traveling solo in the netherlands

Written by: ViCopy

Drugs, red lights and football. Does it ring a bell? The Netherlands. Well known for everything other countries haven’t legalized yet. But we’re so much more than that! Want to know more? Keep reading.. ​

four seasons

Visiting from a country that only knows the two extremes, cold and hot? Here in the Netherlands you get a true experience from all seasons in just one week! So planning to pack just short or a big cozy sweater during the winter? Think again. Even during the summer you might want to consider layering it up. A pair of sneaker and a pair of flip flops. Even with the weather changing almost every time, there is a lot of things you can do. Like going to Scheveningen during the summer, to lay down at one of our most famous beaches. And on rainy days, go to a museum like the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

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food

Multicultural, mostly Turkish and fries. But it’s not that simple. We have many, many variations of everything. Fast food to the max. it doesn’t matter what city or small town you’re visiting. It’s definitely worth it waking up in the morning and visiting the local markets. They sell anything from knitting appliances to food. May I just recommend you how good the baked fish, by the way!
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amsterdam is the most visited city

When you think of the Netherlands, you think of Amsterdam. But did you know there are cities nobody ever talks about. Like Rotterdam, where you can enjoy modern buildings. And the Euro-mast, the highest lookout tower build in the Netherlands. Or that we have cities like Giethoren. Where there are no roads, and the people who live there have the cross small lakes to get to the other side of the street.

​parties & festivals

The Netherlands is famous for it’s famous DJ’s like Armin van Buuren and Martin Garix. The talent here is unbelievable, and they’re not afraid to show it. Visit one of the many festivals during the summer and find out. The people here are very friendly and always ready to party! And let’s not forget our famous ‘Gay Pride’. Every year there is a famous parade called Gay Pride. Organized by and for the LGBT community. That doesn’t mean, that you can’t join if you’re not party of the LGBT community. During this time of the year, everybody just likes to enjoy and let themselves go.

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for the soul

If you’re more introverted, and like quiet places. You should definitely visit one of the many art museums and libraries. Speaking of which.. Want to see a pyramid-shaped library? Go to Boekenberg in Spijkernisse. Or go to the Veluwe. Located in Gelderland, which is a province/district. The animals and nature will take to your inner self. They say the tastiest tap water is found in Gelderland. ​

​breaking stereotypes

In this country ‘It doesn’t matter if you’re black or white – Michael Jackson’. We live in most solidarity amongst all ethnicities. It doesn’t matter who you are, or where you came from. We open our arms to all people. We are the first country in the world that legalized gay marriages. Doesn’t that say enough?

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but how do you get there?

In the Netherlands we have all types of public transportation. For instants, ever heard of a tram? These are metro/train type of things that ride on the same road as cars do. And they’re pretty huge. All you need to get to one bus to another, is an OV chipkaart. Which stand for public transportation chipcard. You can find one at the VVV points and put balance on it at every train station or any other OV points.

Tip: Download the NS APP on your mobile device to check your departure and arrival times. In this app, you’ll also see what they’ll charge for the trip. This way you’ll always have enough balance on your card. Don’t want to an OV chipcard? The NS app allows you to buy train tickets online. You can buy your bus or tram ticket on the spot. And metro tickets are sold at the metro stations. ​