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Discover the Netherlands

Great seaside towns on the coast

Discover the best seaside towns in Holland for a holiday by the sea with welcoming boulevards and clean beaches. Spend your nights at a hotel or holiday home overlooking the beach.

Popular cities

Leeuwarden: cultural and quirky

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

Rotterdam: The premier port of Europe

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

The Hague: Green city by the sea

Many associate The Hague with the International Court of Justice. But did you know that it’s home to historical monuments, beaches, fabulous museums and a vibrant shopping centre?

Utrecht: The most cycle-friendly city

Find out why Utrecht is regarded as a cozier alternative to Amsterdam.

Maastricht: City in a landscape of rolling hills

Maastricht positively brims with culture, creativity and welcoming charm. Experience this Limburg gem like a true local and enjoy the beautiful nature, great food and friendly people.

Soaking up culture in Amsterdam

What makes Amsterdam one of the most vibrant cities in the world?

Holiday by the sea

The Dutch seaside is wonderful in every season. Learn all about about the Dutch beaches, discover our popular beach resorts and find seafront accommodations

Wadden: Every island is unique

Discover a magical world amongst the tides. Visit the Dutch islands of Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog and enjoy everything they have to offer.

Popular regions

Looking for nature in Holland? The largest nature reserve of Holland is National Park De Hoge Veluwe. Read more about De Hoge Veluwe and Dutch nature.

Dutch Coast

Discover the Dutch coast with 250 km worth of beaches, dunes, and the greatest seaside towns. Check out the regions bordering the North Sea and book a great holiday on the coast.

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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The best time to go to the Netherlands

Apr 22, 2021 • 5 min read

Many people head to the Netherlands to see the tulips in bloom © Olena Z / Shutterstock

There are many reasons to visit the Netherlands  – perhaps you want to see the tulips in bloom, join the King's Day street parties in Amsterdam, or cycle along the country's many dykes and canals. As officials in  Amsterdam look to create a balance between visitor numbers and locals , you may be keen to avoid the crowds yourself. You'll also need to factor in the notoriously fickle Dutch weather with its chilly spells even in summer, and what fits best with your budget. With all that in mind, here's everything you need to know to plan best time for your visit to the Netherlands. 

High season: June to August

Best time to go for decent weather

June to August is the busiest time to visit the Netherlands. Expect high prices, accommodations to book up early, and crowds at the major museums. On the plus side, everything is open, and this is your best chance for balmy weather, perfect for enjoying a café terrace or a countryside bike ride.

Shoulder season: April to May, September to October

Best time to go for moderate prices

There are fewer crowds during shoulder season, and most sights remain open. Prices are moderate; you'll only need to book popular places in Amsterdam. Weather can be wet and cold. Bring warm clothes for outdoor cafés .

Low season: November to March

Best time to go to avoid the crowds

In the cities during low season, it may just be you and a masterpiece at a famous museum. Outside cities though, many sights close down through winter. Weather can be chilly and/or snowy, so only plan on biking at this time if you're particularly hardy. There are plenty of deals on accommodations.

The first month of the year is unavoidably cold and dark but on the bright side, lines at museums in major cities are nonexistent and you can thaw out in a cozy  café  by a fireplace. It's also the start of the annual tulip season.  Key events:  National Tulip Day.

It's still cold and the nights are long but if you head south, you'll find the Catholic provinces getting ready for the year's biggest party, Carnaval, where on the weekend before Shrove Tuesday there are celebrations that would do Rio de Janeiro or New Orleans proud. Maastricht's party means days of uninhibited drinking, dancing and street music. Key events:  Carnaval, Amsterdam International Fashion Week.

If the weather complies, you can get a jump-start on bulb field viewing at Keukenhof Gardens in March, and since the season is still off-peak, you won’t have to fight the crowds to enjoy them. Europe's largest art show, TEFAF, takes place across 10 days in the first half of March in Maastricht. Key events: European Fine Art Foundation Show (TEFAF).

April is all about King’s Day in the Netherlands. It's the show-stopping highlight of Amsterdam’s jam-packed calendar (expect plenty of uproarious boozing, live music and merriment, plus a giant market), but you'll find celebrations taking place all over the country. This is the biggest – and possibly the best – street party in Europe, which celebrates the monarch on April 27 (April 26 if the 27th is a Sunday).  Key events:  King’s Day (Koningsdag),  World Press Photo .

Alternating rainy and gorgeous weather and plenty of historic events make post-King’s Day a perfect time to explore the country. Hope for a balmy weekend to get out and visit the windmills. Key events:  Herdenkingsdag & Bevrijdingsdag (Remembrance Day and Liberation Day), National Windmill Day.

Visitors start flocking in for the summer peak season, and there are plenty of events happening countrywide. The promise of great weather and very long days draws people outside. It's typically sunny and warm, prime for bicycle rides and drinks on canal-side patios.  Key events:  Holland Festival , Ronde om Texel , Oerol ,  Fashion Festival Arnhem , Rotterdam Architecture Month ,  Fiets Elfstedentocht , Pinkpop .

The days are long, the sun is shining, beaches get busy and outdoor cafés are mobbed with locals and tourists alike. Nobody wants to be inside. Key events: Keti Koti ,  North Sea Jazz Festival ,  De Vierdaagse ,  André Rieu Season ,  Zomerfeesten .

August is a surprisingly pleasant time to visit, with temperatures that are much milder than in many other European hot spots. Many Dutch decamp for holidays elsewhere. The small town of Sneek hosts the largest sailing event on Europe’s inland waters, and rainbow flags blanket Amsterdam with the Pride Parade taking place on the canals. Key events:  Sneekweek ,  Pride Amsterdam ,  Noorderzon ,  Lowlands ,  Grachtenfestival . 

Summer may be technically over but September is one of the best months to visit the Netherlands. There are some superb festivals along with fair weather and fewer crowds. Key events:  Wereldhavendagen ,  Nederlands Film Festival ,  SUP11 .

A kaleidoscope of autumnal hues colors the country's parks and gardens, and while the weather may remain mild, low-season prices kick in and lines at major attractions start to thin out. Key events:  Leidens Ontzet ,  Amsterdam Dance Event ,  Dutch Design Week .

Cultural events and reduced low-season rates make up for the shorter days and chillier nights, while the arrival of Sinterklaas in Amsterdam heralds the start of the festive season. Key events:  Glow ,  Sinterklaas Intocht , International Documentary Film Festival ,  Le Guess Who? ,  11-11 .

Winter magic blankets the Netherlands (as, some years, does snow), ice-skating rinks set up in open spaces, and the country is a vision of twinkling lights. A long-standing Dutch tradition sees Sinterklaas (St Nicholas) bring children presents and families exchange small gifts on December 5 ahead of religious celebrations for Christmas. New Year's Eve in Amsterdam is marked by fireworks displays over the Amstel and elsewhere around town. Big stages on the Museumplein host live bands and plentiful beer tents for a giant party. Other cities have impromptu raucous celebrations on main squares. Key events:  Sinterklaas, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve.

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The Netherlands' 11 best cycling routes and locations    How to explore Amsterdam with kids    Highlights of Amsterdam

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Travel Guide Netherlands

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Although almost half of it was once under water, the Netherlands is one of the most urbanized – and densely populated – nations on earth, with a huge range of places to visit packed into a relatively small area. A remarkable country – no more than the size of the US state of Maryland – it’s a largely man-made affair, around half of which lies at or below sea level. Its fertile, pancake-flat landscape is gridded with drainage ditches and canals, beneath huge open skies, while the country’s towns and villages are often pristine and unchanged places of gabled townhouses, pretty canals and church spires. Despite the country’s diminutive dimensions, each town is often a profoundly separate place with its own distinct identity – indeed there’s perhaps nowhere else in the world where you can hear so many different accents, even dialects, in such a small area. In spring and summer the bulbfields provide bold splashes of colour, and in the west and north the long coastline is marked by mile upon mile of protective dune, backing onto wide stretches of perfect sandy beach.

Where to go in the Netherlands

Tailor-made travel itineraries for netherlands, created by local experts.

8 days  / from 2808 USD

The best of the Netherlands and Belgium

This trip will bring you the best of two countries: the Netherlands and Belgium. From the quaint streets, canals and windmills of Holland to beer and Belgium chocolate tasting in three beautiful Belgium cities. This trip has it all.

9 days  / from 3024 USD

Experience the Liberation Route in BeNeLux

Explore the path of the World War II Liberation Route through Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Visit important landmarks and museums on the way with this self drive itinerary, with enough time to explore cities such as Brussels and Rotterdam on the way.

Tailor-made trips for   Netherlands

A major colonial power, the Dutch mercantile fleet once challenged the English for world naval supremacy, and throughout its seventeenth-century Golden Age, the standard of living was second to none. There have been a few economic ups and downs since then, but today the Netherlands is one of the most developed countries in the world, with the highest population density in Europe. It’s an international, well-integrated place too: most people speak English, at least in the heavily populated west of the country; and most of the country is easy to reach on a public transport system of trains and buses, whose efficiency may make British and American visitors weep with envy.

Successive Dutch governments have steered towards political consensus – indeed, this has been the drift since the Reformation, when the competing pillars of Dutch society learnt to live with – or ignore – each other, aided by the fact that trading wealth was making most people richer. Almost by accident, Dutch society became tolerant, and, in its enthusiasm to blunt conflict, progressive. These days, many insiders opine that the motive behind liberal Dutch attitudes towards drug use and prostitution isn’t freewheeling permissiveness so much as apathy –and even that is under threat, with an official clampdown on Amsterdam’s coffeeshop culture. In addition, the country’s avowed multiculturalism has been severely tested in recent years, with the shootings of Theo van Gogh and the politician Pim Fortuyn persuading many to reassess the success of the Netherlands’ consensual politics.

Mention you’re going to the Netherlands and most people assume you’re going to Amsterdam. Indeed for such a small and accessible country, the Netherlands is relatively unknown territory. Some people may confess to a brief visit to Rotterdam or Den Haag (The Hague), but for most visitors Amsterdam is the Netherlands, the assumption being that there’s nothing remotely worth seeing elsewhere. To accept this is to miss much, but there’s no doubt that the capital has more cosmopolitan dash than any other Dutch city, both in its restaurant and bar scene and in the pre-eminence of its three great attractions. These are the Anne Frank Huis, where the young Jewish diarist hid away during the World War II Nazi occupation; the Rijksmuseum, with its wonderful collection of Dutch paintings, including several of Rembrandt’s finest works; and the peerless Van Gogh Museum, with the world’s largest collection of the artist’s work.

In the west of the country, beyond Amsterdam, the provinces of Noord- and Zuid-Holland are for the most part unrelentingly flat, reflecting centuries of careful reclamation work as the Dutch have slowly pushed back the sea. These provinces are predominantly urban, especially Zuid-Holland, which is home to a grouping of towns known collectively as the Randstad (literally “rim town”), an urban sprawl that holds all the country’s largest cities and the majority of its population. Travelling in this part of the country is easy, with trains and buses that are fast, inexpensive and efficient; highlights include easy-going Haarlem; the old university town of Leiden; Delft, with its attractive medieval buildings and diminutive, canal-girded centre; and the gritty port city of Rotterdam, festooned with prestigious modern architecture. Den Haag (The Hague), is well worth a visit, too, a laidback and relaxing city, seat of the Dutch government and home to several excellent museums. Neither should you miss the Keukenhof gardens, with the finest and most extensive bulbfields in the country. To the north of Amsterdam, the old Zuider Zee ports of Enkhuizen and Hoorn are very enticing, as is the small town of Alkmaar, with its unashamedly touristy cheese market, and the small villages and unspoilt dunescapes of the coast.

Beyond lies a quieter, more rural country, especially in the far north where a chain of low-lying islands – the Frisian Islands – separates the open North Sea from the coast-hugging Waddenzee. Prime resort territory, the islands possess a blustery, bucolic charm, and thousands of Dutch families come here every summer for their holidays. Apart from Texel, the islands lie offshore from the coast of the province of Friesland. Friesland’s capital, Leeuwarden, is a likeable, eminently visitable city, while neighbouring Groningen is one of the country’s busiest cultural centres.

To the south, the provinces of Overijssel and Gelderland are dotted with charming old towns, notably Deventer and Zutphen, while their eastern portions herald the Netherlands’ first few geophysical bumps as the landscape rolls up towards the German frontier. Here also are two diverting towns: Arnhem, much rebuilt after its notorious World War II battle, but a hop and a skip from the open heaths of the Hoge Veluwe National Park, and the lively college town of Nijmegen.

Further south still are the predominantly Catholic provinces of Limburg, Noord-Brabant and Zeeland. The last of these is well named (literally “Sealand”), made up of a series of low-lying islands and protected from the encroaching waters of the North Sea by one of the country’s most ambitious engineering plans, the Delta Project. Heading east from here, you reach Noord-Brabant, gently rolling scrub-and farmland which centres on the historic cities of Breda and ’s Hertogenbosch, and the more modern manufacturing hub of Eindhoven, home to electronics giant Philips. The hilly province of Limburg occupies the slim scythe of land that reaches down between the Belgian and German borders, with its cosmopolitan capital, Maastricht, being one of the Netherlands’ most convivial cities.

Top image © R.A.R. de Bruijn Holding BV/Shutterstock

Discover more places in Netherlands

• The south and Zeeland Travel Guide
• Zuid-Holland and Utrecht Travel Guide

• The Netherlands has a population of just over 16.6 million people. Of these, some 790,000 live in the capital, Amsterdam, 620,000 in Rotterdam and 500,000 in Den Haag (The Hague). “ Holland ” comprises just two of the twelve Dutch provinces: Noord-Holland around Amsterdam, and Zuid-Holland around Rotterdam and Den Haag.

• One-fifth of the Netherlands is made up of water. Without protection, two-thirds of the country would be regularly flooded. The lowest point in the Netherlands – at seven metres below sea level – is also Europe’s lowest point.

• With 20 million bikes in the country – 1.25 for every inhabitant – the Netherlands has the highest level of bicycle usage in the world. However, one bike is stolen every minute of every day around the country.

• The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy presided over by Queen Beatrix, who was crowned in 1980. The country’s bicameral parliament sits in Den Haag and comprises an Upper House or First Chamber of 150 directly elected deputies and a Lower House or Senate of 75 senators.

• Every year each Dutch person eats four kilos of Dutch liquorice or drop , which comes in a never-ending supply of sweet, salty and flavoured varieties. Often sold in pharmacies, it was once believed to have medicinal properties, and is as Dutch as tulips and clogs.

• The Dutch concept of gezelligheid has no direct translation, but loosely speaking it means cosy, convivial or fun – and it’s the mission of Dutch folk to create a gezellig atmosphere or enjoy a gezellig time on most occasions.

Travel advice for Netherlands

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Netherlands

• Eating and drinking in Netherlands
• Culture and Etiquette in Netherlands
• Getting around Netherlands: Transportation Tips
• How to get to Netherlands
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Netherlands
• Travel Tips Netherlands for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Netherlands

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written by Keith Drew

updated 26.04.2021

A former Rough Guides Managing Editor, Keith Drew has written or updated over a dozen Rough Guides, including Costa Rica, Japan and Morocco. As well as writing for The Telegraph, The Guardian and BRITAIN Magazine, among others, he also runs family-travel website Lijoma.com. Follow him @keithdrewtravel on Twitter and @BigTrips4LittleTravellers on Instagram.

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The Netherlands Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 9, 2023

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).

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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• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Home » Travel Guides » The Netherlands » 25 Best Things to Do in The Netherlands

25 Best Things to Do in The Netherlands

The Netherlands is often incorrectly referred to as Holland, and is one of the most vibrant and interesting countries in Europe. Known for its eclectic capital city of Amsterdam, the Netherlands is far more than just canals and museums, and if you venture further afield you will find picture postcard pretty towns as well as dynamic cities like Rotterdam and The Hague.

Due to its relatively small size it is easy to visit the Netherlands fairly quickly and to see a lot of the country in a short space of time. Getting out into the countryside is often one of the highlights of a trip for many, especially if you visit famous areas like the traditional villages that are filled with iconic windmills and tulips. One of the best ways to take in the scenery is by bicycle and fortunately much of the Netherlands is flat which means you can easily navigate the landscape and enjoy the great Dutch outdoors.

Here are the best things to do in the Netherlands :

1. Explore the Canals of Amsterdam

Similar to many other cities that sit over water such as Venice, Amsterdam has a vibrant canal system.

The pretty waterways are one of the best loved attractions in Amsterdam and you can explore the idyllic routes by taking a boat tour or a water taxi that lets you hop around a range of locations.

If you don’t want to take to the water then you can still enjoy the canal sights with a leisurely stroll along the banks.

Book a cruise : Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise

2. Visit Zaanse Schans

Those who wish they could travel back in time and visit the Netherlands of the 17th and 18th centuries have come to the right place.

Zaanse Schans is located around 15 kilometers to the north of Amsterdam and is styled as an open-air museum where you can take a stroll around a traditional Dutch village and find out how ancient craftsmen would have worked.

Just some of the sights include a shipyard, a grocery store, a pewter factory, and a range of dainty green wooden houses.

You will also find some graceful windmills although out of the 600 that would have dotted the area in the days of old, only 5 now remain and can be visited by the public.

These include an iconic saw mill as well as an oil mill and you will find fun live demonstrations like a clog making session.

Recommended tour : Zaanse Schans Windmills Half-Day Tour

3. Stroll around the Garden of Europe

Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is a riot of color with blooms of every hue as far as the eye can see.

Tulips are the signature flowers of this country and the Garden of Europe just outside of Lisse is the largest public garden anywhere in the world.

Covering 70 acres of land, you will find gorgeous flower exhibitions as well as restaurants and a wide variety of flora including daffodils hyacinths, and crocuses.

Book online : Keukenhof Gardens Tour

4. Admire Grote Kerk

Grote Kerk is found in The Hague and is a large church that is built from red brick in Gothic style.

The original building here would have been built in the 13th century although it was razed to the ground in 1539 and rebuilt in the present structure.

The church has an illustrious history as the spot where many members of the Dutch royal family where baptized including King Willem-Alexander who had his christening here.

Things to look out for at the church include the dominating bell tower which is the highest in Holland and contains 51 bells as well as the ornate wooden pulpit and the huge pipe organ.

5. Visit the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the Dutch National Museum located in Amsterdam and is filled with an amazing collection of art and antiques which date from 1809. The building houses over 7 million items and has more than 5,000 paintings that sprawl over 250 rooms.

There is a library here with 35,000 books and you can see some of the most impressive paintings in the world created by the ‘Old Masters’. Much of the museum focuses on traditional Dutch artifacts like ancient handicrafts and sculptures from the medieval period but you will also find exciting modern art.

Make sure you leave ample time to see everything as you can easily spend a full day here exploring every nook and cranny.

Get tickets : Rijksmuseum Entrance Ticket

6. Explore Hoge Veluwe National Park

The Netherlands is often thought of as a small country primarily made up of small towns and cities but actually it has some wonderful national parks.

The largest and most famous of these is the Hoge Veluwe National Park which sits in between Apeldoorn and Arnhem.

It sprawls over an areas of 13,800 acres and is perfect if you are looking for an easy day trip.

The park is covered in woodland and features other quirky exhibits such as a sculpture park, and just some of the residents you will find in the park include red and roe deer.

Other spots include graceful dunes that are covered with heath and if you like bird watching then this is the place to spot a whole range of species.

7. Visit the Anne Frank Museum

The Anne Frank Museum is one of the most famous attractions in Amsterdam and makes for an extremely moving visit.

The building is the former home of Anne Frank who hid from the Nazis here during the Second World War.

Anne Frank died two months before the war ended but her diary that she wrote in the home was found and went on to become one of the most important books in the world.

The home has been restored although the hiding place in which the family lived is much as it would have been when Anne Frank lived here.

This is absolutely not to be missed if you are in Amsterdam and offers a poignant and personal view on this well known story.

Related tour : Life of Anne Frank and World War II Walking Tour

8. Enjoy the village of Marken

The little village of Marken is known for being one of the prettiest spots in the Netherlands, particularly thanks to its strategic location on the Ijsselmeer Lake.

Crowds of visitors flock to the town every year to take in its picture-postcard worthy attractions such as traditional painted wooden houses as well as fishing boats.

In the summer months there are festivals held here where the residents dress in period garb and you can see traditional crafts like clog making taking place.

Included in : Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken Tour

9. Have fun at Efteling

Efteling is the biggest amusement park in the Netherlands and is located at Kaatsheuvel.

The park is divided up into different zones that are known as realms and each one focuses on a different ancient myth or legend.

Efteling has the claim to fame of being one of the oldest themes parks in the world having first opened its doors in 1952 and has been entertaining visitors ever since with its fast rides and lush gardens.

Just some of the highlights here include rides like the Joris en de Draak or the George and the Dragon as well as The Flying Dutchman and the Python.

There are also other areas such as the Raveleijn which is a magical world with a nightly performance that tells the story of 5 siblings who battle and defeat an evil monster.

Book online : Efteling Theme Park Resort Admission Ticket

10. Take a trip to Madurodam

If you want to see the whole of the Netherlands but don’t have time then travel to Madurodam in The Hague.

Here you will find a mini version of the Netherlands on a 1:25 scale and you can see all the county’s top destinations including cute windmills, main landmarks, and decorative features like bridges.

This model city even includes its own harbor as well as a railway system and an airport.

Book online : Madurodam Miniature Park Entrance Ticket

11. Visit the Windmills of Kinderdijk

Enjoying a scenic location on the River Noord and nestled between Rotterdam and Dordrecht is the village of Kinderdijk which means ‘Children’s Dike’ in Dutch.

The main reason to come here is to take in the beautiful windmills that date from the 18th century and this is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are 19 windmills here that date from 1722-1761 and this is the largest group of these structures anywhere in the Netherlands.

You can visit from April to October and there are designated times throughout the year when the sails of the windmills spin and you can see them in all their glory.

12. Take in the art at the Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is an ode to one of the greatest artists ever to have lived.

In addition to that, the Van Gogh Museum is regularly voted one of the best art museums in the world, so art-lovers should make sure not to miss it off the itinerary.

An impressive 1.5 million visitors make their way here each year and the museum has the largest collection of Van Gogh pieces in the world.

To that end you will find 200 beautiful paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters that give you a unique insight into the life of the artist.

Fast Entry : Van Gogh Museum Ticket

13. Have a beer at the Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience in Amsterdam is the place to come if you want to learn all about how this famous beer evolved.

The experience takes place in an old Heineken brewery and you can learn about the Heineken family as well as see the actual brewing process that is used to make the beer.

This starts from the kind of water used all the way through to the bottling process and you can also see classic examples of the iconic Heineken logo and see how it has changed over the years.

As if that wasn’t enough, you can of course also sample this famous brew and end the trip with a tasting session.

14. Explore Mauritshuis

Mauritshuis, located in The Hague, is one of the premium art galleries in the Netherlands and is known for its vast collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings.

The building itself is a work of art and dates from the 17th century and is nestled between Hofvijver Lake and the parliament buildings.

Filled with over 800 works of art, this is one of the smaller museums in terms of size but it has some of the most iconic works in the world such as the Girl with a Pearl Earring which was created by Johannes Vermeer.

15. Visit Historic Valkenburg

If you like history then make sure not to miss Valkenburg which lies in the beautiful Geul Valley.

The town is the proud owner of the only hilltop castle in the Netherlands which dates from the 12th century.

The castle sits atop Dwingelrots or Castle Rock and you can also take in the neighboring 14th century basilica called St. Nicolaaskerk Basilica.

As well as its ancient ruins the town is also famous for its spas and caves as well as its Christmas Market which opens from November to December in the beautifully named Velvet Caves.

16. Meet the animals at Artis Royal Zoo

Artis Royal Zoo in Amsterdam first opened its gates in 1838 making it the oldest zoo in the Netherlands.

It sprawls across more than 35 acres and has 900 different species of animals many of which are housed in ornate and spacious compounds that were designed in the 19th century.

There is also an aquarium section that was built in 1882 that features diverse species like sharks, eel, and colorful tropical fish.

Make sure to look out for the tray bikes that circle the zoo selling traditional Dutch pancakes called bitterballen.

Get tickets : ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo: Entry Ticket

17. Sample some cheese in Edam

Edam cheese is famous the world over for its red hued rind and signature round shape.

Many people won’t realize however that Edam is actually not just the name of the cheese but also the place it comes from which is the pretty town of Edam.

The town is located on the water and dates back to the 12th century and has an array of cheese related sites to enjoy.

Don’t be surprised if Edam cheese looks a little different here, as it is actually sold with a yellow rind rather than a red one.

Some of the signature attractions for cheese lovers here include a large cheese market and a famous cheese-weighing hall.

18. Explore Zeeland’s Dikes

The area of Zeeland sits on the Schlede, Maas, and Rhine rivers and is covered in little islands and coves.

Most of the area sits below sea level, and for this reason needs to use dikes to guard against flooding.

The main dike project here is called Delta Works which is a series of cutting-edge dam systems which control all the water entering the area from the neighboring North Sea.

In case you are having troubling understanding the scale of the dikes here, Delta Works has been described as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

19. Visit Ridderzaal

The Hall of Knights, also known as Ridderzaal in Dutch, is located in The Hague and is part of a court complex that dates from the medieval period.

Dating from the 13th century the hall backs on to a huge courtyard covered in cobbles and this is considered to be one of the centers of Dutch politics in the modern day as this is also the spot where the Opening of Parliament ceremony is conducted every year.

Now you can also visit the Hall of Knights and take a guided tour of one of the most important buildings in Dutch history.

20. Journey to Volendam

Situated in the north of the Netherlands is Volendam which makes a great day trip if you are also visiting neighboring Amsterdam.

A small fishing village, Volendam is full of traditional Dutch delights such as wooden houses, clogs, and scenic landscapes.

Volendam is so pretty that is was painted by greats like Renoir and Picasso and it has a dainty harbor that backs on to fisherman’s houses and more canals.

21. Enjoy the Houseboat Museum

The Houseboat Museum is one of the quirkiest museums in all of Amsterdam and sits on the water on one of its pretty canals.

The boat is called Hendrika Maria and is furnished to give you a glimpse of how people have lived on these houseboats over the years.

There are also displays of how life on houseboats has changed and pictures of the canals as they would have been in the days of old.

22. Visit the Oude Haven in Rotterdam

Oude Haven is the Old Harbor in Rotterdam which happens to be the oldest port in the Netherlands having first started operations in 1350. Here you will find a huge number of attractions such as charming eateries and cafes as well as a selection of ancient sailing ships that give a nod to maritime history of this city.

One of the other iconic structures located on the harbor is Het Witte Huis or the White House which has the claim to fame of having been the first skyscraper in Europe.

23. Travel to the town of Delft

The cute town of Delft is nestled in between The Hague and Rotterdam and makes a great day trip.

Some of the main sights here include the Town Hall as well as the famous Nieuwe Kerk or New Church which has a tall tower that you can climb and look out over Rotterdam and The Hague.

The church also houses a well known royal burial ground where the remains of Prince William of Orange are interred.

Other attractions include the Technology Museum and the Markt which is the main traditional market that opens every Thursday.

24. Enjoy Venustempel Sex Museum

Venustempel Sex Museum in Amsterdam has the claim to fame of having been the first sex museum in the world.

The museum is located in a building that dates from the 17th century and has a wide display of sex related memorabilia.

Just some of this includes an array of erotic art work as well as photographs, sculptures, and other oddities like chastity belts.

The aim of the museum is to tell the story of how sexuality has evolved over the years and is a quirky stop off on a trip to Amsterdam.

25. Explore Kasteel De Haar

Close to the city of Utrecht sits Kasteel De Haar which is actually the largest fortification in the Netherlands.

The big draw here is the stunning castle which sprawls across a 250 acre park and originally would have dated from the 14th century.

The renovated version that now stands was built in 1892 and you will find a wide collection of paintings, textiles, antiques, and furniture.

25 Best Things to Do in The Netherlands:

• Explore the Canals of Amsterdam
• Visit Zaanse Schans
• Stroll around the Garden of Europe
• Admire Grote Kerk
• Visit the Rijksmuseum
• Explore Hoge Veluwe National Park
• Visit the Anne Frank Museum
• Enjoy the village of Marken
• Have fun at Efteling
• Take a trip to Madurodam
• Visit the Windmills of Kinderdijk
• Take in the art at the Van Gogh Museum
• Have a beer at the Heineken Experience
• Explore Mauritshuis
• Visit Historic Valkenburg
• Meet the animals at Artis Royal Zoo
• Sample some cheese in Edam
• Explore Zeeland’s Dikes
• Visit Ridderzaal
• Journey to Volendam
• Enjoy the Houseboat Museum
• Visit the Oude Haven in Rotterdam
• Travel to the town of Delft
• Enjoy Venustempel Sex Museum
• Explore Kasteel De Haar

17 Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands

Written by Lura Seavey Updated May 13, 2023

The Netherlands is unique in Europe because so much of the land you see today was once ocean. The process of building the land up from the sea has given the Netherlands its most iconic feature: the windmill. Windmills, created to pump water out of areas retained by dikes, are today one of the most popular places to visit in Holland.

The Netherlands are full of iconic sites , with vast fields of brilliant tulips, canals that replace city streets, and dikes that today provide cycling paths. These are all attractions that tourists find fascinating in this little country.

This unique landscape has created an equally distinct culture, one that the Dutch are proud to share with visitors at their many museums and historic towns.

Plan your trip with our list of the best places to visit in the Netherlands.

1. Amsterdam

2. historic haarlem, 3. van gogh village, nuenen, 4. the windmills of kinderdijk, 7. zaanse schanse open-air museum, 8. keukenhof gardens, 9. de haar castle & utrecht, 10. kasteel van breda, 11. arnhem and the netherlands open air museum, 12. zuiderzee museum, enkhuizen, 13. groningen, 14. hoge veluwe national park, 15. oostvaardersplassen nature reserve, 16. volendam, 17. vincent van gogh house museum, zundert, map of places to visit in the netherlands.

The capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is one of Europe's best cities for arts, culture, history, dining, and pure scenic delight. Life in Amsterdam has a different pace, with vehicle-filled streets replaced by flower-adorned canals and motor-free avenues for pedestrians and cyclists.

One of the most famous sections of Amsterdam is the Jordaan neighborhood, its canals lined with restaurants and boutiques. It's also home to the open-air Lindengracht market on Saturday mornings, and Westerstraat bazaar-style market on Mondays.

People-watching is another popular thing to do in Amsterdam. One of the best places for this is Dam Square , lined with cafés and filled with popular attractions like the 17th-century Royal Palace (Koninklijk Palace), New Church (Nieuwe Kerk), and the National Memorial Statue. It's easy to spend hours here just enjoying the crowds and street performers.

Amsterdam is known for many things, but its museums are among the top attractions in the Netherlands , and for good reason. Arts and antiquities aficionados will appreciate the Rijksmuseum (National Museum), home to a massive collection that occupies over 250 rooms.

Art lovers will also want to visit the Rembrandt House Museum, located in the artist's former home. And, of course, the remarkable Van Gogh Museum is a must-see for admirers of this legendary painter. In addition to seeing some of his most famous works like Vase with Sunflowers and The Potato Eaters , you can also appreciate the immersive multimedia "Meet Vincent Van Gogh Experience."

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to the Anne Frank House , the actual home where Anne hid from Nazis during the occupation. Tourists can learn even more at The Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum), which explores the attempts to resist Nazi occupation. The Jewish Historical Museum is also in Amsterdam, with many religious artifacts on display.

Located just a short distance from Amsterdam, Haarlem makes an excellent day trip from the city . The historic heart of Haarlem is centered around the Grote Markt , the main market square. The Old City Hall , constructed in the 13 th century, is one of the most impressive buildings.

Nearby is the 14th-century Gothic church, St. Bavokerk (Grote Kerk). Both buildings have stunning interiors and feature impressive towers. In addition to a stunning interior and ornate furnishings, the basilica is home to the Müller Organ . This impressive instrument has 5,000 pipes and has been played by legendary musicians, including Mozart and Handel.

One of the most famous structures at the Grote Markt is the 1603 Vleeshal (Meat Hall) built in the Northern Renaissance style, now home to part of the Frans Halls Museum . The museum also occupies the ornate Vishal (Fish Hall), featuring the works of the Haarlem Academy artists, as well as examples of contemporary art, sculpture, and textiles by local creators.

Another top place to visit in Haarlem is the Teylers Museum , founded in 1778, which focuses on art and scientific achievements. Among its top exhibits are early scientific instruments, Michelangelo's figure studies from his preparations for the Sistine Chapel, and drawings by the artist Raphael.

If you're looking for areas to stroll during your sightseeing, head to the Bakenessergracht to see some of Haarlem's oldest buildings. When you get to the drawbridge at the River Binnen Spaarne, you will see the Amsterdamse Poort , the last surviving city gate, which was built in the early 15 th century.

Grote Houtstraat is another street filled with historic buildings, and also quite a bit of good shopping.

Just eight kilometers from Eindhoven is the village Nuenen, also known as Van Gogh Village . The artist lived here in a pastor's house from 1883 to 1885, and tourists can explore his former home, which has been lovingly restored. A self-guided tour visits nearly two dozen locations in the village that are connected to his time here.

The newly refurbished Museum Vincentre in Nuenen is an open-air museum that offers both self-guided and docent-led tours, which describe Van Gogh's time here, including his struggle with family relationships and the inspirations for his artwork.

There are numerous other statues and significant sites throughout the country, including the town of Etten-Leur , where his career as an artist officially began, as well as Zundert. Tourists will find informational kiosks with audio presentations at many locations associated with Van Gogh, so keep an eye out for them in your travels.

Near Rotterdam , beside the River Noord, sits the village of Kinderdijk , one of the most photographed places in the Netherlands . Here, visitors will find the country's largest collection of historic windmills, a total of 19, which were built between 1722 and 1761.

Unlike many other surviving windmills that were built to process grain and other materials, these were made as part of a water management system to keep the village from flooding. Each is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site , and tourists can watch the huge sails spin on special "Mill Days."

Two of the mills are open to the public as museums, and the entrance ticket includes both of these, as well as a scenic cruise.

Museummolen Blokweer occupies the oldest of the windmills, built in 1630, and is unique because the entire top section can rotate to meet the wind.

The Museum Windmill Mederwaard was built in 1738, and is still furnished as it would have been when it was occupied by the Hoek family.

Leiden (Leyden) is a beautiful university town that is best known for its tulip farms and abundance of excellent museums.

One of the Netherlands' oldest remaining castles is Leiden Castle (Burcht van Leiden), built as a fortification in the 11 th century. It has been a public park since the 17 th century, but visitors can still see one of the original castle moats. Tourists can also walk the same route sentries once patrolled around the walls while enjoying spectacular views over Leiden.

Sitting atop a hill in Leiden is an imposing seven-story windmill that was originally used as a flour mill. This picturesque landmark was built in 1743 and is now home to the Windmill Museum (Molen de Valk). The museum includes the miller's quarters and the tools he once used, and tourists can learn about how the mill was operated and maintained. The museum also provides an in-depth look at the history and significance of windmills in the Netherlands.

Other top museums in Leiden include the Naturalis Biodiversity Museum (Nederlands Centrum voor Biodiversiteit Naturalis), which features a huge selection of natural history specimens, and Museum Boerhaave , which is associated with the nearby university and dedicated to the history of science and medicine. The National Museum of Antiquities is also located here, featuring artifacts from ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt.

While in the area, visit nearby Duivenvoorde Castle (Kasteel Duivenvoorde), which was built in the 13 th century. This grand palace features stunning grounds and numerous exhibits on the history of the property and the family that lived here for centuries.

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Leiden

The historic city of Delft is best known as the home of Royal Dutch Delftware, a delicate blue-and-white pottery that has been made here since the 1600s. The last manufacturer, De Porceleyne Fles, is open for tours that allow visitors to watch the artists work on the hand-painted porcelain; you can also sign up for workshops to learn the technique yourself.

While in Delft, be sure to take a moment to see the Rose Windmill (Delft Windmill de Roos), a beautifully preserved corn mill that was built in 1679. Adventurous tourists can climb its seven stories via a ladder to get amazing views of the city below, and on Saturdays, you can see the mill in action.

Churches: Delft is also home to two stunning examples of Gothic churches. Oude Kerk (Old Church) was built in 1250 and features a 75-meter Coastal Gothic tower that was added in 1450. It is best known for its slightly tilted tower and a pyramid-shaped roof cornered by four turrets.

Construction on Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) was begun in 1396 and continued through 1486. The church sits overlooking Market Square (Markt), and its 108-meter Gothic tower provides an excellent vantage point for tourists and photographers who can make it up the 376 steps.

Architecture aficionados will also want to see the Delft City Hall (Stadhuis), which is also located on the Markt. Rebuilt in the 17 th century, this Renaissance stone building still has its original 15 th -century tower.

Museums: There are also some very good museums in Delft, including the Prinsenhof Museum, the Medical and Pharmaceutical Museum, the Lambert van Meerten Museum, and the Museum Paul Tetar van Elven.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Delft

The Zaanse Schanse Open-Air Museum is a convenient place to visit for tourists who want to see windmills in excellent condition but are short on time. It offers an excellent overview of the history and significance of windmills in the Netherlands.

The windmills here were relocated to the museum grounds and carefully restored, and many still operate as functioning mills and homes. The most famous windmill in Zaanse is The Cat (De Kat), built in 1646 to process dyes; it is the only one of its kind still in operation.

While in Zaanse, be sure to visit some of its unique museums, including a bakery museum (Gecroonde Duyvelzater), the Zaan Time Museum , and the local heritage museum (Zaans Museum), among others. Tourists can also take a lovely boat tour on the Zaan that provides great views of the windmills.

Address: Schansend 7, 1509 AW Zaandam, Netherlands

Keukenhof Gardens , located near Leiden, is the most visited destination for flower lovers, with more than seven million blooms each year. This is the world's largest public flower garden , covering more than 70 acres and growing over 700 varieties of tulips. Visitors will also find daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinth among the gardens.

The majority of the Netherlands' tulips are grown in the Flevoland Province , and mid-April through May is the best time of year to catch them in full bloom. Commercial flower-producing fields can be found along the northwestern coast of the Netherlands, occupying the swath of land between Alkmaar and The Hague.

Tourists who aren't visiting the Netherlands in the spring will still have an easy time finding tulips and other flowers thanks to indoor growing, and the collections at Keukenhof can be admired year-round.

One of the Netherlands' most famous castles is De Haar Castle (Kasteel de Haar), built in 1822, near Utrecht . Its fame is not due to its age but its size and grandeur—it's infamous for displacing an entire village to make room for its construction. This fairy-tale castle can be toured, and the 135-acre property holds numerous events throughout the year, including a Christmas festival.

While in Utrecht, be sure to stop by St. Martin's Cathedral , also known as Dom Church (Domkerk). Built in 1254, this cathedral features its original Romanesque elements, as well as a 14 th -century choir and transepts from the 15 th century. There is also a 14 th -century cloister and a lovely tea room on-site, and you can get great views by climbing the Domtoren (Dom Tower), which was once part of the cathedral.

Located in the center of Breda is the UNESCO-listed Kasteel van Breda (Breda Castle), an impressive palace that has housed aristocracy and royalty since the 12 th century. The current structure was built in 1530 as a fortified castle and then expanded over the centuries to its present state.

It has been home to the Royal Military Academy for the last two centuries, but prior to that it was the seat of the highly influential Nassau family. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle, which includes a look at its massive library and its twin towers named Blokhuis and Spanjaardsgat (Spaniard's Hole).

Just south of the city, Bouvigne Castle is another beautiful royal palace with ties to the Nassaus. Built in 1554, it is best known for its variety of meticulously tended gardens.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Breda

One of the Netherlands' most popular places to visit is the Netherlands Open Air Museum (Nederlands Openlucht Museum) located just outside the city of Arnhem .

This living history museum was established in 1912 to preserve Dutch history and culture, and it includes a variety of traditional homes, workshops, and windmills for guests to tour. Costumed interpreters demonstrate what daily life looked like in centuries past, including the life of fishermen, farmers, and craftsmen.

In addition to centuries-past experiences, a series of "laborer's houses" demonstrate the daily life of the average family during four distinct time periods from 1870 through 1970. In addition to the fully immersive historic village, tourists can also enjoy multi-media exhibits and ride an antique tram. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year.

Arnhem is home to several other museums, including two dedicated to remembering the struggles and sacrifices of World War II. The Arnhem War Museum and Airborne Museum Hartenstein are both fascinating, offering exhibits and guided tours that reveal what life was like during wartime.

If you're traveling with kids, be sure to leave time to stop at the nearby Royal Burgers' Zoo . This family-favorite is home to pandas, gorillas, chimpanzees, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, and rhinos. They also have a wide variety of birds, as well as a large aquarium.

The Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen gives tourists the opportunity to fully explore an old fishing village as it would have been in 1905. Highlights include participating in traditional cooking, learning about early fishing methods, and exploring the authentic "homes" of the interpreters while they describe daily life in centuries past.

Collections range from everyday items to artwork and local crafts, as well as ships and fishing equipment. There are interactive exhibits to get younger visitors involved, too, with opportunities to dress in period costumes, explore a traditional fishing boat, and play educational games.

The Dutch city of Groningen is a picture-perfect spot located 20 kilometers from the North Sea, connected by two major canals that helped it thrive as a center for trade. It's also known for its rich cultural scene, hosting several art and music festivals throughout the year, and is full of excellent restaurants and lots of shopping.

Historic Buildings: It's also, of course, home to plenty of historic buildings that will please photographers and architecture aficionados. A walking tour of the Old Town district is a great place to start, and you can't miss Martinikerk (Martin's Church) with its Romanesque-Gothic exterior and vaulted Gothic choir. The tower stands 96 meters above Groningen's Grote Markt (Market Square) and can be climbed for excellent views.

Museums: Groningen is also home to an excellent art and history museum, the Groninger Museum , as well as the University Museum , which has exhibits about a wide variety of topics. The Northern Shipping Museum is a must-see for tourists interested in the area's maritime history.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Groningen

The largest nature park in the Netherlands is the Hoge Veluwe National Park, covering 13,750 acres in the center of the country, just eight kilometers from Arnheim . Originally intended as a hunting park, this privately owned nature reserve is a protected home for a wide variety of animals, including wild boar; deer; birds; and the rare mouflon, a breed of wild sheep.

Visitors can easily explore the park's huge system of trails and paths via foot or bicycle. Park routes are well-marked and offer mostly level terrain for easy passage. The park is also home to the Kröller-Müller Museum , which features an art gallery and sculpture park.

Read More: Exploring Hoge Veluwe National Park in The Netherlands: A Visitor's Guide

One of the most photogenic places in the Netherlands, Oostvaardersplassen Nature Reserve is located about 50 kilometers from Amsterdam. It covers an area of around 56 square kilometers along the coast of the Markermeer and is dedicated to encouraging the regrowth of forests and habitats for indigenous wildlife.

Many tourists come to admire the birds that make the wetland area their home, including egrets, black storks, cormorants, geese, white-tailed eagle, and other species that nest and feed in the reeds.

In the drier areas of the park, visitors will find Konik Horses, a wild breed that originated in Poland, as well as Heck cattle and red deer.

Located about 20 kilometers from Amsterdam on the shores of the Markermeer is Volendam, another superb example of a traditional fishing village. This photogenic town offers brightly colored row houses, the small but informative Volendams Museum , and historic ships in the harbor.

Nearby, the smaller but lovely village of Marken sits on a peninsula, offering an even more authentic experience. Both of these villages can easily be visited in a day trip from Amsterdam .

Another popular place to visit for true Van Gogh admirers is Zundert , the village where Vincent Van Gogh was born. Although his family's original home no longer stands, its garden remains, and the Vincent Van Gogh House Museum now occupies the spot.

Visitors will be introduced to the master's life with a multimedia presentation, and then have the opportunity to see many of his original works. The museum also includes collections of work inspired by the prolific artist, much of which is produced by artists-in-residence nearby at the Kosterswoning.

Since Vincent grew up in Zundert, there are several places associated with him, including a statue of the artist in front of the Old Dutch Reformed Church where his father once preached. There is also a cemetery where his older brother, bearing the same name and birthdate as the artist, was laid to rest after death in infancy.

More on Netherlands

30 Best Places to Visit in The Netherlands

Are you planning a trip to the Netherlands? Then this list with the most beautiful places to visit is exactly what you are looking for. Find below a map with all the tourist spots of the Netherlands and pick the ones you like for your next trip. The Netherlands has a wide variety of tourist attractions and this extensive list has some off the beaten path destinations that you won't find in any other Netherlands travel guide.

It’s not a surprise that the worldwide Corona crisis has put a stop to all our travels. Some awesome trips abroad got cancelled and had to be rescheduled. In the meantime the Traveltomtom team had time to check out the beautiful tourists attractions in the Netherlands. With some borders being closed, and a negative travel advice for most of the outside world, Traveltomtom started looking into sightseeing in The Netherlands. We found out that Holland, our small little country has so much to offer. For some reason we rather travel as far away as possible. But the Corona crisis made us reconsider to visit some Netherlands tourist attractions.

Holland has 12 provinces and the Traveltomtom Team has traveled to all of them. We visited all the tourist hotspots around our country, some during the recent global Covid pandemic. On top of all that we visited some unique hidden gems which we want you to discover too. Are you ready?

When traveling to the Netherlands stay connected and buy a local sim card for the Netherlands . Flying to Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam? Don't buy your sim card for the Netherlands there. Why? Here is your guide for buying a sim card at Amsterdam Airport and decide yourself!

Join us on a journey along the best things to in the Netherlands. With this list of the most amazing tourist attractions I am sure you make the most out of your Netherlands trip.

Map of the beautiful places to visit in Netherlands

1. Amsterdam

Our capital city! I love Amsterdam, in fact, I think it’s one of the best capital cities in the world. And I assure you, Amsterdam is so much more than the red-light district and legal drugs.

Amsterdam became quiet during the Corona crisis, for months museum, restaurants and bars had to be closed. Residents of Amsterdam loved the peace and quiet in the city. Normally for the best things to do in Amsterdam like the Anne Frank House, it’s almost impossible to get tickets. There are always massive queues lining up alongside the museum. When things started to open up again, but tourists were still not allowed into the Netherlands, we thought this would be the perfect time to visit our capital, and visit all the places we normally don’t get the chance for.

My top recommendation for Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. A very important part of our history, which they turned into an interesting and impressive museum. Find out where she and her family hid, and where she wrote her famous diary.

Explore Amsterdam by foot as much as possible, walk through narrow alleys, discover Amsterdam at its best! Another recommendation I would like to make is a boat tour on the canals of Amsterdam. They usually last for about an hour, and you get to see some pretty nice and new sights of Amsterdam. During the tour commentary will be provided in multiple languages.

Some other must do’s for Amsterdam: rent a bike and explore the Vondelpark, walk through the most expensive shopping street of the Netherlands, the PC Hooftstraat, visit the Rijksmuseum and the famous Nachtwacht painting, take the free ferry-boat behind the Central Station and visit the A’dam Tower (amazing Amsterdam views guaranteed!).

Where to stay around Amsterdam? The Traveltomtom team lately tried out the brand new Van Der Valk Amsterdam Zuidas Hotel , with the most magnificent views over the Amsterdam business district for sure. Want to stay in a more central hotel in Amsterdam then have a look at the Volkshotel in Amsterdam Oost . Their uniquely designed rooms, Canvas rooftop bar bar/restaurant and a hot tub with views over Amsterdam make it a unique hotel in Amsterdm.

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2. Kissing Couple XXL

Located on the North side of Amsterdam, right at the point where you take the ferry to Zaandam, they installed something pretty cool. The Kissing Couple XXL in Delfts blue colors. I stumbled upon it though social media, and immediately thought, I have to add this to my Netherlands sightseeing tour.

It’s very easy to visit by car, as there is a carpark right next to the Kissing Couple. But there is another fun way of getting to the Kissing Couple XXL. You can easily visit it by bike. From Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station just follow the blue dot route to the Hempont Ferry. The Kissing Couple can’t be missed. Need more information on the bike route? Check it out here .

For a unique place to stay in The Netherlands check out the Clock Tower Suite in Weesp . It is near Amsterdam and you get a chance to sleep in the tower of an old church! Click on the link for a complete review of what is called one of the best hotel rooms in The Netherlands.

3. Zaanse Schans

The Zaanse Schans, one of Netherlands top things to do, I had wanted to visit this place for such a long time. But it’s normally crowded with tourists there, a very popular spot. I guess that has always kept me from visiting. After visiting Kinderdijk earlier this trip, where we were pretty much the only one around, I had high hopes for the Zaanse Schans. Often the parking lot tells a lot about how busy the place you’re visiting is. The parking lot at the Zaanse Schans was empty, which made me very enthusiastic.

The Zaanse Schans is an amazing place to visit, full of windmills, handcraft shops and museums. The Zaanse Schans is actually a residential area, keep in mind, people actually live here! The Dutch 18th and 19th centuries are brought alive here. It feels like walking through an open-air museum.

This place is a unique part of the Netherlands. Where else will you find wooden houses, mills, barns and workshops? Every part tells its own story.

Walk around, buy some cheese, clogs as a souvenir or chocolate, visit a windmill and learn about what they still do there. The Zaanse Schans is a fun day out, and super easy to visit from Amsterdam. It’s located right next to Zaandam, a lovely place with a very relaxed city center with some more classic Dutch architecture to discover. De Zaanse Schans definitely is a must visit place in the Netherlands.

A great place to stay near de Zaanse Schans is the Boutique Hotel STAATS in Haarlem . The Traveltomtom team checked it out, read the full review in the link.

4. Volendam

We had been to Volendam before, more than once even. It’s always a great day out and I love the atmosphere is this quaint town, even on busy and crowded days. However, we got curious to what Volendam would be like these days during the Corona pandemic.

I was shocked, as I had never seen Volendam as empty as it was this June. The famous Dijk was completely empty. A few tourists, but mostly locals were around, so nice. But that was of course due to the pandemic.

From Amsterdam you can easily take a daytrip to Volendam. Consider taking the bus, as this popular Netherlands tourist attraction is located just over 30 minutes from the city center of Amsterdam.

Volendam is a classic Dutch charming harbour village. The Dijk is the most famous part of the town full of shops and restaurants, along the water. All located in traditional wooden buildings. Looking for that cheesy photo in Dutch costume? Volendam is your place to be!

Tourists often only visit Amsterdam, or maybe Volendam if they stay longer, but often don’t explore more of the Zaan Region, just above Amsterdam. We knew there was much more to explore in this region than just Volendam and Amsterdam. The Zaanse Schans for example, but also don’t skip the city of Hoorn. A great little Dutch town, with a huge history to it.

Hoorn, the city of the Golden Age. Hoorn is located directly by the water and was very prosperous during the Golden Age. Hoorn turned out to be the perfect location for the trading routes of the Dutch East India Company. This rich history of Hoorn nowadays lives on in monumental buildings, grand architecture and museums full of historical treasures.

Hoorn is one of the overlooked places to visit in Holland, but totally worth visiting.

Best place to stay around Amsterdam

Hotels in Amsterdam can be expensive, especially in the city center. If you’re keen on exploring both the city of Amsterdam, but also the Zaanse Schans, Hoorn and Volendamand many other highlights to visit around Amsterdam, we might just have the perfect place for you.

Our Netherlands tip for this region is Van der Valk Amsterdam-Oostzaan Hotel . This hotel is located just outside of Amsterdam, along the highway, so it’s very easy to get there. It’s located within half an hour max of the tourists attractions such as Amsterdam, Volendam, Hoorn, Zaanse Schans and Muiderslot. Your perfect gateway to this beautiful part of Holland.

Additional benefit is the free parking offered by Van der Valk Oostzaan. Staying that close to Amsterdam, yet being able to park your car for free, that’s a real bonus!

Another benefit this hotel offers its guests is the shuttle service. No hassle, make sure to book a spot for this service, and they bring you to the city of Amsterdam! They drop you at a free ferry, from where you cross the water to the center of Amsterdam. During the holidays this service is offered on a daily basis, with multiple departure times available.

Looking to explore this region by bike? Good idea, the Van Der Valk Oostzaan hotel offers bike rental and some very interesting and fun bike routes. Just ask at reception for more information.

Booking.com

Van der Valk Amsterdam Oostzaan opened its door to the public just a few years ago, a rather new hotel this is. Something new hotels of the Van der Valk Group have in common is the wellness and fitness areas, often located on the top floors of the hotel. The Amsterdam – Oostzaan hotel is no exception. Make sure to check out the pool, gym and sauna. If you want to do so, please keep in mind that a reservation is required nowadays.

6. Muiderslot Castle

Muiderslot Castle is one of the oldest and best-preserved castles of the Netherlands, it was built in 1285. Back then they had just one goal in mind when building this castle, defence!

This famous Dutch castle is located just outside Amsterdam, and therefore really easy to visit. It’s considered one of the must see places in the Netherlands. Reason enough to put it on our itinerary.

Visiting this castle is not free of charge, tickets for Muiderslot Castle are 15,50. This 700-year-old castle is surrounded by water and some beautiful historic gardens. Behind the castle you’ll find the plum orchard of the castles famous resident and writer P.C. Hooft. When the plums were ripe and sweet, he gladly invited his guests to the Muiderslot. He closed his letters with the, now famous phrase ‘Until plum-time!’.

Muiderslot Castle obviously also had to close its doors due to Corona, but they have opened up again, ready to welcome visitors. In fact, they have come up with something really cool and one of my best Netherlands travel tips.

During summer you can camp right next to the castle, how cool is that? You arrive in the afternoon, and have the castle all to yourself. You’ll get a tour through an empty castle, gather around a campfire, and have breakfast delivered to your tent.

If camping is not your thing then I can highly recommend you to check out the Van Der Valk Utrecht Hotel . The Traveltomtom team stayed here, check out the review in the link. Also close by the Muiderslot Castle is the city of Wageningen where you can find the unique Hotel de Wereld where in 1945 the capitulation of Germany troops was signed by Colonel - General Blaskowitz. Here you can relive history, a unique place to stay in The Netherlands!

7. Heeswijk Castle

Heeswijk Castle is located in the South of the Netherlands, just over half an hour from the city of Eindhoven. It is considered the most beautiful castle of the Brabant province and one you won’t often find in a Netherlands travel guide.

The castle is very easily accessible, just follow the signs to the free parking facilities, and walk up to the castle. You can walk all around the castle for free. If you want to visit the castle and see it if from the inside. Tickets for the Heeswijk Castle cost €11 .

The castle is surrounded by woods with plenty of walking tracks around the castle.

Heeswijk Castle has played an important role during World War II. During the massive operation Market Garden, paratroopers were dropped to secure the route of advancing British ground forces. There are multiple information signs around the castle telling you about the history. You can even follow the Liberation Route and learn all about it.

Looking for places to stay around the Heeswijk Castle then try the Hotel Modez in Arnhem . The Traveltomtom team stayed there and came up with 6 reasons why to book this hotel. Read the review in the link. 

8. Fort de Roovere

Fort de Roovere is located in the far west corner of the province of Brabant, close to the border with Zeeland. It is an earthen fort, constructed as part of the Dutch Water Line, the Hollandse Waterlinie, a series of water-based defenses.

In recent years extensive renovations have been done to the fort, as it had fallen into major disrepair.  What got me really curious to visit this place is the Moses Bridge. This bridge appears to divide the water, so we know where it gets its name from. It seems like this bridge crosses through the water, something unique.

Looking for some aerial views? Just recently the Pompejus watchtower was added to the area and opened to the public. Fort de Roovere for sure is an off the beaten path tourist destination in the Netherlands away from the crowds.

9. Kinderdijk

Kinderdijk is probably as Dutch as it gets, this tourist attraction is why people visit the Netherlands, and Kinderdijk is how people think of and see the Netherlands. No wonder this UNESCO World Heritage site is a popular place to visit, that attracts thousands of tourists every year.

The Kinderdijk windmill complex is unique in the world, you won’t find this anywhere else in the world. We Dutch have always struggled with water, these windmills and pumping stations have been keeping the soil dry here for centuries now.

You can actually walk around here for free, no entrance. If you want to visit the museum mills or sail along the windmills, you would need to buy an entrance ticket, which you have to do prior to your arrival to Kinderdijk. This is one of these Dutch tourist hotspots that is crowded in any given normal situation, but due to the corona crisis there were only a handful of people, perfect!

Best place to stay around Kinderdijk

Our recommendation for a place to stay when visiting Kinderdijk is Van der Valk Hotel Dordrecht . It is located at cycling distance from the Biesbosch National Park, and just a short 10-minute drive to the city center of Dordrecht. You can rent bikes from the hotel to discover the highlights in Dordrecht, even cycle to Kinderdijk which is a 19 kilometer bike ride. All easy and flat terrain and the best way to visit Holland anyway. Stay active!

Van der Valk Hotel Dordrecht is conveniently located right next to the A16 highway, which makes this hotel very easily accessible.

Next to that, and because the Netherlands is just a small country, it is also located within reasonable distance of attractions like Kinderdijk, the Deltaworks and the beaches of Scheveningen, all within an hour drive of the hotel.

This hotel has an amazing wellness center right at the top. This wellness center offers a pool, fitness area and sauna. Also located on the top floor of the hotel is the skybar. It’s one of Dordrecht best bars to have a drink. Perfect to enjoy a drink on a summer evening, while enjoying the views from up here.

10. Dordrecht

Dordrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, and with the Biesbosch as its backyard, Dordrecht is a great place to stay and explore.

The city of Dordrecht is full of monuments. The town hall for example was built in the 14th century. One of the biggest highlights of the city is the Grote Kerk. The famous church of Dordrecht is often listed as one of the top places to visit in Netherlands.

From monuments to modern shops, Dordrecht offers it all, yet not too busy like its bustling neighbour Rotterdam for example, which makes it a great day trip when visiting the Netherlands.

11. National Park the Biesbosch

National Park the Biesbosch is one of the many national parks in the Netherlands. It’s spread over two provinces, Zuid Holland and Brabant, however, most of the Biesbosch is located in Brabant. The Biesbosch is the largest fresh water tidal zone in Europe, which means you can find many streams and willow swamps here. Going deep into the Biesbosch the area looks just like a jungle.

Most of these areas are only accessible by boat. The Biesbosch is a paradise for nature lovers, you’re surrounded by nature and wildlife. The possibilities to explore the Biesbosch are endless, by boat, walking or cycling. Go out, explore and experience this National Park a great thing to do in The Netherlands.

There are 2-hour boat tours into the jungle of the Netherlands that cost €15. Boat tours are not every day. Click here for more info about the Biesbosch .

12. Deltaworks Neeltje Jans

The Delta Works are one of the most renowned works in the world, and the largest storm surge barrier in the world. In the Zeeland province they call it the Eighth Wonder of the World, which emphasizes the importance of the Delta Works to the Netherlands.

The Netherlands, and the province of Zeeland in particular, is largely located at or below sea level. The Delta Works were built to prevent a repeat of the 1953 flooding disaster. You can visit and explore these huge storm barriers. Walk across or get toured around. Tickets for Neeltje Jans cost €25 .

But there is much more to see and do here. Have some fun in the waterpark, visit Zeeland’s largest aquarium, visit seals and sea lions or go on a boat trip on the Oosterschelde.

13. Parkstad Limburg

Parkstad Limburg is the fastest growing tourist destination in the Netherlands. It has the largest indoor ski park in Europe, the longest staircase in the Netherlands, the largest home-improvement boulevard in Europe, the most modern and innovative zoo in Europe and the largest world-themed gardens park in the Netherlands. If this is not enough reason to visit this region, then what is? This region is located in the very South of the Netherlands, close to the Heuvelland region, Maastricht, and the borders of Germany and Belgium.

In Parkstad Limburg you will also find Heerlen, the street art capital of the Netherlands . The murals in Heerlen appeal to the imagination internationally.

There are so many cool things to do in Parkstad Limburg and it’s not just the region that is award winning here, how about the award-winning Gaia Zoo? Opened in 2005, ever since its opening this Zoo has won one award after the other. Among many other awards, it’s been awarded Best Zoo of the Netherlands, and for years in a row now it’s also been awarded Best Day Out in the Netherlands.

Want to know more about this region and the street art capital of the Netherlands? Check out our blog about the best things to do in Heerlen . Best place to stay in Parkstad Limburg

The Parkstad region isn’t that large, but still has a lot to offer. So when visiting this region, be sure to visit for more than one day. We did the work for you and found you the best place to stay in Parkstad Limburg.

Van der Valk Hotel Heerlen offers the perfect location in the heart of Parkstad, and close to all the highlights this region has to offer. It’s located along the N281 motorway, so very easily accessible. From this hotel you can explore the Street Art Capital of the Netherlands by foot or by bike. Attractions like Snowworld and the Gaia Zoo are only a very short drive away.

Hotel Heerlen is part of the estate of Terworm. Estate Terworm is a nature reserve offering various possibilities for relaxation. Very suitable for jogging, walking, cycling, with routes from 4 to 7 kilometers. So after a long and active day out, this is the perfect place to enjoy and relax.

Another great place to stay in Zuid - Limburg is the Heuvelland, the only place where Holland is NOT flat! Check out the most beautiful scenery and viewpoints of Holland when staying at the Hotel Klein Zwitserland  in the picturesque little town of Slenaken.

14. Pyramid of Austerlitz

In the weeks before our Netherlands roadtrip I did some research. I knew a lot of places to visit in Netherlands, but I was also looking for some unknown, never heard of spots I wanted to add to our Netherlands itinerary.

One of these places to visit I had never heard of before, is the Pyramid of Austerlitz. I thought pyramids only existed in Egypt, but I know now that we actually have a very cool one in the Netherlands too.

While the Pyramid itself was still closed during our visit, due to the Corona crisis, we could actually get quite close. If you want to climb the pyramid you have to buy a ticket, but like I said, you can get really close, and walk all around it without buying a ticket as well.

The Pyramid of Austerlitz is tucked away in the forests of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Absolutely a great location, hidden away, a short walk through the forest before the pyramid appears.

The Pyramid of Austerlitz was built in 1804 by Napoleon’s soldiers, they chose one of the highest points of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. The Pyramid is a national monument, and a must do when visiting Netherlands. Not classic Dutch, but it will surprise you! This pyramid is located only a short, 25-minute drive from Utrecht.

Not directly nearby but within 45 minute drive you will find another great place to visit in Holland: Den Bosch. In this city you can sleep in an old crane and the coolest thing: it is still working! This old crane is converted into a hotel room and from your bed, you can turn your hotel room 360 degrees if you want. NO JOKE! Check out the complete blog about the Bossche Kraan Hotel , one of the most unique places to stay in the Netherlands.

15. Wadden Islands - Texel

Travelling the Netherlands isn’t complete without visiting one of our Wadden Islands. The Netherlands have five inhabited Wadden Islands: Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog. With Texel being the largest and most populated of our Dutch Islands, we decided to add Texel to our itinerary along the best places to visit.

It’s very easy to get from the Dutch mainland to Texel. Drive all the way up to Den Helder, which is actually quite an interesting place itself to pay a visit to.

Den Helder is home to the Netherlands main navy base. This all dates back to 1811, when Napoleon Bonaparte visited Den Helder, and was impressed with the towns strategic location. So impressed that he ordered the construction of a fort and naval dockyards. In 1947 Den Helder officially became the Royal Netherlands Navy’s main centre of operations. An interesting museum to visit when in Den Helder is the Dutch Navy Museum.

So, from Den Helder the Royal TESO ferryboat service operates between the city and the nearby Wadden Island Texel. You can see Texel from the mainland when waiting for the ferry.

Insiders Netherlands tip: Travel to Texel on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, if you do so, you’ll receive a 30% discount on the ferry.

When docking in at Texel, they can’t be missed, the Texel sheep. The Texel is a breed of sheep, originally from, yes the Island of Texel. Everything made of wool can be bought in shops across Texel.

The dune landscape on Texel is unique and a great habitat for wildlife. About one third of the island is a protected nature reserve. The best way to explore Texel is by bike, but you have to withstand the sometimes strong winds. You can rent bikes all over the island!

Often seen as the symbol of Texel is the red lighthouse at the northern end of the island. You can also climb the lighthouse.

Views from up there include the North Sea, the Wadden Sea and the next Wadden Island Vlieland. When it’s dark, the light of this lighthouse can be seen from as far as Leeuwarden.

De Koog is the so-called seaside town of Texel. Just a few dunes separate the village from the ocean and the beach. De Koog is a nice place to spend a few hours, it has a great shopping center, some lovely restaurants and some nice beach clubs.

Den Burg is considered the capital of Texel, nearly half of the population of Texel live in Den Burg. This lovely little town has a lot to offer. Great shopping opportunities, plenty of terraces to have a drink, it’s just a great little town to walk through. There is more than enough things to do when visiting Texel, perfect for a day trip, but enjoying a sunset and a sunrise here is even more magical.

16. The Afsluitdijk

After visiting Texel it was time to do something that had been on our so called Netherlands Bucketlist for a very long time. It may sound stupid, because this is often seen as ‘just’ a highway connecting two provinces, but the Afsluitdijk is so much more than that!

The Afsluitdijk is a major dam in the Netherlands and famous place to see, completed in 1932. This means the Afsluitdijk has been protecting the Netherlands from the force of water for nearly 90 years now. The total length of the dike is 32.5 km. The dike is more than just a water barrier. It’s a motorway connecting two Dutch provinces as well. Everyday thousands of people use the A7 motorway to travel between Noord-Holland and Friesland. The Afsluitdijk was the initial demonstration site for a 130km/h speed limit in the Netherlands.

The Afsluitdijk is currently under construction, to make it even more future proof, for many more years to come. Once construction works are done, the Dijk will be stronger, higher and more robust looking. There is so much to see, not just the Afsluitdijk itself. Here is the Afsluitdijk Wikipedia page for even more info.

Enjoy the Wadden Sea, visit the Afsluitdijk Wadden Centre or the monument right in the middle of the Afsluitdijk. Part of the construction works and upgrades to the dike are a new cycle and walking path, imaginable with endless views on the Wadden Sea.

One of the first major cities you’ll come across after crossing the Afsluitdijk into Friesland is the city of Sneek. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to spend as much time in the city as I wanted, one has to make choices while travelling, which means we only had time for a brief stop in Sneek. However, Sneek has an amazing relaxed and laidback atmosphere.

Sneek is one of the Friese Elf Steden (eleven cities). The Elfstedentocht, or eleven cities tour, is a long-distance ice-skating event in the province of Friesland. It’s almost 200 kilometers long and passes all eleven historical towns of the province. The Dutch haven’t had an Elfstedentocht for years, the last one was in 1997. Even King Willem Alexander participated and finished!

Sneek is well known for its canals and of course for the Waterpoort, the symbol of the city. Visiting Sneek in the summer? Try to visit the Sneekweek, Europe’s biggest sailing event.

If you want the best photos of the Waterpoort from the best point of view, don’t go towards the end of the day. The sun sets behind the Waterpoort, which is not ideal for getting the best photos!

18. Groningen

Groningen, both a province and a city in the Netherlands. Both well worth it and great things to do in Netherlands. In this blog we talk about the city of Groningen. It is the largest city in the north of the Netherlands. Even though Groningen isn’t actually the biggest city, it has an important role as the main center of the northern part of the Netherlands. Besides that, Groningen is a real university city, which really contributes to a diverse cultural scene for the city.

Our reason for visiting Groningen was to explore the city everyone always says you just have to visit when traveling to Netherlands, and to see the famous Martinitoren.

Located at the main market square in Groningen, this symbol of the city can’t be missed. The Martinitoren is Groningen’s famous church. It’s one of the main tourist attractions of the city. You can actually climb the tower and enjoy some great views over the city and surrounding areas.

The center of Groningen, surrounding the Martinitoren and the main market square is absolutely worth a visit. There are plenty of shopping opportunities in the nearby streets. Done shopping? Try one of the many restaurants and bars, a great time guaranteed in this bustling city.

19. Vesting Bourtange Fortress

From the city of Groningen, move east towards the German border for a real hidden gem of the Netherlands. This was also one of these things I had never heard of before and never found in a Netherlands travel guide. But when I came across it on the internet, just had to add it to our Netherlands itinerary.

Bourtange fortress is a unique historical defence work. Meet Fortress Bourtange, the fortress that was never taken. Have a look at the Fort Bourtange website , it looks amazing from above.

From the seventies until the nineties last century massive reconstructions took place at the Fortress Bourtange. Digging the canals again, forming the ramparts and reconstructing the many buildings, all in the style of the past. They did this massively with the help of old maps and drawings. Welcome in the year 1742, that’s certainly what it feels like when walking through Bourtange, stepping back in time.

20. Hunebedden

The Hunebeds, prehistoric tombstones, are the oldest monuments in the Netherlands. They were actually transported to Drenthe during the Ice Age, can you imagine?

There are actually 52 Hunebeds to visit in a 30-kilometer radius. So, doing them all might be a bit too much. Thankfully Visit Drenthe has come up with the ‘Big Five’, just for you to discover the best of the prehistoric history in Drenthe in one fell swoop.

Great idea! And that’s why we decided to do the Big Five and discover the best of the Hunebeds. Part of the Big Five is the largest Hunebed (D27) of them all. When visiting the largest Hunebed, you’ll pass the Hunebed Visitor Centre, which is definitely worth a visit! It gives you an idea of how the people who built these Hunebeds used to live.

Visiting the Hunebeds is often listed as one of the top things to do in the Netherlands.

21. Camp Westerbork

Probably the most impressive place we visited on our Netherlands tour was visiting Camp Westerbork. Hidden away in the woods, it makes sense why they chose this location for such a horrible place. Camp Westerbork was known as the foyer of Hell during the Second World War. It was a transit camp to concentration camps like Auschwitz and Sobibor.

When it was built in 1939 it was first used as a refugee camp then turned into a transit camp. A total of 93 trains left from Westerbork, eventually killing 102.000 people.

ssThe camp itself is accessible free of charge. You can’t get to the camp by car. You’ll have to park your car at the museum’s carpark. From there it’s roughly a 2.9km walk to get to the camp. Normally there is a shuttlebus running between the camp and the museum, however due to Corona, that service is currently not running. The museum entrance fee is €10 . But it is well worth a visit, where you will learn a lot about Westerbork’s history.

22. Radio Sterrenwacht

We parked our car at the Camp Westerbork museum and made our way towards the camp. It’s a nice walk, through the woods. All of a sudden, we bumped into 14 huge satellite dishes. Apparently, we ran into the Westerbork Synthese Radio Telescope.

This telescope, built in 1970, is one of the most sensitive telescopes in the world. It consists of 14 satellite dishes, each 25 meters in diameter.

The walk from the Westerbork Museum to Camp Westerbork will guide you along this telescope. In fact, this walkway is called the Milkyway-walk. It’s a very interesting, fun and beautiful walking route on which the fascinating world of the universe and the largest radio telescopes in Europe play a central role and are explained. Both young and old learn about the operation of these enormous satellite dishes.

23. TT Assen Circuit Tour

One of the biggest events of the Netherlands is the MotoGP at the TT Assen. The TT Assen is a circuit mainly used for the MotoGP, but also for numerous other events and activities. You can visit the track on one of the many events taking place each year, or you can book a tour, and get a look behind the scenes.

Into Moto GP? Then this could be very interesting for you. They have the so called ‘Tour de TT’ in Assen. The Tour de TT is 65 kilometers long and takes you to the two old street circuits. Have a taste of what the circuits used to be back in the days as street circuits and enjoy and explore the surrounding areas.

24. Giethoorn

Giethoorn is known for its bridges, waterways and punts, no wonder it is called the ‘Venice of the North’ and one the most famous tourist attractions in the Netherlands.

This idyllic village is located in the Weerribben-Wieden National Park. There are countless thatched farmhouses, built on small islands, connected by more than 170 wooden bridges. The best way to explore Giethoorn is by foot or by boat. There is plenty of time to do both in one day!

Walking along these pretty houses gives you the opportunity to have a look at the many shops and restaurants. You can go on organized cruises on the waters of Giethoorn, where you will be told a lot about the history and the present of Giethoorn.

I would advise to rent a boat yourself and explore the place at your own pace. Boat rents start from 1 hour to a full day. I rented one for an hour, where you cruise through the main canals of Giethoorn and over the Bovenwijde lake.

Giethoorn was one of the top highlights of this Netherlands trip, something I had never seen or done before, unique to the Netherlands. Tourists were still staying away when we visited, keep in mind that this place gets packed any other time!

Where to stay around Giethoorn

Assen and the Drenthe province really surprised me. A lot of nature, forests and national parks, something I really like, the outdoors. As there is so much to do in this region, looking for a centrally and perfectly located hotel was important and a challenge. So I was extremely happy when I found the Van der Valk Hotel in Assen , right in the middle of it all!

It’s the ideal place to stay when discovering the Hunebeds, the TT Assen, Camp Westerbork and Giethoorn, all within short driving distance of the hotel. Drenthe is pre-eminently a walking and biking province. There are so many walking and cycling routes and opportunities.

Hotel Assen warmly welcomes you to have the best time in Drenthe. Hotel Assen has bikes for rent, your start to a thousands of kilometers signposted cycle route network. The hotel has their very own kitchen garden. Herbs, vegetables and fruits fresh from the garden to their restaurant. People working in this kitchen garden are people that are distanced from the labor market and by doing this they gain more relevant work experience.

This hotel is currently working on a new wellness center. Soin the near future you can enjoy a relaxed time at the new wellness after an active day outdoors.

25. Rotterdam - One of World's Biggest Ports

Rotterdam, the 2nd biggest city of the Netherlands and one of the largest ports in the world. It has so many cool places to visit and exciting things to do, I don’t even know where to start really.

From the iconic Erasmus Bridge, the icon of the city, to the cube houses, the market hall and the bustling center, these are some of the best Rotterdam activities.

Even if you only have a short amount of time in the city, make sure the Euromast is part of your visit. The Euromast offers you the best 360 degrees views of the city. Overlooking the Erasmus Bridge, the ss Rotterdam and the famous port of Rotterdam.

When visiting the Euromast, you can combine your visit with a fun 18-hole midget golf course, right next to the Euromast. It’s a very popular thing to do in Rotterdam, and I have to admit, playing some (midget) golf in the center of a city like Rotterdam, that is pretty special.

Another Amazing place to see is the ss Rotterdam. This former ocean liner and cruise ship can be visited nowadays, where you can tour this ship and get to know all about its history and present. Keep reading because I have a great recommendation that has something to do with the ss Rotterdam.

Check out my article on the best things to do in Rotterdam for even more recommendations when traveling to Rotterdam.

Rotterdam is one of the largest ports of the world, how cool would it be to explore this port? Well, you actually can! Spido Rotterdam offers a wide range of port tours and cruises where you get to explore and learn about the importance of the port.

Where to stay in Rotterdam

As second city of the Netherlands Rotterdam obviously offers plenty of accommodation opportunities. However, I have found a unique place to stay, it’s a gem

My top recommendation for places to stay is the ss Rotterdam . You can actually sleep in former cabins of this steamship, and experience how ocean life was like back in the days. Close your eyes and let your imagination run wild, it almost really feels like you’re actually cruising the ocean!

The ss Rotterdam is located in the center of the city, and very easily accessible. You can leave your car at the carpark right next to the ship. You can also arrive by water taxi, as they have special platforms for arrival and departure with these unique taxis.

Looking for the most unique and special place to stay while visiting Rotterdam, stop looking, because it doesn’t get any more special than the ss Rotterdam. Quickly check out their rates and start booking , because a trip to Rotterdam is waiting for you!

26. The Pooping Man & The Batavia

Sometimes you pass some amazing things just by chance. That happened to us when we were travelling the Netherlands and by sheer coincidence passed the amazing sculpture the Exposure, also known as the Crouching Man. Freely translated they also call him the pooping man in the Netherlands, I can see why. This statue is located on a breakwater at the Houtrib locks in Lelystad, overlooking the Markermeer, a shallow lake.

On September 17, 2010 it was unveiled by the artist, and since then it has been a curious sight, but also very popular place to visit in the Netherlands for tourists to take their Instagram shots.

We were actually visiting the Bataviastad Fashion Outlet in Lelystad, when all of a sudden I saw this famous sculpture in the far distance. We jumped back in to our car and drove out to see it closer.

Bataviastad Fashion Outlet is the first ever Outlet Center in the Netherlands, located at the Markermeer in Lelystad. De outlet was named after the Batavia ship from 1628, of which you can find a replica nearby at the Bataviawerf.

The shopping center is an imitation of a fortified town, complete with a heavy city wall, three city gates, pedestrianized cobblestone streets and a series of individual wooden shop buildings with a quasi-authentic architectural appearance. It is partly inspired by the small town of Marken, partly by the West Indian colonies.

As mentioned earlier, right next to this shopping center you’ll find the impressive Batavia, a replica of the Batavia. You can actually visit and explore this ship and discover what life at sea was like in the 17th century. It’s an impressive sight for sure.

27. Tulip Fields in the Bulb Region

The Dutch Bollenstreek (Bulb Region) with its gorgeous flower fields is by far one of the most famous and popular places to visit in the Netherlands. It is located in the Western parts of the Netherlands. The region became famous for its bulb cultivation. Nowadays the flower fields in this part of the Netherlands attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. It’s a fun and diverse region to visit, offering cities, lovely villages, beaches and of course perfect opportunities to take incredible pictures. Therefore the tulip fields are regarded as one of the most Instagrammable places in the Netherlands.

The most famous tourist attraction of the Bollenstreek has to be the Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe. They host a world renowned 8 week tulip display. It’s one of the largest flower gardens in the world.

Another big thing in the Bollenstreek is Bloemencorso, an annual flower parade and flower spectacle. It follows a 42km itinerary from Noordwijk to Haarlem. Along the route you can enjoy some of the most amazing creations and beautifully designed floats, full with narcissi, hyacinths, tulips and other flowers!

When visiting the Bollenstreek simply explore by foot, car, bike, scooter, whatever you choose, go out and explore the many tulip and flower fields this region has to offer. It’s what the Bollenstreek became famous for, and what still attracts many tourists to this part of the Netherlands. Some flower fields actually look like rainbows, very impressive and magical!

Check out our extensive blog post about the Bollenstreek for 9 tips when visiting the Tulip Fields in the Netherlands .

28. Achterhoek

The Dutch Achterhoek is a large area in the east of the country, close to the German border. For some reason it’s an area that isn’t visited that often, and that’s a real shame! Before we visited the Achterhoek I had little expectations, just because I simply didn’t know the area that well and didn’t know what to expect.

Now that I have visited the Achterhoek for 5 days I actually really like the area. I would sum it up as: castles, vast nature, big farms, small quaint and picturesque villages and narrow country roads. Perfect ingredients to add it to this list of best places to visit in The Netherlands.

One of the best places to visit in the Achterhoek is the smallest city in the Netherlands, Bronkhorst. It’s literally a church, a main street, a few houses, some shops and restaurants, that’s it. It takes you less than 5 minutes to see all of Bronkhorst, but it’s on top of our list of things to do in the Achterhoek. It feels like stepping back in time. No cars are allowed in the little village, so make sure to park your car just outside.

Castles really define the Achterhoek. You can easily visit the Achterhoek for a few days and visit multiple castles each day. We selected a few of them to visit as we love visiting these unique places but also tourist attractions. Our top castle recommendations for the Achterhoek are: the Ruurlo Castle and Huis Bergh Castle. Another recommendation is the Eight Castle Route . This one starts from the Vorden Castle, and is a lovely cycling route along eight castles in the area. A great way to explore and experience the area.

The Achterhoek is also well known for its tea gardens. Locals welcome you to their tea garden to enjoy their homemade delicacies. It’s also the place to be to buy regional products. You can also do some lovely shopping in towns like Zutphen or Doetinchem.

Want to know more about the Achterhoek? Check out the website of the local Tourism Board to find more things to see and do and hotspots to visit and places to stay in the Achterhoek. The people at Achterhoek Tourism are happy to help you out with a full itinerary.

29. National Park de Hoge Veluwe

The Veluwe region is a large forest-ridge area in the province of Gelderland. It stretches 60km from North to South and reaches heights of up to 110 meters, which in Holland is high. The Veluwe features many different landscapes including woodland, heath and some small lakes. You can also find Europe’s largest sand drifts in the Veluwe and therefore, definitely worth mentioning in this list of awesome places to visit in The Netherlands.

Within the Veluwe region there are a few National Parks: de Hoge Veluwe National Park and the Veluwezoom National Park. These National Parks are perfect places to truly enjoy the beauty and the nature sites of the Netherlands. You can visit the Hoge Veluwe National Park by car, but the best way to explore them is to go by foot or by bike, as you see much more, and cover areas that are away from the main roads. It’s also the perfect place to spot wildlife, but as always with wildlife, you have to be lucky. If you’re lucky though, you might spot deer, wild boar, mouflon, foxes and highland cattle.

The largest city to visit within the Veluwe region is Apeldoorn. Apeldoorn is probably most famous because of some famous and popular tourist attractions, like Royal Palace 'The Loo', Apenheul Zoo and theme park Koningin Julianatoren. It’s also a good base if you want to visit the Hoge Veluwe National Park. The Veluwe region has a couple other things to do beside visiting the National Park. Here are some of our favorite places to see in the Veluwe.

The Netherlands is a very flat country, but even for a flat country there is a highest waterfall to visit. The Loenense waterfall is the highest waterfall in the Netherlands, and when visiting the Veluwe, absolutely worth a stop. It’s located in the forest, so you can even explore the area a bit more if you like.

Something we didn’t know, but found quite cool once we visited is the exact center of the Netherlands. It is located in Lunteren, in the middle of the forest, so it could be a little search. But once you reach it there is a stone marking the exact center of the country, which I think is quite cool!

Radio Kootwijk is a national monument, and was used as a communication facility between the Netherlands and the colony of Dutch East Indies. Nowadays it is used as a venue for several cultural events and productions, including the American film Mindhunters in 2004. It’s also a popular place to get married in The Netherlands, and for us a must visit for the Veluwe!

Where to stay in the Veluwe?

Van der Valk Apeldoorn is located right next to the A50 highway, and therefor super easily accessible. It’s a lovely and quiet hotel, surrounded by nature, it really feels like being in the middle of the Veluwe already. They have a vegetable garden, chickens and an apiary, they’re really busy with nature and natural products. It’s a great and affordable option when visiting the Veluwe, and easily to combine with a day of shopping in Apeldoorn.

The Traveltomtom recently also stayed in Wageningen at Hotel de Wereld , and fell in love with this place and the story to it. A true icon in the Netherlands where in 1945 the negotiations took place for the liberation of the Netherlands during the second world war. Read more about it in the link.

Last but certainly not least we highly recommend Hotel de Sterrenberg if you’re into the nature and planning on visiting the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Hotel de Sterrenberg is an adult only hotel, and is located only 500 meters from the gates to the Veluwe National Park.

30. Deventer | East Holland

Thinking about doing a city trip in the Netherlands, not many people would come up with Deventer in the East side of the country. But when visiting Veluwe National Park and the Achterhoek region, the city of Deventer is pretty much the perfect city to visit.

It is a small but charming city and visiting Deventer for 1 night is enough. It is worth it though and since it has such a nice and great vibe it might want to make you stay longer. Let’s start with the best place to visit in Deventer to see its skyline. Cross the water by bridge or by ferry and you will have a lovely view of Deventer’s skyline.

Town square the Brink is the bustling center of Deventer. We visited on a weekday, and were surprised how crowded the restaurants and terraces were, very lively and great atmosphere.

The best way to explore Deventer and get to know the city is by doing a city walk. The local tourism office organizes these walks every day and will show you the best of Deventer during a 1.5 hour walk. Pre-registration is required to participate in this tour and the costs are €6 per person.

Deventer is also known for its Deventer Koek (a bit like gingerbread) and something you must try when visiting Deventer. Make sure to take a look at the authentic shop at the town square. This Charles Dickens-esque little shop full of delicacies from grandmother's time will make your mouth water. Of course you will find all original products here. Fresh Deventer Koek is also baked here.

Our top recommendation to stay in Deventer is most definitely Hotel Huis Vermeer . This unique boutique hotel is located in the center of the city which makes it your perfect base to enjoy and explore Deventer. To find out more about this hotel, check our full blog post: Hotel Huis Vermeer Review. 

Netherlands travel blog

Traveling the Netherlands, our own backyard, has been a blast. Especially because it was quiet everywhere due to the Corona pandemic. We visited tourist hotspots, top attractions and must-see places that normally would see hundreds of people a day, and we were actually the only one walking around now. Shooting photos for this Netherlands blog has never been this easy.

This blog was written by travel writer and Traveltomtom team member Ashley . She explored the Netherlands on behalf of Traveltomtom, seeking for the best tourist attractions and some unique off the beaten path destinations and hidden gems. Have a look at her Instagram .

I hope all these Netherlands travel tips were helpful for your next adventure. Safe travels!

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Netherlands Travel Tips: All You Need To Know

Gerrit Vandenberg

Gerrit shares his love for the Netherlands from his home near Amsterdam, helping thousands plan unforgettable trips to the lowlands. Discover his inspiring journey "From a critical health scare to celebrating Holland's charms" . If you want to send Gerrit a quick message, you can contact him here .

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Hi, I'm Gerrit

I enjoy sharing useful tips about the beauty of this county.

With these practical Netherlands travel tips about Holland, I’m trying to make your trip to Holland frictionless, more enjoyable, and, above all, more relaxed.

You can click from the index below to go directly to the topic of your choice. Or, of course, you can read them all, and you’ll be current on everything Holland 😉

Find practical information about the best time to travel, the weather, money, electricity, accessibility, and everything in between.

Table of Contents For Netherlands Travel Tips

Accessibility.

If you travel with a disability, you should find – in general – that Holland as a country is well adapted for travelers with a disability. Most public buildings are accessible, as are most museums, theme parks, and restaurants.

Taking public transport is generally possible, but it can require some extra planning if you take the train. Read more about this in my full article about travel in the Netherlands with a disability .

The one major exception for good accessibility is the Anne Frank House Museum. Read more about that here .

Public spaces in modern parts of villages, towns, and cities are well adapted to wheelchair users. Still, older historic city centers can prove challenging at times.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the largest airport in Holland and is used by most visitors. 

There are also four smaller airports in Holland. They can be convenient if you want to combine your visit to Holland with other European destinations. Usually, you can travel at better prices from these airports and be in and out of the airport much quicker.

These airports are:

• Rotterdam/The Hague Airport
• Eindhoven Airport
• Maastricht/Aachen Airport
• Groningen Airport

Read more about the airports in Holland in our dedicated post here.

Best Time To Travel to Holland

Holland can be visited year-round, and each season has pros and cons.

Spring  is one of the most popular seasons to visit Holland. Expect large crowds and high prices, especially in flower season. That is between the last week of March and the first week of May.

The best weeks to see most flowers bloom are the 3rd and 4th week of April. April and May are also the months with the most sunshine (on average) in Holland.

As a bonus, April and May are also great for joining typical Dutch celebrations. On April 27th, it’s Kings Day, May 4th is Remembrance Day, and May 5th is Liberation Day.

Kingsday is a national holiday and the most significant national celebration ever. Make sure to wear something orange if you’re here! 

Summers  can be hot in Amsterdam or full of rain. You never know. Neither is particularly pleasant. 

The Germans will invade our beaches :-). And in August, when France, Spain, and Italy have their holiday together, Holland, our tiny country, is swamped by tourists. Especially Amsterdam then bursts to its seams with tourists.

Plus, the Dutch have their long summer holidays. They’re going on many day trips adding to an overhaul feeling of the busyness of cities and attractions all around the country.

I think The Netherlands is best to be avoided for a visit during summer. Unless you have the urge to practice your French, Italian, or German, then summertime is perfect!

The one event worth visiting during the summer, despite high prices and crowded streets, is Gay Pride on the canals of Amsterdam. It’s famous for its inclusive atmosphere and the colorful boats that will pass you by.

Autumn  is a great time to visit Holland and see the beautiful fall colors on the trees. Prices are low this season, most tourists are gone, and nature is at its most beautiful again (after the flower season).

Holland might be known for flat green grasslands with cows and windmills. But the country also has gorgeous forests all around, which become spectacular during the fall season. Put on your hiking boots, bring a warm coat, order a hot chocolate with whipped cream like the Dutch do, and explore Holland as not many visitors do.

Winter  is the slowest season of them all. But also, as the Dutch say, “gezellig” (cozy). It might be dark outside, but lights, candles, and holiday decorations are everywhere.

In December you can visit Christmas fairs and markets at castles, old medieval cities and even in caves. Plus, the famous Christmas markets in Germany are just around the corner. Easily accessible on a day trip.

Prices will be the lowest, and many tourists won’t visit. If the dark and cold don’t bother you, this might be the best time to visit. One side note: the two weeks around Christmas are crazy busy in Amsterdam. If you can avoid Christmas/New Year in Amsterdam, do! There are no significant celebrations anyway, then other cities like London are much better.

Drinking water

Amsterdam and the rest of Holland have the best tap water in the world. Quality is so good that you won’t taste any difference between bottled and tap water. There is no chemical taste like in so many other countries.

It makes no sense to buy bottled water in the Netherlands. It’s taxing to the environment and your wallet. Dutch drinking water is safe to drink.

Some restaurants serve tap water for free, but most don’t. Be prepared to see a charge for water on your bill.

Also, note the serving size of drinks in general in restaurants in Amsterdam and the rest of Holland are super tiny. On average, 200ml/7 fl. oz. And they are expensive (non-alcoholic beverages like mineral water and soda cost around €3 per drink), with no free refills either.

Amsterdam and Holland have a liberal image when it comes to drugs. But are things as relaxed as they seem? The short answer is no.

Usage and selling of soft drugs, including marihuana, are tolerated and regulated via “coffee shops.” That doesn’t mean it’s socially accepted, however.

It’s also illegal to smoke in public spaces. In tourist areas, this is not enforced, but elsewhere in the country, it is. There is a significant social stigma about drug usage, including marihuana. It’s not regarded as something cool by the Dutch. Drug usage, any drug, is usually associated with social problems and low income.

So why do we tolerate/legalize it? The Dutch have always been pragmatic. By regulating it, you take some of the criminal activity away. Now you can also tax it and provide healthcare. Plus, some of the curiosity disappears. Nowadays, many users are foreign visitors. Everything forbidden tends to be more attractive. Read more about the Dutch here.

Ok, our cuisine might not be famous. We get it. Expats often describe it as dull—meat, veggies, potatoes, and often, no salt.

Most Dutch will take a wholewheat sandwich with one slice of cheese or ham, nothing else, to work. The Dutch consider their main meals usually as practical. That doesn’t sound exciting.

The good news is you can find excellent restaurants with kitchens from all over the world everywhere in Amsterdam and the rest of Holland, from a quick, wholesome tasty meal to Michelin-starred restaurants. You won’t be deprived of good food here.

Due to its past colonial ties, Indonesian and Surinam cuisines are widely available around Holland. Both kitchens are amazingly flavorful and a must-try when you visit. We also have Dutch food specialties that are worth trying, believe it or not.

I’ve written a post about them. We excel in snacks, candy, pastries, seasonal products, and everything fried. A “Bitterbal” anyone? Read about Dutch Food in my post: “ Traditional Dutch Food .”

Electricity

In Holland, we use 220-230 volts. If you’re traveling from a country that uses 110-120 volts like the US or Canada, be aware that not all your devices will work here.

Usually, chargers for personal electronics and shavers can handle both voltages but check the adapter to see if this applies to your appliances.

Look at the image above to know what to look for. Our plugs are round two-prong plugs, with or without grounding. Make sure to buy a travel adapter before you leave home if your plugs look different.

Dutch medical care is considered one of the best in the world. You can find well-equipped modern hospitals in all major towns and cities nationwide. Doctors, nurses, dentists, and other healthcare professionals will speak English.

Most medicines are available in Holland. Make sure your (travel) insurance covers the total costs of medical care in Holland, or be prepared to pay upfront if you need treatment.

The medical system here works differently than in most countries. You can not go directly to the emergency room without a life-threatening emergency. Otherwise, a family doctor must refer you to a specialist if necessary.

Once you arrive, it’s important to get information from your accommodation, which family doctor to contact when you need one. Usually, this is included in the information booklet in your accommodation. If not, ask your host or at the reception.

Immigration (Passport, Visa, and ETIAS)

Most visitors from Western countries don’t need a visa for Holland when visiting as a tourist or for business. A valid passport (valid for at least three months after your intended departure) is enough.

If you live in the EU, an identity card is even sufficient.

There is some confusion out there about ETIAS. It stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. If you live outside the EU but can travel visa-free, you’ll need to apply for a pre-clearance to go to the EU when ETIAS comes into effect.

The fee will be €7, and you can apply online. Once approved, your travel authorization is valid for two years for multiple trips. ETIAS is not yet in effect. It’s expected to be launched in 2025. It’s not necessary or possible to apply for it now.

Of course, I’ll update this post when ETIAS comes into effect.

Internet In The Netherlands

Internet access is excellent in Holland. Most restaurants, hotels, and public places offer fast WIFI. If you’re staying with Dutch friends, they most likely have fast broadband Internet at home.

Still, I advise getting a local sim card with a large data allowance. It’s much easier than connecting to WIFI networks every time. And you’ll have the Internet everywhere (if not only for Google Maps !).

It’s also safer to use your data than public WIFI. Mobile Internet is so fast here that you won’t notice a difference with the internet speed at home. These high speeds mean you consume a lot more data because even watching Netflix on a mobile network is no problem.

Make sure your data bundle is adequate. I advise about 1 GB for every day you’re here in Europe. I’ve written a post on the best travel sim card for European travel.

The Dutch speak Dutch (Nederlands). To many foreigners, it sounds German. Please never, ever make the mistake of calling the Dutch language German. Or try to do your best to speak the few German words you know to a Dutch person.

The German occupation during WWII isn’t forgotten. Yes, we are friendly with our German neighbors now and welcome them to our beaches every summer, but it’s a thin layer. Calling a Dutch person German is offensive, no matter how good your intentions are.

In general, most people in Amsterdam and the rest of the country speak English. Finding your way and asking for advice or help should never be a problem. Most of my US friends say how amazed they are at the level of English here.

Do note that older people don’t always speak English very well since it wasn’t taught in school back then. Also note that although the Dutch speak English well, there are still cultural barriers like the Dutch directness. Read our article about the Dutch people to prepare yourself for this :-).

Money is always an important topic when you travel. What currency do you need? Can I use an ATM in Holland? How to exchange money, how to tip, et cetera. 

Read the answers to these questions in my post about Exchanging Currency in Amsterdam and the rest of The Netherlands.

ATM’s

ATMs are widely available. It’s legislation that ATMs must be available within a certain distance from everyone’s home to make access to cash available to everybody, even people living remotely and the elderly.

Google Maps has an excellent feature for locating the nearest ATM in Holland. Shopping centers and railway stations are always a safe bet to find one. More about ATMs can be read in my post about exchanging currency .

Sales Tax or Value Added Tax. In Dutch, we call it BTW. On non-food items, the VAT is 21%, and on food items, 9%.

The rate is steep, but VAT/BTW is included in all prices. The price you see is the price you pay. This is different than the US, for example, where sales tax is added at the register. That won’t happen here.

If you live outside the EU, you might qualify for a tax refund if you take the goods out of the country. Participating stores have a VAT refund sticker on the shop windows and near the register.

When you qualify, ask for a form at the cash register, get a customs stamp at the airport and claim your refund there. After fees, you get around 15% of the purchase amount back. In general, only large department stores and tourist shops/areas offer this service. Regular stores rarely do.

Tipping in Holland is different than, for example, in the US. It’s not mandatory or expected. Salaries here are higher than elsewhere. Still, the Dutch do tip. It’s considered rude if you receive excellent service but do not give a tip.

However, there isn’t a fixed percentage that is expected. It’s customary to tip a few euros to round up the bill. Usually, between 5 and 10% of the total amount, where 10% is considered an excellent tip.

If service is extraordinary, you can, of course, tip accordingly. But don’t tip as you would at home. That is often not expected or necessary. Tipping is expected in restaurants, private tours, and taxis. Not at many other places.

Paying To Use The Toilet

When you’re used to free public toilet access at home, you’re in for a surprise. In Holland, using one can cost between €0,50 and €1. This applies to malls, train stations, and fast-food restaurants like the Golden M.

Have some coins ready for these minor emergencies. Tip: your best bet for a free-of-charge toilet is at table service restaurants and museums.

Museum Reservations

The most well-known museums now often require a reservation with a time slot. This included the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum , and the Van Gogh Museum . All three likely sell-out, sometimes weeks (or months), in advance—especially the Anne Frank House . But also, the Van Gogh can sell out weeks in advance.

Avoid disappointment and make your reservations on time.

Opening hours

Opening hours vary from business to business. As a general rule of thumb, most shops open during office hours on Monday – Saturday. One night a week (Thursday or Friday), shops are open until 9 p.m.

This varies per city and even per suburb. In smaller towns, shops are usually closed on Monday (mornings.)

Supermarkets are usually open from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. Most supermarkets are open on Sunday, but every city has its own rules about this, and opening hours vary. Your safest bet is to go during the afternoon on a Sunday.

Some cities have Sunday opening hours for all stores, not just supermarkets, every Sunday. This is most often the case in larger cities.

Other cities allow stores to open just once a month, while others forbid their shops to open on Sundays.

Reasons for limited opening can be different. Sometimes it’s to protect worker from having to be constantly available, but most often, the reason is religious. If a city or town has a more conservative local government, stores will be closed.

Museums and restaurants are usually closed on Mondays. The exception is Amsterdam, where many museums are open seven days a week.

And remember that kitchens in restaurants often close at 10 p.m. In smaller towns, as early as 9 p.m. The Dutch eat early. The most popular times for a reservation are between 6 and 7 p.m.

I would say we Dutch are a friendly bunch. However, our reputation in the world doesn’t always match that. We’re known to be direct (sometimes offensive), our language sounds harsh to foreign ears, and some might say we’re cold. And yes, aren’t we those people legalizing prostitution and soft drugs? Ai, that almost hurt.

Thankfully most of it comes down to cultural misunderstandings. Our language sounds harder because it’s a Germanic language, and we have that hard G sound. I can guarantee you, most of the time, a conversation is friendly and polite except maybe during rush hour in traffic or when a tourist walks into the bike lane.

But believe me, that sounds very different. We are direct, yes. Get used to it. See, I’m direct too. But seriously, if you prepare yourself for it, it’s less hostile and liberating to know what the other person thinks, with no hidden agendas.

It works the other way around too. If a Dutch person tells you they like you, they genuinely do.

And about those moral laws like drugs and red lights? Rest assured. The Dutch don’t appreciate or think either activity is socially accepted.

Why is it legalized? The Dutch are pragmatic. If you can’t stop it, control it. The Dutch don’t like to preach morally (outside the bible belt, that is).

Read more about the Dutch people in this article here.

Holland has one of the best mobile phone networks in the world. The coverage is extensive, also in the countryside, in small villages, on the islands, and on beaches.

Local prepaid sim cards are available, but not easy for visitors to register. The better, cheaper, and easier option is to get a sim card for Europe with affordable bundles. Read our post for the best tourist SIM Cards in the Netherlands and Europe here.

Note because mobile coverage is this good, traditional ways to make a phone call are almost non-existent. Public phone booths are a thing of the past. Even emergency booths along the motorway are gone.

Postal Services in Holland

Post offices do not exist anymore in Holland. Today they’re called PostNL service points and are often located in shops, primarily inside books and magazine stores like Bruna or Primera. It’s just a desk. You can buy stamps at PostNL points and send letters and parcels from there. Use this link to search your nearest location.

You can also buy stamps at supermarkets like Albert Heijn. Use outdoor Orange mailboxes to post your postcards. They have two slots. Unless you have a local zipcode you’re sending to, use the “Overige Bestemmingen” slot for everything further away and international mail.

Public Holidays And Other Special Dates

Like every country, Holland has its own specific public holidays, significant dates, and school holidays. Holland doesn’t tend to have as many public holidays as many other countries do. But we have specific days like Kings Day (April 27th).

And we add 2nd days to holidays like Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas. In Holland, we use three “zones” for school holidays to spread the number of people going on holiday at once. This system extends the periods the Dutch have their school holidays. Thus prices are higher for longer. For all these dates, please check out my post on Dutch Holidays .

Public Transportation

In Holland, you’ll find excellent transit systems all around the country. The main backbone of public transport is the train system, connecting every corner of the country with high-frequency scheduled departures in every direction.

From the train station, towns and villages are connected by local buses. Or the Dutch rent a bike for the last few miles if needed. In large cities, you’ll find an extensive system of buses, trams, metro, and sometimes even ferries. Amsterdam and Rotterdam have them all.

Download the NS App on your phone. It’s available in English. You can use it for planning your journey and buying your tickets. The app accepts credit cards (that most machines do not), and you avoid the €1 surcharge for paper tickets.

Responsible travel

In today’s day and age, thinking about your environmental impact is essential when you travel. You can do many small things to make your travel less taxing on the environment.

Choose an airline using modern airplanes that emit much less than older aircraft. Even better is choosing an airline where you can offset your Co2 emission. KLM is an airline that gives you that option when you book your flight.

Within Europe, travel by train when it’s convenient. Between Amsterdam and Brussels, Frankfurt, Paris, and London, it’s easy to take a high-speed train, often just as fast or faster as a plane ride. You can check fares and travel times here. Locally, use a bike or public transport to avoid the gas emission of a taxi or Uber.

Leave No Trace behind

Leave no trace behind is global advice. When people travel, they tend to be more careless about waste than at home. Please don’t be one of them and use trashcans when you’re here. They’re everywhere.

In nature, take your empty bottles, wrappers, and other waste with you until you see a trashcan and throw it away. It’s a small effort with a significant impact.

Over-Tourism

You may have heard some places and cities worldwide suffer from over-tourism. Amsterdam is one of these cities. If you’re mindful of this topic, you can make better choices: Use local companies like us for your tours.

Go off the beaten track a bit more. Explore neighborhoods outside the city center, and go to other cities and towns so that not all visitors are concentrated in a tiny area.

Also, avoid booking general group tours through travel agents and cruise liners. The money will not stay locally, and the quality is usually subpar.

The most important thing to know is that plastic bags are not free of charge in Europe. Legislation requires businesses to charge for plastic bags. This is to encourage people to bring their own bags. And it works. Since this legislation is in place, the one-time use of plastic bags is marginalized.

The Dutch are very much into recycling. We separate glass, paper, plastic, metal, and organic waste in our homes from our regular trash.

When you see opportunities to separate your waste and recycle, please do. It’s a small effort, but again, significant consequences.

Paper and plastic are now often collected separately in public spaces, including trains, railway stations, and fast-food restaurants. Note that if you buy drinks in a bottle or can, you pay a deposit (in Dutch, it’s called “Statiegeld”).

Return these items to any supermarket when empty for a refund of that deposit (look for the return machines inside stores).

Support local

Did you know when you book tours with large global companies, their subcontractors get only pennies on the dollars you spend? Plus, the quality of these tours is substandard at best.

Expect to be taken to tourist shops and inferior restaurants and spend little time at the main attraction. Instead, look for local tours and companies recommended by independent sources that are often not by your cruise ship information desk.

Most tourist attractions can be easily accessed without needing a tour operator. Blogs like these are great for inspiration and direction. A tour can be worthwhile if you want more background information or to go to difficult-to-reach places.

Just make sure to book local and ask about what is part of the trip. Do they take you to a tourist shop, for example? (then keep looking for another tour) Is the tour recommended by a local? On my blog, you’ll only find links to tours I 100% endorse, and I only work with companies taking reasonable commissions.

You can opt for a private tour. You can book me as one . I love to take visitors inside the country. But also to show the best side of Amsterdam, including, for example, a food tour or a Rijksmuseum highlight tour. The great thing about private tours is that they can be customized to your preferences.

Disclaimer: I am not an expert on security, crime, or terrorism. Please always follow the advice from (local) authorities first.

What I say below is my honest but personal opinion from a local perspective.

Crime in general in the Netherlands is lower than in most developed countries. Due to strict weapon laws, murders are still rare. If they happen, it’s usually outside the public eye and within criminal organizations.

Also, due to a high standard of living and the Dutch value system, there is less division between income groups. Because of that, crime rates are lower. Your biggest concern should be pickpockets and bike theft. You should have a worry-free holiday if you’re mindful of your belongings, especially in busy and touristy areas. Make sure to lock your bike!

Criminal scams can happen anywhere, including in tourist places like Amsterdam. Always be vigilant.

One annoying scam for a while (not as present today as before) where fake police officers. They are dressed as legit-looking cops, but they’re not.

What can you do? 

• Ask them to speak Dutch. A fake cop is usually a criminal from Eastern Europe and can’t speak Dutch (familiarize yourself with the accent when you get here)
• Ask for their ID. Police officers should always identify themselves when asked.
• Look for an official vehicle like a police car, bicycle, motorcycle, or horse nearby, marked blue, red, and white. The correct uniform is black/yellow.
• It’s a red flag if they ask for your wallet to investigate fake money. Regular police would never do that.
• Draw attention to yourself, and yell for help if the person asks for your wallet. 

Emergency Numbers in Holland

If you have an emergency (police, fire services, and ambulance), call 112 . This is the European version of 911 in North America.

Use 112 only in a life-threatening emergency, not if your wallet is lost.

For that, you can call the police at 0900-8844 . That number is for non-life-threatening emergencies.

The safety standards for events are incredibly high. At events, there are always first-aid assistants available. There will be security and, with significant events, police presence too. Often bags are inspected, and exits are always clearly marked.

The use and possession of drugs are forbidden within the closed events areas (including soft drugs). These will be confiscated. At more significant events, there is a zero-tolerance policy (also for bringing your own alcohol.). If a person is aggressive, he or she will be arrested and often brought in front of a judge within 24 hours.

If you are an EU citizen, fines are often sent directly to your home address. They’re collected by your local authority if there is an agreement between your country and Holland. Not paying has the same consequences as at home.

If you are from outside the EU or your country does not have an agreement with Holland, you must pay fines before you leave the country, often immediately, but if not, you will be stopped at the border. Fines are high in Holland. You will get them for the usual offenses. But also for things you might not expect, like :

• Touching your phone while operating a bicycle
• Using your phone in a car while driving
• Parking a vehicle where forbidden
• Peeing on the street. Yes, gents, hold your urge even after a few beers, do not pee in the canal
• Having no official ID on you (always take your passport, a copy won’t suffice, and neither will your driver’s license if it’s from outside the EU)

Even for things listed above, the costs go quickly in the three-digit range. The canal can suddenly become a costly toilet.

LGBTQ travelers

The Netherlands is known for its liberal attitude towards the LGBTQ community. But things never are as they seem to be at first glance. Primarily, due to large influxes of migrants from traditional countries (from the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe), hostilities do increase.

More and more, you hear about threats or abuse (both physically and mentally) towards openly LGBTQ persons on the street, even in Amsterdam.

It’s one of the most upsetting things to me. I am all for immigration when people are fleeing danger and looking for safety. But then why be disrespectful of your new host country and its customs? And bring others in danger? It was voluntary to come specifically here. It’s mind-boggling to me. But unfortunately, it’s reality.

My advice is this: you’re safe inside any establishment, whether geared specifically towards LGBTQ people or for the general public. On the street, be more mindful of your surroundings. Keep public affection to a minimum, especially if youth groups are around.

Don’t think you can walk hand in hand just because at home you can’t, and here you’re free. It’s not always like that, and it hurts me to say that.

One of the great things is that the police are always your friend! Remember this.

Even if you go on a wrong date, the police will not judge you and will always help you. LGBTQ issues are part of their training. So never feel shame or fear reporting an LGBTQ-related issue to the police.

Terrorism is a tricky subject. I wish I could say Holland is safe from terrorism. Unfortunately, we live in a world where there is no such thing as a safe place. Holland has not had any significant incidents, but we came close. 

Still, the chance of personally becoming a victim of an act of terrorism is minimal, even if you visit a hotspot like London, Paris, or New York. So why limit yourself to seeing the world?

Everybody has to make their own safety assessment. But I believe it shouldn’t stop you from living and exploring.

Being as fearful as many of us became doesn’t match the statistics. Traffic or DIY projects at home are far more dangerous. Still, we do these activities without a second thought.

What can you do to minimize the chance of being involved in an incident?

• Know your exit when a need to evacuate arises, and be prepared.
• Be mindful of your surroundings. When you see odd behavior, report it. Call 112 if you feel unsafe.
• When you see an unattended bag, move away from it and call 112 immediately.
• Trust your instincts when you don’t feel safe, move away
• Read your country’s official travel advice.

Regarding the last piece of advice, be aware these sometimes can be overly cautious and sometimes even politically motivated, so they’re not always as helpful as they could be.

Solo Female Travelers

As two men, we’re not the expert on solo female travel. Thankfully, others are experts on the topic. Karen, a fantastic blogger from WanderlustingK, is a traveler-turned-local. She wrote a comprehensive post about solo female travel in Amsterdam and the rest of Holland.

But here is some general advice: Amsterdam and the rest of Holland are safe places to travel to for women. Of course, things do happen like anywhere else. Still, Holland is one of the safer destinations for solo female travelers.

Dutch women themselves are very independent. There is also a lot of security, cameras, and police presence, especially in big cities.

The Dutch tend to be a bit shy compared to other cultures. It’s not typical for a Dutch guy to approach a girl directly.

A few things to watch out for: use extra care in the red light district (everybody should, men and women). When you go out for a drink, always watch your drink. If you are harassed (most commonly by minority youths), just ignore them, and you’re fine. When you feel in real danger, always call 112 immediately.

Holland is in the GMT+1 timezone (CET), and we observe daylight saving time. That means, in general, when it’s noon in New York City, it’s 6 p.m. in Holland. When it’s noon in London, it’s 1 p.m. in Holland. And when it’s noon in Australia, it’s 2 a.m. in Holland.

I said in general because the dates of switching to daylight saving times differ worldwide. North America, for example, is usually one week behind. In that timeframe, the time difference can be larger or smaller.

In Holland (and the rest of Europe), we switch the clocks on the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October. Our best tip: when in doubt, ask Google what time it is in Holland and your home country.

Weights and Measurements

In Holland, we use the metric system. Meters, liters, and kilos and not feet, ounces, and pounds like countries that use the Imperial System.

Some of the most frequent conversions are:

• One mile = 1.609 kilometers
• One gallon = 4.546 liters
• One pound = 0.453 kilos or 453 grams

The easiest thing to do is to use Google for conversions on the fly. If you need mobile data during your visit, check out my post about this topic.

Weather and Climate

The weather in Holland. Ahh, our favorite conversational topic of them all. Our climate is considered mild. Due to its proximity to the sea, it’s not too cold or hot. We have four distinct seasons.

But climate change is changing that a bit. It hardly freezes long enough anymore to ice skate in wintertime, and summers are now often tropical. What still holds true is that the weather here is unpredictable.

You should always expect a range of temperatures. And rain is always around the corner. It didn’t get this green here from the sun. Pack accordingly. If you’re annoyed by the weather, know you’re in good company, and you’ll have the perfect conversation starter to connect with a local.

Which Travel Tips Are Most Helpful ?

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20+ Netherlands Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: June 21, 2023

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There are few countries in this world that inspire whimsy and wonder quite like the Netherlands.

Just mention the name and your brain leaps to sprawling tulip fields, bright wooden clogs, picturesque canals & comically tall cyclists going at the speed of light.

Delightful imagery aside however, there are many simple Netherlands must-knows that elude first time visitors – from what the country’s actually called to all the secret ways to save on transport and attraction tickets.

Luckily, you’re here! And you’ve landed straight in the den of an immovable Netherlands fan who has gone crawling back six or seven times over the years for “research”.

And in this post I’m finally putting that research to use. Keep scrolling for a list of my best Netherlands travel tips and must-knows, sourced over a decade of first-hand experience.

Save this list of Netherlands Travel Tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. There is a difference between the Netherlands and Holland

For years, the name Holland has been used interchangeably with the Netherlands to refer to the delightful country we’re talking about today.

… I mean, even the country’s official tourism website is Holland.com.

BUT if we’re being technical, doing so is actually…. incorrect.

The reason is simple: the Netherlands is a country comprised of twelve provinces, only two of which (North Holland and South Holland) make up “Holland”. This means calling the Netherlands “Holland” would be like calling the entirety of the US “New England” or “the Midwest”.

… In other words, it doesn’t really make sense. And also isn’t fair to the rest of the country.

This branding crisis has complicated roots that I won’t get into here, but just know that there has been a movement lately to rebrand and remind people that the country is known as “the Netherlands”, not Holland.

So, keep that one in mind.

2. There’s much more to the Netherlands than just Amsterdam

A big reason why the name “Holland” has stuck is because historically, this has been one of the most visited parts of the country in terms of tourism (with Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague all situated in Holland).

But as we now know, there’s much more to the Netherlands than just Holland, and far more for tourists to see than just Amsterdam.

So be sure to diversify your itinerary a bit during your trip! Given the compact size of the country and the ease of public transport, you really have no excuse.

From Amsterdam, you can reach tons of cool cities like Haarlem, Utrecht, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Delft within an hour, all of which offer a calmer alternative to the crowded chaos of Amsterdam.

And those who dare venture further will find everything from adorable villages like Giethoorn and Valkenburg to picturesque beaches, islands and national parks all over the country.

… So yes, there’s plenty more places to see in the Netherlands than just Amsterdam. Be sure to take advantage.

3. Spring may be the best (though busiest) time to visit the Netherlands

In terms of when to visit, you really can’t beat Spring.

Granted, Dutch weather is notoriously hit and miss, meaning Spring time can yield just as many downpours as it does sunny days, but this time of year is the ideal period to catch those world famous Dutch tulips… and let me tell you, every bit of rain (and crowds) is worth it!

Of course, tulip season varies year to year so it’s tough to predict exactly when it happens, but if you are specifically planning a trip to see tulips, mid April is usually the safest time.

4. Winter or Fall are also great times to visit if you’re looking to avoid crowds

Of course, the major downside of Spring travel in the Netherlands is crowds.

Every year, millions flock to the country for a glimpse of those vibrant bulbs…

So if you value your personal space and sanity over cute photos of flora, my best Netherlands travel tip for you would be to visit during Winter or Fall, while steering clear of July and August, as well as school holidays like Easter because that’s when crowds and prices are at their worst.

5. Use 9292 to plan your journeys on public transport

In terms of getting around, public transport in the Netherlands is honestly a dream.

And one really great Netherlands transport tip I have for you is to check out the website/app known as 9292 .

This magic wizard app shows you all the best connections from Point A to Point B using Dutch trains, buses, and trams. All you need to do is enter your Departure Point and Destination, and it’ll even tell you how much it should cost (giving it a clear edge over Google Maps).

So, be sure to save it for your trip!

7. For ease, use your contactless cards for train travel

If you plan on taking trains in the Netherlands, one good thing to know is that Dutch train prices are fixed based on distance, meaning no difference whether you buy tickets ahead of time or on the day of (apart from a 10% off-peak advance discount if you book early enough, which I’ll discuss later).

All that to say, planning train travel in advance is much less important here than in some other countries.

To make things even easier, as of 2023, you can even use contactless credit and debit cards to pay at the fare gates, which means you can show up at the station without a ticket and go right through by tapping in and out with your card.

The correct amount will then be charged to your card automatically. It genuinely couldn’t be simpler.

8. Learn all the ways to save money on train tickets

As you could probably tell from my feverish rants, I’m a huge fan of train travel in the Netherlands – squeaky clean, easy to use and ultra widespread, with about 400 train stations across the country.

Sadly, there is a downside. Trains in the Netherlands can cost many a penny.

But before you start docking funds from your Stroopwafel fund, here are some easy ways to save money on Dutch train tickets:

• Off-Peak Early Booking: Often you can get a small discount of 10% for booking a digital ticket at least four days in advance for offpeak periods (meaning weekdays before 06:30, between 09:00 and 16:00, and after 18:30, as well as all day during weekends and public holidays).
• Off-Peak Group Tickets: Buying a group ticket for off-peak periods often means lower prices per person.
• Day tickets: Buying a day ticket means you pay one price and get unlimited travel during the day. This kind of ticket would be ideal for big day trips.
• Attraction / special deal tickets: The official NS website here has a page of special deals and offers, usually including admission to attractions with some food and the train tickets all for one set price.

9. Don’t miss the free train WiFi

Okay: last piece of positive Dutch train propaganda – there’s usually WiFi on board – just look for the network WiFi in de trein.

10. Dutch is the official language, but don’t stress about learning beyond the basics

Language-wise, the official language of the Netherlands is Dutch…

But honestly, it’s incredible how well some Dutch people speak English. Especially younger Dutchies living in big cities.

Not only do they have immaculate grammar most of the time – they get the slang, they get the humour… it’d be borderline enraging if it wasn’t so impressive.

So, that said – don’t worry too much about mastering Dutch before your trip, although knowing some basics like greetings and thank you ( dankjewel , pronounced “donk-yeh-vel!”) is advised.

11. Learn to pronounce the places you’ve visiting

Dutch is a tough language, and while you won’t need to learn everything during your visit, one important Netherlands tip I have for you in terms of language is to (at the very least) learn how to pronounce the names of places you’re visiting.

Because while Dutch people can speak phenomenal English, one area where they struggle is understanding mis pronounced versions of Dutch place names, because well, they know how to say everything correctly.

So, if you keep yelling “GEET-HORN” at them when they know it as “hyeet-hoorn” (with plenty of throat action), they may have no idea what place you’re asking about.

So if you need to ask for directions at any point, knowing how to pronounce names can be really helpful.

PS: It would be helpful to learn all the Dutch names of your destinations too, as trains and buses tend to display those rather than English names.

12. Don’t be shocked by Dutch directness

Much like German efficiency, Dutch directness is a stereotype that has a longstanding reputation in Europe. Most say it’s a result of Dutch culture’s emphasis on honesty… but for some first time visitors, this difference in communication may come off as harsh or rude.

Search up “Dutch directness” and you’ll be bombarded with tales from tourists and expats alike – from co-workers commenting that they hate your haircut to customer service professionals asking “what do you want?!”

And while I haven’t quite had this experience, it’s worth noting that Dutch communication styles may vary from where you’re from, so if you feel that someone is being abrupt with you, it could just be that infamous Dutch directness at play… so don’t take anything personally!

13. Visiting for tulip season? Book a photo session at a special farm

If you plan to join the flower-hungry army of tourists that descend upon the Netherlands every Spring, then here’s one important must-know: there are special farms you can visit that are made specifically for photos.

Why would you partake in something that’s so shamelessly vain? Well, it may come as a shock, but regular tulip farmers don’t take too kindly to strangers trampling their fields in search of photos.

… And simply admiring fields from afar isn’t quite the magical bucket list experience many hope for.

Hence, the establishment of photo-forward tulip farms! They really are the perfect solution. You pay a fee and get free reign at the tulip photoshoot of your dreams (filled with cute props and installations), and no innocent ‘made for sale’ tulips need to be sacrificed in the process. It’s a win win.

On my recent trip, I went to the Tulip Barn in Hillegom and had SO much fun. Truth be told, I might have even enjoyed it more than the famous Keukenhof gardens nearby…

On that note…

14. Beware that Keukenhof is a flower garden, not a flower field

Year after year, I hear accounts of disappointment from visitors to the Dutch wonderland known as Keukenhof, AKA Europe’s most famous flower garden.

The reason for their floral despair? The lack of sprawling tulip fields.

And, fair enough, marketing materials for Keukenhof (and 3rd party companies selling tours to Keukenhof) can be deceptive, so let me be clear right now: if your goal is to frolic through dreamy fields of tulip after tulip, Keukenhof is not where you want to be.

You can think of Keukenhof more as a manicured garden/flower show, filled with themed displays and installations. Is it beautiful? Of course! But the only fields you’ll see there are from a distance (or from a very sad little boat ride that circles them, with no possibility to stop or get out).

So before you book that (admittedly) pricey ticket to Keukenhof , know what you’re in for. My full guide to Keukenhof can help with that.

15. Book tickets for big attractions well in advance

The Netherlands is an amazing country to visit for culture lovers, with more museums and galleries than you could ever reasonably visit.

The good news is, there’s plenty of cool attractions to enjoy. The bad news is, you definitely won’t be alone in enjoying them.

So, especially if you’re visiting the Netherlands during peak seasons like Spring and Summer, make sure you book your must-see attractions in advance. For particularly big sights like the Anne Frank House, doing so weeks, if not months in advance, is necessary for avoiding disappointment.

And if you see skip the line tickets – treat yourself to them. Time is money!

16. Know where to find the best attraction deals

Another downside of major Dutch attractions? They can burn some deep holes in your wallet.

Unlike many other countries in Europe, I found the Netherlands to be lacking in age-based discounts unless you’re a literal child (meaning few discounts for students, youth and seniors).

Nonetheless, there are some other ways to save money if you’re crafty! Here are some:

• Sightseeing passes and cards e.g. the I amsterdam Card : Well worth it if you plan to do many attractions because it gives you access to multiple attractions for one set price. Be sure to crunch the numbers first though because the passes themselves are often quite expensive, and not worth it unless you’re doing a LOT of attractions.
• Bundle deals: Great for saving a bit of cash on 2-3 attractions. Be sure to browse sites like GetYourGuide or Tiqets , where there’s often deals that combine two or more attractions for a slight discount e.g. this ticket that combines the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam with a canal cruise.

17. Beware of bike lanes

Alright, now moving onto more practical Netherlands travel tips for when you arrive.

This one may be the most important one on the list. Please, for the love of Gogh, be mindful of bike lanes. They’re everywhere in the Netherlands because everybody and their mom here rides bikes, and it’s VERY easy to accidentally walk on one if you’re not used to them.

So, if you see any red asphalt paths, steer clear. Unless “getting run over by a bike” is on your Netherlands bucket list.

This is what bike lanes will typically look like, although the never-ending parade of bicycles on it will probably also be a good sign:

18. Don’t rent a bike in the Netherlands unless you’re super confident on one

While most tourist guides will recommend renting a bike to “experience the Netherlands like a local”, I’m going to take the opposite approach and say….. don’t. Save yourself.

As I’ve mentioned before, Dutch cyclists are next level. They practically exit the womb on a bike.

And they don’t have much patience for struggling tourists, so unless you’re an excellent cyclist who is familiar with the Dutch rules of the road, don’t rent one just for the experience, unless said experience is making every cyclist in the Netherlands hate you.

19. Bring cash

Another important Netherlands must-know? Make sure you always have a bit of cash.

While card payments are widely accepted in the Netherlands these days, the Dutch tend to prefer using debit over credit.

As such, you might have trouble paying with a credit card in some places, which is why I would recommend having cash on you just in case.

Up until 2023, some places would even only accept Maestro debit cards (which were previously only used in Europe). Luckily, they are now in the process of phasing them out , which means the Netherlands is likely to become a lot more Visa/Mastercard-friendly in the near future.

On my most recent trip, I noticed that my Visa credit card would randomly not work at certain supermarkets and shops, so for ease of mind, I’d recommend always having at least a bit of cash.

20. Bring coins for public toilets… especially if you’re a woman

Like in many other European countries, sadly public toilets in the Netherlands aren’t free, with toilets in train stations costing as much as 70 cents!

So, bring coins with you to make sure you have a way to pay.

While some of the more modern machines will accept card payments, I ran into a faulty machine that refused my card no matter what, so I needed a friend to let me in!

…. and yes, it was embarrassing, so bring coins to avoid being sad like me.

NOTE: Around the Netherlands, there actually are public urinals set up on the street that are free to use, but toilets for my fellow squatters are far less common, and far less free.

21. Bring a jacket with a hood

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from my travels in the Netherlands, it’s this: prepare for rain. Random rain. And lots of it.

Bundled with vicious winds, Dutch rain can be brutal, and the best defence is (in my opinion) a solid jacket with a hood, rather than an umbrella.

After all, the only thing more embarrassing than needing someone to pay for your pee break is the walk of shame when your umbrella flips inside out.

So yes, bring a jacket with a hood. Even in the summer. You just never know.

22. Try all the best Dutch delicacies

Ahh, now onto tastier Dutch travel tips.

The Netherlands may not be particularly known for its cuisine, but there are a few standouts in my mind that are well worth trying for any first time visitor… usually in the calorically dense snack food category. I apologize in advance to your arteries.

Here are a few iconic Dutch foods/experiences to try:

• Hagelslag: Sprinkles usually served on buttered bread for breakfast. SO GOOD!
• Automats: Wall-mounted vending machines that serve hot food in little cubbies. It’s not the best food in the world but it’s a fun novelty that allows you to try some classic Dutch snacks like croquettes and bitterballen with minimal effort.
• Stroopwafel: Two thin cookies pressed together with a caramel filling, and sure to ruin your for other cookies. NOTE: Be sure to try a plain one first. Many places these days do fancy ones coated in chocolate and other toppings, but to me original is best.

Lastly, of course I can’t talk about Dutch food without mentioning the most famous street food – raw herring.

With stalls all across the country selling this unique delicacy, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try it. Just remember to eat it correctly – hold it by the tail and let it slide into your mouth and throat. Yum!

23. Know the difference between coffee shops, cafes and brown bars

Ahh, now THIS is a must-know for first time visitors to the Netherlands. If you’re drowsy and trying to caffeinate for the day, be very careful where you go, because “coffee shop” here doesn’t mean what you think it means.

… because that’s where marijuana is sold!

Sure, sometimes they sell coffee too, but their main purpose is trading cash for hash.

Further complicating things: don’t forget that there are also ‘brown cafés’ or brown bars, which are like cozy traditional pubs for enjoying a drink or two. Going to one is a must when in the Netherlands!

In summary:

• If you want coffee, go to a cafe
• If you want marijuana, go to a coffee shop
• If you want an alcoholic beverage in a pub-like setting, go to a brown cafe or brown bar

24. Plan around some cool annual events

Alright, are you ready for some insider Netherlands knowledge?

If you’re still in the planning stages of your trip, here are two annual events to have on your radar:

• Museum Week: Happens every Spring, where many museums nationwide offer free entry and special exhibitions/events.
• Open Garden Days: Happens one weekend a year in June, where many canal houses will open their doors to the public so you an admire their hidden gardens. One paid ticket gets you access to 30+ participating gardens! I happened upon this event one year and it was SO cool.

25. Be respectful of Dutch customs that are different to yours

Last but not least, it has to be said: the Netherlands is a unique place, with a lot of rules and customs that may differ from your home country.

For instance, many first time visitors are surprised to see that prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, or that marijuana is decriminalized.

And while surprise is fine, being obnoxious and vocal about these differences is not.

Remember, what seems utterly novel to you is just the normal way for locals, meaning you should be respectful, considerate and… not do things like take photos of women in Red Light Districts because of their perceived novelty.

Tourists (especially in Amsterdam) have developed a pretty nasty reputation among Dutch locals over the years, with multiple campaigns aimed at cracking down on ‘rowdy tourists’.

So, remember to be a polite guest and treat both locals and destinations with utmost respect!

I hope this list of Netherlands travel tips was helpful!

I admit this was a VERY long list of tips for Netherlands travel, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments.

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Netherlands Tourism

The Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands

50 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Things to do in the Netherlands – The ultimate Top 50!

20 Amazing National Parks in the Netherlands

The 8 most impressive castles in the Netherlands

18 stunningly beautiful pictures of Amsterdam

14 Reasons to visit the Netherlands in Spring!

The Dutch Culture

History of the Netherlands

17 Places to Visit in the Netherlands That Aren't Amsterdam

By Caitlin Morton and Katherine LaGrave

Amsterdam is probably the first stop on anyone's trip to the Netherlands—and for good reason. But there is so much more to this small country (about one-third the size of Pennsylvania) than its capital city. Think rows of windmills, fields of tulips , and cities bursting with culture and charm. Luckily for you, it's all just a short drive or train ride away from that main city hub. Here's a list to get you started.

This piece was originally published in May 2018. It has been updated with new information.

Affectionately referred to as the "Venice of the Netherlands," this village's thatched roof farmhouses and wooden arch bridges can be explored via bike lanes or canals—either by boat, or by ice skating during the frozen winter months.

Beemster Polder

About thirteen miles north of Amsterdam, the Beemster region is an example of a Dutch polder—a flat piece of green farmland formed by draining a body of water. Aside from its cultural significance (it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999), Beemster Polder is a gorgeous landscape, complete with little canals, windmills, and lush, green fields. Make sure to stop by Middenbeemster, which, like most towns in the country, is impossibly charming.

The canals of Utrecht have two stories, where centuries-old wharf cellars now serve as spots to enjoy food and drinks at water level—something unique to this city. You can also enjoy the towering churches and cozy cafes of Utrecht via cycling, as it's one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. It's also the perfect place for history buffs, with sites like the Dom Tower and Centraal Museum offering glimpses into the country's past.

De Hoge Veluwe National Park

This park is one of the largest in Holland, and within its 13,343 acres, counts rare wildlife, some of the most iconic buildings in the Netherlands, and the Kröller-Müller museum, which showcases a collection of nineteenth and twentieth century art in addition to the largest private collection of Van Goghs . Zoom around on a (free) white bike—the park has 1,800 available for rent.

Emily Zemler

Lauren Dana Ellman

Many people flock to Delft for its eponymous blue pottery, but don't overlook the unspoiled town's Renaissance architecture and Vermeer Centre museum (the Dutch painter, famous for such works as Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Milkmaid , was born and died here).

Texel Island

Texel is the largest and most populated of the West Frisian Islands, also known as the Wadden Islands, due to their location in the Wadden Sea. The island offers landscapes unlike anything else on the mainland, including sweeping sand dunes, salt marshes filled with lavender , and beaches lined with bungalows.

Beloved by photographers and available to rent on Airbnb, the Piet Blom-designed cube houses are reason enough to visit the country's second-largest city. But so are the bars and restaurants, soaring Erasmus Bridge, and LED-lit Market Hall.

The village of Kinderdijk is probably what comes to mind when you imagine a bucolic Dutch countryside—in other words, lots of windmills. The 19 monumental mills were built in the early eighteenth century to prevent flooding and keep soil dry, and the mill network has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997.

Located in the province of Limburg (near the Belgian border), Thorn is postcard-pretty with cobblestone roads and white-washed brick buildings. Its can't-miss attraction is the tenth-century abbey church in the town center.

Zaanse Schans

If you're looking for a snapshot of Dutch history, head to Zaanse Schans: Here, in this collection of windmills and houses, the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries are brought to life. Don't miss the cheese factory .

Amsterdam may be the capital, but the Dutch parliament meets in this stunning city on the North Sea. Within its Gothic Inner Court lie some of the country's best museums , including an homage to M.C. Escher and the Mauritshuis (which houses Girl with the Pearl Earring ).

Alkmaar has many intriguing museums and lots of medieval architecture worth checking out, but most travelers flock here for one reason: cheese . The town is known for its traditional cheese market, which takes place on Friday mornings from April to early September.

Often dubbed "Little Amsterdam," Haarlem has all the appeal of the capital city with none of the crowds. Make a point to visit Jopenkerk , a brewery housed in a converted fourteenth-century cathedral.

You can't visit Holland and not expect to see some technicolor tulips. There are many places around the country to view the beautiful flowers , but the Keukenhof Gardens (open from March to May) and sprawling fields around the town of Lisse are a sure thing.

This picturesque fishing village is Holland’s best-known for a reason: it's filled with colorful wooden houses, bobbing fishing boats, and seafood stall after seafood stall dishing up fish and chips, smoked eel, and pickled herring piled high with onions.

This coastal wetland—a UNESCO World Heritage site , and the "largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats in the world"—is home to a number of animal species including the harbor seal, grey seal, and harbor porpoise. There are some 50 islands here; the Netherlands "owns" five of them.

If you like technology and design, head to Eindhoven. Don't miss the Van Abbemuseum (modern and contemporary art), Strijp-S (a creative and cultural center housed in an industrial park), and the Inkijkmuseum (a micro museum located in a former washhouse). Looks can be deceiving: Cutting-edge Eindhoven is one of the oldest cities in Holland.

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• 22 Best Places To Visit In Netherlands: The Perfect Mixture Of Art And Culture

23 Mar 2023

The crown jewel of Europe, the Netherlands is one of the many fascinating holiday destinations across the world that steals away the hearts of all travelers. It’s a treasure trove of rich history, heritage, culture, and art. But where to head to in the Netherlands? Here is a short, crisp glance at some of the best places to visit in Netherlands that will make you pack your bags right away. From endless flower fields and high windmills to beautiful water canals and scenic architecture, Netherlands had got all for you in one place.

Top 22 Places To Visit In Netherlands

This list of the best places to visit in Netherlands is all you need for your trip to this beautiful European country that caters to every kind of explorer – the hopeless romantic, the photography fanatic, the history buff, and the nature lover!

• Amsterdam : A Beautiful City
• Delft : Celebrate The Artwork
• Rotterdam : Perfect Blend Of History & Culture
• The Hague : For A Vibrant Nightlife
• Maastricht : With A Medieval-Era Architecture
• Edam : A Tourist’s Personal Favorite
• Eindhoven : Explore The Museums
• Leiden : For A Scenic Experience
• Utrecht : Explore The Incredible Architecture
• Giethoorn : For Super Scenic Waterways
• Leeuwarden : Your Offbeat Destination
• Haarlem : A Medieval City
• Groningen : Experience The Splendid Canals
• Middelburg : An Old Town In Netherlands
• Volendam : Of The Most Charming Places
• Kinderdijk : Discover The Rural Village
• Thorn : A Picture-Perfect Destination
• Alkmaar : Know More About Dutch Architecture
• Breda : A Place With A History
• Gouda : Famous For Its World-Class Cheese
• Arnhem : An Old Settlement
• Texel : Dive Into The Culture

1. Amsterdam: A Beautiful City

Image Source

Undoubtedly, one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands, Amsterdam is renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is an awesome package of stunning scenery and significant history, mixed with a great nightlife and a cosmopolitan culture. This is among the most unique places to visit in Netherlands.

Location: North Holland Places To Visit In Amsterdam : The Anne Frank House, Bloemenmarkt, Vondelpark, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and more Things To Do In Amsterdam: Catch the ferry to Amsterdam North, Take the canal cruise, Discover the world famous shopping streets.

Must Read: Sizzling Nightlife In Amsterdam

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2. Delft: Celebrate The Artwork

Featuring many intriguing artworks, Delft is a progressive town working hard on restoring its antiqued appearance. With its extremely charming water canals, numerous museums and fabulous artworks, the downtown of Delft is among the beautiful places in Netherlands other than Amsterdam. Delft is famous for being the birthplace of famous Dutch artist, Johannes Vermeer and also for its blue and white Delftware crockery. The place is counted among the best cities to visit in the Netherlands. 

Location: West Netherlands Places To Visit In Delft: The Old Canal (Oude Delft), The Lambert Van Meerten Museum, The Vermeer Delft Museum, Delft City Hall, The Prince’s Court and Prinsenhof Museum and more. Things To Do In Delft: Climb the bell tower in the New Church for incredible views of miles away, Learn the insights of the Delft Pottery at Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles.

3. Rotterdam: Perfect Blend Of History & Culture

Image Credit: Yorick Groen for wikipedia Given its history and beauty, it is the perfect escape for vacationers of all kinds: families, friends, and couples. Located in the South of the Netherlands, Rotterdam is globally renowned for being one of the most beautiful places in Netherlands. Its blend of history, culture, rich architecture, and major city attractions allure visitors worldwide.

Location: South Netherlands Places To Visit In Rotterdam: Rotterdam Central Station, The Euromast Tower, De Markthal, Rotterdam Zoo, Climbing Park Fun Forest and more are some prominent places to visit in Rotterdam Netherlands. Things To Do In Rotterdam: Take part in workshops and tastings at Fenix Food Factory, and also witness the ports of the town with the Rotterdam Boat Tour.

Suggested Read: 10 Best Beaches In Netherlands 

4. The Hague: For A Vibrant Nightlife

The Hague is home to the Dutch government, despite the fact that Amsterdam is the capital of Netherlands. Visitors here love its modern vibe but more than that, they are entranced by its old world charm that can only be felt when you actually visit the city. The city also boasts of its vibrant nightlife with its grounded art and culture.

Location: South Holland Places To Visit In The Hague: Madurodam, Mauritshuis, Binnenhof, Duinrell and Gemeentemuseum Den Haag are some of the most famous places to visit in Hague Netherlands. Things To Do In The Hague: See the sky as a curved surface at the Celestial Vault, Witness some natural wonders at the First Natural Lanzart.

5. Maastricht: With A Medieval-Era Architecture

Image Credit: Turkish414 for Pixabay

If at all there is one thing that you can’t miss on a Netherlands sightseeing vacation, it is a visit to this historic city of Maastricht. Considered to be one of the best places to visit in Netherlands , it is a must for everyone to witness the stunning package of medieval architecture and modern atmosphere that the town offers.

Location: South Netherlands Places To Visit In Maastricht: Bonnefanten Museum, Mount Saint Peter and the St. Pietersberg Caves, The Old Town Walls and Hell Gate, Natural History Museum Things To Do In Maastricht: Walking in Maastricht: Wilhelminabrug and St. Servaasbrug, Visit the Red Church at Sint Janskerk

Suggested Read: 27 Best Places For Bachelor Party In The World 

6. Edam: A Tourist’s Personal Favorite

Image Source What makes it a hot favourite among tourists is the Wednesday cheese market it hosts. Edam owes its fame to the fact that it’s the producer of world famous Edam Cheese which is exported to the world. Also, Edam is an important town historically and that is why it is yet another town in the list of places to visit in Netherlands other than Amsterdam.

Location: North Holland Places To Visit In Edam: Volendam Museum, Paard Van Marken, Edams Museum, Edam Cheese Market and more. Things To Do In Edam: Cheese tasting at the Edams Cheese Market and explore this small historic town with the windmills at the countryside.

7. Eindhoven: Explore The Museums

Image Source It is the numerous and varied types of museums in Eindhoven which makes it one of the most famous places among the top 10 places to visit in Netherlands. Eindhoven boasts of its fair share to creativity, technology, and design. It is undoubtedly a must visit on a trip to Netherlands. It is among the famous places to visit in Netherlands.

Location: South Netherlands Places To Visit In Eindhoven: Van Abbemuseum, Philips Museum, DAF Museum, PSV Museum and more. Things To Do In Eindhoven: Visit Speelpark De Splinter for a wonderful day out at this famous picnic spot, You can also do a two-hour design themed tour of the city and guided cycle tours are also available to know the insights of the Eindhoven.

Suggested Read: 5 Bizarre Cruises In Netherlands 

8. Leiden: For A Scenic Experience

Image Credit: Csupordezso for Pixabay

Housing various tree lined canals marked with old windmills and numerous museums ranging from science and natural history to Egyptian history, Leiden is among the must see famous places in Netherlands. The scenic canals, abundant wooden bridges and lush covered parks make the city ideal for visiting.

Location: South Holland Places to Visit In Leiden: Museum Boerhaave, National Museum of Antiquities, Hortus Botanicus Leiden, The Molen De Valk Windmill Museum and more. Things To Do In Leiden: Walk on Leiden stones and Visit the world’s second oldest observatory at the Leiden Observatory.

9. Utrecht: Explore The Incredible Architecture

Image Credit: Edwin for Pixabay

Primarily famous for housing the largest college in Holland, the University of Utrecht, it also owes its fame to incredible historic city architecture. An iconic site that has been associated with the medieval period since a very long now and has a plethora of scenic water canals, this one is a must visit attraction for all.

Location: Central Netherlands Places To Visit In Utrecht: The Oude Hortus, Trajectum Lumen, DOMunder, Dom Tower and more Things To Do In Utrecht: Bike tours, Boat excursions

Suggested Read: 10 Castles In Netherlands 

10. Giethoorn: For Super Scenic Waterways

Giethoorn is quite interesting. You ought to love the place anyhow. It allows you spend your vacation among super scenic surroundings of waterways and canals on the village side. The best way to reach Giethoorn is either by a boat or by off roading on a bicycle. It is also called the ‘Village With No Roads’. Set amidst absolute tranquility of nature, Giethoorn is among the best places to see in Netherlands.

Location: Overijssel, Netherlands Places To Visit In Giethoorn: Museum De Oude Aarde, Museum Gloria Maris, The Histomobile and more Things To Do In Giethoorn: Chill and admire the glorious canals and their beauty and spend some quality time with your family.

11. Leeuwarden: Your Offbeat Destination

One of the offbeat places in Netherlands, Leeuwarden is another stunning tourist place in the league of top places to visit in Netherlands. Leeuwarden’s close proximity to Amsterdam makes it an ideal one day getaway from the capital. The place got a good number of places to eat and drink as well as some galleries and museums which showcase precious artworks.

Location: Friesland, Netherlands Places To Visit In Leeuwarden: Aqua Zoo Friesland, Fries Museum, Natuurmuseum and Keramiekmuseum Princessehof Things To Do In Leeuwarden: Discover the 11 fountains and enjoy the nightlife in Leeuwarden

Suggested Read: 20 Kickass Honeymoon Destinations

12. Haarlem: A Medieval City

Located merely 15 minutes away from Amsterdam and Schiphol airport, Haarlem is a medieval yet charming city which boasts of numerous intact medieval structures around the town. The city got some excellent dining options, shopping opportunities, and some great beaches in the close vicinity too. What else does one need when deciding upon the best places to visit in Netherlands!

Location: Northwest Netherlands Places To Visit In Haarlem: Grote Kerk, Frans Hals Museum, Teylers Museum, Ten Boom Museum and more. Things To Do In Haarlem: Climb a landmark windmill, Hit the shops, Discover Haarlem’s hidden courtyards, Cycle to the beach, Go beer tasting in a former church.

13. Groningen: Experience The Splendid Canals

Another Netherlands top attractions is Groningen because it is a hub of history, culture, and art backed by splendid beauty of canals and waterways. If you take yourself as history buff or a nature lover then a vacation in Groningen is perfect for you. The city also boasts of two famous colleges and a vibrant nightlife as well.

Location: North Netherlands Places To Visit In Groningen: Groninger Museum, Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum, Nederlands Stripmuseum and more Things To Do In Groningen: Shop till you drop in Groningen, Discover some of the best restaurants in Groningen

Suggested Read: 10 Churches In Netherlands 

14. Middelburg: An Old Town In Netherlands

Image Credit: Djedj for Pixabay

Originally established to withstand Viking attacks, Middelburg is the oldest town which makes it the best tourist places in Netherlands. Middelburg is also one of the best places to visit in Netherlands. You would not want to miss out on this culturally and architecturally rich city on your trip to Netherlands.

Location: South Western Netherlands Places To Visit In Middelburg: Delta Works, Mini Mundi, Zeeuws Museum, Vleeshal Middelburg Things To Do In Middelburg: Bicycle tour, Shopping in Town Hall, Dine in the attractive restaurants in the town.

15. Volendam: Of The Most Charming Places 

Located just 12 kilometers North of Amsterdam, Volendam is a delightful fishing village. This is among the most charming places to visit in the Netherlands other than Amsterdam. Famous for its local delicacies, fish, and cheese, it’s a must-visit for foodies. Leaving Volendam without sampling its tantalizing cuisine would not do justice to your trip.

Location: Northeast of Amsterdam Places To Visit In Volendam: Volendam Museum, Paard Van Marken, Edams Museum, Edam cheese market Things To Do In Volendam: Go fishing and try fishes at various restaurants in Volendam

Suggested Read: 35 Best Places To Spend Christmas In Europe

16. Kinderdijk: Discover The Rural Village

Kinderdijk is an ideal example of a rural village in the Netherlands known for its iconic 18th-century windmills. Enjoy the lush greenery and beautiful countryside scenes that is quintessentially Dutch. The 19 windmills erected in the village, that were used to avoid flooding and keep the soil dry, have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site. So, you ought to check them out. For someone who likes the countryside, will fall in love with the criss-cross bike trails, waterways, and footpaths.

Location: Molenwaard, Netherlands Places To Visit: Museummolen Nederwaard, Museummolen Blokweer,Donckse Forest Things To Do: Check out the windmills, go hiking or biking, explore the village

17. Thorn: A Picture-Perfect Destination

Image Credit: ID 12019 for Pixabay

Every instragrammer and photographer ought to check this placeout in the Netherlands because that is how charming and pretty this place in the Netherlands. The place lies near the Belgium border. it is hard to fall in love with the cobbled streets, white-washed brick buildings, and charming scenery. Don’t miss the tenth century abbey church in the town center.

Location: Limburg Places To Visit: Gemeentemuseum Land van Thorn, Abdijkerk Thorn, Begijnhof Things To Do: Guided tours, visit to the museum

Suggested Read: Amsterdam In March

18. Alkmaar: Know More About Dutch Architecture

Alkmaar is a very fascinating destination for visitors who want to know more about Dutch architecture and history as it goes back to 900 AD. Once upon a time, Alkmaar was a very important agricultural hub. The place had a floating auction house and farmers came from far off places to sell their produce here.

Location: Netherlands Places to visit: The Broeker Veiling Museum, Piet Windmill, Weighing house, Cheese Museum, and the national beer museum are a must to have on the itinerary. Things to do: Visit the museum, go strolling through the place, visit the marketplace.

19. Breda: A Place With A History

Breda is an interesting medieval city which is also a must-see attraction for people who want to explore the architecture and history of the place. This was once fortified and has always occupied a very important strategic position. It also has a well preserved historic center till date. There are a lot of storehouses and Gastespoort in Port quarter which is one of the famous Breda’s three medieval gates.

Location: North Brabant Province Places to visit: The Breda Castle, the Grote Kerk which dates back to 1920; the Begijnhof, Spaniard’s hole. Things to do: Visit the Breda Museum which is located in a Meat Hall dating back to the 17th century, go hiking, go cycling in Mastbos which is a beautiful woodland near the Bouvigne castle.

Suggested Read: Shopping In Netherlands

20. Gouda: Famous For Its World-Class Cheese

Gouda is a popular tourist destination for its world-famous cheese which has been produced in the region for centuries. Cheese lovers and foodies alike shouldn’t miss out on the chance to visit the place on a Thursday (in the months of April to August). This is the time when the city comes to life due to its age-old cheese markets for its tourists to enjoy.

Location: Netherlands Places to visit: Historic Center, Cheese Museum Things to do: Visit the cheese market and take part in cheese weighing, auctioning, making and more, Go for wine and beer tastings, go for canal cruises, take a guided walking tour.

21. Arnhem: An Old Settlement

It is a small old town situated on the place of a Roman settlement. This town is an ideal place for discovering the Gelderland province since they have a lot to showcase. When here make sure to explore the old city center which you can easily tour on foot to see a lot of 15th-century style of architecture along with parts of the beautiful old town walls. When preparing the list of things to see in Netherlands, don’t forget to add this amazing destination. 

Location: Netherlands Places to visit: Netherlands Open Air Museum, Airborne Museum Hartenstein, Kroller Muller Museum, Wine Museum. Things to do: Go cycling at the National Park de Hoge Veluwe, go strolling through the old city.

Suggested Read: 7 Spectacular Beaches In Amsterdam 

22. Texel: Dive Into The Culture

It is the biggest Frisian Island located just off the mainland of northern Holland. It offers travelers a wide range of activities to take part in. This is a great place to take your family for a little vacation since there are a lot of interesting places for dining and shopping here. There are also many museums and other landmarks here which will fascinate the kids and adults alike.

Location: Northern Holland Places to visit: The Whaler’s Cottage, the Shipwreck, and Beachcombing Museum, the Aviation and Wartime Museum, the Local History Museum. Things to do: Get a bicycle and go exploring the 30 km long coastline, visit the beaches during summer months, go kite sailing, enjoy surfing, go swimming, go windsurfing and go catamaran sailing.

Further Read: 10 Most Popular Europe Trips 

The Netherlands is an amazing city to visit for a vacation. It’s fascinating history, couple with its cozy weather and the innumerable activities which visitors can engage in gives anyone lots of options to explore. All these best places to visit in Netherlands await you for the most unforgettable vacation of your lives! Pick your favorite destination and book for your trip to Netherlands  with TravelTriangle NOW!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Netherlands

What is the Netherlands known for?

The is known for being a small country but having a rich culture and heritage and for the many amazing places to visit in Netherlands. that’s a wonderful destination and is also known for its great cuisine.

What countries make up the Netherlands?

The constituent of all countries which are Aruba, Curacao, Sint Marteen and the Netherlands.

Is Denmark better than Netherlands?

Both Netherlands and Denmark are special in their own ways. Denmark is home to some majestic castles, captivating landscapes and innovative architecture whereas Netherlands is known for its rich history, culture and art.

What can I shop for in Netherlands?

There are many things that you can shop for in the Netherlands. Some of those things are Blond Amsterdam Breakfast set, handmade wallets, Dutch Licorice, customised clogs and bathrobes.

What is the best time to visit the Netherlands?

The country enjoys a temperate climate with milder summers as compared to the moderate winters. If you enjoy the company of tulips blooming, then, the time period between March and Mid May would be the best time to visit the Netherlands, along with other places to visit in Europe.

What are the top places to visit in the Netherlands in January?

Winters may not be the wisest time to visit The Netherlands weather-wise, but it surely has a huge number of museums and indoor tourist attractions that might save you from the cold outside. We’d recommend places like Groningen, Haarlem, Leiden, Delft, and Utrecht to visit in The Netherlands in January.

What are the places to visit in the Netherlands in May?

The Netherlands comes to life when the sun is shining. The best places to visit in the Netherlands in May include The Hague, Amsterdam, and Scheveningen. The Netherlands in May is something you should not miss. The most important highlight of the summer in the Netherlands is the Canal Festival.

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Area beaches, tulip time festival, outdoor adventure, dutch experiences, about holland, michigan.

Nestled into the wildly beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, our multifaceted town is known for many things - springtime tulips, summer festivals, fall orchards, winter’s holidays. But most of all, Holland is known for the friendliness of our people. We invite you to make our home your next vacation destination. We invite you to Discover Holland.

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Amsterdam Museumplein -Museum Square

The Museumplein  - Museum Square is a public space in the borough Amsterdam South in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Located at the Museumplein are three major museums - the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Stedelijk Museum - and the concert hall Concertgebouw.  The area was the location of the International Colonial and Export Exhibition in 1883. The Museumplein was reconstructed after a design by the Swedish/Danish landscape architect Sven-Ingvar Andersson in 1999. It now includes underground parking spaces and an underground supermarket. In the winter, the pond can be transformed into an artificial ice skating area.

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3 Towns In Holland To Visit Besides Amsterdam

I know this is a controversial take, but Europe is played out. (With the exception of the U.K. coastal Italy, Portugal, Scandinavian and Mediterranean countries – sorry not sorry!) I will now be adding Amsterdam and other parts of Holland to that “exceptions” list. The country has a lot of charm. Interacting with people can be daunting since the Dutch said to be stern and brut, but I think they’re similar to New Yorkers in some ways. They may seem a bit cold on the surface, but some people are willing to point you in the direction of the station when you look lost. (Yes, that happened, and I received help unprompted.)

Weesp is a town that is now technically considered part of Amsterdam, which defeats the purpose of the title, but bear with me! By car, It is only ~30 minutes away from Amsterdam, but it is so far removed from the chaoticness of the city. It felt very suburban and calm in a uniquely European way.

Here is where I had my first try of bitterballen; a Dutch meat-based snack, made by making a very thick stew thickened with roux and beef stock and loaded with meat, refrigerating the stew until it firms, and then rolling the thick mixture into balls which then get breaded and fried ( Wikipedia .) My friend and I walked into a bar with a group of men enjoying each other’s company. The owner of the bar had just served the group bitterballen and they generously offered both of us a taste. Before taking a bite, they kindly said “take care” to warn us how hot the snack was. They were right – the round balls were right out of the fryer and scalding. In my opinion, bitterballen is better when eaten hot due to its soup-ish origins. Additionally, it’s solid as a drunk food, which is probably why it is served at virtually any bar, but can become overwhelming when you eat more than 2 while completely sober.

Nijmegen/Wijchen

Nijmegen is touted to be one of the oldest towns in The Netherlands. At least that’s what some people say. Others argue that there are other towns that claim to be the oldest in the country.

In Nijmegen, there is a castle-like structure called Valkhofvereniging. It was said an emperor called Fredrik Barbarossa built it in 1155. A sign near the castle explains, “material[s] used from the castle of Charlemagne which stood on [its] spot” was used in its construction. (Fun fact: the chapel was named after Charlemagne and is dedicated to St. Nicholas.)

Stichting Museum Kasteel (seen on the left) is a castle-turned-museum in Wijchen. The tour guide imparted a lot of knowledge about the castle to us. Between the 9th and 12th centuries, the castle probably started as a hall tower. Today, it’s surrounded by a moat and in its latest iteration after a fire in 1906.

I wish I had more time in Lisse, but I spent my time well in its Keukenhof Tulip Garden. When you travel to The Netherlands, chances are one of the main attractions you’ll be told about are the country’s beautiful tulips. I was lucky enough to visit during the last week of the season. A number of the tulips were still holding on, while others were dead or beheaded. (Tulips are beheaded at the end of the season in order to have nutrients transferred to the bulb, which will create a new cluster of bulbs for the next season – the more you know!)

The Keukenhof grounds, which were about 2 hours away by train from Amsterdam, were huge! My friend and I spent 3 hours there. We ate frites (or chips/fries) and strawberries covered in whipped cream. We also searched tirelessly for a seemingly nonexistent petting zoo! Aside from the invisible petting zoo, we got to see a windmill (finally) up close and personal. As well as ride a boat in the canals dividing massive tulip fields – most of which were beheaded.

The post 3 Towns In Holland To Visit Besides Amsterdam appeared first on The Last Debutante .

I tried Holland America's 'Have It All' package. For just $55 a day, my cruise felt way more luxurious.

• I tried Holland America Line 's Have It All package on a recent cruise to Alaska.
• For $55 per person per day, we got complimentary drinks, special meals, and other perks.
• The price was so worth it we already booked this package for future cruises. 

Cruise bookings are predicted to reach record levels this year, and travelers are especially interested in luxurious sailings.

But as many of us know, luxury doesn't always equate to value, even when it comes to upgrades and special packages.

So, on our recent cruise to Alaska, my husband and I put one of many cruise packages to the test: Holland America Line's "Have It All" package, which costs $55 per person per day.

It includes perks like a beverage package, ship credit for shore excursions, onboard WiFi, and dinner at specialty restaurants.

Here's why we found it to be such a great value we're going to add it to future cruises.

The beverage package was great, and it included special drinks without alcohol

The biggest perk of the "Have It All" package was the ability to order drinks without worrying about the bill at the end of the cruise.

Our previous cruises had us drinking only tap water, drip coffee, tea, and an occasional glass of wine with dinner to avoid any sticker shock at the end of the trip. We felt restricted in enjoying our vacation.

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But this time, we had the freedom to enjoy ourselves. The "Have It All" package we booked came with 15 drinks a day under $11. If you want a drink over $11, you only pay the difference.

The beverage package also covers non-alcoholic drinks. It was perfect for when we wanted espresso drinks for cold Alaska days or a bottle of water for a shore excursion.

The shore-excursion credit helped push us to have more fun

We knew we had to do a whale-watching excursion in Alaska, but didn't consider booking other excursions due to price. Many of the ones we were interested in cost over $100 per person.

But with the package, we each got credits to use toward shore excursions during our cruise. The value of the credit varies depending on the duration of your cruise — ours was less than 10 days, so we each got a $100 credit.

The $200 worth of credits made us feel more comfortable booking an incredible excursion to kayak the wild waters of Sitka.

We probably would've hesitated to book an excursion and missed an incredible experience if we hadn't felt compelled to use the credits in the package.

Specialty dining helped us celebrate our anniversary

Our "Have it All" packages each included at least one dinner at one of the ship's specialty restaurants. If you're on a longer cruise, this package would get you access to more dinners.

We used our credits to eat at the Pinnacle Grill, known for its premium steaks and intimate dining experience. Our anniversary dinner was extra special because of the access to premium dishes unavailable in the main dining room, five-star service, and a luxurious setting.

WiFi kept us connected

The package included WiFi, which really came in handy as we shared photos with friends and family throughout our trip.

We were able to use the internet to search for whatever we needed and research the highlights to visit at the next port of call.

We've already booked the package for future cruises

For less than what a few drinks cost per day, the package helped us relax, have fun, and enjoy each port of call with a shore excursion. Plus, we got to indulge in the ship's specialty restaurants.

We loved it so much we've already purchased this same package for three future cruises.

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'The ship can move': Why you should watch next solar eclipses from a cruise ship

Cheers broke out on Holland America Line’s Koningsdam ship when the total solar eclipse began on Monday.

Off the coast of Mazatlan, Mexico, passengers were perched on loungers, reclining on beach towels and lining the railings of Deck 14 with cameras on tripods at the ready. When the sliver of fiery orange that remained of the sun disappeared, a black circle ringed by white light took its place. Passengers applauded the moment they'd been awaiting since the ship departed from San Diego on Friday.

The sunny, 72-degree weather – quintessential cruise weather – gave way to chilly wind and late morning’s best impression of sunset. The horizon line glowed orange in the dusky sky.

Cruise ships can help take guests to the path of totality for eclipses, allowing passengers to get a prime viewing spot and make a vacation of it.

What is a total solar eclipse?

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks the face of the sun as it moves between the sun and Earth.

While the sun is about 400 times bigger than the moon, the moon is roughly 400 times closer to Earth. “In the past, the moon was much closer, and in the future, the moon will be much further away,” said Adam Burgasser, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at the University of California, San Diego, and director of the Cool Star Lab, who served as an onboard expert during the cruise. “And so we're in a special time, which, of course, lasts for billions of years, where it's set up just right to block out the sun.”

Total solar eclipses take place about every 18 months on average, but the last one visible from the U.S. was in 2017 .

The phenomenon creates a multi-sensory experience, with a cold front moving in ahead of the eclipse. “You block the sun, and it gets cold,” said Burgasser. “It’s actually just that simple. And it's slow enough that the atmosphere can react.”

Plants and animals respond, too: Birds often begin to chirp, plants may close up, and nocturnal will come out. “It’s kind of an all-around-you experience where it's not just the fact that the sun has been blocked that’s so fascinating, but just the effect it has on the entire environment.” Those effects weren’t easily discernible on Koningsdam, though, which was about 150 miles from shore.

Nicole Chaput, a 57-year-old passenger from Calgary in Canada, said partial and total eclipses are “totally different.”

“I heard someone describe it as being partly pregnant,” she said. “You can’t do it. There’s no comparison.”

What makes a cruise a good place to see an eclipse?

Bad weather can wreck even the best-laid viewing plans. If a city in the path of totality has overcast skies, it can be tough to quickly move to an alternate site.

“If you're on a cruise ship and a little bit farther to the east or a little bit farther to the west along the path, there's clear sky, the ship can move,” said Dan Jarrell, who was on the cruise with his wife, Kay, and friends. The Washington, D.C.-area resident has seen solar eclipses with friends during two other sailings, including on Holland America’s Veendam in 1998.

“If you're on land and there's not a road there, you’d better have a tank,” Jarrell said.

That’s where a cruise ship comes in handy. “Having the ability to map out based on what the current weather is where you can catch the eclipse, and having a range over the course of the ocean where you could chase that a little bit is certainly helpful,” Burgasser added.

Capt. Ane Smit, Master aboard Holland America’s Zaandam for the viewing, said the ship can move at a maximum of 20 knots, so the crew needs to scout out the conditions with enough time to move as needed.

“If it's not good enough, we really need to start finding another spot because we are not the quickest vehicle, of course, to be driving around, but we have the luxury of being able to go in any direction without any restriction,” he said. “It’s a pretty wide highway that we have.”

The view of the horizon also allows passengers to “see that shadow coming in and leaving more so than you can in a topographical area,” said Burgasser. Being in the ocean away from city lights is also helpful for seeing stars and other parts of the sky usually only visible at night.

The cruise line also made the practicalities of watching an eclipse easier: eclipse glasses were distributed to guests’ staterooms and Burgasser guided guests through the event via the ship’s speaker system, before and after totality.

More eclipse cruises on the horizon

If you missed your chance to see it this time or want another go, Holland America has more eclipse-viewing opportunities on the books.

“Guests have reacted positively to our 2024 eclipse cruises and with the next full eclipse in 2026 we plan to have three sailings in Europe that will align with the path of the eclipse,” Paul Grigsby, the line's Vice President of Deployment & Itinerary Planning, said in an email. Details have not yet been released.

Other cruise lines offer similar opportunities as well. Princess Cruises' Emerald Princess was near Koningsdam on Monday.

Chaput, the Canadian passenger, said she’s been “chasing” total solar eclipses since seeing her first one in 1991. Monday’s eclipse marked her seventh viewing and second on a cruise ship.

“I think it’s just such an amazing natural phenomenon,” she said. “It’s seeing science in action.”

Contributing: Josh Rivera, USA TODAY

The reporter on this story received access to this sailing from Holland America Line. USA TODAY maintains editorial control of content.  

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected]

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Travel chaos caused by tri-state area earthquake: flights grounded, holland tunnel traffic halted.

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There was chaos on the ground and in the air in the New York metro area Friday morning as the Holland Tunnel was temporarily closed for inspection and New York-area flights were grounded after a 4.8-magnitude earthquake.

Traffic in and out of the crucial New York City tunnel was halted for inspection shortly after the quake, which struck New Jersey around 10:23 a.m. and was felt from Boston to Delaware.

The tunnel reopened around 11:15 but was still experiencing delays due to volume an hour later, officials shared on X.

Follow The Post’s coverage on the NYC and tri-state earthquake

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Flights out of LaGuardia and Newark airports were also temporarily grounded, resulting in delays of up to 45 minutes, according to the New York Times.

A ground stop at JFK Airport was lifted shortly before 11:40, but Newark’s was extended through 12:30 p.m., CNN aviation correspondent Pete Muntean wrote on X.

New York’s MTA services were all operating “safely and normally” after the quake, Muntean wrote.

“Our structural teams out there our teams, surveying our bridges, our roads, any areas that there could be a fault line that is not easily detectable to make sure that passengers on our rails as well as our commuters are safe” Hochul noted during a press conference.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant due to the possibility of aftershocks.

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'Romeo & Juliet' play starring Tom Holland and Francesca Amewudah-Rivers faces 'barrage of racial abuse'

The Jamie Lloyd Company has hit back after its production of Shakespeare’s “Romeo & Juliet” has been the subject of what they call a “barrage of deplorable racial abuse” aimed at an unnamed cast member.

The play, directed by Jamie Lloyd (“Sunset Boulevard”), stars “Spider-Man: No Way Home” star Tom Holland as Romeo and Francesca Amewudah-Rivers (“Sex Education”) as Juliet.

On Friday, the Jamie Lloyd Company  issued a statement , saying: “Following the announcement of our ‘Romeo & Juliet’ cast, there has been a barrage of deplorable racial abuse online directed towards a member of our company. This must stop.”

“We are working with a remarkable group of artists. We insist that they are free to create work without facing online harassment. We will continue to support and protect everyone in our company at all costs. Any abuse will not be tolerated and will be reported. Bullying and harassment have no place online, in our industry or in our wider communities. Our rehearsal room is full of joy, compassion and kindness. We celebrate the extraordinary talent of our incredible collaborators. The ‘Romeo & Juliet’ community will continue to rehearse with generosity and love, and focus on the creation of our production.”

“Romeo & Juliet” is due to play at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre May 23 through Aug. 3. The run is already sold out.

In 2021,  a landmark survey  titled “Race Between the Lines: Actors’ Experience of Race and Racism in Britain’s Audition and Casting Process and on Set” found that 64% of respondents experienced racist stereotyping in an audition and 55% experienced racist behavior in the workplace.

In March this year, two proposed “Black Out” London West End performances of Jeremy O. Harris‘ “Slave Play”  came under fire  from U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak‘s office.

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