Have you ever seen tulip fields turn into a beautiful and colorful sea of flowers? The Netherlands is a country that makes this wonder possible. It is a country located in northwestern Europe, with more than 17.4 million inhabitants. The Dutch state is known for its beautiful water channels between some of the cities, large mills, bike lanes, and incredible museums, such as the Van Gogh museum and the house in honor of the famous girl Anne Frank. Keep reading and learn more about the fantastic things you can do in the Netherlands!
How to get there
We all know that when we start a journey, it begins from the moment we travel there. Here we are going to show you the best airports in the Netherlands. You can choose one according to its popularity or location, but we assure you that none will disappoint you.
First, there is the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. This airport located in the capital is the main international airport. It is the busiest in the Netherlands, with more than 71 million passengers per year. A rail network connects the airport with the city center. If your first stop is Amsterdam, then this is the best option for you.
Next on the list, we want to mention the Eindhoven Airport located in North Brabant. In previous years, it has served more than 6.2 million passengers, making it the second busiest airport in the country. This is a good option if you traveling on a budget because some low-price air carriers operate there.
Other important airports are the Rotterdam The Hague Airport, the Maastricht Aachen Airport, and the Groningen Airport Eelde.
Visa Information
The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area in Europe. It means that if you are able or not to enter the country without a visa will depend on your country of origin. We suggest you visit the nearest consulate or embassy to check if you need it or not. However, there are some requirements that you need to meet before traveling to this country. For example, you need to have a return ticket; your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the country, and you must prove that you have enough money for your stay.
Best time to visit the country
The Netherlands is a country that can be visited all year round. From April to June the temperatures are warm, varying from 11°C to 19°C. This is the perfect time to visit the popular tulip fields, besides that the prices are more affordable during this period.
During July and August, peak season is evident. The weather is warm; with temperatures around 19°C and several important events take place, such as the Rotterdam Summer Carnival and the Scheveningen International Fireworks Festival.
Finally, visiting a country during Christmas or carnival is always a good idea due to the celebrations and festivals. Although the weather is cold (6°C), many visitors travel during this season because the prices are lower.
Safety
This country, and especially its capital Amsterdam, is one of the most popular destinations in Europe and around the world. The Netherlands is known for many things (windmills, painters, cheeses), and one of those things is safety. There is very little risk of danger in most public places, including transport and taxis. You only need to keep in mind the normal travel precautions and you will have a safe trip.
Budget
The Netherlands is not a cheap country, and it is important to plan your budget very well before traveling there. In this country, you could spend around €123 ($146) per day, including accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.
If you are traveling for a week, you probably will spend around €859 ($1022.77) and for two weeks, your budget should be around €1,717 ($2,045). Some things that you can do to save money during your trip are to rent a bike, attend free festivals and cook.
Let’s see how much you can afford with €123 ($146) per day:
- Hotel or Hostel: €69 ($82.15)
- Food: €30 ($26.09)
- Local transportation (taxis, buses, subway): €18 ($21.43)
- Entertainment (shows, movie tickets): €15 ($17.86)
Let’s break down some more specific food and drinks prices:
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: €7 ($8.33) – A box of noodle with beef or chicken.
- Mid-range restaurant: €30 ($35.72) – Three-course meal.
- Soft Drink: €2.46 ($2.93) – 0.33-liter bottle.
- Beer: €4.50 ($5.36) – 0.5-liter draught
Currency
The official currency of the Netherlands is the Euro, which is equivalent to $1.19. If you travel to this country from the United States, you should know that you cannot use cash dollars in this country, so it would be better to change the cash you bring at the airport. However, the best way to get cash in the Netherlands is by using an ATM.
The easiest way to pay is by using debit or credit cards (MasterCard and Visa are accepted). However, you must take the following precaution: in this country, the cards used are chip cards (not band), which means that you need a code or password to use it. That is why it is important to notify your bank in advance that you will be using your card abroad, and if you do not have a chip card, request one.
Interesting facts about the culture
The Netherlands is a country located in Western Europe. Its capital (Amsterdam) is one of the most famous cities around the world. The official language of this nation is Dutch, and most of the population in the country also speak English, so you will not have problems to communicate during your trip. However, we encourage you to learn some useful phrases in Dutch, because they will appreciate it if you try to use their language.
It might be a small country, but it has a lot of things to offer and many famous icons. For example, many famous artists and scientists were born in this country (Vincent van Gogh, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, Hendrik Lorentz). There are traditions known worldwide such as Sinterklaas and the national holiday Koningsdag (King's Day).
This country has the highest population density in Europe, even being one of the smallest. Many people live there and, in fact; it is also ranked as the 6th happier country in the world.
Something interesting about the Dutch is that they are healthy and active. They usually travel around using bikes, so much that we could say that there are more bikes than people! Dutch society value education and ambition. They are proud of their history, culture, art, and music. We are sure that you are going to enjoy learning more about their country during your trip!
What to do in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the most interesting countries in Europe, as there are many things to do. Starting with the capital, Amsterdam, which has been considered one of the eclectic cities in Europe. You can visit its famous museums and watch the sunset along its beautiful water channels.
The best sights
- Rijksmuseum, in Amsterdam: A museum that has the most famous collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age as well as a rich collection of Asian and Egyptian art.
- Anne Frank House, in Amsterdam: It is a museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank.
- Van Gogh Museum, in Amsterdam: It is an art gallery, which houses the collection of works by the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh.
- Cube house (Kubuswoningen), in Rotterdam: These buildings are a set of houses designed by the architect Piet Blom in 1984.
- NEMO, in Amsterdam: It is a science center shaped like a ship with five floors of interactive science exhibits. It is the largest science center in the country.
In the Netherlands, there are also activities to breathe fresh air and enjoy nature. You will be able to know the wonderful tulip fields and the amazing gardens, the water channels, the natural parks, visit the animals in the zoo, and endless activities without boredom.
The best activities
- See the tulips bloom: There is an event between March and May worth seeing, when the tulip fields bloom, an emblematic event of the country. Seeing the fields full of colors is something that you will not forget. The best places to see the tulips are the Tulip fields in Lisse, the Keukenhof Gardens, and Tulip Trail in Bollenstreek.
- Visit Zaanse Schans, in Zaanstad: Classic Dutch village with windmills and artisans making cheese and other typical products from the Netherlands.
- Explore Hoge Veluwe National Park, in Güeldres: This Park has exceptional landscapes and, although fenced, it is one of the great centers of the Dutch ecological network. It houses numerous protected species in the Netherlands.
- Go shopping on Albert Cuyp Market, in Central Area: It is a popular and iconic street market with numerous booths selling clothes, local food, flowers, and much more.
How to get around in the Netherlands
There are different ways to travel and enjoy this beautiful country, the most efficient being traveling by train. In the Netherlands, there is a large network of trains that can take you almost everywhere comfortably and safely.
To complement this mode of travel, there are buses. These are very economical and allow us to reach those small towns that we cannot miss during our trip. Other options are to rent a car or bicycle.
To rent a car you must be over 21, and you should know that despite being a good way to travel on your own, it is also expensive. Renting a bicycle is much cheaper; you can even travel with it by train since they have special wagons to carry them. However, when you are on the street, do not forget to block it very well, since bicycle theft has become common in some parts of the country.
How to stay connected in The Netherlands
Staying connected in a foreign country is something that worries all travelers. However, you should not worry about it anymore. There are several options to be able to use your phone in this country. You can depend on Wi-Fi spots around the cities, use a pocket Wi-Fi, or buy a prepaid SIM card.
We recommend the last option. The best mobile providers in the Netherlands are Vodafone, T-Mobile, and Lebara. These providers offer different plans, full of services (data, SMS, and calls).
Another option is to buy an international prepaid SIM card. This is a good choice if you want to travel to several European countries because you can use it in more than one country. We suggest you take a look at the offers that a company called SimOptions has available for you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rent a car?
If you want you can rent a car, but it is much cheaper and better to rent a bike.
Which airports can I fly to?
The best airports are the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Eindhoven Airport.
What are the most popular types of hotels?
The most popular accommodation types are hotels, resorts, and boutique hostels.
How much does a holiday cost?
You can spend around €123 ($146) per day, including standard accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment.
What are the best things to do?
If you are traveling to the Netherlands, you have to visit the tulip fields and museums.