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Complete Netherlands Travel Guide
This Travel Guide is your first stepping stone to plan your trip to the Netherlands AKA Holland during Off Tulip Season. Nothing can beat the beauty of Tulip fields in Holland. But this awesome country in northwestern Europe is beyond Tulips. Think iconic windmill, picturesque canals, villages, and loads of history with art.
We’re here to make your travel planning for a week trip to The Netherlands easy and stress-free with some simple yet essential tips.
This detailed guide is put together with a hand from our buddy Keerthi, who's been living the Amsterdam life since 2013 – He's scribbled down some nifty tourist tricks, hacks, and tips to make your Netherlands trip a breeze – So consider this as Insider Tips that shows you “How to plan your trip to the Netherlands” as a first timer.
Index
- Best Time to visit Netherlands and Duration of Trip
- Places to visit in Netherlands
- Netherlands Trip Cost
- Booking tours and Activities
- Preparing for Your Trip-Visa, Air connectivity, Currency, Cards
- Getting around – Public and Private Transport
- Practical Travel Tips – SIM, Plug sockets and Tipping Culture
- Essential Information – Language, people, Culture, Safety and scams
- Amenities – Public Toilet, hygiene, drinking water
- Food and Alcohol etiquette
1. Ideal Time and Duration of the trip
How many days is enough for the Netherlands
Seven to 10 Days is an ideal duration for your Netherlands trip. Visiting only Amsterdam on a day trip really doesn’t make any good.
Best time to visit the Netherlands
The best time to visit Holland depends on what you want to experience. If you are looking for Tulip season in the Netherlands, it is from March to April. You may find a few websites stating Tulip season goes up to May end, but it is not true. We landed in Amsterdam on May 18th, and all the tulip fields were already harvested.
The weather from May to June is cold without snowfall, fewer tourists with no Tulips, and the lowest prices for hotels. June to August is summer and the highest peak for tourists with the best weather, but prices are high in summer – So avoid summers to visit the Netherlands.
2. Guide to Crafting the Netherlands Travel Itinerary
Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans, and Giethoorn are amazing and common places travellers visit in the Netherlands. Hoge Veluwe National Park, Haarlem and Volendam are the next famous places.
Apart from Amsterdam, Keerthi’s favourite remains the villages where you can stay in farmhouses and experience the countryside Charm. These are his picks to be the best of the Netherlands.
Places to visit in the Netherlands
- Assen & Hoofddorp –Keerthi’s idea of spending weekends when he wants a break from Amsterdam’s buzzing city are these small towns. When you look at the pictures, it looks similar to the canal streets of Amsterdam. But these villagers are greener and quieter.
- Rotterdam – the modern Netherlands with plenty of pubs and nightclubs. Plus, cube houses and graffiti streets give you a hipster vibe.
- Utrecht is similar to Dam, but with fewer tourists.
- Urk – The fishing town is unique from all the other countryside towns and a great place for swimming in summer.
Netherlands Travel Itinerary for Five Days
In our Netherlands travel guide, we detail a relaxed itinerary spread over five days, centered in Amsterdam. Spend two days exploring the city itself and the remaining days on day trips to Giethoorn, Zaanse Schans, and nearby Belgian cities. This setup gives you a more in-depth experience without feeling rushed.
3. Netherlands Trip Cost
It is very common to have a mid-range mid-range travel expenses in the Netherlands. Honestly, pulling off a low-budget trip a bit of a challenge here – There are too many things for you to experience, places to visit in the Netherlands that your budget can go out of your hands way too quickly. The silverline is the cost of your Netherlands trip will be cheaper than that of Austria
Things to consider while budgeting your Netherlands Travel Expenses
- Budget Planning: Aim for €100-150 per day covering hostel or budget-friendly hotel, transport, food, and activities.
- Grocery Shopping: Hit up Albert Heijn for affordable fresh food, bread, and ready-to-eat options.
- Museum Costs: Watch out for potential extra expenses at museums such as “Add ons” to view extra exhibits. Plus, think if you really want to go to every museum – Pick according to your taste.
- Food : cooking at hostels and grocery shopping can save money.
- Transport Savings: Use OV Chip cards, bicycles over Uber, and NS railway combo for cheaper travel.
- Free Walking Tours: Try Guru Walks for walking tours; they’re fantastic and cost-effective based on my experiences in Tokyo and Vienna.
- Accommodation Choices: Gorgeous BnBs are tempting but expensive; hostels are great for budget travelers. Book hotels away from touristy areas in advance. We aren’t hostel fans, but for Amsterdam we really booked “Wow Amsterdam Hostel” until Keerthi insisted we stayed with him.
You can discover loads of places to stay in the Netherlands on Booking.com. Whether it is your hostel or a luxury mansion, it is all up there. It’s the Netherlands’ own creation, started in a tiny office in Amsterdam. Check Hostel World if you are solely looking for hostels as accommodation choice throughout your Netherlands Trip
4. Booking Tickets for Activities
When you’re in the Netherlands during the busiest times, nabbing museum tickets online is a smart move. Booking ahead not only saves time but leaves room for day trips too. It’s a win-win─more adventures in less time. Consider booking skip the line tickets for popular places such Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House.
Visiting the Netherlands without checking out Amsterdam’s Red Light District is missing out big time! You don’t even have to do much, just stroll around to witness how they sell prostitution and drugs! I get it, it can make some folks feel hesitant or worried to visit these spots by themselves. So, you can always opt for a guided tour to explore De Wallen street, also known as the Red Light District in Amsterdam.
Witnessing how they make world’s best Cheese ( according to me) – Gouda is a must. Just like me, there are too many cheese lovers and these tours get sold quickly. So book cheese and wine tours in the Netherlands in prior.
Definitely book canal tours beforehand unless you fancy standing on the bridges feeling disappointed like us -Watching happy tourists who booked tickets in advance sail by.
Cheese, canals, and museums are one side of the story – but have you heard about the concentration camps and World War stories in the Netherlands? It’s an essential part of your Netherlands experience if you want to delve beyond the typical tourist spots.
5. Preparing for Your Trip
Netherlands Tourist Visa
The Netherlands is among the 27 Schengen countries. Politically, there are different interpretations on how the Schengen Union works. But for tourists, having a Schengen visa from one of these 27 nations means you’re good to go and visit the other 26 without hassle.
Over 50 nationalities don’t need a Visa to enter these 27 Schengen countries. So, if you’re from one of these 50+ nations, you can just stroll into any Schengen country with a valid passport. But things are shifting a bit. Due to misuse, folks from non-European countries with visa-free access to the Netherlands or other Schengen nations will need an ETIAS by 2025. Find more info here.
The Schengen Sticker Visa
Except for those fortunate 50 nationalities, everyone else including Indians has to go through a pretty extensive process to snag a Schengen visa for the Netherlands. Getting that visa takes around a month and a truckload of documents, plus a face-to-face chat at the embassy.
Once you’ve got that visa, you’ve got access to 26 countries. But if the Netherlands is your Schengen starting point, you need their specific visa from their embassy. For instance, if Greece issues your Schengen Visa, you can’t touch down in the Netherlands first. It’s a real hassle, so teaming up with a reliable company is a savvy call – Trust me, as Indians, we know how big of a pile our Visa documents will be.
The Government of the Netherlands has decided to lift all travel restrictions related to coronavirus. But keep an eye on their official website for latest updates – Who knows, what happens and when!
Air Connectivity
The Netherlands has six major airports, with Amsterdam Schiphol Airport being the largest, ranked third in Europe and among the world’s 15 busiest is has the highest flight connectivity. Expect crowds during layovers or arrivals. The next well connected airport is at Rotterdam- The Hague Airport. Check Skyscanner to decide on your landing airports and best deals depending on your departing city.
Heads up:
At the Amsterdam airport, there is automated baggage check-in thing that’s pretty strict about weight limits. Make sure your bags don’t go over the allowed limit, not even by 50 grams when you’re leaving.
For example, The check-in luggage limit for KLM airlines was 25 kg each. Since both of us were carrying just one piece of check-in luggage together, we assumed that one bag could weigh slightly more than 25 kg, as it does work in many other airports. Our luggage weighed 26.1 kg.
We had to struggle and take out clothes and that Gouda cheese from the trolley. Somehow, we managed to fit some things into our carry-on luggage! If we couldn’t, we had to throw things into the bin. We saw many poor souls dumping their precious sweaters and other items into the bin.
Domestic Flights
Opt for train travel over domestic flights when moving between Netherlands destinations. Trains offer efficiency, and there’s excellent bus connectivity between cities. The overall cost of a Netherlands trip can be less budget-friendly, especially if domestic flights are chosen, increasing expenses. You can even drive between two Netherlands cities which works out cheaper than flighst.
Currency
The Netherlands uses the Euro. You can swap USD, AUD, GBP for Euros at Dutch airports, but currencies such as Indian Rupees or Thai Bahts aren’t accepted. It’s best to get Euros in your home country rather than changing your local cash there.
Card Payments
Master Credit and debit cards work most places in the Netherlands. Many restaurants and stores take cards. Yet, in villages and farmhouses, cash is needed. Also, for restroom use in cafes/shops without a purchase, cash is a must. So, have change ready. Google Pay’s popular there too. But, for it to work, your linked phone number from your country must be active in the Netherlands.
Heads up: The Netherlands is one of the top 10 targets for credit card skimming fraud in Europe! I know a friend who lost 2 lakh Indian Rupees (2,200 Euros) when he used his credit card in Rotterdam. Be extremely careful and avoid using your credit card in small cafes or street-side shops.
6. Getting Around Netherlands
Roads and Driving
Dutches follow Right lane driving like most of its neighbouring countries. Needless to say, the roads are well maintained and kept free of potholes most of the time. After every winter, cycle lanes will need major repairs. They do it religiously.
Renting cars in Amsterdam is possible if you have an international DL. But finding a car parking spot was a headache for us in Amsterdam. And also in many other cities But ditch the cars exploring the city – Go walking/cycling or take a tram. Cars are best for inter-city travelling only.
Read our post “A road trip between two Schengen Countries” as an essential part of our Netherlands travel guide, if you are planning for a road trip.
Public Transport Overview
Netherlands train services are super efficient for intercity and even international travelling. However, consider reserving the peak season of June to August and the Tulip season of March to April. Look for combo tickets that work for group travellers.
A Eurail pass isn’t worth it if you travel only in one country for less than a week with scheduled arrival/departure dates. In this case, buying Seasonal tickets or OV Chip cards is more economical.
How does public transport work in the Netherlands?
It works on an honesty system – That means you must buy tickets. But you may/may not be checked by officers always. As of 2021, buying tickets on board from the conductor isn’t valid anymore. So check here for the latest update on buying Tram tickets.
OV Chip cards work best for buses along with trains and trams.
Bus
Just like in lots of other places, buses rule when it comes to getting around the Netherlands. Whether you’re out in the countryside or hopping between towns and cities, chances are, a bus is your go-to ride. They are cheaper than train and are super comfy.
Most of the countryside gets connected by public buses from the nearest train stations. Such bus connection time tables are coordinated with train timings. There are even even buses to cities in other nations like Paris and Brussels!
Get your bus tickets easily online with Bookaway. They have the latest timetables and smooth booking with your bank card.
Railways
The primary passenger railway operator in the Netherlands is Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), commonly known as Dutch Railways. It is a state-owned company. Keerthi says it is super efficient, punctual, comfortable – You can even open your beer tin and drink. Along with efficiency it is expensive!
So it is better to opt for buses, if you want to save money and don’t mind spending an hour extra.
Eurail Pass for the Netherlands
Many think a Eurail pass allows unlimited travel on any public transport in the Netherlands or other EU Countries, but that’s not the case. It’s geared towards long-term travel, like a three-month Europe trip, ideal if plans are flexible. For a week or 10 days in the Netherlands, a Eurail pass might not be the best choice. Here’s why:
- Limited Coverage: The Netherlands isn’t massive, so a Eurail pass might offer more than you actually need, covering regions you won’t explore.
- Local Transport: Dutch trains are efficient, but they might not be the main way you get around. Bicycles and local transport are often more convenient for shorter distances.
- Cost-Efficiency: For a week’s stay, the pass might not save you money. Individual tickets for specific trips can sometimes be cheaper than a pass, especially if you’re not traveling extensively.
- Flexibility: Plans change, right? With a Eurail pass, you might feel pressured to stick to train routes to justify the cost, limiting your flexibility to explore.
- Special Deals: The Netherlands has its own discount cards for tourists that could end up being more cost-effective than a Eurail pass for a week. Check Tourist Day tickets or NS Public transport website instead.
Trams and Metro in the Netherlands
Metro connectivity is decent in the Netherlands but not as great as in Paris/London. Only Hague, Rotterdam and Amsterdam have Metro connectivity. So to get to your exact locality, you may have to use bicycles from the Metro station.
Trams are the most efficient, quickest and cheapest way to get around the four big cities of the country – Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Hague, and Utrecht. Of these, Amsterdam has the widest network.
Cycling in the Netherlands
Cycling in the Netherlands is a lifestyle, not just transport! Dedicated lanes, signals, and bike-friendly setups ensure safe, easy rides. Flat terrain and linked paths allow effortless city, country, and landscape exploration. Locals and tourists love cycling for its health benefits, eco-friendliness, and fun. You might spot elderly couples joyfully biking along canal-side paths.
OV fiets and BimBim bikes are the most famous rental platforms in the Netherlands
7. Practical Travel Tips for the Netherlands
Mobile SIM and Connectivity
The Cosmote SIM we got in Greece had roaming in Schengen countries with a great data plan. It worked well in Greece, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Remember to choose international data roaming when getting these SIMs in any Schengen country.
Plug Sockets and Adapters
Netherlands uses Type C & Type E sockets (Two Round pins). Check if your country needs a plug adapter here. I carry a universal adapter.
Tipping Culture
It is expected neither at restaurants nor in taxis. Dutches leave a tip only when they are extremely happy with the service. You find plenty of street performers near Dam Square. If you want to click them, pay for them.
8. Essential Information
Language Spoken in the Netherlands
Dutch is the official language in the Netherlands, yet English is widely used. Street signs are in both English and Dutch, which simplifies navigation. Knowledge of German can also be beneficial.
Dutch People and Culture
Our buddy Keerthi who's lived over 5 years in Holland, says the Dutch aren't rude but direct. What they say reflects what they feel. You'll get greetings, but chats with strangers usually end there. They assist with directions but may keep it brief.
Casual conversations with tourists are rare. Moreover, don’t expect super-friendly attitudes at hotels, cafes, or restaurants. They do their job and leave you be.
Suppose they feel you look sickly; they directly ask, ” You look sick. Are you OK?” So now, it is up to you if you want to get offended that they called you sick or be happy that they wanted to check on you.
The Netherlands ranks low in religiousness, hosting Protestant and Catholic Christians alongside a significant Muslim presence, while Jews constitute a minority. Concurrently, the Dutch embrace multiculturalism. Privacy is highly valued within this cultural context. Regrettably, similar to many places, people of color encounter racism here too, although not as intense as my experience in Germany’s Bavaria. Furthermore, outsiders might be kept at a distance, and discrimination, as observed in other Western countries, remains evident.
Safety Concerns
The Netherlands stands in 21st place on Global Peace Index. It is of the safest countries for all types of travellers is the Netherlands. Many may have mistaken Amsterdam to be unsafe for a solo woman because of the Red Districts and rules favouring drugs. But it is safe.
Though there are almost zero terror attacks on the Netherlands, be up to date with happenings like you do when travelling to other safe countries. The Netherlands is the first country to legalise same-sex marriage before Belgium.
The vibe itself makes you carefree- And you can be! Just be cautious around your surroundings, don’t consume drugs without knowing what you are getting into!
Tourist Scams in the Netherlands
- Selling Hemp powder as weed in Amsterdam is a big rip-off. Scamsters dye rice flour to look like hemp powder and fool many looking for cheaper weed or hash. Some even sell dangerous fake drugs. Overdosing is bad, but fake stuff can be fatal – Do your research on where to try them. Famous place to try hemp is Bull Dog.
- Don’t fall for the “Take home Space Cake” trick. Shops sell weed-infused souvenirs, but it’s not smart to carry weed brownies as gifts. Airport trouble is real for those caught with drugs.
- Watch out for fake train tickets sold by unauthorized agents. You don’t need them; buy tickets online or at stations. They might sell you a two-way ticket, but it’s often just one way.
- Taxis, fancy restaurants, and tourist traps everywhere and can cost you. In the city, pickpocketing isn’t as common, but be wary in De Wallen streets for thieves.
9. Amenities
Using Public Toilets in the Netherlands
The hilarious part in Amsterdam was public urinal cabins for men but no public toilets for women. But where do men go pooping and where should women go pee?
Both men and women must go to grocery stores, cafes or restaurants. You won’t find anything like Public toilets as such. You can use any restaurant toilet by paying 0.5 euros ( That is almost 40 INR!. Paying 40 INR to pee and poop is a lot for us). All EWCs are with tissue papers and no jet spray. Don’t forget to observe that weird Dutch toilet bowl – Your poop doesn’t fall into the hole directly but travels through the pot and gets into the hole at the end!
Is the Netherlands clean?
Dutch people are considered ‘Clean freaks’ when it comes to Personal and Public Hygiene. In most neighborhoods, you’ll find garbage bins for different types of waste, most of which are connected to chutes and it works seamlessly. As it was our first time in Europe, there were many things that shocked us. But this was the biggest of all
Given their Dutch nature, it’s obvious that they segregate waste properly and meticulously.As a result, the Netherlands is one of the cleanest nations. Moreover, tap water is safe and suitable for drinking.
Check out our candid tale, “Two Indians Exploring Europe for the First Time” for a dose of good-natured chuckles!
10. Dutch Food and Alcohol Etiquette
Dutch Cuisine Overview
Cheese, cheese and cheese – essential part of food culture in the Netherlands! Dutch breakfast is usually bread and cheese.
Though not as diverse as Austria, Dutch vegetarian options are better than Iran’s.You can tweak some non-veg food into veg.
Stamppot, a classic Dutch dish, mixes mashed potatoes, carrots, and onions, usually with smoked sausage. Yet, you can enjoy it without sausage, maybe with fresh bread instead. For vegetarians, relying on fresh bread and berries is a good survival plan.While finding authentic Dutch veg food might be a stretch, you’ll stumble upon some veg options there. In the main cities, the multicultural vibe brings in lots of Turkish food and Chinese eateries.
Honestly, we’re not big fans of Dutch cuisine! Even as a non-vegetarian, their dishes like Haring (Hollandse Nieuwe), where you eat raw fish by holding the tail and taking a bite with onions, didn’t impress my carnivore partner.
Netherlands Cafe Culture
Netherlands’ café scene is vibrant! It’s beyond just coffee – it’s where people relax, chat, and soak up a chill atmosphere. Many cafes even offer beer, making streetside chilling a Dutch favorite. There’s a twist, though!
What do coffee shops mean in the Netherlands?
In Amsterdam, Cafes and Coffee shops serve different purposes. So, if you’re craving cheese crackers or banana bread with your coffee, head to Cafes.
On the other hand, Coffee shops are where you’ll find Cannabis (Gaanja).
In Amsterdam, you’ll find coffee shops where you can legally buy and consume marijuana. These places offer a relaxed atmosphere and various cannabis products for sale. Just a heads-up, though: while it’s legal within the coffee shops, the laws around cannabis use outside these establishments are different, so it’s best to stay informed!
DISCLAIMER-We don’t encourage the consumption of drugs in any form. Anything overdone is harmful to health. It is part of Amsterdam’s life. We are just narrating our thoughts here.
Drinking Culture and Smoking
In the Netherlands, drinking is a social norm─pubs, beers, and socializing are ingrained. Legal age is 18, but responsible drinking is often taught earlier. While they’re okay with booze, there’s a push for moderation, especially among the youth. Beer’s a Dutch favorite; Heineken’s known, Keerthi prefers Amstel, but Belgium’s Brugse Zot tops it all.
Smoking in any public area, inside public transport, is prohibited. The cafes and restaurants, and train stations have designated smoking areas.
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