Netherlands Vacations

The Netherlands is a country where the notion of individualism meets that of the collective society. It is a nation built upon the ideals of tolerance and compromise. As a highly multi-ethnic and cultural society, the Dutch believe in the importance of granting autonomy and freedom of expression to different cultures and life perspectives. In the eyes of the Dutch, as long as your actions, beliefs, or behaviours do not infringe on the rights of others, you should generally be left to your own devices.

The Dutch have long since been renowned for their policy of tolerance or Gedoogbeleid towards social issues, such as recreational drugs including psilocybin and cannabis and the act of prostitution. Cannabis can be sold in specialist outlets, known as coffee shops, to those over the age of 18 who can purchase up to 5 grams at a time. Psilocybin-containing truffles can be bought in outlets known as Smart Shops for those over 18. Despite what many believe, cannabis is not officially legal in the Netherlands with the authorities choosing to prioritize other matters. Public consumption is not legal and may carry a fine.

Due to the flat terrain of the country, the Dutch are some of the most avid cyclists in the world. Bike paths can be found in every small town and city in the country, but take care to watch for cyclists when crossing the street—it is possible only to hear the ring of the bell when it's already too late! It is considered best practice to look right, then left, and then repeat before crossing a bike lane.

Water itself has long been the traditional enemy of the Dutch, as much of the country lies below sea level and has little to no natural elevation. But where there’s a will, there’s a way and throughout their history, the Dutch have perfected the practice of reclaiming land from the sea by pumping it out, hence the famous windmills, which still grace much of the landscape to this day. This “can-do” attitude is a core element of the Dutch psyche, ensuring that even to this day, the country is a hub of innovation and new thinking around long-existing problems.

What is the visiting etiquette for the Netherlands?

The Dutch are generally easy-going, relaxed, and welcoming people. However, they can get a little tired of the “party” stereotype that many outside of the country believe about it. In recent times, the city authorities in Amsterdam have attempted to combat the issue of over-tourism in the city through numerous measures, from clamping down on short-term tourist rentals such as Airbnb to attempting to reframe the city as a cultural hub of museums and art, rather than just a party destination for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

When it comes to enjoying the unique culture of Amsterdam, intoxicated tourists are not appreciated by the locals, especially those who choose to consume cannabis in public, which is illegal in the Netherlands. Discretion is appreciated so should you choose to consume cannabis, stick to doing so inside of the coffeeshops.

As well, taking photos is strictly forbidden in the famous Red Light District of Amsterdam, known as De Wallen. To avoid any potential issues, do not take photos when in the area.

What are some Dutch traditions?

Konigsdag or Kings Day is held every year in April. It is considered the national day of the Netherlands, similar to St Patrick's Day in Ireland. A public holiday, the day is marked with numerous celebrations across the country and is a popular time to visit Amsterdam which is draped in a sea of orange, the national colour of the country, as well as copious amounts of Dutch beer, such as Heineken.

Other key dates on the Dutch calendar are the 4th and 5th of May, known as Remembrance Day and Liberation Day. These two holidays celebrate the dates that the Netherlands was liberated from Nazi Germany by the Western Allies in 1945. The Dutch suffered greatly for five years under Nazi occupation and these dates are considered highly important to the formation of the modern Dutch state. It is a public holiday and local commemorations and remembrance ceremonies can be found across the country.

Zwarte Piet is a famous Dutch tradition, which has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years due to issues around depictions of POC and the issue of blackface. The character is said to be a servant to Sinterklaas (Father Christmas) and the day itself is celebrated every year on the 6th of December.

What are the Dutch like socially?

The Dutch pride themselves on being efficient, open and direct. It is this directness that can take a little getting used to as the Dutch are not afraid of saying exactly what is on their mind. Visitors may view this trait as being abrasive or even rude, however, much of it comes from Dutch being directly translated into English where more nuanced forms of communication may be lost.

The Dutch enjoy a good time and are known for their commitment to finding time for recreation and family with the country being known for having one of the best work-life balances in Europe. However, like many Western European nations, a premium is placed on punctuality. When meeting a Dutch person for a social engagement during your Netherlands vacation, it's best to ensure that you are there at the allotted time as they almost certainly will be.

Dutch pubs tend to have more of a continental “cafe” vibe than those found in places such as Ireland or the UK, closer to those of Belgium, France or Italy but will still serve a variety of alcoholic drinks late into the night. Dutch nightlife is some of the best in the world with many famous DJs such as Tiesto, Ferry Costen, Afrojack, and Martin Gattrix all hailing from the country. As a result, the country is a hotbed for dance music scenes such as trance, techno, and house. The annual Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), held every year in October, draws music fans from across the globe.

What language do the Dutch speak?

The national language of the Netherlands is Dutch. A Germanic language, Dutch is similar to both English and German and is often described as a rough combination of both. In Dutch, a G sound is pronounced as a guttural H sound, meaning words such as Gouda, the name of the cheese and a city, are pronounced as Howda and Goede Morgan, (Good Morning) is pronounced as Hooda Morgan. The further north in the Netherlands, the more guttural the dialect becomes.

English is widely spoken and understood and many Dutch will automatically switch to it when dealing with a non-native. Other common languages include Turkish, Moroccan, and Indonesian. Frisian is another officially recognized minority language, spoken in small pockets in the North of the country.

Small but mighty perhaps best summarizes the Netherlands. A small but densely populated nation of 17 million people, the Netherlands is located on the North Sea in Western Europe, with Germany to its East and Belgium to its south. The term Holland is often mistakenly viewed as being interchangeable with the Netherlands but this is incorrect. Holland is the name of the Westernmost region within the country, split into two sections, North and South with North Holland containing the city of Amsterdam and the southern region containing both the cities of The Hague and Rotterdam. While the country itself may be small and compact, the same cannot be said for the Dutch people, however, as they are considered the tallest people on average in Europe.

Dutch summers offer long, sunshine-soaked days with late sunsets and early sunrises. However, prices for a Netherlands vacation are often higher during this period than throughout the rest of the year.

Being located on the North Sea, the Netherlands can experience bouts of rain and even storms, particularly in the winter months, so it is important to pay attention to the weather forecast and general weather patterns when planning a trip to the country. That said, the weather never reaches an extreme in either direction, being either too cold or too hot. 

For those who seek the multicoloured wonder of the famous tulip fields, late spring is the best time to visit. A blanket of vibrant tulips carpets the rural landscape and with the added backdrop of wooden windmills dotted around the landscape, it is a sight to behold.

What is the best month to visit the Netherlands?

The period from June to August is considered the busiest tourist season in the Netherlands as both locals and visitors soak up the long days of sunshine and warm weather with temperatures averaging around 23°C (73°F). Accommodation prices may be highest during this period so it's best to book well in advance. While Amsterdam may attract the most visitors, other Dutch cities have a lot to offer, often at a cheaper price.

Scheveningen, a small coastal town just outside of The Hague, is famous for its pier where amusement rides and restaurants can be found during the summer. Its beach and the nearby sand dunes are an excellent place to relax and leisurely stroll while enjoying the sunshine.

Which is the most affordable time to visit the Netherlands?

Winter is by far the most budget-friendly time to visit the country, with many hotels lowering the costs of their rooms between late November and late February. However, it can rain often during the winter months in the Netherlands, so be prepared for wet and cold weather if visiting at this time.

How long should I plan to visit the Netherlands?

The Netherlands itself is a small country, with it being possible to traverse the entire width of the country in less than three hours by car. While Amsterdam offers many sites and attractions to visitors, a period of 7 days would best be spent with the inclusion of other nearby cities such as Haarlem, which is only 15 minutes by train outside of Amsterdam. Other cities such as Utrecht, The Hague, and Rotterdam are all readily accessible from Amsterdam via a short train journey and well worth a day trip.

Julius Caesar’s Roman Empire ruled over local tribes here, and they flourished. Then Saxon and Frank invasions lasted a while until the Charlemagne Empire took over. When Charlemagne died in the 9th century the Low Countries territory was divided into small states controlled by dukes and counts.

The area became prosperous and in the 13th and 14th centuries castles, cathedrals and monasteries were built and it was then that Amsterdam emerged as a leading city known for its hard workers and prosperous trading.

Protestantism arrived and so did the Reformation. Philip II, son of Charles V of Spain was determined to topple the Reformation. William of Orange, a count of Holland, then led a revolt and united Dutch nobles in a fight for control. The Spanish Netherlands became the United Provinces and a ‘Golden Age’ began and lasted for nearly 75 years, when the United East India Company explored the world and it became an important maritime player. The French invaded and fought a war from 1672-78 before the Dutch were plunged into the Spanish War of Succession (1701-13). The House of Orange emerged and once Napoleon was defeated in 1815, the provinces in the north and south were united under their standard.

The Netherlands remained neutral in the First World War but Nazi Germany invaded in 1940. One-hundred thousand Jews were murdered. A fierce underground movement was born of these massacres which created obstacles for the enemy and protected families in danger, including the family of Anne Frank. The brave resistance eventually helped with the liberation of the Netherlands.

Today the Netherlands, after working towards these ends, is a peaceful and liberal nation whose citizens have pushed for change ahead of the curve on social issues over many decades – its progressive social welfare system is testament to that humanized dedication.

The cuisine of the Netherlands is characterized by being hearty and comforting. As a result of the country’s coastline, seafood is often on restaurant menus and is always served fresh. Fried soles, oysters, mussels from Zeeland, and herring are all particular favourites. When the Dutch colonized the East Indies, they brought back recipes and traditions – so today you will also find high quality Indonesian food across the country. 

Dishes include herring served raw with onions and pickles, and sometimes on a bun.

Poffertjes are similar to pancakes, but traditionally sweeter and thicker and are usually served with butter and sugar, this is a favourite local snack, and stroopwafels are light cookies with syrup on the inside. Bitterballen are deep-fried balls of meat and spice served with mustard, and stew (stampot) is a very traditional meal, containing meat, potatoes and other vegetables. There are different kinds of stampot, with sauerkraut, smoked sausage or fried bacon with apples.

Cheese is a major cultural element of Dutch food. The country makes nearly a quarter million tons of cheese annually and exports it to 130 countries. Gouda and Edam are popular and often served with mustard and bread. Don’t miss out on the patat, thick cut fries served on the street with various sauces – try the traditional patatje oorlog, with peanut sauce, onions, and mayonnaise.

Rijsttafel is an Indonesian rice dish that arrived on the Netherlands doorstep in the 17th century. It’s a grand meal made from small flavourful dishes than are all eaten with rice. Erwtensoep is a thick split pea soup usually served in cold months, accompanied by a bacon sandwich on rye.

Broodjes are small buttered rolls made with ham, cheese, or beef.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, and count dessert as a main, you’ll want to eat a Dutch apple pie with whipping cream – the thick buttery crust and lattice or crumb toppings gives the treat its authenticity. Dutch licorice, drop, is also a very popular chew.

Popular beers in the Netherlands are Heineken, Grolsh and Amstel, the Apostelhoeve and Slavante vineyards produce excellent wines, and the Dutch Jenever is a straight spirit thought of as a precursor to gin, with a fiery taste.

The drinking age is 16 for beer and wine, and 18 for spirits.