Overview
The Netherlands awaits its visitors with iconic windmills, canal-lined cities, vibrant tulip fields, and world-class art museums.
This flat, bike-friendly nation sits pretty, culturally; offering everything from Golden Age masterpieces to cutting-edge design, along with cosy brown cafés and innovative cuisine.
Whether you're cycling through countryside dotted with grazing cows, exploring Amsterdam's artistic treasures, discovering medieval towns, or experiencing the famously progressive Dutch culture, the Netherlands provides a uniquely welcoming and efficient travel experience where English is widely spoken and every corner seems postcard-perfect.
Getting There
By Air
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is one of Europe's major hubs with connections worldwide. Eindhoven (EIN) and Rotterdam (RTM) also serve budget carriers and regional flights.
Visa Requirements
Schengen visa rules apply. EU/EEA citizens need no visa. Many nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days. Check requirements for your nationality.
Best Time to Visit The Netherlands
Spring (April-May) is magical for tulip season, though popular. Summer offers long days and outdoor festivals. Autumn provides golden landscapes with fewer crowds.
- Spring (April-May): Tulip fields bloom, King's Day celebrations, and ideal weather.
- Summer (June-August): Outdoor festivals, long daylight hours, canal boats, and busy tourist season.
- Autumn (September-October): Fall foliage, fewer crowds, and comfortable temperatures.
- Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, possible ice skating on canals, and cosy brown café season.
Top Attractions
Amsterdam
- Anne Frank House; a moving historical site.
- Canal belt UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Rijksmuseum Dutch Masters including Rembrandt.
- Van Gogh Museum world's largest collection.
Historic Cities
- Delft's blue pottery and Vermeer heritage.
- Leiden's university town charm.
- The Hague's parliament and Mauritshuis museum.
- Utrecht's canal-level cafés and Dom Tower.
Keukenhof & Flower Regions
- Aalsmeer Flower Auction early morning spectacle.
- Bulb field cycling routes through Lisse region.
- Keukenhof Gardens spring tulip spectacular.
Southern Netherlands
- Eindhoven's design and technology innovation.
- Maastricht's hilly terrain and European charm.
- 's-Hertogenbosch's Gothic cathedral.
Traditional Villages
- Giethoorn's car-free 'Venice of the North'.
- Kinderdijk's 19 windmills UNESCO site.
- Volendam and Marken fishing villages.
- Zaanse Schans windmill village and workshops.
Dutch Cuisine
Dutch cuisine is hearty and comforting, often underestimated by visitors. Beyond cheese and stroopwafels, discover these authentic flavours:
- Appelgebak: Apple pie with whipped cream.
- Bitterballen: Deep-fried meat croquettes, perfect with beer.
- Dutch Cheese: Gouda, Edam, aged varieties at markets.
- Erwtensoep: Thick split pea soup; a winter specialty.
- Haring: Raw herring with onions and pickles, street food tradition.
- Indonesian Rijsttafel: Legacy of colonial history, feast of small dishes.
- Poffertjes: Tiny fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar.
- Stamppot: Mashed potato with vegetables, served with sausage.
- Stroopwafels: Thin waffle cookies with caramel filling.
Getting Around The Netherlands
Getting around the Netherlands is easy, efficient, and offers a variety of options; from trains and buses to bikes and boats. The country's compact size and excellent infrastructure make travel between cities and regions quick and convenient.
- Bicycles: The Dutch way; over 22,000 miles of bike paths; rent everywhere.
- Trains: NS (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) offers frequent, punctual service connecting all cities. You can use the OV-chipkaart or OVpay for easy check-in and check-out on trains.
- Trams & Metros: Excellent urban transport in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague.
- Buses: Fill gaps in train network; OV-chipkaart works on buses and trams as well.
- Canal Boats: Tourist and hop-on-hop-off options in Amsterdam.
- Ferries: Free Amsterdam IJ ferry connects city north and south. In unique places like Giethoorn, boats are the main way to get around, as parts of the village are car-free.
- Rental Cars: Unnecessary in cities; useful for countryside exploration.
- Walking: Compact city centres perfect for exploration on foot.
Practical Tips
- Be cautious around tram tracks and bike lanes as a pedestrian.
- Bike etiquette: stay in bike lanes, use hand signals, lock bikes securely.
- Coffee shops sell cannabis; cafés sell coffee; know the difference.
- Dutch directness is cultural, not rudeness.
- Dutch people appreciate punctuality and planning ahead.
- Get an OV-chipkaart for public transport; much cheaper than individual tickets.
- 'Hoi' (hi) and 'Dank je' (thank you) are appreciated.
- Many museums require advance booking online.
- Nearly everyone speaks excellent English.
- Stores may close early on Sundays.
- Tap water is excellent quality and free in restaurants.
- Tipping is not obligatory; rounding up is common.
Regional Travel Guides
Netherlands travel guides written by people in the know - a community of Dutch expats, locals and regular visitors to The Netherlands.
Travel writers and photographers are invited to join our team of travel content creators.