Located in western Europe, The Netherlands has always been one of my favorites countries. It features a rich history that dates back to roman times, incredible medieval and modern architecture, beautiful landscapes with cute little towns, an incredible nightlife scene and a lot of art, cheese and tulips. However, what I like the most is the friendly locals.
Why Visit
HISTORY
Celtic and Germanic tribes use to inhabit the region we call The Netherlands today. Further on, the Romans occupied the region, establishing a military post in what today is Nijmegen. Over the years, the Dutch have been occupied by the Spanish, the Austrians, the French and the Germans. Influences of all these cultures and times can be seen just by walking around its historic cities.
ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING:
Dutch have played an important role in the architecture of the world. The country boots a fascinating architecture mixture of 17th century buildings with modern, futuristic and innovative structures.
NIGHTLIFE
The Netherlands has an extensive party scene, with clubs, pubs, coffee shops, irish bars and much more. Dutch like to have fun, and are known for its open-minded approach, creating an environment of relaxation and enjoyment (might surprise some first visitors). I would highlight the “Red light district” in Amsterdam and the electro music scene in Rotterdam, as it has been called the “Capital of the Electro music”.
LANDSCAPES
For a relatively small country, The Netherlands offers a rich variety of landscapes. Famous for its flower fields, windmills and massive water bodies, the country also boasts national parks and reserves, beaches, hills, dunes and more to explore
LOCALS
The Dutch are among the coolest locals I have met. They are warm, hospitable and extremely friendly. Thanks to their educational system, they also speak a great deal of English! Among other languages like German, and/or a little bit of Spanish and French, as they are required in school. They are the most proficient English speakers in the world.
Located in western Europe, The Netherlands has always been one of my favorites countries. It features a rich history that dates back to roman times, incredible medieval and modern architecture, beautiful landscapes with cute little towns, an incredible nightlife scene and a lot of art, cheese and tulips. However, what I like the most is the friendly locals.
Why Visit
HISTORY
Celtic and Germanic tribes use to inhabit the region we call The Netherlands today. Further on, the Romans occupied the region, establishing a military post in what today is Nijmegen. Over the years, the Dutch have been occupied by the Spanish, the Austrians, the French and the Germans. Influences of all these cultures and times can be seen just by walking around its historic cities.
ARCHITECTURE & ENGINEERING:
Dutch have played an important role in the architecture of the world. The country boots a fascinating architecture mixture of 17th century buildings with modern, futuristic and innovative structures.
NIGHTLIFE
The Netherlands has an extensive party scene, with clubs, pubs, coffee shops, irish bars and much more. Dutch like to have fun, and are known for its open-minded approach, creating an environment of relaxation and enjoyment (might surprise some first visitors). I would highlight the “Red light district” in Amsterdam and the electro music scene in Rotterdam, as it has been called the “Capital of the Electro music”.
LANDSCAPES
For a relatively small country, The Netherlands offers a rich variety of landscapes. Famous for its flower fields, windmills and massive water bodies, the country also boasts national parks and reserves, beaches, hills, dunes and more to explore
LOCALS
The Dutch are among the coolest locals I have met. They are warm, hospitable and extremely friendly. Thanks to their educational system, they also speak a great deal of English! Among other languages like German, and/or a little bit of Spanish and French, as they are required in school. They are the most proficient English speakers in the world.
Bucket List
Visit the Red Light District in Amsterdam
Smell the Tulips
Go to an electro music party in Rotterdam
Go inside a Windmill
Attent to a gay pride in Amsterdam
Explore Nijmegen
Visit the Van Gogh Museum
Try some fresh Stroopwafels/p>
How to get around
By plane
Domestic flights are available, however, not recommended. The Netherlands is a small country and you can cross the entire country by train in 3 hours.
By Car
Driving is a very efficient way to move around, as it gives you freedom and allow you to admire the stunning landscape. International car rental agencies are available in all the major cities, however local dutch agencies would be cheaper. The highway system is very good and (the best part) is free of toll roads. Be aware of the cyclist AT ALL TIMES!
By Bicycle
There is nothing more dutch than to go around on a bicycle. There are more than 20,000 kilometers (12,400 miles) of bicycle paths in the Netherlands, and automobile drivers are accustomed to giving way to bikers. Bike rentals are quite common.
By Bus
Buses are an alternative if you want to save some money. They are widely used for short-distance travel, especially in rural areas with relatively few train lines. They are very punctual and reliable.
By Train
Train must be the preferred way of getting around the Netherlands. Although it is more expensive than buses, they are also more comfortable. The Dutch Railway has an extensive network, reaching all the major cities + small towns as well. There are regular and fast trains, with different prices and amenities to accommodate any type of traveler.
By Ferry
Thanks to the extensive network of canals and wealth of waterways, water taxis are available between some cities like Rotterdam, Amsterdam, the Hook and Dordrecht. It is one of the fastest ways of getting around.
Visa Policy
Nationals of the following countries do not need a visa to enter The Netherlands for a maximum period of 90 days in any 180-day period:
Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, El Salvador, Georgia, Grenada, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Macao, Macedonia, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Korea, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tuvalu, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, USA, Uruguay and Vanuatu.
Citizens from all other countries (except, of course, european citizens) need to request a visa in advance through the embassy.
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