Before we dive in: “Holland” technically refers to two provinces (North Holland and South Holland), while “the Netherlands” is the country.
Most travelers use “Holland” as shorthand for the whole nation—this list covers the broader Dutch experience.
- The Netherlands has more bicycles than people and thousands of kilometers of dedicated cycle paths—cycling is the easiest way to get around most cities.
- Dutch cities are famously flat, making bike travel quick; expect abundant bike parking, bike traffic lights, and even multi-story bike garages.
- Always lock your bike with two locks; bike theft is common around stations and nightlife areas.
- Public transport is integrated nationwide: trains, trams, buses, and metros accept contactless payment and timed transfers.
- Schiphol Airport sits on land once underwater; the country’s engineering prowess is visible from takeoff to the train platforms beneath the terminal.
- Much of the country is at or below sea level, protected by dunes, dikes, pumping stations, and movable storm-surge barriers.
- The Afsluitdijk and Delta Works are world-renowned water-management projects that turned sea into lakes and polders into farmland and towns.
- Tap water is safe, soft, and excellent quality; refill bottles at fountains and taps across cities.
- Amsterdam’s canal houses are narrow because property taxes were once assessed by canal frontage width; look up to see hoist beams for moving furniture.
- Dutch window curtains are often left open—a cultural nod to transparency rather than exhibitionism.
- The Dutch communication style is famously direct; don’t mistake straightforward feedback for rudeness.
- You’ll hear “gezellig” a lot—it roughly means cozy, convivial, or pleasantly social; it’s a feeling more than a place.
- English proficiency is high; you can get by in English in most urban areas, though a simple “dank je” (thank you) is appreciated.
- Frisian is an official regional language in the province of Friesland—signs and place names may appear in both Dutch and Frisian.
- Amsterdam has more bridges than Venice, and canals lace through several Dutch cities including Utrecht, Leiden, and Haarlem.
- King’s Day on April 27 turns the country orange (the royal color); expect street markets, canal flotillas, and nationwide parties.
- Sinterklaas festivities culminate around December 5 with poems, small gifts, and plenty of spiced “pepernoten.”
- “Coffee shops” sell cannabis under a tolerance policy; cafés sell coffee and cakes—don’t mix them up when you’re looking for a latte.
- Dutch beer culture spans global brands and a vibrant craft scene; traditional “brown cafés” serve as cozy neighborhood pubs.
- Cheese is a national pride—Gouda, Edam, and more. Seasonal cheese markets in historic towns are equal parts theater and trade.
- Try a warm stroopwafel from a market stall—the caramel syrup softens perfectly between the thin waffles.
- Raw herring (“haring”) is a beloved snack; locals often eat it with chopped onions and pickles, sometimes dangling it by the tail.
- Bitterballen (crispy beef ragout bites) are a classic bar snack, best dipped in mustard.
- Fries come with mayo by default, or try “patatje oorlog” with peanut sauce, mayo, and onions.
- Indonesian “rijsttafel” is a popular dining experience—an echo of historic ties that shaped Dutch food culture.
- Pancakes (“pannenkoeken”) are plate-sized and come sweet or savory; mini “poffertjes” are fluffy, buttered, and dusted with sugar.
- Many shops in smaller towns close for lunch or on Sunday; check “koopavond” (late-shopping evenings, often Thursday or Friday).
- Card-first culture: contactless debit/credit is widely accepted; some places are cashless.
- Tipping is modest—round up or 5–10% for good service in restaurants; not required at bars.
- Expect unpredictable maritime weather; pack layers, a light rain jacket, and shoes that can handle drizzle.
- The Wadden Sea and its islands (Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, Schiermonnikoog) offer dunes, birdlife, and wide sandy beaches.
- The Dutch coast runs for hundreds of kilometers with resort towns like Scheveningen and Zandvoort easily reachable by public transport.
- Spring tulip season peaks roughly April–May; please admire fields from paths—stepping into rows damages bulbs.
- Keukenhof gardens showcase millions of blooms in spring; time slots help manage the crowds.
- Windmills once pumped water and milled grain; you can still see historic complexes like Kinderdijk and working mills across the country.
- Museums are plentiful: expect world-class art, design, science, and maritime collections in compact, walkable centers.
- Utrecht’s canals feature wharf cellars turned into cafés and boutiques—a uniquely atmospheric waterfront stroll.
- The Hoge Veluwe National Park blends pine forests and sandy heaths; free white bikes let you roam to the art museum in the woods.
- Skating on natural ice happens only in sufficiently cold winters, but indoor rinks keep the Dutch skating spirit alive every year.
- Power sockets are Type C and F at 230V/50Hz—bring the right adapter; mobile data and Wi-Fi coverage are excellent.