Dutch customs for tourists visiting the Netherlands

First, some context. The Netherlands, a little nation in northwest Europe with 17 million citizens, is bordered to the east by Germany and the south by Belgium. The nation borders the North Sea on its western and northern sides. The sea and water in general have had a significant impact on the history of the Netherlands and the lives of its people. The Netherlands is one-fourth below sea level. The nation would be much smaller without its dunes and dikes. On the river, a great deal of land has been gained and lost, including the renowned polders. The Netherlands' struggle with water throughout history—whether the sea or overflowing rivers—has been a key element.The Netherlands was and still is a maritime nation, much like Denmark. The Dutch were renowned for trading their way across the globe, expanding their empire to Asia, Africa, and the Americas in the 17th century. It is impossible to overlook how the colonies shaped Dutch culture.  Since the early Stone Age, people have lived both on and off Dutch territory. The Netherlands became a sovereign nation in 1588, then a kingdom in 1814. It was developed to its present state around 1830.

Celebrate King's Day 

On April 27, the nation as a whole observes King's Day, one of the most significant Dutch holidays. It is King Willem-birthday. Alexander's Everyone celebrates together on the streets and canals while decked out in orange, as is custom. Playing vintage games from bygone eras, attending musical events, and having jumble sales are all part of the tradition. King's Day celebrations sometimes involve heavy drinking, especially in Amsterdam.  How can a visitor take part in King's Day? Dress in orange, the royal family's color, to start. The Dutch flag's colors of red, white, and blue will do if you don't have an orange shirt.

For King's Day, a lot of tourists visit Amsterdam, but residents typically have the upper hand in smaller cities and villages. Wonderful festivities are held in Utrecht, Uden, The Hague, and Rotterdam beginning on April 26th, King's Day Eve. Attend a King's Day festival and party till the early hours of the morning if you enjoy doing so. The jumble sale lasts all night in Utrecht, although it only lasts until the afternoon in many other places. 

Dutch Beer Tasting 

Many breweries may be found in the Netherlands, including Heineken, which is well-known worldwide, as well as Hertog Jan, Texels beer, and De Leckere, which is well-known only locally. A lot of Dutch breweries arrange tours and beer sampling. You get to take a tour of the brewery's interior, discover how beer is made, and learn about its past. Since the year 1 AD, beer has been made in the Netherlands. Prior to the widespread adoption of dedicated breweries, the majority of Middle Ages brewing was done in monasteries. In the Netherlands nowadays, beer is consumed more frequently than wine or any other alcoholic beverage.

Beer is a popular social beverage in Dutch society. Heineken is the most well-known Dutch beer outside of the nation, although it's a special-event beverage among natives. Many people like other labels. Join a tasting tour at a nearby brewery to learn more about the significance of the beverage and take part in Dutch beer culture. Or, you can do what the locals do and visit a tavern or patio and get a beer on tap.

Dutch Cheese Tasting 

Gouda, Edammer, and Reypenaer are three of the most well-known cheeses from the Netherlands. Surprisingly, the Netherlands has 300 farms that make their own dairy products. Since at least 800 BC, cheese has been produced in the Netherlands, one of the countries with the most valued culinary heritage. The Dutch are known as "cheese heads" or kaaskoppen because of our affinity for cheese.

Cheese is consumed with a piece of bread for breakfast or lunch, or it can be diced and eaten with mustard as a snack while sipping a beverage.  A cheese tasting is the greatest way to understand Dutch cheese culture. A cheese tasting experience includes a visit of the plant and an explanation of the complete production process, much like a beer tour.  Gouda and Amsterdam tours are highly popular with tourists, but Reypenaer tours are more well-liked by residents.