towns to visit in the Netherlands?+ way of living?

Question

Hello!

I go soon to the Netherlands. Do you know which towns I should visit? Amsterdam of course (but how long? 1 week end is enough? more?) but what else?

Other questions: Do you know what kind of food they eat there?
They have the (bad) reputation to be mean, is it true? (sorry, it's just for information)
I'm going to live in a host family, is there anything I have to know about their way of life to enjoy mij stay? Every advices is welcome!

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Visit Nijmegen. Full of history - close to Arnheim if you're into the war stuff. One weekend would do.

The food is fine. Panacoeken are good - very good. Savoury or sweet. (Like crepes or pancakes).

Try the excellent beers and spirits - applecorn is good and so is Jaegermeister.

They are a polite, friendly people. Very hospitable.

Take a gift to your family please. Something well thought out.

Delft is pretty too.

Enjoy.

Answer 2

I would recommend to visit one of the islands. Like Vlieland or Schiermonnikoog, the smallest islands and there are no cars allowed, only cars from the people who live there. You can go for a walk on the beach or rent a bike and see the island.
Go to Groningen, a student town in the north. Not so crowded with tourist as Amsterdam. Lot of pubs and nice shops.

Food; depends on the family. Because of all the different cultures in the Netherlands most people eat food from all over the world. So don't worry about the food.
Most of the Dutch people are used to eat bread for breakfast and lunch, but if you prefer serial there should be no problem. Every supermarket has it.
Dutch people can be very direct, if they feel they are right they often say it directly in your face.
people from other country's can see that as a rude.
Communicate with your host family and asked them what they expect and talk with them if you don't like something.

Answer 3

Besides Amsterdam you can visit The Hague (where the government is housed), Rotterdam (worldst largest harbour), Utrecht (nice old town), There are so many things to see and to do in Holland... The dutch are not rude or mean, we are just being honest. The way of living... we do some strange things..Best book you can read is the undutchables. View on the Dutch society by an american....

Pannekoeken (sweet pancakes) Fricadellen (you have to try it), croquetten (meat rolls very good id you have the change eat one which is made by Van Dobben), Patatje oorlog (french fries with mayonaise and peanutbutter sauce), Hema worst (like a very thick frankfurter) Try all the things you can eat...but be careful with eating zult

Answer 4

I would recommend The Hague, Delft and Rotterdam (and, perhaps, Leiden). As for Amsterdam, it depends on how much you would like to see and do. The city center is quite small and walkable, so if you only have two days, you can see all the main sights within that time. But it doesn't mean that if you stay longer you'll be bored! :)
As fot the Dutch way of living, I had a feeling it was very cold in the houses, especially during the night, since they're trying to save on the heating. But, of course, it depends on the family.

Answer 5

There are many towns to visit. It depends where you are staying. Rotterdam is nice for the harbour tour, but the rest I would not recommend, although they have nice museums. Very nice is Maastricht in the south, I think the oldest city. Utrecht is also good, but has changed more.
For walking as a tourist and looking at the sites Delft is also nice. It is between Rotterdam and The Hague.
Food is about the same, sometimes better, most times I bit worse, but not alarming.
People are relaxed. It depends on what region you stay, in some regions the people are very religious and than you should rest on Sundays. (I agree that we are sometimes direct, but do not try this yourself, there are many invisible codes)
More advice is possible if you mention the region you are staying in.

Answer 6

I would suggest Scheveningen. It's just out of Den Haag (take tram number 9 from Den Haag central station). They have the beach there and also a nice boulevard to walk around on.

Also, Nijmegen. Great place to shop and just look around at the river area.

Rotterdam also has a lot to offer, but you have to know where to go. Because the museums, boats, shops etc. are kinda scattered all over the city center. So I would suggest going to VVV tourist information, or checking some stuff on the internet.

Answer 7

As you are Belgian I would say the food is more or less the same as in your own country. But the standard Dutch would probably eat less hot meals and more bread than the Belgians who tend to enjoy their meals more like the French. Especially the Dutch lunch is very basic. Sandwiches with cheese and milk. For cities i agree with the suggestions above.
The bad reputation to be mean: I would say we have that reputation in your country only. (I hope) And that is because we are less formal and more direct than the Flemish. And also louder.(not sure about the Wallons). We say what we think, which might be considered to be mean, but i would say it doesnt necessarily mean that. Enjoy your stay!

Answer 8

amsterdam is cool, and not all the people are mean.they are like everyone else in the world.you have bad and good.but most are respectful, so you should be also.stay for more than a weekend maybe 4 or5 days.there is a nice little town a few miles away.i think it is south and the train is best way to get there.i can't remember the name.sorry!

Answer 9

Try Utrecht, Leiden, Delft or Gouda as alternatives. Beautifull old cities, but much less tourists than in Amsterdam. The canals in Utrecht are much nicer also, with terraces down at the waterfront.

Answer 10

I recently travelled to Holland and stayed in a small town outside of Amsterdam... They ride bikes alot ang go to bed very late since the sun sets around 11:30 PM. people were walking their dogs at 10:30 at night. they eat cheese and alot of dairy. It is very beautiful and relaxing;...have fun