The Netherlands is a beautiful place to visit and just like many spots in Europe, it has a host of places across the country that are a typical tourist hotspot. Whether you’re visiting The Hague or looking to see the canal sights of Amsterdam, there is plenty worth doing and many reasons to book your next trip away to the Netherlands. However, just like any travel destination, it’s worth knowing a few things before you go, especially if you’re new to the country. Here are some top tips for travelling around the Netherlands.
Book Activities In Advance
With a lot of the activities that take place in the Netherlands, particularly Amsterdam, it’s important to book activities in advance where you can. As the Netherlands is a popular place like many other European countries for those across the world, slots to certain things will get booked up very quickly. So whether you’re looking to book to see the house where Anne Frank lived, or you want to explore The Hague with a historical walking tour, it’s good to book in advance. That way, you’re going to avoid being disappointed, especially as most trips to the Netherlands for tourists are likely going to be shorter stays than most. Your time might be limited, and so it’s good to book yourself in to ensure you get to see every sight and paid-for experience that you can. When any of us travel, we can never guarantee that you’ll return to that place and so it’s good to get the most out of it where you can for the first time. That way, you’ll get the full experience, and you may find it’s a place that you want to go back to again and again.
Don’t Just Go There For Amsterdam
Even though Amsterdam is a wonderful place and a unique place at that, it’s important that you’re exploring places beyond just Amsterdam. For many tourists, they flock to Amsterdam due to it’s famous ‘coffee shops’ and of course, the Red Light District. However, there are plenty of nearby cities that are worth taking full advantage of where possible. There’s so much that the Dutch have to offer in their country that it would be criminal to simply explore one area.
There are places like Maastricht, Volendam and Giethoorn to name but a few. You may be surprised by just how much you enjoy these lesser-known places in comparison to Amsterdam. Just like any country, it’s worth isn’t just found in the capital or a well-known location. It’s about visiting various parts of it and enjoying a full, well-rounded experience of what the country has to offer you.
Remember Coffee Shops Are Different To Cafes
Talking of coffee shops, it’s important to note that coffee shops are a lot different from the cafes and coffee shops that other countries have. The definition of a coffee shop in Amsterdam, for example, is a place where you can buy marijuana over the counter and very easily, by the way. It’s important to know this because not everyone is going to want to walk into these establishments if it’s not of interest. Many will have obvious signage outside pointing to this, but if you’re questioning these places, a quick Google search will probably pull up all the information you need to know. The juxtaposition of the coffee shops, with the idyllic scenery and then the grittiness of the Red Light District is definitely a unique mixture that you’re unlikely to find elsewhere. That being said, it’s certainly a trip you’ll remember.
Don’t Take Offence To The Dutch
It’s good to know that when it comes to the Dutch, they’re known for being very direct and for a lot of people around the world, that’s something that isn’t quite as common. Don’t take it personally therefore if you’re given a blunt response to something that you’ve asked or enquired about. That direct approach is something that’s their culture when it comes to speaking exactly what’s on their mind and not necessarily having a filter. It’s a unique character trait that might be a welcome change for some and a shock to others. But again, it’s something not to take too personally or offence to. For anyone who already has a Dutch friend or has mingled with Dutch people before, this might be something that’s recognisable already.
Watch Out For Bike Lanes
Bike lanes are all over the place when it comes to places like Amsterdam and beyond, so it’s worth knowing this before you travel. As far as the Netherlands goes, it’s a fairly healthy country when it comes to their attitude towards the environment. Bikes are a great way to get about, and so the bike lanes themselves are going to be crisscrossing all over the place. As a pedestrian, it’s worth knowing this so that you can avoid it where possible and to just be aware of everything around you. If you’re not aware, then you could get injured for colliding with a bike and perhaps have a very disgruntled Dutch individual on the other end.
Visit During Sinterklaas
One festive occasion that’s worth enjoying is Sinterklaas. It’s something that’s celebrated more than Christmas itself in the Netherlands. If you’re not sure of what Sinterklaas is known as Saint Nicholas and is loved by many Dutch children. And as such, there’s lots of events and activities that happen across the Netherlands and is worth enjoying as a tourist. It’ll also help you get into the festive spirit so that you can arrive home, ready to celebrate Christmas with your family. Make sure you check out what’s going on if you’re visiting this time of year, depending on what area of the country you’re visiting.
The Netherlands is a beautiful location to go, whether it be a city break you’re after or more of a long-haul adventure. Use these tips to get the most out of your trip and to enjoy the wonderful sights and culture that this country has to offer.
