The Netherlands is a destination waiting to be discovered. Small but rich in landscapes, and above all, extremely modern and in tune with the times, this country has a lot to offer visitors.
While the clichés you may associate with the Netherlands—tulips, windmills, cannabis—are accurate, the country has much more to offer and does not stop stereotypes.
Here we have compiled the essential information you need to know about the Netherlands. We cover customs, rules, specialties, and a bit of history. In short, everything you need to know before exploring the country.
It is not uncommon to hear the terms “Netherlands” or “Holland” to refer to the country located between Belgium and Germany. However only one of these names is correct. Let us explain!
The “Netherlands” is the official name of the country, while “Holland” refers to just one region of it—or rather, two provinces to be precise:
The Netherlands consists of 12 provinces in total. In addition to the two mentioned above, these include:
So, while Holland is part of the Netherlands, the reverse is not true!
Now that you know this, you also have to know that the citizens of Netherlands are referred to as "Dutch", and that they speak "Dutch" ("Hollandic,” being just a dialect—similar to how Basque or Ch’ti are dialects in France, or Flemish in Belgium.).
Cannabis, hashish, psychedelic truffles,... The Netherlands is famous for its liberal approach to drugs and prostitution, drawing many tourists for these reasons alone.
However, it is important to know that not everything is allowed!—Thankfully! While Dutch law prohibits drugs under the Opium Act, there is a tolerance policy that permits the consumption of soft drugs under strict conditions.
Here are the key rules to keep in mind to avoid any trouble during your stay:
This tolerance policy enables the government to regulate soft drug consumption while allowing law enforcement to focus on serious issues like trafficking and hard drug use.
What about prostitution?
Prostitution is also legal in the Netherlands. Since the 2000s, it has been recognized as a legitimate profession.
Here are some key regulations to be respected too:
In Amsterdam, the Red Light District is famous for its “women in the windows” (sex workers), as well as its erotic shops and museums. For many tourists, it’s a must-see attraction—whether to observe or participate, each to their own, when visiting the Dutch capial.
Looking for activities in Amsterdam? Here are a few ideas for your visit:
With a total area of 41,526 square kilometers, the Netherlands is equivalent to the size of Switzerland. This ranks it in 33rd position out of 50 countries in Europe, and 22nd out of 27, within the European Union.
Despite its small size, the Netherlands boasts a remarkable diversity of landscapes:
The landscapes vary according to the seasons. Thus, spring and summer, are perfect for a nature getaway, while winter, invites exploration of cities with snowy scenery and frozen canals, on which it is possible to skate.
A roadtrip is also an excellent way to explore the country and its varied landscapes! If you want to rent a car, we recommend using DiscoverCars. The platform compares hundreds of rental agencies (from the best known, like Hertz or Sixt, to the least known), offering competitive rates, with no hidden fees and the best conditions: unlimited mileage, partial coverage as well as protection in case of theft.
Beyond its scenery, the Netherlands also stands out with its rich cultural heritage, renowned Dutch artists, and world-famous museums.
Why is the Netherlands called that?! Does the name have a real meaning?
It turns out that yes ! And the answer is rather astonishing:
26% of the country's land lies below sea level. This striking fact underscores why the name “Netherlands” (literally “lowlands”) is so fitting. But unfortunately, this impressive number bound to increase over the centuries with the rising waters...
At present, the lowest point is six meters below sea level, while the highest peak barely reaches 322.4 meters. One rather flat country, but with a significant constraint.
As a result, cities like Amsterdam are almost entirely below sea level. To overcome this, buildings are constructed on wooden or concrete piles driven deep into the ground. However, this ingenious system, comes with challenges, as the marshy soil beneath weakens foundations, and therefore, the cities on top of them.
This contributes to the prevalence of so many canals in the country, particularly in Amsterdam. which boasts 165 canals (more than Venice’s 150 canals). Hence, Amsterdam is often referred to as the “Venice of the North.”
Looking to the future, rising sea levels pose a significant threat. Currently, 70% of the population is at risk of flooding in the coming years, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions in the coming years (source: Les Echos, 2023).
The Netherlands is one of the 6 founding countries of the European Union (alongside France, Italy, Belgium, Luxembourg and West Germany at the time, with the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951).
Present since the beginning, the Netherlands is also part of the Schengen Area and of the Eurozone. Thus, you only require a valid ID to enter the territory.
A few practical advice however:
The Netherlands is the fourth-largest cheese producer in the European Union (after Germany, France, and Italy), producing over one million tons annually (source: Eurostat, 2023). It's hard to miss out when you come to the country.
Famous Dutch cheeses include:
Other varieties like Leyden, Friesian, and Bluefort are also worth trying.
Cheese shops are abundant in cities, their displays tempting rounds of Gouda and Edam stacked on top of each other. Many shops offer tours and tastings, though local markets often provide a more authentic experience with higher-quality offerings.
For true cheese enthusiasts, a visit to the “Cheese Valley” near Gouda is a must.
Fun fact: Only 1% of Dutch people are lactose intolerant—a stark contrast to the global adult average of 65% worldwide (sources: Lactose Intolerance Update, MDPI, 2019 and Lactose intolerance, NIH, 2022).
We end this part with a few exciting activities:
Much like Denmark (which we tell you about in the article 10 things you need to know before traveling to Denmark), the Netherlands are also a very flat country, making it a cyclist’s paradise.
This mean of transport is widely used by the Dutch, and part of their culture. With over 37,000 km of bike paths—representing 25% of its national road network, extending over 140,000 km—the country has more bikes (23 millions) than inhabitants (17.81 millions), averaging 1.3 bikes per person (sources: Global data, 2022 and Netherlands Tourism & Convention Office, 2024).
With these numbers, it is not surprising that everything is arranged for cyclists In this “bike nation”. For example, the roundabouts have bicycle lanes, the bicycle parking are omnipresent on the territory and even the Dutch Highway Code grants priority to bicycles on cars (and even on pedestrians).
Regardless of your mode of transport, keep that in mind to avoid any accidents!
And if you ever decide to move by bike, the most important information to remember is that: Dutch bikes often use back-pedal braking instead of handlebar brakes. While it’s easy to adapt, it may take some time getting used to.
The Netherlands has a rich past, a strong culture and deep-rooted traditions, yet it remains a forward-thinking and progressive nation.
The Dutch are pioneers in ecological initiatives. In addition to widespread bicycle usage, sales of electric cars has surged in recent years, surpassing those of petrol cars in 2023 (source: RAI Association, 2023). Furthermore, Dutch innovators are developing projects of carbon neutral buildings, and even of solar bike paths, capable of generating electricity.
The design sector is no exception to the rule either. Dutch Design, a wholly Dutch invention, embraces a bold, practical, and pragmatic approach. Functionality and problem-solving are at its core, alongside an equitable ethos and the use of environmentally friendly materials.
According to the blog, on the Dutch site Fritsjurgens.com:
“Their respect for nature forms the foundation of all their art and design work.”
This vision is both fascinating and inspiring.
When it comes to gender equality, the Netherlands was the first country to legalize sae-sex marriage and adoption in 2001 (12 years before France, that implemented these measures in 2013). The Dutch have a highly open attitude toward self-expression, freedom, and diversity, significantly influencing societal progress. Events celebrating LGBTQI+ culture and community, such as Pride, are deeply integrated into the national calendar.
We still have much to learn from this country in terms of open-mindedness and innovation!
We're getting to the end of this article, and I couldn't help but tell you about the unique Dutch architecture! Just a glance at their buildings, and you’ll know you’re in the Netherlands.
Today I wanted to focus on 2 particularities that intrigued me during our visit to Amsterdam (and which I understood the why and how much later):
Now you will keep an eye out for these details during your visit to the country.
And if you are looking for accommodation, here is a small selection just for you:
Let’s end this article with a less exciting fact: tap water is not free in Dutch restaurants.
Even though tap water is perfectly drinkable, most establishments charge for it. Whether you order bottled or tap water, you’ll need to pay to quench your thirst.
We’ve shared 10 key things to know about the Netherlands. We hope you’ve learned something new and that these tips help you prepare for your trip and enjoy your stay 😊.
If you’re ready to book your flight, you can do so here:
And since you’ve read to the end, here’s a special €10 discount with our referral code PL316TD9L for your first booking with Ulysse. Simply enter the code before payment by checking the "Do you have a referral code, promo code, or gift card?" box.
Don't forget to discover our” Tips ” at the end of the article, and to share your experiences and feedbacks for other travelers in the comments.
1. The cheapest and therefore preferred supermarkets in the Netherlands are: Dirk, Hoogvliet, Vomar, Deka, Lidl, Aldi, Albert Heijn (AH) and Jumbo.
If you are staying in the country for several days and you plan to cook or do some supermarket shopping, consider getting a loyalty card. During our stay in Amsterdam, our accommodation was next to an Albert Heijn and even if it was only for a few days, it allowed us to saved quite a bit thanks to the discounts.
2. The P+R system is really practical! It was the first time we heard about P+R... If you are not yet familiar with this system, don't worry. It's actually means “Park and Ride”. It is very common in all major cities and it is super convenient.
Located on the outskirts of cities and near public transport, P+R lets you avoid jam traffic saving time and money compared to central parking lots.
3. After the parking lot, make way for transport: to get around, you can buy single tickets, take a card day-passes or multi-passes, or simply use your bank card as a ticket (it works normally for the bus, tram, subway and even the train).
4. Dutch people have a habit of eating on the go for lunch, and early for dinner (around 6 or 7 PM). Thus, only few restaurants are open at noon (except those for tourists) and in the evening, they close rather early (around 10 PM). Though, in tourist areas, it's not uncommon that restaurants stay open until midnight.
5. In the Netherlands, while tipping is not mandatory, it remains much appreciated. If you really enjoyed the service, a tip of up to 10% of the bill is customary.
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