NETHERLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE
The Netherlands looks like a small strip of land at the edge of a pretty small continent, Europe. A rushed driver can easily cross the country in just 4 hours - but they would miss out horribly. The modern Dutch landscape will take you on a dizzying journey through the metropolitan excitement of Amsterdam along the canal-lined streets of Delft to the busy ultra-modern port of Rotterdam and into the windmill-dotted countryside. Artistic masterpieces, centuries-old windmills, tulip fields, and candlelit cafés coexist with visionary architecture, cutting-edge design, and phenomenal nightlife.
Look beyond the clogs and the cheese, the tulip fields and gabled houses, and you will find the Netherlands of great economic strength that belies its size. The Netherlands is truly the home of extraordinary variety with a wealth of art in its museums. This low-lying nation offers a blend of idyllic country beauty on the one hand and the atmosphere and amenities of the 21st century on the other.
Capital: Amsterdam
Currency: Euro (€) (mainland)
Area: 41,543 km²
Population: 17,28 million (2019)
Language: Dutch (official & main); Frisian; English (official in Amsterdam )
Electricity: 230V, 50Hz (European plug)
'Holland’ is a popular synonym for the Netherlands, yet it only refers to the combined provinces of Noord (North) and Zuid (South) Holland. Amsterdam is Noord-Holland's largest city; Haarlem is the provincial capital. Rotterdam is Zuid-Holland's largest city; Den Haag is its provincial capital. The rest of the country is not Holland, even if locals themselves often refer to it as such.
DO YOU NEED A VISA FOR
NETHERLANDS?
<<VISA RESULT>>
<< Visa Details >>
For the latest requirements or for application click
Let iVisa take the pain out of travel planning and assist you with Electronic visas, Travel Authorizations, Visas on Arrival, and even Paper Visas. They can also help with Health Declarations and Embassy Registrations. If you're from the US, they provide a One-Stop Shop to renew your Passport securely and error-free.
BEST TIME TO VISIT NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands enjoys a temperate climate, with relatively mild summers and moderately cold winters. The best time to visit, if you'd like to see the country's tulips in bloom, is roughly mid-March to mid-May.
March to May - Colour explodes as billions of bulbs bloom.
July - Mild summer temps and long daylight hours keep you outside cycling and drinking.
December to February - When the canals freeze, the Dutch passion for ice skating is on display nationwide.
Generally speaking, temperatures rise the further south you go. This is offset by the prevailing westerly winds that sweep in from the North Sea, making the wetter coastal provinces both warmer in winter and colder in summer than the eastern provinces, where the more severe climate of continental Europe has an influence. As far as rain is concerned, you should be prepared for it at any time of year.
NETHERLANDS WEATHER SYNOPSIS
Temperate; Marine; Cool Summers And Mild Winters
NETHERLANDS TOURIST SEASONS
Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists.
Peak Season
Shoulder Season
Off Peak Season
JANUARY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
FEBRUARY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
MARCH
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
APRIL
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
MAY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
JUNE
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
JULY
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
AUGUST
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
SEPTEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
OCTOBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
NOVEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
DECEMBER
HOT
COLD
MODERATE
DRY
WET
HOT MONTHS:
.
MODERATE MONTHS:
.
COLD MONTHS:
.
WET MONTHS:
.
DRY MONTHS:
.
BEST TIME FOR
SNOW SPORT IN NETHERLANDS
The snow sports season in The Netherlands can start as early as November and lasts until the end of March. The busiest period is from mid December through to February, with the lesser crowded times in the November and March.
HIKING & CYCLING IN NETHERLANDS
The best time for outdoor activities in The Netherlands is from May to September. April and October are also feasible, but the temperatures can be rather low and the days are also shorter.
BEACH OPTIONS IN NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands has a few beaches along its coastline, but even the short summer months of July and August don't get very warm to enjoy these.
SURFING IN NETHERLANDS
The best spot for surfing in The Netherlands is Scheveningen, with some other good spots at Petten, Camperduin and Hargen, Bergen Aan Zee, Wijk Aan Zee, Blokken, Slufter, Schouwen Duiveland, and Vlissingen.
KITESURF IN NETHERLANDS
The best wind in The Netherlands can be found during September and October although wind is fairly constant from March through till November. Some of the best kitesurfing spots are Zandvoort aan Zee, Medemblik and Strand Horst.
BEST TIME FOR
The snow sports season in The Netherlands can start as early as November and lasts until the end of March. The busiest period is from mid December through to February, with the lesser crowded times in the November and March.
LOOKING FOR ALTERNATIVES TO
NETHERLANDS?
FIND YOUR
PERFECT
DESTINATION
Advanced, real-time destination filter by visa required, region, health risk, travel budget, country value, tourist seasons, best weather and activity or sport.
HEALTH RISKS IN NETHERLANDS
Be aware of possible health risks in
Netherlands
Yellow fever - The yellow fever virus is found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa and South America. The virus is spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no medicine to treat or cure an infection. To prevent getting sick from yellow fever, use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and get vaccinated.
Zika Virus - Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
Malaria - Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by a parasite that commonly infects a certain type of mosquito which feeds on humans. People who get malaria are typically very sick with high fevers, shaking chills, and flu-like illness. Although malaria can be a deadly disease, illness and death from malaria can usually be prevented.
Dengue - Dengue is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick. For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.
NETHERLANDS TRAVEL COSTS
While not quite the most expensive country in Europe, the Netherlands isn’t cheap. Accommodation will be the biggest thing that will eat into your budget. If you keep that part of your expenses down, you should be fine.
If you are looking for a budget breakfast in Amsterdam, head straight for a HEMA department store, a household name in the Netherlands, known for its low prices and smoked sausage. HEMA serves a large breakfast at a budget price. From Monday to Friday, early risers can enjoy one of the city’s best breakfast deals. For around €2 EUR you get an omelet baguette sandwich, a crispy butter croissant with a portion of jam, freshly made coffee, and a glass of orange juice (for an extra €0,25 add two rashers of bacon).
NETHERLANDS TRAVEL TIPS
The I Amsterdam Card (iamsterdam.com; per 24/48/72hr €65/85/105) provides admission to more than 30 museums, a canal cruise, bike rental, and discounts at shops, entertainment venues, and restaurants. Also included is city-wide GVB public transport by metro, tram, bus, and ferry.
If you’re planning to visit more than just a couple of Dutch museums, you might save serious money getting a Museumkaart (museumkaart.nl), which gives free entry to over 400 museums and galleries nationwide for 365 days.
If your only requirement is transport consider the following GVB Day / Multi-day tickets:
Unlimited GVB Day/Multi-Day tickets – 1 to 7-day ticket (from €8 to €37). Valid on all GVB transport in Amsterdam on a 24-hour basis. Not valid on airport train or 397 airport bus. Book online here and pick-up in Amsterdam when you arrive.
Amsterdam Travel Ticket – 1/2/3 day card (from €21) combines airport train/bus journey with unlimited use of GVB transport in Amsterdam. Valid on a day (not 24 hours) basis. Book Amsterdam Travel Tickets online here and pick-up when you arrive.
Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket – 1/2/3 day card (from €19.50) offers unlimited travel in Amsterdam and the entire region (including Waterland, beaches, Keukenhof, etc). Valid on a day (not 24 hours) basis on NS trains (in the region), regional buses, and Amsterdam GVB transport. Book online here and pick-up in Amsterdam when you arrive.
Holland Travel Ticket – 1-day ticket (€62/€42 off-peak after 0900) valid on all Dutch public transport. Good for longer journeys around the Netherlands and/or using multiple transport companies. Book online here.
Zaanstreek Day Ticket – 1-day ticket (€11.50) valid on Connexxion bus 391 from Amsterdam to Zaanse Schans. Valid on Connexxion services in Zaanstreek (Zaandam) region, not valid to Waterland. Book online here.
OV-chip card e-purse – Plastic OV-chip smart card costs €7.50 (non-refundable, lasts 5 years) to which travel credit can be added. Can be used on any public transport at standard fare tariffs. Minimum balance of €20 (trains) or €4 (other transport) required. Only good for visitors who plan lots of travel does save the inconvenience of buying tickets each time. Book online here and pick-up in Amsterdam when you arrive.
SIGHTS & HIGHLIGHTS OF NETHERLANDS
Amsterdam - Cruise the UNESCO-listed canals while soaking up one of Europe's most enchanting and offbeat old cities.
Markthal Rotterdam - Marvel at the astonishing architecture, a highlight of the Netherlands' hip-and-happening 'second city'.
Fort Sint Pieter - Explore the centuries-old tunnels below the resplendent city of Maastricht.
Vermeer Centrum Delft - Learn about Vermeer's life and work in his evocative, canal-woven hometown.
Den Haag - Discover the beautiful tree-lined boulevards, classy museums, and the palatial Binnenhof buildings of this lovely town.
Keukenhof Gardens - Delve into the cache of museums in picturesque Leiden and dazzling tulip displays at its nearby gardens.
Zaanse Schans - Watch windmills twirl and meet the millers at the delightful open-air museum.
Cycling - Follow dikes along shimmering canals or tour the tulip fields of the Randstad on the world's best network of cycling routes.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
ONE WEEK
Spend three days of canal exploring, museum hopping, and café crawling in Amsterdam. Work your way through the ancient towns of the Randstad and the contemporary vibe of Rotterdam, and save a day for the grandeur of Maastricht.
TWO WEEKS
Allow four days for Amsterdam's many delights, plus a day trip to the old towns of the north, and a day or two exploring some of the region's smaller towns. Then add a day each at beautiful Delft, regal Den Haag, student-filled Utrecht, and buzzing Rotterdam. Finish off with two days in historic Maastricht.
AMSTERDAM
Shimmering canals lined by gabled houses, candlelit cafes, buzzing of bicycles, lush green parks, monumental museums, colourful markets, diverse dining, quirky shopping, and legendary nightlife make the free-spirited Dutch capital one of Europe's great cities.
Amsterdam is compact and you can roam the city on foot but there's also an excellent public transport network.
DON'T MISS:
The Royal Palace opened as a town hall in 1655 but became a palace in the 19th century. The interiors gleam - especially the marble work – at its best in a floor inlaid with maps of the world in the great burgerzaal (citizens’ hall), which occupies the heart of the building. (paleisamsterdam.nl)
The Anne Frank Huis draws almost one million visitors annually (purchase tickets online to minimize the queues). With its reconstruction of Anne’s melancholy bedroom and her actual diary – sitting alone in its glass case, filled with sunnily optimistic writing tempered by quiet despair – it’s a powerful experience.
Museumplein is the grassy expanse around which Amsterdam's three big museums fan out from: Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Stedelijk Museum.
Vondelpark is one of Amsterdam's most magical places – sprawling, English-style gardens with ponds, lawns, footbridges, and winding footpaths.
Albert Cuypmarkt is Amsterdam's largest and busiest market. Apart from the fruit, vegetables, herbs and spices, clothes, and other general goods, you will be constantly tempted with herring sandwiches, egg rolls, doughnuts, and caramel-syrup-filled stroopwafels.
In addition to the Medieval Centre and Red Light District, party hotspots around Amsterdam include Rembrandtplein and Leidseplein, both awash with bars, clubs, coffee shops (café authorized to sell cannabis), and pubs. To truly experience the unique Dutch quality of gezellig , head to a history-steeped bruin café (brown cafe, i.e. pub, traditional drinking establishments so named for the nicotine-stained walls).
WORTH A TRIP FROM AMSTERDAM:
The working, inhabited village Zaanse Schans functions as an open-air windmill gallery on the Zaan river. Popular with tourists, the mills are completely authentic and operated with enthusiasm and love. Zaanse Schans is laid out like a real town and although it resembles an open-air museum, the complex itself is not really a museum in itself. Like a normal town, admission to most of the site is completely free. The museums and mills at Zaanse Schans set their own opening times and days. Admission fees range from €1 to €5 per site with the mills generally €4 each.
Zaanse Schans can be reached from Amsterdam Centraal (central train station) by bus or train within less than an hour. Buses are the easiest way to reach Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam. Connexxion Bus (Line 391) connects Amsterdam four times per hour in 40 minutes with Zaanse Schans the final stop.
THE RANDSTAD
One of the most densely populated areas on the planet, the Randstad stretches from Amsterdam to Rotterdam and is crammed with classic Dutch towns and cities such as Den Haag, Utrecht, Leiden, and Delft. A cycling network links the towns amid tulip fields.
Just 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam, HAARLEM's canals and cobblestone streets filled with gabled buildings, grand churches, terrific museums, cozy bars, fine cafes, and antique shops draw scores of day-trippers. Haarlem's center radiates out from the Grote Markt - where the Saturday morning market here is reputed as one of the Netherlands' best; there's a smaller market on Monday.
KEUKENHOF is the world’s largest bulb-flower garden, attracting nearly 800,000 visitors during a season almost as short-lived as the blooms on the millions of multicolored tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Located near Lisse, between Haarlem and Leiden, special seasonal busses provide a link in season with combination tickets providing transport and entry.
Flanked by wide boulevards, DEN HAAG is the Dutch seat of government (although Amsterdam is the capital). Embassies and various international courts of justice give the city a serious air. Its seaside suburb of Scheveningen has a lively vibe to accompany the long stretch of beach.
Compact and charming, DELFT is synonymous with its blue-and-white-painted porcelain. It's a very popular destination with day-trip visitors who stroll its narrow canals and gaze at the remarkable old buildings. This is also the home town of Golden Age painter Johannes Vermeer, so get an early start if you want to beat the crowds.
ROTTERDAM is a veritable open-air gallery of modern, postmodern, and contemporary construction. It's a remarkable feat for a city largely razed to the ground by WWII bombers. Rebuilding has continued unabated ever since with ingenuity and vision. Futuristic architecture, a proliferation of art, and a surge of dining and nightlife venues make modern Rotterdam one of Europe's most exhilarating cities. Not only is Rotterdam an architectural gallery, but its streets are also filled with art and you will find well over 60 sculptures scattered all over town.
UTRECHT retains a beautiful old-world city center, ringed by unique 13th-century canal wharves below street level. Canal-side streets brim with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Its spirited student community of 40,000 is the country's largest. Focus your wanderings on the Domplein and south along the tree-lined Oudegracht.
THE SOUTH
You might not think it, but actual hills rise on the Netherlands' southern edge, where Belgium and Germany are within range of a tossed klomp (wooden shoe). The standout destination here is Maastricht.
MAASTRICHT is well worth the journey from Amsterdam and the pearls of the Randstad, and you can easily continue to Belgium and Germany.
Among Maastricht's 1650 listed historic buildings, look for Spanish and Roman ruins, French and Belgian architectural twists, splendid food, and a cosmopolitan flair. Maastricht's numerous delights are scattered along both banks of the Maas and are sure to reward avid walkers. Ringed by grand cafes, museums, and churches, the large Vrijthof square is a focal point. Intimate Onze Lieve Vrouweplein is a café-filled square named after its church, which still attracts pilgrims. The arched stone footbridge Sint Servaasbrug dates from the 13th-century and links Maastricht's center with the Wyck district.
WHAT TO EAT IN NETHERLANDS
Dutch food tends to be higher in protein content than variety: steak, chicken, and fish, along with filling soups and stews, are staples, usually served up in substantial quantities. If you’re on a budget, stick to the dagschotel (dish of the day) wherever possible, for which you’ll pay around €10. It’s usually a meat or fish dish, heavily garnished with potatoes and other vegetables and salad; note, though, that it’s often only served at lunchtime or between 6 and 8 pm.
Vlaamse Frites - Iconic French fries smothered in mayonnaise or myriad other sauces.
Cheese - The Dutch consume almost 19kg of cheese per person per year, nearly two-thirds of which is Gouda. The tastiest hard, rich oud (old) varieties have strong, complex flavours.
Kroketten - Croquettes are crumbed, deep-fried dough balls with various fillings, such as meat-filled bitterballen.
Beer - Big names like Heineken are ubiquitous; small brewers like De Drie Ringen and Gulpener are the best.
Jenever - Dutch gin is made from juniper berries and drunk chilled from a tulip-shaped shot glass. Jonge (young) jenever is smooth; strongly flavoured oude (old) jenever can be an acquired taste.
LGBTQ IN NETHERLANDS
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) rights in the Netherlands have been some of the most progressive in the world.[1] Same-sex sexual activity was legalised in 1811. After the country began granting same-sex couples domestic partnerships benefits in 1998, same-sex marriage in the Netherlands became legal on 1 April 2001, making the Netherlands the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage.
The Netherlands has become one of the most culturally liberal countries in the world, with recent polls indicating that more than 90% of Dutch people support same-sex marriage. Amsterdam has frequently been named one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the world and hosts the annual Amsterdam Gay Pride Parade.
WHERE TO STAY IN NETHERLANDS
When visiting the Netherlands for the first time, there are several key areas to consider for your stay, each offering its own unique experiences and attractions. Here are some top areas to stay in the Netherlands, along with specific accommodation suggestions for different budget ranges:
Amsterdam: As the capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is a vibrant cultural hub with picturesque canals, historic architecture, world-class museums, and a lively nightlife scene.
Budget:
Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark: Located near Vondelpark, this budget-friendly hostel offers dormitory and private rooms, bicycle rental, and a bar.
Meininger Hotel Amsterdam City West: Situated in Sloterdijk, this budget hotel offers modern rooms, a guest kitchen, and a game zone.
Mid-Range:
The Hoxton, Amsterdam: A stylish hotel located along the Herengracht canal, offering chic rooms, a trendy restaurant, and a courtyard garden.
Hotel Estherea: A boutique hotel set in a historic building along the Singel Canal, offering elegant rooms, a cosy lounge, and complimentary breakfast.
Luxury:
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: A luxurious hotel housed in six 17th-century canal palaces, offering opulent rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a serene garden terrace.
Pulitzer Amsterdam: A five-star hotel located in the heart of the city, offering beautifully designed rooms, a tranquil garden, and a stylish bar.
Rotterdam: Rotterdam is a dynamic city known for its modern architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and bustling port. It offers a unique blend of history and innovation.
Budget:
King Kong Hostel: Located in the heart of Rotterdam, this budget-friendly hostel offers stylish dormitory and private rooms, a lively bar, and a communal kitchen.
The Student Hotel Rotterdam: Situated near the city center, this budget hotel offers modern rooms, a gym, and a game room.
Mid-Range:
Mainport Design Hotel: A design hotel located on the banks of the Maas River, offering luxurious rooms with panoramic views, a spa, and a rooftop terrace with a whirlpool.
CitizenM Rotterdam: A trendy hotel near Blaak Station, offering compact yet stylish rooms, a 24-hour cafe, and a rooftop bar.
Luxury:
Hotel New York: A historic hotel housed in the former headquarters of the Holland America Line, offering elegant rooms, waterfront views, and fine dining in a grand setting.
nhow Rotterdam: A contemporary hotel located in the iconic De Rotterdam building, offering sleek rooms, a rooftop bar, and panoramic views of the city skyline.
Utrecht: Utrecht is a charming city known for its medieval architecture, vibrant cafes, and scenic canals. It offers a laid-back atmosphere and easy access to other cities in the Netherlands.
Budget:
Stayokay Utrecht Centrum: Located in the city center, this budget-friendly hostel offers dormitory and private rooms, bicycle rental, and a terrace overlooking the canal.
Hotel Dom: Situated near Dom Tower, this budget hotel offers comfortable rooms, a cozy bar, and a continental breakfast.
Mid-Range:
Mother Goose Hotel: A boutique hotel housed in a historic building, offering stylish rooms, a rooftop terrace, and complimentary breakfast.
Court Hotel City Centre: Located in a former courthouse, this mid-range hotel offers modern rooms, a courtyard garden, and a brasserie serving Dutch cuisine.
Luxury:
Grand Hotel Karel V: A luxurious hotel set in a former monastery, offering elegant rooms, a spa, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and beautiful gardens.
Mary K Hotel: A boutique hotel located in a historic canal house, offering luxurious rooms with contemporary design, a cozy lounge, and personalized service.
These are just a few suggestions, and there are many other accommodation options available in the Netherlands to suit different preferences and budgets. Be sure to consider factors such as location, amenities, and guest reviews when selecting your accommodation in the Netherlands.
For hassle-free bookings, use platforms like Booking.com for competitive rates or Holiday Swap for unique homes worldwide. Ensure to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, and align your preferences with nearby activities such as surfing, snorkeling, or cultural exploration.
CHOOSE NEXT DESTINATION
PLAN YOUR TRIP
VISA SERVICES
Let iVisa take the pain out of travel planning and assist you with Electronic visas, Travel Authorizations, Visas on Arrival, and even Paper Visas. They can also help with Health Declarations and Embassy Registrations. If you're from the US, they also provide a One-Stop Shop to renew your Passport securely and error-free.
FLIGHTS
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. These are our favorite flight search engines. They index other travel websites and airlines across the globe to easily find you the best deal.
ACCOMMODATION
Booking.com is our number one resource for researching and booking accommodation. In addition to Booking.com, we have found Agoda.com to consistently returns the cheapest rates in Southeast Asia. For longer stays, find unique homes worldwide on Holiday Swap, the most affordable travel platform that allows you to book homes anytime, anywhere in only a few clicks.
TRANSPORT
DiscoverCars.com is a leader in online car rental bookings; we compare car rental deals from many companies so that you can choose which is best for your trip. 12Go connects the world door-to-door, from transfers to flights, under the same user-friendly ticket.
INSURANCE
Travel insurance can protect you against unexpected illness, injury, theft, and cancellations.
-
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance (Global Travel Medical)
Need more help to book your trip?
Check our complete resource page for all the best companies to use when you travel. You will only find the companies we use ourselves.
Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you,
we may earn a commission if you end up making a purchase and the income goes to keeping the site ad free.
SEARCH FOR FLIGHTS TO
NETHERLANDS
Search for flights to
NETHERLANDS