Adjusting to Life in the Netherlands: Must-Try Experiences for a Smoother Transition including ARTparty Workshops

Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming. The Netherlands, with its unique culture, language, and lifestyle, offers many opportunities but also challenges for newcomers. Finding ways to settle in quickly helps you feel at home and enjoy your new surroundings. This post shares practical experiences to try during your first month in the Netherlands, helping you build connections, understand local customs, and create a sense of belonging. Among these, joining an art workshop like ARTparty can be a fun and creative way to meet people and explore Dutch culture.

A typical Dutch canal street with bicycles and traditional houses

Explore Local Neighborhoods by Bike

The Netherlands is famous for its bike-friendly cities and towns. Renting or buying a bike soon after arrival is one of the best ways to get around and discover your new home. Cycling lets you cover more ground than walking and gives you a local perspective on daily life.

• Start with nearby neighborhoods to get familiar with local shops, markets, and parks.

• Use apps like Fietsknoop or Google Maps with bike routes to find safe and scenic paths.

• Visit local markets such as Albert Cuypmarkt in Amsterdam or the Markthal in Rotterdam to sample Dutch treats and fresh produce.

• Pay attention to cycling rules and etiquette, such as signaling turns and using bike lanes.

  
  

Getting comfortable on a bike quickly boosts your confidence and independence in the Netherlands.

Learn Basic Dutch Phrases and Customs

While many Dutch people speak English, learning some Dutch phrases helps you connect and shows respect for the culture. Focus on greetings, polite expressions, and common questions.

• Greetings: “Hallo” (Hello), “Goedemorgen” (Good morning), “Goedenavond” (Good evening)

• Polite phrases: “Dank je wel” (Thank you), “Alsjeblieft” (Please/Here you go)

• Asking for help: “Spreekt u Engels?” (Do you speak English?), “Waar is de supermarkt?” (Where is the supermarket?)

  
  

Understanding local customs also helps you avoid awkward moments:

• Dutch people value directness but also politeness.

• Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is common.

• Shops often close early on Sundays, so plan errands accordingly.

  
  

Taking a beginner Dutch class or using language apps like Duolingo can speed up your learning.

Visit Iconic Dutch Attractions and Museums

Immersing yourself in Dutch history and culture deepens your appreciation for your new home. Many museums offer discounted or free entry for residents or newcomers.

• Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam showcase Dutch art and history.

• The Anne Frank House provides a powerful insight into World War II history.

• Explore windmills at Kinderdijk or Zaanse Schans to see traditional Dutch engineering.

• Visit local castles or historic towns like Utrecht and Haarlem for a quieter experience.

  
  

These visits offer a chance to learn about Dutch heritage and meet other visitors or locals.

Join Community Events and Social Groups

Building a social network is key to feeling settled. The Netherlands has many expat groups, hobby clubs, and community centers hosting events.

• Look for meetups on platforms like Meetup.com or Facebook groups for expats.

• Attend language exchange events to practice Dutch and meet locals.

• Join sports clubs, book clubs, or cooking classes to share interests.

• Volunteer for local causes to connect with the community and improve your Dutch.

  
  

Joining an art workshop like ARTparty is a great way to meet people creatively. These workshops offer a relaxed environment to express yourself and bond over shared activities.

Experience Dutch Food and Cafés

Trying local food helps you understand Dutch culture and enjoy social moments. The Netherlands has a rich culinary scene beyond the famous stroopwafels and cheese.

• Visit local bakeries for fresh bread, “ontbijtkoek” (spiced cake), and “gevulde koek” (almond-filled pastry).

• Try traditional dishes like “bitterballen” (fried meatballs), “poffertjes” (mini pancakes), and “hutspot” (stew).

• Explore Indonesian and Surinamese restaurants, reflecting the country’s colonial history.

• Spend time in cafés, which are social hubs. Order a coffee with “appelgebak” (apple pie) and watch daily life.

  
  

Eating out or grabbing snacks at markets is a simple way to practice Dutch and meet people.

Set Up Practical Essentials Early

Taking care of practical matters quickly reduces stress and helps you focus on enjoying your new life.

• Register at your local municipality (gemeente) within five days of arrival to get your BSN (citizen service number).

• Open a Dutch bank account to manage finances smoothly.

• Get health insurance, which is mandatory in the Netherlands.

• Find a general practitioner (huisarts) near your home for medical care.

• Understand public transport options and get an OV-chipkaart for easy travel.

  
  

Having these essentials in place makes daily life easier and more comfortable.

Explore Green Spaces and Outdoor Activities

The Dutch love spending time outdoors, and green spaces are everywhere. Parks, nature reserves, and bike paths offer places to relax and meet people.

• Visit Vondelpark in Amsterdam or the Hoge Veluwe National Park for walks and picnics.

• Try water sports like sailing or paddleboarding on the many lakes and canals.

• Join local running or cycling groups to stay active and social.

• Attend outdoor markets and festivals, especially in spring and summer.

  
  

Spending time outside helps you recharge and feel connected to your new environment.

Discover Local Traditions and Festivals

Participating in Dutch traditions helps you understand the culture and feel part of the community.

• Celebrate King’s Day (Koningsdag) on April 27 with street markets, music, and orange clothing.

• Experience Sinterklaas in early December, a festive holiday with gift-giving and parades.

• Attend local fairs and markets, which often feature traditional foods and crafts.

• Learn about Dutch holidays like Liberation Day and how they are observed.

  
  

Joining these events gives you a sense of belonging and fun memories.