Great news for Dutch universities, coffeeshops and DutchReview of course. There are now more international students in the Netherlands studying then ever. A whopping 112.000 students are enjoying a Dutch education at a University or ‘Hoge School’.
University in Utrecht
Where are these international students in the Netherlands from?
Research from Nuffic (the Dutch organisation for internationalizing our education, how cosmopolitan of us!) shows that there are 81.000 students doing full time stuff here, the rest of them are here for shorter stints -doing Erasmus for example. There are 164 nationalities hitting the books/bong here. Most of them are Germans, with 22.000 of our neighbours from the East here. After that are the Chinese (4300) and the Italians (3300). And no, I will not make those horrible biased jokes about the different demographics of the Chinese and Italians in the University libraries and innercity coffeeshops.
Why international students in the Netherlands are a good thing
Many of the international students stick to the Netherlands after graduating here, and one of our statistical offices (the CPB) has calculated that they contribute around 450 million euro’s to the Dutch economy each year (coffeeshop spending is not even included in this!). Low costs, good quality of education and of course the fact that both our uni’s as the regular Dutch folk (pretend to) speak superawesome English are the main reason why internationals students and the Netherlands is such a successful combination.
The Dutch being Dutch have also found that their schools can make money from international students, so it’s win win for everybody here (except for those people that long back to the coffeeshop-and-international-student- free Holland of the 50’s).
The good old days. Because screw diversity and multiculturalism
It’s one of those clichés we don’t really want to escape from (goodbye stupid clogs!) the blooming of the flower fields in the Netherlands is one of those seasonal traditions, like Kingsday, that has grown on the country. Not for a small part is this new found appreciation because of the genuine and massive attention and pure love for our brightly colored flower fields from abroad.
So every year there are more people flocking to them and every year we get better photos with 50% more flowery magic added to them. Now it’s almost prime time for the blossoming fields, should be about a week or so and we promise to get you tons of shots and movies, no worries.
But who wants to wait that one out ey?
So we hooked up with Roy Poots again (you might have heard from him, we also worked with him on these two insanely successful photo-reports about the Netherlands and Rotterdam) and bring you his magical shots of the flower fields in the Netherlands of the last season. So here are the Dutch tulips fields around Leiden and Lisse in their full glory. Enjoy!
Oh, don’t forget to like DutchReview’s Facebook page in order not to miss out on all the feature coverage of these fantastic flowers!
The Flower Fields in the Netherlands
This is why we wrote ‘Flower fields in the Netherlands’ and not just tulipfields. Plenty of other flowers to see!You’ll see plenty of tourists walking around, nothing to do about thatThe Netherlands looks like a giant colored testprint sometimes 😀Some lovely lakes in this area as well, such as the ‘Kaag’As usual, sunsets and sunrises make it look extra good!
Can’t get enough of the flower fields in the Netherlands?
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7 tips for finding an English-Speaking Job in Amsterdam
The fact that your reading this article, shows you’re seriously considering a change that will ultimately carve a career path, potentially paved in gold. Your destination – Amsterdam. Why? The Dutch are on a mission, creating Europe’s most prolific start-up community and the opportunities English speakers are endless.
How to Job Hunt Abroad, When You Have No Idea What You’re Doing
Being an outsider might make job hunting seem tough, but being fluent in English just gave you that competitive edge. Job hunting is never easy, golden rule of thumb is network and get noticed. Be prepared to put in real time and ready to face challenges, obstacles, possible rejection but ultimately this journey will be worth every piece of effort your prepared to commit.
Something like this, but more laptops and coffee
1. Don’t go at This Alone
Most likely you’re lucky enough to already be settled in the Netherlands, and seeing the benefits of being a global citizen. However, to get results on the job front fast, you really need to put yourself out there. Sounds daunting, right? Well it needn’t be and you don’t even need to leave your seat.
The first part of your strategy should be letting people know you’re considering a change and outreach. Social Media is your golden ingredient, LinkedIn and twitter are your key tools, if you not already set up on the platforms, this is the first place you need to start. Get yourself a cracking profile, follow your target companies and start making connections. Forbes have written a helpful guide on ‘how to market yourself on LinkedIn’.
Twitter offers more job opportunities than any other platform and direct access to key influencers who do the hiring and the firing! It’s really that simple – LinkedIn lets you know who they are, you’ve got one opportunity and 140 characters to sell yourself to that key person, don’t be afraid just do it. Tweet ?
2. Upgrade Your Skills
Ongoing professional development and keeping your skills current are vital to making you stand out from the crowd. We know, easier said than done. Top tip – take your CV, and pull it apart. Look at your strengths and weaknesses and decide what and where needs improvement. It might be your looking to jump back into a previous career path, retraining completely or upgrading your current qualifications. The Netherlands and Amsterdam offers so many opportunities for the English speaker, it could in fact be just as easy as going back to basics in the UK. Let’s say your previous career in the UK was a top CEO’s Executive Assistant, well in Amsterdam Executive Assistants who are English Speaking are in high demand and we’ve got a course for that, check out the well-known International training providers Souters. See if you can land yourself the opportunity to shadow a new connection or maybe a friend in there day to day role, get a taster for what it might be like to work in a start-up.
Any experience you can gain makes a bold statement on your CV.
3. Take Advice from Others
The best advice you can ever take, is from someone who’s made the change a success. The old saying ‘it’s not what you know, but who you know’ really can prove to be the most vital tool in securing your dream role. Many people even strangers are happy to share the success and hand out advice. What you really want to aim for is finding a mentor who can open doors and avenues that may not have been achievable without their assistance.
Start off by working online
Since we live in the age of technology there are lots of opportunities to find an online job. A lot of it involves freelance work and will require you to get creative at times. One of the more popular alternatives, in this case, is to start your writer career at a well-established paper writing service like this one. Overall this experience can be used as the basis of becoming a content writer for various websites in the future so it is an option worth taking into consideration.
5. Get out and Visit Industry Events
Creating your own luck can be the golden ticket. Being in the right place at the right time can go a long way in meeting the right people and businesses. Industry events like VRDAYS and business groups can be exactly the right place to get that ‘Big Break’ and land a English-Speaking Job in Amsterdam. Amsterdam’s top two accelerators: Rockstart and Startupbootcamp are always on the lookout for English speaking talent.
6. Hit Local Co-Working Spaces in Amsterdam
People thrive and share in co-working spaces, and that means endless opportunities to show your talent. Mixing and making new business friends can offer many advantages, opportunities and job leads you might not normally come across. This helpful site launchdesk offers you the chance to grab addresses where co working space exists and possibly rent co-working space if it takes your fancy.
7. Finding an English-Speaking Job in Amsterdam? Job Hunting Persistence is the Key to Success
Persistence in life will always pay off in anything you do. Fortunately, there are simple ways to stay motivated and tenacious when it comes to looking for the right job.
In the End: Stay steadfast and True to Yourself
Don’t be dishonest with yourself, it takes time to find and certainly land the job of your dreams. If you can budget for the inevitable or pick up some temporary work along the way it will lighten the load. Take a project management approach, plan your weekly efforts and stick to them, always, always remember to take time out for yourself as job hunting can be both daunting and draining experience. If you’re sending money from overseas accounts to your Dutch account then you definitely feel the fear of being jobless, never be guided by this fear, let it motivate you to find the job you’re passionate about.
And most importantly of all, Good Luck – Amsterdam’s waiting!
Any other tips for finding an English-Speaking job in Amsterdam? Feel free to share!
An issue that I faced when moving within the Netherlands for the first time was that I suddenly landed in a room that was much smaller than my last.
I had the same number of winter coats and books, but about five square metres less to work with. Sounds familiar? After all, Dutch apartments have their pros, but spaciousness is usually not one of them.
On the other hand, there are people in your neighbourhood who face the opposite issue — extra room but nothing to do with it.
Now, there’s a solution for both of you: BuurBox, the service that connects verified people in need of storage with their neighbours who have some extra room.
Find a helping hand
Maybe you’re moving, maybe spring cleaning left you with a bunch of clutter you forgot you had, or maybe you transported your skiing equipment to the lowlands like the optimist you are. 😉
Whatever it is, extra storage room can come in handy. And if that storage room is affordable and within walking distance of your house? Even better.
Yep, this is your chance to finally get those holiday decorations out of your space! Image: Depositphotos
You can easily request storage on BuurBox by listing the products you’d like to store and your monthly budget.
BuurBox will then match you with a verified neighbour in your area who can store your belongings and negotiate the best price for you.
Afterwards, you’ll get your storage options sent to you and can arrange to meet your potential host. If it’s a match, great! Now, your final step is to drop off your belongings.
📦 Storing bigger things? Geen probleem, you can count on BuurBox for free pick-up and drop-off services.
A sustainable and safe solution
BuurBox isn’t just cheaper than self-storage; it also gives the tedious task of decluttering a personal edge by connecting you to someone from your community.
To ensure safety, BuurBox meets all potential hosts, checks their space, and provides a property protection fund of up to €10,000. So no, your life-size Pitbull cardboard cutout isn’t going to any shady characters. 😌
Even better, by using this service, you’re not only helping yourself by living in a more organised space, you’re also helping the environment. How so? Because BuurBox doesn’t construct any new storage facilities but only uses already existing under-utilised spaces.
Extra room means extra bucks
If you’re the proud owner of one of those under-utilised (or even empty) spaces and have no idea what to do with it, might we suggest being a helpful neighbour while also making some money?
Whether it’s a whole attic, a garage, or just an empty closet or shed, you likely have more storage space to offer than you think.
If you’re ready to go for it, all you’ll have to do is describe your space on BuurBox and set a desired price. After that, you’ll get matched with a neighbour, and if you like what you see, you can arrange a meetup.
What a lovely empty closet! If only there was a way to fill it up… 👀 Image: Depositphotos
It’s up to you how involved you want to be — you can either choose each neighbour you want to share your space with, or rent the whole room to BuurBox and trust them to take care of the rest.
Either way, BuurBox creates digital rental contracts and manages payment collection, ensuring you get your money straight to your bank hassle-free.
So, if you were looking for a way to fill up your empty space, or finally get rid of all those cardboard boxes you have crammed in the living room, now’s your chance!
Would you try BuurBox? Let us know in the comments!
There’s no denying that cancer sucks. And cancer therapy? Just as much. But there is one Dutch company that hopes to make the whole experience more manageable: Imuno Therapeutics.
Instead of relying on one-size-fits-all treatments that often come with tough side effects, Imuno Therapeutics is working hard on developing an alternative that targets a patient’s cancer more specifically.
I sat down with CEO Jan-Jaap Verhoef to learn more about their impressive mission.
What does Imuno Therapeutics do?
Imuno Therapeutics‘ goal is simple: “We want to make great therapies for patients with cancer,” says Jan-Jaap.
But unlike traditional treatments that often come with severe side effects, Imuno Therapeutics focuses on creating highly targeted therapies. What does that mean, you ask?
Well, currently, most cancer drugs are a bit of a one-size-fits-all, Jan-Jaap explains. “They hit all the organs in our body, but only slightly more aggressively target the cancerous tumour. That’s why cancer patients often suffer from significant side effects.”
As we all know, cancer treatment is hard on the body. Image: Freepik
Imuno Therapeutics’ approach is different. “We identify elements unique to the tumour, allowing us to create a highly aggressive drug that remains safe because it only recognises the tumour.”
Sounds complicated? Here’s a simple analogy: “All our cells put their dirty laundry outside — and [Imuno Therapeutics] figure out what the dirty laundry of the tumour cell is. Once we know that, we can build something to specifically target it.”
How did Imuno Therapeutics get started?
Imuno Therapeutics was born out of a passion for precision medicine and the advancements made by companies like BioNTech and Moderna, which you probably know best for their COVID-19 vaccines.
Jan-Jaap spent eight years in a lab at different Universities around the world, and he “got really excited about making drugs that could have a real impact on patients’ lives,” he says. “I felt that oncology needed a more tailored approach rather than a one-size-fits-all treatment”.
With nothing more than ambition and a 12-slide pitch deck, Imuno Therapeutics became operational in 2021.
“I came out of an academic career but had no invention or patent or anything. I just wanted to do something for cancer patients,” Jan-Jaap smiles.
“I found one crazy guy who believed in it and invested, and then he brought on a friend. Then, almost out of our garage, we started building the company.”
What major milestones has Imuno Therapeutics reached?
Since the company’s early days, it has achieved multiple major milestones. One of them, as Jan-Jaap recalls, was when two great people came on board: “Leo Price — he was the founder of OcellO — and Mark Throsby, who’s a big guy in biotech. That brought a lot of expertise and knowledge into the team.”
Since then, Imuno Therapeutics has successfully developed a drug to treat cancer by targeting a well-known mechanism of the disease. “It’s extremely safe and works extremely well.”
The hard work has paid off. Image: Freepik
“We’ve now proven that our approach can lead to effective and precise therapies. We’ve shown that in academic conferences, and we’re talking to bigger pharma to actually bring it to patients.”
Essentially, Jan-Jaap says, “We have made a drug, we have validated the drug — and that just proves our whole platform. Now, we can show that we can hopefully make people better.”
How has the Leiden ecosystem contributed to Imuno Therapeutics’ success?
With the wonderful city of Leiden being a hotspot for health and life sciences, being based here has played a big part in the company’s growth.
“One of the reasons we initially landed here is the support for biotech startups,” Jan-Jaap shares. “The Bio Science Park ecosystem and programs like unlock_ (PLNT’s start-up incubator), have been incredibly helpful.”
“The sense of community in Leiden has just been great. You’re surrounded by like-minded people who are just as excited to do something valuable in the world.”
What impact does Imuno Therapeutics want to make in the future?
Of course, the company’s immediate goal is to develop cancer therapies that are both effective and safe, improving the quality of life for patients.
But the long-term goal is to revolutionise the way drugs are made: “I truly believe that in the future, it will become much more efficient to make drugs cheaper and there will be fewer mistakes. We’re moving towards on-demand precision therapy, and eventually, we’ll be able to make on-demand precision therapy for patients.”
What motivates you to keep going?
For someone who is literally working on a cure for cancer, the answer to this question is obvious.
But beyond this mission, Jan-Jaap says he’s driven by the opportunity to solve complex problems with a talented team.
“It’s incredibly fun working with a smart, diverse team — some in the lab, some focused on computational tools. Every day is like solving a new puzzle. It’s not just about the end goal, but also about enjoying the journey.”
And while competition is emerging, especially in the US, Jan-Jaap sees this as a positive sign. “When I started, no one was really doing this. Now, others are joining in. That proves people believe in this way forward.”
“Now we just have to outsmart the others and be just as successful — or even more successful,” he smiles.
With a more precise approach to cancer treatment, the future looks brighter — and we can’t wait to see how Imuno Therapeutics will make life a whole lot easier for patients in cancer care.
What do you think of Imuno Therapeutics’ journey? Share your thoughts in the comments.
The Netherlands might be small, but when it comes to sharing its culture with the world, this little country punches well above its weight.
From orange-soaked King’s Day celebrations to innovative architecture, quirky humour, and a surprisingly forward-thinking education system — the Dutch have plenty to offer, and they’re not shy about putting it out there (in English, of course).
Here’s how the Netherlands is showing off its best bits — and why that’s a win for all of us.
Festivals: Putting Dutch culture on the global stage
Let’s start with the obvious: the Netherlands is famously gezellig, slightly chaotic on King’s Day, and suspiciously good at throwing a festival for just about anything (flowers, fish, fries — you name it).
The Dutch would never say ‘nee’ to a celebration. Image: Depositphotos
But beyond the stroopwafel stereotypes, Dutch culture is a fascinating mash-up of tradition, innovation, and international flair.
Events like Dutch Design Week, Pride Amsterdam, and, yes, even Eurovision, show off the country’s creative side, but not just for the locals, but for a global audience.
Education: It’s not just windmills and wooden shoes
The Netherlands is home to some of the most international universities in Europe — and no, it’s not just because everything is in English (though that definitely helps).
Dutch higher education is full of forward-thinking approaches, digital classrooms, and tech-savvy tools that are reshaping how we learn.
Dutch universities are among the best in the world. Image: Freepik
But it’s not all shiny apps and robot tutors. There’s also plenty of debate happening here about the balance between Dutch identity and internationalisation.
How much English is too much English? Can AI improve learning without turning students into zombies? The Dutch are asking all the right questions — and actually trying to answer them.
Satire: The Dutch way of saying “we care” (with a side-eye)
Let’s be honest — the Dutch have a unique sense of humour. It’s dry, direct, and often hilariously (or painfully) blunt.
And that humour shows up everywhere: in news commentary, in late-night shows, in memes, and in those weird-but-wonderful editorial cartoons that say more in a doodle than some politicians say in a year.
Nobody does social commentary like the Dutch. Image: Freepik
Satire plays a surprisingly big role in how the Dutch process politics and social issues. It’s a cultural tool that helps break down complex topics, challenge the status quo and, perhaps most importantly, keep things from getting too serious.
So if you ever wondered how a nation can laugh its way through housing crises and climate debates, you’ve clearly never seen a Dutch comedian in action.
Tech, tulips, and the future…well, of everything
Innovation is kind of a national sport in the Netherlands. Whether it’s creating sustainable floating neighbourhoods or rolling out a flashy online casino with quick payouts, the Dutch are quietly (or not-so-quietly) shaping the future.
You’ll also find that the latest tech trends often show up first in education. From AI in classrooms to digital administration systems that actually work (imagine!), Dutch schools and universities are busy experimenting with what learning might look like in the future.
Why does all this matter?
Because sharing culture isn’t just about exporting Gouda and tulips (though we fully support both), it’s about building bridges, sparking conversation, and creating space for global perspectives.
The Netherlands is doing that — not just through news articles and events, but through everyday openness, curiosity, and yes, a bit of Dutch directness.
Whether you’re an expat, a student, a tourist, or just a curious human scrolling the internet, there’s something refreshing about how the Dutch show up on the world stage — candid, clever, and always a little bit quirky.
And if you ever want to dive deeper into that world, you’re in the right place. 😉
How do you feel about Dutch culture as an international? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Move over, old-school beauty ideals — Dutch women are redefining what it means to look (and feel) beautiful.
From minimalist skincare routines to ethical beauty buys, a quiet but confident shift is happening in the Netherlands: one that celebrates natural beauty, sustainability, and unapologetic individuality.
Gone are the days of over-the-top glam. In its place? A fresher, more grounded aesthetic that reflects exactly what Dutch women do best: keeping it real.
In the Netherlands, less is more
If you’ve ever wandered through a Dutch city, you’ll notice something right away: most women aren’t caked in contour or dripping in highlighter. Instead, Dutch beauty is all about effortlessness.
Think fresh skin, a bit of mascara, and maybe a bold lip on a good day.
There’s an understated elegance to how Dutch women approach beauty — one that leans more toward “glowy skin from a bike ride” than “Instagram filter IRL.”
You’ll often find Dutch women rocking a bare face. Image: Depositphotos
It’s no surprise, then, that skincare often takes priority over makeup. Clean beauty, lightweight serums, and SPF are the holy grail items, and many women opt for routines that feel more like self-care than self-decoration.
The rise of smart, sustainable skincare
While other countries have only recently “discovered” eco-conscious beauty, Dutch women have quietly been leaning into sustainability for years. Cruelty-free? Check. Refillable packaging? Sure. Locally made soaps from that cute market in Utrecht? Obviously.
Ask any Dutch woman what matters in her beauty routine, and chances are you’ll hear words like duurzaam, natuurlijk or vegan. Sustainability is not a niche trend in the Netherlands; it’s actually what people care about.
In true Dutch fashion, practicality also plays a role. Minimal packaging, multipurpose products, and local sourcing are preferred by most.
Dutch women are always on the go — so less is more! Image: Depositphotos
But Dutch beauty doesn’t just stand out with its sustainability; there’s plenty of innovation happening behind the scenes.
Just like a fancy Dutch online casino would, the skincare industry is embracing all the emerging new technologies.
The result? Tech-forward skincare is becoming more accessible — think skin analysis tools, personalised product recommendations, and AI-powered routines.
Cultural confidence that goes beyond the mirror
Let’s be real: Dutch beauty isn’t about flawless skin or magazine-ready hair. It’s about looking like yourself (just maybe a little more uitgerust).
Confidence, independence, and individuality are deeply rooted in Dutch culture, and that translates into how women carry themselves. Beauty, here, isn’t about perfection — it’s about personality.
There’s also growing awareness around inclusive beauty, from embracing different hair textures and skin tones to challenging outdated beauty standards.
Dutch women are not only customers of beauty; they’re shaping the narrative themselves, whether through social media, sustainable startups, or simply leading by example.
So no, you probably won’t see a full face of glam on your way to Albert Heijn. But you will see confident, radiant women who prove that true beauty isn’t in the makeup but in the mindset. ☀️
What have you noticed about Dutch beauty standards? Leave your thoughts in the comments.
Visiting the Netherlands can be as incredible as a freshly-made stroopwafel… provided you avoid these bothersome little blunders. 👀
From dodging death-by-bicycle to getting stranded in Amsterdam with no mobile data, here are the most common mistakes tourists make in the Netherlands — and how to avoid them. 🙌
1. Don’t whip out cash like a 16th-century Dutch merchant
It’s true — the Dutch once dominated parts of the globe, and the ka-ching of guilders(old Dutch currency) pouring into their coffers was quite a common sound.
Nowadays, however, cash is nearly as extinct as the dodo bird. The Netherlands is more or less entirely cashless and many supermarkets, shops, and restaurants might not accept your crisp euro bills.
✅ Do use a bank card that’s valid for international transactions
With the Dutch phasing out the usage of Maestro cards, standard debit cards are always a safe bet.
Both debit and prepaid credit cards are generally a solid choice. Image: Freepik
Credit cards, on the other hand, can be a bit of a hit-or-miss. The Dutch have an incredibly debt-averse society, so not all supermarkets or shops will accept your snazzy American Express card.
If you’re looking for a solid middle ground, prepaid credit cards combine all the handy features of credit cards with the convenience of debit cards.
2. Don’t get lost in the middle of Amsterdam with no internet
Amsterdam’s winding network of streets and canals is charming — until you’re lost, your Google Maps won’t load, or your roaming package announces it’s out of data.
Let’s face it: with data roaming packages being awfully pricey and public Wi-Fi all too often transforming into public Why-can’t-I-connect-Fi, you’re better off checking out a handier option. 👇
✅ Do opt for an affordable travel eSIM instead
Merging the large data limits you’d expect from a Wi-Fi connection with the convenience of a regular SIM card, travel eSIMs are a must-have when visiting the Netherlands.
Skip the data roaming option, when an eSIM is guaranteed to save you some major euros. 🤳 Image: Freepik
They’re often a much cheaper option than data roaming and give you instant access to local networks, without the hassle of registering for a Dutch SIM plan.
No Wi-Fi? No problem! With Holafly’s travel eSIMs, you can enjoy unlimited data the minute your plane touches down at Schiphol Airport — with a customisable plan that’ll last as long as your holiday. ✈️
PS: You can even use code ‘DUTCHREVIEW‘ to get 5% off your order.
3. Don’t expect the rain to respect your travel plans
Dutch weather changes faster than a seagull zooming in to nick your patatjes (chips), so the chance of getting caught in a rain shower is pretty much 100%.
If you’re not adequately prepared, you’re likely to find yourself soaked, shivering, and questioning your life choices.
Though Dutch weather isn’t all rain, doom, and gloom, it’s always best to be prepared. Image: Freepik
Invest in a waterproof jacket, shoes that can handle sloshing through some puddles, and a sturdy storm umbrella (the cheap ones won’t last five minutes in strong winds).
Checking the weather forecast regularly also doesn’t hurt!
4. Don’t walk into a Dutch “coffeeshop” expecting a cappuccino
If you’re craving a warm, frothy latte and happen to stroll into a fine establishment named Jan de Wiet’s Coffeeshop, prepare for disappointment.
This is because “coffeeshops” in the Netherlands typically sell weed and other cannabis products, not coffee.
✅ Do head to a café for some actual coffee
So what’s a caffeine-craving international to do?
Depending on the group you’re travelling with, walking into a “coffeeshop” instead of a “café” might involve slightly more bonding than you’re accustomed to. Image: Freepik
Well, if you want some actual coffee (as opposed to a space-cake experience that’ll shock the socks off your nan! 😉), your best bet is visiting a café.
And, if you’re looking to escape the ever-present Dutch rain, you can also pop into a bruincafé (brown café) — a cosy, old-school pub where you can sip coffee by day and beer by night.
5. Don’t confuse the train’s silent carriage with a podcast studio
Most Dutch trains have a designated silent carriage (or stiltecoupé) for commuters who prefer spending their journey in relative quietude.
Needless to say, screeching to your best friend about the Tikkie your Dutch date just sent you — and ear-blasting your fellow passengers in the process — won’t be very well-received.
✅ Do use the silence to prep for yet another Dutch rail delay
As Dutch trains are often fashionably late, your best bet is to use your extra travel time wisely.
Whether you’re compiling a new Spotify playlist or working out an alternative route on the NS app, the silent carriage offers the perfect environment for concentration. 🧘🏻♀️
Quiet time = productive time. Image: Freepik
Worried about being stuck on the platform with no data and no one but a flock of pigeons for company? Holafly’s unlimited data eSIMs are here to rock your world.
Offering flexible plans and a speedy, reliable connection, they ensure you’ve got ample GBs to plan as many train detours as your heart desires — or order a much-needed Uber. 😉
6. Don’t walk on bike lanes (unless you have a death wish!)
If you step on the faded red tarmac of a Dutch bike lane and hear a bell ringing furiously, you’ve only got a few seconds before you’re unceremoniously flattened by a blur in lycra.
Dutch cyclists don’t mess around, so avoiding the bike lane unless you’re on a fiets (bicycle) of your own is Tourist 101.
✅ Do rent a bike and explore the city instead
You know what they say — if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!
There’s really no better way to explore the Netherlands than by bike. 🚲 Image: Freepik
The Netherlands is one of the most bike-friendly countries in the world and there are a plethora of bike rental shops in Amsterdam and beyond.
And trust us, exploring the city (or the Dutch countryside) by bike is a million times more fun than being shouted at for walking on the cycle path.
7. Don’t assume the Dutch won’t bill your bladder
Let’s set the scene: you’re a woman, you’re strolling through the city after a few drinks with your pals, and you suddenly feel the urge to have a wee.
You look around for the nearest public toilet — but, to your absolute horror, there are none to be found. Frantic, you ask your friends for help and they pipe up with, “Oké, do you have any money on you?”
Helaas pindakaas, you’ve just learnt the unpleasant lesson that there are NO free public toilets in the Netherlands. (At least, none accessible for women. 😠)
✅ Do carry some spare coins — or be prepared to hold it
In general, it’s good practice to always have your bank card or some pocket change on you if you want to avoid a UTI.
In many cities, men can opt to use the public urinals. Women, on the other hand? Let’s just say our options are limited… Image: Depositphotos
Restaurants or cafés may let you go to the loo if you’re desperate enough, but you may be required to purchase something or pay a small fee. Even in Dutch train stations, you’ll likely need to pay upwards of fifty cents to use the facilities.
Good to know: Some supermarkets let you use their staff toilets, so it’s always worth popping in and asking an employee, if the call of nature is truly urgent.
Whether you get caught blabbing in the silent carriage or in a Dutch rainstorm, adding the Netherlands to your travel bucket list can be a truly rewarding experience. 💪
What are some mistakes you’d add to our list? Tell us all about them in the comments below!
