NetherlandsThings to Know

How much is a trip to the Netherlands?

A vacation to the Netherlands will vary depending on several factors such as the length of the trip, type of transport, level of accommodation, and the locations involved. Amsterdam is known as being one of the more expensive cities to visit in Europe for accommodation as well as for food and drink. For a week-long vacation in the Netherlands, travellers can expect to spend between USD $80 to $300 per day, depending on their particular budget and itinerary.

Is the Netherlands LGBTQ+ friendly?

With a national focus on tolerance and equality, Dutch LGBTQ+ rights are considered some of the most advanced in the world with the Netherlands becoming the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001. The annual pride parade in Amsterdam is one of the most popular in Europe. From vibrant nightlife to pride parades and cultural events, the Dutch are highly open-minded people and are welcoming to all members of society.

What currency does the Netherlands use?

Being a core member of the Eurozone, the Netherlands uses the Euro (EUR). The exchange rate between the Euro and USD is around $1 to €0.90, but this can fluctuate so it makes sense to monitor the exchange rate before your vacation.

Why is the Netherlands worth visiting?

The Netherlands offers a variety of experiences to travellers, from the stunning canals which gently meander through the streets of cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht to the vibrancy of the tulip fields and the homely warmth of towering wooden windmills. The country espouses an aura of relaxation, a Western European take on the “La Dolce Vita” mentality of Italy, if you will.

The slim, “gingerbread house” architecture that characterizes Dutch cities, along with their narrow streets, creates a sense of warmth and of being at ease but the country boasts many more varied and unique landscapes. The small city of Giethoorn is often referred to as the Venice of the Netherlands due to the fact it is surrounded by water and boats are the preferred method of getting around. Those interested in history can see the bridges at Arnhem and Nijmegen which were the objective of the famous “Operation Market Garden” in WWII that inspired the 1978 film A Bridge Too Far.

Do many Dutch people speak English?

Yes, the Netherlands has perhaps the highest rate of English language proficiency outside of the Anglosphere. The Dutch generally speak a very high standard of English, with a common phrase being, “We speak English because nobody else speaks Dutch”. Travellers should encounter little to no difficulties communicating with locals through English. Simple Dutch phrases include welkom (welcome), hallo (hello), and dank u wel (thank you), although speaking Dutch is not necessary.

Can I drink the tap water in the Netherlands?

Yes, the tap water in the Netherlands is very safe to drink and is considered some of the cleanest and safest to drink in the world due to high levels of regulation. For those who prefer bottled water, the market leader is actually a Belgian brand, named Spa after the region in Southern Belgium. Sourcy is the name of another common Dutch brand and major brands such as Evian or Volvic are also readily available in supermarkets.

Do I need to tip in the Netherlands?

No, tipping is not mandatory in the Netherlands, which has robust laws around minimum wage, ensuring servers receive a guaranteed rate. However, of course, it is appreciated with rates of around 10% being the average.

Is 7 days too long in Amsterdam?

While Amsterdam offers a variety of experiences to visitors, globetrotters may find themselves having seen most of the city within 4-5 days, depending on their level of activity. An extra long weekend i.e. flying in Thursday morning and leaving Monday night will likely grant visitors enough time to see and enjoy most of what the city has to offer without feeling burned out or bored.

How long can you vacation in the Netherlands?

As the Netherlands is a small country, it is relatively easy to visit major cities such as Amsterdam, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Maastricht as well as see the uniquely flat terrain of the Dutch countryside. A period of 5-7 days should allow visitors to get a feel for the culture and people and see most of what the country has to offer. Both the road and rail networks are considered some of the best in Europe.

Dutch Rail (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) is one of the most punctual rail carriers in Europe and is an excellent option for getting around during a Netherlands tour. For those who wish to rent a car, the Dutch drive on the right and are generally very cautious drivers.

Why is the Netherlands so famous?

The Netherlands is famous as a country which punches way above its weight in terms of history, culture, sport, engineering, economy, agriculture, and so much more. The compact nation has produced some of the greatest artists ever, often known as the Dutch masters, from Johannes Vermeer to Rembrandt and Van Gogh.

Amsterdam, the nation’s capital, is internationally renowned for its winding canals, liberal laws, and narrow houses. The Dutch countryside is famous for its vast columns of multicoloured tulips, rustic wooden windmills, flat terrain, and bikes. Polders, the areas of land reclaimed from the sea, demonstrate the determination of the Dutch people as a nation of “doers”. All these factors combine to create a truly unique and memorable place to visit and ensure that globetrotters will want to return, time and time again.