

The Netherlands: Canals, Culture & Windmill Wonders
Your Guide to the Land of Windmills, Tulips & Bicycles
Famous for its canals, cycling culture, and colorful tulip fields, the Netherlands is where charm and creativity flow freely. From historic cities like Amsterdam to windmill-dotted villages and striking modern design, it’s a country that blends past and present effortlessly. Our time here was filled with slow strolls beside the canals, rich cultural experiences, and a deep appreciation for Dutch art, architecture, and gezelligheid — the untranslatable coziness that defines so much of local life. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips, cultural insights, and the highlights that made the Netherlands one of the most memorable stops on our European journey.
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Interesting Facts
Here Are 15 Interesting Facts about the Netherlands. Some May Just Surprise You!
1. A Quarter of the Country Lies Below Sea Level: Thanks to impressive water management and dikes, the Dutch have reclaimed much of their land from the sea.
2. Bicycles Outnumber People: With over 22 million bikes for 17 million people, cycling is a way of life across the country.
3. The Dutch Invented the Stock Market: The world’s first official stock exchange opened in Amsterdam in 1602 with the Dutch East India Company.
4. Amsterdam Has More Canals Than Venice: Its canal belt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, spans over 100 kilometers and more than 1,500 bridges.
5. Tulips Are Originally from Central Asia: Though symbolic of the Netherlands today, tulips were first brought from the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century.
6. The Netherlands is a Constitutional Monarchy: King Willem-Alexander is the current monarch, with a largely ceremonial role.
7. The Dutch Love Cheese: The country produces hundreds of millions of kilograms annually. Gouda and Edam are among the most famous.
8. Windmills Were Used for More Than Milling Grain: Historically, Dutch windmills helped drain water from the lowlands, preventing floods and reclaiming land.
9. The Dutch Are Among the Tallest People in the World: With an average height of 6 feet (183 cm) for men, the Dutch rank as one of the tallest nations globally.
10. Legal Prostitution and Tolerant Drug Laws: The Netherlands is known for its pragmatic policies, particularly in Amsterdam’s Red Light District and coffee shops.
11. Dutch Art Has Shaped the World: Artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh, and Mondrian all hailed from the Netherlands, influencing centuries of visual art.
12. Rotterdam Has One of the World’s Largest Ports: It’s a modern, architecturally daring city rebuilt after WWII, and a hub for global shipping.
13. Dutch Is Not Just Spoken in the Netherlands: Dutch is also the official language of Suriname and spoken in parts of Belgium and the Caribbean.
14. The Netherlands Hosts the International Court of Justice: Located in The Hague, it’s a central hub for international law and diplomacy.
15. “Gezellig” Has No English Equivalent: This key cultural concept means a warm, cozy, friendly atmosphere — and it’s central to Dutch social life.
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Travel Essentials
Travel Information for the Netherlands: Practical Tips & Essentials
Information About the Netherlands
POPULATION
17.8 million. A densely populated country, with major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht forming a central urban corridor known as the Randstad.
CURRENCY
(EUR / €)
See our Currency section for denominations, tips, and card usage details.
CAPITAL
Amsterdam (1.1 million).
While Amsterdam is the capital of the country, The Hague is the seat of government and home to the Dutch royal family.
SPEED / DISTANCES
Urban roads: 30–50 km/h
Highways: 100–130 km/h
Distances are short — you can cross the country by train in a few hours.
TIME ZONES
Central European Time (CET)
UTC+1 (winter), UTC+2 during Daylight Saving Time (late March to late October).
ALCOHOL AGE
18 years
Applies to both beer and spirits. ID may be requested in shops and bars.
DRIVING
Right-hand side.
Seatbelts are mandatory, and using a phone while driving is illegal unless hands-free.
SMOKING AGE
Smoking is banned indoors in public spaces. Cannabis is tolerated in licensed “coffeeshops” but not legal in public spaces.
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