Netherlands Travel Guide

The Netherlands is one of the most interesting countries in Western Europe with its unique architecture, canals and windmills. The Netherlands has three islands in the Caribbean. Belgium and is part of the Benelux countries, along with Luxembourg. With an area of ​​41.543 km², this country shares land borders with Belgium and Germany. The capital, Amsterdam, is not only a center for art and culture, but also a vibrant place for travelers to explore. But don’t just focus on Amsterdam when exploring the Netherlands. Cities like Rotterdam, home to Europe’s largest port, Eindhoven, Delft, The Hague, and Utrecht are also must-see destinations. Don’t forget to add charming towns like Edam, Volendam, Zaanse Schans, and Giethoorn to your travel list.

The Netherlands offers many places to discover with its natural beauties as well as its historical and cultural riches. From the capital Amsterdam to the modern face of Rotterdam and cute towns, every corner promises a different discovery. If you want to learn more about places to visit in the Netherlands, you can get inspiration for your trip by checking out our article titled Places to Visit in the Netherlands.

Dutch Culture

The Netherlands is a country known for its scientific and cultural achievements, Nobel Prize-winning academics, and liberal society. It draws attention with its medieval architecture and cultural diversity. Painting holds an important place in this country; the works of world-famous painters Van Gogh, Vermeer, and Rembrandt are rare examples of the Dutch artistic heritage.

The Netherlands is also known for its bike-friendly infrastructure. With around 32 kilometres of bike paths and bike parks, the country is one of the most popular places for cycling, along with Denmark.

While windmills, tulips and traditional wooden clogs stand out among the symbols of Dutch culture, Gouda, Edam and Maasdam cheeses have become world famous in the country's gastronomy.

Dutch Economy

The Netherlands was the world's 2012th largest economy in 18, but has declined in recent years Europe The country has been affected by the debt crisis and the global recession. The country adopts an open economy model based on foreign trade and is notable for its low unemployment and inflation rates. The Netherlands' most important exports include natural gas, machinery, fuels and chemicals, while its imports include machinery and transportation equipment, food and clothing.

When to Go to the Netherlands?

The Netherlands has a temperate oceanic climate and is known for its cool weather throughout the year. The Netherlands has a humid and windy climate due to the Atlantic influence, and summers can be mild and winters can be quite cold; thermometers can sometimes show minus degrees. In the summer months, temperatures are usually around 18-20 degrees, while humidity increases. There are many rainy days and it is possible to see rain almost every month of the year. The best times to visit the Netherlands are spring and autumn. During these periods, the country dazzles with its natural beauty and colorful festivals. King's Day, especially celebrated in Amsterdam on April 27th, offers the most colorful celebrations by covering the city in orange. In May, the Tulip Festival offers a visual feast for spring visitors.

How to Get to the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is one of the popular destinations in Europe, with its capital being Amsterdam. İstanbulIt can be easily reached by direct flights from. It is also possible to travel by plane from Istanbul to important cities such as Rotterdam and Eindhoven.

Netherlands Nightlife

The Netherlands is a country famous for its colorful and dynamic nightlife, and the capital Amsterdam in particular stands out for its entertainment venues that cater to all tastes. The city stays alive throughout the night with nightclubs featuring world-famous DJs, techno bars popular with young people, and alternative music scenes. The Red Light District in Amsterdam stands out as the center of nightlife. Other Dutch cities such as Rotterdam, Eindhoven, and The Hague also have numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues, so visitors can always have a fun evening.

Shopping in the Netherlands

The Netherlands offers many different gift and item options for shoppers. The most popular answer to the question of “What to buy from the Netherlands?” is of course the famous cheeses. Edam and Gouda are among the most well-known cheeses in the country and are famous for their taste. In addition, “clog” wooden shoes, one of the symbols of the Netherlands, can be preferred as a traditional gift. When you go to the village of Zaanse Schans, you can easily find colorful wooden shoes. Another famous gift from the Netherlands is the blue-white porcelains specific to the city of Delft. You can walk around the porcelain workshops and buy these elegant products for both yourself and your loved ones. Tulip-shaped items, magnets and other souvenirs also offer a nice option as a souvenir of your visit to the Netherlands.

Festivals and Fairs in the Netherlands

The Netherlands hosts many colorful festivals and fairs throughout the year, offering visitors unforgettable experiences. Events in the country appeal to different interests, and timing your trip during these special times can make your vacation much more enjoyable. Here are the most famous festivals and fairs in the Netherlands:

The Most Famous Festivals in the Netherlands

Important Fairs in the Netherlands

There are many events in the Netherlands that are both culturally and industrially interesting. If you want to experience a festival or fair, this calendar can guide you when planning your trip.

Holidays and Important Days

When planning your trip to the Netherlands, considering holidays and milestones can impact both your cultural experiences and your access to transportation and services. Here is a calendar of Dutch holidays and milestones:

Netherlands Holiday Calendar

Important Days Calendar

In the Netherlands, the impact of holidays and important days can be more noticeable, especially in services such as shops, restaurants and public transport systems. So knowing your holiday dates will help you plan your trip more easily.

Things To Consider

Here are some important things to consider when traveling in the Netherlands:

• Sunday and Monday Closing Hours: Many shops and restaurants in the Netherlands are closed completely on Sunday and often do not open until 13.00pm on Monday, so it is worth being mindful of what is open on these days when planning your trip.
• Attention to Bicycles: The Netherlands is famous for its cycling culture and every street is frequented by cyclists. You may need to watch out for bicycles while walking on the road as they often speed past.
• Floriculture and Botany: The Netherlands is a world-renowned center for floriculture, with a particularly strong reputation for botany. The country exports about 80% of the flowers sold worldwide. If you love flowers, it’s fun to explore every aspect of this culture.
• Museum Card Opportunity: There are many famous museums to visit in the Netherlands. By purchasing a Museum Pass, you can access most of these museums for free and explore the cultural riches more economically.
• Be Prepared for Rain: The climate in the Netherlands is quite rainy throughout the year, so it would be a good idea to take an umbrella or waterproof clothing during your trip.

Transportation

In the Netherlands, transportation is shaped by bicycles rather than motor vehicles. The urban transportation network throughout the country is provided by buses and rail systems. The “smart card” system for using public transportation is quite common and very easy to use. If you want to adapt to the local lifestyle, there are many places where you can rent a bicycle. With its bicycle-friendly infrastructure, the Netherlands offers travelers the opportunity to explore freely.

How to Get a Netherlands Visa?

Turkish citizens with a maroon passport who want to travel to the Netherlands must obtain a Schengen visa. The documents required for a Schengen visa application include; visa application form, 2 biometric photographs, accommodation information, last 3 months' pay slips (signed and stamped), SGK employment entry document, signature circular of the company you work for, tax plate, copy of official gazette announcement, bank account statement, house title deed and vehicle licenses (if any), health insurance and round-trip plane ticket. The requested documents may vary depending on the type of visa. It is recommended that you apply at least 30 days in advance depending on the type and duration of your visa. You can apply to the visa application centers determined by the Dutch Embassy and obtain your visa.

Representative Offices in Türkiye

Below you can find the contact information and areas of responsibility of the Turkish representations in the Netherlands: