Never Ending Footsteps

Three Glorious Weeks Spent Traveling the Netherlands

travel blog on netherlands

When it comes to European travel, I can be a bit of a failure.

It’s my most travelled continent — I’ve been to thirty-two European countries at last count — but the vast majority of my experiences have been limited to capital cities. Take a look at where I’ve been : when you reach Europe, the amount of destinations per country drastically drops!

It’s not that I don’t want to explore more of the places I visit in Europe; I just get so excited by the opportunities the region can offer. Eurail passes make it easy to explore, and my 2012 trip saw me hitting up twelve countries in six weeks, because if you have near-unlimited travel for a month, why not try to see as much as possible? I’d like to say I’ve learned my lesson about travelling too fast (the reality is: you almost always end up exhausted and seeing very little!), but my Baltics/Scandinavia jaunt earlier this year had me visiting six new countries in two weeks.

Lauren with Interrail pass

Still, despite occasionally giving in to my wanderlust and booking fast-paced trips that I eventually grow to regret, I’m proud of my three week trip to the Netherlands this year.

There was so much temptation! And I can’t deny I tried to work in a side trip to Luxembourg or Belgium or Germany, but for once, I committed to exploring a European country in depth.

Why the Netherlands? Amsterdam is a city both Dave and I adore and we usually pay it a visit once a year. With Dave’s brother living there and more of our friends opting to make it home, we never need much of an excuse to pay this beautiful city a visit. But that was also the problem: I’d visited four times and had yet to leave Amsterdam!

Here’s why I’m so happy we chose to explore more of the Netherlands:

It’s compact:  Long travel days can be a pain in the ass, so it was refreshing to not have to travel for half a day or more to reach my next destination. Our longest travel day was from Maastricht to the Hague, which came in at two-and-a-half hours. It was such a novelty not to have to write off an entire day due to travel!

Travel is cheap:  For a Western European country with incredibly expensive accommodation, I was surprised at how affordable our transportation costs worked out to be. Utrecht to Leiden totalled 5 euros, and Leiden to Maastricht cost us around 20 euros.

It’s so easy:  In the Netherlands, 98% of the locals we encountered spoke English and went out of their way to help us out. Everything was well-signposted so we never got lost. The train system was so modern and everything was on time — we even had a local apologise to us for the complicated ticket machines when we asked for help at a train station. They weren’t complicated; we were just being stupid. It was a breath of fresh air to not have to worry about something going wrong.

I had a fabulous three weeks there. Here’s how it went!

Utrecht canal

Underrated Utrecht

What an underrated city! I loved Utrecht, and its location — just a 25-minute train ride from Amsterdam — makes it the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. We stayed for four nights.

I can’t talk about our stay in this cute city without mentioning our accommodation. When I saw a houseboat up for rent on Airbnb, I dropped the owner a message before you could say but don’t you get motion sickness?  Our boat was surprisingly warm, surprisingly spacious, and had me wondering how I could ever leave. It didn’t make me feel sick! Waking up to this view also didn’t hurt:

The view from our houseboat in Utrecht, the Netherlands

During our four day stint, I fell in love with Utrecht’s arty, student vibe. One of my favourite aspects of European travel is the cafe culture, so I was excited to find so many of them clustered around squares and alongside canals. Utrecht is an incredibly walkable city, too, which gives you the perfect excuse to break up the day’s explorations with a cup of tea and some people watching.

I loved how quiet the city is, too! Utrecht is the smallest of the big four cities in the Netherlands and you could tell: it had a small town feel but with all of the amenities you’d find in a big city. Best of all, it’s not on very many tourists’ radars, so it doesn’t have anything like the crowds of people that Amsterdam does. And because the red light district is located several miles outside of the centre, it means that Utrecht is less about drunken stag nights and more about lingering over coffees/beers.

I’d love to tell you that I did dozens of touristy things in Utrecht, but the truth is, our time there was all about recovery and rest. We didn’t climb to the top of the Dom Tower to get a panoramic view of the city; instead, we bought a bottle of wine, some olives, bread and cheese from a local shop and sat on the deck of our boat each afternoon, snacking, listening to music, drinking, and sunbathing.

The one thing I made sure to do every day? Wander around the medieval old town (Utrecht has the country’s oldest one!), stopping along the way for a drink at the bars. Then later, strolling alongside the canals. Utrecht has such a laid-back atmosphere, which helped make it the perfect start to my trip.

Is there a more Dutch photo than this? A colourful windmill in Leiden, the Netherlands

Stopping to Smell the Flowers in Leiden

I knew I couldn’t spend time in the Netherlands without paying a visit to the tulips at Keukenhof Gardens, so we travelled from Utrecht to Leiden, another student city, filled with even more bars and restaurants for us to sun ourselves at.

Leiden canal views

Though we were in Leiden to see the tulips, I struggled to work up the motivation to leave the canals. There were too many bars to hop to, too much raspberry-flavoured beer to savour, too much bitterballen to snack on. So, for three glorious days, we sat in the sunshine and indulged. Each morning, we’d wake up and head out to Bagels & Beans for a bagel tapas breakfast, spend our morning sunbathing on the grassy patch close to the windmill in the photo above (what a Dutch scene!), and our afternoons drinking beside the canals.

I was in danger of spending all of my time in the Netherlands eating and drinking, so on our final day, we made it to the tulips.

Keukenhof Gardens

And they were so, so colourful. And beautiful. But to be honest, it was a bit like walking around in a giant garden and I wasn’t that impressed. It’s definitely worth seeing once in your lifetime, that’s for certain, but more than that? I’d likely pass.

Keukenhof tulip gardens

The one thing I found at Keukenhof that was a twice in a lifetime experience? Posing with clogs!

Lauren in a clog

A Different Side of the Netherlands in Maastricht

It took just a few minutes of research before I decided on Maastricht as the next destination for me. It sounded so different to the rest of the country!

Maastricht is a bit of an oddity. I’d call it a melting pot but then I’d have to slap myself for using such a tired cliche. Its location, way down in the south, and its close proximity to Belgium (2 miles) and Germany (20 miles) have resulted in an interesting mix of food, culture, language, and architecture that I didn’t see anywhere else in the Netherlands.

And I love that Dave went for an afternoon run to a new country and back while we were there!

Maastricht river

The first thing I noticed was the difference in the architecture. In Maastricht, smaller, wider houses were favoured over the long and skinny design you’ll find in much of the country. The food was different, too, with a focus on game meat, extremely thick fries, and delicious Limburger cheese. Even the language changes this far south, with many of the residents opting to speak Limburgish (a blend of German and Dutch) rather than outright Dutch. And then, several locals told me they identify more as Belgian than Dutch!

Landscape-wise, much of the city is based around the river pictured above, rather than a network of canals, but most shockingly of all: there are hills !

Maastricht is also home to some delicious burgers and fries at Cafe Falstaff , and we may have had dinner there almost every night of our stay.

Maastricht burgers

Fun fact: Maastricht is the birthplace of the European Union, European citizenship, and the euro!

One of my highlights of our stay was the running tour we signed up for through Maastricht Running Tours . I was terrified by the concept of a running tour, so much so that I almost cancelled our booking at the last minute. I’m so glad I didn’t, though, as I discovered an exhilarating new way to get to know a city!

Lauren on Maastricht Running Tour

And while challenging for someone who had the fitness levels of a dead badger, our guide was patient, encouraging, and helped us understand the city from a local’s perspective. I highly recommend it.

Maastricht river

Of the places I visited in the Netherlands, I think I liked Maastricht the most. I loved the big squares that were lined with bars and cafes. I loved waking up and heading to a bakery for breakfast, then walking to the river to eat beside it. I especially loved Maastricht’s gorgeous bookstore.

Maastricht bookstore

Mishaps and Museums in the Hague

We had just arrived in the Hague. In front of us was some kind of art exhibition and the pathway was lined with sculptures. I found one that looked like a jail cell with a coin slot in front of the bars.

“Oooh,” I gasped at Dave. “I want to go inside!”

I grabbed a euro and dropped it into the slot.

Nothing happened.

“Well, that was dumb,” I muttered.

Weird sculpture in the Hague

The Hague and I got off on the wrong foot and I struggled to warm to it throughout my visit. I decided to visit because I’d heard that, like Maastricht, it wouldn’t feel like anywhere else I had visited in the Netherlands. And that was true: it felt like a modern city, it was within biking distance of the sea, and there were very few canals.

And maybe it was because the weather transformed from sunny skies to drizzly days, but it all felt a little bit bleak. I tried my best to make the most of it and wandered around the centre for a few hours each day, but I just wasn’t connecting to the city.

The Hague

And that was my three week trip to the Netherlands! What an amazing country, and I’m so glad I got to see a side of it that was far away from the Amsterdam stereotypes!

Have you been to the Netherlands? Which is your favourite Dutch destination?

Related Articles on the Netherlands 💰 The Cost of Travel in the Netherlands: A 2023 Budget Breakdown 🧳 How to Pack for the Netherlands: My Complete Packing List 🛶 30 Incredible Things to Do in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

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Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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55 comments.

Wow, you have visited places I haven’t even been and I live in the Netherlands! Maastricht is a place that I really want to visit, you did a great job describing it as ‘almost another country’ and it’s the only place with hills so I plan to go there in 2016. From Utrecht it is only 2 hours by train after all…

When I lived in Belgium we would always take the train from Liège to Maastricht in the springtime. Laying in the grass by the river was a really nice way to spend the afternoon. Great post, the Netherlands is such a quaint, clean, and enjoyable country.

Sounds perfect! I love the Netherlands so much and was delighted to get a deeper glimpse of it this time around!

It’s so incredibly nice to see a post that does so much justice to The Netherlands. I usually scoff when people tell me they only know Amsterdam in the Netherlands; Amsterdam is not a representation of the country at all. That having been said, I don’t know my country well enough either! My goal this year is to explore my own country a bit more! :) Thanks for this post!

Oh, that’s so good to hear, Dominique! :-) I’m happy you think I did it justice!

I loved this post — it was really interesting to hear about the Netherlands beyond Amsterdam! I feel like I’ve heard a lot about Amsterdam, but I didn’t even recognize these other names. So glad you’re posting again :) (Not that the book wasn’t worth it — I bought it right away and loved that too)

Aww, thanks so much, Caroline! I’m loving having this site be my one single focus for the first time in years and I’m excited to start catching everyone up on what I’ve been up to :-)

The trips I did to the Netherlands have been mostly to Groningen in the north, as that is where an aunt and some cousin live. I have also visited the Twente area and of course Amsterdam. I would like to visit again next year and then see if I can do some travelling on bicycle around the country.

Beautiful! I have never been but I would love to visit one day.

I highly recommend it! It has so much to offer for such a small country :-)

I should be ashamed to admit that, although I am from Italy and I have visited many European countries, I know Latin America way better. I have been to Copan Ruinas and I have yet to visit Madrid (but I have been to Barcelona!). I have seen Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America, but not Paris PARIS (though I have been all over the south of France). And the list could go on. I suppose I keep thinking it can way till when I am too old and tired to bother with long flights!

And I definitely feel like I know Southeast Asia more than I do Europe, even though I’ve been to more places in the latter! The good thing about Europe is that it is easy to visit, so it makes sense to leave it for when you’re old! Get all of the tough travel places out of the way first :-)

We got off the train in Maastricht (enroute from Brussels to Amsterdam) just long enough to walk around and soak it in. Wish we could have stayed! So cute and charming.

It’s a really wonderful city :-)

I’m struggling between the desire to travel faster and see as much as possible vs. traveling slower and exploring the smaller places right now as I’m planning my Europe backpacking itinerary. It’ll be my first time in Europe and I only have 2-3 months!!

Happy to hear you had a nice, slower travel through the Netherlands! :)

It’s really tough — you want to see as much as possible, but sometimes the faster travels can leave you exhausted and unwilling to explore. A mix is good, so you get the best of both worlds :-) Enjoy your time in Europe!

I’m just the same with Southeast Asia – you have been to more places than I have in the region.

I’m in total agreement about Utrecht being highly underrated – I went there just for the Rietveld House and went away liking many more things.

I have only ever visited Amsterdam and it wasn’t a great experience as I was groped in the street. I had been put off exploring the Netherlands, but I really enjoyed reading your post and love the sound of staying on a houseboat! I might have to add it to my list of places to give a second chance.

Ugh, sorry to hear that, Emma. Definitely give the Netherlands another chance one day — it has a lot to offer!

It’s kind of weird to read stuff about your ‘own’ country, especially because it’s about something else than Amsterdam for a change, but this is definitely some great press for the Netherlands, Lauren! Great to hear that you had such a good time. If you were ever to return for another trip: I can highly recommend a visit to the Wadden Islands ;-)

I don’t think I’ve ever read a post just on the Netherlands, and I’m glad to say I loved this post even more because of it!

Everywhere looks gorgeous. I love that you stayed on a house boat, how amazing that must have been!

Awww, thanks so much, Brooklyn! Staying on a houseboat was definitely the highlight! :-)

I loved all your photos. I especially love the flowers. My husband would have enjoyed visiting the large gardens. He’s a gardener/farmer at heart. Those burgers also looked delicious. Was that really a bookstore? It looked more like a library. HEHE!!

Thanks so much, Heather! Yep, it’s an old church that was converted into a bookstore — and it’s regularly voted one of the prettiest in the world!

Netherlands Tulipe is so exotic ! Someday i must go to Netherlands to see it by myself !

Definitely! :-)

No stereotypes?! Didn’t you get a nice boat ride from a local in Amsterdam? :-p

Oh, haha! True :-D

Ahhh this post has got me regretting not fitting in some countryside visits during my visit to Amsterdam last week. I loved the city (although I did find it the most expensive destination of my trip so far). Visiting in tulip season would be so great (its on my bucketlist), the photos look amazing!

I’m a bit like you- terrible at slowing down. So I always try and pick some smaller towns to visit outside of big cities (I usually find them by looking at the UNESCO list). But then the problem is I just whip through them as well! I managed to squeeze in one day in Regensburg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Speyer, Trier and Cologne! hahaha.

Lauren. Your’s was the first travel blog I ever started reading. And the more I read the more I realize that your grammar and spelling are meticulous. You set a very high bar for other travel bloggers to match. I have decided to not even attempt to match it and just continue to stumble along in my own attempts. I read your words in awe of your language skills.

Thanks so much, Keir! That’s so kind of you to say and means the world to me! :-) Honestly, writing this site has drastically improved my writing skills — my grammar was shocking when I first started out, so there’s hope for everyone!

Wow… That’s one big clog! I shudder to think of who could wear it.

I’m making the move from Valencia, Spain to Rotterdam in a few weeks and while I’ve visited the Netherlands a few times (my boyfriend is Dutch) I hadn’t really thought to go to Utrecht. I’m excited now! Those clogs are massive, but then again so are Dutch people (the tallest in the world on average last I read!) Great article!

Ah, exciting! :-)

Maastricht has great surroundings, such as Valkenburg and surroundings

I’ll have to add them to the list for my next visit! :-)

This is one of the most exceptional and practical guides for the Netherlands I’ve read in a while, Lauren1 Spending 3 weeks there are an excellent time period to see all the highlights there! The tulips are my highlight too! :)

Thanks so much, Agness!

I have been wanting to get back to the Netherlands to see the tulips for years. I guess I need to stop dreaming and start planning! Thanks for the tips.

Enjoy! It’s such an underrated country, and so much more than just Amsterdam :-)

Hi Lauren, your post will be very helpful for many people out there who wants to visit the Netherlands in near future. Now, they can explore these less known beautiful places and will make his/her visit memorable and enjoyable. Thanks for sharing the awesome article.

Thanks for commenting! Glad you liked it :-)

Fantastic! I’m going to be spending three weeks in the Netherlands in August and this has given me some great ideas.

Great! Let me know if you have any questions :-)

Hi Lauren, great travel blog and good to read that someone gets out of Amsterdam for a change. Maastricht and Utrecht are beautiful city’s, besides those I can really recommend ‘s-Hertogenbosch, also known as Den Bosch which is an historic city. You’ve probably passed it travelling by train to Maastricht. The city is also known for the painter Jheronimus Bosch and it’s pastries called Bosschebollen. Some other great city’s to visit are Breda and the modern city Rotterdam.

Thanks for all your stories

Thank you! I’ve added them to my list of places to check out when I next return :-)

I loved reading about your trip, but can’t make it add up to three weeks. Can you please give me more detail? We are planning a trip for next summer and would love your advice.

Hi was wondering where is the most convient part of the Netherlands to stay north east west south of Amsterdam

Hi wondering which part of the Netherlands to stay have only 10 days but we want to find a house to rent there will be 8 of us

Friesland is a beautiful place to visit as well

It’s on my list for my next visit!

Awesome best offbeat travel itinerary to the Netherlands I have come across, this will be of great use for travellers looking to explore offbeat locations rather than big cities and famous travel destinations. The pics are really awesome especially the flower gardens.

Hi Lauren, thanks for your post. The pictures are wonderful especialy those of the tulips. Last year I traveled to Holland but It was impossible to visit Keukenhof. So, I hope to return soon to the Netherlands and to enjoy the rest of places that you are talking about.

I hope you make it back there to see them :-)

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Meet Lauren Juliff

10 Day Itinerary The Netherlands | Written By Locals

travel blog on netherlands

So, The Netherlands is your next destination, and your planning to stay 10 days? Good for you! With this 10 day itinerary, I’ll help you fill in your day to day schedule.

10 Day Itinerary The Netherlands, day to day schedule: 

Day 1: Amsterdam Sightseeing & Canal Tour

Day 2: amsterdam bicycle & museum tour, day 3: zaanse schans / volendam, day 4: keukenhof / leiden, day 5: the hague, day 6 & 7: rotterdam .

  • Day 8: Breda 
  • Day 9: Optional Activities

Day 10: Utrecht

Let’s find out the best activities per day, the best places to stay in each city, and the different highlights! 

10 Day Itinerary The Netherlands

A visit to The Netherlands for 10 days might sound long for many, but there’s a lot to explore in this small country. I traveled throughout the country a lot, and as a Dutchie, I can tell you all the best places to visit, and I know many local things to do in different cities.

Before we dive into this 10-day itinerary for my home country, I want to tell you about a few other articles about The Netherlands. When you plan a shorter trip for like a week, you might want to read our  One Week Itinerary to The Netherlands  first. Which is, you probably can guess it, an itinerary for 7 days ;). If you still doubt how long your trip to The Netherlands should be, you can read our article  How Many Days Do You Need in The Netherlands   and also read this definitely helpful itinerary.

Let’s start this 10 day trip to The Netherlands in Amsterdam. Maybe you wonder why almost every itinerary starts in Amsterdam? That’s because most people arrive in Amsterdam when traveling to The Netherlands. Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, the largest international airport in the country, is located in Amsterdam. So it is just the most convenient to start in our capital. 

Amsterdam is the largest city of The Netherlands, it is the capital of the country, but it is not where our government resides. That’s the city The Hague, but later more on The Hague when we’re reaching day 5 in this itinerary. 

In Amsterdam, you can easily spend like 5 or 7 days if you like. There’s much to see and explore in Amsterdam, it is just fun to hang around, and experience life as a local. However, for this itinerary, we stay in Amsterdam for two days. One the first day we planned a sightseeing tour, so you directly get the hang of the city. Get off with a good start and learn the local vibe. 

Amsterdam is perfect for walking around and exploring the old historic center. You can, of course, book a guided tour, but it is also fun to go exploring yourself.

When you’re going to walk around yourself, make sure to visit areas like  Jordaan, De Pijp, Albert Cuyp Market, Dam.  In our article;  How Many Days in Amsterdam ,  you’ll find more detailed information about these neighborhoods. 

Canal Belt Tour

The Amsterdam Canal Belt is probably one of the most famous canal belts in the world. It is a Unesco World Heritage site, and during the 17th century, it was the most important ‘road network’ in the city. It was during the heydays of the Dutch Eastern Company, at that time, the most important maritime trade company in the world. The canal belt was connected to the Amsterdam Port, and with the canal boats, it was easy to transfer products and goods from the port to the city. Also, it was the fastest way for the working class to reach the port and go to work every day. 

Today the canal belt is still important in Amsterdam, but its mainly used by the locals for leisure activities. And for tourists to go around the city and get to know Amsterdam from a different perspective. Everything is different from the water! You don’t need to back your tour in advance. The tour boats leave from many different locations throughout the city, and most of them are guided tours, offered in all kinds of languages. 

Let’s get around the city in the Dutch way, on a bicycle!

Fun Fact Alert!   Did you know there are more bicycles in The Netherlands then citizens? Read more fun facts in our article  The Fun Facts of The Netherlands . 

Cycling around Amsterdam is straightforward, convenient, and safe. Make sure to follow the designated bicycle paths, and always follow the traffic lights, and you’ll be okay. The best place to rent a bicycle in Amsterdam is via  MacBike ; with over 30 years of experience, they were probably one of the first commercially bike rentals in the city. They have several locations throughout the city, which makes it convenient to drop off your bike. 

An excellent bicycle tour in Amsterdam, which will take around half-day, is to follow the canal belt, go around de Pijp area, Jordaan, and end up in Vondelpark. Vondelpark is the largest city park in Amsterdam and probably the most beautifully designed city park in The Netherlands. It is great to drop off your bike close to the park, and then head inside to park to hang out and enjoy some lunch. A lunch which you can easily buy at one of the many take away food stands in the city! 

We recommend to ask at the rental company for a roadmap and ask if they can select the route via the different areas. Due to road works, the traffic situation in Amsterdam changes a lot, so it is better to ask for the most recent situation at the rental shop. 

Places To Stay In Amsterdam

Booking a hotel or apartment in Amsterdam is overwhelming. There are more than 2000 listings on Booking.com alone! So to help you choose, we selected a few hotels and apartments. We didn’t stay at any of them, but when we saw the customer reviews, we felt it was safe to recommend these. We always check the customer reviews on Booking.com and the only book I place for ourselves when the listing gets a recent (reviews not older than 2 months) review score of 9+. 

Recommended places to stay in Amsterdam are: 

  • Heritage Canal House 
  • Apartments De Hallen
  • Hostel The Flying Pig Downtown  (Budget Choice)
  • Hotel The Toren 

Let’s get more cultural. The Netherlands is known for its small fisherman villages and unique historical windmills. You can capture both in just one day by visiting Zaanse Schans and Volendam. Both areas are easy to reach, traveling from Amsterdam. You’ll get there within an hour. It is recommended to choose a place to stay in Amsterdam or close to Amsterdam for the first 3 days. On day 4 we recommend traveling with public transport to a different city. 

Zaanse Schans

Famous for its historic windmills. During its heydays, you could find hundreds of active windmills in this area. Zaanse Schans was the first industrial area of Western Europe. After the Dutch invention of the crankshaft, the production snowballed. The crankshaft made a vertical saw movement possible, allowing the windmills to saw much more wood in the same amount of time. 

Most wood sawing was used for shipbuilding in that day because the Dutch Eastern Company needed seaworthy ships for their trade routes in Southeast Asia. 

Today only a handful of windmills are still located at Zaanse Schans, but it is a unique place to visit. You’re literally stepping back in time. A place you can’t find somewhere else. 

Zaanse Schans is also perfect for a half-day cycling tour through the Dutch countryside, exploring more of the windmills that are a bit further away. You can read more about this area, and other unique historic windmills in our article  Where Can You Find The Best Windmills in The Netherlands.  

The fisherman’s village Volendam is probably the best-known fisherman village in The Netherlands. It is not the most authentic. To visit the more authentic and less touristy fisherman village, you probably want to go to Edam. However, Volendam is also great for a visit, and easy to reach coming from Zaanse Schans. 

Volendam is known for people still walking in traditional clothing, the large dike, and daily freshly caught seafood. It is probably the best place to taste typical Dutch Food, raw herring. Which is a delicacy according to many Dutch people, I’m not a fan, but you need to try it once! (In our article   Typical Dutch Food ,  you can find more information about raw herring and other unique Dutch dishes)

Keukenhof is the largest flower garden in the world. It is a must-visit while you’re in The Netherlands. However, it is seasonal. The Keukenhof only opens for roughly 8 weeks a year. In 2020 they open between March 21 and May 10. 

Every year their opening weeks are around these dates, you can find the most recent information on  their website .

Keukenhof is located close to Leiden in a small village Lisse. So when the Keukenhof is closed, you might want to visit Leiden, which is a lovely medieval city to visit. Or you can spend an extra day in Amsterdam or The Hague. 

Annually the Keukenhof gardeners plant over 8 million flower bulbs. And because of the warm winters, they need to plant even more flower bulbs because the flowers grow to fast. So with stacking the different flower bulbs, they assure perfectly blossoming flowers during their opening weeks. 

The area is part of what we call in The Netherlands,  the Bulb Region,  an area where you can visit the famous flower fields and walk around a sea of colors during the blossoming period. 

Fact Alert! The Netherlands is the biggest flower-bulb exporter in the world! Read more about this interesting fact in our article  Why is The Netherlands Famous For Tulips?

When you’re interested in spending more time around the Dutch flower fields, you might be interested in reading the article ‘ Where Are The Tulip Fields in The Netherlands? ‘,  where we describe the best places and best time to visit the tulip and flower fields. 

Best city in the country! Okay, I’m not objective. I lived in The Hague almost my whole life, so I’m what we say in The Netherlands,  Hagenaar (A citizen from The Hague).  Anyway, today I live in a suburb close to The Hague. A small city on its own, but more in the countryside. My roots are still in the government city, so I’m always getting enthusiastic when I’m writing about The Hague. 

The Hague is known as the government city and the city where the Royal Family lives. It is the third-largest city of The Netherlands, and walking around the historic city centers feels like you’re walking around in a large village. The city is located very close to the beach. Scheveningen Beach, the most famous beach in the country, which is an official part of The Hague, is like 15 minutes away from the city center. 

The Hague Highlights

Spending a day in The Hague can be a bit busy, there’s much to explore. We wrote the article  One Day In The Hague , a complete itinerary , which we recommend reading. In that article, we cover all the highlights like visiting  Binnenhof (Government building), Mauritshuis (unique museum), Royal Palace Noordeinde, Scheveningen Beach, and many more. 

Places To Stay in The Hague

Spending a night in The Hague is lovely. You can sleep in the building next to the Royal Palace Noordeinde, and feel a bit like a Dutch Royal for one night. Or you might stay at Hotel Des Indes, which is one of the oldest hotels in the country. We selected a few hotels, which are all linking to the Booking.com page so you can check them out for yourself. Don’t forget to check the recent customer reviews before booking your stay! 

  • Hotel Des Indes   (It’s one of the oldest hotels in The Netherlands!)
  • The Penthouse The Hague Tower
  • Hotel Indigo – Palace Noordeinde    (Located next to the Royal Palace)
  • Kingkool City Hoste l (Budget Choice) 

Traveling from The Hague to Rotterdam is like 40 minutes, tops. When you hop on the intercity train (the fast train in The Netherlands), you can reach Rotterdam in like 25 minutes. 

Rotterdam is the most modern city in The Netherlands. It is known for its unique and bright architecture. It is a unique city to visit. When you’re staying in Rotterdam for only one day, you’ll definitely have a great time, but I feel you need to hurry a bit and miss out on some unique things to visit. 

Of course, you can decide to visit Rotterdam for one day (you can find a  one day Rotterdam itinerary  in this article I wrote), but staying two days, you can enjoy the city even more. One the first day, I would recommend following the one-day itinerary, which takes you along all the city highlights and is perfect for your first day.

Second day in Rotterdam

On the second day in Rotterdam, I would recommend visiting Kinderdijk, which is a Unesco World Heritage site.  Kinderdijk  is famous as one of the first large water management systems in The Netherlands. 

After visiting Kinderdijk, you can either hang out in one of the large city parks and relax for a bit. Or visit Port of Rotterdam, which is the largest container port of Europe. When you’re interested in this form of industry, it is recommended to book a guided tour in advance. 

Als, this second day is perfect for spending some more time in one of the areas you liked, and enjoy life as a local. 

Places To Stay in Rotterdam

There are many places to stay in Rotterdam, so I made a small selection of some unique places which are not your everyday hotels. Like we said, Rotterdam is known for its unique architecture, so why not stay in a unique building for a night. 

  • Euromast  –  Romantic Getaway, with a unique city view
  • Hotel New York  –  Sleep in the old office of the Hotel America Line
  • SS Rotterdam  –  One of the old cruise ships of the Holland America Line
  • Wikkelboats  –  A tiny house in the old harbor, a home made of cardboard! Fun and unique place to stay
  • Cube Houses Hostel  –  You can sleep in one of the unique cube houses, it will be a budget choice because they only offer dormitory rooms. 
  • Cube House Apartment  –  Want to have a cube house for yourself for a few nights? You can book an apartment to stay overnight .

Day 8: Breda

The province of North Brabant (Noord Brabant in Dutch, and often referred to as  Brabant ) is known for its Burgundian Lifestyle. The vibe is different in Brabant. Life is a bit slower, things are not rushed like in Amsterdam or The Hague. 

Breda is one of the unique cities to visit in Brabant, and while you are there make sure to visit the following highlights; 

Castle of Breda

An important building in Dutch history. It was the castle where Hendrik van Nassau the 3rd lived and stayed in the Nassau family (Dutch Royal Family) for many generations. The castle is located on a military academy, and you can only visit it via a guided tour, which you can book on the website of the  local tourism office . 

Citypark Valkenburg

This city park is known for its many fountains and a perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon. 

This inner square in the middle of the city center is a unique place to visit. It is a peaceful and quiet place to walk around, away from the bustling city. This historic inner square was used as a shelter for homeless and poor people. 

Places to Stay in Breda

Breda has many places where you can stay. When you take a look at the listings on Booking.com, you’ll notice that many accommodations are highly ranked. Which confirms the fact that Breda is known for its Burgundian Lifestyle. Hospitality is one of the most important factors of this lifestyle. 

We recommend taking a look at  the different accommodations  and choose something you like. You can’t hardly go wrong while booking a place to stay in Breda. 

Day 9: Optional Activities – Own Interpretation

This is probably something you’re not used too when reading a travel itinerary. However, there are many things to explore while visiting The Netherlands, I felt it was essential to leave at least one day open for your own interpretation. 

You might want to stay longer in one of the cities we mentioned earlier, which you can do more relaxed when you don’t have a tight schedule. Or maybe you have a city in mind you absolutely want to visit while you’re in The Netherlands, and we didn’t mention before. It is all possible, either way, we selected this day for you, so you can choose the things you like to do in The Netherlands. 

Recommended cities to visit

Here are some cities you might find inspiring to visit. 

  • Gouda: which is famous for its traditional cheese market and unique historical center
  • Den Bosch: A unique Medieval center. In Den Bosch, you can also experience the truly Burgundian lifestyle
  • Giethoorn: a small village in the northern part of The Netherlands, known as  Venice of the North.  The city consists entirely of canals, there are no roads inside the village! 
  • Groningen, a vibrant student city, located in the North of The Netherlands. Groningen is known for its natural park Lauwerslake, which is the park with the most unique biodiversity in The Netherlands. 

In our article  Best Cities in The Netherlands ,  you can read much more information about 26 unique cities to visit. 

On the last day of this itinerary, before you leave the country and head back home, or maybe travel a different country in Europe, it is time to visit Utrecht. 

Utrecht is the fourth-largest city in The Netherlands and was once the economic heart of the country. During Roman times, Utrecht was an important settlement for the Romans to cross the rivers. You can still visit a Roman archaeological site under the Dom Tower in Utrecht. 

The most famous highlight of Utrecht, and maybe the most famous tower of The Netherlands, is the belltower  Dom Tower (Domtoren in Dutch).  The church tower was built in the 14th century, and since then, it is a significant landmark in the region. It is the only bell tower in The Netherlands where the unique church bells are still rung by hand. A heavy job, because some of the bells weigh 32000 kilograms! The bells are set in motion by the expert of the Bellringers Guild. They use a unique hanging technique on ropes, using their full body weight to get the bells in motion. 

It is possible to visit the belltower, but only via a guided tour. I highly recommend this tour, because you learn a lot of the Dutch history and the unique tower. The only downside is that the tower is not accessible for people with mobility issues. The stairs to the tower are very small, so they can’t build an elevator inside. 

Utrecht Canal Belt

The canal belt of Utrecht is not a large as the Amsterdam Canal Belt, but it also played an essential role in the development of the city. Before Amsterdam was a thriving city, Utrecht was the economic heart of The Netherlands, and that’s mainly because of the unique location of the city, and its canal belt. Almost the same story as in Amsterdam, only Utrecht was further away from the sea. Which is why Amsterdam had more of an advantage over time. 

It is unique to take a tour around the Utrecht canal belt and explore the city from the water. 

Read more about Utrecht in our article,  What Is Utrecht Famous For?

Places to Stay in Utrecht

There are many places you to stay in Utrecht, we selected three accommodations which got good customer reviews on Booking.com. 

  • Hotel Beijers  
  • Loft 188 Apartments   
  • Bunk Hotel Utrecht   (Budget Option) 

Read More About The Netherlands

You probably want to learn more about The Netherlands before your trip starts. We wrote many articles about our home country you might find interesting, you can see the full list of articles following  this link . 

Some articles you might find interesting are; 

  • Best Things to Do in The Hague
  • What is Rotterdam Famous For?
  • Typical Dutch Food Guide
  • Weird Things About Dutch People
  • Is The Netherlands Worth Visiting   (Recommend read for when you’re still deciding if you should go)

The Netherlands – European Hub

Traveling from The Netherlands to other countries in Europe is straightforward. You can easily catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Paris, which also stops in large cities in Belgium. Or catch a European flight to one of the many countries. A flight from Amsterdam to Greece takes only a few hours. And within 3 hours you can reach Lisbon, Portugal! There are many possibilities to choose from if you want to extend your flight. You might want to read our  booking recommendations , which can be helpful when booking your next trip. 

Some exciting countries to visit in Europe are: 

We spent almost 3 months traveling around Greece during 2019 and had a great time. The country is beautiful. Of course, you can visit the mainland and go to  Athens , which is a unique city to visit. Or you can go island hopping and visit one of the many islands in Greece. It is al possible! 

The weather in Greece is almost always sunny and warm. And the prices are low, especially when you visiting one of the lesser-known islands. When you visit some popular destinations, prices can be though. 

We wrote  several articles about Greece  with you might find interesting to read. An interesting article for when you want to go island hopping in Greece is our  10 Day Island Itinerary For Greece Islands . 

A road trip through Italy is like the romantic getaway everyone is dreaming of. When you’re traveling to The Netherlands, it is easy to make this dream come true. You can just hop on a flight and fly in a few hours to every major city in Italy. You can find all our articles about Italy on  the Italy category page . 

We also traveled through Italy last, and I love the country. Perfect Food, lovely people, beautiful cities, and almost always perfect weather. I especially love the Tuscany region, you might want to read our article  What is Tuscany Best Known For ,  where we describe the best highlights of the area. One of our favorite cities to visit in Italy is Rome, make sure to read our article  What is Rome Known For?

Similar Posts

Where are the tulip fields in the netherlands, what is there to do in the hague | 25 best things to do, what can you do in rotterdam for one day, what is typical dutch food | dutch traditional food guide, 26 best cities you should visit in the netherlands, what is the hague famous for.

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Wanderlust Chloe

Netherlands

Netherlands travel blogs, these are all of my travel blogs about visiting the netherlands. .

From the buzz of Amsterdam, to the beauty and culture of The Hague, and the fun of Scheveningen, find out the best places to travel to in my Holland travel blogs and travel guides.

Happy exploring!

14 Unique Restaurants In Amsterdam

unique restaurants in Amsterdam

From tiny garden eateries specialising in home-grown fare to trendy cafés specialising in the latest culinary trends, these unique restaurants in Amsterdam are definitely worth visiting!

19 best hidden gems in europe.

Comano region of Trentino

The best hidden gems in Europe include stunning mountain towns in Italy, overlooked islands in Croatia, the ultimate detox spot in Sweden and some surprising places to hit the slopes.

How to spend the ultimate weekend in amsterdam.

Beautiful canals and architecture in Amsterdam

Museums, quirky hotels and plenty of fun activities… it’s time for the ultimate weekend in Amsterdam.

Things to do in the hague: a surprising city/beach break.

Enjoying the ferris wheel in Scheveningen

Beautiful beaches, buzzy restaurants, beach clubs, boutiques, hipster coffee houses, quirky exhibitions, photogenic streets and historic palaces… move over Barcelona, The Hague is your new city/beach break. Find out the best things to do in The Hague in my informative travel guide.

It’s quite rare a destination takes me totally by surprise. I’m a girl who loves researching minute details. I know the amenities of my hotel rooms before check in. I know where to go for the best views, before getting on the plane. I have a pretty well rounded view of what to expect from a destination before arriving.

Although we were only spending three days in The Hague in The Netherlands, our itinerary was designed to show us a bit of everything. The beaches, the history, the art scene, the food scene. I expected it to be a city break similar to other city breaks… but here I am back in London, and I feel genuinely surprised by my experience.

You see, I don’t know anyone who ‘holidays in The Hague’, but I would genuinely recommend it to those looking for an alternative to the likes of Barcelona and Lisbon. At times it reminded me of a Dutch version of Brighton. It’s got wide, pristine beaches with super-soft sand. It’s got a city buzz with streets filled with independent restaurants and squares for al fresco dining. It’s also incredibly photogenic. It’s perfect for couples, with cosy beach huts to snuggle up in and romantic dining spots. It’s great for families, with a fun-filled pier with a ferris wheel, plus Madurodam (miniature world) close by.

So here I am, flying the flag for The Hague. And if you still don’t know why to visit, here are a few of my top reasons.

Visit The Hague For… Two Breaks In One

My big reason for recommending The Hague is that it fulfils two sets of criteria. Hop on a bus or a tram in the centre of The Hague and in under thirty minutes you can be on Scheveningen or Kijkduin Beach. Both are wide with soft sand and plenty of cool beach clubs, surf schools, and places to hire sun loungers. Scheveningen is more of a ‘resort’ with its pier complete with ferris wheel, bungy jump and famous grand hotel ‘Kurhaus’. Meanwhile, back in the city centre you’ll find streets lined with boutiques and hipster cafes, historic palaces, parliament and galleries. If you want a bit of everything, it’s a great destination.

  A post shared by Chloe Gunning ??? (@wanderlustchloe) on Jul 6, 2018 at 12:29am PDT

Kurhaus Hotel, Scheveningen Beach

15 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Rotterdam

Checking out Rotterdam's Cube Houses

Cool street art, nightlife, a buzzing foodie scene and futuristic architecture – it’s time to reveal the best photo spots in Rotterdam.

Other than the song by the Beautiful South, I didn’t know a lot about Rotterdam. I’ve visited Amsterdam countless times and loved it! It’s fair to say Rotterdam is Amsterdam’s lesser-visited, modern little sister. As the majority of the city was bombed during the war, it’s become a playground for forward-thinking architects. Along with the uber-cool architecture, there are plenty of fashionable restaurants, a great nightlife scene, top summer festivals and a little something I’d describe as community spirit! The best time to visit? I’d say the Summer. But don’t  just take my word for it, take a look at a few of my top pics from my recent travels.

Check out the video of my trip to Rotterdam and then scroll down to read more.

1. The city’s skyline is one of the most unusual I’ve seen in a while. Best place to check it out? From the tallest building – the Euromast , and be sure to visit in the evening as the lights start to illuminate the city. 

2. One of my favourite spots in the city is Markthal. It’s not just the city’s top food market, it’s also another architectural masterpiece!

3. The crazy ceiling of the Markthal was designed by artist Arno Coenen and features giant fruit and vegetables.

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Home » Europe » Netherlands » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking the Netherlands: EPIC Budget Travel Guide • 2024

The Netherlands. That’s the place where everyone rides bikes around the red light district with a joint in hand? Well, not quite – but that sounds cool.

The beloved capital city, Amsterdam, is unarguably one of the coolest cities in the whole world . Endless streams of bikes, tulip-lined canals, and the smell of Mary Jane floating under everyone’s nose. 

But what about the rest of the Netherlands? Ah, yes! You’ll be happy to know, the magic also lies well beyond the canals of the capital! 

There’s something about the Dutch that makes backpacking the Netherlands one of the best travel experiences. Their laidback attitude, vibrant party energy, and efficient approach to modern life is refreshing – to say the least.

But millions of tourists in a tiny country mean one thing: hugely inflated prices. The Dutch aren’t stupid. While backpacking The Netherlands can be done cheaply, you’re really going to have to work for it.

In this backpacking the Netherlands travel guide, you’ll find valuable secrets about travelling in this country. There’s an art to finding the best place to stay in the Netherlands.

Planning a trip to the Netherlands quickly becomes how can I stay longer? Let’s get started!

travel blog on netherlands

Why Go Backpacking in The Netherlands?

Despite popular belief, The Netherlands and Holland aren’t exactly the same thing. Holland is in the Netherlands: it’s a region in the western part. Though, this is also the area with the most exciting places to visit. 

Geography lesson over, it is, unequivocally, one of my favourite European countries to visit . The people are awesome, getting around is super easy, and there are endless good times. There’s always an excuse to fly to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. 

travel blog on netherlands

The country is simply poetic. The fields are green and dotted with windmills, and everything just works. Dutch cities are well connected and kinda cute as far as cities go. 

The Netherlands is often reduced to one destination: Amsterdam . While there is a good reason for this – Amsterdam is indeed very charming – there is MUCH more to the country than this one city.

The real reason to visit The Netherlands is the culture. Dutch people are among the most laid back that I’ve met and never take themselves too seriously. Dutch festivals and concerts, some of the best environments to get to know the locals, become special memories.

The Netherlands is not a big country – it does not require months or even weeks to appreciate. For this reason, it is often relegated to a weekend trip or maybe a stopover when backpacking between France and Germany.

But this is also one of its greatest strengths. You don’t need to invest a lot in The Netherlands to have fun. You can just show up, go for a walk, ride a bike, pop into a pub, and fun will follow.

Visiting The Netherlands is always a great idea for your European holiday. 

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking The Netherlands

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Your itinerary for The Netherlands can vary considerably from other travellers. If you arrive at Amsterdam airport, anywhere in Holland is barely further than Amsterdam itself. So actually, you could easily start your backpacking itinerary almost anywhere in the Netherlands. 

Here are a few suggestions for your Dutch travel itinerary. 

5-Day Travel Itinerary for The Netherlands – Holland Highlights

5 Day Travel Itinerary for The Netherlands

For a 5-day itinerary for visiting The Netherlands, you’ll be pressed for time – even in this small country. 

I recommend you commit at least 2 days to Amsterdam. It’s easy to make a couple of short day trips for the time you have remaining. 

Once you arrive in Holland, either base yourself in Amsterdam or one of the neighbouring cities. If you stay in Amsterdam , you will obviously get to experience more of it. 

If you prefer the latter option (either because it’s cheaper or quieter), I suggest staying in Utrecht or Haarlem and making day trips.

When visiting Amsterdam, be sure to set aside lots of time for just wandering. Whilst there is lots to see and do in Amsterdam, simply getting lost along the canals is good. 

The nightlife in Amsterdam is absolutely top notch. If you’re here for the party, allocate some time for recovery too. 

Take a day for Utrecht – the smaller, quainter version of Amsterdam complete with its own canals. This university city has some of the best vibes in the country and it’s nice to stay in too.

Haarlem is Amsterdam’s closest neighbour. Expect something similar visually but minus some chaos. It’s not got the same magic but a much more chilled vibe. 

Rotterdam and The Hague are also good places to stay in The Netherlands. They’re cool destinations in their own right and make perfect bases. 

Rotterdam is the ultra-contemporary, maybe slightly sterile, version of Holland. It offers cool modern architecture and very laid-back locals. 

The Hague is a good place to see older Gothic-style buildings. It’s also one of the best places in the Netherlands to enjoy the beach.

10-Day Travel Itinerary for the Netherlands – North or South?

10 Day Travel Itinerary for The Netherlands

This is an expanded version of the previous 5-day Dutch itinerary. Let’s shake it up a bit and start this backpacking the Netherlands itinerary in Rotterdam . 

Staying in Rotterdam , The Hague, or Utrecht instead of Amsterdam are all worthwhile ideas. If you’re stuck choosing between Amsterdam vs Rotterdam , remember that you can spend a couple of days hanging in one of these and still have time to go to the capital.

Check out Rotterdam – the cube houses make an interesting picture at the very least. The harbour is a great place to see the city too. You can take easily some day trips from Rotterdam too. 

You could stretch your legs to Maastricht if you’re feeling adventurous. If you’re going to cross to Belgium, maybe save Maastrict for later.

Make a stopover in Delft , if you have time. This mini-city doesn’t usually make it on travellers’ itineraries but it’s an easy stop to see a different side of The Netherlands. 

Then, head onwards to The Hague . Stroll through the parks and enjoy the best of Dutch city life. In The Hague, you’ll find one of the nicest beach towns in the Netherlands, Scheveningen . 

After some peace, head to Haarlem for a warm-up before the big one, Amsterdam . You’ll want to set aside at least 2 days for Dam because you probably won’t want to leave. 

With more days, you’ll have time for some exhibitions or museums. If I were to choose one that I recommend you should see in Amsterdam, maybe the Anne Frank house because it’s very humbling.

2-Week Travel Itinerary for The Netherlands – Offbeat and Further Afield

2 weeks Travel Itinerary for The Netherlands

Now we’re talking. With 2 weeks backpacking The Netherlands, you’ll see the more authentic sides of the country! You’ve got time for all the top cities in The Netherlands and some off-beat places too.

Get your fill of Amsterdam – 2 or 3 days should be good to discover it’s famous spots and hidden gems . Then, we’re northbound.

Check out the Frisian Islands . Though bring a coat if you’re heading to the beach. Even in summer, it gets chilly!

When you’re on your way south, make a stop in Utrecht . Take your time to find the quaint, hidden bars, cafes, and coffee shops. A bit of all the best of the Netherlands packed into one little stop. 

From here, Hoge Veluwe National Park isn’t too far off the radar. Arnhem is the gateway of Hoge Veluwe. Reach the best corners of the park with a bike and a picnic.

Then take a train or bus down to Rotterdam and The Hague . Check out the previous Holland itineraries for day-trips from there. 

If you’re planning on going to Belgium or Germany afterwards, visiting the border cities of Groningen (in the North) or Maastricht (in the South) makes sense as well. Or maybe just forget about those places and stay a while longer in The Netherlands. 😉

I have to say, I haven’t been disappointed anywhere while backpacking The Netherlands. That’s really saying something.

So pick a place on the map and go and enjoy. There are just some places that are absolute standouts. Here are some top places to visit in The Netherlands.

Visiting Amsterdam

Ah Amsterdam, my love… This city always gives me that sense-of-home feeling. 

What’s the first thing you think of when you think about visiting Amsterdam ? Partying, the Anne Frank House, the red light district, tulips, recreational drug use, Heineken? You’d be absolutely right that they all make this capital city one of the most unique places in the world to visit. 

As “big cities” go in the Netherlands (which is not saying a lot), Amsterdam is the biggest. It’s also – surprisingly – one of the most chill capital cities that I can think of. There’s not a lot of traffic or noise pollution, and it’s really easy to get around. 

travel blog on netherlands

But maybe you’re thinking, I’m not into drugs or partying . Well, there’s still plenty to see in Amsterdam that doesn’t involve getting blasted.

Solo travellers, friends, families, couples, ex-couples, come here to delve into this interesting city and experience something unique.

Ultimately, the best way to experience Amsterdam is grab a bike, go for a ride along the canals and parks, and stop when something seems interesting. You’ve no shortage of interesting places to stop.

But the debauchery? Besides it being a stunning place to be, it’s a place you can get away with things you wouldn’t at home. Whilst not everything in Amsterdam is allowed, it is an extremely open place. 

Cheeky little space cake while visiting the Rijksmuseum ? Take magic mushrooms before going to the Van Gough Museum ?

The infamous prostitution area, Red Light District is famous the world over. It’s also the world’s best people-watching spot.

The ONLY downside of this place is that is it no longer a secret. Prices are soaring year after year. Ripping off tourists has never been easier – and they take full advantage. 

So it’s losing a little bit of its spark. Yet I still always find myself back there…

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Visiting Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a complete 180 from Amsterdam. After being completely levelled during World War II, the city had to completely rebuild itself. Today, this means towering skyscrapers, ultra-modern architecture, and converted warehouses.

Locals swear down that Rotterdam is better than Amsterdam. For some people, this is definitely the truth.

rotterdam cube houses

Rotterdam even has an area officially deemed (no-joke) ‘The Cool District’ complete with a Mobile Suit Gundam Statue. How many other places have a statue of Santa holding a giant butt plug too. (This isn’t a joke either).

Insider tip: one of the coolest coffeeshops in the Netherlands I went to was in Rotterdam – The Reef . If you’re interested, of course.

There are so many weird and funky buildings in this city that some areas feel like open-air modern art museums. Staying in a cool hostel in Rotterdam is also a great way to appreciate this.

travel blog on netherlands

The Cube Houses and Market Hall are worth a visit and De Rotterdam hotel is probably the most interesting skyscraper in the city. Photographers will really enjoy visiting the Netherlands Photo Museum as well.

Walk across the iconic Erasmusbrug bridge and then head for Katendrecht . This former industrial area once hosted derelict warehouses; now they’re all been converted into breweries, food halls, and music venues.

Try as it might, Rotterdam doesn’t have the same spark. Business and trade are its primary focuses and the port, once the busiest in the world, is the centre of the city. 

Beyond the architecture, you’ll have to search a bit for things to do in Rotterdam. Though it does make a great base to get off the beaten path in the Netherlands a little. Take a day trip to nearby Delft – or Belgium, if you wanna stretch it a bit further.

Visiting The Hague

The Hague or Den Haag in Dutch (that’s useful to know for the signs) is the administrative and royal capital of The Netherlands. It is the home of the International Court of Justice and the royal family.

It is, altogether, a very quintessentially Dutch city. You’ll find antique royalist buildings lined by streaming canals and plenty of peaceful spaces to soak it all in.

The Mauritshuis (Dutch art) is one of the best places to visit in The Hague. You’ll see famous artwork from Rembrant and cast your eyes on the Girl with the Pearl Earring. 

den hague flowers

The Binnenhof is a gorgeous row of buildings set against a man-made lake; photographers will love to shoot this spot. There are lots of excellent museums in The Hague as well, like the Gemeentemuseum (modern art) and the Panorama Mesdag. 

The Madurodam miniature museum, though kitschy and touristy as hell, is also fun. It features a series of historical sites in The Netherlands built at 1:25 scale. If you ever had a Godzilla fantasy, then this would be the place to do it. (Don’t go full Godzilla.)

Another thing that makes Den Haag a fabulous place to visit in the Netherlands is the beach. The beautiful seaside town of Scheveningen can be reached by bike in 20 minutes. Especially in summer, you’ll find huge crowds of people in very high spirits.

It’s a very different experience in the winter and the summer. Stretch your legs in the sand dunes, take an ice cream, and – if you’re feeling brave – go for a dip in the North Sea.

Visiting Utrecht

Utrecht is one of The Netherlands’s best-kept secrets. This university mini-city is like Amsterdam’s cooler, younger sibling. 

You’ll still find the typical dutch setting of postcard buildings, reflecting their image back in the canal waters. But there’s one major difference: there are barely any tourists.  

Locals and backpackers think very fondly of Utrecht. It’s full of hidden gems that you can bounce around.

utrecht canals at night

The central attraction in Utrecht is the imposing Dom Tower . This is a good place to orient yourself. Around this tower are lots of quaint craft stores and cafes to find unique trinkets.

The main canal, Oudegracht, runs right through the heart of the city. Unlike the canals of Amsterdam, this waterway still has its original cellars on the banks, historically, used for storing goods being transported along the river.

Nowadays, the cellars host super charming waterfront restaurants and cafes. If you like live music, head for ‘t Oude Pothuys along the canal.

But the best place in Utrecht has to be the Belgisch Biercafe Olivier. Not only does it have a FANTASTIC beer selection but it also has a fascinating story to go along with it. 

Thanks to the students, the city feels young and vibrant. Nights are usually happening and there is a lot of good energy around. There are quite a few awesome hostels in Utrecht , making it a great spot for budget backpackers too.

Visiting Maastricht

Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in The Netherlands and probably one of the most lowkey. Far fewer tourists and an easygoing local attitude make Maastricht a very easy place to explore.

There’s lots of old, medieval and Roman architecture to see and no sense of urgency. People call Maastricht one of the most beautiful places to visit in The Netherlands. You can get yourself stuck here for more than a couple of days.

travel blog on netherlands

The most noteworthy structure in town is the St Servaas Church in the centre of town. The Basilica of Our Lady , with its distinct, monolithic facade, is also worth visiting and can be reached by walking from St Servaas.

Aside from these usual attractions, there are a couple of other things to do in Maastricht. The city is famous for its 13th-century caverns that were used for shelter during bombing runs. Further outside the city, you’ll also find the highest mountain in The Netherlands, Vaalserberg , a staggering 322 meters high.

Visiting Hoge Veluwe National Park

Ah the great outdoors! In The Netherlands! 

Yes, there are things to do in The Netherlands that don’t involve brown bars or getting baked in coffee shops. You can get high here the old fashioned way: in the woods and nature of Holland’s largest national park .

Hoge Veluwe is located smack bang in the middle of the country. It is fairly large and actually features quite a few varied landscapes including forests, sand dunes, and meadows. It isn’t the Alps, by any means, but it is still charming in its own special way.

hoge Valwue national park

Most people explore Hoge Veluwe by bike through the extensive system of trails. There are several bike stations throughout the park where you can pick up a set of wheels. The entrance ticket allows you to rent these for free.

One of the coolest parts of Hoge Veluwe is the Kröller-Müller Museum . This museum, located inside the park, hosts one of the largest collections of Van Gogh in the world, including the lauded “Gates of Eternity” piece. Given Van Gogh’s interest in landscapes later in life, a national park seems an appropriate place to preserve his work.

Architecture buffs should also visit the old residence of Jachthuis Sint Hubertus inside the park. The opulent building puts most lakeside mansions to shame.

There are a couple of ways to enter Hoge Veluwe. The most convenient way is via the small town of Arnhem . Arnhem is a cool little spot for accommodation options for those who want to stick around. Also, there’s a great pub called Sugar Hill that makes a bomb burger.

Visiting Groningen

Groningen, the largest Dutch city in the north, is kinda ‘far’ in Netherlands terms. If you only have a shorter time for a backpacking itinerary in the Netherlands, you might not think to go to Groningen. 

It’s about 2 hours north of Amsterdam. For this reason, few tourists actually make it this far. But their loss is our gain.

It’s not actually within Holland either. Aside from feeling much more local, Groningen has a sizable student population and a pretty damn good nightlife as well.

groningen nightlife things to do

The most prominent landmark in Groningen is the Martini Belltower (like the drink), in Grote Markt . Go and ask for it shaken, not stirred, and try and look original. Spoiler alert: you won’t look original. 

While Gronigen is a pretty city to walk around, complete with all the usual Dutch hallmarks like canals and boathouses, it really stands out after hours. There are some very cool bars in Groningen and Dutch students come here for the weekend to get their kicks.

Check out the best bars in Groningen: Groote Griet, Kleine Griet, and De Drie Gezusters . The holy trinity will bring you to your knees – probably in a bathroom stall, bent over a toilet. They are big, they are rowdy, AND they’re all connected access to one means access to all 3. 

Football fans will also appreciate that Groningen has a team, the launching point of Luis Suarez’s career. (No ear jokes).

If you have the chance, make a day trip to Giethoorn from Groningen. This is a tiny little village with tiny canals and tiny little homes. It’s like if everyone in Hobbiton owned a boat and built a moat.

Getting off the Beaten Path in The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a damn small country. Half an hour in any direction means you’re already travelling off the beaten path . 

Public transport is world-class. Bike lanes are world- leading . There’s really no excuse to not stretch your legs a bit. 

Just about everywhere in The Netherlands is a day trip away from Amsterdam. This is, after all, a very small country in Europe. So make the most of this great opportunity to go where most people don’t bother.

travel blog on netherlands

  • Haarlem – A beautiful Medieval town, close to Amsterdam. Features a very impressive Gothic Church and square – good for afternoon beers. Saturdays are the local Grote Markt.
  • Leiden – Birthplace of Rembrandt. A windmill stands in the middle of a park side canal. Lots of natural history museums. Leiden is a bit further from Amsterdam but makes a good stop on your way to Den Haag.
  • Noordwijk – I couldn’t go without a shoutout to this special place. Home to the best hostel in Europe .
  • Gouda – I went with no expectations and ended up meeting cool locals who invited me to a party. There’s nothing here – but there are cool people.
  • Kinderdijk – Windmills, tulip fields, bicycles, canals; the only thing missing from this postcard Dutch town is a tap dancer in wooden clogs. A good day trip from Amsterdam for travel photos.
  • Lisse – Home to the Keukenhof Gardens. You’re going to see tulips everywhere in mid-April, but Keukenhof is la creme de la creme. It’s only open in the spring when the flowers are in bloom. 
  • Alkmaar – The so-called “cheese capital of Holland.” Come here if you fancy a bit of cheese mongering and stealth farts.

travel blog on netherlands

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

When you’re backpacking the Netherlands, you should always encourage yourself out of your comfort zone a bit. By doing so, you’re opening the door to all the best experiences.

Here are some of the best things to do in The Netherlands.

1. Ride a bike

Yes, you have to ride a bike when you visit The Netherlands. You will look a fool at first, but it is mandatory. Fly around the canals of Amsterdam or the great outdoors of Hoge Veluwe National Park.

travel blog on netherlands

2. Go to a coffee shop

Stoners – coming to chill – with other stoners. Whether you’re solo travelling in the Netherlands or with companions, these places are magic. There’s nowhere in the world so social, like coffeeshops.

I mean, maybe you’re not into the devil’s lettuce. That’s cool. You can straight pass on this one.

But maybe you’re curious? 😉 Where better than The Netherlands to try it out?

coffee shop in amsterdam

3. Attend a Dutch festival

The Dutch host some of the best festivals in the world . From the national holiday of King’s Day to gay pride, these people know how to celebrate better than anyone else. It’s not just a top thing to do in The Netherlands – but your life.

4. See the tulips

Yes, it’s your typical tourist picture: you go to The Netherlands in April/early May to catch the tulip season. But do you know why it’s so popular? Because it’s amazing!

Go and see the windmills at Zaanse Schans

There are many tulip gardens to see: Keukenhof Gardens are the most famous. You may think it’s a bit touristy for you but, honestly, I was so impressed that I’m recommending it here!

If you’re really on a budget, you can head further afield (this is where the bike is useful, again) and find tulips everywhere.

5. Go on a canal cruise

You can walk or ride around The Netherlands all you like. But you’re guaranteed to see a different perspective from the water! Canal cruises teach you loads about the place you’re in, plus they know how to have a good time in the process.

6. Getaway to Amsterdam’s more authentic neighbour: Utrecht

Yes, Amsterdam is amazing . But it’s also overflowing with tourists.

For a breath of fresh air and a more local experience, head to Dam’s little brother, Utrecht. Complete with its own canals, stunning streets, and even a mini red-light district, it’s one of those places to visit in The Netherlands that just makes you feel glad you went.

backpacking the netherlands travel guide

7. Kickback in Maastricht

By Dutch standards, Maastricht is on the fringe. Fewer tourists visit, locals are more idiosyncratic, and life moves at a different pace here. For a more alternative adventure in Holland, head to Maastricht and just chillax. Laze about the town, appreciate fine buildings, eat and drink when you want, and be content.

8. Eat Stroopwafel

No Netherlands travel guide is worth a damn if it doesn’t mention the gloriousness that is the stroopwafel.

A confectionery wonder, an afternoon delight, a gift from God; call the caramel waffle sandwich what you will. They are one of the best treats on the entire planet. (I’m in withdrawal from them, obviously.)

travel blog on netherlands

9. Visit a (few) museum(s)

Trying to figure out what to do in Amsterdam first? Going to a museum is a good place to start. These exhibitions are certainly impressive.

Learn about artists like Rembrandt at the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gough Museum . See dead bodies preserved for science at Body Worlds . Or, my personal favourite, the NEMO Science Museum (thank me later).

10. Getaway to the Frisian Islands

The Frisians are indeed one of the more offbeat places to visit in The Netherlands. Yet, they really aren’t that hard to get to.

The gateway, Texel, can be reached by public transit from Amsterdam and the outer islands are connected by the ferry. One could conceivably island-hop as well with a good bike and the ferry!

texel frisian islands netherlands

Staying in Amsterdam while backpacking in The Netherlands is going to mean paying more for accommodation. I mean, it’s awesome but a budget trip to The Netherlands means budget backpacker accommodation – or considering staying outside Amsterdam.

I have seen dorms range from around $20 to more than $100 per bed! So as you can see… they’re gonna rip tourists off whenever they can.

Utrecht is one of my favourite places to stay in The Netherlands. It’s more low-key and less expensive than Amsterdam. There are plenty of cool hostels in Utrecht as well.

You could stay in Rotterdam or The Hague. You’ll probably be making day trips out of here to liven up your Holland itinerary though. 

Hostels in The Netherlands are sweet. Really, I can’t stress how much fun is going on in these places.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s hostel scene is bouncing. Some, like Generator Amsterdam or WOW Amsterdam , are super modern; others, like Strowis Hostel in Utrecht, are more rustic and ooze character. I like my Dutch hostels like my Dutch bars : the browner, the better. The old skool way.

I have to give a shoutout here to a special place – The Flying Pig Beach Hostel in Noordwijk . Although this hostel has been a victim of the pandemic and is no longer the bouncing party hostel it used to be, there is still magic in the walls.

It’s easily the best hostel in Europe that I’ve been to, where I met people who changed my life. This place has become  home for many people and it alone is a reason to visit The Netherlands.

If you have a little extra cash and value more privacy, there is an amazing selection of Airbnbs in The Netherlands ! The problem is – because they’re so awesome – they’re often amazingly expensive too.  

Personally, I’d avoid hotels if possible. Most are sterile, inconveniently located, overpriced, and not really social.

Couchsurfing is also a good option when backpacking in The Netherlands. Dutch people are pretty open when it comes to sharing their personal space with others. There’s sometimes a beer in the fridge too.

The Best Places to Stay in The Netherlands

This is a tough one because there are so many amazing places to stay in The Netherlands! But here are some places to put on your hit list.

Look, no beating around the bush: The Netherlands is expensive. There are a few reasons for this but the main reason is because people love it. Accommodation, food, tours, even just using a toilet can cost you more than it would in most places.

The Netherlands is one of the more expensive European countries, especially Amsterdam can be especially expensive as well. But for those with good spending habits, The Netherlands can still be an affordable place to visit.

rotterdam netherlands travel guide

A low-medium daily budget is $50 – $70 USD. This will get you a bed in a hostel, a few drinks, cooking at home, some transport, and some sensible tourism activities. By ‘sensible tourism activities’ I mean maybe the odd museum or canal ride – they can cost you around $20+ a pop. 

Everywhere can always be done on a budget – and the Netherlands is no exception. Seasoned broke backpackers can install their usual budget travel tactics . Prepare your own food, volunteer, get a bike instead of using public transport – these are all killer starter moves.

Eating out in The Netherlands is expensive. Cooking at home is too but it’s considerably cheaper. Too Good To Go is one of the best travel apps to get discount food that would otherwise be thrown away.

I love how efficient the trains are but the buses are cheaper. You can get different types of public transport passes in the Netherlands to save money. You could also rent a bike for longer periods – which can be cheaper than renting for a day, starting around $12.

You can find cheaper hostels in the Netherlands, with a keen eye, for around $20. Camping is a cheaper option, and really fun, but you need to prepare for wet weather. Couchsurfing is the ultimate cheapskate hack.

Fun might it be, partying in the Netherlands is pricey . Drinking out is expensive and drugs are more expensive. Get the party started with cheap(er) drinks at the supermarket.

Listen, there are barely any ‘free’ things to do in the Netherlands. You’ll have to really keep your eyes peeled for free things to do because they really are few and far between.

So if you have a tight budget, choose your attractions wisely. You can buy an Amsterdam pass to get unlimited entries.

A Daily Budget in the Netherlands

Here’s a little run down of how a daily budget for travelling The Netherlands can look:

Money in the Netherlands

The Netherlands uses the Euro as currency. It’s perfect to interchange between other Eurozone countries. 

As of June 2022, 1 Euro = $1.05  USD .

So it’s pretty easy to work with. It’s basically 1:1.

ATMs are everywhere, though watch out for the ones that have hidden charges attached. Always extract money in your own currency to avoid conversion rates and make sure you have a good grasp on your travel banking before you go. 

Travelling in the Netherlands can be completely cashless. I have had many trips only carrying my credit card. Almost everywhere accepts Visa and MasterCard now as a minimum. 

You can take cash and exchange it. Though expect to get ripped off at exchange stores.

For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, The Broke Backpacker strongly recommends Wise – The Artist Formerly Known as Transferwise! Our favourite online platform for holding funds, transferring money, and even paying for goods, Wise is a 100% FREE platform with considerably lower fees than Paypal or traditional banks.

But the real question is… is it better than Western Union? Yes, it most certainly is.

Travel Tips – The Netherlands on a Budget

Travelling to the Netherlands on a budget? Here are some ways to cut the costs of a trip with a few handy travel tips:

travel blog on netherlands

  • Try Couchsurfing – How’s a free bed sound? Finding a place to crash isn’t always easy but when you do score one, it’s a sweet deal. Hosts are friendly and show you a different side of the country.
  • Sleep outside of Amsterdam – Amsterdam is fun, but it ain’t cheap. You can find a cheaper stay in neighbouring towns, like Utrecht or Haarlem, and then make day trips to the capital.
  • Camping – Camping is a budget backpacker’s best buddy. You’ll just need a good backpacking tent to stand the (terribly) wet climate here. 
  • Shop around to rent a bike – Don’t just rent from the first one you go to, ask around a few places and ask for the best deals. When you have your trusty travel companion, The Netherlands is your oyster. 
  • Cook your own food – It’s budget backpacking 101. Cooking at home is cheaper than eating out. If you are without a kitchen, invest in a portable camping stove .
  • Find cheap flights – A wiseman once said “Only suckers pay full price”. Use apps like Skyscanner to find cheap plane tickets. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of the biggest in Europe so you’re already off to a good start. 
  • Volunteer – Volunteering in The Netherlands is a great way to get a free bed and discounted food. Plus, people leave stuff all the time : food, clothes, electronics, weed … Yay for free stuff. 
  • Use a refillable water bottle – Is there ever a reason to buy a plastic water bottle in The Netherlands? Dutch tap water is perfectly fine to drink. So bring a good trav el water bottle with you and go nuts.

Why Should You Travel to the Netherlands with a Water Bottle?

I know I’m not alone with my heartbreak of seeing the world covered in single-use plastic. Fortunately, The Netherlands is well equipped to help you reduce your consumption with the right tools.

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you can be part of the solution. With a reusable water bottle, you’re already making a huge difference. It’s one step closer to being a more responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

grayl geopress filter bottle

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

This is Northern Europe. The Netherlands is not exactly known for its warm weather. The rain is a bit warmer in the summer than the winter.

The winters are pretty dark and grey. It doesn’t really snow much here either, especially on the west side. 

Summers have more consistent warm days. And when you get good days, everyone knows exactly what to do to make the most of it. The days are damn long with around 17 hours of daylight at the summer solstice. 

Although it’s not exactly consistent, especially now with global warming, around June you will start to see more summery weather. On those rare hot days , the beaches and parks stack out with people having a good time. Top Dutch festivals are in full swing and energies are high. 

travel blog on netherlands

Though, with this happy-go-lucky period comes skyrocketing prices. So if you’re really on a budget, avoid this time. 

April also gets pretty busy with Tulip Season. Book in advance for tulip gardens to avoid disappointment. 

27th of April is King’s Day : the holiday of Dutch pride. This is also one of the biggest celebrations of the year – particularly in Amsterdam. If you want to experience it, you’ll have a good time – you’ll just have to pay higher prices.

The shoulder months are the best time to travel to the Netherlands, generally. May and September see fewer tourists but have pretty reliably good weather too. 

It’s worth seeing if you can time your trip to the Netherlands with a festival too. Summer and Christmas time see the most activity. 

My favourite festival in the Netherlands the world is Gay Pride at the end of July. The best celebration, not just for the LGBTQIA+ community but for everyone.

What to Pack for the Netherlands

On every adventure, there are six things I always have on my backpacking packing list :

Osprey Aether AG 70

Osprey Aether 70L Backpack

Ya can’t go backpacking anywhere without a blasted backpack! Words cannot describe what a friend the Osprey Aether has been to The Broke Backpacker on the road. It’s had a long and illustrious career; Ospreys don’t go down easily.

feathered friend backpacking sleeping bag

Feathered Friends Swift 20 YF

My philosophy is that with an EPIC sleeping bag, you can sleep anywhere. A tent is a nice bonus, but a real sleek sleeping bag means you can roll out anywhere in a and stay warm in a pinch. And the Feathered Friends Swift bag is about as premium as it gets.

Grayls Geopress Water Bottle

Grayl Geopress Filtered Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator – so you can enjoy a cold red bull, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are.

travel blog on netherlands

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Every traveller should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. When you’re camping, hiking, or even if the power just went out, a top-quality headlamp is a MUST. The Petzl Actik Core is an awesome piece of kit because it’s USB chargeable—batteries begone!

packable travel medical kit

First Aid Kit

Never go off the beaten track (or even on it) without your first aid kit! Cuts, bruises, scrapes, third-degree sunburn: a first aid kit will be able to handle most of these minor situations.

As a whole, the Netherlands is a really safe country . Crime rates are pretty low and people are generally trustworthy. If you’re following normal travel safety routines , you should have no problem while visiting The Netherlands. 

Your biggest concern is probably bike theft which is extremely common nationwide. Do not leave your bike – even for a minute – unattended and unlocked… unless you want to make it disappear. Bike thieves are professionals in The Netherlands. 

Of course, accidents happen on bikes too. Be careful when using bike lanes, especially close to the roads. Be respectful to other people. 

Discover the Red Light District

Staying safe in Amsterdam is easy enough. Though the capital city sees the highest crime rate in the country, they’re mostly petty by nature: pickpocketing, bike thefts, and the likes. I’ve never had a stiff of trouble. 

I have heard reports of people having bad experiences when buying drugs off the streets, though. If you’re walking into dark alleys with a fat stack of cash looking to score, you couldn’t really be more vulnerable. It’s better to ask a friend or one of the hostel staff where the best place to buy is, rather than scouting out yourself. 

Other, larger Dutch cities are not completely immune to crime. Stay vigilant, especially in heavily-trafficked places and on public transport. 

Finally, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, feel free to take yourself away from it. With that, you should have a perfectly safe visit to the Netherlands.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll in the Netherlands

For many travellers, this is the reason for visiting The Netherlands in the first place. Legends of coffeeshops, red-light districts, and warehouse parties have circulated worldwide.

There is validity to these tall tales. 

Let’s start with the weed: you already know that it’s legal. It’s the biggest seller of drug tourism in The Netherlands. It comes, wonderfully cultivated, with a selection big enough for a full menu. 

Weed is sold in coffeeshops. There are different types of coffeeshops but, generally, it’s a place where you can buy, smoke, drink (sometimes alcoholic but mostly not), and socialise – in a whole manner of ways. 

Some have snooker tables, board games, old arcade games, and some even play films. So as you can tell, Coffeeshops are one of the best ways to meet people or even find a travel buddy . They’re awesome for solo travellers in the Netherlands. 

kings day in amsterdam

Most people drink alcohol in the Netherlands. You could spit and hit a bar pretty much anywhere. I’m not gonna delve into more than that.

Truffles and mushrooms are legal in The Netherlands. You can buy them in smartshops . These stores are a fun place to shop around. 

Other drugs are generally accepted in The Netherlands, although still technically illegal. Unless you’re caught with a narco-level amount of drugs, most police will look the other way. 

Pay particular attention to MDMA and pills in The Netherlands. You’ll probably find the strongest ecstasy here than anywhere else in the world, so please be extra careful. You can get drugs tested anonymously at Jellinek or GGD Amsterdam drug testing services if you have any doubts.

Prostitution in The Netherlands

The red light district of Amsterdam ‘s reputation precedes it. Actually, most big cities in The Netherlands have red light districts, though they are much more discreet. The Dutch’s incredibly open-minded attitude towards prostitution makes it arguably the safest country in the world for sex tourism. 

It works because it follows strict rules such as prostitutes must be over 21 years old, attend regular health checks, and pay tax. They are actually pretty well looked after. 

travel blog on netherlands

If you’re into it, paying a visit through the doors is one of the most unique things to do in Amsterdam . Though if you have high expectations, you could end up paying an absolute bomb. 

I’ve heard reports of people paying €700 for less than 10 minutes. If you’re a bit of a smooth talker, don’t look like an absolute tourist, or a regular, you’ll likely get a better price.

There are strict rules regarding prostitution in The Netherlands. This is to protect the workers – so BE RESPECTFUL . Notice the caps and bold letters there…

Here are some simple rules to follow whether you’re taking part or just observing. 

  • NEVER take photos or videos of the workers. No excuses. 
  • You must be at least 18 years old to use the services. 
  • You can haggle a bit, but don’t take the piss. 
  • No means no. 
  • Choose your words carefully. Make sure you know what you’re paying for. 

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting The Netherlands

You can’t plan for everything when you’re travelling. But having good travel insurance is a good start.

I use SafetyWing and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

travel blog on netherlands

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There are three ways to enter The Netherlands: land, sea, or air. Most will arrive in The Netherlands via the third option.  

Schiphol Airport is the largest airport in the country and it’s technically Amsterdam. The rest of the country is so accessible that most people use this airport, even if they are not going to Amsterdam.

Eindhoven is the second busiest airport in the country and is served mostly by budget carriers like Ryanair and Wizzair. This means you can find some damn good deals if you’re flying to The Netherlands from anywhere else in Europe.

flying into schipol airport netherlands

You can travel to the Netherlands overland by bus, train, or car. Buses are the cheapest way of travelling around Europe but not the most reliable. 

Travelling to the Netherlands by train is my favourite way. They are arguably the most sustainable travel option too. If you’re backpacking around Europe, and like the idea of using the train, you can get a European rail pass to save money. 

It is possible to travel to The Netherlands by ferry from several UK ports: Kingston, Newcastle, and Harwich. It’s great to take your car to Europe. Though if you’re just a passenger, it’s probably more convenient to fly.

Entry Requirements for The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a part of the Schengen Zone , which is a part of the European Union. That’s the group of countries that first spring to mind when you’re talking about backpacking Europe: Italy, Spain, France, etc.

tram in amsterdam

Most nationalities can enter the Schengen Zone, visa-free, for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days . You get an entry stamp from the first port you used to enter the Schengen Zone and then an exit stamp from the country you leave the Schengen Zone from. The system is very convenient.

Not every nationality applies for this visa-free regime within the Schengen Zone. If you use a passport from any of these countries, you will need to apply for a visa beforehand to visit The Netherlands.

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The Netherlands is a very small country and, consequently, is very easy to get around. You could travel by train from one end of the country to the other, in around 6 hours. This makes backpacking The Netherlands very convenient to explore as you can stay just about anywhere and not be too far away from anything.

The Netherlands benefits from a very efficient public transport system. Using a combination of buses, trains, and trams, you can travel just about anywhere. If all of those should fail, there’s never a bike to rent too far away.

All the major cities in The Netherlands have a bus and/or tram network. The ticketing system is convenient: you can buy singles or day/weekly passes. Plus, almost everywhere in the country uses the OV-chipkaart . The card itself costs around 7.50 euro and you charge it with funds. Fares vary depending on the route.

Trains are usually used to travel longer distances in The Netherlands. They are very quick and efficient.

Given the small size of the country, you could easily stay in the likes of Amsterdam or anywhere central as a base to see the rest of the country. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s definitetly the fastest. Look into buying a  Eurorail Pass if you plan on using the train often.

If you’re backpacking in The Netherlands and find the train too expensive, the larger, main-liner buses are usually very affordable. They do take longer to arrive at their destination though. Use Flixbus to check for prices.

Prepare to pay an arm and a leg for taxis. Uber is in The Netherlands but, again, it’s still expensive. For travelling between cities, try using Blablacar .

Have you really backpacked the Netherlands if you didn’t ride a bike? Get around the Dutch cities, fly between towns, explore all the natural spaces: having a bike is very convenient.

Rentals usually start at around 10 euro/day but keep your eyes peeled for weekly/monthly deals. If you wanted to visit ALL of The Netherlands by bike, then Al Gore would be very happy with you.

Unless you’re really hell bent on the freedom of the road, I wouldn’t suggest renting a car in Holland. Tolls and parking are high, traffic is bad in the cities, and fuel is expensive. Otherwise, you can usually find good prices on rentalcars.com .

Hitchhiking in the Netherlands

Dutch people are very nice when it comes to lending a ride. They ought to be too: do you know how many Dutch people I’ve seen hitching rides across the globe?! It’s only fair that they return the favour in their own country.

Hitchhiking in The Netherlands is straight out of a textbook. Simply stand in the right place, have a sign, hold out your thumb, and wait. You should score a ride in less than an hour although people usually find success in more like 15 minutes.

hitchhiking in the netherlands

When it comes to being a successful hitcher , the key is choosing the right spot to throw out your thumb. Busy town centres and highways are not a good place to find a ride.

Motorway turnpikes and gas stations – now we’re talking. These latter options are a hitchhiker’s prime territory.

Be aware that some gas station managers prefer that you stand in a certain place when hitching so as not to bother the customers too much. On the rare occasion, you may get a dick who tells you to piss off – forget that guy.

Onwards Travel from the Netherlands

Step up and take your pick folks: there are lots of countries to head to next after wrapping your holiday in Holland. The rest of Europe is super accessible.

If you’re heading out of the continent, lucky you! Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of the best places in Europe to do that from.

If you’re looking to stay close by, here are some great choices:

ghent belgium canals

  • Travel to Belgium – My guiltiest of pleasure holidays, the place I go to drown my sorrows in endless beer and fried potatoes. Give me a tripel and pot of mussels and I’ll take miserable weather any day. Ghent is my favourite Belgium town.
  • Travel to Germany – Similar to The Netherlands though more tight-collared. Direct trains from Amsterdam to major German cities are regular. Go to Hamburg if possible; now that’s an awesome German experience.
  • Travel to the UK – English Channel be damned! Getting between the Netherlands and the UK is one of the easiest journeys in the world. Take the Eurostar via the underwater Channel Tunnel or catch a cheap (and very fast) flight. You also have the ferry (perfect for taking your car).

So you want to stay in The Netherlands long-term and maybe work while you’re there. So does everyone else!

biking in utrecht things to do

The Netherlands offers some of the highest standards of living in the world and a government that is very supportive of the startup culture. Living here could be a dream destination for digital nomads ; you just need to be able to pay for everything.

The Netherlands is not a cheap place to live in, not by a long shot. If you want to have your own apartment, you’ll need to be making quite a bit on your own at least or be employed by a local company.

If you fall into the former category and want to stay longer in The Netherlands, there are ways to acquire residency . Of course, residents of the EU are free to come and go as they please. Non-EU residents will have some loops to jump through.

For most backpackers, the most common way of staying in The Netherlands longer is by volunteering somewhere.

mockup of a person holding a smartphone in white background with Holafly logo

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Volunteering in The Netherlands

Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in an awesome place without spending any money. Meaningful life and travel experiences are rooted in stepping out of your comfort zone and into the world of a purposeful project.

Most of the opportunities you’ll find are in hospitality, where you’ll usually receive free accommodation and a meal in return for your time. More unique opportunities include assisting in holistic centres and helping out on eco-projects.

Officially, you can’t volunteer off a tourist visa in the Netherlands. Non-EU/EEA citizens will probably need to apply for the appropriate permit before arriving. 

Volunteering is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst helping your host community. Though be careful as many big companies in the Netherlands also abuse this for cheap or free labour.

If you want to find volunteering opportunities in the Netherlands, I recommend that you Signup for Worldpackers –  a volunteer platform that connects local hosts directly with travelling volunteers. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10 when you sign up. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers are usually very well-managed. However, whenever you are volunteering, do stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children.

travel blog on netherlands

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Dutch people are some of my favourites in the world. They’re loyal, good-natured, lovable, hilarious, and sometimes completely lacking in filters.

travel blog on netherlands

Almost every hostel has some gorgeous Dutch person doing something strange and totally oblivious to their own behaviour. I think of them fondly.

Physically, the Dutch are often true to their stereotypes. Yes, everyone here is a giant. I’m 5 foot and a bit… I know when I arrived in the Netherlands simply because my neck hurts from looking up at everyone.

Though the Netherlands is one of those amazing places that has a full rainbow of colours, races, and cultures. Don’t be surprised to see a huge range.

The Dutch tend to be pretty lean as well. Maybe that’s thanks to all the bike riding.

When travelling to The Netherlands, I highly recommend speaking with the locals. They’re friendlier than other Europeans and they welcome awkward approaches and conversations. At the end of the day, the Dutch are so nice that most should indulge you, at least a bit.

Useful Travel Phrases for The Netherlands

Dutch can sound funny. I always think they sound like the characters from that computer game the Sims – chatting a series of slurs and nonsense.

Luckily, just about everyone speaks English in the Netherlands. Only in the most remote corners of the countryside will you be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t speak English.

If you wanted to impress the locals though and have a good laugh, knowing a few Dutch phrases might be worthwhile. You may not need to know anything to order a coffee but trying to say “Lientje leerde Lotje lopen langs de lange Lindenlaan” five-times fast in a bar is sure to earn you some friends.

  • Tot ziens  – See you later
  • Alsjeblieft  – Please
  • Dank ja wel  – Thank you
  • Lekker – literally translates to ‘tasty’ but used like cool/great/awesome
  • Je lult uit je nek  – Stop dicking out your neck (talking bullshit)
  • Hallo – hello
  • Eet smakelijk – Enjoy your meal
  • Goedemorgen – Good Morning
  • Klootzak  – Asshole
  • Nu komt de aap uit de mouw  – Now the monkey comes out the sleeve

What to Eat in The Netherlands

The Netherlands isn’t exactly a culinary paradise. You can find good food here but you have to look and be willing to pay more.

Traditional Dutch food is hearty and sometimes a little simple. Being a dairy-based culture, cheese and butter are common, especially for breakfast.

Like their German neighbours, rich bread and sausages are also staples of the diet. Rounding everything out is a lot of potato-based dishes and cooked vegetables.

Being so coastal, fish is also very common. You’ll see it fried, smoked, cured, or (their favourite) raw.

best dutch food gouda cheese

One thing that the Dutch excel in is munchies . If you don’t know what munchies are, they’re the type of small, unsubstantial foods you crave more than anything when you’re absolutely baked like a potato. I’m talking biscuits, chocolate, crisps, cereal, little fried things you don’t know the name of… you know, all crap, but all amazing.

Then the king of munchies: the stroopwafel – a waffle sandwich with syrup or jam. You can buy them in the shop or go the real deal and get those freshly made ones you’ll see at food carts.

Of course, there are plenty of international restaurants around. Indonesian food is particularly popular as the country was once a part of the Dutch Empire. The ubiquitous kebab can also be found everywhere.

When eating out, it is customary to split the check evenly among friends. This is called “Going Dutch” on the bill.

Must-Try Dishes in The Netherlands

Here are some other worthwhile Dutch dishes:

  • Bitterballen – Deep fried stuffed meatballs
  • Stamppot – Mashed potatoes w/ trimmings
  • Hollandse Nieuwe – Dutch raw Herring (for the curious souls)
  • Gouda – The cheese that goes with everything
  • Dutch Pancakes (Poffertjes) – shut up and take my money
  • Kroket – Dutch croquettes
  • *Hagelslag – Sandwich w/ confectionery sprinkles

*Listen, hagelslag is like chocolate sprinkles that the Dutch love on toast – like breakfast. If you’re not Dutch, it’s weird as. Though when you try it, you can’t say it’s half bad.

A Brief History of the Netherlands

For much of recorded European history, The Netherlands didn’t play an enormous part. From antiquity all the way up until the 16th century, Holland and its people were mostly vassals of other larger, European powers. The Romans, Franks, Holy Roman Empire, and even the Spanish, have occupied current-day Holland and governed it.

It wasn’t until the Eighty Years War, also known as the Dutch Revolt, that The Netherlands shed the yoke of the conquered and became a separate political entity. At the time they, as well as Belgium and Luxembourg, were ruled by the Hapsburgs of Spain.

FUN FACT : Willem van Oranje was the champion of the revolt and founded the first Dutch Royal House. The colour of his original family seal, orange, would go on to become the official colour of the new royal house as well. (See King’s Day.)

travel blog on netherlands

Following their independence from Spain, The Netherlands joined the conquer and power phase. During the Age of Exploration they even gave the English a run for their money. At its height, The Dutch Empire had control over Indonesia (then the East Indies), Taiwan, and South Africa, as well as large parts of India, the Carribbean, and New England.

Eventually, The Netherlands would get caught up in the imperial power struggles that gripped Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries. Napoleon came and went, the UK became the world’s superpower, and Prussia became a European juggernaut. The Netherlands managed to avoid the worst of World War I but got beaten badly by the Nazis in World War II.

In the end, The Netherlands managed to survive some of the most tumultuous years of European history. Now, Holland is one of the most prosperous nations in the EU: its economy is advanced, the government quite liberal, and people seemingly happy.

Backpacking The Netherlands is like no other country. You’re treated to a tiny country, with a world of possibilities.

Cycling in The Netherlands

No Netherlands travel guide would be complete without banging on about getting about cycling excessively. That’s because the Netherlands is the best country in the world for cycling .

Actually, cyclists have priority over cars and even pedestrians on the roads. Bike lanes are more common than footpaths and they take incredibly beautiful routes throughout the country.

Plus, of course, it’s almost perfectly flat. So even if you’re not the fittest person, it’s easy to get around.

Marijuana in the Netherlands

The laws about weed in the Netherlands are arguably the most relaxed in the world. Whether you smoke or not, you can’t really miss it: weed is one of the biggest tourist attractions.

travel blog on netherlands

Coffeeshops are dotted throughout the country. They’re the place to buy and consume. Go explore down the rabbit hole – I will say no more. 

The rules in coffeeshops are pretty simple: you have to be over 18 and if you’re staying to smoke, you have to buy a drink. The system works and millions of tourists flock to the country every year to enjoy the flower without fear of breaking any rules. 

Technically, it’s illegal to smoke in public spaces. Although people still do, they’re generally respectful of how they do it which is why it’s so highly tolerated. So if you’re wanting a nice joint for the sunset, same rules apply and you shouldn’t have any trouble. 

Many accommodations won’t let you smoke there. Others have a designated smoking area. In the Netherlands, you can sometimes get away with asking for forgiveness rather than permission. 😉

Just be aware, the weed is much stronger than you’ll find in most countries. You’ll see all kinds of variations and strengths. If you go in, all guns blazing, you’ll join the thousands of other billy big bollocks, throwing a whitey before your coffee even arrives. 

Take your time, ask questions when you’re buying, and light it up, bro.

Is the Netherlands expensive to visit?

Yes. It absolutely is. It’s the biggest downside to travelling in the Netherlands now. Although, with all your best broke backpacker travel tips, you can make it as cheap as anywhere else in the world. 

How do I not look like a tourist in Amsterdam?

Good luck – almost everyone you see looks like a tourist in Amsterdam. Have a rough idea of where you’re going. Don’t look at maps every 5 minutes. If you can navigate your way around on a bike you’re onto a real winner. 

What is the best month to go backpacking in the Netherlands?

May or September are good times. In these months, you’ll have pretty good weather and you’ll miss the wave of tourists from tulip, summer, and Christmas seasons.

Is it OK to speak English while travelling the Netherlands?

Absolutely! English is pretty much the business language in The Netherlands. Everyone speaks it. Sometimes you’ll struggle to find someone who speaks Dutch.

What do I need to buy weed in the Netherlands?

You just need to be 18 years old. They will often ask you to prove this too (if you’re lucky). Don’t take offence if they ask you; it’s important that they keep their licence to sell weed.

If you haven’t realised by now in this travel guide, backpacking in the Netherlands is awesome . Free-spiritedness is encouraged, consciousness is high, and you don’t have to take life too seriously. Damn, I love this place. 

Mysterious stories of a mystical place, the reputation of The Netherlands stands proud. But beyond the debauchery, it’s one of the most relaxed and beautiful places to add to a European travel itinerary.

I can’t exaggerate how much backpacking The Netherlands changed my life, several times over. The same could very well happen to you.

There are so many amazing things to do in the Netherlands. But with all this hype, just remember to watch your bank balance while you’re having fun. One night down the red light district could mean the end of your trip – if you’re not careful. 

The Dutch people are always down for a good time. That attitude is contagious. Everyone backpacking through the Netherlands seems down for a ball too. 

Do you know what that means? All-round good times. 

Just make sure you look both ways, at least twice, before you cross the roads. Those bikes pop up out of nowhere.

So book that trip. Don’t even think twice. You won’t regret it for a second. 

travel blog on netherlands

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Laura Hall

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Wanderlustingk

20 things that you need to know before you travel in the Netherlands by a Dutch resident

February 29, 2020 by Karen Turner 3 Comments

I’m officially celebrating my arrival in the Netherlands over four years ago this week!  As someone who’s visited the Netherlands as a tourist and is now trying to assimilate by becoming fluent in Dutch, I have some useful travel tips for traveling in the Netherlands for you all that I hope will make your trip to the Netherlands a little more easy.  

  • 0.1 Your cards are often useless
  • 0.2 Most things close earlier here
  • 0.3 You can get free water IF you know what to ask
  • 0.4 Toilets aren’t free except if you’re a man and always have cash
  • 0.5 You generally need to tap in/out on public transit & trains
  • 0.6 Tulip season is only about 6-8 weeks
  • 0.7 The Dutch trains
  • 0.8 Carry hand sanitizer and tissues
  • 0.9 Amsterdam is NOT like the rest of the Netherlands
  • 0.10 Phelm (or the Dutch language)
  • 1.0.1 Skip rijsttafel and head to a toko for more authentic food
  • 1.0.2 Racism in the Netherlands
  • 1.0.3 Zwarte Piet
  • 1.1 The weather is a crapshoot of rain and clouds.  Your weather app is probably useless.
  • 1.2 Tipping is not required, but nice
  • 1.3 Solo female travel in the Netherlands is easier than you may realize
  • 1.4 Do not walk in the bike lane
  • 1.5 If you rent a bike, may the odds be ever in your favor not to crash it or have it stolen
  • 1.6 Dutchies are nice, but the customer is NOT always right and you should always go to the front to pay
  • 1.7 Basically everyone speaks English
  • 1.8 Distance is relative
  • 1.9 Directness
  • 2 Anything you’d add about visiting the Netherlands? Any questions about travel in the Netherlands?

Your cards are often useless

Beer in Delft. Read what you need to know before you visit the Netherlands with insider tips from a resident! #travel #netherlands #amsterdam #delft

We  love cards here, but only  one  card: Maestro.  Unless you’re lucky enough to have a Maestro debit card, you’re going to experience a lot of people refusing to take your money at smaller shops and even at major Dutch stores (such as the major Dutch supermarket Albert Heijn).

travel blog on netherlands

Credit cards are not popular here in the Netherlands and most people who have them rarely use them, in contrast with other countries.  It  is improving and some stores are actually going 100% cashless, however always have cash on you in case your card is not accepted.  The strange thing is even if you have a debit card, often foreign (non-European ones) debit cards do not typically work here even if they in theory work with Maestro.

Cashless is becoming more popular among Dutch shops and thanks to newer card technologies, more cards are getting accepted.  Visa is typically the most common accepted non-Dutch card here, but it’s still not accepted most of the time at shops that “accept” debit cards.  After that, you’ll find American Express occasionally, but I’d recommend leaving your Discover card at home.

What you need to do by default: carry cash .  If you’re wondering where the nearest ATM near you is, search for ABN AMRO or ING .    These are two of the biggest Dutch banks and most cities have many outdoor ATMs.  Make sure there’s money in your bank account!

Most things close earlier here

If you need to do an errand, try to do it between 10am and 5-6pm.  You’ll find some shops (e.g. avondwinkels ) open until midnight for shopping after the grocery stories close (9/10-12).  However, this is not Spain and most  normal businesses are closed by 6pm.   Restaurants tend to be open later until 9-10pm, however many people tend to eat earlier. Luckily, Sundays here are far better than those in Belgium when a lot of things close the entire day, however many shops and museums close on Mondays.

You can get free water IF you know what to ask

Tulips in Amsterdam. Planning travel to the netherlands? Insider tips on what you need to know before you visit Amsterdam or Holland! #travel #netherlands #amsterdam

Water is tricky.   You CAN get free tap water, but you need to be very specific in saying I’d like bronwater or tap water. This is not America, so when you receive said tap water, it will probably be in the smallest cup that you’ve ever seen in your life and there’s no refills unless you ask. (Maybe I’m always quite thirsty).  Also, it’s not always ice cold.

The better move is to ask if you can have a pitcher of tap water (if you’re with a group), but you will  not  usually receive this.   If you just say water, they’ll bring you a small bottle that is non-refillable and that you’ll be charged for.  Sometimes, they outright refuse and just tell you that water is not available.

Toilets aren’t free except if you’re a man and always have cash

Besides the ones in restaurants and cafes, the toilets are  never free unless you’re a man.  Men get free urinals in many Dutch cities (although they still need to pay for the  other kind).   It feels really sexist to me.  Why do men get free urinals in public while women must always pay for the toilet!?

I recommend always having a little change to pay for the toilet.  The toilet is usually somewhere between .50 cents and one euro.  I sometimes just buy a coffee or soda to use the toilet at a cafe or McDonald’s as it’s often cleaner than some public toilets.

You generally need to tap in/out on public transit & trains

For some reason most of the trains and public transportation systems here in the Netherlands that I’ve encountered involve paying by distance.  It’s great, however it means that you need to remember to tap in  and out to ensure that you don’t invalidate your iAmsterdam card (or your OVchipkaart).

Tulip season is only about 6-8 weeks

Tulips in the Netherlands. Read insider tips for visiting the Netherlands written by a Dutch resident. #travel #tulips #netherlands #Holland

The Dutch tulip season is only 6-8 weeks and it’s not 100% guaranteed.  A lot of people email me asking if the tulips will be in bloom during their trip to the Netherlands.  I find that mid-April is the safest time as it can be early some years (like with 2018) to see any blooms before that.  Similarly, early May is really the end of it.  If you want to see tulips during the rest of the year, consider going to the world’s largest flower warehouse (FloraHolland) or the Bloemenmarkt in Amsterdam to buy bulbs.

The Dutch trains

The Dutch trains are fantastic, so don’t be afraid to use them.  It’s a little less than five euros for a ticket from Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam.  If you really want to take a cab, consider taking the train to Amsterdam before picking up a cab by Centraal.  You’ll end up saving a lot of money and you’re less likely to be ripped off by a cab as the taxis by Schiphol love ripping tourists off.

The Netherlands is small, so only twenty minutes can take you to a beautiful city nearby, such as Haarlem or Utrecht .  If you need to buy your ticket, give yourself 5-10 minutes ahead as there can be a line for the machine and there might be a long walk to the track.  Similarly,  sometimes they are delays/cancellations, so give yourself extra time (20+ minutes) if it’s something important that you must be on time for.

Carry hand sanitizer and tissues

This is a subtle one that I’ve noticed…, but many people don’t wash their hands or briefly run the water over their hands.  I suspect it’s true in winter because most Dutch public bathrooms only have cold taps, which isn’t always so nice in winter.  Always carry hand sanitizer on you for your post-bathroom hand cleaning as I find that having working soap can be a hit/miss.

Amsterdam is NOT like the rest of the Netherlands

This is a big one. As a naive Eurorailer, I visited Amsterdam for three days.  I came back home telling everyone that I had been to the Netherlands. The best analogy that I have is that you’re visiting only Chicago and you say that you’ve seen America.  I love Amsterdam, but the city center has been lost to mass tourism and hen parties . This is  not the case in other Dutch cities that you can see on a day trip from Amsterdam , including the Hague and Utrecht .

Beautiful dorp in Zeeland. Read what you need to know before you visit the Netherlands! #travel #netherlands #zeeland

The thing is that the Netherlands is a small country with a lot of interesting regions and they’re also  way cheaper to travel in. In these cities, including my new home city of The Hague , the beautiful and historic city centers are for everyone, but especially people who live in the city.  You’ll get more of a sense of history and Dutch culture here too! Click for my favorite day trips from Amsterdam!

Phelm (or the Dutch language)

I kid, but as someone working at learning Dutch, people are always impressed when I say a Dutch word properly. (Sometimes I stutter too.) As a foreigner, Dutch is hard as mastering the hard-G (or the soft-G) is tough to nail.  I’d say that it’s closest to the ch sound in Hebrew. If you want to truly impress a Dutchie, figure out how to say  Scheveningen .  You can read my tips for useful Dutch words and phrases for travelers here. 

Some hacks to the Dutch language…

  • G = Phelm (Goed = ChG-ood)
  • J = Y sound (Job = Yob)
  • Sch = Sk with a little phelm (Schiphol = Sk iphol)
  • W = V (Water = Vater)

Diversity in the Netherlands

Skip rijsttafel and head to a toko for more authentic food.

Many people don’t know much about Dutch colonialism, but the Dutch had major colonies in Surinam (in South America), Indonesia, and some of the Caribbean islands. Although slavery was outlawed in the 1800s, there were institutionalized plantations in Indonesia among other less savory practices. In Suriname, many people are descended from slaves that were brought to Suriname before the ban as well as the indentured servants who were brought from Java (Indonesia) and India later.

What is a toko!?   A toko is a shop that focuses on Asian food, generally Indonesian food.  Many tokos in the Netherlands (including Amsterdam) sell really good Indonesian (or Surinamese-Javanese ) food that is usually cooked by someone’s mom.  It’s  good authentic stuff and it’s often  cheap .  If you’re interested in trying Indonesian food, definitely consider going to your local toko (ask your host or the staff at the hotel for their picks) as it probably has better food than your fancy Indonesian rijsttafel that is three times the cost.

Many of people immigrated to the Netherlands before both countries became independent, so don’t be surprised if there’s more diversity in the Netherlands you realized at first.  At minimum, stop for Surinamese roti or stop into your local toko for some delicious Indonesian food! Click to learn more about Surinamese food.

Racism in the Netherlands

Beautiful sunset in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Read insider tips for visiting the Netherlands written by a resident! #travel #Amsterdam #sunsets #Netherlands #holland

I’ve been asked a few times by friends who are women of color (WOC) about racism in the Netherlands.  I’m white, however one of my good friends (hi M.) is half-Surinamese.  Discrimination against minorities occurs in the Netherlands.  People might mistake you for potentially living here, so you might be addressed in Dutch if you’re of African, Middle-Eastern, or Asian descent.

A WOC that visited me felt she was treated with a lot of respect here, more so than in the United States.  She was surprised that she felt at home and safe.  What really surprised her was that she didn’t feel like she stood out so much as a WOC, which she didn’t expect from traveling in Europe.

The part that you really need to be aware of as a POC is that the public domain tends to be better than in the US (for instance), however the private domain is when people may share their opinion about minorities or foreigners.  The Netherlands is liberal, but it may not be as politically correct as you might think.

Zwarte Piet

… We have to talk about it.  If you’re visiting the Netherlands in November or early December, you’ll be visiting just in time for Sinterklaas.  Sinterklaas is more popular than Christmas here and it’s celebrated on December 5th. It’s based on a real person, but the story today goes that this figure lives in Spain and comes to the Benelux region to give good children presents once a year.  With him, come his helpers and the helpers are called Zwarte Pieten.

Technically, the helpers are supposed to be Moorish.  At some point, people dressing up as Zwarte Piet started wearing blackface as well as other accessories, such as big hoop earrings, red lipstick, etc.

This is a huge fight in the public domain here in the Netherlands and starting a discussion about Zwarte Piet in public is not something I’d recommend without some caution.  A lot of people are not comfortable saying their opinion on it publicly although some people are happy to bring it up.  It can be touchy although I’ve had a lot of Dutch friends bring it up just to tell me that they’re not okay with it as some of them worry about the perception of the Netherlands to foreigners as a result of this. That said, my own opinion is that the traditional costume makes me uncomfortable, mostly because I’m American and blackface is  never okay to me.

Every year, the debate continues as some people insist that it is a children’s holiday that is a tradition while others say that it’s racist.  Many cities are banning blackface Zwarte Pieten trying out a “sooty” Piet, a rainbow Piet, or even just using the minion costumes from Despicable Me. I don’t think that it’s fair to brush it under the table as the Zwarte Piet discussion is discussed  a lot  throughout fall and you might encounter Zwarte Piet decorations.

The weather is a crapshoot of rain and clouds.  Your weather app is probably useless.

I didn’t move here for the weather.  For some reason, the weather forecast is notably unreliable, so I usually only depend on the weather for the next 1-2 hours–then check again later in the day.  If you are going to do something outdoors, be prepared for the rain or just clouds.  Disappointing, but don’t let it ruin your day.  Don’t plan too far in advance and bring a good raincoat. Click for my recommendations on what to pack for Amsterdam!

Tipping is not required, but nice

A lot of waiters LOVE foreigners as they don’t know whether to tip or not.  It’s typically that when you pay for most things, you don’t need to tip and it’s not horrible behavior if you don’t do so.  That said, it’s nice to tip 10% (which is fairly standard) if you feel the service is really good.  Luckily, staff here receives a good base wage.  You usually tip for food. It’s not necessary for drinks.

Solo female travel in the Netherlands is easier than you may realize

I was a bit nervous about traveling solo in the Netherlands some years ago, however after a few years living here, I feel like I can safely say that the Netherlands is a great place for women taking their first solo trip as it’s easy to navigate on your own, there’s a good network of hostels, and most people won’t bother you.

Sexual harassment still happens, but I find that it’s better than many European countries I’ve traveled in (especially southern European).  (When you pass construction workers, I find that they usually wish you a good morning rather than catcalling you.)  More importantly, I feel safe walking alone late at night. I’ve written a complete guide to solo female travel guide in the Netherlands here. 

Do not walk in the bike lane

How many times must we discuss this one?  Typically, you have the road, a red thing that  looks like a sidewalk and then the sidewalk.  You can guess that the red bit is the bike path.  When crossing the bike path, be careful as not all bikers will stop for you.  Look for the white striped lines, which is the official place to cross the street.  Both bikes and cars should stop for you.

If you rent a bike, may the odds be ever in your favor not to crash it or have it stolen

Beautiful canal in Delft, one of the cutest cities in the Netherlands. Read insider tips for the Netherlands written by a resident. #netherlands #holland #delft #travel

Bike theft is big business here, so make sure that your bike is locked up properly with two locks and to something stable, especially overnight.  Tourist bikes aren’t usually targeted, but it’s also possible that your bike gets towed away by the city government if you leave it somewhere you shouldn’t be parking your bike. Also, be sure to signal. (More about how to ride a bike in the Netherlands here .)

Dutchies are nice, but the customer is NOT always right and you should always go to the front to pay

The customer is NOT always right.   Sometimes, you’re just wrong and you’re told that you’re wrong.  However, the worst for me is receiving food with cheese inside of it when I specifically said no cheese.  (I’m lactose intolerant and the pills don’t work for me.)  In some cases, the server would try to tell me that it was fine and I’d survive. That’s not really their decision and I’ve had to fight to get the food replaced without cheese as I ordered it. (At this point, I find explaining that I have an allergy is far more efficient.)  That said, 90% of the customer service that you’ll deal with as a tourist is fine as those working in the service industry tend to  love tourists as they actually tip well.

It’s always best to go up to the front to pay.  Something that is good/bad about the Netherlands is that service gives you time to breathe, but sometimes it’s nearly impossible to get your server back if you want to order more food or pay.  The fastest (and easiest) way is to just walk to the front to explain you want to pay.  Flagging a waiter down can be frustrating.

Basically everyone speaks English

The Netherlands has one of the highest proficiency levels in English in the world and many Dutchies actually do their university courses in English. If you go to the movies here, most English language movies are shown in English with Dutch subtitles.

If you’re in a major city, you’ll have no problems at all as basically everyone speaks English and many people in Amsterdam have native English person radar.  I really enjoy tiny Dutch towns that are super far off the beaten path and even there, people understand English even if they aren’t comfortable speaking it back.   I promise that you’ll get by without a problem although a  Dankjewel (thank you!) can’t hurt.

Distance is relative

The beautiful city of Hoorn in Holland. Read what you need to know about Holland before you visit the Netherlands with insider tips from a resident on travel in the Netherlands! #netherlands #holland #hoorn #travel

You might think that two hours is not that much time to travel somewhere.  Distance here in the Netherlands, mostly because the Netherlands  is small, is relative.  It takes 2.5 hours to drive across the Netherlands total.  An hour is  far or enough so that someone might say that they can’t meet you as they’re in another city.  (Cough, guilty .)

Directness is a big thing here.  I am a fairly blunt person, so I feel like it works.  Some English expressions don’t really go over well here as people don’t really do the beating around the bush.  If you want to ask something, just ask.  I realize in many places, that would be rude without a preface, but here it’s normal.    With this comes service with a sense of humor.  I personally like it and I appreciate that people are straightforward and honest with you…and that you can have a laugh.

I hope that you enjoyed these travel tips for the Netherlands and that your trip to the Netherlands goes off flawlessly!

Anything you’d add about visiting the Netherlands? Any questions about travel in the Netherlands?

I have many more posts with advice about Amsterdam, where I lived before I moved to the Hague.

  • What to pack for Amsterdam (the entire year)
  • Three day itinerary for Amsterdam
  • The best day trips from Amsterdam
  • Best photography spots in Amsterdam
  • Secret Amsterdam

Planning your trip to the Netherlands? Your insider guide to the Netherlands with helpful travel tips for the Netherlands written by a Dutch resident. Find out what you need to know before you travel to the Netherlands! #travel #europe #netherlands #amsterdam

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

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March 6, 2020 at 7:04 am

Thanks for sharing this awesome piece of information. I’m on a trip to Netherlands in a couple of weeks . This will help me to spend the days I’m gonna spend there wisely.

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March 19, 2020 at 12:58 pm

I wish I had read this before I went for Christmas! I had no idea about the credit cards and paying for my Christmas dinner was interesting. The cashier at the grocery store didn’t speak English. It all worked out but I was embarassed.

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April 21, 2021 at 11:46 pm

Karen, You definitely hit the nail on the head with your description of the dutch people. I charter bike and boat trips in the Netherlands and forwarded your blog to my group. I am dutch born but have lived in the US 45 plus years. But I go back at least 1 to 2 times a year. I am blessed to be working for the airlines. Thanks you for your directness and spelling out about the credit card and the tipping. Loved your blog!!

Caroline Melcher

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Netherlands Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Netherlands travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

From beautiful canal-lined cities to fields of colorful tulips to historic castles and windmills, the Netherlands is a picture-perfect getaway for any kind of traveler. It’s no wonder that the country and its capital of Amsterdam are regularly noted as some of the top travel destinations in Europe .

Whether you want to experience Amsterdam’s nightlife scene or tour the storybook homes of small towns like Giethoorn, every experience in the Netherlands is unique.

Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered with this guide full of tips and inspiration to have the best Dutch getaway yet.

You’ll find many of the Netherlands’ top attractions in its cities, which blend classic Dutch culture with a modern, cosmopolitan flair.

The capital city of Amsterdam is usually first on any traveler’s to-visit list for a trip to the Netherlands, and for good reason.

Home to tons of world-class museums, picturesque canals and a signature cafe scene, there’s much to explore in this famous city. Plus, whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or on a solo trip to Amsterdam , there is really something for everyone.

For a more modern look at Dutch life, head to Rotterdam, the country’s second-largest city.

Rotterdam boasts a lively nightlife scene, unique architecture, cool historic ships and more. The city is also just a short trip from the Kinderdijk Windmills, a UNESCO Heritage Site where you can visit the oldest surviving windmills in the country.

You’ll also want to spend some time in the historic city of Haarlem, featuring many classic Dutch landmarks like windmills, canals, and markets.

Beyond its cities, the Netherlands has plenty of natural wonders to explore.

Visiting in spring? Be sure to make some time to visit Keukenhof Gardens, or the Garden of Europe, where you’ll find acres of tulips and other colorful blooms on display. You’ll definitely want to have your camera ready for this excursion!

As a coastal country, the Netherlands also has many unique beaches to explore.

The Wadden Sea area to the north is definitely worth a visit for its tranquil landscapes and great opportunities for birding. You can even do some sailing on the Frisian Lakes in Frieland, a destination that attracts thousands of boaters and water sports enthusiasts every year.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to the Netherlands in Europe.

Note: This ultimate guide to Netherlands travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

The Netherlands travel guide

Netherlands Map

Use this Netherlands travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Netherlands map

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Amsterdam Travel Guide

Looking for an Amsterdam visitor’s guide that can help you plan the perfect trip? Check out:

Visiting Amsterdam should be in every Netherlands travel guide

Solo Trip To Amsterdam: How To Have An Amazing Trip On Your Own

Best Tours In The Netherlands

Explore local culture with a Netherlands tour guide through these unique excursions:

  • Surprise Walk of The Hague with a Local (Den Haag)
  • Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide (Rotterdam)
  • Kinderdijk Windmill Farm Tour (Alblasserdam)
  • Vondelpark Guided Bike Tour (Amsterdam)
  • Volendam, Marken and Windmills Day Trip (Amsterdam)
  • Guided Canoe Adventure with Picnic Lunch in Waterland (Amsterdam)

Renting A Car In The Netherlands

Need a rental car for your Netherlands trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

travel blog on netherlands

Netherlands Hotels

Click here to browse the best Netherlands travel hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Netherlands Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Netherlands tour. When visiting the Netherlands — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Netherlands travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Netherlands Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in the Netherlands .

Q: What are the best things to do in the Netherlands?

You’ll find many of the Netherlands’ top attractions in the capital city of Amsterdam.

Explore the city on foot or via water taxi and marvel at the picturesque buildings and houseboats that line the canals. The city is also home to many important museums and historic sites you’ll definitely want to check out.

Art lovers will want to visit the Rijksmuseum, the Dutch National Museum that houses many paintings by the Old Masters, and the Van Gogh Museum, an entire building dedicated to one of the most famous painters in modern history.

A visit to the Anne Frank Museum is always a moving experience. Here you can tour the small space where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II and learn more about how her story has inspired people around the world for decades.

Beyond the museums, you’ll definitely want to go for a stroll in Vondel Park, a huge urban oasis with gorgeous flowers, several walking paths, and even a sculpture by Picasso!

As one of Europe’s oldest monarchies, the Netherlands has plenty of castles and royal residences to explore. In the capital, you can explore the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, centrally located in Dam Square. Tour the palace’s gorgeous rooms and halls and see how the Dutch Royal Family lives.

For a bit of medieval history, head to Valkenburg, a picturesque town with ancient castles, gorgeous architecture, and one of the nation’s top spas.

Outside of Utrecht, you can visit De Haar Castle, a large fort rebuilt in 1892 with a collection of historic artifacts, paintings, and furniture that’s definitely worth gawking over.

Of course you’ll want to spend a little time in the great outdoors during your trip to the Netherlands. The country is famous for its flowers, so you’ll definitely want to see some blooms while you’re there.

For the best views, head to Keukenhof in Lisse, also known as the Garden of Europe. Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest flower gardens featuring acres of bulbs that bloom every spring. Most famous of these are probably the tulips, which reach their peak in April and May.

Not much of a flower fan?

Go for a hike in De Hoge Veluwe National Park, the nation’s largest nature reserve featuring acres of trees, trails, and more. You can also see how the scenery inspired famous artists at the park’s Kröller-Müller Museum, featuring works from Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, and more.

Q: What are some do’s and don’ts in the Netherlands?

Before you visit the Netherlands, there are a couple of do’s and don’ts to consider.

– Know the difference between a “coffeeshop” and a “cafe.” The Netherlands (and Amsterdam in particular) is well known for its cannabis culture, including the many coffeeshops where you can buy and consume cannabis products as well as food and drinks. Yes, you can get an espresso at these shops, but if you don’t want to ascend to a higher plane for the rest of the day, make sure the brownie you’re buying isn’t the “magic” kind. You’ll find more of your standard, drug-free fare at local cafes. Also, note that different municipalities in the Netherlands have different laws when it comes to cannabis and coffeeshops. For example, in Maastricht, foreign tourists are not allowed to enter coffeeshops.

– Lock your bike. Biking is the preferred method of transportation in many Dutch cities and as such, bikes are a hot commodity. If you’re renting a bike, make sure you get a sturdy lock and always make sure it’s secured to a pole or bike rack before you walk away. An extra lock may even be worth using for peace of mind.

– Buy an OV-ChipKaart. Public transportation is fairly ubiquitous in Dutch cities, making it easy to get around. An OV-ChipKaart will give you access to public transportation throughout the country, from the Rotterdam Metro to Amsterdam’s famous tram system. You can also easily top up the card without worrying about buying different cards and tickets for different systems in different cities.

Don’t:

– Worry too much if you only know English. English is widely spoken in the Netherlands and you’ll find plenty of signs in both English and Dutch as you travel, particularly in the cities and areas popular with tourists. It’s good to know a few simple phrases and greetings in the native language, but you don’t necessarily need to take a full course in Dutch to get around.

– Take pictures of the sex workers in the Red Light District. Yes, sex work is legal in the Netherlands, but the Red Light District is not a zoo. It is extremely rude to take photos of sex workers without their consent, and if any of them catch you doing so, they’ll let you know. If you’re visiting the Red Light District, just keep your phone in your pocket.

– Buy drugs from street dealers. Dutch drug policy may be lax compared to that of other countries, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll find safe drugs on the street. If you want to partake, buy from regulated sources like coffeeshops. Buying drugs off the street in the Netherlands is also illegal and you don’t want to end your vacation in a Dutch jail cell.

Q: How much money do I need per day in the Netherlands?

The average traveler spends about $151 USD per day in the Netherlands on transportation, accommodation, food, activities, and other travel expenses. This can vary depending on your itinerary and travel style; for example, you’ll spend more money in Amsterdam than you will in a smaller town like Lisse.

Affordable accommodation options like hostels and public transportation can help keep your costs low, as can skipping out on restaurant meals and finding free activities.

Q: How many days do you need for the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is a fairly small country, so you can see a lot in a week-long trip. One week will give you enough time to spend a few days exploring Amsterdam, take a few day trips to nearby destinations like Zaanse Schans, and spend a day or two each in cities like Utrecht, Haarlem, and the Hague.

You can also travel anywhere you want in the Netherlands over a relatively short amount of time via train, so you won’t lose too much time getting from destination to destination.

Q: Is the Netherlands safe to travel?

The Netherlands is a pretty safe destination for travelers. Rates of violent crime are low, but many of the standard travel safety advice applies here.

Stay aware of your surroundings and keep any valuables close to you and out of view as pickpocketing is common in cities, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Make sure you know how to avoid pickpockets to keep your valuables safe.

You’ll also want to stay out of bike paths if you’re walking around cities like Amsterdam if you don’t want to end your trip in a Dutch hospital.

Q: How long can a tourist stay in the Netherlands?

Most tourist visas will allow you to stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days without engaging in any professional activity during your stay.

Q: Do I need a Netherlands travel visa?

Travelers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Schengen Area member countries, and several other countries do not need a visa to visit the Netherlands for a period of fewer than 90 days.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Netherlands International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Consulate General of the Netherlands.

Q: When is the best month to go to the Netherlands?

In terms of weather, between mid-April and mid-October is recommended, though if you want to avoid the crowds and increased travel fares skip the busy tourism months of July and August.

Q: Where is the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is located in northwestern Europe between Belgium (south) and Germany (east).

Q: Are credit cards accepted in the Netherlands?

Credit cards — particularly Visa and Mastercard — are widely accepted around the Netherlands, though it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in the Netherlands?

Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in the Netherlands, though it never hurts to ask your hotel in the specific city you’re visiting just to be sure.

Q: What is the local currency in the Netherlands?

The local currency in the Netherlands is the Euro (€).

What would you add to this Netherlands travel guide?

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An Adventurous World

Home » Europe » Netherlands

Netherlands

Netherlands travel blogs, these are all of my netherlands travel blogs at an adventurous world.

The Netherlands. Home to cheese, tulips, windmills and weed. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular countries to travel to in Europe, isn’t it!?

What can I say though is I absolutely love the Netherlands and over the years I’ve got to explore Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, the Hague and other parts of the country too. Obviously most people just stick to the capital Amsterdam (here’s a little guide for you by the way ), but there’s so much else to do in the country!

Rotterdam is super modern whereas Utrecht is like stepping back in time. Wherever you go though you’re sure to have an amazing time in the Netherlands!

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13 Best Boutique Hotels in Amsterdam

From classical elegance and groovy 70’s décor to bold modern design and funky houseboats, these are the best boutique hotels in Amsterdam!

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Amsterdam Food: What to Eat in Amsterdam

Are you looking at sampling the best food Amsterdam has to offer? From Dutch pancakes to raw herring, this is what to eat in Amsterdam!

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12+ BEST Things to do in Amsterdam in Summer

From canal cruises to urban beaches, the infamous Red Light District to World Heritage Sites, these are the best things to do in Amsterdam in summer!

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18+ Unmissable Things to do in the Hague, Holland

Amazing architecture, beautiful beaches and loads of independent restaurants and shops, this is the ultimate list of things to do in the Hague!

what to do in amsterdam when it rains

What to do in Amsterdam When it Rains

Are you wondering what to do in Amsterdam when it rains? Then check out all these incredible indoor activities to do on a rainy day in Amsterdam!

The Ultimate List of Things to do at Schiphol Airport

The Best Things to do at Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam

Flying to Amsterdam? Then take a look at the ultimate list of things to do at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and you’ll never be bored again!

Paulina on the road

Netherlands Travel Blog

A travel blog about the netherlands.

The Netherlands , also known as Holland, is one of the prominent European nations. Be it about being least corrupt or ecologically cautious, Netherlands is renowned for some inspiring reasons.

However, this European nation is equally intriguing in terms of its geography as well. The nation consists of 12 provinces in Europe , which makes it a distinguishing of its kind.

To explore the Netherlands to its core, it is suggested to have proficiency in Dutch, as it is the official language of the Netherlands.

People here are enthusiastic about traveling have plenty to explore in the Netherlands. Specifically, the top cities like Amsterdam witness a massive inflow of travelers from around the globe.

Those keen on fashion can’t find solace without visiting Amsterdam, considered as the fashion capital of the globe. Not just artificial elegance, the Netherlands is magical for exploring the profoundness of natural beauty as well.

Being a tourist, one absolutely doesn’t need to worry about any single aspect.

Important Facts when Traveling to Netherlands

Capital:  Amsterdam

Official language(s) and general knowledge of English:  Dutch. English is widely spoken

Official religion:  51% in Netherlands are Non-religious, whereas 24% are Catholic, 15% belong to Protestant Church, 5% Islam, and others account for 6%

Currency:  Euro, US dollar

Climate:  Cool summer and moderate winter. Temperatures during day time vary 2-6 degrees in Winter and remain around 20 degrees in Summer

Power voltage and socket type:  Type C and Type F respectively, whereas the standard voltage is 230 V.

Safety rating:  Rated 4/5. Other than rare petty crimes like pickpocketing, mostly in top cities, crime is absolutely less here

Female solo traveler: It is absolutely safe for female solo travellers.

Do I need a Visa to Travel to Netherlands?

Fast-Track:  Get your Schengen Visa in advance

Whether or not a visa is required for someone to come into the Netherlands is dependent upon the nationality of the concerned person.

People who belong to nations like the US, Canada, Australia, and various other countries can spend around 90 days in the Netherlands without a tourist Visa.

In fact, citizens belonging to the nations under the European Union or European Economic Area are exempted from any kind of formalities. Switzerland, among others, is also exempted from any Visa requirement. Citizens of these nations exempted from Visa can travel for around 90 days in any of the three months periods in the Schengen zones.

It is here to note that there are 26 European States that are part of the Schengen Area; those have officially ended passport checking requirements and all other kinds of measures for border control.

Visa Types and Cost- For a single-entry, the fee for Schengen Visa is around 80 Euros. For children (between 6 to 13 years old), the cost remains around 40 Euro.

Accommodation in Netherlands

The Netherlands provides a range of accommodation options, starting from luxury hotels to hostels.

Budget: Those who want accommodation options at a lower budget may go with cheaper options in the Netherlands. In such scenarios, sharing PGs would be the best recommendation. There are also sharing hostels one may go with. Specifically, such budget-friendly options can be found in huge numbers in the Netherlands. In fact, finding a place in these shared PGs also gets tough during the peak seasons. However, one can expect good value of money for accommodation in the Netherlands, irrespective of the range one goes with.

Those looking for the cheapest option can find satisfactory accommodation at around €10-12. In the range of €15-30, one can find excellent facilities like Wi-Fi, laundry services, breakfasts, etc. The figures provided above are for the accommodation options at top tourist destinations. – Check rates & reviews for hostels in the Netherlands .

Mid-Range : Mid-range hotels are among the most popular accommodation options in the Netherlands. In this range at prominent tourist locations, one can book private rooms with all facilities like Wi-Fi, TV, gym, house services, etc, for around €85-120 per night.  – Check hotel rates here

High-End : High-end hotels in the Netherlands at prominent tourists’ locations can cost around €250 per night. However, the facilities one can expect to be top-notch. Starting from spas, gym, fine dining, babysitting, pet services, to a whole range of housekeeping facilities, they provide most accomplishing facilities. – Check rates & reviews here

Best Time to Visit Netherlands

Though the Netherlands can be visited throughout the year, the most appropriate season would be to visit in between mid-April and mid-October. To be specific, travelers flock in a great number in the months of July and August.

High season: July and August are the best periods for making a trip to the Netherlands. No need to fear rain and all; rather expect a perfectly soothing breeze during the season. However, the museums remain absolutely jam-packed during this season.

Midseason (Mid April to mid-June): The chances of rain are lower. A soothing summer breeze can be enjoyed to a great extent during these months as well. Specifically, those who visit the Netherlands for tulip gardens should consider this period.

Low season (February to March): The weather remains absolutely dry during this phase of the year. One should not expect the heavenly Summer breeze of the Netherland.

Transportation in Netherlands

By Flights: The best recommendation would be to reach Amsterdam, which arrives at the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). It provides the best convenience being only 10 miles south of the city. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is a prominent airport in the nation. – Check flight deals to the Netherlands here

By bus: It’s absolutely simple to travel by bus in the Netherlands. One can simply plan on the day of travel; one can find tickets through the concerned driver, which costs around 5 euros. One may opt for the credit-loaded OV-chipkaart as well. There is no discrimination in terms of class of travel here in Netherland. One may opt for the all-day passes as well upon consulting the drivers. – Buy bus tickets here

By Train: the best recommendation to travel to and from the train in the Netherlands would be through an OV-chipkaart, a credit card format pass. This can be used for all public transport in the country. For an outsider, Belgium would be the best way to enter the Netherlands by train. – Buy train tickets in advance

Get around: The entire Netherlands is enriched with incredible public transport of all means. The best recommendation for the tourists would be to reach Amsterdam and travel from there. No need to do a prior booking; one may go for an on-the-spot booking, anytime.

Food in the Netherlands

Food in the Netherlands is simple yet delicious. Moreover, these are always enriched with perfect nutrition value.

Cuisines here are vegetable enriched, with comparatively nominal usage of meat. In breakfasts, bread is highly favored with various kinds of toppings.

However, cheese toppings are the top favorite among Dutch. Meat is found mostly in dinner. Among vegetables, Potatoes are highly used, accompanied by other seasonal veggies.

Haring is the most popular dish in the Netherlands; it’s a must-try being here as a tourist. Apart from this, Kroket, Patat, Kaas , and Bitterballen are among other highly popular cuisines here in the Netherlands.

Best Things to Do in Netherlands

Explore the Canals of Amsterdam: Amsterdam is quite popular around the globe for its incredible canal system, which is a must-explore. Beautiful waterways often fetch the attention of travelers in Amsterdam. The best recommendation would be to go on a boat tour. One may book a water taxi as well to explore it better. – Book a canal cruise in Amsterdam

Have a stroll around Zaanse Schans: Zaanse Schans is situated around 15 kilometers in the north of Amsterdam, which is popularly known to be an open-air museum. Strolling here around provides an excellent experience. Never miss the delightful shipyard here. Also, one can explore elegant green wooden houses in a wide variety of places here. – Book your tour to Zaanse Schans

Have a walk around the Garden of Europe: The Garden of Europe is a hugely popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. Those who are passionate about color can find the place absolutely amazing. Specifically, the beauty of Tulip flowers is worth enjoying being here. It is here to mention that the Garden of Europe is the biggest public garden all across the globe. The gigantic garden covers a massive area of 70 acres providing visually mesmerizing flora and fauna. It presents the highest range of flowers, like daffodils.

Enjoy the beauty of Grote Kerk: Grote Kerk is one of the biggest churches in the world. The specialty about the church is its structure; made up of red brick in Gothic style, it often drags the attention of the viewers. It is said that the church was built in the 13th century. However, it was demolished and built again, as it appears presently. The church has been one of the major attractions among travel enthusiasts from around the globe.

For those uninitiated, this bell tower is the highest in the Netherlands, which contains 51 bells. In addition, there is also an ornate wooden pulpit, as well as a massive pipe organ; those are worth enjoying.

A visit to Hoge Veluwe National Park: For nature and animal enthusiasts, this place would be a great option to visit in the Netherlands. Spread over a massive land of around 14 k acres, this is considered as one of the largest national parks in the Netherlands.

A weekend getaway to the Hague: a weekend in the Hagu e is the perfect way to explore a less touristy town in the Netherlands that’s famous for its museums, stunning beaches, and vibrant ex-pat community

Take a day trip to a different country – The Netherlands are well connected with neighboring countries and since it’s a relatively small country, you can easily visit Germany , Belgium , or Luxembourg on a day trip. – Buy train tickets here

Latest Blog Posts about the Netherlands:

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Rotterdam Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 9, 2023

An aerial view of Rotterdam, Netherlands

Often overshadowed by Amsterdam , Rotterdam is a funky little port town that prides itself on its unique architecture, cool art, amazing food, and massive harbor. The city is one of the most multicultural in the country and hosts an array of festivals and concerts throughout the year.

I really enjoy Rotterdam. It is a laid-back contrast to the wild, canal-lined streets of Amsterdam. Plus, the parks here are plentiful and the city comes to life in the summer with festivals, concerts, and other free events. (But, even while busy, it’s a far cry from the packed streets of Amsterdam.) Over the last few years, Rotterdam has really developed into a bustling up with a growing art and vibrant new restaurant scene.

This Rotterdam travel guide can help you plan your trip to this often overlooked destination.

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Rotterdam

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Rotterdam

The iconic Cube Houses near the Erasmus Bridge in sunny Rotterdam, Netherlands

1. See the Erasmus Bridge

This bridge (nicknamed “The Swan”) resembles a harp and towers over Europe’s largest harbor. Connecting the north and south of Rotterdam over the Nieuwe Maas river, this is a cable-stayed bridge as well as a bascule bridge (aka a drawbridge; the bascule part can be raised to allow large ships to pass under it). From the bridge, you can spot the iconic Cube Houses (more on them below) as well as the Art Nouveau-style Witte Huis. Walk a little further and you can explore the charming Delfshaven neighborhood.

2. Walk the harbor

Rotterdam has the largest and busiest harbor in all of Europe and it stretches out over 40 kilometers (25 miles). Head to Futureland (free admission) to learn more about Maasvlakte 2, the most recent part of the port that opened in 2013. If you’re short on time, just wander around and watch all the boats coming and going or take a stroll through the piers and check out luxurious yachts owned by the world’s elite. I enjoyed eating lunch at the cafes and watching the world go by wondering “where is that ship going?”

3. Go up the Euromast tower

This tower has a rotating elevator that takes you 185 meters (606 feet) in the air. There’s also a restaurant at the top (but it’s a bit expensive). Thanks to the flat landscape of the country, the picturesque views stretch on for miles. If you like adventure, you can actually abseil down from the top! Admission to the viewing platforms is 11.50 EUR but if you want to go all the way to the top, it’s 15.50 EUR. Abseiling (May to September only) is 62.50 EUR.

4. Visit the Cube Houses

Rotterdam is known for its modern, cutting-edge architecture. A great example of this is the quirky Cube Houses, a row of 38 bright yellow, small, cube-shaped houses. The cubes are elevated and supported on hexagonal pylons, freeing space on the ground. Also known as Blaak Forest, they were designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom and built in the 1980s. Most of the houses are private residences but one is open to the public for 3 EUR.

5. Relax in the park

Located right by the river near the Euromast, Het Park is a gigantic park perfect for strolls, picnics, and sports. (Don’t tell the people in Amsterdam, but I enjoyed it more than Amsterdam’s famed Vondelpark.) I highly recommend spending some time here. It was designed in the 1850s to look and feel like a traditional English garden. There are park houses, a mini-golf course (7.50 EUR per round), benches, and a BBQ area. Pack a lunch, bring a book, and lounge the day away.

Other Things to See and Do in Rotterdam

1. attend the rotterdam summer carnival.

Rotterdam has a thriving community of local artists. Their contributions are best reflected in the many festivals that take place in the port city, especially in the summer. The annual Rotterdam Summer Carnival, held the last weekend of July, includes a full lineup of dancing, parties, and colorful parades. It’s the largest street party in the Netherlands with over 2,500 dancers, 25 carnival groups, and 30 floats on display. If possible, try to see the Battle of the Drums at the beginning of the carnival — the streets become filled with Caribbean brass bands all competing for the “Golden Drum” award.

2. Visit the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen

This museum, founded in 1849, houses a rich collection of masterpieces such as Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s The “Little” Tower of Babel (1563). In addition to a large permanent collection of works by Dutch masters, there’s a broad collection of surrealism, featuring Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. While under renovation (expected to be completed in 2029), many items are accessible at other Rotterdam museums.

3. See City Hall

Built in 1914, the Rotterdam City Hall is one of the few buildings that survived the destruction of World War II (the Netherlands was officially neutral, however, the Nazis carpet-bombed Rotterdam and invaded the country anyway). There are several large statues outside the building, including the touching Memorial to the Fallen featuring four bronze figures meant to commemorate the victims of the war (900 people were killed and 85,000 were left homeless after just one day of bombing). Most of the notable architecture and monuments are on the exterior, but if you’d like a tour inside, you can book one from the local tourist office.

4. Peek in the Oude Kerk

This is another one of the few buildings that survived the World War II destruction. The Old Church, also called the Pilgrim Fathers Church, is one of the major sights in the Delfshaven neighborhood. Although the neighborhood is surrounded by the Red Light District, it’s nevertheless quite peaceful and quiet. The church dates to 1306 and is home to several artifacts, including a huge organ and the tombs of several noteworthy individuals, including Rembrandt’s wife. The church is said to be the site where the Pilgrims last prayed prior to leaving for the Americas. It’s 12 EUR to visit.

5. Do a harbor tour

If you enjoyed wandering the harbor and want to learn more about it, do a harbor tour. The harbor in Rotterdam is one of the largest and busiest in the entire world. Dutch history is inherently intertwined with the sea, so hopping on a boat tour is a great way to view some of the action. You’ll get to soak in the view of the city’s skyline while also viewing the shipyards, docks, and many giant shipping containers. Tours cost 15.75 EUR and last 75 minutes.

6. Visit the Kunsthal Rotterdam

For fans of contemporary art, the Kunsthal Rotterdam museum hosts temporary art exhibitions. While there is no permanent collection at the gallery, the space regularly attracts well-known artists. There is also a nice restaurant and a small garden and grounds to explore. Admission is 16.50 EUR and the museum is open daily when exhibitions are on. Check the website to see what’s on during your visit.

7. Grab a bite to eat at the Markthal

The Markthal is a large indoor market hall. Its impressive exterior is shaped like a horseshoe while the interior boasts over 100 different food stalls and restaurants. There’s also a supermarket and even a free historical exhibition space showcasing archaeological finds discovered during its construction. There’s a large mural of food, flowers, and insects covering the vaulted interior too. It’s a great place to snack and people-watch.

8. Explore the Het Nieuwe Instituut

The Museum for Architecture, Design, and Digital Culture offers a unique take on modern society. With exhibitions focusing on the three themes of design, architecture, and culture, it’s an insightful place to learn more about Rotterdam’s contemporary architecture. The Sonneveld House nearby, built in the modernist Dutch Functionalist style, is part of the museum’s collection and can be visited with the same admission ticket of 14 EUR (free on Thursday evenings).

9. Wander the Rotterdam Zoo

Rotterdam Zoo is one of the Netherlands’ oldest zoos and is considered one of the best zoos in Europe (it opened in 1857). Spanning over 60 acres, visitors can take a tour “around the world” through the various animal exhibitions and see giraffes, polar bears, elephants, and more. There’s also a relaxing botanical garden and an aquarium here as well. Admission is 23.50 EUR.

10. See Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk

This medieval Protestant church is the only remaining late Gothic building in Rotterdam, which was originally a medieval city. During World War II, the church was bombed, leaving only the walls intact. It was one of the few buildings in the city to be restored rather than replaced. There’s a tower that you can climb in spring/summer and three huge organs — including the largest organ in the Netherlands. Admission is 3 EUR and it costs another 7.50 EUR to climb the tower.

11. Tour the Maritime Museum

This museum is the oldest and largest museum in the Netherlands. It’s an immersive experience that covers six centuries of maritime history via its functional historic vessels and cranes. Some of the interactive exhibits include a trip offshore as well as learning about the drug trade (much of the world’s drugs are trafficked by ship). Tickets cost 16 EUR.

12. Explore the SS Rotterdam

The former flagship of the Holland America Line is now not only an attraction offering tours but you can actually sleep on board as well. Between 1959 and 1971, the ship ran transatlantic journeys between Europe and America. After flights put transatlantic boat trips out of business, it transitioned into a five-star cruise liner. It is now moored at the quayside in Rotterdam. There are three tours that you can take (two are guided while one is an audio tour). They last 1-2.5 hours and cost 12.95-16.50 EUR. Staying overnight costs from 80 EUR depending on the time of year.

  For more information on other cities in The Netherlands, check out these guides:

  • Amsterdam Travel Guide
  • The Hague Travel Guide
  • Utrecht Travel Guide

Rotterdam Travel Costs

The interior of the popular Foodhallen eatery in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Hostel prices – Hostels start at 27 EUR per night for 12-14-bed dorms and 35 EUR for 4-6-bed dorms. A basic private room with a shared bathroom starts at 65 EUR. Prices don’t change much between peak and off-peak seasons but some hostels close in the off-season.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city. A basic plot for one person without electricity costs around 12.50 EUR.

Budget hotel prices – Centrally located two-star hotels begin at 70 EUR per night for a double with a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi. Off-season, prices start at 55 EUR per night for the same type of room. For somewhere really unique, check out Culture Campsite. It features tiny houses using upcycled materials, including calf igloos, beach huts, and old trucks. Prices start at 65 EUR in low season and 75 EUR in high season.

Rotterdam has lots of Airbnb options, although it has become more tightly regulated in recent years. A private room can be as low as 45 EUR per night with a shared bathroom, even in peak season, but they average closer to 70-90 EUR. An entire apartment averages about 140 EUR per night, with off-season prices costing around 100 EUR per night.

Food – Dutch cuisine typically involves lots of vegetables, bread, and cheeses (gouda originated here). Meat, while historically not as prominent, is a staple of dinner meals. Breakfast and lunch usually involve open-faced sandwiches, often with cheeses and cold cuts. Dinners are very much a “meat and potatoes” meal, with meat stews and smoked sausage being two popular choices. For those with a sweet tooth, the stroopwafel (a waffle cookie with a syrup filling) is the go-to choice, though apple tarts/pies are also local favorites.

If you’re on a budget, falafel and shawarma shops are your best bet for cheap food. Meals here cost around 5-10 EUR. Cheap fast food (think fries and burgers) cost around 9 EUR.

Restaurant meals average around 15 EUR for a main dish of more traditional Dutch cuisine. In a mid-range restaurant, a three-course menu with a drink costs at least 30-40 EUR.

Pizza costs around 10-15 EUR while Chinese food is also around 10-15 EUR for a main dish. Beer is 4 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is 3 EUR. Bottled water is 2.40 EUR.

If you cook your meals, expect to pay 60-70 EUR per week for groceries that include pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat.

Backpacking Rotterdam Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Rotterdam, expect to spend about 65 EUR per day. This budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, limiting your drinking, taking public transit to get around, cooking your meals, and sticking to mostly free activities like walking tours and exploring the market. If you plan on drinking, add 10-20 EUR more per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of about 145 EUR per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, enjoy a drink or two, eat out a little bit, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like a harbor tour and visiting some museums.

On a “luxury” budget of 280 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, take more taxis and rent a bike to get around, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Rotterdam Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

The Netherlands is not a cheap destination — and the city of Rotterdam is no exception to that rule. However, there are plenty of ways to save money if you look for them. Here are some tips to help you get started:

  • Rent a bicycle – The easiest and cheapest way to get around the city (besides walking) is to rent a bike. Donkey Republic is an app that has locations all over the city. You can get a bike with them for around 3.30 EUR per hour or 10-13 EUR per day.
  • Eat cheap – Rotterdam has a lot of cheap snack and falafel shops that cost 5-10 EUR. Additionally, buying food at the market is a great way to stock up on groceries for the week. It’s not glamorous, but it’s cheap.
  • Get the Welcome Card – If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing, get this city tourist card. It offers discounts on most attractions (and some are free) as well as three days’ worth of travel on the train and bus system. It’s a bargain if you are going to stay in the city for a while and see a lot. The 24-hour pass is just 13.50 EUR.
  • Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a service that lets travelers stay with locals for free. You’ll get to connect with a local who can share their insider tips and advice, making this an amazing platform to use to get travel tips. Just be sure to send your requests early as there are not many hosts here.
  • Get the Museumkaart (Museum Card) – Good for one month for non-residents, this card gets you into museums in the Netherlands for only 64.90 EUR. With the Museum Card, you get access to more than 400 museums throughout the Netherlands (the temporary card available to tourists can only be used at a maximum of 5 different museums, however). Depending on your trip, though, it can save you money if you choose your museums wisely.
  • Buy the Rotterdam Pass – The Rotterdam Pass is valid for a year so if you’re planning to spend a long time in Rotterdam, or you’re going to be making multiple visits there, then it definitely makes sense to pick one up. It provides free admission or discounts at around 500 attractions in and around Rotterdam including 20 museums and some food outlets so if you’re planning to eat out and see lots of attractions then it’s worth it. It costs 60 EUR.
  • Take a free walking tour – If you want an overview of the city, take a free walking tour with Free Walking Tour Rotterdam . They offer insightful tours that can help you learn about the city on a budget. Just be sure to tip!
  • Save money on rideshares – Uber is cheaper than taxis here and is the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi.
  • Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Rotterdam

Rotterdam doesn’t have many hostel options but there are still a handful of budget-friendly accommodations to choose from. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Rotterdam:

  • Stayokay Rotterdam
  • King Kong Hostel Rotterdam
  • CityHub Rotterdam
  • HostelRoom Rotterdam
  • Sparks Hostel

How to Get Around Rotterdam

A busy transit station on a sunny summer day in Rotterdam, Netherlands

Public transportation – Rotterdam has an extensive public transport system of buses, trams, and a metro run by RET. A single journey up to 2 hours is 4.50 EUR so it’s a lot cheaper to buy a day pass for 9.50 EUR if you’re moving around a lot. If you need a 2- or 3-day pass, it’s cheaper to buy the multi-day Rotterdam Welcome Card.

Note: Cash is not accepted on public transportation. You need to purchase an OV chip card to ride. They come in reloadable and non-reloadable versions.

Bicycle – Like other cities in the Netherlands, cycling is one of the most popular ways to get around. Donkey Republic has stations all over the city with prices starting at 3.30 EUR per hour and 10-13 EUR per day.

Taxi – It’s probably not necessary to take taxis to get around Rotterdam as bikes, walking, and public transport can get you anywhere you need to go. However, if you do need a ride, prices start at 4 EUR and go up 2 EUR per kilometer. Skip them if you can as those prices add up fast!

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Rotterdam but, again, public transportation goes everywhere so skip them if you can.

When to Go to Rotterdam

Rotterdam’s peak season is July-August. This is when the city is liveliest and when you’ll find most of the festivals and events. It’s also when the city is busiest so be sure to book your accommodation early since there are not a ton of hostels here. The average daily summer temperature in Rotterdam is around 22°C (72°F), but it can get a lot hotter than that during July and August.

The weather is mild during the off-season (late spring and early fall) and prices are a little cheaper. If you’re on a tight budget, this is a good time to visit.

The average daily temperature in the winter is 7°C (45°F) so dress warmly if you visit during that time. Generally, I would say avoid visiting in the winter unless you come around Christmas as the city lights up with holiday markets and festivities.

How to Stay Safe in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel. Violent crime is very rare here. Pick-pocketing, while uncommon, can still occur though so keep an eye on your belongings when on crowded public transit.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

There are a few common scams to be aware of here, such as people trying to sell you public transit tickets that actually have already been used. Also, be wary of purchasing a really cheap bike from someone off the street as it has likely been stolen. Overall, scams here are rare but you can read about common travel scams to avoid .

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Rotterdam Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
  • Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
  • FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
  • BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Rotterdam Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Europe and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The 6 Best Hotels in Vienna

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

The Best Walking Tours in Barcelona

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

How to Be a Digital Nomad in Europe

The Best eSIM for Traveling Europe

The Best eSIM for Traveling Europe

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hotels in Stockholm

The 6 Best Hotels in Stockholm

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  • Booking Resources
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13 Best Things To Do in Rotterdam

13 Best Things To Do in Rotterdam

Rotterdam – a creative city in the Netherlands featuring world-famous architecture & museums, trendy cafes, the largest port in Europe, and many entrepreneurs. This young and energetic city is often overshadowed by Amsterdam when, in reality, it’s very different. During the II World War, the old city center disappeared due to air bombings, but Rotterdam came back stronger with daring and eye-catching architecture, like the Cube Houses and Markthal.

13 Things To Do in Rotterdam

As the intro might suggest, Rotterdam is awesome! Hannah and I spent most of our teenage years at school there, and it has become one of our favorite places on earth. Besides shopping at the Koopgoot, find out about the popular Things To Do in Rotterdam.

things to do rotterdam markthal

1. Markthal

Opened in 2014, the Markthal of Rotterdam has become a landmark for the city. Inside this 40-meter-high horseshoe-shaped market hall are plenty of food stalls and restaurants. The enormous glass facade on both sides keeps the cold out and, therefore, is also possible to visit in winter. Fruits, vegetables, and flowers sold at the market are displayed as artwork on the Markthal’s ceiling. You can join a tour exploring this landmark while tasting all the delicious food.

Here are all your hotel options in Rotterdam.

must do rotterdam citytrip markthal

The outer ring is all apartments with a window looking down into the Markthal (how cool!). During the evening or sunset time, the Markthal’s inside will light up and make it incredibly picturesque from the outside square. If you like to capture it without people, visit before opening time at 10 AM.

Tip: Visit the nearby Laurens church, one of the few remaining buildings in this area.

These are the best city trips in Europe

oude haven rotterdam

2. Depot – A Giant Mirror

Depot is a new building part of the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum. It is the first depot in the world that offers access to 151,000 art objects! The building itself is a 40-meter-high building covered in mirrors that reflect the skyline of the city. An absolute must-see in Rotterdam!

things to do rotterdam depot

3. Vintage Shopping

If you love vintage shopping, this should be your thing to do in Rotterdam. Throughout the entire city are small and large vintage shops that sell everything from clothing and accessories to shoes and even furniture items. This way of sustainable shopping is very popular, plus it is usually much more affordable. A few favorites are:

  • Sweet Rebels 
  • Betje Krul Vintage
  • Margootje Vintage
  • Cheap Fashion

citytrip things to do rotterdam vintage shopping

4. Walk the Street Art Route

Rotterdam and street art go hand-in-hand. This new ‘Capital of Cool’ has many hidden murals around the city that you can find by following the locations on Google Maps . you can do this by walking, renting a bicycle, or using Felix, the electric scooter. 

Discover the Street Art Map

citytrip rotterdam street art

5. Cube Houses – A Must-Do in Rotterdam

Houses that lean against each other at a 45-degree angle, hovering above the street in the city center. This strange appearance, named the Yellow Cube Houses (Kubeswoningen), is the oldest (1977) and, therefore, the most iconic thing to do in Rotterdam. 

citytrip rotterdam kubuswoningen

Almost all houses are inhabited apart from one that is open to the public from 11 AM to 5 PM. Alternatively, you can also spend the night there at the Stayokay Hotel .

13 Best Things To Do in Rotterdam

Luckily, the street is always accessible, so appreciating its exterior can be done at any hour of the day. Follow the street that goes under the houses and find patterns or new perspectives.

things to do rotterdam yellow cube houses

6. Chill at the parks or beaches

Inside the city are a couple of great parks like ‘Het Park’ or ‘Kralingsebos’ where you can spend an afternoon relaxing in the grass. Inside ‘Het Park’ at the Euromast is a great-looking little cafe named Parqiet with outdoor seating. 

citytrip rotterdam euromast

Weelde city beach

A holiday feeling in the middle of the city, Rotterdam’s Weelde city beach is the spot to visit when the sun’s out! Weelde is a collective of smaller businesses with a restaurant, bar, relaxing garden, a city beach, and soon a skatepark. Getting there: Take the metro or tram to Marconiplein.

things-to-do rotterdam weelde beach

Beaches near Rotterdam

For some beach time, take the metro line to Hoek van Holland, Ouddorp, or the Brouwersdam. The Brouwserdam and Ouddorp take longer to get to with public transport but are much quieter beaches.

Read about: Ouddorp and Brouwersdam Beaches

rotterdam day trip beach

7. Old and New at Kop van Zuid

Cross the Erasmus bridge towards Kop van Zuid, where the contrast of Rotterdam’s old and new architecture is most visible. 

erasmus bridge rotterdam citytrip

De Rotterdam The first building you will notice is ‘De Rotterdam’, a 149-meter-high tower completed in 2013. The shifted towers enhance wind stability and also its design. Nhow Hotel is situated inside, which is a great place to stay in Rotterdam. 

things to do rotterdam city architecture

Hotel New York Possibly the most charming building of Rotterdam is this former office building of the ‘Holland-Amerika Lijn’ which was a shipping and passenger line between America and The Netherlands.

Later on, the building transformed into Hotel New York and a restaurant, with a terrace that overlooks the river.

citytrip rotterdam hotel new york

Pakhuismeesteren Products like nuts and tea were imported from Indonesia and stored into this former VOC warehouse. On its exterior, you can see names like Borneo and Java written on the building. Nowadays, there are food halls located inside.

Tip: Spending New Years in Rotterdam? The Erasmus Bridge is home to the great annual fireworks show.

citytrip rotterdam history

8. Grote Markt at Blaak Rotterdam (The big market)

Twice a week, on Tuesday and Saturday, the local market is organized at the big square in front of the Markthal. Before the Markthal was built, this was the main market. You find over 250 stalls selling everything from cheese, nuts, fruits, and veggies to clothing, second-hand items, and gadgets. The market in Rotterdam is one of the biggest in the Netherlands .

Visiting in April or May? Don’t miss the Tulips in the Netherlands !

citytrip rotterdam blaak

9. The Story of ‘Witte Huis’

One of the most underestimated things to do in Rotterdam is to see ‘Witte Huis’ (White House) along with the ‘Spanjaardsburg’ and the ‘Oudehaven’. The story behind the white house is truly remarkable, as it was constructed in 1897 and was Europe’s first skyscraper at just 43 meters! 

things to do rotterdam wittehuis

During the Second World War, the picturesque Spanjaardsburg (bridge) and Witte Huis were the only remains around the old harbor. See this photo from 1940 , where you see Laurenschurch and Witte Huis after the bombing. Walk around the old harbor (Oudehaven) and have a delicious lunch at LOT&DAAN.

Did you know:  Rotterdam is just 2.5 hours away from Paris? Read the full Paris City Trip Guide .

whitehouse rotterdam

10. Walk the Luchtsingel

Located in the center of the city is a rather remarkable site. The ‘Luchtsingel’ is a bright-yellow elevated pedestrian bridge that connects Central Station to Rotterdam North.

must do rotterdam luchtsingel

The 390-meter-long wooden structure was a project entirely funded by the community. Individuals were asked to buy a wooden plank for 25 EUR, and, in return, a person or company could have their name placed on the piece. The Luchtsingel is accessible 24/7 via multiple stairways located here.

Another option is booking a boat tour or bike tour to see Rotterdam.

luchtsingel yellow bridge

11. The Windmills at Kinderdijk 

Marked as one of the few UNESCO World Heritage sights in the Netherlands, the windmills of Kinderdijk are a truly beautiful sight. A calm river bank is flanked by 19 windmills on both riversides, which are all inhabited to preserve this unique way of living. The landscape is being prevented from flooding with the help of these windmills.

Read everything about the windmills at Kinderdijk 

things to do rotterdam kinderdijk windmills

Entrance fee Kinderdijk Kinderdijk itself is free to visit. Additionally, you can buy a ticket to have a look inside and learn about its history. (10 AM – 4 PM) Purchase an additional ticket for the riverboat tour.

How to get to Kinderdijk The most fun way to visit Kinderdijk is by using the waterbus. Take a rented bike, too, so you can bike around at Kinderdijk. Another option would be taking the metro and switching to bus 489 at station Kralingse Zoom.

Waterbus tickets can be bought inside the bus. Check out the timetable here .

kinderdijk the netherlands

12. Delfshaven – Favorite Thing To Do in Rotterdam

Delfshaven in Rotterdam is a picturesque and historic area that has been pretty much untouched by the II World War bombs. If you’ve visited Amsterdam , you can probably recognize this building style in Delfshaven and get an idea of what all of Rotterdam used to look like.

best thing to do rotterdam visit delfshaven

Wander along the harbor surrounded by historical and crooked buildings which takes about 20 – 30 minutes. The best part about this thing to do in Rotterdam is that it’s fairly unknown. Arrive before 11 AM and you will barely see any other visitors.

Also read: Things to do in Amsterdam (City Trip Guide)

delfshaven houses

13. Visit one of the many museums

If you’re into museums, this is your place. Rotterdam features many well-known museums like Boijmans Van Beuningen and the Kunsthal. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to discover the Maritime Museum to learn about the history of the largest port in Europe ( book tickets here ).

Ticket prices range from 10 – 20 EUR.

Best spots to eat in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a very multi-cultural and international city and, therefore, a real paradise for food lovers. There are great restaurants, at any price or category, spread over the city, and some of them are very well decorated. These are our favorites, which are all in the middle price range (10 – 20 EUR):

  • Backyard (Plant-based)
  • Little V (Vietnamese)
  • Sajoer (Juicebar)
  • Speck (Pizza)
  • LOT&DAAN (Lunch)
  • Bazar (Middle Eastern)
  • Umami (Sushi)

citytrip rotterdam transport

Where to Stay

Although the city is very walkable, it is useful to have a hotel in Rotterdam near public transport or in the city center. The best areas to stay in Rotterdam are North, Central, Delfshaven, and Kop van Zuid.

Hotels in Rotterdam 😴

nhow Rotterdam

Getting to Rotterdam

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam Central, and even Paris are all very well connected to Rotterdam. A direct, 30-minute high-speed train from the international airport takes you to Rotterdam Central, or you can take a 2.5-hour train ride from Paris! The only downside is that train tickets in the Netherlands are expensive at the moment, so do factor this in.

We recommend to rent a car in Netherlands through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

amsterdam the netherlands

Transport in Rotterdam

Getting from A to B in Rotterdam is even easier than getting there. Renting a bike is a fun option since the city is designed around biking lanes. Other than that, use the water taxi, tram, metro or bus. Route planning plus live departure times are available via Google Maps. 

Tip: A very affordable way is to buy a day pass that allows you to visit all the places within this Rotterdam city trip guide. ( Find out more )

citytrip rotterdam transport metro

Is Rotterdam Expensive?

In comparison to Amsterdam, Rotterdam is a much more affordable city. The prices of restaurants, accommodation, museums, and attractions are noticeably lower.

Costs of Traveling in Rotterdam

Travel on a budget in Rotterdam, from $390 − $670 USD weekly per person, mid-range $940 − $1970 USD, and high-end from $1880 − $2720 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

  • Hotels: $60 − $200 USD Check available hotels
  • Hostels: $20 − $60 USD Check available hostels
  • Transport: $10 − $30 USD Book public transport
  • Car Rental: $50 − $100 USD Book a rental car
  • Food: $10 − $50 USD
  • Activities: $10 − $30 USD See tickets & tours
  • Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
  • Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

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9 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

9 best things to do in amsterdam, windmills at kinderdijk in the netherlands (a first-timer’s guide).

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Excellent post! Your blog about Rotterdam and the helpful City Trip guide have nudged me to apply for a Visa for Netherlands. I heard that most of the EU countries are relaxing travel restrictions and if tourists adhere to certain guidelines then they can easily enter the beautiful country in a hassle-free manner. I will be going through your post once I get my visa so that I can prepare a fun-filled Netherlands travel itinerary.

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The Ultimate Guide To Train Travel in The Netherlands

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Are you planning to visit the Netherlands? Or a trip around Europe including a couple of days in the Netherlands?   On a trip to the Netherlands with Boat-Bike Tours, we got hopelessly confused trying to make sense of the Dutch train system. If you plan to travel around the Netherlands by train, you need this guide to train travel in the Netherlands to understand this system.

Train Travel in The Netherlands

With over 400 train stations, traveling by train in the Netherlands is definitely an excellent way of exploring the country and once you know how it works, traveling by train is really easy.

In this step-by-step guide, you will learn everything there is to know about traveling by train in the Netherlands!

A train in the Netherlands.

Train travel in the Netherlands is fast and easy.

Train Travel in The Netherlands: Fun Facts

  • The first train track in the Netherlands was opened in 1839 and connected Amsterdam with Haarlem (one of the best day trips from Amsterdam!).
  • The Dutch train network is the 3rd busiest in the world, only the networks in Switzerland and Japan are used more intensively.
  • In 2019 over 1.3 million people traveled by train in the Netherlands every single day, meaning it got pretty busy at times. However, in 2020 and 2021 those numbers halved due to COVID and many people working from home for most of the year. It remains to be seen how busy it will be in the upcoming years.  

How To Travel by Train in The Netherlands

Here is what you need to know about travelling by train in the Netherlands.

NS, the Dutch train company

The first thing you have to know about train travel in the Netherlands is that most of the trains are owned and operated by NS, fully called ‘ Nederlandse Spoorwegen ’.  

The colors of the NS are a distinctive blue and yellow. The website of the NS is www.ns.n l and much of the information provided is also available in English.

Signage on the platform will indicate where the train will be stopping.

Signage on the platform will indicate where the train will be stopping.

OV-chipkaart, the Netherlands train ticket

Since 2014 the only way you can travel by train in the Netherlands is with an OV-chipkaart, a credit card format pass that you use for all public transport.

There are 3 types of the OV-chipkaart:

1. Disposable: singe use, cannot be topped up. 2. Anonymous: unlimited use, can be topped up. 3. Personal: unlimited use, can be used for discount plans.

When to get a disposable OV chipcard

Basically, when you are planning on traveling by train just once, get the disposable card.  

When to get an anonymous OV chipcard

If you plan to travel by train multiple times, get the anonymous chip card. Keep in mind that to travel by train you need to put at least 20 euro on the card in order to pass through the gates (more below).  

To travel by bus, metro or tram you only need a balance of 4 euro on your card.

When to get a personal OV chipcard

If you plan on staying in the Netherlands for a longer period of time, get the personal chip card and investigate which discount plan is most suitable for your personal situation.

How to get an OV-chipkaart

Buying an OV-chipkaart is simple, you look for a machine identical to the LEFT one in the picture below.  

OV ticket dispensers in the Netherlands

OV ticket dispensers on the Dutch train system.

I know it looks pretty much the same as the machine on the right, but there is a slight difference.

The machine on the left is for buying a new OV-chipkaart, the one on the right is only for topping up (doesn’t dispense new cards).  

The one on the left with the rail symbol can be used to buy a new card, the machine on the right (with OV-chipkaarthouders written at the top) can only be used to top up cards.

Now that you have located the proper ticket machine, the next step is to get yourself a brand new OV-chipkaart.

Click English, this will make choosing the right buttons a lot easier. Unless you really want to learn Dutch, in which case: GO AHEAD!

If you are going to make several trips by train or other public transport you’ll want to get an OV-chipkaart.

The costs for an OV-chipkaart are €7,50 and the card is valid for 5 years. An excellent reason to plan a return trip to the Netherlands!

In order to travel by train, you’ll need a minimum of €20 on your OV-chipkaart.

Choose your preferred payment method. You can try your usual bank card, but if that doesn’t work you can pay with credit card as well.

On the left is the payment terminal, which accepts Maestro cards and Credit Cards. On the right is the touchpad for the OV-chipkaart, if you put the card on the pad you can check your balance and top-up your card.

All right, you are all set up with a brand new loaded OV-chipkaart ready for use, your next step is to check-in…

How to use the OV-chipkaart

Now that you have a brand new topped up OV-chipkaart you are almost ready to hop aboard a brightly colored blue and yellow train.

When traveling by train in the Netherlands you should NEVER forget to CHECK-IN ! Checking in can be done at gates and poles looking like this:

Remember to check in and out with your train ticket.

Remember to check in and out with your ticket.

Alright, you have checked in and can now hop aboard the train to your desired destination. Equally important: don’t forget to CHECK-OUT when you have arrived at your destination. You do this at the gates or poles as well.

There is one exception and this is where it goes wrong for many travelers (and not just travelers, many Dutch people as well).  

For some train trips you will have to check-out with NS and check-in with another train company transporting you to your final destination.

Yes I know, it’s confusing. The thing is, while the NS operates on the vast majority of the train tracks, there are small parts of the track that are operated by other companies, particularly in the North, East, and South of the Netherlands.

So if you visit places further off the beaten track you can find yourself in the situation where you feel like you have done everything right (you bought your OV-chipkaart, you charged it, you check-in) and still get fined…  

Because you failed to complete this tiny and stupid step of checking out with NS and checking in with the appropriate other company.

Other companies operating on small parts of the Dutch train tracks are Arriva, Synthus, Connexxion, Veolia and Arriva Vechtdallijnen.

This sign explains transferring from one train company to another.

On the top half of the sign in the picture it says: Transferring from Connexxion to NS -> step 1: Check-out with Connexxion, step 2: Check-in with NS. On the bottom half of the sign vice versa.

Transfer from one train to another can be confusing in terms of tickets.

Transfer from one train to another can be confusing in terms of tickets.

Whenever you find yourself at a station with poles in any other color than blue-yellow, and the train you are getting into isn’t blue and yellow either, make sure to check out at an NS pole and check in at the pole of the train company transporting you to your next destination.

If you aren’t sure, just ask somebody to help you, either the train staff or people at the station.  

Almost everybody in the Netherlands speaks English and is willing to help you out making sense of this unnecessarily complicated system…  

Dutch Rail Travel with a Eurail Pass

If you have a Eurail Pass to travel in the Netherlands, you will need additional information.

How does traveling in the Netherlands with a Eurail pass work?  

You might be wondering: how do I use my Eurail card in the Netherlands? Do I need to check-in as well? And is my Eurail card suitable for checking in?  

Before you arrive in the Netherlands (about 5 working days before) you can send an email to  [email protected] .  

You will receive an email with a square barcode. This barcode can be scanned (from paper or from your phone) at the check-in gates and they will open.  

You will need this because at some train station you can only get to the platform via an entrance gate.  

Please note the barcode is only to open the gates, it’s not a valid ticket to travel. When asked for your ticket you can show your Eurail pass to the train staff, as this is valid in NL.  

You can read more information here.  

On the page it says you can only get a keycard if you have a certain type of NS subscriptions on your OV-chipkaart, please ignore that.  

FYI for Dutch Train Travel

Some important things to know about train travel in The Netherlands.

Dutch Train Classes

There are 2 classes in the train, 1st and 2nd class. The class is indicated on the side of the train and also inside the train.  

The class of train is written on the side of the train and inside.

The class of train is written on the side of the train and inside.

A standard OV-chipkaart gives you access to 2nd class, for the 1st class you’ll have to buy a supplement.

But that’s really not necessary, second class will do just fine, only during rush hour it can get pretty crowded. All trains in the Netherlands are non-smoking. Because smoking is gross and will kill you…

In the picture below you can see three symbols. The first one indicates the class (1st class in this case). If you see the symbol in the middle, it means the compartment you are about to enter is a silence compartment.  

A combination of Dutch train signs indicating that upstairs is a first class compartment with silence observed.

This combination of Dutch train signs means that upstairs is a first class carriage in which silence is expected.

You cannot talk in these compartments as people are working, reading, sleeping or most likely: glued to their phones.  

The arrow you’ll only see in double-decker trains, it simply means that if you go up the stairs you’ll find a 1st class compartment where you’ll have to be quiet.

Sprinter Trains Netherlands

In almost all the trains there is a toilet (which is usually also very gross, so try not to use it), except in the so-called ‘Sprinters’.  

If you find yourself in need of a restroom while riding a Sprinter Train you’re out of luck because there’s no bathroom on board.

Note though that the newer versions of this train do have a toilet because of the massive amounts of complaints the NS got from travelers!

Dutch people love complaining, and they complain a lot about the NS.  

Which isn’t always fair because as I mentioned, the Dutch rail system is one of the busiest in the world and according to the latest statistics 95% of the trains are on time.

A Sprinter train in the Netherlands is a slow service train that makes local stops.

Despite the name, a sprinter train in the Netherlands is a slower service that stops at local stations.

Dutch Train Delays

But every now and then you may find yourself in the situation where the train is delayed. You’ll see this on the information displays, like in the picture below.

In general, if you hear or read the word ‘ Vertraging ‘ (which is Dutch for delay), you know you’ll be waiting a little while…

Some signs you don't want to see while taking a train int he netherlands.

Some words you don’t want to see while taking a train in the Netherlands.

Bikes on Trains Netherlands

Bikes can only be taken on trains in the Netherlands during off-peak hours.

You don’t actually need to make a reservation to take your bike on trains but you will have to buy a ticket for the bike.

Cycle tickets can be purchased online or at a ticket machine at the station.

Many train stations will have rental bikes in front, but you can only rent an OV bike with a personal OV card which most travelers won’t have.

Here is the information for taking bikes on Dutch trains .

Dutch Train Etiquette

If you are traveling in rush hour, you may be a little shocked by the nonexistent queuing skills of Dutch people.  

A packed train in the Netherlands is a free for all of people trying to get in the train.

A packed train in the Netherlands is a free for all of people trying to get in the train.

It never really struck me as strange that the Dutch way of entering a train is to push as hard as you can to secure yourself a seat. Even if that means that people getting out of the train are having an impossible time to do so.  

People in the Netherlands DON’T STAND ON THE PROPER SIDE OF THE ESCALATOR! I don’t get it, stand on the right, walk on the left, it’s that simple!  

Netherlands Train Websites

The most important website for train travel is www.ns.nl/en . This is the official website of ‘Nederlandse Spoorwegen’, the main Dutch train company.  

On this website you can find general travel information, information about tickets and plan your journey.  

The NS also has an app for Android and iPhones.

Another excellent site and app to plan your journey if it involves more than travel by train is www.9292ov.nl . This site and app also includes information about traveling by bus, metro, tram, and even ferry.

Both websites are available in English, the apps can also be set to English once you’ve downloaded them. On this website you can find a map of all the train tracks in the Netherlands.

OV Chipkaart Netherlands Buying Guide

Here is the step by step guide on how to get an OV-chipkaart.

NS ticket machines

You can operate the NS ticket machines in English or Dutch.

There is a minimum amount you need to have on your Dutch train card.

There is a minimum amount you need to have on your Dutch train card.

OV train machine Netherlands

Pick your card and select a method of payment.

Payment for Dutch train ticket machine.

Payment for Dutch train ticket machine.

This post was written by Lotte Eschbach, a frequent user of the Dutch train service.

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Amsterdam is a strange city, but strange things are not strange at all because they are rooted from the most civilized ideas. A city in which you should not be surprised to see a warning: “You will be not arrested for using drugs in Amsterdam. Call 112 for medical assistance ”, which means you will not be considered guilty if you use drugs. Or another special thing is that there is a separate neighborhood for prostitution, yes it is a government-approved job to operate normally like any other profession. It is a civilized country with a high sense of every citizen.

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So, is Amsterdam worth visiting? Let’s discover one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe through our Amsterdam travel blog (Amsterdam blog) with the fullest Amsterdam travel guide blog (Amsterdam city guide, Amsterdam visitors guide) for a wonderful trip to Amsterdam on a budget for the first time from how to get there, where to stay, best places to visit and what to do… in Amsterdam below to find out the answer!

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There are many other interesting things, of course there are many beautiful museums, the signature canals that only the Netherlands has and the habit of taking bicycles as a daily means of transportation of Amsterdam people. We can explore them slowly.

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Amsterdam city guide: When is the best time to visit Amsterdam?

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This depends on each person, some people like to go in the summer from May to August because it is the tourist season, the weather is not too hot as other Mediterranean cities and this time Tulip flowers also bloom. But some people like to go in the spring because you will avoid crowded scenes if you go in the summer, and spring is the season where the flowers at Keukenhof flower garden bloom from mid-March to mid-May, and the flowers garden also only open during that time.

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In Amsterdam there is usually rain all year round but usually is drizzle and only rain in the evenings. However, if you intend to travel here, you should bring a jacket or a cold coat to prevent storms and unusual cold winds. Because of such weather, most of the hotels here are not equipped with air conditioning, but instead have a fireplace in the room. From December until January, the coldest time, dense snowfall, everything seemed to freeze. However, it is rarely frozen, so you can not play ice skating on the canals like in the movies you often see.

flower-power-where-to-go-for-spring-in-amsterdam

If you have a chance to come to Amsterdam in the winter, it is extremely noticeable because the Netherlands is in the sea climate region adjacent to Northern Europe, so the winter here is super cold, you will just want to remove your hands from the pockets a little bit, try to press button to take photos and then have to put your hands back into pockets immediately. It’s so cold, so remember to bring really warm clothes, until May but in Amsterdam, the temperature is still around 10 degrees Celsius, how do you feel?

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Amsterdam travel blog: Getting around Amsterdam

amsterdam canal cruise

Generally Amsterdam has all kinds of public transport like many other cities, such as Metro, Tram, Bus and especially people here love to ride bicycles. Bicycles have become Amsterdam’s distinctive cultural feature, simple, improve health and protect the environment.

cycling amsterdam

The single ticket (Single Journey) price for all means of public transport is €2.80 and you can use all types of public transport within 1 hour, unlimited daily tickets cost €7.50. In addition, there also is OV Chipkaart card is cheaper if traveling a lot, just like EZ Link card when you traveling by MRT in Singapore . Bicycle rental prices range from EUR3-10/day.

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Read more: How to get around Amsterdam cheap? — 7 cheapest & best way on how to travel cheap in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam blog: Where to stay?

Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam

There are 2 options for you to stay in Amsterdam, you can stay in the city center, convenient for traveling and more bustling, but the room rates is quite expensive. For backpackers, it is advisable to choose suburban hotels to save costs. In the suburbs you should choose the hotel near Metro station to going into the city only takes 5-10 minutes by train is also very convenient, but in the evening will not be bustling. To find such hostels you should find on Hostelworld.com or Airbnb.com will have more options and cheaper prices than regular hotels. The room rates at Hostelworld.com, Booking.com or Agoda.com are basically the same, but Hostelworld.com gives you more options on the type of hostel rooms.

amsterdam canal view room

In the city you may consider some of the following areas:

Central Station : This is the spot that will be very convenient for you because usually going from the airport to the city or taking a train from other cities in Europe has an end point at the central station. There are many hotels, hostels for you to choose from, restaurants, eateries or cafes around a lot, nothing to criticize, of course, the price will be more expensive than other remote areas. You can book hostel Budget Hostel Heart of Amsterdam with room rates from $23/night ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) at a good price, only a 10-minute walk from the station and located right the Dam Square.

Budget Hostel Heart of Amsterdam

Rembrandtplein : This area is located not far from the central station or Dam Square, but there are many luxury hotels, bars or restaurants. Staying in this area you can go to the Royal Palace and the National War Memorial very close. The good hostel at a nice price in Rembrandtplein has Stayokay Amsterdam Stadsdoelen with room rates from $25/night ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) , just a few steps away from Metro, flower market.

Stayokay Amsterdam Stadsdoelen

In addition to the above areas there are some other areas you can find on Booking.com or Agoda.com , that is Red Light district, also quite interesting if you want to try, this area does not have many hotels or hostel, the evening is not bustling with restaurants, cafes but only things that everyone knows!

red light district

Below are some best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

XO Hotels Couture (Address: Delflandlaan 15, 1062 EA Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 881 2595), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $62/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

XO Hotels Couture

Lloyd Hotel (Address: Oostelijke Handelskade 34, 1019 BN Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 561 3636), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $51/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Lloyd Hotel

XO Hotels Park West (Address: Molenwerf 1, 1014 AG Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 262 9263), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $62/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

XO Hotels Park West

Ambassade Hotel (Address: Herengracht 341, 1016 AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 555 0222), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $273/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Ambassade Hotel

Hotel Estherea (Address: Singel 303-309, 1012 WJ Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 624 5146), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $111/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Estherea

Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam (Address: Rusland 17, 1012 CK Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 623 1231), a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $161/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Radisson Blu Hotel, Amsterdam

Hotel2stay (Address: Tempelhofstraat 2, 1043 EC Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 229 6345), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $108/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel2stay

Amsterdam Teleport Hotel (Address: Heathrowstraat 5, 1043 CE Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 210 3535), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $75/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Amsterdam Teleport Hotel

NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky (Address: Dam 9, 1012 JS Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 554 9111), a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $184/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Amsterdam Centraal Station (Address: Oosterdoksstraat 4, 1011 DK Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 530 0800), a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $219/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Amsterdam Centraal Station

Hotel Casa (Address: Eerste Ringdijkstraat 4, 1097 BC Amsterdam, Netherlands / Phone: +31 20 665 1171), a top rated 3-star hotel with room rates from $60/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Hotel Casa

Check out more top and best hotels in Amsterdam via Agoda.com or Booking.com

Amsterdam travel guide: What and where to eat?

amterdam cuisine

If you want to saving on eating and drinking in Amsterdam for Amsterdam on a budget trip, it is best to avoid restaurants in the center, just go to the supermarket to buy bread and sausage to eat, in Europe I used to saving costs like that. It only took about 10 euros a day while eating a meal in the restaurant you have to spend at least 15 euros. But if traveling without trying to discover some of the signature foods in that city, it is really flawed. Here are some traditional dishes or unique foods in Amsterdam that you can try.

haring-and-kebelling-on-eating-amsterdam-food-tour_x960

Stroopwafel

stroopwafel,amsterdam blog,amsterdam travel blog,amsterdam travel guide blog,amsterdam city guide

Stroopwafel biscuits consist of two layers of thin baked dough made from butter, flour, sugar, eggs, water, yeast, cinnamon with caramel filling in the middle, dded honey, hazelnuts, jam, ….. depending on the chef’s improvisation and the request of the guests, that selling quite a lot at Albert Cuyp market.

stroopwafel,amsterdam blog,amsterdam travel blog,amsterdam travel guide blog,amsterdam city guide

In addition to being a popular street food in Amsterdam, Stroopwafel is also used for breakfast, dinner meals of Dutch people.

Dutch French Fries

dutch french fries chip amsterdam (1),amsterdam blog,amsterdam travel blog,amsterdam travel guide blog,amsterdam city guide

The dish is of Belgian origin and quite popular in the world, however, only potato chips in Amsterdam are enchanting and voted as the world’s best potato chips.

dutch french fries chip amsterdam (1),amsterdam blog,amsterdam travel blog,amsterdam travel guide blog,amsterdam city guide

Drop by the stalls and cafes on the streets of Amsterdam, and you’ll easily buy a “paper funnel” filled with crispy golden fries and a special sauce layer to eating on the street. There are more than 22 types of sauces served with fries such as chicken egg sauce, peanut sauce, vegetable sauce, spicy sauce … Depending on your preferences, you can choose your own sauces.

dutch french fries chip amsterdam (1),amsterdam blog,amsterdam travel blog,amsterdam travel guide blog,amsterdam city guide

Bitterballen

bitterballen (1)

One of the best dishes to come with a cool Heineken bottle. Bitterballen are deep-fried meatballs and are often served with mustard.

bitterballen (1)

Appeared in 400 BC, with delicious, attractive flavor, cheese has become one of the most delicious, famous food in the Netherlands and also the largest cheese export country in the world. Therefore, any traveler when traveling to the Netherlands wants to enjoy cheese in this country. With a unique recipe, according to the long-standing traditional recipe, this cheese has created a delicious, new flavor, which makes diners love it.

cheese amsterdam, ACC-Leidestraat00001-1

This is a dish made from potato wrapped kernel inside and then fried. Today this dish becomes more common and popular in street food. There are over 100 different kinds of kernels made from meat, fish, vegetables, tubers, cheese … and used as an appetizer for luxurious parties, meals, holidays, …

Dutch Croquette from the Febo

The truly Dutch-style croquette must be soft, crispy outside and special flavor due to the skillful hands of Amsterdam chefs.

Vietnamese Loempia

Vietnamese Loempia (1),amsterdam blog,amsterdam travel blog,amsterdam travel guide blog,amsterdam city guide,

Surprised? Is the name of the fascinating street food in Amsterdam related to Vietnam?

This dish has been around since the 1980s, with the first name being Loempia. Because of similar the Indonesian Loempia dish, the Dutch changed their name to Vietnamese Loempia to make it easy to distinguish.

,amsterdam blog,amsterdam travel blog,amsterdam travel guide blog,amsterdam city guide,Vietnamese Loempia (1)

This dish is similar to spring rolls in Vietnam but the ingredients and processing have changed to suit the Dutch. The outer shell of the cake is thick and yellow is similar to Vietnamese Hollow donuts (hollow bread) cake, the kernel is made up of a mixture of shrimp, meat, carrot, pepper, … This dish served with mayonnaise, tomato sauce or chili sauce.

Vietnamese Loempia (1),amsterdam blog,amsterdam travel blog,amsterdam travel guide blog,amsterdam city guide,

Herring is not only a delicious, attractive dish in the Netherlands but this herring fish is also a familiar dish, popular with the people here. The dishes made from herring are very diverse and rich, each dish has its own unique flavor, but the best is still herring salad dish. The fishes were bought will be processed cleanly, filtered out the bones only to take the lean meat, then marinated with spices, salt and pepper and leave it for 1-2 days to be used. Make sure, when you enjoy this dish once, you will want to come back and enjoy it for the second time.

herring in Amsterdam (Hollandse Nieuwe)

Kibbeling (Deep fried battered fish pieces)

Kibbeling (Deep fried battered fish pieces) (1)

If another specialty: Herring salad does not make you feel attractive, surely Kibbeling – deep-fried cod pieces will definitely seduce you right from the first bite.

Kibbeling (Deep fried battered fish pieces) (1)

Fresh fish is battered and deep-fried. This is a famous specialty of Amsterdam people in particular and in the Netherlands in general, and I am passionate about this dish. This dish is sold in many places, but it is best to go to seafood markets, restaurants near the coast to enjoy.

Kibbeling (Deep fried battered fish pieces) (1)

A delicious Dutch dessert. This mini and hot pancake is sold in many restaurants around Amsterdam but nothing can win against a hot pack of poffertjes just bought at a roadside stall. Poffertjes are made from simple ingredients such as yeast, buckwheat flour, sugar, butter… that are pureed, mixed together, then deep fried, create a very attractive flavor that makes diners will be impressed.

Poffertjes amsterdam (1),amsterdam blog,amsterdam travel blog,amsterdam travel guide blog,amsterdam city guide,

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Judith Fein

What Slow Travel Is and Why You Should Try It

A personal perspective: when you do slow travel, your trips become more exciting..

Posted March 25, 2024 | Reviewed by Abigail Fagan

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Paul Ross, with permission

I always wanted to be like explorers Marco Polo or Ibn Battuta. They traveled the world with wide eyes, curiosity, and a desire to share with others the marvels they discovered. Everything was new, fresh, and surprising, and they were constantly learning and having unexpected experiences.

They had no Internet, guidebooks, social media , blogs, vlogs, reviews, or slideshows. And with so much information available, how can one possibly be like these travel writing pioneers?

The answer may shock you as it did my travel journalism students. I plan nothing in advance except for a place to stay, especially for the first few nights. I just show up in a place and let it reveal itself to me on its own terms. And how does that work out? I have contributed to 130 international publications with articles about what I discovered.

I do not recommend this approach to everyone. But what I do suggest is that you give up your desire to have everything planned in advance. That you stop obsessing about all the trip details and trying to make it a perfect trip. Whether you are traveling with a tour group, friends, family, or solo, leave unstructured time so magic can happen. To me, travel should be transformative. It should lift you out of your daily life and transport you to a place where the food, the language, the customs, the culture may be different from yours. And that’s where the excitement begins.

Many people I know approach travel like a job, and a stressful one at that. They scour the Internet, read what everyone else says, plan a detailed itinerary, and make reservations. They want to make sure they cover all the bases and don’t miss anything. But in my opinion, they are missing a lot if they bring all of their information and expectations to a trip before they’ve even gotten on a plane or into their car. They replicate what others have done before them and check each site off on a list.

So how do you make your trip unique? I call it slow travel. It’s not just about slowing down. When you decelerate, your trips get more exciting. Instead of running from place to place, you look around you, you take your environment in, you notice things that perhaps no one has ever noticed before. And you start talking to people. Random people you meet and talk to are a key element you cannot plan for. They may tell you about places and events that will enrich your trip. They give you local insider tips. They may even accompany you or invite you to join them for an experience. They have enriched every trip I have taken. And the more you talk to people — even if you are shy — the more you develop the self-confidence to do more of it. And then you are really in the present, having an experience that is uniquely yours.

During the pandemic, my husband — a photojournalist — and I couldn’t travel around the globe like we always did, so we regrouped. We decided to travel around New Mexico, where we live. And we would look for special experiences.

We did this for two years. The experiences were artistic, historical, and culinary. We went on special hikes, attended indigenous ceremonies, met healers, naturalists, ecologists, and the manager of a natural wildlife refuge. We picnicked inside an ancient volcano. We saw the tracks of animals who lived tens of millions of years before the dinosaurs. We rode in a lowrider. And the question we always asked was, can other people do this as well?

If the answer was yes, we included the experience in our new book, Slow Travel New Mexico: Unforgettable Personal Experiences in the Land of Enchantment. The name of the book includes New Mexico, but the slow travel lessons are applicable anywhere.

It was a dream of mine to teach readers how to do slow travel. And now it’s a reality.

Once people ditch their over-planned approach to travel, who knows? They may even begin to consider changing their over-planned approach to life.

You don’t have to travel halfway around the world to have an exciting, meaningful trip. It can happen every time you leave your house, even to go to the grocery store, or when you visit the town next to yours. Start with talking to people — really talking with them — and you’re already well on your way.

Judith Fein

Judith Fein is an award-winning international travel journalist who has contributed to 130 publications, the author of three books about transformative travel, an inspirational speaker, and an opera librettist.

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We’re making upgrades to 3rd Ave in downtown Seattle to help you travel, in partnership with King County Metro

Photo of large buildings and buses to the righthand side on a partly cloudy, partly sunny day. A crosswalk is in the foreground.

Blog stats: 1,400 words | 7-minute read

At-a-glance:

  • 3rd Ave transit corridor extension
  • 3rd Ave S and S Main St bus stop improvements

3rd Ave repaving and water main replacement

3rd ave s & yesler way pedestrian and bike improvements.

  • Investing in downtown Seattle is a big priority for the City of Seattle. To learn more about other aspects of Seattle’s Downtown Activation Plan, please visit downtownisyou.com .  
  • You can find more details about the upcoming work described in this blog post on our 3rd Ave Improvements website .
  • These 3rd Ave improvements include funding from the voter-approved Levy to Move Seattle . Thank you, Seattle!

If downtown is the heart of the city, then 3rd Ave is our main artery. This street is one of North America’s most productive transit corridors, used by hundreds of buses carrying tens of thousands of people every weekday.

This year, we will work alongside king county metro, other city of seattle departments, and our downtown partners to build improvements on 3rd ave. these include expanding the transit corridor, upgrades around bus stops, improving sidewalks and lighting to make it easier to walk, repaving the street to give buses a smoother ride, and maintaining utility systems., these investments in seattle’s infrastructure will help make belltown, pioneer square, and downtown more accessible and easier to navigate for commuters, residents, and visitors alike., extending the 3rd ave transit corridor.

The existing 3rd Ave transit corridor helps ensure faster and more reliable travel times for people riding the bus. This supports an environmentally sustainable urban environment and is the most efficient way to move the most people and reduce congestion as our region’s population continues to grow.

The transit corridor currently stretches from Yesler Way to Stewart St, and we plan to extend it three blocks further north to Blanchard St to help create a more efficient public transportation network. Construction of the extension is scheduled to begin this summer.

Map graphic showing several city blocks. A yellow line shows an expanded bus restriction area on 3rd Ave between Stewart St and Blanchard St. Red arrows show new restrictions, where purple arrows show current restrictions to remain.

3rd Ave transit corridor rules (which apply 7 days a week):

  • This corridor is only for buses or emergency vehicles between 6 AM and 7 PM. (note: school buses, private work shuttles, and charter buses are not exempted from these rules).
  • People driving vehicles with commercial load zone permits may use designated loading zones on 3rd Ave from 9 AM – 3 PM.
  • People driving can travel on 3rd Ave for up to one block to enter or exit driveways or garages (note: left turns are not allowed).

3rd Ave S and S Main St bus stop area improvements

We and Metro are also partnering on a variety of projects around the 3rd Ave S and S Main St bus stop , which is a major transit hub located next to several art galleries, non-profit organizations, and other vital services and destinations that make Pioneer Square such an important area. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is providing significant funding for the project.

To make the area more accessible for people who are walking and rolling, we will widen the sidewalk, plant two new street trees, install new pedestrian-level lighting, and replace the ADA-accessible curb ramps on the west side of 3rd Ave S. The bus zone will also receive an upgrade with new covered shelters, benches, and rails to lean on, real-time information signs, and other amenities. This will create more room for people who are waiting for their bus, so people walking by will not have to squeeze through or step into the street. We also plan to repave a section of the street in this area to support a smoother trip for bus riders.

4Culture (King County’s cultural funding agency) is funding an art installation as part of the project by artists Preston Singletary and David Franklin . It will showcase Pioneer Square’s beloved art scene and highlight the stories and history of indigenous people and Tlingit culture.

Photo of two people standing in front of a newly-installed piece of artwork. Both people wear reflective safety vests and hard hats. The Space Needle and other buildings are in the background.

3rd Ave S will become a southbound one-way street between S Washington St and S Main St, with no loss of parking or loading areas.

Map graphic showing improvements along 3rd Ave S between Yesler Way and S Main St. They include new concrete roadway, expanded sidewalks, new lighting, bus shelters, and more.

This year, we will repave 3rd Ave in several areas to help preserve and maintain our street infrastructure. This repaving work is primarily located between Virginia and Pine streets. The street pavement has seen better days, leading to frequent cracks, potholes, and uneven surfaces. Restoring and revitalizing the street will mean a smoother and more reliable ride for bus riders.

We will coordinate with Seattle Public Utilities to replace an old underground water main while the paving is happening. This coordination helps reduce the cost of both of these necessary projects and avoids the need for another set of street closures in the future.

Map graphic showing improvements at Yesler Way and 3rd Ave S, including raised bike lanes, expanded and repaired sidewalks, new curb ramps, new lighting, and more.

The 3rd Ave S and Yesler Way intersection in Pioneer Square is a major bus thoroughfare and transfer point for Pioneer Square Link light rail riders.

In 2022, we began trying out improvements to make this space easier for people to navigate by removing a northbound vehicle lane and right turn lane on 3rd Ave across Yesler Way to create a safer connection for people on bikes using Dilling Way to cross this intersection and get to and from the 4th Ave protected bike lane. The traffic signal was reconfigured to provide more green time for buses and crossing pedestrians. We used paint and flexible plastic posts to indicate the additional space for people to walk, roll, and bike.

These changes were generally successful, and we are now making these improvements permanent, with some adjustments made based on lessons learned during the trial period. This spring, we plan to permanently replace the former vehicle lanes and temporary plastic posts with a new, wider concrete sidewalk. We will also plant new street trees, add more pedestrian lighting, and install directional signs for pedestrians.

We will also install new bike traffic signals, build permanent bike lane protection along Yesler Way west of 3rd Ave, repave the bike lane on Dilling Way, and redesign the bike crossing at 3rd Ave to separate people on bikes from people walking. Meanwhile, a separate project to build a concrete buffer for the 4th Ave protected bike lane is also beginning this spring.

The path ahead

Collectively, these 3rd Ave projects reflect our vision to embrace innovative and forward-thinking approaches to transportation. These projects will create a better-connected and more sustainable transit network for everyone coming downtown and support Seattle’s larger downtown revitalization effort.

Stay informed:

  • Visit our web page to find more project details.
  • Sign up for email updates to stay up to speed.
  • Questions? Email us at [email protected] or call (206) 900-8729.

Thank you for your interest as this important work moves forward.

What people are saying:.

“Our suite of projects on 3rd Ave in downtown Seattle will make it easier for people to catch the bus and get to light rail as well as replace aging pavement and utilities in Pioneer Square. Downtown is the centerpiece of our transportation system and an important hub for jobs, culture, tourism, and community events. We look forward to getting to work on these significant upgrades.” – Greg Spotts, Director, Seattle Department of Transportation
“Third Avenue is more than just a downtown bus corridor, it is the spine of our entire regional transit network, and improvements made here ripple far and wide. SDOT’s planned investments are an exciting first step to a better Third Avenue. New real-time arrival kiosks and safer pedestrian crossings will markedly improve rider experience. Expanded bus only restrictions will help your bus arrive reliably on-time. Commute Seattle looks forward to engaging with the City and private-sector stakeholders to build on this work and bring more better bus stops, walkability, and vibrancy to this key stretch of downtown.” – Alex Hudson, Executive Director, Commute Seattle

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Best Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate insurance products to write unbiased product reviews.

"Cancel for Any Reason" (CFAR) travel insurance provides the utmost flexibility, allowing you to cancel your trip for any reason that's not covered by standard travel insurance. It's the safety net for those 'just in case' moments, offering peace of mind for unforeseen circumstances. Let's dive into what sets CFAR cover apart from general-purpose best travel insurance policies .

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Compare the Top CFAR Insurance Offers

Seven Corners Seven Corners Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Diverse coverage options such as CFAR, optional sports equipment coverage, etc.
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Available in all 50 states
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Prices are higher than many competitors
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Reviews around claims processing are mixed
  • Trip cancellation insurance of up to 100% of the trip cost
  • Trip interruption insurance of up to 150% of the trip cost
  • Cancel for any reason (CFAR) insurance available

AIG Travel Guard

Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost and trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the cost, for all three plan levels
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. CFAR covers up to 75% of total trip costs (maximum of $112,500 on some plans) 
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Medical coverage of up to $500,000 and evacuation of up to $1,000,000 per person
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes COVID coverage 
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Above average baggage loss and delay benefits
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High medical evacuation coverage
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Premiums may run slightly higher than competitors

Travel Guard is a well-established and highly rated name in the travel insurance industry. It offers three main coverage options to choose from, and in general its policies have above-average coverage for baggage loss and baggage delays, plus high medical evaluation coverage limits.

  • Trip cancellation coverage for up to 100% of the trip cost
  • Trip interruption coverage for up to 150% of the trip cost
  • Preexisting medical conditions exclusions waiver must be purchased within 15 days of initial trip payment
  • Annual travel insurance plan and Pack N' Go plan (for last-minute trips) available

Travelex Travelex Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Options to cover sports equipment
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Option to increase medical coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can cancel up to 48 hours before travel when CFAR option is purchased
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable coverage for budget-conscious travelers
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Optional "adventure sports" bundle available for riskier activities
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Only two insurance plans to choose from
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage maximum is low at up to $50,000 per person
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Pricier than some competitors with lower coverage ceilings
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Some competitors offer higher medical emergency coverage

Travelex travel insurance is one of the largest travel insurance providers in the US providing domestic and international coverage options. It offers a basic, select, and America option. Read on to learn more.

  • Optional CFAR insurance available with the Travel Select plan
  • Trip delay insurance starting at $500 with the Travel Basic plan
  • Emergency medical and dental coverage starting at $15,000

Trawick Trawick International Travel Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Useful for adventurous travelers headed to higher-risk destinations
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Affordable plans with varying levels of coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. 10-day free look option
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage loss replacement policy
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage kicks in after just six hours
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Some policies allow a CFAR add-on
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1 million medical evacuation coverage limit
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Baggage and trip delay coverages don’t kick in until after the 12-hour mark
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. International student policies available for temporary stints abroad
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Complaints about claims not being paid or involving an intermediary to resolve claims

Trawick International travel insurance offers plans customized to diverse travelers' needs. We look at coverage options, claims processing, pricing, and other important factors for savvy travelers.

  • Travel medical insurance
  • Trip protection and cancellation
  • International student insurance
  • Visitor medical insurance (for traveling to the US)

AXA AXA Assistance USA

  • Trip cancellation coverage of up to 100% of the trip cost
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous medical evacuation coverage
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $1,500 per person coverage for missed connections on cruises and tours
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Covers loss of ski, sports and golf equipment
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous baggage delay, loss and trip delay coverage ceilings per person
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Cancel for any reason (CFAR) coverage only available for most expensive Platinum plan
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. CFAR coverage ceiling only reaches $50,000 maximum despite going up to 75%

AXA Assistance USA keeps travel insurance simple with gold, silver, and platinum plans. Emergency medical and CFAR are a couple of the options you can expect. Read on to learn more about AXA.

  • Silver, Gold, and Platinum plans available
  • Trip interruption coverage of up to 150% of the trip cost
  • Emergency medical coverage of up to $250,000

TravelSafe TravelSafe Insurance

  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to 120 days' coverage available for travelers ages 79 and under (30 days for 80+)
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to $2,500 per person for missed connections over three hours or more
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Trip delay coverage of up to $150 per person per day kicks in after six hours or more
  • Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Policy can be purchased by U.S. citizens living abroad
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Medical coverage ceiling of $100,000 may be low for some travelers' needs.
  • con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Claims reviews from customers say performance is not always the best
  • A well-rounded insurance plan for travelers who are concerned about missing connections for cruise-related travel
  • Classic and Basic travel insurance plans
  • GolfSafe travel insurance plans provide coverage for you and your equipment
  • Travel medical insurance through partner Trawick International

Best Cancel for Any Reason Insurance Reviews

Best overall cfar insurance: seven corners travel insurance.

Seven Corners Travel Insurance is a well-known carrier that has served thousands of travelers. The Trip Protection Choice plan offers a cancel for any reason travel insurance add-on that covers up to 75% of total trip costs, with a maximum of up to $75,000 in reimbursement. Medical coverage is also generous, with up to $500,000 per person for eligible medical expenses and evacuation/repatriation limits of up to $1 million per person.

Seven Corners also offers generous benefits on lost baggage and delayed travel or baggage expenses. Baggage delay benefits kick in after just six hours and go up to $500 per person. The Choice plan does not insure travel canceled by tour operators that are or have gone out of business, so this policy may not be the best fit for travelers who plan to visit destinations with tenuous

Read our Seven Corners Travel Insurance review here.

Best Value CFAR Travel Insurance: AIG Travel Guard Travel Insurance

Travel Guard  is one of the best-known names in the travel insurance industry, with several plans available for traveler needs in every direction. AIG also provided the lowest quote for our hypothetical Europe travelers despite offering the highest ceiling on CFAR reimbursement. Both AIG's Preferred and Deluxe insurance plans offer CFAR coverage as an add-on to the policy, and some policies cover up to 75% of total trip costs going all the way up to a maximum reimbursement of $112,500.

Many AIG policies also include COVID coverage even without CFAR protection, as well as some ancillary benefits such as rental car protection and even pet travel insurance.

Read our AIG Travel Guard Insurance review here.

Best CFAR Insurance for Adventurers: Travelex Travel Insurance

Travelex Travel Insurance is a great cancel for any reason option for travelers who plan to participate in strenuous or adventurous activities during their trip. While the CFAR coverage add-on only reimburses up to 75% of nonrefundable trip expenses, it still provides a certain modicum of peace of mind in case of emergencies, with cancellation available as an option up to 48 hours before travel begins. Travelex offers low medical coverage compared with its competitors, with a maximum of up to $50,000 per person. Travelers participating in adventure sports can purchase an optional add-on bundle for additional coverage. In case of emergency, Travelex policy holders might do well to consider the travel insurance benefits on their credit cards to supplement any potential medical expenses.

Read our Travelex Insurance review here.

Most Popular Cancel for any Reason Travel Insurance: Trawick Travel Insurance

Trawick International Travel Insurance had one of the priciest plans with CFAR coverage in our comparison, but the carrier's popularity amongst travelers is undeniable, for many reasons. The Safe Travels Explorer is particularly beneficial for pet owners who may incur medical expenses for their animals, as the plan includes up to $250 toward unexpected costs for cats and that who accompany their owners in their travels.

While Trawick's CFAR coverage was one of the most expensive add-ons we evaluated as well, the carrier offers generous compensation margins for travelers who need it, with up to 75% reimbursement for nonrefundable trip costs.

Read our Trawick Travel Insurance review here.

Best CFAR Coverage for Cruises: A XA Assistance USA Travel Insurance

AXA Assistance USA  is a great option for our hypothetical Europe cruise travelers, with its coverage of up to $1,500 per person for missed cruises and tours. This insurer also covers lost and delayed ski, sports and golf equipment – items that aren't always included in lost or delayed baggage coverage under other carriers. The rest of your belongings are safe too with AXA, as lost baggage claim ceilings are up to $3,000 per person - more than double some of its other competitors. Unfortunately, AXA may not be the best fit for travelers who need high-ticket travel protection, as the upper limit for CFAR reimbursement only goes up to a maximum of $50,000 despite covering up to 75% of total nonrefundable expenses, which is lower than the ceilings from other competitors such as AIG and Seven Corners. Furthermore, CFAR insurance coverage can only be added on to AXA's top-tier Platinum plan.

Read our AXA Assistance USA Travel Insurance review here

Best CFAR Coverage for Convenience: TravelSafe Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a great option to consider if you have a lot of stops or transits on your trip, or if you are an expat living abroad. This insurer offers flexible coverage terms for longer travel durations. If you are 79 years old or younger, you can purchase a single-trip travel insurance plan that can cover your adventures for up to 120 days. Furthermore, reimbursement for baggage delays and losses, trip delays and missed connections kick in far more quickly than most competitors, with up to $2,500 per person for eligible missed travel connections available at the three-hour mark.

While TravelSafe's medical coverage of up to $100,000 may be on the lower side for travelers who anticipate potential medical expenses, those with the right credit cards may be able to supplement their emergency costs through a claim with their card issuer.

Read our TravelSafe Insurance review here.

Understanding 'Cancel for Any Reason' Coverage

Key features.

CFAR policies are unique; they allow cancellation for reasons beyond the usual covered reasons of travel insurance policies. This includes fear of traveling due to a pandemic or a sudden change of mind. However, it's essential to understand the specifics, such as the percentage of the trip cost reimbursed and the time frame for cancellation.

How CFAR Differs from Standard Policies

Unlike traditional travel insurance policies that cover specific cancellation reasons like illness or weather-related issues, CFAR offers a broader spectrum of coverage. It's the premium choice for travelers seeking full control over their plans.

That said, you must also buy travel insurance early if you want to qualify for a CFAR policy, usually within a certain period from when you place a deposit on your trip. That's why it's important to be mindful of when you buy travel insurance . 

How to Pick The Best CFAR Travel Insurance Plan for You

There is no one-size-fits-all "best" insurance plan, especially for CFAR coverage, which can add to your insurance premium. Even for the same person, the right policy will vary from trip to trip, depending on your activities.

If you're primarily concerned about getting your money back if your schedule changes, you may be able to get away with a basic plan that allows you to add CFAR coverage. If you're undertaking a grueling hike through some challenging mountain ranges, you may want to select a policy that includes generous medical and evacuation protection, plus flexibility to reschedule or re-book your trip in case of injury. And if you plan to visit a number of destinations within a short amount of time, trip delay or baggage loss protection may need to be one of your top priorities.

Steps to Choosing CFAR Coverage

  • Evaluating Your Travel Needs Consider the nature of your trip, destinations, and what uncertainties you might face. This will help determine the level of travel insurance coverage you need.
  • Comparing Prices and Benefits Analyze different policies in terms of cost, coverage percentage, and additional benefits. Look for the best value for your specific needs.
  • Reading the Fine Print Understanding the terms and conditions, including the cancellation window and reimbursement process, is crucial to avoid any surprises.
  • Making the Most of Your Policy Once you've chosen a policy, it's important to know how to use it effectively.
  • Understanding Your Policy Familiarize yourself with the details of your policy, including how and when to file a claim.
  • Tips for Filing a Claim Be timely and thorough when filing a claim. Keep all relevant documents handy and follow the provider's process closely to ensure a smooth experience.

CFAR insurance is purchased as an add-on to a single trip travel insurance policy. It will affect how much you can receive for a canceled trip, but won't affect your other benefits. 

No, insurance providers generally don't offer CFAR for multi-trip annual plans. It's limited to single trip travel insurance.

This varies by provider, but typically, CFAR policies reimburse between 50% and 75% of the pre-paid, non-refundable trip cost.

Yes, cancel for any reason travel insurance is worth it if there's a chance you need to change your travel plans. Traditional travel insurance only offers cancellation coverage for specific reasons, so CFAR insurance provides extra coverage and peace of mind. It also reduces the amount of paperwork necessary for filing a claim.

Trip cancellation coverage is a benefit of standard travel insurance plans, offering reimbursement if your trip needs to be canceled for specific covered reasons, such as a death in the family or illness. On the other hand, cancel for any reason insurance, reimburses you for a canceled trip regardless of the reason, so there are fewer restrictions.

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best CFAR Travel Insurance

Business Insider reviewed numerous insurance products looking for the best options. Especially when it come to travel insurance, each traveler has a distinct experience and plan. So we looked for companies offering the optimal coverage packages for certain groups.

To accurately compare the cost of CFAR coverage from the insurance carriers we recommend, we collected quotes for a hypothetical two-week trip to three countries in Europe for two travelers ages 38 and 45 that includes a river cruise, renting a vacation home, and taking several flights. The total cost of travel comes out to $14,000 between two people.

The main factors we evaluated when picking our top CFAR travel insurance options were: policy cost, level of protection, claims experience, and policy types.

All our reviews are independently done, meaning travel insurance companies don't get to review or approve our reviews. Similarly, our top guide spots are not for sale. All placements are earned through strong coverage, efficient claims handling, and strong customer service.

Read our insurance rating methodology for more details.

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  • Germany 2-1 Netherlands: Initial reactions and observations

Can Germany keep the momentum going?

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France v Germany - International Friendly

Initial reactions and observations

  • What can you say? Germany gutted out a tough win against a great team. This was as focused and energized as we have seen this team in quite some time.
  • Julian Nagelsmann made some impactful subs with Chris Führich, Niclas Füllkrug, and Thomas Müller, who made the presence in the game felt. The team could not have won without those three players.
  • The German attack was just swarming through out the last 20 minutes of the match. Eventually, the Netherlands could just not hold Die Mannschaft off any longer.
  • Somebody needs to dry out that pitch a bit.
  • Julian Nagelsmann is pushing all of the right buttons at the moment and has the team believing in itself once more. The confidence and creativity were both off the charts, which was both refreshing and awesome to see.
  • Overall, this was German football. A relentless attack, intelligent pressing, and staunch defense all built on the work of a collective effort. Yes, German national team fans, there is a reason to get excited for the EURO 2024 competition.

Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Germany’s massive 2-1 win over the Netherlands and where things might be headed under Julian Nagelsmann? Then check out what Cyler and Chuck have to say on our Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show, which is available on Spotify or below:

Full-time: Germany wins 2-1!!!!!

86’: Niclas Füllkrug scored with his shoulder (yup) on a corner from Toni Kroos. The ball barely cleared the line, but it was far enough over it to give Germany the 2-1 lead...what a moment!

79’: David Raum and Benjamin Henrichs enter the match in place of Maximilian Mittelstädt and Joshua Kimmich.

73’: Thomas Müller and Niclas Füllkrug enter the game for Florian Wirtz and Kai Havertz.

59’: Nagelsmann goes to his bench with Chris Führich and Pascal Groß on for İlkay Gündoğan and Robert Andrich.

46’: The second half is underway.

Halftime Observations:

  • Germany was organized, aggressive, and motivated. This is marked improvement from how the team looked in recent years.
  • Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala are disruptive...and playing together? Damn, that is a lot of fun to watch. Imagine them playing together for Bayern Munich?
  • Maximilian Mittelstädt just hit a laser. Terrific shot by him.
  • İlkay Gündoğan...not sure that is a fit for this group. This could be an awkward spot for Julian Nagelsmann if his captain is potentially a weak spot in the lineup.
  • The Dutch are a very good team and played extremely tough. That made for an exciting half.
  • Overall, that was a really solid half of football and should give fans some real reason to be excited. Now...if they can only repeat the level of energy in the second half. Let’s hope the intensity stays the same.

Halftime: The game is tied at 1-1 and it was...fun and exciting! Go figure, hopefully this leads to a great second half of action.

11’: Wow! Maximilian Mittelstädt uncorked a laster to tie the game at 1-1 for Germany. The left-back has made his presence known! Germany and the Netherlands are knotted.

4’: Well, this was a less-than-ideal start for the Germans. Joey Veerman perfectly placed a volley outside the reach of Marc-André ter Stegen for a quick goal. Memphis Depay sent the ball in and all of a sudden, Germany trailed by one. Germany’s defending left something to be desired there...yikes.

1’: Here we go!

One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! Looks like Julian Nagelsmann has opted to not experiment and keeps the same starting XI that beat France. Is this the Germany lineup that we’ll see at the Euros? Or will there be more changes to come somewhere down the line?

First up, it’s time to see what this team can do vs the Netherlands.

ter Stegen - Kimmich, Tah, Rüdiger, Mittelstädt - Andrich, Kroos - Musiala, Gündogan ©, Wirtz - Havertz #GERNED pic.twitter.com/am39BSdKmQ — Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) March 26, 2024

After an impressive win over France, former Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann faces his greatest challenge yet. No, it’s not the Netherlands — it’s his own urge experiment.

Germany played pretty well on Saturday by fielding a 4-3-3 formation with Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, and Florian Wirtz up top. Keeping that setup going will be key to building the team’s chemistry and the overall execution of the coach’s tactics. Then again, maybe certain changes — such as Thomas Müller for İlkay Gündoğan at attacking midfield — could improve performances. Maybe there’s still some scope for experimentation left. The only question is whether Germany can afford it.

While you’re waiting for the game, why not check out our most recent podcast episode? Listen to it below or on Spotify .

Location: Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt, Germany

Time: 8:45 pm local time

TV/streaming: Find Your Country

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Check out our beginners thread if you have any more questions. That’s about it. Auf geht’s!

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In This Stream

Germany’s march 2024 international break: all updates.

  • Julian Nagelsmann: “Maybe just 1-2” changes for Germany squad ahead of EURO 2024
  • Player ratings: Germany 2-1 Netherlands

More From Bavarian Football Works

  • Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show: Bayern Munich vs. Borussia Dortmund in Der Klassiker (Bundesliga)
  • Aston Villa manager Unai Emery on Bayern Munich’s radar
  • Daily Schmankerl: The aftermath of Germany vs. the Netherlands; Chelsea still monitoring Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala; Real Madrid wants more of Toni Kroos; Leroy Sané back to Manchester City?; FC Barcelona to extend Ronald Araújo?; & MORE!
  • Stuttgart sporting director addresses Chris Führich being linked to Bayern Munich
  • Report: Bayern Munich serious about pursuing VfB Stuttgart winger Chris Führich

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IMAGES

  1. 22 Best Places To Visit In Netherlands In 2019 On Your Trip

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  2. Visit Amsterdam on a trip to The Netherlands

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  1. The Ultimate Netherlands Travel Guide • The Blonde Abroad

    Starting sometime around November 2023, US travelers between 18-70 years old will need to fill out an ETIAS visa-waiver form prior to their trip, and pay a €7 ($7.25) entry fee, to travel to European countries within the Schengen Area. It's a quick form, and you will most likely receive instant approval—but it's important to plan and ...

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    The Netherlands Travel Costs. Accommodation - Hostels typically cost between 15-35 EUR per night for a bed in a dorm with 6-8 beds. The most popular hostels in Amsterdam can be closer to 50 EUR in the summer so avoid visiting in peak season if you're on a budget (and book early if you do).

  3. Your perfect Netherlands itinerary by a Dutch resident

    Contents [ hide] 1 Three days in Amsterdam. 2 Day trip to Zaanse Schans and Hoorn. 3 Day trip to Haarlem and the tulip fields (April/May only*) 4 One day in Utrecht. 5 Optional day trip: Cheese market in Woerden (summer only*) and Gouda. 6 One day in the Hague.

  4. Netherlands Travel Guide 2024 · Itineraries, Top Places, Cities

    Travel to the Netherlands. The Netherlands is a country with a rare combination of beautiful old-world charm and innovation. Discover cities like Rotterdam, where old-fashioned townhouses and churches neighbor cutting-edge buildings, modern cafes, and vintage shops.For a country with so much wow factor, the Netherlands is often underestimated as a travel destination.

  5. Travel blog The Netherlands

    This The Netherlands local travel blog helps 100,000s of people explore The Netherlands beyond the crowds every year again, including stunning Dutch flower fields without tourists (Check my 'Visiting Tulip Fields in The Netherlands" E-Book here - or join me on a tulip fields bike tour in 2024!). And you're up next.

  6. Insider tips from a resident: A Netherlands travel blog

    I'm obsessed with tulips and one of my favorite parts of living in the Netherlands is going to the tulip fields in Holland each year. I include tips for seeing the tulip fields near Amsterdam for free! Although most people visit Keukenhof, it's very easy to see the Dutch tulip fields without a tour or a bike.

  7. Three Glorious Weeks Spent Traveling the Netherlands

    Lauren Juliff. Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and ...

  8. 10 Day Itinerary The Netherlands

    With this 10 day itinerary, I'll help you fill in your day to day schedule. 10 Day Itinerary The Netherlands, day to day schedule: Day 1: Amsterdam Sightseeing & Canal Tour. Day 2: Amsterdam Bicycle & Museum Tour. Day 3: Zaanse Schans / Volendam. Day 4: Keukenhof / Leiden.

  9. Netherlands

    Netherlands Travel Blogs These are all of my travel blogs about visiting the Netherlands. From the buzz of Amsterdam, to the beauty and culture of The Hague, and the fun of Scheveningen, find out the best places to travel to in my Holland travel blogs and travel guides. Happy exploring!

  10. Backpacking the Netherlands: EPIC Budget Travel Guide • 2024

    This is an expanded version of the previous 5-day Dutch itinerary. Let's shake it up a bit and start this backpacking the Netherlands itinerary in Rotterdam.. Staying in Rotterdam, The Hague, or Utrecht instead of Amsterdam are all worthwhile ideas.If you're stuck choosing between Amsterdam vs Rotterdam, remember that you can spend a couple of days hanging in one of these and still have ...

  11. 20 things that you need to know before you travel in the Netherlands by

    Contents. 0.1 Your cards are often useless; 0.2 Most things close earlier here; 0.3 You can get free water IF you know what to ask; 0.4 Toilets aren't free except if you're a man and always have cash; 0.5 You generally need to tap in/out on public transit & trains; 0.6 Tulip season is only about 6-8 weeks; 0.7 The Dutch trains; 0.8 Carry hand sanitizer and tissues; 0.9 Amsterdam is NOT ...

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    When visiting the Netherlands — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety. In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they've got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you're traveling ...

  13. Netherlands Travel Blogs

    The Netherlands. Home to cheese, tulips, windmills and weed. It's easy to see why it's one of the most popular countries to travel to in Europe, isn't it!? What can I say though is I absolutely love the Netherlands and over the years I've got to explore Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, the Hague and other parts of the country too.

  14. Netherlands Travel Blog Archives

    A Travel Blog about the Netherlands. The Netherlands, also known as Holland, is one of the prominent European nations. Be it about being least corrupt or ecologically cautious, Netherlands is renowned for some inspiring reasons. However, this European nation is equally intriguing in terms of its geography as well.

  15. 9 Best Things To Do in Amsterdam

    4. Hortus Botanicus - Botanical Gardens. One of the world's oldest botanical gardens is located in the center of Amsterdam! Hortus Botanicus is an escape from the city, established in the 1600s for medicinal herbs, and now features a greenhouse, butterfly house, palm house, and stunning outdoor gardens.

  16. Rotterdam Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    Rotterdam Travel Costs. Hostel prices - Hostels start at 27 EUR per night for 12-14-bed dorms and 35 EUR for 4-6-bed dorms. A basic private room with a shared bathroom starts at 65 EUR. Prices don't change much between peak and off-peak seasons but some hostels close in the off-season.

  17. Travel Blog About The Netherlands

    By Manon | 2 Comments. Middelburg, Zeeland in The Netherlands is one of the most scenic places in my country. Here you will find... Travel and explore The Netherlands / Holland! With this travel blog about The Netherlands & Amsterdam, written by a local, born and raised, Dutch native.

  18. 13 Best Things To Do in Rotterdam

    Margootje Vintage. Cheap Fashion. 4. Walk the Street Art Route. Rotterdam and street art go hand-in-hand. This new 'Capital of Cool' has many hidden murals around the city that you can find by following the locations on Google Maps. you can do this by walking, renting a bicycle, or using Felix, the electric scooter.

  19. Netherlands Travel Guide

    Netherlands Travel Guide. The Netherlands is a picturesque country of canals, coastlines, towns and villages crowned by the city of Amsterdam and its many sights and attractions. ... Latest Netherlands posts from A Luxury Travel Blog. The world's most incredible fishing yacht gets set for launch. The ground-breaking big fisher, Royal Huisman ...

  20. The Ultimate Guide To Train Travel in The Netherlands

    Since 2014 the only way you can travel by train in the Netherlands is with an OV-chipkaart, a credit card format pass that you use for all public transport. There are 3 types of the OV-chipkaart: 1. Disposable: singe use, cannot be topped up. 2. Anonymous: unlimited use, can be topped up. 3.

  21. Amsterdam travel blog

    Amsterdam is a strange city, but strange things are not strange at all because they are rooted from the most civilized ideas. A city in which you should not be surprised to see a warning: "You will be not arrested for using drugs in Amsterdam.Call 112 for medical assistance", which means you will not be considered guilty if you use drugs.Or another special thing is that there is a separate ...

  22. Netherlands Travel Blogs, Photos and Forum

    Netherlands. On a western edge of mainland Europe, this pristine trading country is as dotted with windmills and laced with canals as one would expect. But on the changing face of The Netherlands, the windmills are restaurants, the canal barges are tourist tanks, the tulips are growing in the wooden clogs and the tiles are on the wall.

  23. RFQ-19NL8024Q0018

    For travel to the United States on a temporary basis, including tourism, temporary employment, study and exchange. Read More. ... Outside of Netherlands: +31 (0) 20 575-5309 or +31 (0) 70 310-2209 . International Parental Child Abduction; Arrest of a U.S. Citizen; Death of a U.S. Citizen;

  24. What Slow Travel Is and Why You Should Try It

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    For Sané, the attacker will get started with that by traveling to Frankfurt to watch the Germans take on the Netherlands on Tuesday per kicker: Despite his suspension, Leroy Sané will travel to Frankfurt on Tuesday to spend the day with the national team and Julian Nagelsmann and then watch the game against the Netherlands in the stadium.

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    A container ship crashed into a major bridge in Baltimore early Tuesday, causing its collapse into the Patapsco River. A livestream showed vehicles traveling on the Francis Scott Key Bridge just ...

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    The existing 3rd Ave transit corridor helps ensure faster and more reliable travel times for people riding the bus. This supports an environmentally sustainable urban environment and is the most efficient way to move the most people and reduce congestion as our region's population continues to grow.

  28. Best Cancel for Any Reason Travel Insurance

    The RoundTrip Choice plan offers a cancel for any reason travel insurance add-on that covers up to 75% of total trip costs, with a maximum of up to $75,000 in reimbursement. Medical coverage is ...

  29. Germany 2-1 Netherlands: Initial reactions and observations

    Location: Deutsche Bank Park, Frankfurt, Germany Time: 8:45 pm local time TV/streaming: Find Your Country Tips for commenting: If you're a new member, feel free to introduce yourself! We're mostly very friendly! Also, we're from all parts of the world so don't feel shy if you're from a country that doesn't seem represented on the blog.