Welcome to The Netherlands

Museums for days, picturesque windmills, colorful architecture and bikes, bikes and more bikes, The Netherlands is high on the charm factor. Spend several days in Amsterdam to enjoy the inspirational capital city’s world-class museums, including the Rijksmuseum, cafe culture and exciting nightlife.

Tour the Van Gogh Museum, seeing his work develop alongside works by Gauguin and Monet, then continue on to the renowned art museums of Den Haag, Rotterdam and Leiden. Wander the cobblestone streets and historic churches of Haarlem, or attend a lively festival at Grote Markt.

Visit the postcard-like village of Edam for which the famous Dutch cheese is named. Cycle through Hoge Veluwe National Park. Shop for blue-and-white Delft pottery in its namesake town.

Float your way along the peaceful canals of Giethoorn, “Venice of the North,” with its peaceful canals. Go beyond the tulips and you’ll find so much more to love in the fairytale landscapes of The Netherlands.

Unique Facts

• The Netherlands has more than 19,000 miles of cycling paths, so grab a bike and join the craze.
• Dutch men are the tallest people in the world, averaging six feet. It is believed that the average male height in The Netherlands has increased by almost eight inches in the past 200 years.
• Probably not a huge surprise, but The Netherlands is the world’s largest exporter of flowers. They produce 4.3 billion tulip bulbs annually and 80 percent of the world’s flower bulbs. To see approximately 800 varieties of tulips, visit Keukenhof Park, “The Garden of Europe.”
• Lots of canals (165) means lots of bridges. Amsterdam has 1,281 total, several of them quite historic.
• There are more than 1,000 windmills in The Netherlands. To see 19 traditional windmills, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk.

Language

The Netherlands’ official language is Dutch.

When To Go

The best time to go to The Netherlands is from mid-April to mid-October. July and August are the peak months.

Airports

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid at time of entry for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None for stays of 90 days or less.

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting The Netherlands: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Rabies.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and F. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Euro

Getting Around

Be aware that lanes in the center of my urban two-way streets are for buses, trams and taxis only. Bicyclists have the right of way. Do not walk along bicycle paths (next to the sidewalk, designated by red pavement).

Rail service is available between cities, including Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam. Taxi service is safe, but expensive. Tram and bus service is also available.

Driver’s License

A valid US driver’s license is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy The Hague
John Adams Park 1
2244 BZ Wassenaar
Telephone: +(31) (0) 70 310 2209
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +31 (0) 70 310 2209
Fax: +(31) (0) 70 310 2207

Local Visitor Info

Nearly every city and municipality in The Netherlands has a tourist information office. These can be recognized by their blue and white VVV signs, and are usually found in the local center. These offices can provide specific location information, lodging tips, maps, guided tours and admission tickets to tourist attractions.

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 112

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in The Netherlands. However tourists can be targeted by pickpockets, purse snatches and petty thieves on public transportation. Do not leave personal belongings unattended.