Food and drink highlights of Netherlands ๐Ÿฅ•

  • Tipping - Do leave a restaurant tip if you feel that the service was outstanding. Legally, the service charge for restaurants is included in your bill, but for good service you may want to leave a 10% tip.
  • Eating hours - Dinner is usually the main meal of the day. It begins around 6pm.
  • Shopping hours - In general, shops are open from Monday to Saturday and from 9 A.M. until 6 P.M. Many shops in the Netherlands are closed on Monday mornings. This is more likely to happen in smaller Dutch villages. Bigger supermarkets tend to open up an hour earlier than standard Dutch shops. They also stay open a few hours later in the evenings.
  • Discount shops - The most popular discount shops are Lidl, Aldi, SuperCoop and Dirk.
  • Cuisine type - Traditionally, Dutch cuisine is simple and straightforward, with many vegetables and little bit meat.
  • Savoir Vivre - It is impolite to begin your meal before others at the table. It is polite to keep oneโ€™s hands above the table until all have finished eating. As people begin to eat, some may say 'Eet Smakelijk' which means 'Eat well and with taste'.
  • Main ingredients - A simple Dutch meal traditionally consists of meat, potatoes, butter, a boiled vegetable, and salad. A lot of Dutch food is based around agriculture - wheat and vegetables.
  • Important info - Bills are usually split equally between couples, as it can become awkward to specify who ate what. However, in groups, people usually pay for what they ordered.
  • Warning - The Dutch tend to avoid wasting food. Thus, many appreciate it when visitors finish everything on their plate.
๐Ÿ”
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Foods to try in Netherlands ๐Ÿฅ˜

  • Stamppot
    The traditional Dutch dish has a potato base and is prepared with vegetables, according to taste. Basic ingredients โ€“ white potato, sweet potato, carrots, onion and cabbage โ€“ are simmered in a pot, mashed and topped with rookworst (smoked sausage).
  • Erwtensoep
    The thick soup is almost like a paste with a variety of vegetables accompanying the peas, saving it from tasting solely of peas. The soup is usually served with sliced rookworst, on top.
  • Kibbeling
    Kibbeling is a Dutch snack made of breaded pieces of fish, often served with a garlic or mayonnaise-based tartare sauce.
  • Pannenkoeken
    Dutch pancakes โ€“ are more like crepes; they can be prepared both sweet and savory and are a typical Dutch dinner or lunch. Each pancake is as big as the plate. Savory pannenkoeken, topped with cheese, ham, tomato and fried onions, are the popular variation.
  • Dutch Broodjes
    Broodjes โ€“ or Dutch Sandwiches โ€“ are a popular grab-and-go meal in the Netherlands. These bread rolls come with a great variety of ingredients โ€“ including meat, like beef, pork, fish, liver and tartare. The most unique broodje is a warm beef slathered with peanut sauce.
  • 12-Uurtje
    A typical lunch item served with three items on the plate, usually assembled with a couple of broodjes and a side salad. For example: one slice of white bread topped with cheese, ham and a fried egg; another slice of white bread topped with a single meat croquette; and a small side dish, like potato salad covered in mayo. The meal is eaten with a fork and knife.
  • Bitterballen
    The deep-fried bitterballen is one of the favorite snacks in the Netherlands โ€“ especially prevalent at bars and taverns. The appetizers are little round balls, similar to croquettes. Bitterballen are crispy on the outside and filled with a thick meaty gravy-like mixture. Like most bar food, the Dutch snack pairs well with beer and mustard.
  • Netherlands Stroopwafel
    These sweet traditional Dutch cookies are made of two thin, Netherlands waffle wafers stuck together with just a bit of caramel syrup in between them. When heated slightly they become gloriously gooey.
  • Haring โ€˜Hollandse Nieuweโ€™
    The raw herring is served together with chopped raw onions and gherkins. Herring can only be called โ€˜Hollandse Nieuweโ€™ if the fish is caught between May and July. The fish is cleaned, the head is removed and it is conserved in a special way (with salt).
  • Rookworst
    โ€˜Rookworstโ€™ is a Dutch smoked sausage. It is often eaten with โ€˜stamppotโ€™ (a mix of mashed potatoes and vegetables) and mostly comes with โ€˜erwtensoepโ€™.
๐Ÿ”
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Unusual facts about food in Netherlands ๐Ÿฅ˜

  • The Dutch invented gin.
  • In Amsterdam, you will find all kinds of food available, from Pizza to Greek moussaka, to Dutch pancakes, pea soup, and Hotch Potch.
  • The Dutch are the largest consumers of licorice in the world.
  • French fries are served with mayonnaise.
  • The Dutch have the lowest incidence of lactose intolerance.
  • Netherlands was ranked as the No. 1 country for plentiful, nutritious, and affordable food, according to a 2014 Oxfam report.
  • De Drie Gezusters ('the Three Sisters') is the biggest pub in Europe.
  • Dutch brined herring, AKA maatjesharing or soused herring, is a typical Dutch snack.
  • Amsterdam has a lot of terrific microbreweries and impressive beer bars that showcase small-scale Dutch brewers
  • Pancakes is a true Amsterdam breakfast. The top flavours are: bacon and maple syrup, egg, strawberry and (of course) Nutella).
  • Coffee plays a huge part in Dutch culture. Be sure to try at least a couple of coffee houses while youโ€™re there.
  • In 2001, Dutch breweries exported a surprising amount of 1.3 billion liters of beer. Half of which was sent to the US!
  • The Dutch have been producing cheese since the 4th century.
๐Ÿ”
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Place to stay in Netherlands ๐Ÿ›๏ธ

  • Best booking sites - Depending on your type of accommodation, you can search for accommodation on booking.com, weekendjeweg.nl, holland.com, stayokay.com or eurocampings.co.uk. In conjunction with the type of activity you can use trekkershutten.nl or vriendenopdefiets.nl.
  • Rating system - Like other European countries, the Netherlands uses an international star system; 1 star basic standard - 5 stars luxury.
  • Seasonality - In the Netherlands, more and more hotel rooms are rented, making tourism less dependent on the season. According to analyzes, in recent years the greatest tourist traffic has occurred in May, July and August. Despite the fact higher prices can be expected in the summer months.
  • Cost-effective - For cheap accommodation, it is worth thinking about private accommodation - rooms in private houses, sometimes called guest houses, offer rooms with breakfast.
  • Air conditioning - Youโ€™ll rarely encounter air-conditioning.
  • Parking - Free parking is available depending on your location. Sometimes there is a seat on the street for a lower fee. Please check when booking.
  • Unusual accommodation - Throughout the Netherlands, historical religious buildings have been transformed, and some of them today include hotels. One example is the 15th-century Kruisherenhotel in Maastricht, which has been converted into a trendy hotel. Another unique places to stay are houseboats and windmills.
  • Camp - Dutch campgrounds and holiday parks are small cities, you finde there cafes, stores, playgrounds, game rooms and swimming pools; there are all the facilities typical for families.
  • Important - It's good to know that historic canal view houses are usually narrow, tall and deep, and to the room can only be accessed by stairs.
๐Ÿ”
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Accommodation in Netherlands ๐Ÿ’ก

  • Typically only newer and larger accommodations have elevators.
  • By Dutch standards, if a hotel has more than 20 rooms, it is already considered large.
  • Wireless Internet is usually included in the price.
  • Van der Valk is the largest hospitality chain in the Netherlands.
  • When looking for accommodation on the canal, you have at your disposal small hotels, apartments, guesthouses and historic buildings converted into hotels.
  • You'll find bed and breakfast in all regions of the country, but in hotels or motels breakfast will not necessarily be included in the room rate and can be costly - check carefully when booking.
  • The types of accommodation may be depend by region.
  • To find the best deals, it is worth booking your hotel a couple of months in advance if you have the option.
๐Ÿ”
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Getting around Netherlands ๐Ÿ’ก

  • Cost-effective - The vast majority of people travel by rail, which offers many discounts, promotions, and are more comfortable. So if possible, it is better to take the train.
  • Time-efficient - For the most part, driving a car round the Netherlands is pretty much what you would expect: smooth, easy and quick
  • Traffic safety - The country has a uniformly good road network, with most of the major towns connected by some kind of motorway or dual carriageway, though snarl-ups and jams are far from rare.
  • Important - Foreigners who do not have a place of residence in the Netherlands are fined , and obliged to pay in cash immediately after the offense which is the subject of the penalty.
  • Warning - If the speed limit exceeds 50 km / h, the car may be confiscated.

โœˆ Plane

  • Schiphol Airport is located 17 kilometers away from Amsterdam.

๐Ÿš‡ Metro

  • There are four metro lines in Amsterdam.
  • The tram network in Amsterdam is comprehensive and can take you almost anywhere.
  • The most expansive metro system is in Rotterdam/The Hague.

๐Ÿš† Train

  • Trains are used for longer rides, but there are some , the express and local, that stop more locally.
  • The Netherlands has a modern and broad railway network.
  • You can choose between first and second class, although not all trains will allow you to make reservations for the kind of seat you want.
  • There are two fast trains in the Netherlands - the Fyra and NS Hispeed. They travel from Rotterdam to the Amsterdam Airport Schiphol or Amsterdam in about 40 minutes.
  • Night trains run every hour of each night of the week.
  • Youโ€™ll need at least โ‚ฌ20 credit on your credit card before traveling on any NS train service. Failing to try to to so could see you get charged the complete โ‚ฌ20 boarding fare.
  • The national carrier is NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen). Search for connections at http://www.ns.nl/reisplanner-v2/index.shtml?language=en.

๐ŸšŒ Bus

  • There are midi busses available. They are like standard buses, just smaller.
  • Most bus routes in Amsterdam go from north to the center and out to the suburbs.
  • The operators of Dutch bus networks vary across the country.
  • You're able to use your OV-chipkaart on all bus types.

๐Ÿš• Taxi

  • Most towns and cities have taxi ranks near prominent attractions, stations and ports.
  • Taxis in the Netherlands are metered.
  • You can negotiate a fixed-fare with your driver before you start your journey.
  • Shared taxis are available in many Dutch towns, although you wonโ€™t find them in bigger cities.

๐Ÿšฒ Bicycle

  • You can rent a bike from most NS train stations for about โ‚ฌ 8 a day, plus a deposit of anywhere between โ‚ฌ50 and โ‚ฌ150, depending on the model.
  • Most bike shops rent out bicycles for around the same amount as NS, and they can be more flexible on deposits: some may accept a passport in lieu of cash.
  • Advance reservations are advised.
  • There are about 35,000 km of bicycle paths in the country.
  • At the National Park de Hoge Veluwe, you can cycle around the area free of charge. There are special white bicycles in the park, which are available to tourists for free.

๐Ÿš— Car

  • Public roads and highways are free of charge.
  • The maximum speed is 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h outside, 120 km/h on motorways โ€“ though some motorways have a speed limit of 100 km/h, indicated by small yellow signs on the side of the road.
  • The permissible level of alcohol is 0.05 per mille.
  • In the Netherlands, vehicles move on the right-hand side.
  • To rent a car, you must be 21 or over (and have been driving for at least a year), and need a credit card โ€“ though some local agencies might accept a hefty cash deposit instead.
  • Rental charges are fairly high, starting from โ‚ฌ250 per week for unlimited mileage in the smallest vehicle, but include collision damage waiver and vehicle (but not personal) insurance.
  • ๐Ÿ”
    2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

๐Ÿ‘ Hitchhiking

  • Hitchhiking in the Netherlands is considered safe.
  • Since 1991, Dutch students have had a card providing them with free public transport (on both weekdays and weekends ), therefore hitchhiking is not as popular as it used to be.
  • The latest survey by HitchWiki has found that the Netherlands is one of the easiest places for hitchhikers to snag a lift. The report found the average waiting time on Dutch roads is less than 30 minutes.
  • Hitchhiking in the Netherlands is quite easy, and legal in most places, although not on motorways.

How to travel in Netherlands ๐Ÿš—

  • Do switch to public transportation if you can - buses and trains are a tad too expensive, but they are clean, on-time and routes are very well connected.
  • Donโ€™t do the hop-on-hop-off bus in Amsterdam. Itโ€™s all about the canals here, so skip the bus tour, and cruise on a boat instead.
  • Public transport in the Netherlands uses OV-chipkaart, which in free translation means chip cards for public transport. Even a single or temporary ticket, in fact a chip card for single use.
  • The OV-chipkaart comes in two types: personal or anonymous. To obtain a personal OV-chipkaart, you must go through an application process and provide a photograph. The anonymous chipkaart can be purchased in vending machines at railway stops.
  • Products like monthly-passes or season tickets can be loaded onto your personal OV-chipkaart. These tickets are often bought online, but youโ€™ll got to manually load them onto your card at a delegated upload point or oneamong the yellow OV-chipkaart machines.
  • Students can apply for discounts using their OV-chipkaart.
  • Free ferries transport cyclists and pedestrians across the IJ in Amsterdam.
  • The best way to travel around the country is by train.
  • Amsterdam is a world-class international transport hub and there are countless ways of getting into the city.
  • The cheapest will be walking through Amsterdam. To save time, use an OV chip card.
  • Please note that sleeping in a car parked on city streets or in parking lots by the motorway is not allowed and could result in a penalty.
  • Regional bus timetable books, costing around โ‚ฌ3, are sold at some train station bookshops and most VVVs. You can also plan your journey online at www.9292.nl.
๐Ÿ”
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Best time to visit Netherlands ๐Ÿ’ก

โฑ๏ธ When to go

  • The best time to go to Netherlands is between May and September. The conditions are comfortable from late spring to early autumn, although rain is frequent.

๐ŸŒก๏ธ Temperature

  • The annual average temperatures range between 5ยฐC and 14.4ยฐC . The average high temperatures are between 20ยฐC and 25ยฐC during the summer. Few days cross 29.4ยฐC, mostly in the southeast. The average low temperatures are between 0ยฐC and 4.4ยฐC during the cold season.

โ˜” Rainfall

  • The annual average rainfall in the Netherlands ranges between 736.6mm and 838.2mm. Rainfall is moderate but frequent throughout the year.

๐ŸŒฑ Spring

  • From March to May,it is a quite cool season, characterized by a slow increase in temperature. From May, days are sunny and relatively warm, especially in the second half of the month.

โ˜€๏ธ Summer

  • From June to August, temperatures are generally pleasant in summer, but the sun does not shine very often. Cool and rainy days are quite frequent. However, during the brief hot air invasions, the most well liked area is that the south-east (see Eindhoven).

๐Ÿ‚ Fall

  • Early autumn is colorful, and September registers day temperatures above 20ยฐC. Later, it becomes gradually colder, cloudy, and rainy, and oftenly windy.

โ„๏ธ Winter

  • Winters are often quite cold and dark with the likelihood of some snow.

Netherlands weather Insights โ˜๏ธ

  • The Netherlands has a marine type of climate.
  • The ocean affects weather conditions in the Netherlands.
  • Summers are pleasant with very changeable periods.
  • Excessive hot weather is rare.
  • In winter, you will experience foggy weather.
  • The unpredictability of the weather can be a challenge. If it seems nice and sunny in the morning, that may not be the case in the afternoon.
๐Ÿ”
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Savoir-Vivre in Netherlands ๐Ÿ“

  • Greetings - In the Netherlands, we greet each other with a handshake and a nod of the head. And among friends and family, kiss the cheeks three times.
  • Punctuality - Punctuality is highly valued in Dutch culture. Be punctual, warn if you are late. It is not well seen to make others wait.
  • Bargaining - A native Dutch always bargains whenever he has the chance . It is an exceptionally thrifty nation. Therefore, although no one will encourage you to do so, it is worth trying to negotiate the price in a grocery or clothing store.
  • Dress code - Bring a jacket - even in the summer, with a warm forecast, rain is inevitable in the Netherlands. Don't wear sneakers, unless you are participating in sports. Pickpockets pay attention to footwear, and sneakers may suggest a tourist and thus an easy target. Instead, wear a pair of comfy walking shoes.
  • Home invitation - The dutch rarely invite those whom they are not closely acquainted with to visit their house. Rather, invitations to meet for coffee in public are more common. Once you arrive, it is customary to greet everyone present, including children. It is also common to bring a gift to the host or hostess (chocolates, flowers or a book).
  • Etiquette - Maintaining eye contact is valued and shows sincerity. The Dutch tend to have a direct communication style, speaking quite frankly in a straightforward manner.
  • Drones - We recommend using this map to easily check the applicable restrictions. If you are looking for more specific information take a look here.
๐Ÿ”
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Things not to do in Netherlands โš ๏ธ

  • Bring a credit card with a chip and a PIN - they're often required to complete card payments.
  • If you were invited to a meal and the host told you it was their treat, you should still pay your portion of the bill or expect the bill to be split up evenly.
  • Book everything in advance - booking a few weeks ahead of the trip will save you a headache upon arrival.
  • Don't call the Netherlands Holland - it may offend the locals. Holland is just two of the twelve counties in the Netherlands.
  • Donโ€™t walk on the bike lanes.
  • Donโ€™t take pictures of girls in the windows of the red-light district.
  • Don't tap the center of your forehead with your index finger. It's the sign for โ€œcrazyโ€ and is considered an impolite gesture.
  • Do not give white lilies or chrysanthemums. These are used during times of mourning.
  • Avoid intolerant behaviour towards ethnic minorities or alternative lifestyles. Dutch have a strong sense of tolerance.
๐Ÿ”
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Interesting facts about Netherlands ๐Ÿค“

  • The tallest people in the world live in the Netherlands.
  • The Netherlands is the worldโ€™s biggest flower exporter.
  • Amsterdam has over 1,200 bridges.
  • The Netherlands was the first country to legalize same-sex marriage.
  • The Dutch own more bicycles than any other nation in the world.
  • Carrots are orange because of the Netherlands - Dutch farmers honored the King by turning their carrots orange through clever breeding in the 17th century.
  • The Dutch national anthem is the oldest in the world - it dates back to the 16th century.
๐Ÿ”
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Best souvenirs from Netherlands ๐Ÿ’


Tulips, art and excellent gastronomy - this comes to mind first when we think about the Netherlands. In this article, we have collected for you some suggestions of the most interesting souvenirs that you can bring to your loved ones, so that you can share with them some memories from an unforgettable trip to the Netherlands!

๐Ÿบ Beverages

Jenever Gin ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

Gin with a dense texture, made of molasses with the addition of cone berries. Formerly used as a medicine, today it is a delicious, alcoholic drink with a unique composition of flavoures.

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: supermarkets

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 5 - 60 EUR

๐ŸŽ For whom: grandparents, parents, friends, spouse

Jenever Gin

Oranjebitter ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

This bitter-orange liqueur is a favourite drink on King's Day because of its characteristic colour. It was created in the 17th century in honour of the battles won by Prince Frederick Hendrik.

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: supermarkets

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 10 - 20 EUR

๐Ÿ’ก Pro tip: The best Oranjebitter is produced by De Kuyper.

๐ŸŽ For whom: grandparents, parents, friends

Oranjebitter

Schrobbeler ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

Very sweet and herbal liquor with a strong taste of licorice. A popular choice of Dutch when going to a party. Invented not so long ago (the 1970s), makes for a great gift for anyone who's looking for unusual flavors.

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: supermarkets

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 10 - 20 EUR

๐ŸŽ For whom: grandparents, parents, friends, spouse

Schrobbeler

๐Ÿ‘š Clothes

Clogs ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

The wooden shoes are over 800 years old. The wooden sole and boot construction made it easier to move on muddy ground and protected feet from injury. In addition, they kept feet warm in winter and provided ventilation in summer, preventing foot mycosis. You can plant your favourite plant in them or... you can wear them for your next party!

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: gift shops

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 10 - 20 EUR

๐ŸŽ For whom: grandparents, parents, friends, kids, spouse

Clogs

Gumshoe ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

Amsterdam gumshoes are eco friendly products made from recycled gum with printed map of the capital's city centre.

๐Ÿ“Œ Region: Norht Holland

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: dedicated shops

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 190 - 250 EUR

๐ŸŽ For whom: spouse, kids

Gumshoe

Hat from Barts ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

Very popular and stylish netherlands hats will perfectly fit as a practical souvenir for colder days.

๐Ÿ“Œ Region: North Holland

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: clothing stores

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 20 - 30 EUR

๐ŸŽ For whom: spouse, kids

Hat from Barts

Pip Studio Bathrobe ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

Pip Studio is a company that sells home products - towels, bedding, sheets, and decorations. The most popular, however, are their colorful bathrobes with floral patterns. Available in all sizes, they will satisfy all fans of at-home relaxation.

๐Ÿ“Œ Region: North Holland

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: De Bijenkorf shop

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 100 - 200 EUR

๐ŸŽ For whom: grandparents, parents, friends, spouse

Pip Studio Bathrobe

๐Ÿ› Collections

Bike seat cover ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

A lot of Amsterdam citizens travels everwhere using a bike s o it is fairly easy to find cyclist wide variety of bike accessories in Netherlands

๐Ÿ“Œ Region: North Holland

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: bike shops, dedicated shops

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 10 - 40 EUR

๐ŸŽ For whom: parents, spouse, kids

Bike seat cover

Jigsaw Puzzles ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

Filled with little elements and small details, this colorful activity is tied to the Netherlands. Jan Van Haasteren became famous for drawing those pictures presenting funny situations and what is common for every puzzle is that there are hidden Jan trademarks which is to be found during the puzzle.

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: toy shops

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 10 - 50 EUR

๐ŸŽ For whom: grandparents, parents, spouse, friends, kids

Jigsaw Puzzles

Nijntje Knuffel ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

Nijntje is a popular rabbit from a series of children's books from the 1950s by Dutch artist Dick Bruny. The name Nijntje comes from the childish mispronunciation of the Dutch "konijntje" meaning "bunny". Despite its name, Nijntje is most commonly known as "Miffy".

๐Ÿ“Œ Region: North Holland

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: De Winkel van Nijntje shop

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 15 - 100 EUR

๐ŸŽ For whom: kids, friends

Nijntje Knuffel

Tulip onions ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

Tulips are beautiful, colourful flowers, which are the symbol of the Netherlands. At Amsterdam's flower market, you can buy both bouquets and tulip bulbs, which you can plant in a pot when you get home. You won't find so many kinds of this plant anywhere else!

๐Ÿ“Œ Region: North Holland

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: flower markets, Flower Auctions

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 0.5 - 10 EUR

๐ŸŽ For whom: grandparents, parents, friends

Tulip onions

๐Ÿ’„ Cosmetics

Soaps ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

Handmade Dutch soaps come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and scents. Sometimes the have printed words on them reffering to the name of the shop and to Amsterdam.

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: gift shop

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 2 - 10 EUR

๐ŸŽ For whom: grandparents, parents, spouse

Soaps

๐Ÿฅ— Food

Cheese ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

Cheese making has been part of the national heritage for centuries and has evolved to become a highly prized product around the world. Dutch cheese is simply delicious and with plenty of variations, textures and flavors to choose from; the only difficulty is to decide which one to buy.

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: markets, supermarkets

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 5 - 20 EUR

๐ŸŽ For whom: grandparents, parents, friends

Cheese

Drop ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

This sweet or salty candy is a local, traditional delicacy. It is usually bought by weight. Drop also has a positive effect on health - it helps relieve sore throats!

๐Ÿ“Œ Region: South Holland

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: supermarkets

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 2 - 6 EUR

๐ŸŽ For whom: grandparents, parents, friends, kids, spouse

Drop

Poffertjes ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

Those are small dutch sweet pancakes available in most of the supermarkets, made from yeast and flour. In Netherlands they are served warm with sugar powder and butter.

๐Ÿ“Œ Region: South Holland

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: supermarkets

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 15 - 40 EUR

๐Ÿ’ก Pro tip: The best ones are to find in restaurants

๐ŸŽ For whom: grandparents, parents, spouse, kids

Poffertjes

Stroopwafels ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

Two crispy wafers joined together with caramel is a favourite snack of busy tourists - perfect to throw in your backpack, it will also work as a sweet gift for family and friends. You will find them almost everywhere! They taste best if you leave them over a hot cup of tea.

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: supermarkets

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 2 - 10 EUR

๐ŸŽ For whom: grandparents, parents, friends, kids, spouse

Stroopwafels

๐Ÿก Home Decor

Candles ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

They make a fine addition to almost every Dutch household and they come in many different colours and sizes. In Netherlands they become even more common during Christmas time.

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: candle stores

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 2 - 10 EUR

๐ŸŽ For whom: grandparents, parents, friends, spouse

Candles

Delft kissing figurines ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

Those figures feature a couple during a kiss, frequently called Jan and Grietje, dressed in a traditional folk outfits. They are made from delft and they always have only white and blue colors. Sometimes they are presented with windmill or tulips.

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: porcelain shops

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 4 - 20 EUR

๐ŸŽ For whom: grandparents, parents, spouse

Delft kissing figurines

Delfts Blauf ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

This popular Dutch pottery can be found in many shops around the biggest cities. It's a great option, if you're looking for something practical yet beautiful and classy. It's a great gift option for older family members.

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: antique shops

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 2 - 30 EUR

๐Ÿ’ก Pro tip: If you're looking for original pottery, try antique shops! Most of the available options are imported nowadays.

๐ŸŽ For whom: grandparents, parents

Delfts Blauf

Kerosene lamps ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ ๐Ÿ’ฒ

Rotterdam oil lamps throughout the history were made for sailors as ship equipment and even today their appearance is similar to the one from 1900s.

๐Ÿ“Œ Region: South Holland

๐Ÿ›’ Where to buy: gift shops

๐Ÿ’ฐ Price range: 100 - 200 EUR

๐ŸŽ For whom: parents

Kerosene lamps

Netherlands flag Netherlands - Souvenirs

We hope that in this article you have found some suggestions of souvenirs from Netherlands that you liked! Or maybe you have a different idea of what to bring your loved ones from this country? Be sure to write!

Netherlands packing list ๐Ÿ’ก

  • Bike - When driving your own car, it is worth taking your own, but renting one will not be a problem either.
  • A raincoat or an umbrella - Better to be prepared for rainy contingencies. It will not hurt you, and it can save you from catching a cold!
  • Cosmetic with accessories - These items in the Netherlands may be a bit more expensive.
  • Warm jacket with a membrane - It will be useful for tough weather conditions.
  • Evening outfit - If you want to experience Amsterdam's nightlife, please bring elegant clothes. Evening dress is often required in casinos and even welcomed in some clubs.
  • Tourist accessories - Travelers who go to the Netherlands to fully enjoy the charms of nature should remember about the necessary tourist accessories, without which it is impossible to relax in the bosom of nature.
๐Ÿ”
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Get a personalized packing list before travel to Netherlands ๐Ÿงณ

Health icon

Health information

Health risks and required vaccinations

Interactive packing lists icon

Packing lists

Personalized item list to pack matching your destination

Weather icon

Weather insights

Packing list adjusted to local weather

Travel details screenshot
To-do list icon

To-do lists

Everything you need to do before leaving home

Weight icon

Weight limits

Never pay excess baggage fees again

Price tag icon

Local prices

Average cost of food, tickets and accommodation

Tourist information about Netherlands ๐Ÿค“

๐Ÿณ Country Netherlands
๐ŸŒ† Capital Amsterdam
๐Ÿ’ธ Currency European euro
๐Ÿ’ญ Language Dutch, West Frisian, English, Papiamentu
โŒš Timezone GMT+1
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง English speaking Widely spoken (advanced)
๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ LGBT tolerance Very high
๐Ÿ‘ซ Gender ratio (overall) ๐Ÿ‘ฉ 50% | ๐Ÿ‘จ 50%
๐Ÿ‘ฉ๐Ÿปโ€๐Ÿคโ€๐Ÿ‘จ Population 17.1 mln
โœˆ๏ธ Visitors per year 20.1 mln

Useful information about Netherlands ๐Ÿค–

๐Ÿ’ณ Card payments Cash only
๐Ÿง ATM Availability Major cities
๐Ÿฆ Suggested ATM takeout 100 EUR
๐Ÿบ Drinking in public Mostly legal
๐Ÿšฐ Tap water Drinkable
๐ŸŒ Internet speed (avg.) 88 Mbps
๐Ÿ”Œ Socket type Type C Type F C / F
๐Ÿš• Best taxi app Uber
๐Ÿšพ Public toilets Unpopular & Paid
๐Ÿ“ฑ Top mobile providers T-mobile, Vodafoen, KPN
โœˆ๏ธ Best internal air carrier KLM
๐Ÿ”
2x more insights and tips Unlock full content to avoid popular tourist traps

Cost of living in Netherlands ๐Ÿ’ธ

๐ŸŒฎ Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
62.77 PLN
๐Ÿฅ˜ Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant
251.07 PLN
๐Ÿบ Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
18.83 PLN
โ›ฝ Gasoline (1 liter)
6.86 PLN
๐ŸŽซ One-way ticket (public transport)
13.39 PLN

Quality of life in Netherlands ๐Ÿ’š

๐Ÿ’š Quality of life Very high
โ˜บ๏ธ Safety Index High
๐Ÿ‘จ Healthcare likability High
โ˜๏ธ Climate likability Very high
๐Ÿ’ฐ Costs of living Moderate
๐Ÿ˜ท Level of pollution Low

Important numbers โ˜Ž๏ธ

General emergency number 112

๐Ÿ‘‡ Make travel planning easy and stress-free

Unlock the full potential of the Travel Guide:

  • 2x more insights and tips
  • Enjoy offline access during the trip
  • Never be caught off guard