Supermarkets: Open 8:00–22:00 (some close at 18:00 on Sundays).

Small shops: Often closed Sundays/Mondays.

Markets: Mornings (9:00–17:00); famous ones include Albert Cuyp (Amsterdam) and Dappermarkt (Amsterdam).

Bitterballen: Crispy deep-fried meat ragout balls—perfect bar snack.

Haring: Raw herring served with onions and pickles—eat it the traditional way, held by the tail.

Kibbeling: Deep-fried battered cod bites, often with garlic mayo—street food favorite.

Erwtensoep: Thick pea soup with sausage and bacon—hearty winter staple.

Patatje Oorlog: Fries loaded with satay sauce, mayo, and onions—chaotic but delicious.

Gouda Cheese: World-famous cheese aged to perfection—try aged, smoked, or cumin-infused versions.

Kroket: Like bitterballen but larger—popular in fast-food vending machines.

Poffertjes: Mini fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and butter—pure joy.

Stroopwafel: Thin waffle cookies with gooey caramel in the center—best fresh from the market.

Vlaai: A fruity Limburg pie with a yeast dough base—regional delicacy.

Alcoholic:

  • Dutch Gin (Jenever): Earthy and slightly malty—progenitor of modern gin.

  • Heineken: Global lager brewed in Amsterdam—visit the original brewery.

  • Grolsch: Crisp pilsner with signature swing-top bottles—great with snacks.

  • La Trappe Trappist Beer: Brewed by monks in Koningshoeven Abbey—try the Dubbel.

  • Texels Skuumkoppe: Dark wheat beer from Texel Island—malty and local.

  • De Molen Craft Beers: Experimental and bold—one of the Netherlands’ best microbreweries.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Koffie Verkeerd: Dutch version of café au lait—perfect breakfast companion.

  • Chocomel: Rich, ready-made chocolate milk—loved by kids and adults alike.

  • Appelsap: Dutch apple juice—naturally sweet and widely available.

  • Fristi: Fruity milk drink (often strawberry)—nostalgic Dutch childhood classic.

  • Spa Rood/Spa Blauw: Sparkling vs. still mineral water—simple but iconic.

Rijksmuseum: Home to Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s masterpieces.

Anne Frank House: Intimate and powerful—book far in advance.

Keukenhof Gardens: Open spring only—millions of tulips in bloom.

Delft: Blue pottery, canals, and Vermeer’s hometown.

Dutch Cycling Culture: Biking is a lifestyle—experience it on a rental.

Leiden University: Oldest in the country—alma mater to royalty and philosophers.

Zaanse Schans: Open-air museum with windmills and traditional crafts.

Carnaval in Maastricht: Southern festival with costumes, parades, and satire.

Royal Palace Amsterdam: Ornate 17th-century civic building turned monarchy residence.

Haarlem: Quaint town with excellent museums and historic churches.

Canal Cruises: Especially in Amsterdam or Utrecht—ideal at sunset.

Concertgebouw Amsterdam: One of the world’s best concert halls—acoustics are world-class.

Vondelpark: Central Amsterdam’s leafy escape—picnics, jogs, and buskers.

Nightlife in Rotterdam: Clubs like Toffler or Maassilo inside old industrial spaces.

Van Gogh Museum: Largest collection of Van Gogh’s works—deeply moving.

Artis Zoo: Amsterdam’s historic zoo—well-kept and beautifully landscaped.

Scheveningen Beach: Near The Hague—summer fun with beach clubs and kite surfing.

Hoge Veluwe Park Safari: Rent free white bikes, visit Kröller-Müller Museum inside.

Eurovision in Rotterdam: If the timing fits—Dutch enthusiasm runs high.

Giethoorn Boat Rentals: Explore this “Venice of the North” by whisper boat.

Brouwerij ’t IJ: Windmill brewery in Amsterdam with riverside beer garden.

SkyLounge Amsterdam: Rooftop cocktails with panoramic city views.

Wynand Fockink: 17th-century jenever tasting room—try the “slurping” tradition.

De School (Amsterdam): Art, music, clubbing in a former technical school.

Café de Dokter: Tiny, candlelit brown bar dating back to 1798.

Rotown (Rotterdam): Live indie music in an old cinema.

Bar Botanique: Tropical-themed cocktail bar with serious mixology.

Jimmy Woo (Amsterdam): Upscale club with international DJs and sleek décor.

Poing Arcade (Rotterdam): Bar + vintage arcade + techno dance floor.

Paradiso (Amsterdam): Legendary concert venue in a converted church—iconic shows.