Despite stereotypes, the Netherlands is more than just red lights and marijuana smoke. This tiny nation is full of tradition, culture, and unmatched charm, from ancient cities to fields that are vibrantly colored.
Many tourists only consider Amsterdam when visiting the Netherlands, and many of those tourists only explore the Old Town’s tourist attractions. However, this tiny nation has a lot more to offer, including some cultural quirks that are helpful to know. Here are some things to think about before you travel to the lowlands.
- Language barrier in the Netherlands
- Book in advance
- Cafes in Amsterdam
- Lock your bike
- The Red Light District
- Photographing the Red Light District
- Cities outside Amsterdam
- Dutch Frankness
- Purchasing an OV-Chip card
- Cycle paths in the Netherlands
1. English speakers don’t worry about the language barrier.
Removing the Swedes and Danes from the top spot, the Dutch can now boast that they speak the best English (as a second language) in Europe.
Asking for directions, suggestions, or simply a conversation in English is perfectly acceptable. Nearly everyone in the area, particularly in Amsterdam, speaks some English, and they will be delighted to practice and demonstrate their abilities.
However, it’s always a good idea to learn a few essential phrases like “Dankjewel” (thank you) and “Goedemorgen” (good morning), as these will help you strike up a conversation with the locals.
Also, a surprising amount of Dutch comes straight from English, so you probably already know more than you think.

2. Make reservations in advance
Making reservations in advance can save you a great deal of trouble, particularly if you’re visiting Amsterdam between June and August. During the summer, hostels in the city center are often fully booked, and if you don’t make reservations online, you may have to wait in line for hours at some attractions.
Make sure to buy a ticket online in advance if you intend to visit the Anne Frank House. Remember that there are only so many tickets available every day. If you choose not to purchase online, be ready to stand in a line that frequently extends around the block for hours.
Getting the I Amsterdam City Card is your best option when it comes to major museums. This entitles you to free admission to the majority of the city’s cultural attractions, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Tulip Museum. For as long as your card is valid, you can also use public transportation without limits.
3. Cafeterias and coffee shops are not the same.
It is well known that cannabis is permitted in the Netherlands, albeit with certain limitations, and that many visitors travel to Amsterdam merely to try some of the regional specialties. Remember that cannabis is prohibited in the Netherlands unless it is bought and consumed on-site at a coffee shop if you intend to attend. Additionally, don’t assume that all cities have Amsterdam-style policies. Some towns have policies that forbid non-Dutch citizens from buying cannabis in their coffee shops, particularly those close to the borders with Germany and Belgium. There’s a chance that these policies will soon be applied across the country.
However, if all you want is a harmless cup of coffee and a piece of banana bread, don’t go to the coffee shop; those brownies aren’t what you’re after. Go to a cafe instead to satisfy your craving for hot chocolate.
4. Secure your bicycle twice.
One of the greatest ways to see the cities is by renting a bike, so be sure to leave the rental store with a high-quality lock.
Usually, bikes have a fixed lock that encircles the wheel and an additional lock that you can use to fasten the frame to a bike rack or post. This makes the bike twice as hard to steal, which will discourage would-be thieves.
In light of this, if you hear someone ask, “pssst, wanna buy a bike?” while you’re out on the street, don’t pay attention to the low price they’re offering; the guilt of knowing that you’re using a stolen vehicle isn’t worth it.
5. During the day, the Red Light District is comparatively typical.
The streets truly come to life as the sun sets and the area is tinted by red lights. To witness the district in all its splendor, go there at night.
It is considerably less active during the day. Without the dazzling neon lights and busy atmosphere, it’s easier to see that this is a real neighborhood where regular people also live and work, even though women still knock on windows during the day. The idea to relocate the Red Light District from the city center to a new “erotic center” elsewhere in the city stems from the fact that it is one of the oldest areas of the city center, featuring charming canals, old churches, and buildings that are characteristically Dutch.

6. Avoid photographing women in the Red Light District.
So, drunken hikers, take this as a warning. Taking pictures of your job will probably cause your phone to swim, in addition to being extremely rude to treat women in windows like zoo animals.
We promise that if any of the girls see you attempting to take a covert picture, they will probably come out from behind the window, take your phone, and drown it in the nearby canal as a form of discipline.
7. Don’t only schedule a trip to Amsterdam
Frequently, tourists only allow enough time on their itinerary to visit Amsterdam in the Netherlands. However, there are several towns full of traditional Dutch charm that are just an hour’s drive from the capital, in addition to the cafes and the (arguably worthy) Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House.
Avoid the tourist trap by visiting places like Haarlem, Utrecht, Maastricht, or Den Bosch, to mention a few. You’ll find the Netherlands beyond its clichés in these lesser-known locations.
8. The Dutch are straightforward; they are not impolite.
The Dutch have a reputation for being very straightforward. It is part of their culture to express their thoughts without holding back, so don’t take it personally.
You’ll always know where you stand with a Dutchman, whether they’re being brutally honest or just saying “no” without giving an explanation.
OV-ChipKaart (OV-Chip Card) purchase
Trains, trams, buses, and metros all use the OV-ChipKaart, the Netherlands’ public transportation ticketing system.
If you intend to use the card only once, you can purchase a single-use card; if you intend to use public transportation more frequently, you can purchase an anonymous card. Just use the card readers to check in and out of your trip and top up as necessary.
10. Exercise caution when using cycle routes.
Cycle routes are frequently dangerous for cyclists and can be harsh to tourists. If you’re not paying attention, you could easily step on designated bike paths, which are marked with a bicycle symbol and painted red.
Get off the track right away if you hear bells ringing in rage; they would rather hit you than stop.