AT A GLANCE Known for being one of the lowest lying countries in the world, the Netherlands perhaps also

has a reputation as one of the most liberal. This is largely due to its Red Light Districts and relaxed drug laws which attract stag groups to its major towns. Beyond this unconventional and free faade, the country has a lot more to offer. A rich marine history led to the name Holland being recognised throughout the world - although this isnt the name of the country but rather two provinces located in the west. WHEN TO GO Although The Netherlands is a great year-round destination, many would agree that the best time to visit is during the spring when the tulips are in bloom. A the end of April, thousands of orange clad participants head to the canals and join in on the unregulated street markets for Queens Day which in 2014 will become Kings Day for the first time since 1890, as a new Monarch takes the throne. Weather Spring: This is the driest season in The Netherlands, but infrequent rain should still be expected. The average temperature is around 10C in March, climbing to just above this temperature in April, before increasing to an average of 17C in May. Summer: The season is perfect for visiting The Netherlands although rainfall is moderate.

Autumn: At the beginning of the season, temperatures of around 20C are common. However, this drops to around 9C at the end of the season in November. Towards this time the sun only appears for around 2 hours per day. Winter: Although the countrys maritime location means that snow is uncommon in the winter, short frosts are. Every few years the country becomes bitterly cold and it becomes possible to skate from one village to the next over frozen canals. Expect temperatures of 0C in January and February before it slips back to just above freezing in March.
Images: Amsterdam Sun by Thijs Knaap / Rotterdam Winter by Vincent_AF

THINGS TO DO From buses of pensioners looking to set eyes on the tulips and windmills to stag groups seeking a good time in the bars of the infamous Red Light District, The Netherlands manages to attract a wide spectrum of visitors. Here are some attractions that will appeal to everyone: Amsterdam Anne Frank House: Museum dedicated to the diarist who hid from Nazi persecution Vondelpark: A 47-hectare public park located in the Museumplein area of Amsterdam Rotterdam Rotterdam Zoo: At 150 years old this is one of the oldest zoos in The Netherlands Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen: The main art museum in Rotterdam opened in 1847 The Hague Mauritshuis Museum: An art museum featuring a collection of paintings by Vermeer Escher in Het Paleis: Features the work of the Dutch graphic artist M.C Escher

Maastricht St. Pietersberg Caves: View cave art in this underground network constructed in 1701 Basilica of St. Servatius: A Roman Catholic church built in the Romanesque style

Utrecht: Rietveld Schroder House: Designed without walls the house connects the inside and outside Domkerk Cathedral: One of the countrys two pre-Reformation cathedrals

Nightlife Nightlife in The Netherlands is diverse. While Rotterdam is known for its many nightclubs, Groningen is largely a student city with a nightlife that tends to revolve around student bars and live music venues. As the capital, Amsterdam is more cosmopolitan and nightlife can be found in the city every night of the week. Amsterdam Supperclub: This chain started in Amsterdam and mixes food, music and performance

 Trouw: Electro music plays in this former printing press with newspapers scattered around Rotterdam Hollywood Music Hall: One of the most popular dance halls in the Netherlands De Apres Skihut: Like being in a ski resort in Austria. Open every day of the week The Hague Crazy Piano: A live music club featuring 2 pianists and a drummer singing along Seven: Urban drum and bass club featuring the DJs Lars Vegas and DJ Nizzle Maastricht Twee Heren: Popular with students. The venue plays 70s, 80s and 90s music In Den Ouden Vogelstruys (In the Old Ostrich): Dates back to 1730 and offers cheap drinks Utrecht: Winkel van Sinkel: Known as the nightstore, this club regularly hosts themed parties Stairway to Heaven: Both a restaurant and a nightclub with regular live music nights Day Trips from The Netherlands: The location and small size of the Netherlands means that day trips to surrounding European countries can be easily arranged. Train travel is quick and efficient and the best way to cross the borders. Just dont forget to take your passport along with you: Brussels: Visit the capital of Belgium and home of the European Union on a day trip from Amsterdam. Visitors can enjoy some of the areas famous beers and chocolates and explore sites such as the Grand Place and the Notre-Dame du Sablon. Travel Time: 2 hours

Paris: Thalys, the international train operator, has recently reduced the travel time between Amsterdam and the French capital to just less than 3 hours. Explore landmark attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre and sample the famous cuisine in one of the citys famous bistros. Travel time: 3 hours

Cologne: Germany is another destination that can be easily visited from the Netherlands. The city is known for its famous cathedral and during the festive season hosts a traditional Christmas market. Dont miss the Old Town where you can try the citys unique kolsch brewed beer. Travel Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Luxembourg: Europes smallest country (after the Vatican City) is easily accessible by high-speed rail from Amsterdam. Attractions include the Adolph Bridge and the Cathedral Notre Dame of Luxembourg. Youll also be able to explore the modern city centre when you can shop for souvenirs. Travel Time: 3 hours

Images: Rotterdam zoo by Jinterwas / Mauritshuis by FaceMePLS / Maastricht Caves by Kevingessner / Domkerk by Mr Objective / Manneken pis by Williamsdb / Eiffel Tower by House of Hall / Cologne by Zachi Evenor / Luxembourg by Channone

SHOPPING The big cities in The Netherlands feature many of the big name high street brands and unlike many places in continental Europe, the shops are also open on Sundays. Of course, no holiday is complete without picking up a quirky souvenir of your stay, and in the Netherlands tulip bulbs from Amsterdams famous bulb market, Dutch Gouda or Edam cheese and a novelty pair of wooden clogs are the three items you must bring home. Shopping Areas: Amsterdam: Shops and department stores to suit every budget Rotterdam: A diverse range of different fashion styles and shops can be found here The Hague: Largely famous for its antique shops and art galleries Maastricht: A long shopping boulevard featuring brand name shops is situated here Utrecht: Home to one of Hollands best shopping malls, contains something for everyone Markets: Albert Cupymarkt: The largest and busiest market in Amsterdam sells food produce Bloemenmarkt: Amsterdams famous floating flower market specialises in bulbs and seeds Rotterdam Market: Can be found in the city centre near Binnenrotte and Blaak train Market Afrikaanderplein: Takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Rotterdam The Hague Market: Considered to be the largest in Europe with over 500 stalls Antique and Book Market: 40 stalls of old books and bric and brac in the Hague Maastricht Weekly Market: Food, clothing and fabrics for sale on Wednesday mornings Maastricht Organic Market: A small organic market on Wycker Burgstraat, Maastricht Vredenburg Market: Utrechts largest market is a great place to pick of Dutch liqourice Lapjesmarkt: The oldest and largest fabric market in Utrecht which is 400 years old Shopping Centres: Bijenkorf: Amsterdams largest department store centrally located at Dam Square Kalvertoren: A large shopping mall situated at the back of Amsterdams main retail street Alexandrium: Rotterdams largest mall consists of 136 stores and 16 mega retail stores Zuidplein: An indoor shopping centre in Rotterdam featuring high street favourites De Passage: The Hagues oldest shopping centre is constructed in an 1880s arcade Maison de Bonneterie: The Dutch chain is said to be frequented by the former Queen herself Entre Deux: Just 10 minutes away from Maastricht station, the mall is centrally located Brusselse Port: A large number of stores from food shops to traditional crafts

Hoog Catharijne: Over 150 shops can be found in Utrechts main shopping centre

Image: Clogs by Cali4beach

FOOD & DRINK The Dutch are famous for their cheeses and wherever you eat out, youre likely to see Gouda and Edam as ingredients on the menu. Pancake houses can also be found throughout the country and it isnt uncommon for the locals to enjoy them for both lunch and dinner. Youll spot vlaamse frites on most street corners in The Netherlands; these delicious French fries are traditionally served with a healthy dollop of mayonnaise. Popular Hotspots in the Netherlands: Amsterdam: A variety of restaurants from all over the world can be found in the diverse capital Rotterdam: Fresh fish and food sourced from the Netherlands former colonies is on offer The Hague: Some of the countrys best Indonesian restaurants are located in this city Maastricht: Regional dishes include zoervleis (meat stew), brawn, and the local Rommedoe cheese Utrecht: Many vegan restaurants can be found in this city and the regions speciality is stamppot CULTURE & ETIQUETTE The Dutch value their privacy and will seldom talk to strangers. If you do get talking to one of the locals during your trip then avoid asking personal questions they are likely to go unanswered. The Dutch are reserved and dont touch in public or display anger or extreme exuberance. A knife and fork should be used to eat all foods including sandwiches, pizza and fruit. Useful Phrases Goededag Hello Hoeveel kost dit? How much is this? Dank u Thank you Waar is de WC? Where is the toilet Dos and Donts Dont drink on the street - it is illegal and you will likely receive a hefty fine Do look out for pickpockets particularly on the Schipol to Amsterdam train Dont take photographs in the Red Light District Do greet assistants upon entering shops. Its considered bad form to just walk in and out Dont walk in the cycle lines. These are used a lot in Dutch cities! Do make sure you take a boat tour of the canals in Amsterdam Dont fall victim to the fake police scam. Ask any policemen that you meet for their ID Do visit one of the traditional brown cafes for coffee and a slice of cake Tipping The service charge is traditionally included on bills in The Netherlands and the norm is 10% for excellent service. In a bar it is common to round up to the nearest euro and in taxis a tip of 10% is also usual.

TRANSPORT The Netherlands is a small country and fairly easy to get around. It is possible to travel to other nearby countries in the EU in less than a couple of hours and all of the major cities are well connected by train network.

Getting Around Tram: The OV Card is the most effective way of paying for trams, buses and subways Bus: Like most forms of public transport, buses are reliable and of a high standard Train: There is a fast and efficient train network between all the major cities Subway: The Amsterdam Metro runs between the main attractions in the capital Bike: More than 20,000km of cycle paths can be found in The Netherlands Ferry: Ferries link Amsterdam with Ijmuiden, Velsen, Dordrecht and Rotterdam Taxis: Yellow taxis are licensed to carry up to 4 people Airport: There are 4 airports in The Netherlands with scheduled flights from the UK and Ireland: Amsterdam Schiphol, Eindhoven, Maastricht and Rotterdam The Hague Fare Information Taxis: A 15 minute journey in a taxi will cost about 10 Euros Public transport: A one hour journey ticket costs 2.70 in Amsterdam HEALTH & SAFETY British Embassy in The Netherlands Foreign and Commonwealth Office Emergency number: 112 BEST NETHERLANDS BLOGGERS Deventer Adventure Nomadic Matt A Flamingo in Utrecht Word Geyser Absolutely the Hague