Make
the most of your trip with these essential Netherlands travel tips.
Learn the key do’s and don’ts, cultural etiquette, and smart
advice to explore the Netherlands with confidence and respect.
• Cycle like a local. Biking is central to Dutch life and the best way to explore authentically.
• Follow cycling rules. Use bike lanes, signal clearly, and keep right unless overtaking.
• Greet with a handshake. Maintain eye contact — it’s polite, confident, and expected.
• Be punctual. Timekeeping is highly valued for meetings, tours, and reservations.
• Use reusable water bottles. Tap water is safe everywhere and sustainability matters.
• Learn simple Dutch words. “Hallo” or “Dank u” is always appreciated.
• Respect quiet zones. Silence is expected in certain trains, buses, and carriages.
• Pay by card where possible. Contactless payments are preferred over cash.
• Try traditional foods. Stroopwafels, herring, and bitterballen are local favourites.
• Explore beyond Amsterdam. Cities like Utrecht and Haarlem offer a more local experience.
• Walk in bike lanes. Cyclists have priority and move quickly.
• Confuse Holland with the Netherlands. Holland refers to only two provinces.
• Be loud in public spaces. Calm, modest behaviour is preferred.
• Haggle in shops or markets. Prices are fixed.
• Skip transport tickets. Inspectors are strict and fines are high.
• Assume cannabis is fully legal. It’s tolerated only in licensed coffeeshops.
• Block pathways for photos. Pedestrians and cyclists come first.
• Overtip. Rounding up or 5–10% is polite but not expected.
• Forget rain protection. Weather changes quickly year-round.
• Damage tulip fields. Walking between rows is illegal and harmful.
• Direct communication is normal. Honesty and clarity are valued.
• Equality is important. Hierarchy is minimal in daily life.
• Personal space is respected. Physical contact is limited to greetings.
• Organisation matters. Queues, schedules, and planning are taken seriously.
• Work-life balance is protected. Shops and offices often close early.
• Modesty is admired. Showing off wealth is frowned upon.
• Cycling reflects identity. It symbolises freedom, practicality, and sustainability.
• Inclusive values are strong. The Netherlands is highly LGBTQ+ friendly.
• Art and design are everyday culture. Architecture and creativity shape daily life.
• Coffee is a ritual. “Koffie met een koekje” is simple and social.
• Buy an OV-chipkaart. Works across trains, trams, and buses.
• Book major attractions early. Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum sell out fast.
• Wear comfortable footwear. Walking and cobblestones are common.
• Check real-time weather apps. Rain can arrive suddenly.
• Skip taxis when possible. Public transport and bikes are faster.
• Use local apps. 9292 for transport and Buienradar for weather.
• Respect residential quiet hours. Especially at night near canals.
• Expect cashless payments. Some shops do not accept cash at all.
• Carry ID. Required for some purchases and hotel check-ins.
• Consider museum passes. They save time and money.
• Photograph tulips outside Keukenhof. Fields near Lisse and Noordwijkerhout are spectacular.
• Visit museums midweek. Crowds are far lighter.
• Eat fresh stroopwafels at markets. Albert Cuyp Market is a favourite.
• Enjoy canal cafés in Utrecht. Seating below street level is unique.
• Stay in Haarlem. Peaceful and only minutes from Amsterdam.
• Visit Scheveningen Beach. Easy seaside escape near The Hague.
• Cycle the Waterland route. Windmills and farmland north of Amsterdam.
• Picnic in city parks. Vondelpark and Oosterpark fill with locals in summer.
• Avoid peak tulip weekends. Weekdays are calmer and better for photos.
• Check regional festivals. Open-air events are popular nationwide.
• Cannabis tolerance is limited. Only in licensed coffeeshops under strict rules.
• Use bike lights at night. Fines are issued immediately without them.
• Carry valid identification. Required for police checks or bars.
• Watch for pickpockets. Busy stations and squares are hotspots.
• Secure valuables carefully. Trains and trams can be crowded.
• Never swim in canals. Strong currents and boat traffic make it dangerous.
• Know the emergency number. Dial 112 for all emergencies.
• Respect pedestrian crossings. Jaywalking can be fined.
• Other drugs are illegal. Penalties are strict.
• Have travel insurance. Essential even for short trips.
• English is widely spoken. Starting with Dutch greetings is respectful.
• First names are used quickly. Culture is informal and open.
• Maintain eye contact. It signals honesty and confidence.
• Be concise and direct. Long explanations are unnecessary.
• Avoid interrupting. Listening fully is expected.
• Expect dry humour. It can be blunt but not rude.
• Small talk is minimal. Conversations often go straight to the point.
• Ask before taking photos. Especially of people or private homes.
• Respect privacy at homes. Open curtains don’t imply invitation.
• Say thank you clearly. “Dank je wel” is always appreciated.