national tourist guide course netherlands

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Nederlandse Gidsenorganisatie Guidor

10 things to know about nederlandse gidsenorganisatie guidor, 1. what year was guidor – the dutch national guides association established, and where is the headquarters.

Guidor was established in 1957 and the headquarters are in Amsterdam.

2. What is the primary mission/goal of GUIDOR?

The primary goal / mission is to deliver guiding services of the highest quality and professional level. Guidor achieves this goal by ‘matching’ qualified guides with the clients, ensuring the specific requests and needs are met.

Locally, Guidor cooperates, among others, with:

• Amsterdam Marketing
• Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board (ATCB)

3. How does someone become a qualified tourist guide in The Netherlands?

Tourist Guiding is NOT a regulated or protected profession in the Netherlands. Anyone can be “a guide”. However, in order to become a qualified tourist guide :

• one needs to follow a 15-month course called “National Tourist Guide Course” at the ROCvA educational institute. The course consists of practical and theoretical subjects, and is completed following final theory and practice exams. Successful graduates obtain the National Tourist Guide diploma, or
• external candidates can take the GiVak Exam (Guidor Guide’s Competence Exam) that covers: canal-boat or moving vehicle guiding, museum guiding, written theory exam and foreign language(s) exam.

4. After becoming qualified, what are some of the professional development classes that guides typically take in the Netherlands to enhance their knowledge and skills?

During the less busy times of the year, GUIDOR offers a versatile programme of CPD (Continuous Professional Development). The programme ranges from lectures on contemporary topics of interest, history and art, to short in-depth specialised museum tours, and day familiarisation trips to various areas/sites. The latter meant as “sharing best practice” tours for both new and established guides. There is a system of registering participation in CPD events and guides need to participate in several of them every year in order to be considered active guides by Guidor.

5. Is there an official badge that qualified tourist guides in the Netherlands wear?

Yes, and we wear it proudly: Avers: Text: Identity Card, Guidor logo and name, Guide’s name, Guide’s pass photo, validity (3) years, code- number. Revers: FEG logo, WFTGA logo. www.guidor.nl, est. 1957.

6. How many qualified tourist guides are members of GUIDOR?

167 full members, 5 senior members, 42 aspirant members.

• What are their diverse backgrounds? Our guides are, among others: art historians, architects, translators/interpreters, journalists, engineers, school, college and university teachers, former corporation managers, marketing specialists, secretaries, travel agency workers or owners, active artists (painters), social workers.
• Also, how many languages do they guide in ? Of the total membership 30-40% are not native Dutch, offering at least 20 different native languages (see www.guidor.nl).
• Do they specialize in themed tours? Yes. Specialisations range: walking tours, cycling tours, coach tours, canal-boat tours – in cities and in the countryside.
• Some of the themed tours are: Jewish Amsterdam tour, Golden Age Tour, Tulip Festival, museum and art galleries guiding on permanent and specific temporary exhibitions (various museums across the country); Amsterdam Street Art tour; city walks in many Dutch cities, Dutch Windmills, Dutch Countryside, Windmills and Clogs, First Reclaimed Land (17th century polders), The Delta Works (stride against water), Dutch fishermen villages, Venice of the North – Giethoorn; VOC – Dutch East India Company, Amsterdam – city of diamonds, Modern Architecture (various cities), various open-air museums, Battle Fields near Arnhem (WWII), special interest tours: architecture, water management, agriculture/horticulture, tour in the biggest Flowers Exchange, 21st century farming: floating city farm (Rotterdam).

7. What are some of the top reasons for using a qualified tourist guide in the Netherlands?

Our members are distinguished for their professionalism, quality and reliability. In-depth knowledge and up-to-date information. Guidor guides also benefit from reduced-price entrance tickets at certain venues and season-related attractions expertise i.e. temporary exhibitions, offers, festivals.

8. What are some of the popular places to visit in The Netherlands?

There are several ‘must-see’ places but here’s some suggestions:

• The capital city Amsterdam with its’ UNESCO listed famous Canal Belt in the centre
• Museums in Amsterdam: Rijksmuseum with the collections from the Middle Ages through the Golden Age until the 20th century art (photo: National Museum (Rijksmuseum); Van Gogh Museum with the world’s biggest collection of the artist’s paintings and drawings.
• The Hague – seat of the Dutch Parliament, government and the royal residence - with the oldest Parliament Buildings in the world in continuous use. (photo: Binnenhof), the Peace Palace
• Windmills at Kinderdijk (UNESCO listed site)
• Windmills and old crafts at the open-air museum Zaanse Schans
• Rotterdam – with its inspiring modern architecture, featuring cube houses
• Rotterdam Sea Port with state-of-the-art facilities on and around man-made islands
• Keukenhof – the most beautiful spring garden in the world with 7 million blooming bulb flowers

9. What are some general tips you would give to potential visitors planning a vacation to The Netherlands?

• Be sure you plan enough time to for your visit: our country might be small in area, but offers plenty of breath-taking sites within easy reach: from 0,5 hour to two-hour car drive or by efficient and reliable public transport
• Hiring one of our certified Guidor guides will help make your memories unforgettable

10. Where can potential visitors to The Netherlands find out more information about GUIDOR and also find a qualified tourist guide?

At www.guidor.nl Write an e-mail to [email protected] . The office will match you with a guide, or Go to the Guidor website and select a guide directly from their webpage: https://www.guidor.nl/en/looking-for-a-guide/book-guide-direct

FEG is a member of

CEN-CENELEC,

Europa Nostra

World Travel Market

European Council of the Liberal Professions

In partnership with.

European Network for Accessible Tourism

Tourism Manifesto

European Travel Commission

World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations

Live - Private Guided Tours

Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe

An initiative of the European Commission

• Français

Welcome to the Netherlands

A small country that’s big on culture and nature

The Netherlands: fiercely independent, open-minded and full of pleasant surprises. Visit our amazing country and discover all the wonderful things it has to offer. Admire the groundbreaking architecture in our green cities, follow in the footsteps of the Dutch Masters or unwind in one of our many beautiful nature reserves. You’re cordially invited to immerse yourself in Dutch culture and truly feel like a local.

Cycling Lifestyle – How the Dutch spend their lives on bikes

Everyone cycles in the Netherlands – everywhere and all the time. Read our special cycling stories, meet cycling pioneers, and hop on a bike yourself to experience the Netherlands like a local.

Vincent van Gogh: shaped by the Dutch countryside

Explore the beautiful Dutch landscape that led Vincent van Gogh to become one of the greatest painters of all time. Follow in his footsteps and experience the natural beauty of Brabant and Drenthe.

Join us as we visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Netherlands

We crisscross the Netherlands, past all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These places tell the unique story of our society and our eventful relationship with water.

Wander around our national parks

Explore the Dutch national parks

With so many national parks, the Netherlands has something for everyone. Here are our top tips.

Explore our cities like a true local

A European Capital of Culture

The small city in the north that packs a big cultural punch.

A forward-looking medieval city

With its medieval city centre, Amersfoort is quite photogenic. Stroll the picturesque streets, enjoy great food at unique restaurants, shop till you drop or go on a cultural treasure hunt.

The most original city in the Netherlands

Rotterdam is a dynamic city with its own unique character. Find out why the city is well worth a visit.

State-of-the-art architecture in our youngest city

The newest city in the Netherlands might just surprise you with all it has to offer. ‘Ally’ is an open-air museum of modern architecture.

An old city that is young at heart

The beautiful city of Groningen brings young and old together and has something to offer for everyone.

Let’s go outside!

The Netherlands will be more colourful than ever in the coming months! Experience our thriving nature, get a breath of fresh air by the peaceful Wadden Sea or experience groundbreaking architecture in our vibrant cities. Wherever we may host you this spring, we will make sure you always feel welcome.

Things to do in spring

Wadden: Every island is unique

#visitnetherlands, your privacy settings.

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The Netherlands in 7 stories

Dutch Masters

Dutch heritage

Water in the Netherlands

Nature in the Netherlands

Cycling in the Netherlands

Blooming Netherlands

Travel sustainably.

Did you know: The train is a great way to explore the Netherlands. You’ll be guaranteed to have the wind at your back! Read more

Travelling to the Netherlands

Although the Netherlands is a small country, its international connections are great, with several sustainable ways to find your way to our country. We have listed all the options for you so you can decide which mode of transport suits you best.

Transport in the Netherlands

If you come to the Netherlands, there is one thing you can be sure of and that is excellent public transport. Because whether you set off by train, bus, tram or metro, you can get around the whole country in a sustainable and pleasant way. Check out all the available options here.

Practical tips

How do you pack your suitcase as sustainably as possible? How does contactless payment work in the Netherlands? And how do you go about checking in on public transport? You will find the answers to these questions (and many more!) in this overview of practical tips for your holiday to the Netherlands.

How to enjoy a sustainable holiday in the Netherlands!

During your trip, you naturally want to experience all kinds of special things. But how do you keep your carbon emissions limited at the same time? At least these stories make one thing clear: responsible travelling certainly doesn't have to go at the expense of having fun. On the contrary!

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Airports in the Netherlands

Getting Around the Netherlands

Cities to Visit

Complete Guide to Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Public Transportation

Essential Dutch Phrases

One Week in the Netherlands

48 Hours in Amsterdam

Getaways From Amsterdam

Top Things to Do in the Netherlands

Castles to Visit in the Netherlands

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Things to Do With Kids in Amsterdam

Shopping in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Top Markets

Live Music in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Must-Visit Museums

Guide to the Keukenhof Flower Gardens

Must-Try Food in the Netherlands

Craft Beer in the Netherlands

Heineken Experience

Amsterdam's Top Restaurants

Nightlife in Amsterdam

Your Trip to the Netherlands: The Complete Guide

The Netherlands is a beautiful country with glorious national parks, picturesque windmills, and romantic canals all waiting to be explored. Cyclists will feel right at home in a country where there are more bikes than people while history, art, and architecture lovers will have plenty of sights to pique their interest. Plus, the cannabis is legal, and cheese and beer are celebrated; what’s not to love? This guide will help you plan your trip to the Netherlands from start to finish.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit: Being a Northern European country, the Netherlands doesn’t experience much extreme weather, however rain is common all year round. During the depths of winter, the temperature can drop down to 35 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius), whereas in July it only makes it to 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius) (66 degrees F). On any given day, the weather can quickly switch from sunny to rainy and back to sunny again and, being a flat country, the wind can feel quite strong. For more information, read our complete weather and climate guide for the Netherlands .

Language: Citizens in the Netherlands speak Dutch as their first language, but almost everyone speaks at least some English and many are fluent,   making communicating in the Netherlands easy for English-speaking tourists.

Currency: Euros.

Getting Around : The NS rail system in the Netherlands is fairly clean, modern, and runs on time. If you’re traveling around the country and want to do so on your own time, it’s easy to hire a car from Schiphol (the Netherland’s largest airport) and in Rotterdam. In the country’s big cities everyone tends to travel by bicycle, which are easy and affordable to rent. Uber is available in the Randstad area (covering Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht), as well as Eindhoven, Haarlem and ‘t Gooi. You can see where in the Netherlands that Uber is available on their website .

Travel Tip: The cities of Rotterdam and Amsterdam have the metro, trams, and buses, while The Hague and Utrecht offer buses and trams to get around. In each city, you can buy day tickets that allow you access to all modes of transport. 

Things to Do 

The Netherlands is famous for so many things, from canals and clogs to windmills and tulips, so it can be hard to decide what to do while there. A visit to the country wouldn't be complete without taking a boat tour and winding your way through Amsterdam's waterways. It's also well-worth hiring a bike like a local and heading to Zaanse Schans , a picturesque village with beautiful traditional windmills. 

• If you find yourself in the country in spring, you should take a trip to Keukenhof. The park welcomes over one million visitors each season and you'll be greeted by seven million blooms including the iconic Dutch tulips.  
• Love being by the water? In summer, be sure to check out the beach clubs at Zandvoort or Noordwijk for instant Ibiza vibes.
• A trip to Amsterdam is all about balance. Learn about one of the most famous Dutchman at the Van Gogh Museum , then head to a coffeeshop (a cannabis cafe).

Explore what else this country has to offer with our articles on the best things to do and how to spend a week in the Netherlands .

What to Eat and Drink

Dutch cuisine is tasty and very reminiscent of home cooking. There is bitterballen , a thick stew which is breaded and fried, a perfect partner to a small beer (for which the Netherlands is also known). Stamppot is a traditional comfort food consisting of boiled, mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables and sometimes meat. Stroopwafels, a large caramel-filled wafer cookie, are plentiful and can be bought plain or dipped in melted chocolate and loaded with different toppings like marshmallows or hazelnuts.

Then there are Dutch cheeses, which are typically relatively hard and fairly mild like gouda and edam. You can visit the cheese market in the town of Gouda or head to the cheese market in Alkmaar, the oldest cheese market in the Netherlands.

As for the beers we mentioned, Jopenkerk in Haarlem is an old church that has been converted to a craft beer brewery and restaurant, where you can take a tour, taste the beers, and stop for lunch. Alternatively, head to Amsterdam and hotfoot it to the old Heineken Brewery (now a museum) if you want to see how a household name beer is brewed. More into wine? Take a tour and have a tasting at Amsterdam's own winery.

If you're more interested in gourmet fare, the Netherlands has a variety of Michelin-starred restaurants, including three-Michelin-starred De Librije in Zwolle and Inter Scaldes in Kruiningen. 

Want more in-depth information on Dutch food? Check out our guides to the top foods and dishes to try in the Netherlands , plus the best places for craft beer .

Where to Stay

Most first-time visitors head straight to Amsterdam which is the country's capital and most popular city welcoming 20 million visitors in 2019   (compared to one million residents). From here you can take day trips to Utrecht, Haarlem, The Hague, and Gouda. You can also get to Rotterdam in a day, but this city, known for its contemporary art and architecture, is worth spending a few nights in. Plus, from Rotterdam you can reach Tilburg, Breda, and both the De Biesbosch and Drunen National Parks.

Interior design in the Netherlands is incredibly chic, and there are plenty of luxe hotels to stay in such as The Dylan in Amsterdam and Hotel Pincoffs in Rotterdam. Airbnb is available around the country, in fact you can even find some houseboats on the site, if you’re looking for somewhere different to stay. 

Getting There

From the U.S. you can fly to Schiphol airport on various airlines including American Airlines, British Airways, and KLM. You can also fly into Rotterdam, but flights can be limited and more expensive. It could work out cheaper to fly to Amsterdam and travel by train to Rotterdam, which costs around 18 euros per person.

You can rent a car but parking in the Netherlands, especially in the bigger cities, is incredible expensive. If your hotel doesn’t have free or affordable parking, it’s best to get around on a bike, tram, bus or metro. The country isn’t huge—it’s roughly half the size of South Carolina—so it’s easy to get around on public transportation. 

Culture and Customs

The Netherlands is a safe country where most people speak at least some English.

You generally only tip waiting staff if the service was good or exceptional, at which point you tip around 5 to 10 percent. Otherwise, you can round up the bill or leave the change. 

Typically, Dutch people are quite formal which can come across as being a little standoffish. 

Money-Saving Tips 

• Want to travel the city freely? Get a GVB (in Amsterdam) or RET (in Rotterdam) day pass, which allows you to travel on most buses, trams and the metro, from eight euros.
• Taxis from the airports are expensive but don’t be tempted to hop in an unlicensed cab. Uber operates in the country and costs around 30 euros from Schiphol to Amsterdam. From Rotterdam airport to the city center is around 16 euros.
• Museums are not free in the Netherlands, so if you’re heading to Amsterdam and want to head to some of the cultural sights it’s well worth buying an I amsterdam City Card (starting at 65 euros for 24 hours). It gains you free entrance to the best museums and galleries, free travel within the city limits, and discount on food and a canal cruise. With or without the card, if you want to visit the Van Gogh Museum, be sure to book your slot in advance as it sells out fast. You can only visit the Anne Frank House by booking online beforehand.
• There are 20 National Parks dotted all over the country that are beautiful, free to explore, and rich in various fauna and wildlife. Head to one for a walk or do as the Dutch and cycle.

amsterdam&partners. "Language."

Netherlands Bureau for Tourism and Congresses. "Keukenhof."

Statista. "Inbound Tourism Forecast in the Netherlands 2014-2020 (in millions)."  April 7, 2020.

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• Guidor, the Dutch National Guides Association
• Board and committees
• Tour suggestions
• How does it work
• Guides and languages
• Booking Conditions
• Booking form

Looking for a guide

Guidor guides’ intermediary

Guidor assigns a guide according to your booking form. After 24 hours you will receive a confirmation of your booking, with the information of the guide who will accomplice the assignment.

• Tariffs 2023  - Tariffs 2024
• Read the booking conditions
• Fill out the booking form.
• Guidor assigns a guide to you

Finding a guide yourself

On the list of guides and languages , you find the guides affiliated to Guidor.  Some guides have their own webpage. Click on the symbol for the webpage for more information.

• View the list of guides that can be booked directly and choose a guide.
• Send the guide an e-mail  and the guide will reply to you, indicating his/her tariff.

Questions or more information?

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

The Netherlands Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

When most people think of traveling in the Netherlands, they think of Amsterdam , with its semi-sleazy Red Light District, charming canals, historic windmills, and laid-back “coffee” shops where you can smoke pot.

But there is much more to the country than its largest city.

The Netherlands is a country filled with centuries-old brick homes, an interconnected system of canals (you can travel most of the country via the water), expansive farmland, and even some really nice beaches. It’s one of my favorite countries in the world. The people are wonderful, there are tons of small towns to explore, and its small size means it’s easy to visit in a short time.

Most travelers come here just to see Amsterdam for a few days before moving on.

Don’t do that.

Spend time exploring outside of Amsterdam and you can discover the country that keeps me coming back every year.

Whether you are backpacking or just traveling on a budget, this Netherlands travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you make the most out of your time here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on the Netherlands

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in the netherlands.

1. Visit Amsterdam

The capital and center of tourism in the country, Amsterdam is as beautiful as it is crazy. There are famous canals, beautiful and historic houses, tons of parks, a foodie scene, art, coffee shops, and, of course, the infamous Red Light District and its wild nightlife. It’s perfect for exploring by bike and it’s every museum lover’s dream, with exhibitions on everything from Anne Frank to van Gough. Take a free walking tour to really get a feel for the city.

2. Explore Rotterdam

Rotterdam is one of the busiest shipping ports in the world. It may not get the attention Amsterdam does, but this city is a great place to visit if you want good parks and modern architecture (most of the old buildings were bombed in World War II) — including some futuristic cube houses. The port has an interesting harbor to explore (you can learn more about it in the attached Futureworld) and a few decent museums. It’s an often-overlooked city that’s worth a few days of exploring.

3. Take a canal tour

Whether in Amsterdam or in another city, make sure you take a canal tour to see the canals that made the country famous. The canals are such an integral part of life that you can’t really understand the country until you spend time boating on the canals. You can take a tour with a large company (there are tons of different canal tours on offer including a pizza cruise, cruises with wine and cheese, and booze cruises with unlimited drinks) but if you can, I suggest you rent your own boat which is much more affordable (prices start at 50 EUR) and gives you a more intimate experience.

4. Tour Leiden

Head to this small town and see where the Pilgrims lived before they left for America. It’s a historic city and filled with beautiful 17th-century buildings and landscaped parks. There are over a dozen museums in this small city, including the Museum of Antiquities and the National Museum of Ethnology. It also boasts in one of the Netherlands’ largest flower-growing areas. Go in May to catch the best of the tulip season.

5. Wander The Hague

Other things to see and do in the netherlands, 1. day trip to historic haarlem.

Haarlem, located just outside Amsterdam, was a cultural and economic hub during the Dutch Golden Age (1588-1672). Wander the city and take in the historic homes of the merchant class who brought the city to prominence. There’s not a ton to do here but the town center has a good market, a towering Gothic church, and it’s a low-key alternative to the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. It makes a nice escape for an afternoon.

2. Celebrate King’s Day (Koningsdag)

Every year on April 27th (April 26th if the 27th is a Sunday), the Dutch celebrate the birthday of their King, Willem-Alexander for Koningsdag . For 33 years, they celebrated Queen Beatrix on April 30th as part of Queen’s Day, however, in 2013 she passed the throne to her son so the holiday changed dates, and Queen’s Day became King’s Day. It’s a national holiday filled with outdoor concerts, lots of orange (the national color), plenty of drinking, and insane celebrations on the canals. It is one of the wildest national holidays I’ve ever celebrated.

3. Visit Edam

Edam is a popular cheese from the Netherlands. It’s also a town just 21 kilometers (13 miles) north of Amsterdam. Edam is a picture-perfect Dutch town with iconic windmills, rolling farmland, and quaint houses. It’s one of the most quintessential Dutch towns. You can explore the 18th-century cheese warehouses, go on a boat tour, or just come here to eat cheese and be as Dutch as possible!

4. Head to the Keukenhof

The Keukenhof is the largest flower garden in the world, boasting 79 acres of spectacular floral displays. Located between Amsterdam and The Hague, the garden is open between March and May of each year when the tulips are in season. More than 7 million bulbs are planted annually and the garden has around 800 different types of tulips. When you picture Holland, you picture flowers and there is no better place to see them than here! Admission is 19 EUR.

5. Bike through Hoge Veluwe National Park

Hoge Veluwe National Park is the largest national reserve in the Netherlands. Covering some 55 square kilometers (21 square miles), the park is composed of sand dunes and woodlands and is home to deer, wild sheep, foxes, badgers, boars, and more. You can rent bicycles to explore for 5 EUR. Don’t miss the Kröller-Müller Museum while you’re here. It has works by artists like van Gogh, Picasso, Rodin, and other masters. Admission to the park is 12.30 EUR.

6. Relax in Maastricht

One of the southernmost towns in the Netherlands, this city is famous for having the country’s only “mountain.” At 322 meters high (1,056 feet), Vaalserberg is really more of a hill and doesn’t take long to climb. But this often-overlooked city is a great place to experience Dutch life away from the hordes of tourists who frequent Amsterdam.

7. Go cycling

As one of the most popular activities throughout the country, you would almost feel out of place not on a bike. The Netherlands is covered by over 20,000 kilometers (12,400 miles) of paths dedicated to two-wheeled transportation. Hoge Veluwe National Park is a particularly beautiful place to ride, but the entire landscape of the country is quite scenic as well. Other popular places to cycle are the Dunes of Texel National Park, Kinderdijk (to see the windmills), and Lauwersmeer National Park. Bike rentals cost around 10-12 EUR per day.

8. Tour Delft

This is a fascinating little town, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. The town is known for its blue pottery (Delftware), but has a handful of other worthwhile sights to see too, including a Gothic church in the old town with a leaning tower (the foundation developed problems during construction); the Oostpoort, a city gate from 1400 that remains from the original city wall; and the stout City Hall building, part of which dates to the 17th century. The town lies just 20 minutes from The Hague and Rotterdam so you can visit as a day trip from either.

9. Admire van Gogh’s work

Open since 1973, this museum in Amsterdam is host to over 500 original works by Vincent van Gogh, in addition to works by some of his contemporaries and friends. The exhibits chronicle his life, showing the progress and development of his work, alongside Gaugain, Monet, and Toulouse-Lautrec. Van Gogh didn’t earn fame in his lifetime and was actually constantly struggling with poverty, making his accomplishments all the more impressive and inspiring. Admission is 20 EUR. Note: Pre-book tickets online to avoid massive queues when you arrive.

10. Visit “Venice of the North”

Slow-paced Giethoorn, located east of Amsterdam, is a charming place with lots of picturesque canals. With no cars allowed in the city center, this peaceful town is a good change of pace from the busyness of the Netherlands’ larger cities. Rent a small boat and spend the day floating by charming cottages and enjoying the slower pace of life.

11. Learn about the Netherlands’ past

Opened in 1912, the Netherlands Open Air Museum is a sprawling 100-acre space that highlights what life was like in historic Netherlands. You can see traditional cabins and houses, learn about trades and crafts, and discover more about the country’s history from the Middle Ages to the present. The museum is located in Arnhem and is a great place to visit with kids. Admission is 19.50 EUR.

12. Have fun at an amusement park

Efteling, in Kaatsheuvel, is one of the oldest theme parks in the world (it opened in 1952) and is the Netherlands’ biggest amusement park. It has all the usual theme park attractions like rollercoasters, games, and performances and is open year-round (each season has different features like fairy lights and bonfires in the winter, and tulips and Dutch terraces in the spring). Admission costs 38 EUR (prices vary by day and season). You need a reservation as well as a ticket.

  For more information on cities in the country, check out these guides:

• Amsterdam Travel Guide
• The Hague Travel Guide
• Rotterdam Travel Guide
• Utrecht Travel Guide

The Netherlands Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels typically cost between 15-35 EUR per night for a bed in a dorm with 6-8 beds. The most popular hostels in Amsterdam can be closer to 50 EUR in the summer so avoid visiting in peak season if you’re on a budget (and book early if you do). Private rooms in hostels cost at least 65 EUR per night for a room that sleeps two (closer to 115 EUR in Amsterdam). Free Wi-Fi is standard, and many hostels also have self-catering facilities. In some cities, the hostels close in winter.

Camping is available around the country, with campgrounds costing around 10-15 EUR per night for a basic plot without electricity.

Budget hotels with basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, TV, and AC cost around 55-85 EUR per night. Expect to pay 10-20 EUR more in Amsterdam and The Hague.

Airbnb is also an option, with private rooms averaging around 50 EUR per night (it’s more like 80 EUR in Amsterdam) and entire homes (including studio apartments) averaging around 100 EUR per night (but again, much higher in Amsterdam). Book early or prices can double.

Food – The Netherlands isn’t famous for its food, but there’s still good stuff to be had. Dutch cuisine typically involves lots of vegetables, bread, and cheeses (gouda originated here). Meat, while historically not as prominent, is a staple of dinner meals. Breakfast and lunch usually involve open-faced sandwiches, often with cheeses and cold cuts. Dinners are very much a “meat and potatoes” meal, with meat stews and smoked sausage being two popular choices. For those with a sweet tooth, the stroopwafel (a waffle cookie with a syrup filling) is the go-to choice, though apple tarts/pies are also local favorites.

Other things to try include poffertjes (fluffy mini-pancakes served with powdered sugar), gouda and edam cheeses, and patat (thick-cut fries with toppings).

Cheap meals at fast food joints or places like Maoz or Walk to Wok cost around 10-15 EUR. Casual restaurant meals average around 15-20 EUR for a main dish while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 30-35 EUR.

Chinese food costs between 10-15 EUR while a large pizza costs around the same. Beer costs 5 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is 3 EUR. Bottled water is around 2 EUR.

If you cook your meals, expect to pay around 40-65 EUR per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, seasonal vegetables, rice, and some meat.

Backpacking the Netherlands Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking the Netherlands, expect to spend around 65 EUR per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, cooking most of your meals, using local transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like walking tours and lounging in the parks.

On a mid-range budget of about 160 EUR, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, enjoy some fast food and other cheap eats, have a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around or rent a bike, and do more paid activities like guided tours and museum visits.

On a “luxury” budget of 280 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car to explore, and do as many paid tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

The Netherlands Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While not the most expensive country in Europe, the Netherlands isn’t super cheap either. Here are some ways to help save money in the Netherlands so you don’t blow your budget:

• Limit your partying – Many people go to Amsterdam to party — and to smoke pot. While the city is cracking down on this, it’s still an unnecessary expense that can add up quickly. Limit your smoking (and limit your expenses in the coffee shops; you don’t need to buy something in every shop).
• Get the Museumkaart (Museum Card) – Good for one month for non-residents, this card gets you into several museums for only 64.90 EUR. You get access to 400 museums throughout the Netherlands and it’s good for repeat visits as well! If you’re visiting multiple cities in the country, this is a must! Compare the price to the museums you want to visit to see if it’s worth it for you.
• Bike everywhere – Biking is the cheapest form of transportation. You can rent a bike for only a few euros a day. While most Dutch cities are easily walkable, cycling is what the locals do. It’s the most bike-friendly country in the world so don’t pass up the chance to explore on two wheels. Prices average around 10-15 EUR per day but can be as low as 5 EUR.
• Attend a free festival – During the summer, everyone goes outside. Check local tourism boards for a list of free concerts, festivals, shows, and markets. Once the weather gets warm, the social calendar fills up!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a service that lets travelers stay with locals for free. It’s a fun cultural exchange platform that not only saves you money but connects you with a local who can share their insider tips. Since a lot of travelers use this service, make your requests for hosts early (especially in Amsterdam).
• Cook your own food – Dutch food isn’t going to win any culinary awards (sorry, my Dutch friends) so skip the restaurants and cook your own food. It saves you a ton!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in the Netherlands

Here are some of my favorite places to stay in the Netherlands:

• St. Christopher’s (Amsterdam)
• Hostel Room (Rotterdam)
• Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel (Rotterdam)
• Pink Flamingo Hostel (The Hague)
• Kingkool (The Hague)
• Stayokay Utrecht Centrum (Utrecht)
• Hostel Strowis (Utrecht)

How to Get Around the Netherlands

Public transportation – It’s easy to use public transportation to get around the Netherlands’ cities. One-way fares in major cities start at 4 EUR. All public transportation uses an OV-chipkaart, which you can load with money. You can also get a day travel pass (starting cost is 7-9.50 EUR).

Bus – Buses are an affordable way to get around the Netherlands, but they aren’t as fast or efficient as the train. Flixbus is the cheapest bus operator. A trip from Amsterdam to Rotterdam costs as little as 3 EUR and takes just over 1 hour, while Amsterdam to The Hague can be done for the same cost and takes 40-50 minutes.

Train – The Netherlands is so small that all major tourist destinations in the country are within a 2.5-hour train journey from Amsterdam. The national rail system is Nederlandse Spoorwegen and their service is clean and efficient. Train travel in the Netherlands is a thing of beauty!

You can use the official rail site to look up itineraries and ticket prices. Intercity train tickets around Holland are cheap and cost between 10-20 EUR, though for super short distances, they can be as little as 5 EUR. Amsterdam to Rotterdam is 11 EUR and takes 40 minutes while Amsterdam to The Hague is also 11 EUR and takes 50 minutes.

The national rail service also has special tour programs for travelers. This gives you unlimited travel throughout a period of consecutive days (such as 3-8 days of unlimited travel in a 30-day period). There’s also the Benelux Pass, which gives you access to public transportation like trams and buses for a certain number of days. Prices begin around 109 EUR and go up to 206 EUR depending on how many days you want (maximum is 8 days in a month).

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

Ridesharing – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by paying a small fee. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train and is perfect for medium and long-distance trips.

Bike rental – The Netherlands is one of the best cycling countries in the world and bike rentals here are cheap. You can rent bikes starting for around 10-15 EUR per day (sometimes as little as 5 EUR).

Car Rental – Car rentals can be as low as 25 EUR per day, but the bus and train systems in the Netherlands are so excellent and affordable that you really don’t even need to bother. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to the Netherlands

The Netherlands receives the most tourist traffic from mid-April to mid-October, but the real peak season is July and August. However, the weather is never very extreme, and visiting during the off-season or shoulder season is also worth your time. Prices are also a lot more affordable during the off-season, and if you come between mid-April and mid-May you can see the incredible tulip fields in bloom. Just bring a rain jacket.

The average daily summer temperature is around 19°C (67°F), but it can get a lot hotter than that during July and August. The average daily temperature in the winter is 2°C (35°F). Still, coming here during the Christmas season is always a good time as the cities light up with markets and festivities.

Since the Netherlands is located below sea level, you can expect to encounter a few days of fog or rain no matter when you visit. The winters can be damp as well. Be sure to pack a warm layer or two and a waterproof jacket if you’re visiting in the shoulder season or the winter.

How to Stay Safe in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel – even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent attacks are rare, as is petty theft.

There are a few common scams around, however, such as people trying to sell you used public transit tickets or stolen bikes. Avoid interacting with them and you’ll be fine.

If you’re worried about other travel scams, you can read about the most common travel scams to avoid right here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

The Netherlands Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

The Netherlands Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling the Netherlands and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hotels in Amsterdam

The Best Walking Tours in Amsterdam

Where to Stay in Amsterdam: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 34 Best Things to See and Do in Amsterdam

The 9 Best Hostels in Amsterdam

My Suggested 3-5 Day Itinerary for Visiting Amsterdam

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Tourist Guide Service as defined as a service provided to tourists by escorting them or giving them information and narrations concerning all aspects of tourism interests in Sri Lanka. As unofficial ambassadors of the host country, fundamental prerequisites for tourist guides are positive personal, ethical and moral characteristics including honesty, modesty, dignity, and trustworthiness. Equally important are intellectual qualities including comprehensive knowledge and a strong grasp of the subject matter, good analytical skills, a comparative perspective for historic cultural sites, and a commitment to continuous learning and personal enrichment. Moreover, essential professional qualities include the ability to communicate and present facts in the visitor’s language, the capacity to lead and organize groups, correct posture and eye contact, and the ability to tell stories. The aim of this course is to produce a Tourist Guide with all the above mentioned qualifications and qualities. This course focuses to develop standardized Tour guides with and to obtain the “licence” issued by SLTDA as the prime legal requirement to perform as a Tourist Guide in Sri Lanka

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To increases the technical and social competencies as well as the intellectual qualities including comprehensive knowledge and a strong grasp of the subject matter, good analytical skills, and a comparative perspective for historic cultural sites and to better understand the cultural background, personal expectations and behaviors of tourists.

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Strengthen and develop the potential rural communities for sustainable implementation of CBT in Sri Lanka by the eldership of SLITHM

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The Netherlands Travel Guide

This Netherlands Travel Guide aims to provide you with simple and stress-free travel planning information and inspiration for planning a trip to The Netherlands.

On this regularly updated page you will find links to useful posts on The Trusted Traveller, budget information, details on types of accommodation available, information on getting around the country and more useful links to resources around the web.

Quick Facts

Capital:  Amsterdam

Language:  Dutch

Currency:  € Euro which is made up of 100 cents. Coins come in 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2 denominations and notes in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500 denominations.

Electricity:  230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs with two round pins are standard. Outlets for 110 volts for small appliances can be found in most hotels.

Travel Tips

The Netherlands is a small country in Western Europe bordered by Belgium to the south, Germany to the east and the North Sea to the north and west.

The country is one of the flattest in the world with one-fifth of the country being below sea level. Water is everywhere in The Netherlands with it being criss-crossed with canals and rivers and quite a big coastline for such a small country.

The Netherlands has a moderate climate with warm summers and relatively mild winters.  Spring and summer bring longer and warmer days with light sometimes until 10:30pm and day time temperatures up to 30°c. Winter can be quite cold with icy winds from the North Pole, snow common in January and temperatures dropping to -5°c some days.

Best Time to Visit

The Netherlands has its charms all year-round and you should plan your visit based on the types of activities you wish to enjoy.

June to September (summer) sees lots of sunshine and longer days giving you more day light hours to explore. It is a popular time to visit the country so expect the top attractions to be busy and cities like Amsterdam to be a little on the crowded side.

From November to March (winter) the weather is much cooler and days can be quite short around January. Late November, into December is a popular time again because of the festive season with Christmas Markets and festivals going on all over the country.

Another popular time of year to visit The Netherlands is in spring when the country’s iconic tulip fields are in full bloom and putting on a world class display.

It is always recommend to have a mixture of cash and bank/credit card with you when you travel anywhere in the world and this is no exception in The Netherlands.

In The Netherlands you’ll find cashpoints (ATM’s) in all major towns and cities across the country. As well, credit cards are widely accepted although some establishments such as small hotels and shops may only accept cash.

Getting There

Getting to The Netherlands from surrounding European countries is simple, quick and cheap by bus or train. You can find out more about rail travel in Europe, including timetables and purchasing tickets, on the Rail Europe website (for residents of North America  click here  or for the rest of the world  click here ); and about bus travel on the  Eurolines  website.

The Netherlands is also well-connected by air with flights arriving in Amsterdam from all across Europe and the UK and parts of the US, Middle East and Asia.  A flight from London to Amsterdam will take just over an hour and a flight from New York to Amsterdam about seven hours.

I use and recommend  Expedia  for researching and booking flights all around the world.

Getting Around

The Netherlands is a relatively small country so getting around it is pretty simple and cheap.

Europe’s excellent network of trains means that getting around The Netherlands and in fact to/from other European countries is the most prompt and cost-effective way to travel. All the major cities are connected to one another and you will find that most regional areas are well-connected to at least one or two of those major cities.

There are two classes on the trains, 1st and 2nd class, with the only real difference being slightly more leg space and room to move about in 1st class.

Most trains you can just show up at the train station and buy your ticket on the day, while a few (mostly high-speed intercity trains) may require a seat reservation to be made in advance. This can be done either at any train station in the country or online through a ticketing agent in your home country. Here are a few that I recommend depending on where you are from:

• Rail Europe  for residents in USA, Canada & Mexico.
• Rail Europe  for residents in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Europe and other select parts of the world.

Eurolines  run bus services around the country and they are a cheaper alternative to train travel but will take longer to get from a to b.

Because The Netherlands is a small country, it is relatively easy to navigate if driving yourself. Highways are excellent and traffic problems almost unheard of except around the bigger cities in peak hour.

With a green card you can bring your own vehicle from a neighbouring EU country and an international drivers permit is not necessary but recommended if you will be in the country for a while.

You’ll be able to collect a hire car from all major airports and cities with most allowing you to pick up in one location and drop off in another, which makes sense if you’re road tripping around the country.

The roads in The Netherlands are well maintained and easy to navigate because they are well signposted. During the winter months remember that weather conditions can change rapidly. Be sure to obey all signs and drive with care in slippery conditions.

I use and recommend  Expedia  for researching and booking car hire all around the world.

Where to Stay

The Netherlands caters for everyone when it comes to accommodation. Here is a list of the types of accommodation you’ll find:

• Camping  – All the main cities have campsites on the outskirts of town, with good transport links into the centre.
• Hostels –  You’ll find hostels in abundance in The Netherlands bigger cities and one or two in most other regional areas as well. The level of cleanliness in The Netherlands and similar parts of Europe is well above average so you will likely find your room and shared bathroom to be super clean.
• B&B’s/Pensions –  Small family run style accommodation like B&B’s or pensions can be found all over the country in big cities, small towns and popular rural locations. Accommodation is simple yet comfortable and the experience usually comes with friendly hosts and a home cooked breakfast each morning.

Get up to $45.00 AUD credit when you join  Airbnb using this link .

• Hotels/Apartments –  You will find both chain hotel/apartment brands and independent hotel/apartments to be in abundance in cities across the country. The good thing about this type of accommodation is in most cases you know what you are going to get, a clean, comfortable and modern room with a decent array of facilities in the room and on the property. Apartments are great for longer stays as they allow you a bit more space and the option to self cater.
• Luxury Hotels & Resorts –  The Netherlands has its fair share of 5 star properties for those who like a bit of luxury. These will offer you brilliant service and a top location, sometimes with incredible views of the surrounding area.

I use and recommend  Booking.com  for researching and booking hostel, motel, hotel, apartment and resort accommodation around the world.

The Netherlands has a variety of eating options that will suit all budgets and tastes. And because of the country’s international population, you will find a wide range of restaurants and cafes serving local, European and overseas dishes too.

• Supermarkets/Markets   –  Save money and shop in supermarkets and local markets for snacks, picnic lunches and even ingredients to make a whole meal in your self catering accommodation.
• Fast Food / Take-away   –  Chain fast food stores are in all major centres of the country and along highways as well. If you’re looking for a cheap and tasty fast food meal, look to where the locals are, usually getting snacks and light meals from food trucks and stands on the side of the street. A popular street food snack is a frites (hot chips with mayonnaise) and you’ll find stands selling them everywhere.
• Cafes –  For coffee, delicious sweets and tasty sandwiches, you’ll find cafes everywhere and you can choose to sit down or takeaway.
• Restaurants –  The Netherlands is abundant in local resources so you can expect the food you get served in restaurants to be super fresh.  Fish and mussels harvested from its North Sea feature on a lot of menus. As does locally bred pheasant, rabbit, venison, beef and lamb, butter, cream, beer and wine are also used heavily in Dutch cooking.
• Fine Dining –  The Netherlands has it’s fair share of the worlds best restaurants so if it is fine dining experiences you are after then you won’t be disappointed.

Useful Netherlands Posts

Suggested itineraries.

First Timers One Month Europe Itinerary 

Things to Do

Things to Do in Amsterdam

Other Netherlands Travel Planning Resources

Here is a constantly growing collection of resources from around the web to help you plan your dream trip to The Netherlands.

• The official  The Netherlands Tourism  website is a great place to start planning your trip.
• The authority in all things travel,  Lonely Planet  has an extensive section all about The Netherlands. Or why not buy the  The Netherlands   Lonely Planet Guidebook  in hard copy or as an eBook.
• Rachel lives in The Netherlands and not only loves to travel the world, but also loves to explore her home country whenever she can. Check out her blog Rachel’s Ruminations .
• Elizabeth and her family moved from the US to The Netherlands and have written a lot about their family adventures in their new home country on their blog Dutch Dutch Goose .

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Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Netherlands

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Netherlands. There are 109 trips to choose from, that range from 3 days in length, up to 16 days. The month with the most departures is April, making it the most popular time to visit Netherlands.

109 Fully Guided tour packages in Netherlands with 267 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Best of the Netherlands

It was very organized tour. Hotels and rooms was absolutely OK. I like hotel in Rotterdam, modern and very good location. Our tour director was good. Only wish that to see little bit more in Rotterdam, and more time in Delft (Vermil museum)

Best of Holland (7 Days)

Fantastic. A first class adventure. The tour director was amazing !!!! Going as a single but feeling at home the very first interaction with her and the group.

• €100 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

• Christmas & New Year

Tailor-Made Private Netherlands Trip with Daily Departure

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Tailor-Made Best Netherlands Tour with Daily Departure

Netherlands Biking Adventure

• River Cruise

Dutch Delight (2024) (Amsterdam to Amsterdam, 2024)

Through authentic Holland (port-to-port cruise)

We loved this tour of Holland, and it was true to its name -- Authentic Holland. From the big cities of Amsterdam and Rotterdam, to the smaller towns of Gouda and Delft, and all the villages, canals, churches, windmills, historic buildings, and country-side sights in between, we could not have asked for a better up-close and authentic look at life in the Netherlands. The excursion to the Tulip Gardens was fantastic! The ship's crew and our tour guides were wonderful -- of the 96 passengers on board, our family of 6 and one other family of 4 were the only English-speaking guests. The crew and the guides went above and beyond to make sure that English communications were given "equal time", and it was very much appreciated. Even though we were in the definite minority (the majority being French) we never once felt uninformed or left out of the conversation or the activities. All in all, our tour experience was fantastic and immersive, and one we will never forget! We would suggest that more North Americans should discover for themselves what CroisiEurope has to offer!

Northern Route

Guides Johanna, Miquel and Oscar were friendly and helpful and very knowledgeable. I enjoyed the tour and would recommend it to my friends.

Holland & Belgium Tulip River Cruise (Amsterdam - Brussels - Amsterdam)

It was all due to Jessica and the crew that we had such a beautiful time.

Tulip Time Cruise 2024

The crew, ship and meals were all very good. There was an issue with the wording of one of the tours that I paid an additional amount for and I will take it up with Avalon. Also with the room description I paid extra for the wall to wall windows. It was useless to have done that. Most of the time we were right next to another boat, or to a wall and there was no way we would even keep the curtains opened.

Tulip Time Highlights 2024

The Netherlands: Rhine river by bike & boat

• Bike and Barge

Bruges to Amsterdam, Bike & Barge in Belgium and Holland

Excellent itinerary and very interesting. worth trying.

North Holland, Lake IJssel and Wadden Sea

Summer in the north of the Netherlands

What people love about fully guided tours in netherlands.

We enjoyed the nature and flowers and canals. The accommodation was good and the Fletcher hotels very peaceful in the country.

The tour of Holland was wonderful. Our tour director was great. Our driver was great. The weather was not so good. I think the heavy mist and rain made me ill. It was impossible to find any cold medicine in our busy schedule. Fortunately I brought some headache medicine with me just in case I needed it. I did not want to miss any of the scheduled visits but I was anxious to get home to deal with the symptoms.

We had a wonderful time on this enjoyable cruise in The Netherlands. The itinerary was perfect for our family. The ship's crew were all fantastic: efficient, friendly, welcoming and helpful. And even the weather cooperated. My only (minor) concern was that the information about where and when we could board the ship was not particularly clear, especially as we were traveling independently i.e. we were not met on arrival and escorted to the boat). Fortunately, the public transportation systems in Netherlands are so efficient that this was not a big problem.

Regions in Netherlands

• North Holland (6)

Travel Styles

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• Best 7 Day Netherlands Itineraries 2024/2025 (with Reviews)

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6 Universities in the Netherlands offering Tourism Management degrees and courses

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National Tourist Guide Training Program

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Level: Foundation Program

Institute: Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management - SLITHM

Duration : 4months

Entry Requirement

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• Rs. 75,000/-4
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Sri Lanka Institute of National Tourist Guide Lecturers

Protecting the interests of NTGLs

What’s on

Archaeological perspectives of Polonnaruwa. A Lecture by Professor Danayaja Gamalath.

A Lecture by Professor Dananjaya Gamalath on Archeological perspectives of Plonnaruwa, will be held on 26th of April at the SLINTGL auditorium. Please call Sanjika 0773753530 or Janaka 0770713192 for further details.

The first Sri Lankan to receive the prestigious Pushkin State Award – NTGL Dr. Ranjana Senasinghe

Dr. Ranjana Devamitra Senasinghe, an accomplished graduate of Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University in Russia, was awarded the prestigious ‘Pushkin’ state award by the Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Levan Dzhagaryan at the Russian embassy on January 17th, 2024 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of cultural relations between Sri Lanka and Russia spanning over three decades. Click here for more details

The Traveller Magazine Volume 02 Dear Members, We thank you all for the support rendered to make the publication of the first edition of TRAVELLER a big success. Professional Guides are also experts in various fields and travel widely. We invite all members to contribute their own articles and photographs (JPG) to the forthcoming edition to be released in June 2023. The selected content , we kindly request, is to be travel related, well researched and non-political. Please contact Janaka 0770713192 . email- [email protected]

Chief Editor

SLTDA License Renewal for NTGLs

Your NTGL license can now be renewed online for the year 2023. Please click here for more details.

Activities.

The Evolution of the Sri Lankan Music by Nadeeka Guruge

The lecture by Mr Nadeeka Guruge on Evolution of Sri Lankan Music was held on 15th November at the SLINTGL auditorium. please click for more details.

Lecture by Prof. Raj Somadewa (part 2)

The part 2 of the lecture titled “Foreign influences in the Art and Architecture of the Cultural Triangle” by Prof Raj Somadewa was held on 25th of July 2023 at the auditorium of SLINTGL.  Click here for more details.

RUSSO Cricket Cup ll – 2023.

On Saturday, June 17, 2023, the annual Russo Cup ll cricket tournament was grandiosely completed at the Gatambe stadium Kandy. the tournament was organized by the Russian wing of SLINTGL, The Russian Speaking Tourist Guide Association. click here for more details.

SLINTGL PROGRAM ON BIRDS

A three day program titled an ‘Introduction to Birds and Interpretation’was organised by the Lanka Institute of National Tour Guide Lecturers in collaboration with the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka from 12th till 14th June 2023. Please click for more information

Sancharaka Udawa 2023

The Sri Lanka Institute of National Tour Guide Lecturers Association was represented once again at Sancharaka Udawa held at the BMICH premises on 19th and 20th May. please click here for more details

World Tourist Guide Day

The event organised by the Sri Lanka Institute of National Tourist Guide Lecturers to commemorate the World Tourist Guide Day was successfully held on the 21st of February, with the participation of more than a hundred members.

click for more details

Lecture No 03. Biodiversity, Culture and Tourism.

The third of the series of scholarly lectures organised by the Educational Program Division of the Sri Lanka Institute of National Tourist Guide Lecturers was successfully held on the 23rd of November 2022 with the participation of a large number of members.

continue reading…

Inaugural Session of Weekly Yoga Course.

Marking another step in the educational program conducted by the Sri Lanka Institute of National Tourist Guide Lecturers, the inaugural session of the weekly yoga course was held with great success on 6th November 2022. More than thirty members participated in the program that day and veteran yoga instructor Mr. Dananja Mettasinghe generously presented many vital facts and exercises.

This program is scheduled to be held every Sunday at 4.30 pm from now on. We request that you, as a member of our institution, take care of your physical and mental health by continuing to participate in this course, which is conducted with its primary focus on your well-being.

Diploma in Archaeology and Cultural Tourism PGIAR

53 National Tourist Guide Lecturers successfully completed the course and were awarded the Diploma at a simple but dignified ceremony held at the Auditorium of the National Museum.  

Continue reading….

The Sri Lanka Institute of National Tourist Guide Lecturers held an online lecture on Human Settlements in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Institute of National Tourist Guide Lecturers held an online lecture on Human Settlements in Sri Lanka on the 30th of October 2022. It was conducted by Mr. Don Anil Munasinghe, who is a member of our institute. Mr Munasinghe has completed his higher studies in the Russian Federation and bears Postgraduate Diplomas in Palaeobiodiversity as well as Archaeology and Cultural Tourism from the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR), University of Kelaniya

continue reading. .

Sigiriya architectural complex, from the creators designing point of view.

The Sri Lanka Institute of National Tour Guide Lecturers (SLINTGL) in collaboration with the Lions Club, Colombo held a lecture at the SLINTGL Auditorium on Friday, 14th October, 2022.

Continue reading

World Tourism Day – 2022

Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has celebrated World Tourism Day on 27 th  September.

Evolution of Sri Lankan Music by Nadeeka Guruge.

*Evolution of Sri Lankan musical elements from the Mesolithic era to the New Millennium.

*Was Balangoda Man attuned to music?

*Trends and changes in local music forms through the ages.

Lecture and Discourse by Mr. Nadika Guruge on 15 th Nov. 2023. Venue: SLINTGL Auditorium at 9.00am onwards . Please confirm your participation by filling out the Google form

Sanjika 0773753530 Janaka  0770713192

Dr. Ranjana Devamitra Senasinghe, an accomplished graduate of Patrice Lumumba Peoples’ Friendship University in Russia, was awarded the prestigious ‘Pushkin’ state award by the Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Mr. Levan Dzhagaryan at the Russian embassy on January 17th, 2024 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the development of cultural relations between Sri …

Continue reading “The first Sri Lankan to receive the prestigious Pushkin State Award – NTGL Dr. Ranjana Senasinghe”

The History of Sri Lankan Music.

The Lecture by Mr. Nadeeka Guruge on the Evolution of Music in Sri Lanka was held on Wedenesday 15 th Nov.’ 23 at the SLINTGL Auditorium. The deep insights by Mr Guruge on the sounds and rythms of Sri Lanka since antiquity was appreciated by a large audience of over 150 participants that included Mr …

Continue reading “The History of Sri Lankan Music.”

*Evolution of Sri Lankan musical elements from the Mesolithic era to the New Millennium. *Was Balangoda Man attuned to music? *Trends and changes in local music forms through the ages. Lecture and Discourse by Mr. Nadika Guruge on 15 th Nov. 2023.Venue: SLINTGL Auditorium at 9.00am onwards.Please confirm your participation by filling out the Google …

Continue reading “Evolution of Sri Lankan Music by Nadeeka Guruge.”

Our Mission:

1. Represent National Tourist Guide Lecturers, protect their interests and foster goodwill with other industry stakeholders within the tourism industry

2. Enhance the knowledge, skills and standards of the members through training courses, workshops and seminars

3. Work in collaboration with other industry stakeholders to ensure  sustainability, benefiting all Sri Lankans

4. Support regulatory authorities to implement and regulate the legal framework for tourism management

Mr. Manoj Maddage

Mr. Sudesh Wickramarathne

Mrs. Amali de Zoysa

• Mr. Anura  Hemachandra (Vice President)
• Mr. Lasantha Rajapakse (Vice President)
• Mr. Sarath Wijendra (Vice President)
• Mr. Hashan Fonseka (Consultant/ Advisor)
• Mr. Sumedha Chandrawansha. (Consultant/ Advisor)
• Mr. Kithsiri Gunawardana (Consultant/ Advisor)
• Mr. Janaka Dunusinghe (Chief organizer)
• Mrs. Sanjika Hengst (Director training)
• Mr. Richard James (Director Media)
• Mr. Senaka Jayadewa (Director Publications)
• Mr. Dananjaya Meththasinghe (Director Legal)
• Mr. Anurudhdha Fernando (Director Administration and HQ)
• Mr. Udaya Liyange (Director Projects)
• Mr. Prabath Priyanga (Director Welfare)
• Mr. Rohana Hettiarachchi (Assistant Treasurer)
• Mr. Muthu Ekanayaka (Director)
• Mr. T. R. Cuttilan (Director)
• Mr. Ranjith Amarasinghe (Director)
• Mr. R. A. N Perera (Director)
• Ms. Sampath de Silva (Director)
• Mr. Dilan Abeydeera (Director)
• Mr. Joe Livera
• Mr. Christopher Silva
• Mr. Ravi Munasinghe
• Ms. Yasmin Abesooriya
• Mr. Bobby Senaweera

Our History

The initial tourism regulations were laid down in 1966 under the Ceylon Tourist Board act. The first batch who were trained as Tourist Guide Lecturers formed the Tourist Guide Lecturers Association in 1968 with 15 members who gathered at the residence of Mr. Dudley Perera electing Mr. Ernest Munasinghe as the president and Mr. Reggie Perera as the secretary. The association was registered as National Tourist Guide Lecturers Association of Sri Lanka (NTGLASL) in 1986. In 2007 the association was registered as the Sri Lanka Institute of National Tourist Guide Lecturers (SLINTGL). The first office was established in 1986 at Connaisance De Ceylan office in Colombo 8. A permanent office was operated in the Taj Samudra complex from 1987 to 1995. In 1995 a building was purchased at no 37/35, Temple Road, Colombo 10 where the present four storied headquarters was built in 2009.

The institute at present has 1480 NTGLs speaking 24 different languages engaged in professional tour guiding in Sri Lanka. The Institute is a full member of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations (WFTGA) which is the worldwide international federation representing official tourist guides. To mark “International Tourist Guide Day” (ITGD) which is on 21st February workshops and community activities are organized by the institute. Also to mark the world tourism day on 27th September special programmes are conducted in addition to holding workshops for industry employees and university students studying tourism management.

Email Office: [email protected] President: [email protected] Secretary: [email protected] Treasurer: [email protected]

Member's Login

How do i train to become a tour guide, how do i train to become a qualified and approved tourist guide.

There are a number of education establishments holding training courses for Regional and National Tour Guides. Most of these courses take place from late autumn until spring. It is very important that you check accreditation before you enrol l. You need to ensure the chosen course is awarded with a QQI level 6 Special Purpose award. 

Below is a list of institutions who run the tour guide training course, however this list may not be complete and is subject to change.

• Dublinia National Tourist Guide Training course  
• GRTB - Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board  Local Guiding courses in Galway City, Rossmuck and Gort, National Guiding in Galway city.
• Kerry Educational Training Centre ETB  Natonal Guiding course in Tralee, Local Guiding in Killarney
• Coláiste Dhúlaigh College of Further Education (CDCFE)  National Guiding Course
• Kildare and Wicklow Educational and Training Board  National Guding in Nass., Wicklow tbc
• Limerick Clare ETB Training Centre   Currently two courses are delivered by VTOS and LIT. 
• ATU Donegal (Killybegs Campus)  Regional Tourist Guiding Course
• ATU Donegal (Killybegs Campus)  National Tourist Guiding Course
• Stillorgan College  Local Guiding course
• Liberties College  National Guiding course
• Cork ETB  National Guiding course
• Thurles ETB National Tour Guiding Traineeship
• Portobello Institute National Tour Guide Course Dublin

National Tourist Guide Training Program

@ sri lanka institute of tourism & hotel management - slithm.

Tourist guide service is defined as a service provided to tourists by escorting them or giving them information and narrations concerning all aspects of tourism interests in Sri Lanka. Any provider of such tourist guide service is defined as a tourist guide lecturer and is considered to be carrying on the business or functions or performing the service of a tourist guide lecturer.

A national tourist guide lecturer is a person who is duly registered as a national tourist guide lecturer and is therby authorized by Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority to practice as a tourist guide lecturer anywhere within the island of Sri Lanka.

Course Level

Certificate

Colombo , Kandy , Kurunegala , Jaffna , Rathnapura , Anuradhapura

Event Management & Tourism

Contact Details

+94 11 2 382201 - 13

https://slithm.edu.lk

No. 78, Galle Road , Colombo 03

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