The Slow Traveler's Guide To The Netherlands Q&A
The Netherlands is a small country but has plenty to offer for travelers. It’s known for its windmills, wooden shoes, bicycles, cheese and the red light district. The country is also home to some of the world’s most famous artists.
Apr 8, 2022
Travel
The Netherlands is a small country but has plenty to offer for travelers. It’s known for its windmills, wooden shoes, bicycles, cheese and the red light district. The country is also home to some of the world’s most famous artists. But what you may not know is that there’s much more to the Netherlands than just its famous landmarks. This small country boasts a lot of hidden gems that you can explore if you take your time and look closer... no rush, no stress! Slow travel allows you to get to know a place better and as the saying goes: slow travel fast returns! If you are planning on traveling to the Netherlands anytime soon, this blog post will give you some insider tips on where to go and what places not to miss out on during your stay in this beautiful country.
What is the history of the Netherlands?
The first settlements in the Netherlands date back to the Bronze Age (around 3500 BC). These early people would have lived on the coast as it was the only area that had enough water to support settlements. The Dutch language itself comes from the people who lived in the Low Countries and around the Rhine. The Low Countries were part of the Roman Empire and were called “Gallia Belgica”. The southern part of the Netherlands was part of the Germanic tribes and was called “Germania Inferior”. The northern part of the Netherlands became part of the Frankish Empire and was called “Gallia Belgica”.
What are the best things to do in the Netherlands?
The best things to do in the Netherlands are the following: - Visit the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam: The Rijksmuseum is one of the world’s great museums and houses an incredibly rich collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, including masterpieces by Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer and others. - Explore the Vondelpark in Amsterdam: The Vondelpark is one of Amsterdam’s most famous landmarks and a must-see attraction. Come here to relax, read a book, have a picnic or take a walk. - Take a cruise along the Amsterdam canals: One of the best ways to explore Amsterdam is by taking a cruise along the city’s famous canals. The canals are also a great place to experience the city’s rich culture and traditions. - Visit the Keukenhof Flower Gardens in the spring: If you’re visiting the Netherlands in the spring, then you must visit the Keukenhof Flower Gardens. The Gardens are home to the world’s largest collection of spring flowers and is one of the most beautiful places in the world. - Visit the Scheveningen in the summer: The seaside resort town of Scheveningen is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the Netherlands. Come here in the summer to enjoy the beautiful beaches, fresh sea air and the lively nightlife. - Visit the Rijksmuseum in the autumn: The Rijksmuseum is one of the world’s most famous museums and a must-see attraction. Its collection of famous Dutch art and artifacts is one of the richest in the world.
What is the cost of living in the Netherlands?
The cost of living in the Netherlands is relatively high as it’s one of the most expensive countries in Europe. However, the salary offered to expats is in line with other countries in the region. For those on a budget, you can always get by with a daily budget of $25 per day. This includes food, transportation, activities, and accommodation. You can always look for cheaper alternatives to explore the Netherlands. You can also join Couchsurfing to meet locals and make friends.
What is the best food to eat in the Netherlands?
The best food to eat in the Netherlands are the following: - Dutch Herring: The Dutch are known to be herring lovers, and this cold-water fish is one of their most famous dishes. You can eat it in many ways, such as raw, pickled or grilled. The best time to try it is in the spring when it’s in season (February-June). - Dutch Cheese: Another famous dish from the Netherlands is Gouda cheese, a Dutch cow’s milk cheese that’s yellow in color. Try eating it with a slice of apple or a slice of bread. You can also try eating Belegen and Edam cheeses. - Dutch Pancakes: You must try eating Dutch pancakes, also known as “Dutch babies”. This dish is made with eggs, milk or water, butter, flour, and baking powder and can be eaten for breakfast or as a dessert. - Dutch Apple Pie: Another famous dish from the Netherlands is apple pie, made with apples, butter, sugar, flour, and baking powder.
What are the best things to do in Amsterdam?
The best things to do in Amsterdam are the following: - Visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam: The Van Gogh Museum is one of the world’s greatest museums and houses the world’s largest collection of paintings and drawings by Vincent van Gogh. - Visit the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam: Visit the famous Anne Frank House, a hidden Jewish family that lived and hid in this secret attic for two years during World War II. Their story has become one of the most famous examples of the horrors of the war. - Visit the Amsterdam Flower Market in the spring: The Bloemenmarkt (Flower Market) is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Amsterdam. It is held every Wednesday and Saturday at the Waalsdorft Canal. - Visit the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam: The Heineken Experience is an interactive tour of the world’s most famous beer brewery. - Visit the Amsterdamse Bos in the summer: The Amsterdamse Bos is one of the largest and most beautiful forests in Europe. Come here to enjoy the fresh air, explore the forest and chill out. - Visit the Amsterdam Light Festival in the autumn: The Amsterdam Light Festival is a 10-day festival of light, music and ideas that attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year.
What is the cost of living in Amsterdam?
The cost of living in Amsterdam is high as it’s one of the world’s most expensive cities. A daily budget of $30 is recommended for those exploring the city. You can get by with less if you stay in hostels and use public transportation. For those on a budget, there are plenty of cheap alternatives to explore the city. Stay in hostels, use public transportation, explore the city’s museums and eat at local places instead of fancy restaurants. You can also join Couchsurfing to meet locals and make friends.
Does Amsterdam have co-working spaces?
Yes, Amsterdam has co-working spaces. A co-working space is a shared office space where people can come together to work and collaborate. Some co-working spaces also provide additional services like free coffee, snacks, Wi-Fi, etc. Some recommended co-working spaces in Amsterdam are The Hive, The Bakery, WeWork, Spaces and Impact Hub. You can also explore other co-working spaces in other cities in the Netherlands.
What are the best things to do in Rotterdam?
The Markthal: This is the world’s first indoor market that is inside a building. The Markthal is an architectural masterpiece and consists of an indoor market, restaurants, and three towers with office spaces. - Het Blauwe Theehuis: This is a magical place that is situated next to the Markthal. It’s a small, Victorian-style café that is built on a boat. - Erasmus Bridge: This bridge is known as ‘the leaning tower of Rotterdam’ as it leans outwards as it gets higher from the water. - Diergaarde Blijdorp: This is the world’s oldest zoo, situated in Rotterdam. The zoo houses a large collection of animals such as lions, tigers, polar bears, penguins, and many more. - Docks: Rotterdam is a port city, built on water. As such, it has a lot of docks where you can find amazing views of the river. - Art in the Park: This is a large-scale, outdoor exhibition that is held every year. It is a collective exhibition of art and architecture. The event is held in the famous park of Mark Park.
What is the cost of living in Rotterdam?
Compared to other countries, the Netherlands is relatively inexpensive. Many of the cities in the Netherlands are ranked among the ‘cheapest places to live’ in the world. - Food: Food in general is relatively cheap in the Netherlands. You can find supermarkets (as opposed to farmer’s markets) and shops that sell basic food items such as bread, cheese, fruits, and vegetables. - Transportation: Public transportation is cheap in the Netherlands. You can travel anywhere in the country by train or by bus for just a few euros. Taxis are also cheap and are the best option for late nights. - Accommodation: Accommodation will depend on the type of accommodation you choose. The cheapest places to stay are hostels, camping sites, and Airbnb. - Clothing: Clothing is not very expensive in the Netherlands. You can find good deals at Albert Heijn, which is a chain of supermarkets. - Entertainment: Entertainment in the Netherlands is not very expensive. You can visit museums, go to the zoo, go on a bike ride, or just walk around town.
What should travelers avoid in the Netherlands?
Tourists: The Netherlands is a very popular tourist destination and that can sometimes pose a problem for tourists themselves. If you want to avoid the crowds, you should avoid visiting the Netherlands during school breaks such as Easter and the summer vacations. - Crowded tourist attractions: The Dutch are proud of their culture. They want to show it off to anyone who wants to see it. That’s why many tourist destinations such as museums, shops, and other attractions are very crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds, you should visit these places during off-peak hours. - Bad weather: The Netherlands are beautiful during the spring, summer, and fall. However, they can be very dangerous during the winter. The weather can be unpredictable and extremely cold. - Bad weather: The Netherlands are beautiful during the spring, summer, and fall. However, they can be very dangerous during the winter. The weather can be unpredictable and extremely cold. - Rijksmuseum: This is one of the most famous museums in the Netherlands. However, it is closed until 2022. So, travelers should avoid visiting it until then. - Amsterdam Red Light District: This is one of the most famous attractions in Amsterdam. The area is known for its go-go bars and sex shops. While it may be a good place to take pictures, it’s better to avoid the place completely if you do not want to be a part of it.
Does the Netherlands have a lot of expats?
Yes, the Netherlands has a lot of expats. Some of the most common expat professions include business and management, marketing, engineering, IT, and healthcare. The most popular cities for expats to live in are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven and The Hague.
Which airlines fly directly into the Netherlands?
Some of the airlines that fly direct into the Netherlands are Air France, British Airways, KLM, Air New Zealand, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Airlines and American Airlines.
What is the best way to learn Dutch?
The best way to learn Dutch is to immerse yourself in the language and culture by living in the Netherlands. Alternatively, you can take language classes online or offline. If you are looking to visit the Netherlands soon, you’ve come to the right place. This article will tell you all about what this small but beautiful country has to offer