The Netherlands: Amsterdam, the Hague and More
The Netherlands is a balance between tradition and eccentricity. You can have a moment of serenity at a floating flower garden, settle in for a beer at the Heineken brewery, view famous paintings, or explore the Red Light District; the Netherlands truly offers something for everyone. In this guide, you'll find resources for exploring the Netherlands, sites to help you plan a trip, and advice for making the most of your time there.
Expand All Guide SectionsNetherlands Travel Basics
The Netherlands has some well-known and favorite attractions, such as Anne Frank's house in ... read more »
Travel Requirements for the Netherlands
Referred to either as "the Netherlands" or "Holland," the full title of the country is the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The following resources teach you some fundamental elements of Dutch culture as well as highlighting important travel information such as visa requirements.
Dulcinea's Insight
- To stay in touch with friends and family back home, you may want to learn the calling codes before you depart. For the Netherlands, it is 31. To place a call to the Netherlands from the States, dial 011 + 31 + the phone number. Trip Advisor explains in detail here.
- Prostitution is legal in the Netherlands and just eight years ago, a law outlawing brothels was overturned. For an idea of what to expect from the Red Light District, see this Europe for Visitors article, which includes quotes from travel guru Rick Steves, and discusses the government's rationale for sanctioning what is sometimes referred to as the world's oldest profession.
- Prostitution is legal in the Netherlands and just eight years ago, a law outlawing brothels was overturned. For an idea of what to expect from the Red Light District, see this Europe for Visitors article, which includes quotes from travel guru Rick Steves, and discusses the government's rationale for sanctioning what is sometimes referred to as the world's oldest profession.
- In addition, the country maintains a relaxed policy toward marijuana. "Hookers and Hookahs," as Europe for Visitors deems the tempting combination, lend a free-spirited atmosphere to Amsterdam. But that doesn't mean you should neglect personal health and safety. WebMD has a "Sexual Conditions Health Center" that may prove useful to travelers to the Netherlands.
Dulcinea's Picks
For the history, language, and culture ...
Minbuza
, the official Web site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explores the history of the Netherlands in a format that is both user- and scholar-friendly. Here you'll learn about the Golden Age (1600-1700), during which Amsterdam was regarded as the financial capital of the world. Also during this time, Amsterdam's religious tolerance and plentiful employment opportunities attracted many immigrants fleeing religious persecution elsewhere in Europe.
The Dutch Royal House
Web site explains that while the Netherlands is a democratic country with an elected governing body, it also has a royal family. Queen Beatrix, who resides in The Hague, is the head of the royal family and acts as a head of State for the Netherlands.
To learn Dutch ...
The BBC
's Quick Fix site will help you learn useful Dutch phrases including "yes" (ja) and "I'm sorry, I don't speak Dutch" (Het spijt me, ik spreek geen Nederlands).
For regulations, health advisories, exchange rates, and entry requirements ...
The U.S. Department of State
site provides key information for tourists traveling to the Netherlands, including entry/exit requirements, safety and security warnings, and information for victims of crime. In addition, the site urges travelers to ensure that their medical insurance covers international travel, and provides detailed information on medical insurance abroad.
Minbuza
explains visa requirements in great detail, including how to apply, and for how long you may stay in a country. U.S. citizens are not required to apply for a visa for visits to the Netherlands spanning three months or less.
X-rates
calculates the difference between currencies, including the Euro and the U.S. dollar. According to the site, the Euro has remained at or above the equivalent of 1.30 in U.S. dollars for 2007.
Getting to the Netherlands
You have a few different options for getting to the Netherlands, depending on where you're ... read more »
Netherlands Hotels
The Web is teeming with sites to help you find and book your accommodation. Below, you'll find a ... read more »
Getting Around the Netherlands
Breathe a sigh of relief; the Netherlands is a pleasure to navigate. Not only does the country ... read more »
Netherlands Travel Blogs and Forums
Another way to prepare for your trip is to find out what other travelers liked or disliked about ... read more »
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