Netherlands

What can I expect from Netherland?

It is a country with historic gems, in terms of its architecture, well defined 17th century canal navigation, a major attraction, alongside beautiful and colourful countrywide natural scenic views.

The country offers discretion in terms of experience, when it comes to its city life and scenic beauty, with variety in flowers, giving it a more colourful touch.

Amsterdam, the famous city when it comes to Netherlands, is known for its red light streets, coffee shops, windmills and tulips. It has over 100 canals, with numerous bridges over, an excellent example of water navigation, also a major means of transportation, connecting to gobs of places.

Though compact, Netherlands is a country filled with exploration opportunities, with more cycles and bikes compared to people.

The flower parade in Zundert is another side to the country, which is colourful and quirky. Further options include, surfing at Scheveningen beach in Den Haag or having coffee, snacks and cheese at authentic cheese market in Woerden, provides variety in experiences, exclusive to the country.

Best season to visit Netherlands is from April to August, if you wish to experience the spring season in the country, with flowers blossomed all around. Another time to visit is from mid-December to early January, during the Christmas season, to try ice-skating and parades.

Visit this compact country for its charming destinations and historic contemporary art, architecture, artifacts and World War II Memorial.

Things to See and Do in Netherland

Crise in the canals of Amsterdam, Netherland’s capital, known for its elaborate canal system and artistic heritage.

Marken, for its characteristic wooden houses, attract tourists from everywhere.

Rotterdam, a major Dutch city, exhibits vintage ships in Maritime Museum.

Hoge Veluwe National Park, spread across in an area of 14,000 acres, has exotic flora and fauna.

Volendam, a Dutch town on the Markemeer Lake, known for colourful wooden houses, home to Volendam Museum.

The Hauge, revere it’s churches, dating back centuries, along with various Government Institutions of Netherlands and UN’s International Court of Justice.

Visit Overloom War Museum, showcasing harrowing World War II’s fierce tank battles.

Lisse, popular for its Keukenhof Gardens, home to millions of spring flowering bulbs and 17th century Keukenhof Castle.

Grote Kerk in The Hague, a large church that is built from red brick in Gothic style.

Typical Costs When Travelling

Accommodation – You can stay in Amsterdam, country’s capital, from where you’ll be able to easily get around the country. There are day trip from Amsterdam to Haarlem, Utrect, Gouda and The Hauge.

Rotterdam, known for its contemporary art and architecture, will take you around a day to reach from Amsterdam. It is a place worth spending few days to explore the spots and places situated close by, like Breda, Tilburg and De Biesbosch and Drunen National Parks.

If you’re looking to stay in a clean, safe and affordable place to rest every night, without much facility, you can opt to live in hostels. There are many hostels, across Netherlands, whether in cities, small towns, houseboats and even in windmills. However, hostels here are fairly expensive, compared to many other popular countries of the world, pricing at $30 for a bed in Amsterdam and $20 in other areas, on an approximate basis. With private rooms in hostels, you’re expected to shed around, $90 in Amsterdam and lower there on in other areas.

AirBnb provides private room options, starting at $50 a night.

Shifting focus from hostels to hotels, more comfortable and convenient accommodation would cost you around $105 per night and upwards.

Food – There are multiple food options travelling this country, however, it’s a bit pricey.

You can cut down on food by cooking your meals compared to eating outside. Many hostels provide access to their shared kitchens. Even AirBnb, you’re likely to be able to use kitchen to cook your meals. The local market is full of fresh vegetables, fish and fruits, letting you stock-up and spend less compared to eating at restaurants.

If you’re staying in hotels, you’ve deals, wherein you can add free breakfast and/or lunch/dinner along with accommodation. If you haven’t booked your breakfast, you’ve breakfast buffet majority of the hotels, ranging around $15 to $25.

Keep an eye on your drinks as alcohol is a budget booster.

In general, you should expect to spend following (per person & meal):

Breakfast: $12 (in case of a self-cooked meal)
Lunch: $10 (if your opt for a sandwich or a slice of pizza)
Dinner: $13 for budget travellers, $22 for mid-range travellers and $45+ for high end options.

Transportation – The country is extensively connected through trains, with 400 odd train stations, connecting major parts of the country.

Train fare in between some cities, include:

Amsterdam to Utrecht: $10
Leiden to Maastricht: $38.50
The Hague to Amsterdam: $14.50

If you’re willing to drive around the country, by renting a car, you must re-consider, as it’s not just expensive renting, but, also parking is high. Navigating through the streets, which are usually filled with bicycles, trams and pedestrians, can be tiring and stressful.

If you’re on tight budget, flying within the country should be avoided.

Source

Suggested daily budget –

Netherlands is slightly on the higher side of budget, but can be done within stipulated budget, but, it requires certain amount of creativity and energy. Amsterdam slightly expensive as compared to other parts of Netherlands is for people with budget that is mid-range to slightly higher.

On an average, you’re expected daily budget could be $130 per person & day and can be further broken down as:

Accommodation: $78
Food: $30
Transportation (mainly local means of transport): $22

The above stated budget is based on mid-range or average spending habits and can vary as per your

travelling experience.

Money Saving Tips

Visit places with no entrance fees - There are plenty of places in Netherlands, where there is no charge on entry. Museums being one of them with no entrance fees varying to very little at some places.

Go for combo meals - Many hotels provide complimentary breakfast on booking of room/s with them. Look for combos/offers that are part up by restaurants.

Couch surfing - Exists here in this country, with locals allowing you to sleep over at their residence for free. If you’re open to sharing space with strangers and not hesitant about asking people to let you in, this is the thing for you.

Use public transport and hiring bikes - It is a great option to get around, as renting and parking a car is expensive in Netherlands.

Buy Museumkaart if you’re a history freak, with free access to more than 400 museums around the country. It comes with a validity of a month.

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