Discover essential tips for exploring the Netherlands, from flights to must-see attractions for a smooth traveling experience.
The Netherlands is more than a land of rivers, wind turbines, and tulips; instead, it is a country that blends contemporary design with centuries of tradition, with a diverse lifestyle, along with rural charm alongside exciting metropolitan life. When you are considering a visit to the Netherlands, understanding how to get there and what to see and do, as well as how to enjoy the traditional way of living, will assist in making the journey proceed more smoothly. The following guide contains simple yet beneficial travel guidance that will help you make the most of your time there.
Make a Smart Travel Plan
It is generally an excellent idea to make reservations for flights ahead of time. KLM Airlines, the national airline, provides charter flights from Amsterdam to almost every place in the entire globe, so check their schedules if you’re coming from elsewhere. Your trip there will be smooth due to Amsterdam’s tidy and easily accessible Schiphol Airport. Transit options quickly take you to the downtown center as well as from the airport’s terminal.
In the Netherlands, options for lodging consist of small hotels and convenient bed and breakfasts, along with historic shipping houses that were recently transformed into accommodations. Dutch cities are tiny, so staying within or near the center permits you to get around on foot or by bike while saving time.
Make Yourself at Home on a Bike
Bicycling is a lot more than an option to travel to the office across the Netherlands; it is an element of everyday life. Cities like Groningen, Utrecht, and Amsterdam are bicycle-friendly. After you hire a bike, you will be amazed at how simple it can be to pedal to the nearby coffee stores, art museums, and market stalls. Cycling on approved bike routes is secure, regardless of whether you’re not a cycling pro. Yet, considering how prevalent bicycles have been all over the world, always make sure that your vehicle is secure.
Utilize the Public Transportation System
The commuter buses, trains, and carts are reliable and on time. The handy OV-chipkaart transit card lets you get into and out of different kinds of public transportation. For brief journeys, trains can be especially beneficial. Within a one-hour drive from Amsterdam is Rotterdam, known for its beautiful buildings, while The Hague, the cultural and political hub, is 40 minutes away.
Maintain a balance between small towns and large cities.
Regardless of Amsterdam’s image as a tourist attraction, the country of the Netherlands provides a lot more. Typically, visitors are focused on the town’s landmarks. Just a quick train trip away, Haarlem, a city thanks to its magnificent Gothic cathedral and its lively market, appears like something of a relaxed version of the Dutch capital.
Little villages like Giethoorn, known as the “Venice of the North,” provide an idyllic haven where watercraft occupy places in lieu of automobiles. Adding no less than a single tiny city to your road trip allows it to appear more complete.
Discover Dutch Culture via Cuisine
Dutch food is simple yet nourishing. Raw fish seasoned with garlic and onions is a popular local dish. As stroopwafels are soft waffles that have a little caramel in them, the most delicious versions typically are those that are purchased fresh from a market vendor. For the morning meal, ask for poffertjes, which are tiny, soft waffles coated with sugar syrup.
At the weekend’s flea market in Leiden, Netherlands, or the Albert Cuyp Market in Amsterdam, you may try dairy items, seafood that is freshly caught, and seasonal products whilst chatting with locals.
In Conclusion
Beyond merely engaging in the famous sights, there is a lot more to find out about the country of the Netherlands. The adventure involves pedaling a bike by means of peaceful avenues, eating outdoors, and observing the sunset along the waterways. If you prepare in advance, observe regional traditions, and schedule visits in both big cities and tiny towns, your road trip is going to be satisfying and rewarding. Whether you come by train from a different nation or come by KLM Airlines, the country of the Netherlands is waiting to receive you with a unique mix of heritage, creativity, and daily kindness.
