NETHERLANDS TRAVEL TIPS FOR 1ST TIMERS | 30 Must-Knows Before Visiting + What NOT to Do!
Summary
TLDRIn this video, Christina from happytoander.com shares valuable tips for first-time visitors to the Netherlands. She explains the difference between Holland and the Netherlands, suggests exploring cities beyond Amsterdam, and highlights spring as the ideal season for tulip viewing. Christina provides advice on public transportation, cultural etiquette, and common tourist attractions like the Anne Frank House. She also touches on Dutch cuisine, emphasizing snacks like Stroopwafels and local traditions. The video aims to help travelers avoid common mistakes and make the most of their trip to the Netherlands.
Takeaways
- 🌍 The Netherlands and Holland are not the same; Holland is only a small part of the country.
- 🚆 Explore beyond Amsterdam, as there are many interesting cities within an hour's travel, like Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague.
- 🌷 Spring is a great time to visit for tulips, especially in mid-April, but the weather can be unpredictable.
- 💬 Dutch people speak excellent English, so there's no need to worry about language barriers.
- 🚇 Trains are clean and efficient, and you can use contactless payments for ease of travel.
- 🚴♀️ Be cautious of bike lanes and avoid renting a bike unless you're confident in cycling.
- 💳 Cash and Maestro cards are more commonly used than credit cards, so always carry some cash.
- 🎫 Book major attractions, like the Anne Frank House, in advance to avoid missing out during peak seasons.
- 🥞 Try traditional Dutch snacks like Stroopwafels, buttered bread with sprinkles, and croquettes.
- 🚦 Understand the difference between coffee shops (for marijuana), cafes (for coffee), and brown cafes (similar to pubs).
Q & A
What is the difference between the Netherlands and Holland?
-The Netherlands is the entire country, while Holland only refers to a specific part of it. Although many people use the terms interchangeably, it's technically incorrect to do so.
When is the best time to visit the Netherlands?
-Spring is the best time to visit, especially to see the famous Dutch tulips, which usually bloom around mid-April. However, winter or fall are good options to avoid crowds.
How widely is English spoken in the Netherlands?
-English is very widely spoken in the Netherlands, especially in larger cities. Dutch people are fluent, even understanding jokes and cultural references in English, so travelers won't face language barriers.
What is the most convenient way to use public transportation in the Netherlands?
-The best way to get around is by using trains, which are efficient and extensive. You can use contactless debit or credit cards at train stations, or use apps like '9292' to plan your routes.
How can you save money on train tickets in the Netherlands?
-You can save by booking tickets in advance for off-peak periods or by purchasing group tickets. Day passes are also available if you're planning to travel a lot.
What should visitors keep in mind about Dutch culture and etiquette?
-Dutch people are known for being direct in communication. Visitors should also be mindful of respecting customs, like not taking photos in the red-light district or assuming everyone uses marijuana.
What are some tips for sightseeing in the Netherlands?
-Book major attractions like the Anne Frank House in advance, especially during peak seasons. If you're visiting during tulip season, consider adding a farm visit for photo experiences instead of trespassing on private fields.
What is the cycling culture like in the Netherlands?
-Cycling is a major part of Dutch life, and tourists should be aware of bike lanes and avoid walking in them. Only rent a bike if you're confident, as Dutch cyclists are very proficient.
How should tourists handle payments in the Netherlands?
-Credit cards are not as commonly accepted, especially non-European ones. It’s best to carry cash, particularly for small purchases or public washrooms, which often require coins.
What are some Dutch foods that tourists should try?
-Must-try Dutch foods include Stroopwafels, croquettes from vending machines (FEBO), buttered bread with sprinkles, and raw herring, which is a traditional street food.
Outlines
🌍 Tips for First-Time Travelers to the Netherlands
In this introduction, Christina from happytoander.com introduces herself and explains that she has visited the Netherlands several times. She will share important tips for first-time travelers, starting with clarifying the difference between 'Holland' and 'the Netherlands.' She emphasizes the importance of exploring beyond Amsterdam, highlighting nearby cities like Haarlem, Utrecht, Rotterdam, and more. Spring is suggested as the best time to visit, especially for tulip season, though it's important to plan around variable weather and bloom times. For those looking to avoid crowds, fall or winter visits are recommended, and travelers are advised to avoid peak seasons like July, August, and Easter holidays.
🚅 Language, Transportation, and Train System Insights
This section reassures travelers that while Dutch is the official language, English is widely spoken in the Netherlands. Travelers will have no problem getting by with English, especially in major cities. However, it's polite to learn basic Dutch phrases, such as saying 'thank you' ('dank u wel'). The Netherlands boasts a highly efficient train system with fixed-distance fares and great coverage across the country. Christina also mentions the useful 9292 app for navigating public transportation and highlights the convenience of using contactless payment methods for train travel, but warns that the system is not the cheapest. Tips for saving money include booking in advance, traveling during off-peak hours, and considering group or day tickets.
👥 Cultural Etiquette and Pronunciation Tips
Here, Christina gives advice on adapting to Dutch culture, starting with a heads-up about the direct communication style typical of the Dutch, which can sometimes catch visitors off-guard. She suggests learning the correct pronunciation of place names, as this will help when asking for directions, especially in smaller towns. She also advises respecting the local customs and not treating things like legalized prostitution and decriminalized marijuana as novelties. Visitors should avoid taking pictures in the red-light district and refrain from assuming everyone partakes in such activities. This section stresses cultural respect and understanding during a trip to the Netherlands.
🌷 Tips for Tulip Season and Popular Attractions
For travelers visiting during tulip season, Christina advises respecting tulip fields by not trampling or picking flowers. She mentions that some farms now offer designated photo areas to avoid damaging the crops. Keukenhof, a famous flower garden, is often misunderstood—visitors should know it's a landscaped garden, not fields of tulips. Booking tours to see actual tulip fields is recommended. Travelers are also encouraged to book tickets in advance for popular attractions like the Anne Frank House to avoid long wait times during peak seasons. While Dutch attractions can be expensive, Christina suggests saving money with sightseeing passes, like the I Amsterdam card, or looking for bundled ticket deals.
🚲 Bike Culture and Practical Travel Tips
This section covers the importance of being mindful of bike lanes in the Netherlands, as cycling is a major mode of transportation. Tourists should avoid walking in bike lanes to avoid accidents. Christina also advises against renting bikes unless travelers are very confident cyclists, as Dutch cyclists are highly skilled. She highlights the common issue of bike theft, particularly targeting tourist bikes, and recommends locking bikes securely. Another important tip is to always have cash or a Maestro debit card on hand, as credit cards aren't as widely accepted. She also warns that public restrooms may require coins, especially for women, as men's urinals are often free.
🍴 Dutch Snacks and Delicacies
Christina shares her favorite Dutch foods, starting with a quirky local breakfast of buttered bread with sprinkles. She loves the vending machine-style snack dispensers from Febo, where travelers can try local favorites like croquettes and bitterballen. Stroopwafels, a caramel-filled waffle snack, are highly recommended—she suggests trying the original version. Christina also introduces raw herring, a traditional street food eaten by picking it up by the tail, although she acknowledges it might not be to everyone's taste. A lighthearted warning is issued about seagulls that may steal food directly from tourists, especially raw herring.
☕ Understanding Cafes, Coffee Shops, and Brown Cafes
In this final section, Christina clears up confusion about the different types of cafes in the Netherlands. A 'cafe' is where you'd go for coffee, while a 'coffee shop' is where marijuana is sold. She also introduces 'brown cafes,' which are cozy, pub-like establishments with a warm, wood-paneled atmosphere, great for enjoying drinks. Christina encourages visitors to experience the charm of brown cafes during their visit. She closes by thanking viewers, encouraging them to leave comments with questions or tips, and reminding them to like and subscribe for more travel advice.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Netherlands vs Holland
💡Tulip Season
💡Public Transport
💡Dutch Directness
💡Prostitution and Marijuana
💡Anne Frank House
💡Dutch Cuisine
💡Cycling
💡Cash and Maestro Cards
💡Sightseeing Passes and Bundles
Highlights
Understanding the difference between Holland and the Netherlands: Holland refers to a part of the country, while the Netherlands is the entire nation.
Diversify your itinerary beyond Amsterdam. Nearby cities like Haarlem, Utrecht, and Rotterdam are worth exploring.
Spring, especially mid-April, is ideal for visiting due to the famous Dutch tulip season, though weather can be unpredictable.
Dutch people speak excellent English, so you'll have no problem getting around, but it’s still polite to learn basic Dutch phrases like 'dankjewel' (thank you).
The Netherlands has an efficient, clean, and easy-to-use train system, with contactless payments available. Consider booking tickets in advance for discounts.
Be mindful of Dutch directness, as it can sometimes catch people off guard, but it's part of the culture.
Learn the correct pronunciation of Dutch city names, as locals are used to hearing them properly.
Be respectful of Dutch laws and customs, such as the legality of marijuana and prostitution, but avoid treating them as tourist novelties.
Book popular attractions like the Anne Frank House in advance, as they tend to sell out quickly during peak season.
Be cautious when taking photos in tulip fields—trampling or damaging the flowers is frowned upon. Some farms offer dedicated photo experiences.
Cycling is a serious mode of transportation in the Netherlands. If you're not confident on a bike, it’s better to avoid renting one, and always be aware of bike lanes.
Always carry cash or a Maestro card, as some places don’t accept traditional credit cards, especially for smaller purchases.
When using public restrooms, especially for women, you’ll often need coins as many charge for access.
Dutch snack foods are a must-try! Don’t miss stroopwafels, croquettes, and the unique vending machines at FEBO.
Know the difference between a 'coffee shop' (where marijuana is sold), a cafe (for coffee), and a 'brown cafe' (a traditional Dutch pub-like bar).
Transcripts
if you're visiting the Netherlands for
the first time this year make sure you
watch this video because in it I'll be
sharing all sorts of tips and tricks for
first timers hi I'm Christina from
happytoander.com and over the years I've
probably been to the Netherlands maybe
six or seven times so I've learned a lot
the hard way what to do and what not to
do so in this video I'm going to be
sharing all my top tips and tricks to
make sure that your first trip is a
roaring success but for now let's get
started with some basic must knows and
travel planning tips so first things
first do understand that there is a
difference between the Netherlands and
Holland I know these terms are often
used interchangeably but Holland
actually only refers to a small part of
the country whereas the Netherlands is
the entire country and to be honest with
you most Dutch people I've met are
really chill about this they often use
them interchangeably themselves just
because they know that Holland is better
known but if you want to be technically
correct just know that these shouldn't
be used interchangeably
it's very important for you to know that
diversify your itinerary for your trip
because there really is a lot to see
within an hour of Amsterdam for instance
you have all sorts of cool cities like
Harlem Utrecht Rotterdam the Hague
Leiden and there's plenty more to
discover beyond that if you just Venture
a little bit further out so be sure to
look Beyond just Amsterdam there is so
much to see now in terms of when to
visit honestly spring is one of the best
times to go sure the weather can be a
little bit iffy it rains a lot in the
Netherlands but this is when you're
going to be able to see some of those
classic Dutch tulips that the country is
so famous for and that is when they're
going to be in bloom
now of course tulip season does vary
year by year we're at the whims of
nature here so it's not like you're
going to be able to say okay on this
date all the tubes are just going to
bloom but generally speaking if you're
planning a trip specifically for this
mid April is probably a safe bet there's
probably going to be tulips at that time
and in the past this is when I've gone
and it has been absolutely beautiful if
you're looking to avoid crowds though
winter or fall is probably a better bet
and I would definitely avoid July and
August as well as school holidays like
Easter because that's when crowds and
prices are at their worst now
language-wise the official language in
the Netherlands is of course Dutch but
honestly Dutch people speak phenomenal
English and I'm not just talking about
like vocabulary and grammar they
actually get references and jokes as
well so really they are super fluent and
you're going to be completely fine
getting by with English generally
speaking especially in the big cities so
don't worry too much about learning a
lot of Dutch before you go English will
be just fine but it is of course still
polite to learn some Basics so to say
thank you it's dunkaville just keep that
one in mind you're going to be using it
a lot in terms of getting around the
trains in the Netherlands are honestly
amazing they're super clean Super
efficient simple to use and there's like
400 train stations scattered across the
country so you can really get anywhere
with the Train the best thing is the
prices are also fixed on distance so you
don't have to worry about Dynamic
pricing now in terms of figuring out
what trains to catch or what public
transport to use one really great
resource is called 9292 and this is a
website and also an app that you can
download and basically you can put in
where you're departing from and also
your destination and then it'll show you
exactly how you can get from one place
to another using different modes of
public transport as of 2023 you can even
use your contactless debit and credit
cards at the train station so you don't
need to even buy your tickets in advance
so you can just show up tap your card
and go right through sadly there is a
downside to this utopian sounding train
system and that is it's not exactly the
cheapest luckily there are a few
different ways that you can save money
the first is to book in advance for
off-peak periods so often you can get a
small discount of 10 if you book a
digital ticket at least four days in
advance specifically for off-peak
periods which are weekdays before 6 30
weekdays between 9 A.M and 4pm and also
weekdays after 6 30 as well as all day
during weekends and holidays you can
also buy something called group tickets
which give you more savings the more
people you have in your group so if
you're doing any trips with multiple
friends or family this can be a great
way to save and if you plan to cover a
lot of grounds like you're doing some
day trips or whatever you can also buy
day tickets that cover you for the
entire network or specific portions of
the network so that can be another way
to save money now as for which tickets
to buy as a tourist as I mentioned
before probably the simplest thing to do
is just go contactless unless you're
buying in advance for the discount in
which case you can get the digital
tickets and then just scan it on your
phone they do also still have the old
school OV chip cards which are these
physical tickets that you can buy from
the machines to be honest as a visitor I
wouldn't advise getting these just
because there's no benefit to getting
them and it does cost a Euro extra
there's also personal OV cards that you
can buy and reload with credit but to be
honest as a tourist it doesn't really
make sense to get these unless you're
planning to go to the Netherlands a lot
or you're going to be staying there long
term because these cards yes they can
unlock certain discounts and perks but
it doesn't really make sense if you're
only there for a few days lastly note
that there's also Wi-Fi on board so be
sure to look for a network called Wi-Fi
into train alright now let's run through
some quick culture and etiquette tips
first of all don't be shocked by Dutch
directness I really do think that Dutch
people are overall super friendly and
kind but there is a common stereotype
that they can be more direct and honest
and I have witnessed this on a few
occasions they're like super friendly 99
of the time and then out of nowhere
they'll hit you with this very direct
honesty bomb that kind of takes you
aback if you're not used to it so just
be prepared for that and don't be
surprised if you ask someone how their
day's been and they tell you it's
actually been terrible it's nothing
against you personally now another thing
that you should try to do is learn the
correct pronunciation of the
destinations that you're visiting as I
mentioned before Dutch people speak
amazing English but one area where they
might struggle is if you're not
pronouncing the names of places
correctly that's because they're just so
used to hearing the correct
pronunciation of places so if you're
heading to different towns or different
cities make sure you know how to say
them just in case you need to ask for
directions of course with bigger cities
like Amsterdam which have a very popular
and common anglicized name it's going to
be fine you don't have to be like oh
where's Amsterdam but with places that
are smaller and don't have like a common
anglified pronounce Association it can
be really helpful to know how to say it
and of course another important
etiquette tip is to just be respectful
of customs and things that are different
to your home countries so for instance
for a lot of first-time visitors I know
it's super common to be shocked that
things like prostitution or legal here
and marijuana is decriminalized if it's
not like that in your home country
naturally you're going to be surprised
by that but of course in the Netherlands
this is common so don't be making things
out to be a novelty I feel like that's
really obnoxious like don't go to the
red light district and take photos of
the women because that's a novelty to
you that's super frowned upon in fact a
lot of Dutch people even consider the
coffee shops and red light district to
be more things that tourists do rather
than local so yeah don't assume that
everyone in the Netherlands are potheads
because they're absolutely not all right
now let's talk about sightseeing and
attractions in the Netherlands first of
all if you're coming for the world
famous tulip season there's a few things
that you should know I know the fields
are beautiful but when you see two that
feels make sure you're not going out
onto the fields and rambling on flowers
picking flowers doing things like that
because at the end of the day these
fields and these Farms are still
people's livelihoods so as much as you
want to go get a nice picture make sure
you're not ruining the fields in the
process of doing that in fact these days
there's actually a lot of farms that
have caught on to the fact that
Instagram ability is a big thing so
there's actually quite a few Farms that
offer photo experiences where you can
buy a ticket and then you can go in
they'll give you props you can take
pictures and so if you want to take
photos make sure to look into an
experience like that and don't just go
trample random tulip fields out in the
countryside because that is definitely
frowned upon and is technically
trespassing now another thing to note is
that kilkenhof which is the world's most
famous flower garden a lot of people
seem to think that when you go there
it's going to be Rose upon rows of tulip
fields but that's not actually the case
kogenhof is actually a landscaped garden
and it's really beautiful there's
different sculptures different
installations not based on the marketing
and the photos that they use a lot of
people think that they're going to see
two fields that look like this and
that's not the case so make sure you
also book an additional experience do
another tour that takes you to Fields
instead of just going to the gardens
because it's not going to look like that
now when going sightseeing in the
Netherlands another big tip is to book
things in advance especially for big
attractions like the Anne Frank house
for instance in Amsterdam you really do
need to book in advance because during
Peak tourist season these places can
book up really quickly now as amazing as
Dutch attractions are I do find that
some of them can be quite expensive and
unlike other European countries I've
been to there don't seem to be a lot of
age-based discounts unless you're a
child so there's not a ton of discounts
for youth or students or seniors so just
keep that in mind that said there are a
few different ways that you can save
money so the first one is by buying
sightseeing passes or cards I've done
this in the past with the I Amsterdam
card for instance and these are
basically cards that give you admission
to a bunch of different attractions for
one set price and I really like these if
you're planning on doing a ton of paid
attractions this can save you a ton of
money so be sure to look into those but
if you don't want to commit to a bunch
of attractions at once another thing
I've noticed in the Netherlands that's
super common is doing bundle attraction
tickets so oftentimes if you hop on get
your guide or tickets you'll find that
there's bundle deals so you can group
together some of the most popular
attractions and then get a discount by
buying two of them at the same time or
three of them at the same time so before
you book directly on the official
websites make sure to have a look around
and see if there's any bundle tickets
because oftentimes that can save you a
lot of money as well all right now let's
move on to some final tips for when you
arrive in the Netherlands the first is
to be aware of bike Lanes so if the
Netherlands people cycle a lot and they
take cycling incredibly seriously so if
you're from a country like mine that
doesn't have a ton of bike Lanes you
might not be used to navigating the
streets with them there are bike Lanes
all over every single City so it's very
easy for you to accidentally walk into
one unknowingly so be sure to look
around keep an eye out for like symbols
on the ground and make sure you're never
walking in the bike lane because that
puts you in danger but it's a cyclists
in danger and they will get really mad
at you on a similar note definitely
don't rent a bike in the Netherlands
unless you're super confident on one
because as I mentioned before Dutch
cyclists are on a whole other level
honestly I'm convinced most Dutch people
are born cycling out of the womb because
they are so proficient on these bikes
and it's super second nature to them so
if you're not a confident cyclist
navigating these bike Lanes with all
these locals who are super confident on
bikes can be a recipe for disaster so
definitely don't rent a bike unless
you're super comfortable with riding one
bike theft is also a really common crime
to be mindful of and I have heard that
they tend to Target tourist bikes so
just keep that in mind make sure you
lock up your bike really securely and
maybe just rent one for the day another
must note is to always have have cash on
you or to have a maestro card so in the
Netherlands credit cards aren't as
common as they are in other countries so
while most places will take Card
oftentimes it's specifically this
Maestro debit card that a lot of
non-europeans won't have so make sure
you have cash on you because you're
going to be needing it for small
purchases and you don't want to get
caught out without any way of paying be
sure to also bring coins with you so
that you can use public washrooms
especially if you're a woman
unfortunately it's a very strange thing
in the Netherlands that public urinals
are free to use but unfortunately public
toilets are not so if you're a man you
can pee for free if you're a woman you
have to pay I don't love it but it's
something to be mindful of so bring
coins with you and of course once you're
there make sure you try all the
different Dutch Delicacies so I know
abroad a lot of people will already know
about the Dutch pancake that's one dish
that has made its way over to North
America and it's those thick pancakes
that takes up the entire plate but
there's a lot more to Dutch Cuisine than
just the pancakes and I'm sure dutchies
can kind of chime in in the comments
with their favorite dishes but for me
where the Netherlands really shines is
it's a rate of snack foods I love snack
foods in the Netherlands so much so
you're just some recommendations based
on what I personally really like so
firstly for breakfast you have to try
buttered bread with sprinkles yes this
is something that they do and it is
absolutely delicious at some point you
should also make sure you get a snack
from afibo and these are all over the
Netherlands and basically they're like
hot vending machines where you can put
in a coin and then there's a hot snack
in there waiting for you
isn't that just amazing and oftentimes
the snacks that you get in here are kind
of the more traditional Dutch snacks
that I love so much so you can get
things like croquettes and bitter ball
in and it's just it's so convenient and
tasty and fun if you want your life to
be changed though you need to try Stroop
waffle these are basically waffles that
are made out of two Thin cookies with a
caramel filling and they're pressed
together they are the definition of
perfection and these days you're going
to find lots of places that will do
fancy things like they'll dip them in
chocolate or add some sprinkles or
whatever on top I'm a purist I think
that the original OG version is the best
so make sure you try an original strip
waffle with nothing on it it's going to
change your life it's so good and of
course I can't talk about Dutch food
without mentioning the most famous
street food that you'll see everywhere
which is raw Herring now traditionally
you're supposed to eat this Herring by
picking it up from the tail and kind of
like letting it slide down your throat I
have tried it once wouldn't necessarily
do it again give it a try if you want
but just know that it's not gonna be
necessarily A taste that you're used to
now one thing to be mindful of no matter
what you're eating is Beware Of Seagulls
especially if you're eating that Herring
I have seen so many videos of towards
eating this Herring for the gram and
then a seagull just swooping in and
grabbing the entire thing like out of
their mouths so yeah definitely beware
of that now last but not least I do
think it's important to explain the
difference between a coffee shop a cafe
and a brown cafe or brown bar so this is
kind of confusing for first timers but
if you want a coffee you're gonna go to
a cafe okay because if you go to a
coffee shop that is where they sell
marijuana and to make things even more
confusing there are things called Brown
cafes or brown bars and these are kind
of like a Dutch equivalent of the
English pup they're like dark wood
really cozy atmosphere and you go in
there to enjoy a few drinks definitely
go to a brown bar during your visit I
think it's just one of the coziest ways
to enjoy an evening all right thank you
so much for watching I hope you found
that helpful and as usual if you have
any more questions be sure to leave a
comment if you have any more tips to add
especially if you're Dutch feel free to
leave those in the comments and for more
practical travel videos just like this
one be sure to like And subscribe I'll
see you guys next week thanks so much
bye
تصفح المزيد من مقاطع الفيديو ذات الصلة
Wonders of The Netherlands | The Most Amazing Places in The Netherlands | Travel Video 4K
Why you need to try Indonesian food in the Netherlands
India to London Travel Guide Hindi 2024 | Budget, Visa, Currency, Sim | Things To Know BEFORE YOU GO
How can you get married in the Netherlands🤵👰🏻FAQ | A Filipina Dutch Living
10 Cose da sapere prima di andare ad AMSTERDAM
100 Words You Should Know When Coming to the Netherlands | Super Easy Dutch 20
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)