So, you’ve learned the phrases, packed your rain jacket and mastered the art of looking both ways for bicycles. Excellent. Now let’s talk about what not to do in the Netherlands, because nothing ruins a trip faster than accidentally annoying an entire nation that prides itself on calm efficiency and quiet judgement.
The Dutch are friendly, direct and wonderfully tolerant, but there are lines. Invisible lines. Usually marked by bike lanes, social norms and very strong opinions about personal space. Here are the top 10 things you should absolutely avoid doing if you want to blend in and not become “that tourist”.
1. Don’t Walk in the Bike Lane
🚲 This is not a suggestion. It is the law of the land.
Bike lanes are sacred spaces. Stepping into one casually is like wandering onto a motorway and acting surprised by the cars.
💡 Reality check: If you hear a bell, you are already in danger.
2. Don’t Assume Everyone Lives in Amsterdam
🏙️ The Netherlands is not one big canal.
There are many cities, towns and regions, each with its own identity. Saying “So, you’re from Amsterdam?” to someone from Eindhoven is not a great opener.
💬 Better move: Ask where they are from and actually listen.
3. Don’t Be Loud in Public Transport
🚆 Inside voices are strongly encouraged.
Trains and trams are calm, quiet places. Loud phone calls, speaker mode conversations and dramatic storytelling will earn you side eyes.
💡 Rule of thumb: If you can hear yourself echo, you are too loud.
4. Don’t Expect Shops to Stay Open Late
🕰️ Midnight shopping is not a personality here.
Outside major cities, shops close early and Sundays are famously quiet. Planning to buy essentials at 9pm is a bold but risky move.
🛍️ Smart tip: Do your shopping during the day and relax in the evening.
5. Don’t Take Photos of People Without Asking
📸 Especially in residential areas.
Those charming canal houses are someone’s actual home. And the Red Light District is not a zoo, despite what some tourists seem to think.
💡 Golden rule: If it feels intrusive, it probably is.
6. Don’t Ignore Traffic Lights Just Because Locals Do
🚦 Yes, they cross early. No, you should not follow.
The Dutch have mastered judging traffic at lightning speed. You have not. Blindly copying locals can end badly.
💡 Tourist wisdom: Wait for the green light and keep your dignity intact.
7. Don’t Expect Table Service Everywhere
☕ Especially in cafés and casual spots.
In many places ordering at the counter is normal and waiting to be served will just result in you waiting longer.
💡 Helpful hint: If no one comes over, go to the bar. That is your cue.
8. Don’t Treat Coffee Shops Like Regular Cafés
🌿 This one matters.
A coffee shop in the Netherlands does not mean cake and cappuccino. And no, this is not the place to act confused, loud or overly excited.
💡 Important note: Know the rules, be respectful and do not assume anything.
9. Don’t Overdo the Tipping
💶 This is not a test.
Service is included and staff are paid fairly. Leaving huge tips can feel awkward rather than generous.
💡 Best approach: Round up or leave a small tip if the service was great.
10. Don’t Mistake Directness for Rudeness
🗣️ The Dutch are honest. Very honest.
If someone tells you exactly what they think, they are not being mean. They are being Dutch.
💡 Cultural shift: Appreciate the clarity and do not take it personally.
✨ Final Tourist Wisdom
The Netherlands is relaxed, respectful and refreshingly straightforward. Follow the rules, stay aware of your surroundings and embrace the quiet efficiency of it all.
Do that and you will not just visit the Netherlands. You will experience it without accidentally becoming a story someone tells their friends later.
