Are you going Dutch?
If so, I am freshly back from a visit to the Netherlands. And have a handy list of essential things to know for charting your trip, from transit quirks to cultural habits.
Tips For The Netherlands & Holland
What Is It: The Netherlands or Holland?
Let’s clear something up first. Because it confuses a lot of people (and honestly, I used to mix them up too).
The terms “Holland” and “the Netherlands” are often used interchangeabley. Even the official tourism site is Holland.com. So, you’re not alone if you’ve been calling the whole country Holland.
But technically? That’s not quite right.
Here’s the deal. The Netherlands is made up of twelve provinces. Only two of them—North Holland and South Holland—actually constitute “Holland.”
So, using that name for the whole country is kind of like calling the entire United States “New England.” It leaves a lot out and doesn’t really represent the full picture.
It’s not a huge scandal or anything. But it’s been a long-standing identity tangle.
These days, there’s even a national push to shift away from the “Holland” label and stick to calling the country by its proper name, the Netherlands.
Plus, people who don’t live in Holland identify as Dutch or possibly as a Netherlander. They’ll get huffy if you mis-identify their home.
Weather
Dutch weather is a bit unpredictable, to say the least. It’s moody and you may not see that much sun. You’ll want to wear layers and perhaps a light rainproof jacket.
In general, you won’t get the extreme ranges of temperature that you find in the United States. The winters aren’t as cold and the summers aren’t as hot.
The challenge with the weather is the rain and sometimes the wind. Torrential downpours lasting several hours really do not happen.
However, you can get some wet weather cells. The rain tends to be a soft rain, though, and doesn’t usually stick around all day.
Still, you’ll never want to be without an umbrella! If the forecast is for rain, this is a good time to put some museums or indoor attractions on your itinerary.
When To Visit
Spring and fall are the best times to visit the Netherlands. Summer is high tourist season and winter is the wet season.
Spring is when you’ll the gorgeous tulip fields are in bloom. Not surprisingly, this attracts a loooot of people.
But most of the tourist traffic is confined to Amsterdam and Keufenhof Gardens. Other places will be more manageable.
Spring, especially around Easter time, is also when Dutch schools are on holiday. That too will create more traffic and crowds.
In fall, Amsterdam is still busy. But the crowds start to thin out after summer and before holiday season. Other parts of the country are calm and pleasant.
If you can bear to forego the spring floral magic, fall is likely the best time to visit.
No matter what time of the year, as I experienced, weekends in Amsterdam will be busy. Hen and stag parties abound then, creating an influx of visitors the city honestly isn’t all that fond of.
Biking Culture
Bottom line … everybody resident of the Netherlands bikes. Rain, shine, or wind, every one of every age is out biking. Without a helmet no less.
You might be tempted to join in, the whole “when in Rome” thing. I advise resisting that urge unless you’re an expert biker or stick to rural routes.
The bikers are crazy here! They go fast and will not stop for you. Plus, most often, they have the right of way.
Which means you must, for the love of all things Van Gogh, stay off the bike paths. If you see red asphalt, that is a bike path.
As you’re walking around, be sure to swivel your head in all directions before just walking over to that cute canal to snap a photo.
Even though I was trying to be super careful, I almost met my end one day. Very close call!
Public Transport
Public transportation is the Netherlands is honesty a dream, so easy breezy.
It’s a good idea to download App 9292. This useful app covers all forms of public transit: trains, trams, buses, metro, and ferries. And you can switch it to English.
The app finds the best routes for getting from A to B using Dutch trains, trams, and buses. Just plug in your starting point and destination, and it’ll map out the journey for you, complete with estimated fares.
You can also buy tickets on the app and get delay updates and real-time departure info.
Trams run frequently. You board at the front or in the middle and exit the other doors.
Stops are clearly marked and digital screens on the tram show the next stop. Press the button for the door to open when you exit.
You can also take taxis and Uber, though they’re quite expensive.
Taking The Train
The Netherlands is the easiest and best country I’ve been to in terms of train travel.
Unlike other countries like Italy for example, you don’t really need to book ahead. And you don’t even need a ticket!
As of 2023, you can simply use your contactless credit card to pay at the fare gates. So, you show up at the station without a ticket, check the train schedule, and go right through to the track by tapping in and out with your card.
You’ll want to tap in and out with the same card. Sometimes this will be through an entrance gate. Sometimes there will be a yellow-gray pole to tap in and out of. Don’t forget to tap out or you will get a stiff fine.
If you have purchased the Amsterdam Card, you can also tap in and out with this because free transport is included.
The Dutch Personality
The Dutch are not your typical Europeans. You may have heard of “Dutch directness.” And that holds up; they’re blunt.
They’re not rude, to be sure. The Dutch simply say what they mean without sugar coating it.
It seems to be rooted in their ethos of efficiently, logic, and honesty. Being blunt is even seen as respectful. Whereas beating around the bush or being overly polite may seem evasive to them.
The Dutch don’t really do small talk, which I found a welcome thing. But they all speak English, which is another plus.
Book Tickets In Advance
Another key tip for the Netherlands is that it’s important to pre-book tickets in advance for the star attractions, especially in Amsterdam. And almost every museum require you to book a timed entrance to enter at a specific time.
To avoid disappointment, I suggest you book these tickets a month or more in advance. They are always sold out, even outside of summer.
You can also book an Amsterdam Card. It gives you free transportation and access to 70 attractions. The key ones excluded, that you’ll have to book separately, are the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.
Dutch Cuisine & Where To Eat
If you are traveling to the Netherlands for a food fest, you may be disappointed. The Netherlands has amazing things, but I wouldn’t personally say food is one of them.
It’s not bad cuisine. I would just categorize it as rustic, comfort food. As one guide told me, we eat a lot of “bread.”
In general, you should expect meat, fish, potatoes in many forms, bread, cheese, and pancakes. I think I had fries served with virtually every meal.
Cheese is a serious business though and you can feast on that.
A couple things I personally liked were the Dutch licorice, the Indonesian dishes, and the Dutch apple pie. And of course you can indulge in heart attack treats like stroopwafels (thin waffles with Carmel inside).
The beer isn’t quite up to par with Belgium. But it’s still plenty tasty.
Beer lovers can opt for the Heineken Experience. It’s an interactive museum and brewery tour housed in Heineken’s original 19th century brewery.
You can learn about the brand’s history, brewing process, and marketing legacy. Then, hoist a beer with a thundering “Prooooost” in the rooftop bar or tasting room.
If you’re looking for some Insta-famous places to grab a bite, a couple of the most famous are:
- Winkel 43 (Dutch Appel pie)
- Bunbun (cinnamon rolls)
- Stapele (chocolate cookies)
- MaMa Kelley (all pink paradise featuring lobster and chicken)
- Avocado Show (dedicated to avocados and smoothie bowls)
- Corner Bakery (pastel hued interior and decadent milkshakes)
Be prepared to wait in line at these hotspots! I awaited a half hour for my Stapele cookie.
BUT you don’t have to do that. There’s a very easy way to skip the line, which I didn’t know about at the time. You can simply pre-order your cookies on their website. Then when you go, press a doorbell and get your cookies immediately without waiting.
In terms of restaurants, if there’s one thing to remember, it’s this: make reservations for any restaurant you’re excited about. There’s plenty of variety and international cuisines to choose from.
Popular spots fill up fast, especially on weekends. If you saw a place on Instagram or TikTok, chances are a lot of other people did too.
So, don’t leave it to chance. Book ahead to avoid missing out.
A quick and easy way to do it? Use a site like OpenTable or The Fork to reserve your table in advance.
Some restaurants I enjoyed were:
- Blue Pepper (Indonesian)
- Belly Pepper (Turkish)
- BAK (high end vegetarian)
- De Kas (farm to table in a converted greenhouse)
- Troef (casual French food and wine)
- Hoi Tin (Chinese, famous for its dim sum)
The Dutch eat dinner early, starting at 6:00 pm. Another way they’re different than so many cities in Europe, where dinner starts at 8:00 pm or even 9:00 pm (Spain).
You should also consider checking out Amsterdam’s markets.
I spent a couple tasty hours at the Albert Cuyper Market in the De Pijp neighborhood, which is about 15 minutes from the museum square. It makes a good break between art marathons.
With over 250 stalls lining both sides of the street, it’s the perfect place to snack, shop, and soak up some local flavor.
You’ll find everything from fresh stroopwafels and herring stands to flowers, clothes, and Dutch cheese.
It’s equal parts food market, flea market, and cultural experience—bustling, colorful, and fun to explore. Though I doubt I’ll try a Japanese octopus eye again …
Another way to sample the goods is to go on a guided food tour. Check out the ones in Joordan and De Pijp.
Safety
Honestly, the Netherlands felt like one of the safest places in Europe I’ve ever visited.
There is very little crime in general. Petty theft in Amsterdam is probably your biggest threat.
But it’s nothing like Barcelona or Rome. Just have your wallet tucked away in a money belt or crossbody, especially in busy places like trams or near crowded museums.
The one thing that is stolen? Bikes. The Dutch engage in a never-ending cycle (pun intended) of bike theft, especially in Amsterdam.
So if you do rent a bike, lock the back tire too. Or, you’ll only have a front tire left.
Red Light District
The Red Light district is the oldest neighborhood of Amsterdam.
You’ll have to decide if you really want to see it. I thought it was a bit sad and seedy myself. The one attraction there that I enjoyed was Our Dear Lord In the Attic Museum.
I wouldn’t venture into this area solo at night. This is when it’s a tad more dangerous, and hugely overcrowded with tourists and bachelor parties.
This is where prostitution is legal and regulated. The girls are in windows.
Don’t take pictures of them. It’s strictly prohibited. You’ll likely be confronted with security or brothel staff for this faux pas.
Tulip Mania
Tulip season lasts from late March to early May. For an assurance of blooms, aim for a mid-April visit.
Keukenhof is easily the most famous tulip destination in the Netherlands, and for good reason. It’s a meticulously designed flower park with over 7 million blooming bulbs. They’re carefully arranged into themed gardens, floral mosaics, and jaw dropping displays and groupings.
Keukenhof is also no secret, which means you’ll be sharing the view with plenty of fellow tulip chasers. It may be a tad difficult to get a photo without people.
If you’re dreaming of rows upon rows of tulips stretching out toward the horizon, the good news is that the area surrounding Keukenhof is filled with free, open access tulip fields.
These are working farms, not sculpted gardens. Depending on the bloom timing, you’ll see vibrant stripes of color carpeting the countryside just outside the park.
The best way to explore them? Take public transport to Keukenhof, then rent a bike once you arrive.
There are four marked cycling routes that guide you through the nearby bulb fields. Each one weaves past dazzling stretches of tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils. You can stop for photos, enjoy the fresh air, and see the flowers in a more relaxed, uncrowded setting.
If you’re after specific field areas, look for fields near Lisse and Hillegom, two towns right in the heart of the Bollenstreek (Bulb Region). These are especially beautiful during peak bloom in mid-April.
No car or don’t want to drive? Book a guided tulip tour.
Windmills
The Netherlands is undoubtedly known for its windmills.
You won’t find them in Amsterdam. But you will find them in Zaanse Schans, Leiden, Kinderdijk, and Aalsmeer.
Zaans Schans is a hugely popular day trip from Amsterdam. Kinderdijk is a UNESCO site with 19 traditional windmills, and is a great day trip from Rotterdam.
>>> Click here to pre-book a Kinderdijk entry ticket
Some of the windmills are museums. You can go inside and get a feel for what’s what.
Coffe Shops vs. Cafes
A coffee shop in Amsterdam is not about the coffee.
These are licensed establishments where you can legally buy and consume cannabis. They’re regulated by the government and technically allowed to sell small quantities of marijuana, hash, and pre-rolled joints.
You’ll often see a menu with THC products instead of espresso shots. Some do serve drinks and snacks, but they’re not the focus.
Tourists often mix up the two, but locals know the difference.
If you’re looking for caffeine and croissants, go to a cafe. If you’re curious about Amsterdam’s cannabis culture, head to a coffee shop.
Don’t Just Stay in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the crown jewel of Holland, with its gorgeous canals, Dutch Golden Age architecture, and world class museums. But it’s a busy city.
If you want to get out of dodge or have a little crowd free time, here are some of the best day trips to take to get a better overall view of the Netherlands:
Haarlem: A smaller, calmer version of Amsterdam with streets full of medieval and Golden Age architecture.
Zaanse Schans: UNESCO site with windmills.
Hoorn: A quietly charming Dutch town that feels like an open air museum.
Edam: Another small, picturesque town famous for its cobbled lanes and cheese.
Marken: A quaint, quirky town with bright green wooden homes that looks like a postcard.
Rotterdam: A modern city full of interesting architecture and museums.
Delft: A canal-ringed town known for its blue and white pottery and historic ties to Vermeer.
Leiden: A lovely town known for its picturesque canals, rich cultural history, and as the birthplace of Rembrandt.
Cash
Do you need cash in the Netherlands? Not much.
Almost everyplace takes credit cards, even for small amounts. Some market shops don’t, so you may want some cash for that.
I also advise having a few euros on hand for toilets or museum lockers. You can often use a credit card to pay for toilets. But what if it’s not working?
Be prepared with a few coins and bring some tissues just in case there’s no toilet paper.
Where To Stay
The Netherlands is not crazy about Air Bnbs. The country thinks the rentals distort the housing market and encourage excessive tourism.
So, I would plan to stay in a hotel. In Amsterdam, I would prioritize location above budget, if you can manage it.
A central location allows you to navigate Amsterdam on foot. And staying in the city center means you can walk everywhere with ease, meaning less time commuting and more time wistfully prancing along the canals.
Some hotels to consider are:
- Waldorf Astoria (swanky 5 star on the gentlemen’s canal)
- De L’Europe Amsterdam (historic hotel with a Michelin restaurant and Dutch art collection)
- Pulitzer Amsterdam (boutique hotel with historic charm & modern luxury)
- Hotel Estherea (romantic ambience and cozy library)
- Conservatorium (sleek contemporary hotel in the museum district)
- Dikker & Thijs (more budget friendly and very central)
If you would like to stay outside the city, I have to put in a plug for a unique hotel I stayed at in Hoorn. Heavens is a luxury hotel housed in a former church. It was just stunning!
How Much Time To Spend In Amsterdam
Amsterdam is not that big a city. But there is a ton of things to do and see.
I recommend planning a 3-4 day stay. A weekend visit is simply not enough to see all the key sites.
That way, you’ll have the time to appreciate the museums, cafe culture, and explore some of the cool neighborhoods outside of the tourist core that make the city so special.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my tips for visiting the Netherlands. Pin it for later.
