Netherlands Travel Guide

Continent: Europe
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Netherlands Travel Packages

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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) Read More

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)
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Getting Around Netherlands: Trains, trams, bicycles, buses, rental cars Read More

"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. Popular for its rich cultural history and vibrant art scene, it boasts modern architecture, world-class museums, and a buzzing nightlife in its most famous city - Amsterdam. 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.

Spring in the Netherlands is spectacular, with the Keukenhof Gardens bursting into color as millions of tulips bloom. Cycling is a way of life here, and visitors can explore the flat countryside, passing iconic windmills in Kinderdijk and charming villages like Giethoorn, often called the "Dutch Venice."

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.

Must Know Before You Travel to Netherlands

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.
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. 

Best time to visit Netherlands

The best time to visit the Netherlands is from mid-March to late October. Time from mid March to mid May, with temperatures ranging from 12–18°C, is world-famous for being tulip season. From June to August, average temperatures range from 18–25°C, and long daylight hours are ideal for sigh... (Read More)

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.

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

The Netherlands hosts vibrant festivals that attract visitors year-round. King’s Day (April 27, nationwide) is the biggest celebration, with street parties, markets, and concerts turning cities orange. Amsterdam Dance Event (October, Amsterdam) is one of the world’s largest electronic music festivals. Tulip Festival (March-May, Keukenhof & Lisse) showcases breathtaking flower fields in full bloom. Sinterklaas Arrival (Mid-November, nationwide) marks the festive season with parades and celebrations. Rotterdam International Film Festival (January-February, Rotterdam) is a major event for cinema lovers. From music and flowers to cultural traditions, Dutch festivals offer something for every traveler. Know more about festivals in Netherlands here.

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 simple yet delicious, with a mix of hearty meals and sweet treats. Stroopwafels, thin caramel-filled waffles, are a must-try. Bitterballen, crispy fried meatballs, are a popular snack, especially with beer. Haring (raw herring), often eaten with onions and pickles, is a Dutch specialty. Poffertjes, fluffy mini pancakes topped with butter and powdered sugar, are a favorite street food. Erwtensoep (Dutch pea soup) is a thick and hearty winter dish. Kibbeling, battered and fried fish, is a seafood staple. The Netherlands is also famous for its cheese, with Gouda and Edam being among the best-known varieties. Know more about food in Netherlands here.

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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