Visit The Netherlands - 5 Things You Will Love & Hate about The Netherlands

Visiting the Netherlands is more than just visiting Amsterdam. There are so many wonderful things to see and do, from the architecture and amazing museums to the biking opportunities to all the windmills and flowers, to the bad parts of visiting The Netherlands, the stigma that the Netherlands are just a drunken party for tourists in the red light district of Amsterdam and did we mention the service? Here are five things you will love and hate about visiting the Netherlands.
Filmed in Haarlem and Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Copyright Mark Wolters 2018
Hate #1. The Drunk/High Tourists in the Red Light District in Amsterdam: and how they have become a defacto image of The Netherlands, when The Netherlands has so much to offer travelers.
Hate #2. The Stairs: look the stairwells in the Netherlands are more like Ladders so be careful on them. Don't bring heavy bags.
Hate #3. The Service: as much as we love the Dutch people, the service is not something you will write home about. It's professional, but not overly friendly.
Hate #4. The Bike Lanes: Remember, Red is Dead... you will understand the first time you walk into a bike lane in The Netherlands.
Hate #5. The Unpredictable nature of Dutch weather.
Love #1. The Architecture and Culture throughout The Netherlands. The guild houses that will fill up gigs of data on your camera to amazing churches to museums stocked full of amazing art there is so much to enjoy and see in The Netherlands.
Love #2. The Transportation and Tourism Infrastructure: The Netherlands is super easy to get around.
Love #3. That there is so much more to The Netherlands than just Amsterdam: go explore the country, from Haarlem to Groningen to so many more great towns around the country.
Love #3b. The People of the Netherlands: from their amazing English to their great sense of humor to their directness the Dutch can make for a great time.
Love #4. The biking opportunities and easiness of renting bikes and exploring The Netherlands on two wheels.
Love #5. The drinking and snacking opportunities all over the country.
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[@wp-fxpyrodesign]

Our weather is so inconsistent here, while watching your video as a Dutch man it started to rain, had a thunderstorm and now the sun is shining again. lol

[@woltersworld]

hahahaha!!! that is why i freaking love the Dutch... You all are so awesome!!! :)

[@michellegoede2258]

Wolves Gaming Channel ha, exactly the same here in almere, came home soaking wet 10 minutes ago and now it full on sunny, and marc, are you still in the Netherlands?

[@wp-fxpyrodesign]

[@Polschinski]

Same in northern Germany right now, that's typical April weather

[@nicolaskottis5245]

Weather is so unpredictable. I was in Amsterdam end of March 2009. In the morning it was sunny and relatively warm for northern Europe (about 12-15 degrees Celcius) but at night it began to rain and the wind was so freaking cold...the temperature fell and it was only one-two degrees above zero.

[@Booberella3000]

It's considered rude in a lot of European countries for a waiter to just bring you the bill. It's like "you are not welcome anymore, just leave already". As a costumer you ask for it to signalize you are done and would like to leave. You also make eye contact or signalize verbally that you would like to order because the waiter constantly asking and therefore disturbing you is considered rude as well.

[@mochan148]

So true. I feel that way in the US. So annoying that they keep asking you during your course of meal.

[@dutchman7623]

There is a big cultural gap. I went into a restaurant in the USA and asked for a table for four. We were two so it would be obvious that two more would come. (They were shopping next door.) Within three minutes we were asked three times to order something. We stood up and left, waiting two minutes outside for the others and wanted to go somewhere else. The waiter came out and invited us back in... He was surprised and even angry when we said: "No thanks." Asking for a table is another thing, in a restaurant, about a third of the tables were free. We asked to sit somewhere near the windows, but the waiter brought us to a table in the back. So we asked him if we could have another table. No! He said, those are for regular guests. Are there reservations? No... Ofcourse we left. In another restaurant we were served correctly but although we were in a conversation, the waiters constantly interrupted by asking questions. So we decided to be rude as well. 'We will call you when we need something!' You should have seen the looks on their faces! After a meal we were still sitting at the table and talking a little bit. There were free tables and not many people had come in. The waiter came with the bill. "Is it closing time?' we asked, but no... "So you want us to leave and we cannot have coffee?" Culture gap! He took the bill away and came back to take our coffee order.

[@MyDeroscha]

You are right. In Belgium it is also rude bringing the bill when the costumer didn't ask for it. Taking the first order (usely somthing to drink) is normal (after a few minutes.) I still like visiting the Netherlands, easy to talk too people beacouse we speak almost the same language.

[@ddiirrkkiiee]

For people like me who are from the south (North Brabant), the language thing is even easier when going to Belgium. In towns like Mechelen, Antwerp or Louvain I can speak in my local dialect and people will still understand most of what I say. If I go to any other province here in The Netherlands, it's speaking standard Dutch or I won't be understood at all.

[@dutchman7623]

Or they make you believe you're not understood.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

About the service here, it's true it can be quite slow and therefore annoying. But there's another side to it as well. Here, proactive waitstaff can easily be considered to be pushy, annoying and 'too much'. We don't like it when we feel we're being pushed to order more drinks for example. With the bill, we want customers to feel welcome to stay as long as they like, so we never bring them the bill unless they ask for it. We usually think: If I want something, I'll ask for it, so it's considered to be good service to "let the customer be" and "not bother them too much".

[@nunopumpkin]

hi

[@gemkitty3392]

Yesssss thank you!!!!

[@evab1410]

Exactly what I was thinking!

[@silsilsilly]

True!

[@christophjager9553]

Indeed if you just put your hand up or wave at the waiter they come to you very fast

[@loreslise6782]

This makes me a bit annoyed bc -There are more city's in Netherland than Amsterdam -the service isn't that bad -GET OF THE FRICKIN BIKE LANES

[@noworldlikethisone1602]

Liselore Nurse Try to accept somebody elses point of view. Can't you accept some criticism? Sheeez...

[@gioia221]

No world like this one not when it's stupid. DONT WALK IN THE BIKE LANES

[@noworldlikethisone1602]

gioia221 DONT USE CAPITAL LETTERS

[@gioia221]

No world like this one I DO WHAT I WANT

[@noworldlikethisone1602]

gioia221 Just like him giving his opinion. So just shut up.

[@blodekont5458]

To Dutch.. the most bothering thing is tourists saying they "know" The Netherlands, because they've been in Amsterdam, Rotterdam or The Hague.. or ust have visited some crappy overcrowded cities and a wannabe city ( The Hague isn't a city, that's why it didn't became the capitol of The Netherlands ) , like one went to New York and became an "expert" on the USA... Visit Maastricht, Groningen, Den Bosch, Leeuwarden, Assen, Arnhem.. THEN you will see the Netherlands.. which ISN'T HOLLAND !!

[@westlandluc12]

Blode Kont The Hague didn’t have city rights back in the days. That’s one of the many reason why the people were I live (Westland) hate that city and the people. Oh and also because they are stealing our land and ruining our village parties

[@djshiningclaw]

Amen

[@FelixalPorto]

Wat dacht je van Utrecht, Ne’erlans mooiste stad, zure aap

[@Moredhel83]

Also come to Twente! Best place to be!

[@brumtheguy6960]

Echt zo

[@jeroenadmiraal8714]

Get off our bike lanes! They are not part of the sidewalk.

[@thelinthicums3295]

Damned straight!

[@abcmole]

The reason I hate bicyclers is they are dangerous homicidal and arrogant.

[@thelinthicums3295]

Best you stay out of Europe.

[@jokevv1]

Indeed, would you walk on a highway and complain that the car drivers get mad at you as well?

[@thelinthicums3295]

You are starting to sound a little whiney. Time for bed.

[@2004Minecraftfan]

Why would you walk on the bike lanes? They are literally called BIKE lanes...

[@nicholasivanderstoop4282]

I do think it is a personal opinion , he should stay home near his Utopian Refrigerator, climate controlled for sure. .What he likes apparently has been created by the same folks he is annoyed by. Yes the are bi or trilingual and are a treat for the Unilingual Americans. The guy is a dork.

[@RekaCath]

@@tallen3251 they have them in Paris as well, amd some more countries. (Also, it is obvious that there is a sideways next to it, and there are usually bikes painted on the lanes, so it usually is just arrogance that makes you feel like you can walk there, not actually thinking you can)

[@tallen3251]

Waar ik woon in Engeland heb je hier en daar ook een fietspad. Fietspaden worden een stuk minder serieus genomen, en als fietser moet je er vanuit gaan dat niemand je aan ziet komen. Als buitenlanders is het dus niet voor de hand liggend dat een fietspad in NL wel heilig is. Geen arrogantie, gewoon cultuurverschil.

[@Julie-te4qt]

Coretteket yappp

[@christineguo5912]

Zelfs mensen in nl snappen soms fietspaden ook nie, kwam is van de ortho naar school, fietste langs een vrouw die liep en stilstond de heletijd zo door midden op het fietspad en kan ik er eindelijk langs fietsen zegt ze: HuH🤦‍♀️

[@tristangrupstra]

4 thats because it is ilegal to walk on the bike lanes

[@michelluuuh]

Ik citeer van WegEnVerkeer: "Voetgangers en bestuurders van gehandicaptenvoertuigen mogen eveneens gebruik maken van het onverplichte fietspad."

[@frankvandendool882]

@@michelluuuh Jep ... alleen niet raar kijken als je voor mijn fiets loopt en ik gewoon tegen je aanfiets. Er zijn stoepen en fietspaden. Ga je ook gewoon op de straat lopen? Gebruik je verstand, kom je een stuk verder mee en je leeft langer.

[@MFV030]

Frank Van Den Dool lekker frank lekker plat rijden met je fietsie 😂

[@ricahrdb]

@@frankvandendool882 Veel plezier met de flinke boete (+ eventuele schadevergoeding) die je kunt betalen als je moedwillig iemand aanrijdt.

[@LimoRay]

@@michelluuuh Onverplichte fietspaden. Daar zijn er maar weinig van in Nederland. 99% Is verplicht fietspad. En daar mag je niet op lopen.

[@endermelle]

Amsterdam is not the netherlands

[@sennavanderlist8066]

endermelle true I feel like every time I do to Amsterdam I m on vacation like it’s so different

[@MFV030]

What is it then timbuktu?

[@thundereagle4130]

It's cultrally so different than the rest of the Netherlands (maybe minus the Hague). Flanders is way more Dutch than Amsterdam.

[@matinay5519]

It kinda is ;-;

[@pollymuyt]

It is Greece

[@oscarmotions5630]

the reason the dutch will not give you your bill is because it is considered rude. We don't wanna push you out of the restorant and give you the space to stay as long as you like.

[@rhaivaen]

restaurant

[@lonewolf5394]

That's interesting.

[@frida507]

It's the same in Sweden, maybe all over Europe?

[@Sopherian]

You should have called it 5 things you will hate about Amsterdam! Because most of the things are just a problem in Amsterdam...

[@basvanbeers3515]

Soaphy true!

[@Sopherian]

Just because you have met 10 rotten apples, doesn't mean every person there is horrible.

[@Sopherian]

Amsterdam has changed and not for the better. I totally agree on that! I admit that I feel less comfortable there now than I did in the past. But just because there are rotten apples doesn't mean every human living there is a rotten apple. Don't judge people for living at a certain place, Judge people on their actions instead.

[@Sopherian]

I know what you mean, I know it sucks! I'm dutch too so I know all about it. I hate it too...

[@charlyluna3632]

Suicidal Forest so true and tourrist think that Amsterdam is the same ass al the other parts of the nl

[@thomasklaverdijk3576]

Nou wil ik niet veel zeggen maar de service is gewoon goed en als je een fooi geeft moet je niet meteen verwachten dat je beter wordt behandeld

[@akame453]

fifa killer some restaurants will leave you there for a while *SOME* niet allemaal...

[@brent4674]

@@akame453 whahaha kan je pf nog nationalistischer😂😂😅

[@akame453]

Brent De Valk kan jouw bericht iets meer leesbaar zijn?

[@brent4674]

@@akame453 als je ogen hebt kan je het prima lezen. (Leesbaarder)*

[@akame453]

Brent De Valk zegt de schrijver van het bericht geez waarom zo algemeen

[@arranchace1306]

I love it, a tourist complaining about tourists in Amsterdam.. You sir... have been here way too often, you start to have dutch tendencies ;-)

[@westlandluc12]

Kelvin Schouw he knows what’s up in the country, all them damn tourists

[@StofStuiver]

lol

[@shikkithefirst5393]

There's a reason the dutch word for "stair" is "trap"

[@woltersworld]

Yunaii 00 love it

[@ArtyFartyBart]

But the Dutch word for trap is 'val', which is also our word for 'fall' (as in falling down, not the season). So it's bad both when you're translating to and from Dutch 😁

[@AudieHolland]

Well, a 'valkuil' (falling hole) is also a classic trap.

[@acrued8416]

Yep

[@Lucas-qt5uu]

Bart Geerts lol fall down the stairs

[@oi8682]

It's really funny how you mentioned that the train transport here is great, and it is, don't get me wrong, but the people here in The Netherlands typically joke about the NS (The Dutch train company) always being late. There is a lot of delay sometimes, especially towards the bigger cities. It can be frustrating, but NS do refund your ticket if the delay took too long, so that's a very big plus.

[@frida507]

They can't be as late as the Swedish trains.

[@Hensepens64]

Over the years it is better as ever before. Punctionality increases year after year.

[@sophieverbruggen257]

Ja ZEKER het wonder de trein is optijd😁

[@nelsonkaiowa4347]

Trains do get you almost everywhere though. And as a tourist you can go outside those hours that are hectic. Also, he compaires with the USA where trains are sparse and don´t get everywhere and because of the huge distances can be hours late or even a day....

[@Gabriel333_]

I mean in the end they are great, how ever I think they can of course improve their system more. Maybe add wagons to their trains, hire extra people and listen to their employees for example.

[@IcePrincessje]

Most Dutch people don't enjoy going to Amsterdam XD

[@thorjacobs5353]

Cities like Arnhem or Nijmegen are better, also the tiny old villages are great

[@thatonedude8209]

@@cherryberry6589 ligt ook aan de persoon he niet iedereen houd van tering groote steeden met klote toeristen die wied zitten te rooken

[@akita2963]

ferrariplayer gast leer schrijven ofzo

[@Liesjepiesje]

Eerlijk Amsterdam is wel leuk voor eens in de 2 maanden ofz mar je moet echt naar Alkmaar

[@bjoen]

@@thorjacobs5353 im happy to live inna tiny villiage

[@NeuralNexusHub]

Everybody in the Netherlands knows that you should not walk in the bike lanes as they are supposed to be fore bikes ONLY. You wouldn't walk on a highway either and then get upset that the cars are not making way for you, would you? There are clearly marked footpaths everywhere in the country. But I guess it's hard for tourists to get used to a sophisticated infrastructure.

[@noworldlikethisone1602]

Bart Petersen Butthurt and arrogant. You sum it up quite good in just one sentence, Dutchman!

[@susie9893]

Lol. And it comes from being in countries where sometimes there's a dedicated bike lane, sometimes not; sometimes it's a footpath AND bike lane; and rarely clear. Your system is a LOT less complicated

[@Gabriel333_]

I am Dutch and sometimes I walk on them lol.

[@gloriascientiae7435]

@@Gabriel333_ Yuh als het rustig is, maar die touristen springen wel echt voor fietsen enzo haha

[@sdf6508]

@@Elatenl never happened to me in my 20 years here

[@melvingamer]

Great video. I am from the Netherlands. The bill thing is because when you give the bill without them asking it implies you want them to leave and yes you have to wait.

[@woltersworld]

thanks for the heads up!

[@davidnielson9139]

In the Netherlands, as in much of Europe, dinner is supposed to be for socializing and a key part of the evening, not just an hour or so prelude (or epilogue) to whatever plans you have for the evening. So it is weird for Americans, just as going to a restaurant in the US can be for Europeans, since American restaurants tend to want you to order, eat and leave so they can seat more customers.

[@Jakromha]

I once got the bill in the Netherlands. They were closing early that evening and wanted us to leave.

[@royhoeksema5720]

1: is not true. I live quite close to the German border, and even though we do have 3 coffeeshops in my town (which is a lot for a town of 30k), all people visiting them are dutch. 2: Never saw stairs like that before. Must be in Amsterdam only. (Just like a lot of things you said) 3: The service isn’t that bad. We just aren’t pushy and our waiters tend to serve your food as soon as you’re done chit chatting. And you won’t be presented a bill so quickly because we don’t want you to get hasty, take your time, take another drink, etcetera. Enjoy your night! 4: ‘Walking in the bike lines’ THEY’RE BIKE LANES?! You’re not supposed to walk on them, that’s like walking on the middle of regular streets. Dutch people don’t cycle for leisure, they cycle to get to work and/or school. So if you’re being annoying on the bike lanes, and taking up our time, you’re obstructing us from getting to actually important places in time. 5: Dutch weather is not bad at all. Countries like England have to endure a lot more rain on a yearly bases, and our summers are incredibly dry except for a few rainfalls that take like an hour. Sweden, Norway, Denmark, etcetera also have to endure more rain fall, and are way colder. But nobody seems to point that out...

[@JorisSomers]

In Venlo, Roermond and Heerlen there is a lot of bordertraffic. Ofcourse. And vice versa.

[@JorisSomers]

Do you think that's true?

[@DetectiveBlueMask]

Roy Hoeksema, allow me to point some things out. 1 is kinda true, at least regarding Amsterdam and excessive drug tourism (I don't know how good/bad the German border is). 2. It's a style of construction used in various cities because of the limited area there is for constructing a building there. 3. Yes, enjoy your night! :D 4. Yes. 5. He was speaking about the inconsistency of our weather, which he is right about. GB and Scandinavia may have more rainfall, but at least you can predict that it will be raining all day.

[@montanalattin9824]

I am at an airbnb in Utrecht and the stairs are EXACTLY like that.

[@grappjas]

Thats not how every stairs look in nl just in those small hotels in a’dam

[@joel3088]

The only place in The Netherlands where stairs are steep is Amsterdam 😂

[@biolaria]

this is so not true. Everywhere I've been stairs were a nightmare. I lived in R'dam for years in a new building but nope..stairs were steep as hell.

[@hkr667]

Well, any place that has ye ol' buildings. It's just that they are only used as hotels in Amsterdam because of the price of real estate.

[@larskerkhof8835]

I didnt really get that point, but I havent checked all the hotels

[@TheJainmehul]

Joël Stam so not true.

[@Me1le]

I spoke to an Australian student in Groningen and she complained too about the Dutch stairs.

[@Budha75]

Walking in the bike lane is much like walking in the street and you wouldn't like it if tourists walk in the streets all the time, would you? The steep stairs is mostly a thing with the older buildings in the larger cities. Especially in Amsterdam where many old houses were converted to hotels. Biking is a great way to visit our country. A very nice place to visit is Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe. This is one of the few places where you won't see cars everywhere and the nature in this park is gorgeous. Also, don't forget to visit the Efteling theme park. You'll never see anything like it!

[@Lucas-qt5uu]

Budha75 kijk gewoon uit je doppen als je oversteekt 😂

[@miriamkruit5153]

In restaurants you have to ask. That's just how it works here.... Don't get annoyed, it's just how it is here... Plus, DON'T. WALK. IN. THE. BIKE. LANES. THOSE. ARE. FOR. BIKES. NOT. WALKERS.

[@stefannils2032]

At least the Dutch ride in the bike lane and not on not on the pedestrians pavements like the English tossers who get upset and violent if you challenge them for breaking the law ,for mummies little soldier or daddy's special princess ,at least the Dutch obey the law and you shouldn't be in a bike lane anyway hip hurrah nederlandse

[@lolkip61]

Are you talking about the Netherlands or Amsterdam?

[@joker_ot]

You should have named this video: 5 things you love and hate about Amsterdam. A lot of things you said, espessially the waiter stuff or the bike stuff, aren't happening in the rest of the country

[@SkateGeneva]

Some clarifications about some of the things you said : 1. When using transportation you ALWAYS have to check in and check out with your card ! As a tourist it could be useful to buy an anonymous OV-Chipkaart if you are going to be using a lot of public transportation. 2. The bikes you can rent at train stations (OV-fiets) are not for tourists, because you need a personal OV-Chipkaart to be able to rent them. 3. the 6th thing you're going to hate about the Netherlands is biking against the wind

[@SkateGeneva]

The Rolling Troll absolutely ! However it would be dumb for tourists to rush to Amsterdam Cs to rent an bike only to find out that they can't :)

[@BillyBoze]

Suicidal Forest Hotel adress. And otherwise a post office.

[@BillyBoze]

Suicidal Forest I know, i am just saying that you do have a address if you need one basically anywhere in the world.

[@susie9893]

Thankyou

[@amazyamacrooy]

I dont live in the Netherlands but what is wanted to say is that you should cal this 5 thing's you hate&love from AMSTERDAM Echt waar tho

[@sennavanderlist8066]

AmacStar Star Where do you live then?

[@Laura-yi8yt]

Jeej you can speak a little dutch

[@devan6935]

some situations occur in other towns and cities

[@riyuzu2674]

I cycle about 30km Everyday to school. But Just keep off the red bike lanes it ain't that hard! You also dont walk on the street right? So Just keep off the red, we like our bike speed

[@versnellingspookie]

@alphabetic number jij komt duidelijk niet uit dorpen of het platteland, ofwel? Ik nam ook wel eens de bus maar heb toch 2 jaar lang elke dag 21 km heen en 21 km terug moeten fietsen

[@Jort419]

Lol i’m from the Netherlands and i think is logical to ask for the bill because when i am somewere else and the waitor gives me the bill i think he wants me out of there. And it’s true that when you walk in the bike lane that we will hit you, because there is a walk lane and a bike lane. It’s not that hard.

[@markopostic7066]

hi brother I'm from Croatia and I'm in Amsterdam 3 or 4 times in the year I was there like 20 times Dutch r very nice and good people with all drunk tourist and good weed is nice and clean. people don't believeto this guy where is he from Detroit or L.A or NYC fuck this blog funny

[@TheReactor8]

Netherlands???? You mean Amsterdam!!! Slight diffrrence!!

[@randomdude8209]

Mega verschil...

[@JohnT-ii5od]

it is more Amsterdam , Amsterdam , Holland and twice anohter part op the Netherlands like Groningen en Maastricht

[@HannahvanDijk-cm8cp]

Zo waar

[@SaveraSusanna]

Zo echt he?! Ik denk dat hij het gevoel heeft dat hij in een ander land zit als hij Groningen, Limburg of Brabant gaat bezoeken. xD

[@fabsstyle6283]

Ja hij beoordeeld nederlands op base van alleen amsterdam, niet hewl nederlands is een h**rentent. En als je iets wilt bestellen steek je je hand op of loop je ernaartoe. En nee we zijn niet drugverslaafde die hele dag op klompen lopen op hun boerderij met een windmolen in de tuin

[@trancemadmaz]

I've always found the service in restaurants in the Netherlands to be friendly

[@mennograafmans1595]

Here, if you ask, we'll help. If you don't ask, we let you be. Simple as that. I think it's far more enjoyable. You don't feel like they want you to leave.

[@linebosman3466]

Amsterdam is not the whole Netherlands

[@johnyblitz9774]

The rest is shit.

[@tosht2515]

The text @0:28 *_"...there is so much more to see and do in Amsterdam..."_* while showing a pic of an open air urinal is hilarious. I know by now these are intentional. 😂👍

[@jatggaming9593]

dixi

[@devonseamoor]

Yes, Tosh T. That's typical Dutch humour and typical Amsterdam style too. That city is in essence a place of many cultures, all mixed with flavours and spices from all over the world, in a sizzling cauldron with a brew called "Wereldstad". The remaining part of The Netherlands.... that's another world. The islands in the North are a different world entirely. There's so much more to see and do than only in Amsterdam ;)

[@TBMVD]

Lol

[@hansmuller1846]

I'm sure you already know this, just as an explanation for tourists that want to come here: In the Netherlands, also Germany and pretty sure a few other European courtries it is considered to be polite to leave the guests alone in the restaurants / cafés! You don't want to interrupt them when they are having a good time. Generally, the longer they leave you alone, the better the restaurant is. However, you should generally not stay more than ~2 hrs in a café. In the good restaurants, you can always stay as long as you want!

[@edkroketje1]

I actually heard from someone a complaint about a restaurant in Berlin that shows clearly how culturally different the Netherlands and the US is. 2 people I knew were in the restaurant and as soon as they finished their meal the plate was taken away and within a few minutes the next plate came. From what I read in this comment section this is normal in the US (I know I am talking about a restaurant in Berlin but I also read that a lot of other EU countries are comparable to the Netherlands so I think it was mostly just this restaurant because of tourists) yet for my friends what they waiter did was considered rude. not even given the chance to let the food digest a bit, relax etc.

[@lel3686]

I love your video! Btw the weather, you’re so right. It was okay, and then it started raining and snowing it was weird haha! And, I love how u talk about the Netherlands. When u say something ‘bad’, you say something good after that! Really nice. Keep it up! :)

[@BorisNoiseChannel]

Nice one, Wolters. One tip I like to add for those planning to go there: If you're (also) into _modern_ architecture, visit Rotterdam as well. (was mostly destroyed in WW2, after which they didn't try to rebuilt what once was, but fully embraced contemporary ideas doing so). Maybe take a boat-tour around its harbor too? (till a few years back the largest seaport of the world).

[@WizardOfOss]

About the service: while it indeed can be a bit slow, it also is probably just what you're used to. When I visit the US, it feels kind of annoying that they come to ask if everything is okay literally every five minutes. And that you receive the bill (and feel like you have to get the heck out of there) while you're still chewing your last bite. So you could say the customer is king because you get service when YOU want to. Eating out is considered kind of a luxury thing and a social event, so you don't want to be rushed. But don't worry, when they see your glass is empty, they usually WILL ask if you need anything. After all, selling more drinks means a higher bill....

[@johnsain]

Here in the USA, I don't feel like I am pressured to leave when I get the bill.....having the option to leave exactly when I want is a bonus for me.....I like getting the bill as soon as my food arrives.

[@WizardOfOss]

In that case, visit Japan. There they just leave the bill on your table when you get your meal, and when you finished, you just take it to the cashier right next to the exit. But like I said, it's probably just what you're used to. When I need something, I'll ask for it. When I don't need anything, just leave me alone.

[@BassieWorst12]

Jade Martin I never tought of it like that but you’re right, you could see it as a bonus. I think since we, the Dutch, are so direct in our communication we see it as a sign of: leave, now!

[@TheRisingIcarus]

It might be because I'm used to apparently Dutch service, but I tend to get so annoyed when waiters ask if things are ok every damn 5 minutes. I'm having dinner or drinks to catch up with who ever is with me, not to get bothered all night

[@clay25420]

In reality you ask for it and you are lucky to get it in 15 minutes a lot of the time in Amsterdam.. Be honest.. Most places in the U.S.A. DON'T ask you if everything is ok every 5 minutes, that's very few restaurants and usually Mexican restaurants particularly which again, is a cultural difference and one not shared by most other types of restaurants. Most come by ONCE after the food is served and ask if everything is alright, and it is usually when they are giving you refills anyway for FREE... And most places don't even ask if you need a refill, they get it before your drink is even empty. This is one cultural difference that drives me nutz. I do like the idea that they dont have to rely on tips to live, but it causes the service to generally suck a lil... And they nickel and dime you to death with their tiny fucking drinks. And by nickel and dimes I mean they all charge outrageous prices for drinks.. 3-5 Euro for a damn coca-cola or fanta and no refills, but you can go to a grocery store and get a 1.5L for like 1 Euro or ,99. Same with water, I can get a bottle for ,20 in Rome, but the cheapest you will find water for at a restaurant is like 2.00. That kind of mark up is bullshit. It's even worse in Amsterdam, usually 3 or more. But I can go to a mcdonalds in the U.S.A. and get a $1.08 soda and free refills... Same mcdonalds in Amsterdam is about 3x that much, smaller size, no refill... lol like wtf

[@Marco-oo7bk]

Tips to do and see from me: Every city: Visit a craft beer brewery Specialty coffee stores Visit a market to taste local food Bike around the city Leiden: Best canals of the country and old university buildings Bars near hooigracht for a authentic student city vibe Utrecht: Less canals than leiden but way more lively with shops, bars and restaurants. Den Haag: Mauritshuis, top of 17th century art Gemeentemuseum: modern art Boulevard Scheveningen: city at the beach Rotterdam: Multiple clubs and bars near the Schiestraat for a night out Boijmans van Beuningen museum: art Architecture around the maas river Bars and restaurants at Oude Haven for dinner or drink on the terrace. Eindhoven: Visit during Dutch Design Week. Industrial vibe with southern ‘gezelligheid’ Nature: Reeuwijkse plassen. Lakes near gouda to bike to. Perfect day trip with gouda Beaches in Zeeland province or Terschelling and Vlieland islands Biesbosch: water and forrest in 1

[@veerleb123]

Koekebakker you left the south of limburg out

[@susie9893]

Helpful

[@martakakol1466]

I love your videos :) They are very useful but also fun to watch

[@jurjenzuidland8799]

Love your Netherlands video's. It feels so good that the little country that we are, is so populair around the world. 😊😊

[@iamheadshotnl5452]

About thee restaurant complaint: thats just the way it is and should be, you ask for something you get it. You dont ask for anything, you wont be disturbed by the waiters.

[@RedmilesShark]

Bike lanes aren't meant for pedestrians. Simple.

[@ricahrdb]

But people are allowed to walk there. It is in the law.

[@CSHerlock]

...tied det dae jong in Limburg kump kieke...

[@Nikki14368]

Geliek hubse.

[@StofStuiver]

ij mah oek wel us n keer in zeeland komn. altiet ma da amstrdam. Da is ema heen nederland

[@carolgovers406]

Love your pod cast staying in Leiden and going to Harleem today. Thanks for sharing

[@francinevanzanten8368]

Amsterdam CANNOT be compared with the rest of the country. So don't call this video "5 Things You Will Love & Hate about The Netherlands", a lot of what you mention is typical for Amsterdam. The massive amounts of tourists that visit the Amsterdam city centre have made it one of the worst places to go to in The Netherlands and that is e.g. reflected in the service. Go elsewhere and you will notice that by default service is almost always much better. The reason you are not served a bill in The Netherlands is that this would be very impolite. Eating and drinking is a social thing and you take the time you need. When you want to leave, ask for the bill. That easy. Perhaps weird for Americans that are used to get kicked out of a restaurant as soon as possible. Stairs are very steep...... duh. They were not built for tourists carrying large suitcases. Note that these old houses in Amsterdam are often much older than the oldest house you can find in the entire US. When they were built, there were no regulations for stairs, so they were made as steep as possible to save as much room as possible. Other old houses in The Netherlands also have steep stairs but not that steep. Note that in the 16th and 17th century people were also not as tall as these days.

[@Nathanvb]

Exactly, it is always the same if it goes about video's about the Netherlands, because they only talk about Amsterdam and are thinking that Amsterdam is the Netherlands, but it's just a part of the Netherlands. It becomes annoying

[@user-bl7uc1dx6p]

shjut

[@yanickcochavi6280]

Finally some one who understands. Amsterdam is too touristy, outside the big city's in the netherlands it's a very nice and humble country 🤗

[@SanderBK]

I think you should stress more that your service standard in restaurants as an American is differrent. When I was in the USA, I disliked the service because it felt pushy and fake. I got the feeling they just wanted my money and put up a fake smile to get it. I just want to enjoy my dinner and not have a waiter on my table every 30 seconds. Tipping in the Us manditory, its a standard and 95 percent of the people do it, it should just be included in the prices. No tip is no service next time in the Us. To me, that shows how fake it is.

[@mcbowl58]

i agree and i"m a american i hate it

[@liberalbias4462]

That's not true, its not mandatory to tip.

[@clay25420]

Ignorance is showing... lol. Tips are not mandatory.. I tip 15% at least and come out better than not tipping in Europe where everything is marked way up... But if the service by the wait staff sucks which is RARE, I NEVER tip a dime... And they won't say shit because if they do they know they will get told off.. I worked in multiple restaurants... We work harder, plain and simple.. Even fat people here work harder... not just food service - but basically any customer service job. It's ok to like your culture better just as I do, but people respond to incentives.. Work isn't supposed to be leisurely, or fun and games... I would work circles around these fools if they came and worked in America. I do like that they arent reliant on tips in Amsterdam and Europe generally speaking, but it has consequences. ALSO.... you spend thousands of dollars to travel overseas... Why the fuck would you want to waste an hour and half or more at one table? The answer - we don't... We also dont want 5 course meals over that time span... You guys dont get fat because all your shit is way overpriced largely due to tourism and ypu cant afford to eat out every day like we can.. Also because shop owners know they can quite simply take advantage. I can get 5x the calories (drinks) and 2x as much food in the mcdonalds or burger king for the same price.. That's a great thing for people with self control. It's a bad thing for tons of Americans... But it's their choice, they dont have to be like that, they are addicts just like a smoker, of which there are a ton in Amsterdam btw...

[@bonniea8189]

Suicidal Forest The job of wait staff is to WAIT upon the customer. I'm a paying customer. I shouldn't have to hunt down a member of the wait staff if I have questions about a dish before ordering, or want to order, or there's a problem with my meal (I understand the philosophy behind leaving the customers in peace while they're eating, but it wouldn't hurt to at least glance at the table once in awhile to see if anything is needed). It's not unreasonable to expect wait staff to make themselves available to people who are choosing to giving their money to the restaurant. The best meals we had in Paris involved wait staff who gave it their personal touch. In fact, we became so friendly with a waiter at one restaurant, he shared a special liqueur he'd purchased in Croatia with us. That night created lasting memories and I can't wait to have another opportunity to eat at that restaurant. So that waiter did his job - ensuring that people will want to eat at his restaurant again. I also like chatting with wait staff because they often know the area well and can give good insights about other good places to eat or see. This is especially helpful if I'm traveling alone. I didn't work in the hospitality industry but I used to live in a touristy area and I'd get stopped on the street by people asking for directions and such, and I was always happy to help. I was happy to tell them where my favorite breakfast place was, or the secret place to get the best view of sunset, or whatever. I didn't get a commission on that or anything; Americans actually do usually want to help each other, it's not fake.

[@edkroketje1]

Bonnie but glancing is very different than coming up the the table and asking themself if the food is good etc. and multiple waiters walk around generally so you can just get the attention from 1 of them by talking to them if they walk past, ''waving'' them over etc. it is not like they ignore you. and a personaly touch is great, but for example you say chatting with the staff to get info, but normally you would first need to ask a question. here staff would also be fine answering your questions, so I don't see what that has to do with the fact that staff come to your table multiple times without being asked to, and that is what for some people make it feel fake and pushy. That doesn't mean it can't be personal or friendly when you do have contact, however generally the customer needs to start that simply because if the waiter does he might do it to people who don't want that.

[@emmavanolst3102]

I get a bit annoyed when you talked about the things you didn’t like because what you were saying wasn’t true. Amsterdam is not that much about drugs. The service isn’t bad, it’s different because you’re not from here. And last but not least, we can’t change the weather for the tourism.

[@timori5290]

but he didn't sait we could change it, he just said he hated it, wich is fair.

[@cyclerbud3610]

I had a wonderful time during my 1 week stay in Amsterdam in July of 2016, and I'm going back this November for another week too. I enjoy the fact that you're not rushed or constantly bothered while enjoying a good meal there, but I understand if you're used to being pampered with service in other cities or countries. I plan to avoid the tourist areas this time around, and maybe I'll take the train to Rotterdam and The Hauge this time. The Red Light District is okay to visit once, but you're spot on with your comments on all the drunk and wasted tourist that are there during the night time. Besides, it's much better to tour that area during the daylight hours when it's a little more peaceful and pleasant. I enjoy watching your videos, and you've convinced me to make Prague my next city to visit in the Spring next year. Keep up the good work, and keep the videos rolling too please!

[@robertrijkers5163]

being left alone is also a service..... you decide when you want to leave...you decide when you want to order ;p

[@noworldlikethisone1602]

Robert Rijkers Not if basically every restaurants is exactly the same when it comes to waiting times...

[@magma1lord]

as a Dutchie myself I gotta point out on Hate 1, Drunk and high tourists are a pain everywhere. not just on the Wallen. Hate 2 is more or less Amsterdam only because its the way the houses are built so it gotta be pretty steep. Hate 3 I get the service is not like the USA where you get pampered like a baby but that doesn't mean the service is shit and that they aren't polite or nice to you. and for the bill, of course, you have to ask for it that means you can sit and talk after the meal or order something more to drink if you are finished. Instead of having to leave the moment you are done. Hate 4 well duh. you don't go and walk on a highway. the same thing really, (we see you as a suicidal tourist that doesn't care for traffic rules) Hate 5 You get used to it, one day you will feel it in your bones. that is my breakdown of your hates and my view on it.

[@biolaria]

sorry buddy but the service IS that bad...like really really bad. It happened twice to us to be left without food a restaurants because they have lost our order of food. They left us waiting, telling food is coming in 5, we're on it...and after a while they just confessed the cooked messed up. The barely asked sorry... it is awful.

[@Budha75]

Sadly, serving food is a job mostly done by young students who want to make an extra buck. They care about the money, not about being a great waiter. And the restaurants hire these students because they are cheap. It really depends on the restaurant and their hiring policies whether you will receive good service or not. Of course, the busy touristy places are the worst. It's not the same everywhere.

[@magma1lord]

You got shitty service twice and the enitre country immediately has shitty service? Thats sad.

[@biolaria]

Yes but it's not an excuse to do the job badly (I was a student and a waitress ) :-)

[@RustOnWheels]

As a Dutch guy I almost never get real bad service because I know which (tourist) restaurants to avoid. :D Although etiquette here certainly is different than in America. But bad service in the most touristic areas of cities is actually a global thing.

[@susie9893]

Just realised that a great thing about your videos (the love and hate 1s) is that they help travelers manage their expectations! I'm always reading reviews by people who, I can tell from what they're saying, didn't have much of an idea what to expect from whatever experience they're commenting on. (That's why it's so important to READ the reviews and not just go by the rating bcos the ppl writing the reviews might be nothing like you and have different [cough unrealistic] expectations)

[@mgweir3252]

We went to a seafood restaurant in Amsterdam last year and the service was awesome. Very friendly and helpful.

[@jelmerpeetoom4393]

A tip when renting a bike and biking through the tulip fields: Don’t sit in the middle of the fields. Or make photos there. These fields are owned by farmers who need these flowers to earn money. Standing on them damages the flowers and the bulbs and means that they sell less. Also look around if you are going to stop when taking photos of the fields. So don’t stop in the middle of the road when there’s a lot of traffic.

[@ekneinniuk]

The flowers that are in the fields are not for selling, they are just there to grow the bulbs. The flowers that are for selling and need to be pretty and untouched are all grown indoors. So it's really not a big problem at all!

[@TheOcculticUnicorn]

Nienke Kuin, They are for selling. Where do you think all the flowers for the bouquets in the whole country come from? From the air?

[@ekneinniuk]

No they are not. The bulbs are, but the flowers are not. It would be a bit silly, would't it, to sell flowers that allready bloom.

[@TheOcculticUnicorn]

Nienke Kuin Have you never heard of a bouqet? They need already blooming flowers for that..

[@poldercannabisolieteam2874]

Why should you not like our bike lanes? They are awesome. Yes, we Dutch bike, fast ... what's your problem? And don't misuse the bike lane bike highway. Clear? It is quite simple, with our red bike lanes. We made them red ... like, mmm, we give you straight away information here about what's going on there, on this particular lane ... like duh. "Do pay attention" ... mmm, this sounds like a good idea, you're paying attention to Dutch traffic, yeah, mmm, straight thinking.

[@stefaniaponitz5738]

It's true, I'm a heat-seeking missile on my bike lol Fantastic videos on the Netherlands. I'm glad you made the distinction between Amsterdam and the rest of the country. Deventer would be a nice place to visit not too busy and absolutely gorgeous.

[@dirkkuyt8682]

Why do you only talk about Amsterdam, most Dutch people hate Amsterdam.

[@dantesinporno]

And Belgian people.

[@thatonedude8209]

@@dantesinporno we love belgium people :-) but they are more like a little brother to us that we somethimes annoy a bit and make jokes about cuz they are our little brother :-)

[@akita2963]

Jurbin van Hooff dat jij nou niet van de stad houd betekent niet dat iedereen er niet van houdt

[@slc679]

I don’t hate Amsterdam

[@metalvideos1961]

@@akita2963 hij zegt most. of weet je niet wat most betekend in het nederlands. met andere woorden niet IEDERE nederland houd van amsterdam. ik ben er 1 van ik haat amsterdam.

[@dkorsta7200]

You're talking about Amsterdam, your most straightforward and arrogant city in this country. Go further than the Randstad and you'll see that all these things you said are literally part of the touristy places of the very busy Randstad. Outside there, it's a whole different world.

[@noworldlikethisone1602]

D Korsta A world that no tourist pays money to see!

[@omaedith1965]

You're so right! Or just visit the smaller towns!

[@royhoeksema5720]

No world like this one Still more beautiful than the randstad. Amsterdam looks like absolute trash. The Hague is just megh, and has a quiet down town. Rotterdam is full of criminals and barely has any historical stuff to see. And Utrecht is just a regular city, but barely any tourist visits it. I must say that I find Groningen and Maastricht more beautiful than most cities and towns in the randstad, majnly because they’re less run down. And Groningen also feels more alive.

[@antoinette6270]

@@royhoeksema5720 Leiden is a beautiful city though.. but I get your point about Rotterdam etc.

[@chaoss5]

As a guy from Amsterdam, thank you for telling the people to also see other parts of the Netherlands. Being very proud of my city, the huge amounts of tourists is changing the city to the worse.

[@ziasxela]

Hey! I love your videos, I find them really usefull I will be staying in the Netherlands next year and I would like to know where to buy groceries and also I could use some advice to meet people while I am there If you don't mind me asking, what is it that you that get you to all those places?

[@UrsusNY]

I went to AMS back in 1994 (not my first time of course) but this time (summertime) is was viciously attacked by bloodthirsty mosquitos, and the heat did not allow for closed windows, needles to say miserable time......at night but the rest of the town was and I'm sure still is amazing

[@Kirra_Slay]

The part at 4:20 makes me realy angry. Most people don't know that when you go on the fields with the flowers you actually bring things with you that the flowers aren't used to. The field that Jocelyn went to even had a sign that said don't go onto the flower fields. I know this because my mom has lost many flowers to people who go on there

[@devonseamoor]

Tourists are often like elephants in a Chinese porcelain shop. I never visit those places where coaches bring large groups of visitors, that spoil the fun for me, due to their behaviour as if in a beehive, without respect for the place they visit. It's called entitlement, ugghhhh!

[@Dutchified]

Awesome video. Brought back such fun memories of your visit. I loved seeing some of the scenes we shot. Tx for the shoutout. Always appreciated.

[@JohanDas]

you are so right @ 5:30 ! :-) etc @ 8:40 too. + Love your sarcasm remarks ! 'get to the point'.. and get out of my way hahaha

[@jas88cam]

Heading there again next week - oh, the stairs, so true! In Amsterdam with family two years ago, we’d rented an apartment - very nice inside, but the narrow steep spiral staircase of bare concrete ... like an ancient lighthouse or something!

[@prometheus5311]

I'd place the people on nr1, the dutch are so friendly, open and direct. To me, a belgian, that is quite refreshing. Also, modesty is an alien concept to them, in a funny way. I really like our northern neighbours, we should never have been split up in 1830.

[@martijn9568]

I'm for a unified Belgium and the Netherlands. We should also include Luxembourg. But the Belgian roads need to be fixed.

[@tinyvanuffelen7918]

We like our Belgium neighbors!

[@KajiRider1997]

I like you guys, but you should stay separate for your own good.

[@prometheus5311]

@@KajiRider1997 ik denk niet dat het goed afloopt met België, het is dat Belgen harde werkers zijn of het was al lang afgelopen. Ons politiek systeem is een drama en dan druk ik mij zacht uit, de staatsschuld is stilaan ook op het niveau van Griekenland en Walen noch Vlamingen weten wat er gebeurt aan de andere kant van de taalgrens. Ik snap dus best dat jullie ons er niet bij willen 🙂

[@hkr667]

I think the dislikes are spot on, but I've heard many Americans... 'suggest' that waiting staff should make less money and survive on tips because that makes the service better. I thoroughly disagree with that. I think their boss should pay them enough and providing good service should be part of the job. I don't slouch on the job either, just because I don't _have_ to be good. You can find places with good service if you know where to go. Asking for the bill is just the way we dine here. That being said, as a Dutchy I think the service in the average restaurant/cafe is sub-par.

[@abcmole]

Maybe make it easier for the employers to fire bad employees who make the service bad.

[@yesorlando05]

I agree. I've never understood the thing about having to be "paid"/tipped to give good service. McDonalds employees work their butts off, yet are expected by management to give good service; and, in my experience, generally do. So, tips or no tips, it's ultimately up to the management whether they expect/enforce good service by their employees. Employees will act accordingly.

[@fadnama]

My sister (American) moved to Amsterdam in 1999 and it took her a while to adjust to the customer service there. Since then she opened an American style bakery/cafe and her Dutch customers really appreciate her friendly and attentive service.

[@RustOnWheels]

I do like the American friendly service, but… on the other hand the check on the table there makes me feel very uncomfortable. It feels like the waiter wants to say: please hurry up eating your dinner and get out so this table is free for the next group. In The Netherlands the friendliness and swiftness in service may be low but after dinner one does not feel one has to leave. So we tend to stick along a little longer, maybe order another coffee or two, and then walk to the counter to pay the check. Asking for the bill is also fine but that will take a while, sometimes you just want to leave earlier. I normally tip 10% with good service and less to none with meh or no service. I usually tip with card, not cash. In the US I sometimes wondered if that tip will end up in the right hands doing so, but paying with cash is not very usual anymore here in Western Europe. The Floridian toll roads posed a problem after leaving Orlando Sanford with only CC and no Sun pass... XD

[@Perfectly_Cromulent351]

H Kr I thought the service in the Netherlands was about average compared to the rest of Europe. Not great, but nothing to complain about either. Really, the only countries where I experienced exemplary service were Ireland and Serbia. Also, as a server in the US, I can attest to the fact that we give stellar service bc it only takes a single complaint to get fired - not bc we’re fishing for a good tip.

[@AdventuresInDolphintown]

LOL die stadsuitspraken van die vent hahaha! Geweldig! :')

[@eddyrozema4064]

Just watched your video. I am dutch and you talk about the weather. On this day it is already beenig dry for 6 weeks and warm. Even our drinkwater system has problems. Funny in a land where 1/3 is under sea level

[@Trillock-hy1cf]

Back in about 1959 when I was 14 years old, I went on a school trip for a week, and saw both Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Me and a couple of mates met up with some older Dutch lads, who of course spoke English, and they showed us around, and made sure we didn't get into any trouble. I think we stayed in a hotel in Rotterdam, as we landed in the Hook of Holland via a ferry. I also remember we had a trip to the beach where there was miles and miles of sandy beaches, and the fun of finding old (well, back then no so old) German bunkers, with tunnels under the dues (with air vents along the way) for some exploring....with cigarette lights, and if only we had torches...Anyway we had a great time, and also visited a Go Cart tracks, and got some (hard to remember now) waffle type biscuits(?) which had honey or syrup on them, plus a huge knickerbocker glory too. On the last day before we returned home, we had a day out in Amsterdam, and I visited a big store there and fell in love with a girl on a petty coat counter, who was called Hannie Ottenvanger.........ah, school boy crushes. Very fond memories of that visit to Holland, with great snacks, very friendly people, and the shock of seeing the police with side arms ! So we were very well behaved when we saw them, but, they were nice enough not to shoot us.....:)

[@mennograafmans1595]

Those waffle kind of biscuit is our famous "stroopwafel" (caramel waffle). They are the best. I've yet to meet someone who doesn't like them. But you're always welcome if you decide to visit once more. I can tell you, a lot has changed, but even more has stayed the same.

[@Richdbiskit]

I lived in Eindhoven for 2 years, worked all over NL. Amsterdam is a nice city during the day, but a god awful city at night, as Mark says, stag do's everywhere, drunk people grabbing your girlfriends ass asking "how much", puke, pickpockets. You should go there for one day, but go to Utrecht, 45 mins down the road which is a "mini-Amsterdam" with all the beauty but without the tourists. I made a video on this city actually, amongst others, such is my love for this country. Nearly every city in NL is beautiful - Leiden, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Apeldoorn, Maastricht, the list goes on. Everything else here is spot on - the bikes lanes, just DO NOT WALK in the red cycle lanes! The weather is rather unpredictable, but not as bad as it is here in England. With languages, the Dutch generally speak 4 languages - Dutch, English, French, German (sometimes subbed by maybe Spanish or Italian). In my first 4 weeks there, I would go into any establishment and ask gingerly "excuse me, do you speak English" - could be a petrol station, supermarket, barbers, fruit shop, pub, phone shop, each time they would say "of course", so I just then approached anyone and just spoke English, they don't take offence. And as Mark says, they love sarcasm, they have SUCH a great sense of humour. Also fun fact - apparently Dutch women are the tallest in Europe! Happy travelling!

[@Tardis216]

No don't go to Utrecht, it is cramped and the world is BIG, so if you all come to Utrecht the city will be unlivable. Leave us Utrechters alone, thank you for your cooperation.

[@edytam2750]

I agree with you, studying in Utrecht and living in Culemborg is one of my fondest memories from my 2 year visit to the Netherlands back in 1998. I imagine lots has changed there but I did meet some kind people who are my friends until now. I fly through Amsterdam sometimes to reach my final destination in Europe but never have time to really stay. It would be cool to see how much it changed, though.

[@chris210352]

Thank you for your comments on Utrecht, where I was born. Much nicer city than Amsterdam!

[@inepthabit]

Most of Amsterdam is not at all like that, just the more touristy areas, especially around the red light district, but most locals avoid that area.

[@starlost7285]

Richard Dybowski I agree, Utrecht is really beautiful and great, I love it so much more than Amsterdam tbh

[@thedutchgamelife6264]

i love the old dutch music, it sounds so great! and dont forget the syrupwaffles! they are the best things in the world!

[@glenncanning8189]

Your “hates” are pretty poor here, I have to say. Steep stairs? Really? People telling you to get out of the bike lane....when you choose to walk in the bike lane, intentionally getting in their way? Come on man, what do you expect? And as for the “drug problem” in Amsterdam, you’re hugely over-hyping it. The coffeeshops are not at all annoying or disruptive. Sure, you’ll smell marijuana when you pass by, but is that any different from smelling beer & cigarettes when passing a normal bar? And drunk young people is no more a problem in Amsterdam than in any major city. You just seem to dislike the aspects of The Netherlands that are even slightly inconvenient for you personally.

[@NNichols10]

Omg the stairs are the worst

[@sjoerdykeizer4294]

I think all the bad stuff is only based on your experience in amsterdam, its not like that in the entire country

[@guusvansprang5673]

1. You are overreacting about the drugs in Amsterdam, yeah they are there but not alot. 2. The service isnt that bad either! some restaurants make you come to them. 3. why are you walkin in the bike lane?? walk beside it bike lane is called bike lane for a reason 4. About the weather just do your reseach, If you would go to London i dont expect perfect sunshine for 12 hours

[@Ella-Katarina]

Guus van Sprang Uhm there is alot of drugs tbh

[@leopold7148]

Gabriëlla Vitale if you pay attention to it yes, but you can ignore it no problem.

[@DutchEpicGamez]

Iemand is hier op zijn pik getrapt

[@nathanvdb5678]

yes i agree alot

[@snagarum]

1. Americans are stuck up if it comes to alcohol. 2. Service in the US don't have good pay so the service personel has to be very kind to get tips, in europe they get paid better. 3. Try walking onto a street and then complain about getting run over.... 4. Weather? Did you just need random shit to fill the list? 5. Stairs..... only because your country is obese in average doesn't mean others are too.

[@sandyloveday7292]

How is handicap accessibility? I have a leg that I injured a lot that stops me from walking very far. If I use a motored chair or scooter, is it safe to leave it outside the museum or other place? I'm pretty sure that those beautiful old buildings have not been changed with elevators or chair lifts. If I want to be able to see those places, I will have to use a scooter type thing between. And busses, are they accessible?

[@supermonstah666]

loved the video! Great stuff! I do want to clear something up regarding the service here in the netherlands. You see we dutchies actually don't like waiters to immediately come to us and act overly friendly. dinner is kind of an intimate thing for us since we don't eat out as much as some other cultures do. This is why the waiters generally wait for the customer to signal them that they are ready to order/want a refill. also regarding the billing thing. Here in the Netherlands we have this thing called: "Na tafelen" which translates to after tabeling. It basicly is the concept of just hanging around for a bit after dinner. maybe have 1 or two drinks before getting a desert and then get 1 or 2 drinks again until you ask for the bill. It is considered rude for a waiter to ask you if you want the bill or to bring it automatically since it feels to us like we are no longer welcome and the staff want us to leave. All in all This also fits into how we as dutch people are. The dutch are more like: "if you want something from me, or you need something from me you have to ask me. i can't read your mind and maybe you have something you don't want any help with. so i don't want to push myself on you and your issues.

[@SimpleHappyZen]

That's true we do use sarcasm a lot :-) Haha It's so funny to hear you say "krokets" 😄 grtz, Vera from Simple Happy Zen

[@dionkester4624]

Haha yeah those pronounciations Xd, took me a few minutes to understand he was talking about being in 'Haarlem'

[@daanjollie16]

But what the hell doed he mean with cheesy sticks

[@zennologyofeverything7265]

Daan Jollie kaassouflé (cheese souflé)

[@TinaR622]

I’m English so the Netherlands are very close which I love ! We loved biking there too but not in the city, by the sea and in the bike lanes it’s a great way to explore 😀

[@Cappy609]

Mark, just returned from two weeks in Haarlem. I stayed a block or two from your opening shot. I have to majorly disagree about service in the Netherlands. I traveled up and down the country, and everywhere I stopped I found service to be excellent. I also found the Dutch to be some of the friendliest and most generous folks I've ever encountered.

[@wesselzaaijer]

Hey wolter you are one of the few people that understand us. And something about bikes i can't imagine a week without a bike because i ride a bike to my high school even some teachers ride bikes to school. Some people out my class even ride a bike to school for 45 minutes.

[@janpan8586]

Hey Wolter, I advise you to go to De Efteling. It's in the south of the Netherlands and it's the best and most beautiful amusement/family park of our country!!!

[@jschouten1985]

Jan Pan vergeleken met de pretparken in Amerika is De Efteling echt een lachertje

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

Jeffrey Schouten Daar denken de Amerikanen blijkbaar anders over. Vandaag heeft de Efteling daar weer eens een prijs gewonnen. Kwantiteit is niet altijd kwaliteit.

[@MissMoontree]

Jeffrey Schouten, ik vind van niet. De Efteling is misschien klein in vergelijking, maar er valt genoeg te doen voor 1 dag. De atmosfeer is ook totaal anders dan in eenderwelk park in de Verenigde Staten. Daarbij zullen ze het vooral qua prijs een lachertje vinden; 40 euro voor een dagje pretpark is niks voor die Amerikanen. Een meermin met blote borsten had totaal niet gekund in de VS, dus ze zullen nog genoeg verrassende dingen vinden.

[@user-qo9jv4em5w]

MissMoontree: Hebben ze dat ja? Is me nooit opgevallen. Ik woon in Rotterdam, daar heb je Kabouter Buttplug. Een standbeeld bij Eendrachtsplein. Die vind ik zelf wel grappig, maar toch wel wat ver gaan :P

[@performatum1117]

Jeffrey Schouten behalve de Waarbeek natuurlijk

[@dykam]

One note on servers in restaurants, is that the expectation is to be left alone and enjoy your time privately while eating out, servers who interrupt too often are at times seen as a nuisance. That doesn't change the fact it's hard to actually get a server to your table, that's definitely annoying.

[@TheKopakah]

Whaaaat? I love it when people walk in the bike lane, it's just so epic!

[@yourcatalyst22]

I am going next year and I thank you for the video. We wanted to travel some other country while we are in Europe. Is there anywhere you recommend?

[@horseplop9]

CIN GRAPHX sure what do you wanna see? Small or big cities. And what regions?

[@MrNicoJac]

Dutchie here. That part of Amsterdam is NOT part of the Netherlands XD It's tourist-central in Suckistan!

[@jasperH3611]

It is a shame trourism made it into this tho cuzz it is actualy a beatyfull part of amsterdam.

[@colouredIncognito]

So basically, the things you don't like is a difference in culture...? Imagine complain a driver hitting the car horn because you wander on the car lane...?🤣

[@okayokay4579]

ColouredIndigo tell ‘em girl

[@harrymalingre4913]

Great presentation I'm born and raised in the Netherlands and Wolter is so right :-)

[@frontrowviews]

It’s called a BIKElane for a reason… there are always sidewalks next to the bikelanes

[@diekip]

Amsterdam is different from the rest of the Netherlands in terms of service, bike terrorists and the amount of tourists.

[@Lumberjackk]

Get of the bike lane!! *bell rings* 😂😂😂

[@billyriedel6449]

I am learning Dutch and plan to visit the Netherlands. What towns or cities that are not usual spots to visit would be good to visit?

[@kikiasinkeke1163]

heyy, my name is kiki and i would love to say that you keep saying stuff about amsterdam but the netherlands are more than that let's take my place. i live in a small town about 45minutes from amsterdam and it's really busy here with people who are from here. that's really nice and the only fact that's annoying here is that the weather is instabiel but it isn't like amsterdam at all the tourist that come to Spakenburg are all here because of the beautiful look at the see and the amazing fish and restaurants. and i want to ask you if you could come to a place like this just to see how beautiful the netherlands are. i live in Spakenburg by the haven and every tuesday evening there are sailing competitions and every saturday there is a big market(that isn't that big tho) and there are sold a lot of stuff like fish but also clothes and other foods. and all the restaurants are well visited and the complete village comes to one place because it's fun and neighborly. i would love to ask if you want to come to Spakenburg an i would also love to show you around and tell you a few funny facts that most people don't know. if you would like that you can mail me at [e-mail]

[@seemslegit.4538]

Point one isnt true. People think the netherlands is a drug land, but it rlly isnt

[@depizzavalt4207]

Anime Obsessed Otaku .... it actually is. the netherlands is known for the high quality drugs, especially weed and xtc

[@mennograafmans1595]

He mostly talks about drunk and high TOURISTS. They are the problem, not the dutch people themselves.

[@mennograafmans1595]

@Wijkagent Ali G We produce a lot, but don't use much more than other countries as far as I know. Only weed and XTC are common here.

[@susandhifaoui]

the Museumkart was my best friend. It more than paid for itself when I was there. Took the train to Haarlem to visit the Corrie Ten Boom Museum.

[@woltersworld]

yeah, that is a good deal

[@frankvanderwerf3942]

:) nice opening shot with the Teylers museum in the back :)

[@flojo]

Hey man, like your videos!

[@tylersimpson8552]

Me and my mate are going to Amsterdam this summer (probably for some of the bad reasons too haha) but we’re both really interested in history and city cultures and I’m proper excited for this one. Already been to Vienna and you prepped me for that one too! Cheers!

[@woltersworld]

Amsterdam is awesome for culture and... a good time with buddies :)

[@RoyD_S]

I'd suggest going to other cities aswell because A'dam is very different from, let's say, Rotterdam.

[@Tiamat013]

Den haag is also nice. The parlement is there. You can also check out the smaller cities around amsterdam. Furthermore cities like: utrecht. Groningen. Maastricht. Eindhoven. Den bosch and leiden are also nice cities. Have fun in my country dudes (ow best coffeeshops are in tilburg. The first town legalizing weed lol)

[@BillyBoze]

If you are gonna go for some of the "bad" reasons, literally go anywhere else 'As all shit flows to Amsterdam'. Go to Utrecht much better in almost all aspects.

[@Lemmy_Kilturtle]

There is a great collection of Hanzesteden (Hansa Cities) around the eastern, central and northern provinces of the Netherlands. These are all old trading cities/towns, and they have amazing history. To name a couple: Deventer, Kampen, Zwolle and Groningen. You won't be able to spend entire days in any one of them, but you could tour maybe three of them in a day. For example, Deventer, Kampen and Zwolle are all within about 30 minutes driving distance of each other, you can get from Deventer to Zwolle in 35 minutes and from Zwolle to Kampen in 10. You can get from Zwolle to Schiphol Airport in about an hour by train.

[@bensajdak9133]

The "waiting" is called "etiquette"..might want to read up on that i guess. The average time spent eating in a restaurant is rarely under 2.5 hours! If you want to eat fast, you should go to a bistro, a snackbar or a wait for it.. A fastfoodrestaurant!!!! DESIGNATED bike lanes are....wait for it............BIKES!!!!!! The law of the country you visit applies to àll visitors, also pedestrians!!!! You agreed to obey to local laws and rules by entering the country!!i

[@noworldlikethisone1602]

Ben Sajdak Butthurt much?

[@xspaansx]

wow, you really love the word butthurt, don't you..

[@noworldlikethisone1602]

Joanna Forster How do you know that?!

[@juliuspayne7722]

Ben Sajdak im dutch i wonder how poeple survive without the biking lanes

[@vicuna4036]

hey, great video! love your channel!! i do have a vew critisisms. first of all the hotels with those staircases are only directly in the city center of the big cities. and only in those high houses. there are plenty of hotels and bed and breakfests that dont have those stairs if you are willing to walk 5 or 10 minutes more to go to the city centre. the second thing is that it isnt that weird that people get crazy when you walk on bikelanes its the same as people in america walking in the middle of car lanes or cars driving on walking lanes. still a great video! and i love that you are saying that the netherlands is so much more then amsterdam becouse thats true and i dont hear or see that verry often!!

[@emjaycr]

Hey! I agree on the service in restaurants, restaurants are expensive, but sitting in a café is great. In Amsterdam, biking is awesome and so is the public transportation and events there are (film festival, concerts, museums, salsa nights).