Netherlands Travel Essentials
Ideal Duration: 5-7 days for exploring Amsterdam, Utrecht, and the Keukenhof Gardens; 10 days for a broader experience covering other cities like Rotterdam and The Hague
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Best Time: April to September (Spring/Summer)
Accommodation Cost (per night in USD):
Dorm bed: $20-40
Budget: $60-100
Mid-range: $120-200
Luxury: $250 and above
Budget for Food & Drinks (per day in USD):
Budget: $15-30
Mid-range: $40-70
Visa Policy for Indians:
Schengen Visa required
Visa Policy for Other Nationals :
Schengen Visa for many countries
Getting In Netherlands:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Getting Around Netherlands: Trains, trams, bicycles, buses, rental cars
"The land of tulips"
Netherlands Tourism
The Netherlands is a country located in Northwestern Europe. It is known for its flat landscape, canals, tulip fields, windmills, and cycling routes. It is known for its rich cultural history with a vibrant art scene and is home to many famous artists. A bike-friendly country with an extensive network of cycling paths and routes, the Netherlands consists of a beautiful canal system. From sandy North Sea beaches to enchanting forests, the Netherlands boasts diverse landscapes waiting to be explored.
The Netherlands is known for its cheese, and some towns, like Alkmaar and Gouda, have traditional cheese markets where you can sample and buy Dutch cheeses. Food enthusiasts can savor Dutch specialties such as herring, stroopwafels, bitterballen, and Dutch pancakes. The Netherlands hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, from King's Day celebrations to music festivals like Tomorrowland and Mysteryland.
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Tourist Places to Visit In Netherlands
Must Know Before You Travel to Netherlands
- Transportation: The Netherlands has an excellent public transportation system. Consider purchasing an OV-chipkaart for trains, trams, and buses. Renting a bike is a fantastic way to explore cities and the countryside.
- Parking: If you rent a car, parking in city centers can be expensive and challenging to find. Look for park-and-ride (P+R) options on the outskirts of major cities.
- Opening Hours: Many businesses close early on Sundays and have shorter hours on Mondays.
- Bike Safety: If you're cycling, familiarize yourself with Dutch cycling rules, use hand signals, and always lock your bike when not in use.
- Drugs and Coffee Shops: While the sale of cannabis in coffee shops is tolerated, it's important to note that its use is not legal everywhere. Be mindful of local laws.
- Day Trips: The Netherlands is compact, making it easy to take day trips to nearby cities or attractions. Popular options include visiting Delft, Haarlem, Zaanse Schans, or Giethoorn.
- Museum Cards: If you plan to visit multiple museums, consider purchasing a museum card (Museumkaart).
- Public Restrooms: Public restrooms are not always free, and you might need to pay a small fee.
- Petty Crimes: While no major crimes occur in the country, places like Amsterdam are infamous for thievery, especially for stealing bicycles and personal items. Hence, being vigilant and keeping all important phone numbers handy is imperative.
Best time to visit Netherlands
The best time to visit the Netherlands is during Spring(March to May) and Autumn(September to November). The country experiences a temperate climate, with relatively mild summers and moderately cold winters. Spring is the most famous time to visit the Netherlands, especially from mid-March to mid-May. The famous tulip fields are in full bloom, with Keukenhof Gardens being a must-visit attraction during this period. It's a great time for outdoor activities, cycling, and exploring the country's picturesque landscapes.
Autumn in the Netherlands is marked by pleasant weather with fewer tourists. The fall foliage in parks and forests is stunning. Various cultural events and festivals take place in the fall, making it a great time to experience Dutch traditions.
Summer(June to August) is a popular time to visit for its warm weather. You can enjoy numerous outdoor festivals, open-air markets, and beach activities along the North Sea coast. It's also the most expensive time to visit.
Winter(December to February) is charming in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is beautifully illuminated with holiday lights, and there are Christmas markets in various cities. While it can be cold and wet, you can enjoy indoor attractions like museums, cozy cafés, and Dutch comfort food. Ice skating is also a popular winter pastime.
Autumn in the Netherlands is marked by pleasant weather with fewer tourists. The fall foliage in parks and forests is stunning. Various cultural events and festivals take place in the fall, making it a great time to experience Dutch traditions.
Summer(June to August) is a popular time to visit for its warm weather. You can enjoy numerous outdoor festivals, open-air markets, and beach activities along the North Sea coast. It's also the most expensive time to visit.
Winter(December to February) is charming in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is beautifully illuminated with holiday lights, and there are Christmas markets in various cities. While it can be cold and wet, you can enjoy indoor attractions like museums, cozy cafés, and Dutch comfort food. Ice skating is also a popular winter pastime.
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Holidify's opinion on Travel to Netherlands
What's Great about Travelling to Netherlands?
- The beautiful, surreal landscapes, especially in the summer and winter seasons. While the former gives the tourists bursting colours and overwhelming fragrances, the latter offers snowy-white views and outdoor activities.
- The immersive and distinguished cultural experience with a thriving art, music and cinematic scene.
- Unique culinary experiences.
- An opportunity to experience the free culture of the country with its exciting cafes and nightclubs.
What's Not So Great about Travelling to Netherlands?
- Extremely expensive and crowded during the high season. This can be an inconvenience, especially for last-minute travellers.
- Frequent thieveries are a nuisance especially when they prevent people from enjoying the thriving nightlife of the country
Who should Travel to Netherlands?
For people who are experimental and willing to step outside their comfort zones to try new things and gain a fresh perspective.
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Nightlife in Netherlands
Den Bosch: The bar and club area are very accessible, and it is very easy to find a seat/place. People are extremely friendly, and so is the staff. Popular places include Cafe M'n Tante, Party Bar Lalalaa, Plein 79, Korte Putstraat, and Cafe Silva Ducis.
Maastricht: Various bars are spread all around. Walk through the Platielstraat right up until the Kersenmarkt, where one is welcome to spend a pleasant evening at the bars/clubs. For more options, there's the other side of the St. Servatius Bridge when walking towards the Maastricht Central Station.
Rotterdam: It is in the direction of the Oude Haven (Old Harbour), where some nice bars and pubs are located. With the water nearby and the area sparsely crowded, this is a cozy spot to spend a leisurely night. Other similar areas include the Nieuwe Binnenweg and the Coolhave. Further, in the city centre, things are slightly more different - they are fast and flashy. Places are more crowded and busy. For concerts and live shows, the Ahoy is a popular spot.
Groningen: This is the go-to city for partying, thanks to the large student population. Popular places include Drie Gezusters, Groote Griet, De Tapperij, NegendeCirkel, Jazz bar De Spieghel, and De Pintelier.
Maastricht: Various bars are spread all around. Walk through the Platielstraat right up until the Kersenmarkt, where one is welcome to spend a pleasant evening at the bars/clubs. For more options, there's the other side of the St. Servatius Bridge when walking towards the Maastricht Central Station.
Rotterdam: It is in the direction of the Oude Haven (Old Harbour), where some nice bars and pubs are located. With the water nearby and the area sparsely crowded, this is a cozy spot to spend a leisurely night. Other similar areas include the Nieuwe Binnenweg and the Coolhave. Further, in the city centre, things are slightly more different - they are fast and flashy. Places are more crowded and busy. For concerts and live shows, the Ahoy is a popular spot.
Groningen: This is the go-to city for partying, thanks to the large student population. Popular places include Drie Gezusters, Groote Griet, De Tapperij, NegendeCirkel, Jazz bar De Spieghel, and De Pintelier.
Shopping in Netherlands
Typical souvenirs: Stroopwafels, Dutch cheese, Ajax attires, Delftware pottery, clogs, miniature windmills, Jenever
Places to go shopping:
Amsterdam - Kalverstraat (a street full of all well-known shops), 9 straatjes (9 streets comprising of vintage shops),
PC Hoofdstraat (for luxury brands);
Maastricht - best for buying clothes and accessories, known for its Christmas market;
Rotterdam - Known as the shopping city, has a Beurstraverse or a market under street level
Alexandrium - a big indoor shopping mall;
Groningen - small local shops and boutiques selling antiques, clothes and everyday items;
Den Bosch - famous for little streets with speciality shops that deal in different items.
Festivals of Netherlands
Top Dutch Festivals: New Year's Day dive (Nieuwjaarsduik) (1st Jan) in the North Sea at Scheveningen, the Hague. Carnival (Mardi Gras), Maastricht (Feb) - costumes, parades, and balloons.The openingÊof Keukenhof Gardens (near Lisse), Festival of Trees (Boomfeestdag) and the Silent Walk (Stille Omgang) in March to celebrate the onset of spring and bloomingÊflowers. Flower Parade (Bloemencorso), Noordwijk to Haarlem (April-May) to celebrate the spring. King's Day (Koningsdag), Amsterdam (April) in honor of King Willem-Alexander.RemembranceÊDay (Herdenkingsdag) and Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) in May to mourn all the Dutch lives lost in wars and celebrate the freedom of the Netherlands from Nazi Germany. Flag Day (Vlaggetjesdag), Scheveningen (June) - the harbor serves just-caught seafood and the Dutch herring fleet is launched. Rotterdam Summer Carnival (Zomercarnaval) (July) Amsterdam Gay Pride (August) -The World's only floating gay parade. St Nicholas (Sinterklaas), Amsterdam (Nov-Dec) - largest St Nicholas parade in the world.
Customs of Netherlands
- Overt declarations of personal wealth and inquiring people about their income is considered invasive. Overtly religious behavior is also frowned upon and looked at with bewilderment.
- When meeting someone for the first time, shaking hands and introducing yourself is the correct way to go. Cheek-kissing is only limited to certain regions and social circles.
- Once on little friendlier terms, it is more common to refer to people by their names instead of sir/madam.
- When dining, the Dutch generally make it clear if they are willing to pay the bill or if the party should "Go Dutch" (split the bill).
- Waiters and waitresses should be addressed softly as "Ober" or "Mevrouw."
- Leaving the table during dinner is considered rude. Excuse yourself when leaving.
- Dutch people expect good table manners as they are important to them and expect tourists to know their way around cutlery.
- Tipping is optional, but preferred standard tips for porters, room service or cleaning ladies is EUR 1-2, and in restaurants and cafes, it is 5-10% of the total bill.
- Keeping one's clothes on in a public sauna or pool is strictly forbidden.
- The Netherlands should not be referred to as "Holland".
Food of Netherlands
Dutch cuisine is heavily influenced by its location in the North Sea river delta and the consequent activities that happen there - fishing, farming (for crops and domesticated animals), and trading. Dutch cuisine is relatively straightforward and simple involving lots of vegetables and a small portion of meat. For breakfast and lunch, the Dutch have bread with cheese whereas, for dinner, meat and potatoes are complemented with seasonal vegetables. Their diet also contains numerous dairy products, high in carbs and fats. However, with outside influence, more international and cosmopolitan cuisines find representation in the country. Some main dishes: Raw herring, Mosselpan, Pea soup, Kroket and Dutch pancakes.
Photos of Netherlands
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FAQs on Netherlands
How to reach Netherlands from India?
Major airlines running between India and the Netherlands (for Amsterdam, Eindhoven, Rotterdam, Groningen and Maastricht): Air India, Lufthansa, Aeroflot, Jet Airways, KLM, British Airways and Air India. Major cities in India from where flights are available: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai. Non-stop flights: New Delhi to Amsterdam (Jet Airways), Mumbai to Amsterdam (Jet Airways).
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