Backpack Europe and Budget Travel: Travelling in Holland / the Netherlands
Travelling in the NetherlandsTravel: Accommodation: Transportation: |
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Travelling in Holland / the Netherlands
I've been to Holland several times, and have made many friends there. It's a great country, probably the most fun.
Backpacking Holland / The Netherlands - Quick Facts
Local Language: Dutch isn't as difficult as you might think - many words are quite similar to English, as English is a Dutch language. Most people speak some English, especially younger people but it's helpful to learn a few phrases.
Visa Requirements: Canadians are allowed in Holland / The Netherlands for 90 days without a visa.
Health Risks: None
Costs: The Netherlands can get pretty expensive -Amsterdam and it's nightlife are very very expensive. Budget $60 Canadian a day.
My Travels in Holland / The Netherlands
The first time I was in Holland was on my first backpacking trip, when I travelled to Amsterdam to spend three days. I ended up spending a week and a half.
Holland was nothing I expected it to be. I really didn't know much about the country or the people, culture etc and was really surprised to discover just how much culture and history is packed into such a geographically small country.
Holland is extremely crowded. I took the train between Amsterdam and Rotterdam and hadn't even realized I changed cities. I thought we had just taken an hour to get through Amsterdam and all of a sudden we were in Rotterdam.
Of course everyone talks about the fact that many soft drugs are legal in Holland, such as marijuana. Yes, it's fun at first, but if all you want to do is hang out at a hostel with a bunch of Americans repeating "this is like sooo cool man" you'll miss out on all the other wonderful things this small country has to offer.
Some of the best museums in the world are in Amsterdam, travelling around the country driving on the dykes and taking a bike ride over countless age-old canals are some of the many highlights you can look forward to when visiting Holland.
Hotels and Hostels in Holland / The Netherlands
Hostels can be a little sketchy in Holland, especially Amsterdam. Many hostels are just party hostels, and all of them have thieves. Make sure you keep your stuff locked up, and try to make a reservation as soon as possible as rooms are hard to find in Amsterdam all year-round. Some places are more expensive than others and cheap accommodation in Amsterdam is in short supply.
For hotels in Holland / The Netherlands, check out the link below:
Click for Hotels in Amsterdam
Click for Hotels in Rotterdam
Click for Hotels in Den Haag (The Hague)
Click for Hotels in Maastricht
Click for Hotels in Utrecht
| Hostels in the Netherlands | |
| Amsterdam Apeldoorn Arnhem Haarlem Nijmegen Noordwijk |
Rotterdam Soest The Hague Utrecht Valkenburg |
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is world famous for it's seedy nightlife, great museums, and of course Heineken beer. The first time I went to Amsterdam I had to pull myself away. I was just having too good of a time and could have easily spent my entire trip there.
Amsterdam is on everybody's 'must-see' list and for good reason. The city is so liberal and different that every street corner has something very different to offer. The world famous Red Light District is what attracts many people and gives Amsterdam it's reputation for having the craziest night life in the world. The bars and clubs are open all night and if you're looking for adult entertainment there's no shortage of places to go. If you do check out the 'entertainment' in the Red Light district you're bound to walk away a changed person!
Of course people also flock to Amsterdam because of the lax drug laws. You can buy weed at several 'coffee shops' and most places will have a menu, with different kinds of marijuana for sale. Don't buy anything from people on the streets - They'll sell you garbage. Also, for the best experience try finding the non-tourist filled shops and get your weed there. You can also get other drugs and different kinds at different shops.
One of my favourite places in Amsterdam is the Heineken brewery, though I hear it's changed a bit since the last time I visited. When I went, it was a couple bucks entrance fee, a fifteen minute tour, and then lots of beer in the tasting room. I hear now that the tour price has gone up, and there's a limit on the drinks. I'm not sure, but I certainly would visit again. I went three times when I was there!
Also lets not forget the museums. The best in my opinion is the Van Gogh museum, filled with masterpieces by the world renowned artist. You can get some good prints and posters in the museum gift shop, just try to make sure it doesn't get too beat up as you continue travelling! Also in Amsterdam is the Rijksmuseum. It's the Dutch national museum and has some really great art and exhibits about the history of the Netherlands and I really found the history interesting.
Of course, if you talk to anyone from Holland they'll tell you that Amsterdam doesn't represent the real Holland. And they're right - Travel to some of the other cities like the Hague or Rotterdam to start getting an idea of the Netherlands as a whole. Other cities like Maastricht in the south help give an overall picture of Holland and Dutch society. There's much to discover in the Netherlands, don't let the haze of Amsterdam keep you from seeing it!
For Dutch and European travel guidebooks, check here:
Holland / The Netherlands and European Guidebooks
Trains to Amsterdam and the rest of Holland
The Netherlands is covered by Eurail passes and is very well connected to the rest of Europe. Trains to Amsterdam's Centraal Station are frequent and can take you to many places. Be careful in the train stations though, as pickpockets are notorious. Keep an eye on your belongings.
For more information about the Dutch rail system itself, click here:
http://www.ns.nl
Flights to Holland / The Netherlands
Holland's main airport is the Schipol airport in Amsterdam. The Amsterdam airport isn't quite in Amsterdam though and you'll have to find a way from the airport into the city of Amsterdam itself. The airport is well connected to Holland and the rest of the world and is a hub for many discounted charter flights from North America.
Dutch Language
Dutch has similarities to other Germanic languages and therefore if you speak German for example you'll be able to understand some of the written and spoken language. Dutch however has a very different sound to it which may take a while to figure out. Many people in Holland speak excellent English though and chances are you'll get by just fine without having to know any Dutch, but it's always good to pick up a few basics.
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