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Complete Netherlands Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
The Netherlands has a population of 17 million. It is best known for cannabis cafes, a red-light district, canals, tulip fields, clogs, cheese, windmills, Anne Frank, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt. The country receives over 20 million tourists each year. Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full time. Use this Netherlands travel guide and the following Netherlands travel blog posts to plan your perfect vacation. The top destinations in the Netherlands are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Groningen.
Why Visit Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands. Amsterdam’s 165 canals, 1281 bridges, 2500 houseboats, and dancing houses have earned it the nickname Venice of the North. The city is also known for its redlight district, cannabis coffee shops, Vondelpark, the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and Rembrandt House.
READ 100 Things to Do in Amsterdam, a Bucket List City
READ 5 Top Spots to Enjoy the Netherlands Tulip Fields in Bloom
Why Visit Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and Europe’s largest seaport. The city is best known for its Instagram-worthy architecture. You will also find an old harbor full of historic boats, museums, galleries, windmills, and hopping nightlife.
READ Things To Do In Rotterdam Netherlands During a Day Trip
Why Visit The Hague
The Hague is “the royal city by the sea”. It is the seat of the Netherlands government, the residence of the Dutch royal family, and the home of the International Court of Justice. You will find a historic city center, canals, palaces, museums, cafes, windmills, a fishing district, a beach, and a miniature version of the Netherlands.
READ Things to Do in The Hague, Netherlands
What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to the Netherlands
Where is the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is in Western Europe on the North Sea. The country is bordered between Belgium and Germany. Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands but the Hague is the seat of its government.
What language is spoken in the Netherlands?
The national language of the Netherlands is Dutch. It is common to also hear French and German. The Dutch are the most proficient English speakers in the world. It is important to at least try to speak Dutch before resorting to English. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel.
Do I need a visa to visit the Netherlands?
According to Project Visa, US citizens do not need a visa for a visit up to 90 days in a 6 month period.
What is the currency in the Netherlands?
The currency in the Netherlands is the euro. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can I use credit cards and ATMs in the Netherlands?
ATMs are available throughout the Netherlands. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in the Netherlands and google its location before you travel. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are widely accepted in the Netherlands, you will need a 4 digit PIN from the bank. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and make purchases in the euro. It is always a good idea to carry some cash.
How much should I budget per day?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in the Netherlands is $147. Expect to pay $2,057 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.
When is the best time to visit the Netherlands?
The high season in the Netherlands is July and August. Expect high prices, crowds, and an average temperature of 75°F. Also, prices and crowds increase while the tulip fields bloom from April to mid-May. The shoulder season is September and October and the changing leaves next to the canals are beautiful in the fall. The low season is November to February, crowds are low and temperatures are wet, cold, and windy. It is rare for the temperature to reach freezing so do not expect to find frozen canals with people ice skating. Rain is common throughout the year.
What transportation does the Netherlands use?
The Netherlands is well connected domestically and internationally by fast train, bus, and ferry. The airport train will transport you to Amsterdam in 15 minutes. Metro, tram, bus, taxi (expensive), and Uber are available in Amsterdam. The most common mode of transportation is a bicycle. Cyclists have the right of way, get out of their way if you are walking. Bike rentals and racks are everywhere. I do not recommend driving, parking is limited and expensive. Holland offers unlimited travel tickets (OV-ChipKaart) allowing you to take the train to a city and use public transportation while there, this is a great alternative to group day trips. Be sure to tap the card in and out.
What kind of adaptor do I need in the Netherlands?
The plugs in the Netherlands are type C and F. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50Hz. I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer from the US.
What should I pack for the Netherlands?
It can be hot in the Netherlands, lightweight clothing is best for travel during the summer months. Denim is common in the Netherlands. Skirts and dresses are not practical for biking. Wear shoes with cushioned soles for walking. Rain is common, do not forget a travel umbrella. Tip: pack light, you will likely have to carry your luggage a moderate distance.
Is the Netherlands a safe country for solo travelers?
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the overall travel risk in the Netherlands is low, but there is a moderate risk for scams, pickpockets, and muggings. Stay aware of your surroundings, European cities have been targeted for terrorist attacks.
What Dutch food do I need to try?
Erwtensoep and rookworst (split pea soup with smoked sausage), stamppot (mashed potatoes with seasonal vegetables with sausage on top), kibbeling (fried fish nuggets), Gouda cheese, kroket (deep-fried roll with meat inside), bitterbal (deep-fried meatballs), patat (thick french fries with mayo), broodje haring (raw herring sandwich bought from a street vendor), kroketten or frikandellen from a vending machine, pannenkoeken (Dutch pancakes), oliebollen (deep-fried sweet dumplings), poffertjes (small pancakes with butter and powdered sugar), hagelslag (toasted, buttered bread with chocolate sprinkles), stroopwafel (waffle type cookie), deep-dish apple pie, and drink jenever (juniper berry liquor). Be sure to buy drop (licorice) as a souvenir.
Tips for Traveling in the Netherlands
- Don’t call it Holland, Holland is a region, not a country.
- The customer is not always right.
- Introduce yourself by first and last name and shake hands with everyone in the room.
- Dutch are very direct, don’t take it personally.
- Businesses are often closed by 6 pm.
- Take a bag to the grocery store and expect to pack your own groceries.
- Expect to pay a euro to use a toilet, unless you are a man (free urinals are common).
- Toilets are inconsistent, carry a hand sterilizer and tissues for after-bathroom use.
- Coffee shops sell marijuana and cafes sell coffee.
- There’s a good chance you will encounter very drunk and/or very high people, be prepared.
- If you plan to partake, don’t buy weed at the Bulldog (poor quality and expensive).
- It is safe to drink tap water but restaurants don’t like to provide it.
- Tipping is not required but 10% is common for good service.
- It is normal to round the bill up to the nearest euro at bars and restaurants.
- The Dutch pay for their own drinks and food, and splitting the bills is rare.
- Leisurely meals are common, go to the front of the restaurant and tell them you want to pay when you are ready to leave.
- Amsterdam is a walkable city but stay out of the red bike lane and look both ways before crossing, twice.
- Be sure to double lock a rented bike, they are stolen often.
- Do not take photos of the women in the Red Light District windows.
- Mosquitoes love the canals.
- Cycling while drunk is illegal.
- If you are arrested you are not entitled to a phone call.
Top Things to See and Do in the Netherlands
- Visit the Keukenhof tulip fields in bloom (April to mid-May).
- Cruise the canals of Amsterdam.
- Tour the Anne Frank House.
- Explore the wooden houses and windmills of Zaanse Schans.
- Stroll through the fishing village of Volendam.
- Watch clogs being made in the village of Marken.
- See the Kinderdijk windmills.
- Take a day trip to The Hague, Delft, and/or Rotterdam.
- Wander historic Haarlem.
- Visit the cheese market in Edam or Alkmaar.
- See the thatched-roof farmhouses, wooden arch bridges, and canals of postcard-perfect Giethoorn.
- Explore Kasteel De Haar castle near Utrecht.
- Take a bike ride through Hoge Veluwe National Park.
Be sure to check the Netherlands Office of Tourism website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Interesting Facts About the Netherlands
- Amsterdam is almost completely built on poles.
- One-third of the Netherlands is under sea level.
- Schiphol Airport is the largest international airport, 60 million fly through it yearly.
- There are over 1,000 windmills in the Netherlands.
- Tourists purchase 6 million clogs per year.
- Tulips were originally imported from Turkey.
- 80% of the world’s flower bulbs come from the Netherlands.
- Orange carrots were created in the Netherlands and orange is their national color.
- One-fifth of the population in the Netherlands is foreign-born.
- One in eight babies is born at home in the Netherlands.
- The Netherlands is the sixth happiest country in the world.
- The Netherlands has the highest population density in Europe.
- There are more bicycles in the Netherlands than people.
- The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.
- Dutchmen are the tallest in the world.
- The Dutch are the most physically active European country and have one of the longest average life spans in the world.
- The Netherlands has the highest English proficiency in the world.
- The Dutch invented the first stock market, gin, CDs, DVDs, Blu-Ray, microscope, telescope, mercury thermometer, and the artificial heart.
- The Netherlands is the fourth largest investor in the US.
- The Dutch eat more licorice than any other nation in the world.
- Prostitution is legal and prostitutes pay taxes to the government.
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