A typical first trip here runs about $1,000 to $1,350 per person for 7 days at a mid-range style, before flights. Get your own number from the Budget Calculator.
- Stroopwafels, bitterballen (fried snacks), and herring are iconic
- Dutch cheese (Gouda, Edam), try from local markets
- Jenever (Dutch gin), traditional spirit, served in small tulip glasses
- Indonesian rijsttafel (rice table), legacy of colonial history
- King's Day (April 27), massive street party in orange throughout the country
- Sinterklaas (December 5), traditional Dutch gift-giving holiday
- Keukenhof tulip gardens (March–May), world's largest flower garden
- Amsterdam Pride (August), one of Europe's biggest LGBTQ+ events
Dutch is the official language. The Netherlands has among the highest English proficiency in the world, nearly everyone speaks it fluently.
Direct communication is valued.
- Dutch directness can seem blunt, it's not rudeness, it's honesty
- Cycling is king, respect bike lanes and never park in them
- Going Dutch (splitting bills) is the norm
- Tipping: round up or leave small amount; not mandatory
Latest for Netherlands
Updates for Netherlands will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.