Tourists to the Netherlands are being advised to avoid Amsterdam, because the place is just too crowded. They’re especially trying to discourage young British men who come to drink, pee in the canals, and fight. They’re also restricting cruise ships and the construction of new hotels.
After two weeks in the country, I agree with the tourism board. Amsterdam is overrated, partly because of the yobs but also for other reasons. The outside air is filled with cigarette smoke. The shops all cater to people who want to buy trinkets, pretend to be dope fiends, or eat a full English breakfast. The tourist area of Amsterdam is also huge, making it hard to navigate. Use the NS app – it can identify trams and buses as well as trains.
Once you’ve seen the Van Goghs, the Rembrandts, and the Anne Frank House, which holds pride of place like the MLK birth home does in Atlanta, look elsewhere.
There’s a lot more to the Netherlands then Amsterda. I can tell you that both Utrecht and Haarlem are wonderful, especially if you’re over 40 and just looking to relax over some history and a nice glass of wine.
Locals disparage their train system online. About half still commute to work by car. But compared with anything in America, Dutch trains are a miracle. They’re in the process of changing how they treat visitors on the NS app. You can now pay for everything with your debit card, or pinpass as they call it. You’re going to want to make sure you bring your debit card and that your account back home is topped up. And don’t even think of leaving your phone at home. It’s an absolute necessity. Pack an extra battery.
Enjoy the Netherlands
As a tourist destination the Netherlands is mainly for grownups. It’s romantic. It’s flat and It’s cobbled. Most major cities, except for Rotterdam, have large medieval centers, oozing with charm. (German destruction followed by American construction.) Rent an e-bike in any of them and enjoy these cities at your own pace.
Do some research. Have a rough itinerary. Have a base, close to the center of a city. If you’re in for multiple weeks you might want to move your base at least once. Then train outside of town and bike inside it. (Shown here is Kasteel de Haar, a Dutch Biltmore Estate, built about the same time.)
Folks everywhere here know how to treat well mannered tourists. The restaurants are scrumptious. The salad greens are to die for. Everything is fresh and the prices are reasonable, at least to an American. The average museum can cost $30 to visit, but you’ll spend most of the day there, and they have a café.
I came here to write about e-transport, and as I’ve said previously it’s not as advertised. Fat tired Class 3 bikes are the coming thing, and highly controversial. Outside the major cities motorbikes and mopeds are all over the bike paths, and you may be able to rent a moped. Keep the e-bike near your base. It’s only comfortable for rides of 5 miles (8 km) or less, but that can get you across most Dutch cities.
If you come to the Netherlands with an open mind and an open heart, you’ll learn an enormous amount, some of which may cause you to rethink how we live in the U.S. I know I have, and there is much more to do.
