Things to Know Before Visiting the Netherlands
So, you’re heading to the Netherlands? Great choice! 🎉 Think charming canals, tulip fields, cozy cafes, and more bikes than you’ve ever seen in your life. Before you hop on a plane (or train!), here are some key things to know before visiting the Netherlands! ✈️🌷
🛠 The Basics
- 💶 Money: The Netherlands uses the Euro (€). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, but small markets or snack stands might be cash-only.
- ⏰ Time Zone: Central European Time (CET) | UTC +1. If you’re visiting between late March and late October, there’s Daylight Saving Time, so it’ll be UTC +2.
- 🔌 Outlets: Type C & F plugs (round two-prong ones). If you’re coming from the UK or US, bring an adapter!
- 📏 Metric System: Distances are in kilometers, weather in Celsius, and beer sizes in… well, large. 🍻
- 🚗 Driving Side: Right-hand side. But honestly, just take public transport or bike like a local.
- 🚖 Taxis & Ride Apps: Uber works in big cities, but Dutch public transport is so good that you’ll rarely need one.
- NOTE! If you decide to use Uber, due to regulations in the cities (Amsterdam in particular), Uber drivers can only drive on certain roads. So pay close attention to the pick-up points that the app gives you! Learn from my mistakes #lostinamsterdam
- 🚨 Emergency Number: 112 for police, fire, or ambulance.
🌦 When to Go & What to Expect
- 🌷 Spring (March – May): TULIPS! The Netherlands is straight out of a postcard this time of year. Best time for Keukenhof Gardens and bike rides through flower fields.
- ☀️ Summer (June – August): Warm, long days, tons of festivals, and outdoor cafes in full swing. Expect more tourists, especially in Amsterdam.
- 🍂 Fall (September – October): Fewer crowds, crisp air, and a cozy vibe. Perfect for canal walks and museums.
- ❄️ Winter (November – February): Cold, gray, and sometimes snowy, but super charming with Christmas markets and ice skating.
Weather tip: The Netherlands loves surprise rain showers, so always pack a rain jacket (this one is super small and easy to pack!). 🌦
🗣 Language & Culture
- 🗣 Dutch is the official language, but almost everyone speaks English, especially in cities.
- 👑 Holidays to Know:
- King’s Day (April 27) – Everyone wears orange, drinks beer, and celebrates the king’s birthday. 🎉
- My very first trip to Amsterdam had me arriving on King’s Day – and I had NO clue. I was definitely in for a shock when I went out adventuring to see the serene and calm canals. You can read all about my King’s Day experience and what to expect here!
- Sinterklaas (December 5) – Dutch Santa brings gifts! 🎁
- Liberation Day (May 5) – Celebrating the end of WWII with concerts and events across the country.
- King’s Day (April 27) – Everyone wears orange, drinks beer, and celebrates the king’s birthday. 🎉
🚲 More Things to Know Before Visiting the Netherlands: Getting Around Like a Local
- 🚆 Trains: Super efficient. Use NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) for travel between cities.
- 🚌 Trams & Buses: Easy to use, especially in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
- 🚇 Metro: Exists, but mainly in Amsterdam & Rotterdam.
- 🚲 Biking: The #1 way to get around. Rent a bike and ride like a local—just don’t block the bike lanes while walking! 🚴♀️
- 🎟 OV-chipkaart: The best way to pay for public transport. Buy one at the airport or a train station to tap in and out on buses, trams, and metros.
⚖️ Laws & Etiquette
- 💰 Tipping: Not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is appreciated.
- 🚶♂️ Don’t walk in bike lanes! Cyclists won’t stop for you. 🚴♂️
- 🚬 No smoking in public spaces. That includes regular cigarettes, not just weed.
- 🚻 Public toilets aren’t free. Always carry some coins!
- 🍻 Drinking age is 18. You’ll need ID if you look young.
- 🍀 Yes, weed is legal, but only in coffee shops. Smoking on the street? Technically illegal (but locals do it discreetly).
🏨 Where to Stay
💰 Budget (€) Options
- 🏨 Hans Brinker Hostel Amsterdam – Trendy hostel located in the heart of Amsterdam, making getting around super easy.
- 🏨 Stayokay Rotterdam – A hostel inside those crazy Cube Houses!
💵 Mid-Range (€€) Options
- 🏨 Hotel Not Hotel (Amsterdam) – This might be the cutest hotel I’ve ever seen!! Each room is a piece of art. You have to check it out! 🎨
- 🏨 The James (Rotterdam) – Stylish, affordable, and central.
💎 Luxury (€€€) Options
- 🏨 Pulitzer Amsterdam – Historic canal houses turned into a boutique hotel. 💎
- 🏨 Hotel Des Indes (The Hague) – Old-world luxury in a stunning location.
🏛 Top Attractions
- 🌊 Amsterdam – Stroll along UNESCO-listed canals, visit the Anne Frank House, and check out the Van Gogh Museum.
- PRO TIP: Book your tickets to the Anne Frank House and the VanGogh Museum as soon as you know you’re going to Amsterdam. These tickets sell out quickly!
- 🌷 Keukenhof Gardens – The ultimate tulip paradise (only open in spring!).
- 🏗 Rotterdam – A modern architecture playground with a buzzing food scene.
- 🏛 The Hague – Home to Dutch royalty, the Peace Palace, and the Mauritshuis museum (hello, Girl with a Pearl Earring!).
- ⛪ Utrecht – Medieval charm, canals with wharf terraces, and an epic Dom Tower climb.
👗 What to Wear
- ☔ A rain jacket. ALWAYS. The Dutch weather loves surprises.
- 🌞 Sunglasses for summer. Long, sunny days.
- 👟 Comfortable shoes. Amsterdam’s cobblestone streets are NOT made for heels.
- ❄️ A warm coat for winter. It gets chilly, especially with the wind!
🏥 Health & Safety
- 💊 Healthcare: The Netherlands has amazing healthcare, but it’s pricey without insurance. If you’re from the EU, bring a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- 🦠 Pharmacies & Meds: Apotheek (pharmacy) is where you go for medicine, but basic stuff like painkillers are only sold in supermarkets.
- 🔒 Safety: The Netherlands is super safe, but watch for pickpockets in touristy areas.
- 🚰 Tap Water: Completely safe to drink (and delicious). Bring a reusable bottle.
Dutch Icons & Fun Facts
- 🐦 National Bird: The Black-tailed Godwit.
- 🌼 National Flower: The Daisy! (Not tulips—surprised?)
- 🎵 National Anthem: Wilhelmus, the world’s oldest anthem.
- 🍟 Dutch people LOVE snacks: Try stroopwafels, herring, bitterballen, and fries with mayo. 🍟
❓ FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
🛂 Do I need a visa?
If you’re from the EU, US, UK, Canada, or Australia, you don’t need a visa for stays under 90 days.
🚴 Do I HAVE to bike?
Nope! But biking is fast, fun, and the best way to get around. Just don’t walk in bike lanes—locals won’t be happy.
Enjoy Your Trip!
The Netherlands is chill, quirky, and full of surprises. Now that you’re equipped with all the things you need to know before visiting the Netherlands, you’re going to have an amazing time! 🚲🌷
✨ Safe travels and veel plezier! ✨
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