Travel Guide
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Discover
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
Set on the Prinsengracht canal in Amsterdam, this museum preserves the Secret Annex where Anne Frank and her family hid from Nazi occupation for over two years during World War II. Visitors move through the concealed rooms exactly as they were, with Anne's original diary on display in an adjoining exhibition. Booking tickets well in advance is essential, as daily visitor numbers are strictly limited.
Covering over 32 hectares near the town of Lisse, Keukenhof is one of the world's largest flower gardens, planted with more than seven million bulbs each season. Visitors walk through sweeping displays of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths at their peak bloom from mid-March to mid-May. The gardens close after spring, so timing your visit to this annual window is essential.
Health & Safety
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks At least 8 weeks before your trip: check the latest vaccine recommendations for the Netherlands see where to get vaccines and
Full health advice (FCDO) →Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Guide
Entry requirements vary by passport; check your specific requirements on the Netherlands destination page at Yoogo.
The Netherlands uses the Euro (EUR). Card payments are widely accepted in cities, though some smaller cafes, markets, and independent shops prefer cash. It is worth carrying a small amount of euros for such situations. ATMs are plentiful throughout Dutch cities and towns.
The Netherlands is generally a very safe country with low levels of violent crime. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in busy tourist areas in Amsterdam, particularly around the central station and canal belt. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded spaces. Cycling-related accidents are a practical hazard for visitors unfamiliar with the extensive bike lane network.
The Netherlands has one of Europe's most efficient public transport networks. Trains connect all major cities and run frequently; a single OV-chipkaart (a reusable smart card) works across trains, trams, buses, and metros. Cycling is a core part of Dutch culture, and bike hire is available in virtually every city. Amsterdam has an extensive tram and metro network, and intercity travel by train is fast and affordable.
Late spring (April to May) is iconic for tulip season and mild temperatures, though it is also the busiest period. Early summer (June) offers long days, pleasant warmth, and fewer crowds than peak July to August. Autumn (September to November) brings lower prices and colourful foliage. Winter is quiet and cool, with Christmas markets adding festive charm from late November.
Dutch is the official language. The Netherlands consistently ranks among the world's highest for English proficiency, and virtually all service staff, transport workers, and locals in cities speak excellent English. In rural areas English fluency is slightly less universal but still widespread. Learning a few basic Dutch phrases such as 'dank je wel' (thank you) is appreciated.
No vaccinations are required for entry to the Netherlands. The CDC and most travel health authorities recommend that routine vaccinations (such as MMR, tetanus-diphtheria, and flu) are up to date before travel. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country, and food hygiene standards are high. Travellers with specific health conditions should consult their doctor or a travel health clinic before departure.
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving around 5-10% for good service is the common practice; a 15% tip is considered generous. Tipping is less expected in cafes and bars, where rounding up to the nearest euro is typical. Hotel porters and taxi drivers generally appreciate a small tip for good service.
Nineteen beautifully preserved 18th-century windmills stand along the waterways of South Holland at Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Built to pump water from the polders and prevent flooding, the windmills remain an extraordinary feat of hydraulic engineering and a defining image of the Dutch landscape. Several windmills are open to visitors, and boat tours allow you to view the entire row from the water.
Canal wharves and a soaring Gothic tower at the heart of the Netherlands.
The Netherlands has excellent 4G and 5G coverage across cities and most rural areas. Visitors from within the EU roam at domestic rates. Travellers from outside the EU can purchase prepaid SIM cards at Schiphol Airport, supermarkets such as Albert Heijn, and electronics retailers like MediaMarkt. eSIM options are widely available from Dutch carriers and can be set up before you arrive.
The Dutch are known for direct, frank communication, which is a cultural norm rather than rudeness. Punctuality is valued for meetings and reservations. The most important practical rule for visitors is to never walk in a cycle lane; Dutch cyclists have right of way and move quickly. Greetings often involve three alternating cheek kisses among friends and family, though a handshake is standard in formal settings. Recycling and environmental awareness are taken seriously.
Entry requirements by passport
Pick your passport to see the exact requirement, the stay limit, and the official source.