trip in netherlands

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.

A Guide to Airports in the Netherlands

How to Spend One Week in the Netherlands

The Best Time to Visit the Netherlands

How to Get Around the Netherlands

Top 10 Things to Do in Amsterdam

10 Largest Cities in the Netherlands

The 18 Best Things to Do in the Netherlands

France Guide: Planning Your Trip

How to Travel from Amsterdam to Ghent by Train, Bus, and Car

Paris Guide: Planning Your Trip

The 17 Best Countries to Visit in Europe

How to Travel From Amsterdam to Charleroi Airport by Train, Bus, and Car

How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Amsterdam

Your Trip to the Czech Republic: The Complete Guide

The Ultimate Itinerary for a European-Inspired Solo Trip Around the US

A Travel Guide for How to Visit Amsterdam on a Budget

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

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

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

The Ultimate 7-day Netherlands Travel Itinerary

Are you ready for the ultimate Netherlands travel itinerary? As any Dutchman will tell you, the Netherlands is not exactly the most naturally beautiful country in the world. But the Dutch never let lack of natural resources be a barrier to economic growth and expansion.

Over the centuries they built beautiful cities on man made canals and even drained the sea to reclaim thousands of acres of land for a new province. There’s a fascinating history behind this country and you’ll learn all about it on a trip to the Netherlands. 

I spent about four years of my life living in the Netherlands, mostly in Amsterdam and Haarlem . For the most part I loved living and working there. I explored the small country from top to bottom over those years, and while I haven’t been everywhere I have seen a good amount of the country and have prepared the best itinerary for you that I can think of. 

Now it should be said that if you’re an American with limited vacation time coming to Europe for the first time, then I typically recommend three days in Amsterdam – which allows for day trips outside the city – then move on to elsewhere in Europe, like Belgium or Italy .

But for those of you with more vacation time that wish to spend a week in the land of tulips and windmills I’ve got you covered. Read on for the best way to see and experience the Netherlands! 

Netherlands Travel Itinerary – The Basics

Ns train service, day 1: amsterdam, day 2: amsterdam and hoorn, day 3: tulips and windmills, day 4: the hague, day 5: maastricht, day 6: back to amsterdam, day 7: haarlem, night 7: last night of this netherlands travel itinerary, so long netherlands , netherlands travel itinerary faqs.

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which means that should you purchase something or get a quote through them I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the site running with up to date information. I do not represent GetYourGuide, World Nomads, Discovercars.com or Booking.com. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy the product mentioned in this article .

You’ll start and end this itinerary in Amsterdam unless you live in northern Europe. Schiphol airport in Amsterdam is well connected to just about everywhere on the planet and has direct flights to every continent except Australia. If you’re coming from the US, almost all the large cities have a direct flight to Amsterdam these days. KLM even flies to Austin, Texas now!

Lay of the land

The Netherlands is a small country. From the northern tip to the southern tip is barely a 4 hour drive. You will not cover a whole lot of ground on this trip, but it’s densely populated so you will see a lot. 

How to get around

You have the option to either rent your own car or take the train around. Driving in old Dutch cities can be confusing and parking can cost an arm and a leg, so for this itinerary I recommend using the extensive rail network in the Netherlands. More on the train later. 

If you want to rent a car it would be best to do it after your first few days in Amsterdam, as parking in the city is not cheap. To book your rental car from Amsterdam click here .

The currency is the Euro and you’re more likely to need cash than you might think. There are still places that only accept cash in the Netherlands. Also note that grocery stores do not take credit cards so if you don’t have a European bank card you’ll need to pay cash. Overall, the Netherlands is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Though it’s not Switzerland or Norway. It’s cheaper than traveling around the United States, but it’s not Greece.

Dutch is the language of the land, but the Netherlands has one of the highest rates of English proficiency in the world, even when you include English speaking countries. It’s unlikely you’ll come across someone who doesn’t speak English on your trip. Most Dutch people are completely fluent . 

Where to stay

Hotels are affordably priced in most Dutch cities, but way overpriced in Amsterdam. If you want to save money, book something away from the city center like in Sloterdijk or Amsterdam Zuid, both of which are well connected to downtown.

Sloterdijk is very easy to get to since it’s just a 5 minute train ride to Amsterdam Central Station and the train comes every 5 minutes on average. In other cities best to book a hotel as close to the central train station as you can.

In Amsterdam I recommend staying at Mercure Sloterdijk Station . You’ll be a 5 minute train ride from downtown while avoiding the excessive noise. The staff is excellent and the rooms are much more spacious than hotel rooms in the city center. I’ve stayed here over 20 times myself, so you know it’s a legit recommendation.

The Dutch cycle as a form of transportation more than any other people in the world. It’s one of the top things that the Netherlands is known for globally and one of the main reasons that people love living in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.

No trip to the Netherlands is complete without renting a bike at some point. Just be careful when on the bike paths. It’s the main mode of transportation in the country and the paths can get very crowded. Stay to the right and don’t run any red lights and you should be fine. 

Weather in the Netherlands

The Netherlands does not have amazing weather by any stretch of the imagination. It doesn’t get too cold or too hot, but it rains a lot and can be very windy.

The best months for weather are May and June. That might sound odd, but summer often has more cold and rainy days than spring. Though with climate change summers are getting hotter and drier. So let’s add in July and August to the best months to visit for weather.  

Best time of year to visit the Netherlands

The best month in the Netherlands is May. It’s the warmest month on average and the days are long, with sunsets after 9:00 PM. But if you want to see the famous Dutch tulip fields you’ll have to go in April. So let’s assume you’re going in April, which is the most crowded time of year due to tulip season. In April it won’t be warm but won’t be cold either. You can have clear days or horribly rainy days. It’s just luck. 

Summers can be really nice or they can be awfully cold and rainy. It just depends on the year. Summer is also the most crowded time (other than April). Come autumn the days start to get shorter and the wind picks up. Many people visit in winter to avoid the crowds but I really can’t recommend that since Dutch winter weather is just so damn rainy. I highly recommend visiting in May.

I have also dedicated an entire article to the best time of year to visit the Netherlands . That article gives a month by month breakdown of the weather, crowds, and events

Food in the Netherlands

Eating in the Netherlands is a unique experience. The Dutch aren’t exactly known for food, but you can find some excellent restaurants. See my post about eating in the Netherlands for a full rundown of Dutch food culture . 

This is always a culture shock for Americans, but smoking is still very prevalent in the Netherlands. Not as much as France, but you can reasonably expect to get a fair amount of secondhand hand smoke on your trip. It’s not allowed anywhere indoors, but if you’re sitting outside on the terrace at a café or restaurant just be prepared for cigarette smoke coming from all directions. 

Travel Insurance

Before you set out on your journey, just make sure to purchase travel insurance so that you’re protected for the unexpected. We use World Nomads and had a good experience the one time we unfortunately had to actually use it. World Nomads provides coverage to travelers in over 100 countries. You can search for a coverage plan using the link below.

The best way to get around the Netherlands is the NS train , which stands for Nederlandse Spoorwagon (Dutch train). The rail network is extensive and connects just about every city in the country. Smaller villages that don’t have NS stations will at least have a bus stop. 

When you arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport you’ll find the train station within the airport. From the kiosks you should purchase a blue OV Chipkaart. Do not buy individual tickets per journey. The card will cost you 7 Euros but it will make your life a lot easier for the next seven days.

At each station you’ll tag on and tag off. The best part about the OV Chipkaart is that all public transport throughout the entire country runs on it. So it’s not just for trains, but also local buses, trams, and metros in any city. 

You can easily add money to the card from kiosks at any train station with a credit card. Put 100 euros on the card. The cost per ride depends on the destination but is never more than 27.40 euros.

If you follow this itinerary you’ll spend about 100 euros on train and bus fare. If you go over you can always add more at the kiosks in any train station. 

Riding the train in the Netherlands

The train itself is not glamorous but it’s pretty comfortable. Accidently sitting in first class if you didn’t book a first class ticket might get you a fine. And if you’re in a quiet car you better be quiet or someone will tell you off. The quiet cars are labeled so just pay attention.

There are no bars or food stands on the trains, but there is someone who walks down the train aisle selling drinks and snacks. Nothing fancy, just Heineken and Snickers and stuff like that. 

Train stations vary depending on the city. Amsterdam’s central station is massive, with restaurants and shopping malls. While smaller stations might only have a Albert Heijn To-go, which is a convenience store sized version of the Netherlands’ main supermarket. 

Trains are pretty good about being on time, but sometimes do get delayed or even canceled. The info boards at the stations will keep you updated. You can also download the NS Train app while you’re there and use that for live updates and route planning. 

I rode the train a hell of a lot when I lived in the Netherlands and I can say it’s truly a great system. I would kill to have something like it in the northeast United States!

The 7-Day Netherlands Travel Itinerary 

Now it’s time to explore the Netherlands on the best 7-day Netherlands travel itinerary! If you follow this itinerary you’ll see what I consider to be the main highlights in the county. I’ve excluded some places I think are overhyped and not worth it on a short trip, like Rotterdam and Giethoorn , and included some places you might not think of, like Haarlem and Maastricht. 

The map below shows your approximate route, though note that it’s Google driving directions, and the train doesn’t quite follow the highways.

No Netherlands travel itinerary is complete without Amsterdam. Let’s assume you’ve come from the US so you’re there in the morning and have a full day ahead of you. You’ll spend the entire day today exploring Amsterdam, so hopefully the weather is nice!

If your hotel won’t let you check in early or store your bags you can always rent a luggage locker at Amsterdam central train station. Hopefully you’re feeling refreshed because there’s a lot of walking to do today!

I won’t go through everything there is to do in Amsterdam here. For that you can check out my ultimate guide to Amsterdam . It’s not a big city, but it’s vibrant and full of history and beautiful sights to behold. It’s also a great city to visit with children .

Just Walking around is my favorite way to spend an afternoon in the city. Some key spots to hit could be the Anne Frank House (book well in advance), Dam Square, the Royal Palace, the Rijksmuseum, the Jordaan, and the Van Gogh Museum if you’re into art. 

My Amsterdam guide goes through most of the tourist spots but also gives recommendations to live like a local if you want to avoid drunk British 22 year olds for a bit. You can find my restaurant recommendations there as well as how to properly experience the red light district. Spend the night at your hotel in Amsterdam and get ready for a day trip tomorrow. 

If you want to be closer to the action there are literally thousands of hotels in Amsterdam. Check out the listings on booking.com to book something great!

Where to stay in Amsterdam:

In the city center: Amsterdam Marriott Hotel

outside the city center: Mercure Sloterdijk Station

Full accommodation listings: Booking.com link

Start your day off right with a ride on the Pannekokenboot (pancake boat) This all-you-can-eat pancake boat tour will take you down the IJ river in Amsterdam. You’ll take a ferry across the river from central station to get to the boat meeting point. It’s a quick ride and it’s free.

If you’re not up for a boat ride you can have yourself a nice breakfast of traditional Dutch pancakes at Restaurant De Carrousel. Though note that pancakes are also a popular dinner meal in the Netherlands.

After pancakes hop on the train to Hoorn, a beautiful Dutch town on the coast. This afternoon you’ll check out some historic Dutch fishing villages. Hoorn is known for its well preserved Dutch architecture as well as its sinking houses. Due to poor soil many building foundations have settled inconsistently in the Netherlands.

You can see tilted houses in Amsterdam, but none as defined as the ones in Hoorn. Some other sites to stop by are the Hoofdtoren, the Westfriesmuseum, and the Grote Kerk (big church). 

Want to learn more about Dutch cheese and food? Check out my guide to Dutch Food Culture

After walking around Hoorn, hop on the bus to Edam. This little Dutch village is known for its cheese. It’s also a cute little town to walk around. From here you’ll walk to the famous fishing village of Volendam, passing the best spots in Edam on the way. It’s a solid 30-40 minute walk, not including stops.

Volendam is a little Dutch fishing village known for fantastic seafood, especially smoked eel. For the best smoked eel stay for dinner at Smit-Bokkum , one of my favorite restaurants in the Netherlands. The bus runs late so there’s no rush to head back to Amsterdam and spend another night in town. 

No Netherlands travel itinerary is complete without some flowers. So head back to the airport and rent a car. It’s tulip day, and based on my experience you’ll want your own vehicle.

The other option is to take the bus to Keukenhof from the airport. But my honest recommendation is to skip Keukenhof. This is the famous flower garden in Lisse.

It’s definitely nice. But it’s always overcrowded and feels artificial to me. Many people – like me – find the endless fields on tulip farms more beautiful than a manicured garden that charges 18.50 euros. 

So get in the car and head towards Lisse. Instead of going to Keukenhof you’re heading to the flower fields nearby though, mainly near Halfweg. There are tons of fields of tulips and other colorful flowers all around this area, though mostly to the west of Lisse. Some key things to note:

Tips for visiting the flower fields:

• The fields are private farms so technically you’re not supposed to walk through them, though you’ll see many people ignoring the rules. 
• Don’t pick flowers from the fields. If you want some tulips people sell them from the side of the road for a very good price.
• Don’t park on the road. The roads are narrow here and they will be crowded with other people looking for photos of flower fields. There are places to pull off and leave your car every so often. 

When you’ve had enough flower fields for one day it’s time to head to Zaandse Schans, a famous old Dutch village with multiple windmills along the river. It can get pretty crowded here too, but it’s neat to walk along the river and learn all about the history of windmills and cheese making.

Before heading back to the airport, stop by the city of Zandaam to check out one of the craziest hotels in the world, Inner Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam. You’ve probably seen photos of this funky building on Instagram. Since you’ve parked already, grab dinner along the river in Zaandam before returning the car. 

A note about Day 3

If all that sounds a little daunting for one day and you want it to be easier, consider an organized tour. You’ll be going to Keukenhof and not the individual flower fields if you go this route, but it is a lot less stressful. GetYourGuide offers a full day tour to Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans that might be just up your alley. 

Time to check out of your hotel and take the train to The Hague (Den Haag in Dutch when searching on ns.nl). The Hague is famous for having the international criminal court, where multinational court cases are decided and arbitrated. It’s also known for the Hague Convention, which established various international laws.

Domestically, the Hague is the seat of government for the Netherlands, even though technically Amsterdam is the capital. The Binnenhof is the Dutch parliament building and you can go in and walk around for free, though I’ve never done it. 

There are many other things to see and do in the Hague. The city center is easily walkable but you can also take trams all over the city anywhere you want to go.

Some other sites to be sure to check out are The Mauritshuis (if you’re into art), the Noordeinde Palace (the Dutch answer to Buckingham Palace), and Lange Voorhout, one of the most charming streets in the country. 

If you want to get out of the city center for a bit take the tram to the beach. Scheveningen is one of the most popular beaches in the Netherlands, thanks to its location basically in the Hague.

It’s too cold most the year to actually sit on the beach (May – Sep) but it’s neat to walk around and check out the pier, where you can ride the Ferris wheel or grab a beer on the water. Spend the night in The Hague and enjoy a nice dinner in the city of international peace. 

Where to stay in The Hague: Mercure Hotel Den Haag Central

Today you’ll spend the morning on the train heading to Maastricht, a city on the very southern tip of the Netherlands. Notably you’ll pass through Rotterdam, the second most populous Dutch city. We’re going to skip Rotterdam on this itinerary. It was mostly destroyed in WW2 and was rebuilt with a more modern design.

You’ll also skip Kinderdijk , arguably the most famous Dutch windmills, which showcases the history of using the wind to create energy throughout the centuries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’d prefer to see Kinderdijk over Zaanse Shans, you can swap these two windmill sites on Day 3. Kinderdijk, however, is much further from Amsterdam and not well connected on public transport.

One thing you’ll notice as you pull into Maastricht is hills. Topography! The Netherlands is known for a lot of things , and one of those things is that it is almost completely flat. But when you get down here on the border of Belgium and Germany you start to get some rolling hills. In fact, the highest point in the Netherlands is down here where the country borders Belgium and Germany at the same time.

Have extra time? Then maybe you’d like to check out Belgium! Be sure to read my guides to Bruges and Ghent , two of my favorite cities in Europe!

A little medieval city that is neat to walk around and explore, Maastricht is the perfect place to spend a day exploring. Base yourself at the Vrijthof Plaza, which is essentially the central square and go from there.

Some of the top sights to hit are the Basilica of Saint Servatius, Saint Jan’s Church, (where you can go to the top of the tower for a view of the rare Dutch rolling hills), Fort St. Pieter, and the old city walls at Hell Gate among other things.

When you’re done exploring, grab dinner on the main square and take in the sights and sounds of the southern Netherlands before spending the night in Maastricht.

Where to stay in Maastricht: Hotel Monastere

After a nice breakfast in Maastricht take the train back to Amsterdam, about 2.5 hours, where you’ll explore the funky side of the city north of the IJ river. The ferry across the river takes about 5 minutes and leaves every 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station.

Head up to the A’DAM Lookout for a view from about as high as you can get in the city. There’s a bar at the top and on a nice day it’s a good spot to relax and take in the views. If you’re into movies, next door is the Eye Film Museum. If you’re not into movies, just admire the crazy architecture of the building. 

Walk through the modernized industrial neighborhood to Oedipus Brewing for an afternoon beer. For more craft beer, the Walhalla Brewery and Taproom is on the next block.

End your day with a walk (or take the bus) to the NSDM Wharf, a funky old industrial building that’s been turned into a sort-of art market/gallery. As night sets in, stay for dinner at Pllek (booking essential) and watch the sunset over Amsterdam, your new favorite city.  

Last day of the trip. Spend the morning in Haarlem. Haarlem is only about 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central by train. I lived in Haarlem for two years. It’s a beautiful little Dutch city that is easy to walk around in a few hours. The cathedral in the central square is the second largest in the country, and the most beautiful in my opinion.

There are all sorts of little alleyways to get lost in Haarlem. For a cool experience grab lunch at the Jopenkerk, a brewpub located in an old cathedral. 

Spend your final afternoon exploring the beauty of the streets of Amsterdam by bike. There are a ton of bike rental agencies in Amsterdam and I’ve never used any of them so I can’t recommend any particular agency. Check out the Iamsterdam website for more info on bike rental companies.

Note about biking in Amsterdam: don’t bike like a dumb tourist!

As you cruise the bike paths, just be sure to pay attention to the traffic signals. The Dutch bike path system is state-of-the-art and you’ll be cycling on special paths. Just be courteous to the locals and bike at a sufficient pace and don’t stop in the middle of the paths. 

As the evening rolls in, if you haven’t done a canal tour yet might as well do that today. They’re not amazing, but it’s cool to cruise the canals observing the old houses. The basic tours are essentially all the same, so see who is offering specials. Most of them leave from right in front of the train station. 

For your last dinner if you haven’t had an Indonesian feast yet, it’s time for that. While it’s Indonesian food, it’s super Dutch and I’ve never seen an Indonesian rice table restaurant outside the Netherlands. I recommend Aneka Rasa downtown for convenience and price. You’ll leave satisfied! 

Now it’s hard to not associate Amsterdam with the Red Light District . If you haven’t seen it yet might as well on your last night. There’s all sorts of controversy over it these days, but I think it’s truly unique.

You can’t see anything quite like it anywhere else in the world. The main strip is lined with sex shows, peep shows, and of course windows full of beautiful women who are professional prostitutes.

While I don’t have personal experience with them, what I know comes from a friend who saw one when he was in town. And all I’ll say is that it won’t cost you only the 50 Euros they’ll tell you when you knock on the door 🙂 If you’re not looking to get lucky, just walking the canal taking in the sights and sounds should be enough. 

Depending on what time your flight is, you might have some time for more exploration in the morning. Either way you’ve had a lot of cheese and beer by now so time to head home and detox!

One thing to add is that if you’re coming in April, you might want to plan for or around the King’s Day holiday, April 27. It’s a national holiday to celebrate the King’s birthday, but in reality it’s just a giant party. Everyone dresses in orange and rides boats around the canals and gets hammered. It happens all over the country but the biggest party is in Amsterdam.

So if that sounds like your thing you might want to plan your trip to coincide. If being surrounded by hundreds of thousands of drunk people isn’t your idea of fun, best to avoid being in the Netherlands on King’s Day. 

Lastly, should you not come in April, there are plenty of things to substitute into the third day’s morning. If it’s summer, head to the beach at Zandvoort. If you’ve come in winter to avoid the summer crowds I’d use that time to sleep in and watch the rain fall from a café in Amsterdam! Either way you’ll find something lovely to do on this ultimate Netherlands travel itinerary!

How many days is enough for the Netherlands?

If you want a good taste of what the Netherlands has to offer, 7 days is adequate time. If you just want to get a quick fix of the Netherlands, it’s common to do 2-3 days in and around Amsterdam then move on to elsewhere in Europe.

What is the best way to tour the Netherlands?

The best way to get around the Netherlands is by train and public transportation. If you plan on going to small villages and avoiding the cities, however, your trip might be better suited for a rental car.

What is the best time to visit the Netherlands?

The best time to visit the Netherlands is mid-April through the end of September, with the exception of August, which is far too crowded.

Is the Netherlands expensive? 

By European standards the Netherlands is one of the more expensive countries to live and visit. Hotels and restaurants in central Amsterdam are overpriced, though locations outside major urban areas are most modestly priced. Americans, however, will find it quite an affordable country given how expensive life in the US can be.

Is it worth going to Rotterdam?

In the humble opinion of this author, it is not worth going to Rotterdam when visiting the Netherlands unless you have about two weeks to kill. Not that there’s anything wrong with Rotterdam. It’s just not that interesting compared to other European cities.

Chris Heckmann

Experience amsterdam like a local – the complete guide, dutch food culture and eating in the netherlands, you may also like, is haarlem worth visiting a day trip to..., the 10 best viewpoints in matera, italy, when is the best time of year to..., an amazing 10 day puglia itinerary – road..., an enjoyable 2 week georgia itinerary (the country), 23 pros and cons of living in groningen..., is groningen worth visiting your questions answered, the 17 most instagrammable places in puglia, the complete guide to the amsterdam red light..., the 8 best things to do in castelmezzano,....

[…] Tip: For more information and tips for planning a trip, check out this outstanding Netherlands travel itinerary! […]

[…] far the most popular and best thing to do in Amsterdam while on an ultimate 7-day Netherlands trip is to just walk around and take in the sights and sounds of the Dutch capital city. You can hit all […]

Great content! Keep up the good work!

Thanks! I hope you find it useful on a trip to the Netherlands!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Work With Me
• Netherlands
• Turks and Caicos
• United States
• New Zealand
• Netherlands Travel
• Custom Travel Planning
• Top 10 Lists
• Dutch Culture
• Indian Culture

Travel Guide Netherlands

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• Netherlands
• Travel guide
• Local Experts
• Itineraries
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

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 2834 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 3052 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.

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

The Rough Guides to Netherlands and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

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.

Ready to travel and discover Netherlands?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice

TTC family of brands

My Trafalgar

Destinations

Get Inspired

866 513 1995

Netherlands

See All Netherlands Tours

See More Netherlands Trips

5 million happy guests and counting

Capital City

Good morning

Goedemorgen

Good evening

Goedenavond

"Understated beauty is an accurate way to describe Netherlands. A land of vividly colourful countryside, picturesque villages, and cities bursting with canals and rich with striking architecture"

John, Travel Director

Come face-to-face with Rembrandt's masterpieces

Come face to face with Rembrandt’s iconic pieces and immerse into the mind and soul of a true artistic genius. The Het Rembrandthuis Museum is the place where the Dutch multidisciplinary artist worked for many years, offering treasures that honor the depths of his talents.

Visit The Royal Palace in Amsterdam

The Royal Palace is an Amsterdam must do thanks to its opulent 17th century architecture. Admire the yellow stone exterior before moving inside where you can float across marble floors and glance up at the extravagance of the ceiling and chandeliers. Found on the west side of Dam Square opposite the war memorial, it is close to numerous other Amsterdam attractions.

Walk through the edgy port city of Rotterdam

Journey across the country and find the port city of Rotterdam. Gaze upon vintage ships at the Maritime museum and collect local trinkets from a variety of different retail stores, all while being surrounded by over 160 different nationalities and languages. Bold architecture and an idyllic waterfront location make this a city worth savoring.

Stroll through an enchanting wonderland of tulips

Find the endlessly beautiful fields of tulips in Keukenhof, a mere 40-minute drive from the Dutch capital. You will feel an immense appreciation for nature’s beauty walking through the colorful gardens, alive with petals during the months of spring. Take time to sit and take in the vision and scents, either beside a lake or near a windmill.

Gain insights into the tradition of diamond cutting

Find Europe’s oldest and most renowned diamond cutting in the Netherlands. Visit one of Amsterdam’s many factories and marvel at the art of cutting these sparkly rocks first hand. Coming to the country in the late 16th century, diamond cutting has become a long-standing tradition and part of the Netherland’s cultural fabric.

Our top 5 things to do in Netherlands

From the capital’s majestic Royal Palace to the wonderland of tulip fields found in Keukenhof, these are just some of the experiences we’ll share with you when you visit the Netherlands with Trafalgar.

The Rijkmuseum contains over 8,000 masterful pieces of art, many crafted by famous Dutch masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Hals. Treat yourself to a day of learning and inspiration and quickly realize why this is the most visited museum in the Netherlands.

Van Gogh Museum

Admire the expressive works of the Vincent Van Gogh Museum and honour one of the most prominent artistic figures of all time. Known for his erratic personal life and huge body of work, have an encounter with the Dutch artist in his homeland within the walls of his contemporary Amsterdam museum.

Anne Frank House

Journey to the soul-stirring home of Anne Frank whose diary uncovered the dark realities of Nazi occupation of WWII to millions of readers across the globe. Well preserved from its original state, you will feel an unnerving connection to this country’s heritage as you walk from room to room.

Best museums in the Netherlands

Fill your mind with intrigue and discover why this country has been home to some of the most brilliant artists in European history. These are just a few of the museums Trafalgar will guide you through, peeling back the layers of culture in The Netherlands.

Bitterballen

A treasured snack found in many cafés, the bitterballen is a deep fried bread ball filled with delicious meat and roux, cooked in rich beef stock with onion, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Dip in creamy mustard or enjoy on its own, either way, it’s addictive.

Stroopwafel

Be mesmerized by the Netherlands beloved waffle meets cookie treat of Stroopwafel. With a thin dough and sticky thick caramel filling, pair this fluffy treat with a warm coffee and a cool day, picked up from a street vendor offering various irresistible toppings.

When the indulgence gets too much, reach for stamppot, a traditional Dutch classic of creamy potatoes usually mashed with carrots, turnip greens, spinach, onions, and kale. Try it topped with smoked sausage like rookworst if you’re still feeling indulgent.

Best food in the Netherlands

The Netherland tempts the tastebuds with caramel filled waffles, deep-fried bread balls and extravagant fries, with an occasional pause for hearty nutrition in dishes like Stamppot. Uncover many culinary delights when you travel through the Netherlands with Trafalgar.

What to pack for the Netherlands

Comfortable bike riding shoes

Bike tours in Amsterdam are an essential part of the Netherlands travel experience. Pack comfortable walking shoes so you can pedal until your heart is content, feeling like a local while soaking up the scenery of the city.

Rainy days can happen at any time of the year in the Netherlands, with an average annual rainfall of 700 millimeters. Come prepared with a raincoat or a small travel umbrella.

Jackets and cardigans

The Netherlands is a great place to travel in both winter and summer, with both seasons offering many perks. Consult a weather website before packing as even the summer months can require a jacket or cardigan.

A camera and memory card

From tulip fields to charming windmills, the Netherlands is endlessly photogenic. Pack a good camera and a spare memory card to capture your experience at its very best.

Empty bag space

With delicious local cheeses and oversized clogs tempting your souvenir list, spare bag space is a must when traveling in the Netherlands. Remember to check what rules apply when returning home with your chosen goods.

Our Europe & Britain destinations

Bosnia Herzegovina

Czech Republic

Liechtenstein

North Macedonia

Northern Ireland

Switzerland

Italy Test 02

Other worldwide regions we visit

Africa the Middle East

Australia and New Zealand

North and Central America

South America

Get your free brochure

Find your next escape with the world's leading travel brand

Request A Brochure

Award winning tours

Every year, we're proud to win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world - from the Travel Globes to the Agent's Choice Awards

Search Our Tours

Help & Info

WE MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®

Unedited Reviews

Our Destination Management Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Travel Updates

Media & Press Room

Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information

Travel Planning

Get Your Free Brochure

Travel Insurance

Booking Conditions

Trip Deposit Level

Recommendations

Trafalgar is a proud member of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies.

#SimplyTrafalgar

Selected Region

United States

United Kingdom

New Zealand

South Africa

Copyright 2024 Trafalgar. All rights reserved.

Terms and Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

The Netherlands One Week Itinerary | Tips From A Dutchie

Are you planning your trip to The Netherlands and wondering what to put on your itinerary? We created this one-week itinerary with different (sightseeing) activities, so you can easily choose the things you’re most interested in. 

Top priorities for The Netherlands itinerary: 

• Amsterdam: 2 Days
• The Hague: 1 Day
• Delft & Rotterdam: 2 Days
• Utrecht: 1 Day 
• Zaanse Schans & Volendam: 1 Day 

If you can spend more days in the country, you can easily add other cities like Gouda or a tour among famous landmarks like the Historic Windmills. Some activities, like Keukenhof, are seasonal and only open during a specific time.

This 7-day itinerary covers the top things to do while in The Netherlands. We try to be as helpful as possible and tell you everything about the best things to visit in the country. Followed by seasonal and cultural activities, the best places to stay in different cities, and the easiest way to travel around the country. Let’s find out more about the best plan for you to visit The Netherlands! 

7 Day Itinerary for The Netherlands

The basic itinerary for The Netherlands is a round trip through the country for 7 days. In one week you can visit all the important highlights in the country, and you’ll have enough time to relax, slow down a bit, and enjoying traditional Dutch villages. 

Amsterdam – 2 days

This famous city is the capital of The Netherlands. For many, it is even more famous than the country itself. The Netherlands is known as a liberal country, and the city of Amsterdam is probably one of the best examples to experience that identity. 

The city quickly grew and developed during the heydays of the Dutch Eastern Company in the 17th century. Today many of the historical landmarks in the city are dating back to that time. Two days in Amsterdam is perfect for discovering all the famous highlights. 

Famous Highlights Amsterdam

The list of things to do in Amsterdam is almost endless, highlights you should definitely put on your list to visit are; 

Rijksmuseum

This museum is also known as the National Museum. You’ll find the most extensive collection of the Dutch Master Painters, like Rembrandt, van Gogh, and Vermeer. Master painters from which the work is dating back to the 17th century until the more recent days. The museum also shows other unique collections, which gives you a good impression of the cultural variety of The Netherlands. 

The most famous painting on display in Rijksmuseum is  Nightwatch by Rembrandt (in Dutch: De Nachtwacht). 

van Gogh Museum

Vincent van Gogh (1853 – 1890) is one of the most famous Dutch painters ever lived. He is seen as one of the most influential painters in western art history. He painted over 2100 different works. However, during his life, he was not a (commercially) successful painter, the recognition for his work came in the 20th century, years after his death. Van Gogh spent most of his life living in The Netherlands and France. Most people don’t know that he suffered from mental illness and depressions. Which resulted in his suicide at the age of 37. 

The van Gogh museum in Amsterdam is a museum entirely dedicated to the life and works of Vincent van Gogh. You can find the most extensive collection of van Gogh paintings in the museum, and they offer an interactive exhibition, where you can learn more about the life he lived and the kind of person he was. 

Anne Frank’s House

Anne Frank is worldwide known for the diary she wrote during the 2nd World War when she needed to hide for the Germans. Her hiding place was in a canal house in the city center of Amsterdam. Today this house is a very informative and educative museum. A must-visit for everyone interested in history. Anne Frank’s House is one of the most famous museums to visit in Amsterdam. 

Due to this popularity, and the fact that it can only host a certain amount of visitors every time, it is only possible to buy tickets via the official museum’s website. When you buy a ticket, you’ll buy this for a specific timeslot. So when you want to visit Anne Frank’s House, we recommend buying your entrance ticket first. This way, you know what time you’ll need to visit the museum, and you can easily plan other activities around this visit. 

Amsterdam Canal Belt 

The renowned canal belt and canal houses are probably one of the landmarks Amsterdam is most famous for. Did you know the canal belt is a Unesco World Heritage Site? For a long time, this canal belt was the most important transport network in the city. 

Today the canal belt is mostly used by tour boats offering roundtrips through the city, and locals who are enjoying the city views from the water. I highly recommend exploring Amsterdam from the water via a tour boat. You get a whole different perspective of the city. 

There are a lot more activities and unique things to do while visiting Amsterdam. To prepare in the best way for this two-day visit, you might want to read one of our Amsterdam articles; 

• What is Amsterdam Best Known For? 
• How Many Days Do You Need in Amsterdam? 
• Best Things To Do In Amsterdam

Best Places To Stay in Amsterdam

It can be overwhelming to pick a place to stay in Amsterdam. There are a lot of hotels, guesthouses, and apartments you can choose from. Most of the time, when we’re booking a place in a new city, we’re using Booking.com. I like the fact that you can read recent reviews of other people that stayed in an accommodation. On average, when an accommodation gets reviewed with a 9 or higher on Booking.com, it’s almost always a good choice. 

We selected a few unique places to stay in Amsterdam, the links are direct links to Booking.com; 

• Heritage Canal House 
• Apartments De Hallen
• Hostel The Flying Pig Downtown  (Budget Choice)
• Hotel The Toren 

The Hague – 1 Day

After spending two days in the Dutch capital, it is time to travel to The Hague, the Royal city! Traveling from Amsterdam to The Hague is taking around 1 hour. We tell you later all about the best way to travel around The Netherlands. 

One Day in The Hague is perfect for enjoying the most important highlights of The Dutch government city. In one day you can visit the historical Binnenhof, City Center, Royal Palaces, and even go to Scheveningen Beach, which is the most famous and popular beach in The Netherlands.

The Dutch Royal Family lives in The Hague. They have a palace just outside the city center, where the King lives with his family. And in the heart of the historic city center, Royal Palace Noordeinde is located. The buildings are not open for a visit. However, it is possible to walk around the palaces and enjoy the beauty from the outside. The Royal Palace Gardens, which is basically the backyard of Palace Noordeinde, are open for the public. It is, in fact, a very popular city park for the locals in The Hague, a perfect place to enjoy some takeaway lunch or to relax in the park on a beautiful sunny day. 

Cultural Highlights of The Hague

For centuries The Hague is the government city of The Netherlands. So there’s a lot of cultural heritage to find in the city. It is unique to walk around  Binnenhof,  which is the building where the Dutch parliament is located. This historic building was first opened in 1230! The Knights Hall, located in the middle, was the first seat of the Dutch government. 

Next to the Binnenhof, you’ll find the renowned museum Mauritshuis. The museum offers a wide collection of the Dutch master painters from the 17th century. But in a different style, then you would find when visiting  Rijksmuseum  in Amsterdam. The most famous work that’s on display in Mauritshuis is  Girl with the Pearl-earring by Vermeer . 

The city center of The Hague is not too big, so it is convenient to go around on foot. Walking from Mauritshuis (Binnenhof) to Lange Voorhout, often referred to as the most beautiful street in The Netherlands, is only a 5-minute walk. At Lange Voorhout, you’ll find many historic buildings dating back to the early 17th century. And a former Royal Palace, which hosts now the  Escher Museum.  M.C. Escher was a famous dutch graphic artist, renowned for its mathematically inspired work, and artforms that seems to go on forever. 

Read More About The Hague

Did you know The Hague has its own canal belt? The canal belt used to connect The Hague with the port of Scheveningen, and via the Amsterdam Canal. Today the canal belt is much smaller, but it is still a unique way of going around in the city. It is a fun activity for like 2 hours to hop on a tour boat in The Hague, and see the city from a different perspective.

You can find out more about this activity and many other unique things to do in The Hague while reading one of our articles about the city; 

What Can You Do in The Hague For One Day? 

Which is a one-day itinerary for a visit to The Hague. I highly recommend reading this article! 

What is The Hague Famous For?   

In this article, I’ll explain more about the history and famous landmarks of the city. 

Best Places to Stay in The Hague

Sleeping in The Hague is sleeping in the Royal City of The Netherlands, so we selected a few unique places which give you this feeling. Of course, we also picked a few budget choices for a stay in The Hague. 

• Hotel Des Indes   (It’s one of the oldest hotels in The Netherlands!)
• The Penthouse The Hague Tower
• Hotel Indigo – Palace Noordeinde    (Located next to the Royal Palace)
• Kingkool City Hoste l (Budget Choice) 

Delft – 1 Day (Changeable Activity)

The first thing you probably noticed was ‘changeable activity.’ Don’t get me wrong, Delft is a unique city to visit, and when you love to visit the historic cities of The Netherlands, Delft is probably one of the most important ones you could visit. Delft is the city that Willem of Orange chose as the seat of his government after he successfully defeated the Spanish. He chose Delft because the city was the best to defend when the Spanish or other armies would plan an attack.

It makes of Delft the city where the Dutch kingdom was born. But its a story with a twist. Because in the same building where William of Orange thought he was safe, he was assassinated by a gunshot in 1584.

Find out more about this story, the history of Delft and the famous landmarks of the city in our article  How Many Days Do You Need In Delft?

Changeable Activity

So why did I selected Delft as a changeable activity in this itinerary? It’s because the city is a bit similar to other cities in The Netherlands, in terms of historic buildings, and the vibe you’ll get walking around. Of course, the story and historical events are quite different, but when you have 7 days to visit the famous highlights of The Netherlands, you might want to swap a city for some other activities. We’ll tell you later of the other seasonal activities, like visiting Keukenhof or attending the Kingsday event. 

Delft is also a small city, so you don’t miss out on a lot when you’re changing it for something else. And maybe you end up with some spare time, which you can easily use to go around Delft. You can visit the most famous highlights of the city with a half-day tour. 

Best Places to Stay in Delft

There are many different hotels and guesthouses to find in Delft. You can easily select a place to stay from  this list  on booking.com. 

Probably the most unique place to stay in Delft is  the birth house of renowned Dutch Master painter Johannes Vermeer . The house is now called  Flying Fox (Vliegende Vos).  It is a unique historic place to stay for one night.

Rotterdam – 1 Day

So if there’s one city that we say is a must-visit in The Netherlands, it is Rotterdam. The city is not known by everyone, and many people won’t even bother to look further than visiting Amsterdam and its surroundings. However, when you have a week in The Netherlands, the second-largest city of the country, can’t be missing on your itinerary. 

The history of Rotterdam dates back to the late middle ages, especially the settlement Delfshaven became an important settlement for international trade. Delfshaven was in that time, an official part of the city Delft, but became a part of Rotterdam in the late 1800s. Rotterdam and its surrounding settlement were able to grow rapidly during the 17th century because of the massive international maritime trade role of the Dutch Eastern Company. 

Unfortunately, there’s not much left of the historic center Rotterdam. During the 2nd World War, the German Airforce bombed the city of Rotterdam. During this terrible event, they destroyed almost the entire city. Luckily, most citizens could hide in a safe place in time. On the other hand, it forced Rotterdam to choose a different course after the war, when they started rebuilding the city. 

Modern City 

Rotterdam developed in the most modern city in The Netherlands. The only part that wasn’t destroyed during the terrible bombings was Delfshaven. An area which is known as the historic part of Rotterdam. 

The rest of the city is famous for its bold and unique architecture. Rotterdam is totally different compared to other cities. You’ll be amazed by buildings like the  Central Station, Market Hall, Cube Houses , and of course, the museum of architecture. 

The city is always in development, so new buildings and areas are created a lot. It’s amazing to spend at least one day in the most modern city in The Netherlands. You might want to read our article  One Day in Rotterdam .  Which is the perfect itinerary for your one day visit. 

Best Places To Stay in Rotterdam

Staying the night in Rotterdam is something special. We recommend staying in one of the many unique architectural buildings, so you’ll enjoy a night you’ll not quickly forget. Like we told you, Rotterdam is the best Dutch city to experience bold architecture. 

We selected a few of the many unique places to stay in Rotterdam; 

• Euromast  ( Sleeping on the Euromast, you’ll have a splendid view of the city and its surroundings ).
• WikkelBoat ( A house made from cardboard! )
• Cube House Hostel  (Budget Choice)
• Cube House Apartment
• Hotel New York ( The old main office of the Holland-America Cruiseline is now a hotel. A splendid place to stay in Rotterdam ).

Utrecht – 1 Day

The city that’s located in the heart of The Netherlands. Utrecht is the most centrally located city of the country, and before the 17th century, it was the economic heart of The Netherlands. Utrecht is the fourth-largest city of the country, and the most important transportation hub when you’re traveling with public transport. 

Utrecht is known for its late medieval history.  The Union of Utrecht , kind of a partnership between seven provinces around Utrecht, is seen as the first modern republic. The Union of Utrecht was led by William of Orange and marks the start of the Dutch Revolt against Spanish suppression in the 16th century. 

The city is also famous as the city that hosted the first international peace negotiations in Europe. After King Charles II of Spain died childless at the start of the 18th century, there were many conflicts about the distribution of land. The international peace negotiations, known as  The Treaty of Utrecht,  settled a large part of this conflict. 

Medieval Center

Utrecht is a unique historic city to visit in The Netherlands. Its famous landmark, the 14th century Dom Tower, is the highest bell tower in the country, which you can see from kilometers away. The city has a unique canal belt, and with the historic canal houses, it feels a bit the same as the historic center in Amsterdam. However, the vibe in Utrecht is much different. The city is not so busy as Amsterdam, Utrecht feels more authentic because it is less popular than the Dutch capital. 

In our article ‘ What is Utrecht Famous For? ‘  you’ll find all the important highlights of the city. 

Best Places To Stay in Utrecht

The medieval city of Utrecht is perfect for spending the night. The city changes after sunset, and the old historic streets get an even more romantic vibe to walk around when it is dark. There are many modern hotels where you can stay in Utrecht, which are all located close to the city center, you can find a complete list following  this link , which directs you to Booking.com. 

One of the most unique places to stay in Utrecht is  Grand Hotel Karel V,   an old estate in the heart of the city center, which they transformed into a 5-star hotel. When you’re looking for a medieval experience with a modern twist, this Grand Hotel Karel V is the perfect place to spend the night.  

Zaanse Schans & Volendam – 1 Day 

For the last day in this one-week itinerary, we recommend staying somewhere close or in Amsterdam. From Amsterdam, it is effortless to reach the cultural sites Zaanse Schans and Volendam. Both areas are a must-visit while you’re in The Netherlands, and combining the two cultural sites will create a full day of exploring the Dutch heritage. 

Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is known as the first industrial area in Western Europe. You can reach this area in less than an hour from Amsterdam. It is full of historic windmills, which functioned as factories between the 17th and 18th centuries. During the heydays, there were hundreds of different windmills active in this area, all producing food, spices, and all kinds of products. Today a little over 10 historic windmills are left. 

The area is a Unesco World Heritage site, and walking into the village feels like you’re stepping back in time. Visiting Zaanse Schans gives you a unique inside of how people lived and worked a few hundred years ago.

In our article and  Best Place To See The Windmills ,  you can find more detailed information about Zaanse Schans. 

When a lot of people think of The Netherlands, they think of small fisherman villages, close to the sea. People living in small houses, working on the dikes, and wearing traditional clothing and clogs. 

If you have this image in mind when thinking of The Netherlands, you’re not entirely wrong. It’s how traditional Dutch villages were until the late 19th century. And some of them are still the same today! 

Volendam is the best-known example of a Dutch traditional fisherman village. 

It is lovely to walk along the long dike of the village, eat a fresh raw herring, and admire the traditional ships. Of course, you must-visit the Volendam museum, where you can dress up in traditional clothing yourself and feel like a  Volendammer  for a moment! 

Traveling from Zaanse Schans to Volendam can take up to 1 hour. You probably be quicker, but it depends on the public transport connection during that day. Departure times can vary depending on the time of the year.

You can find more detailed information about Volendam, and other traditional Dutch villages in our article ‘ What is The Netherlands Famous For? ‘  

Later in this article, we tell you more about how to get around while traveling through The Netherlands, but first, let’s find out more about the extra and changeable activities for this itinerary. 

Changeable & Seasonal Activities

So on the third day of this itinerary, we selected the visit to Delft as a ‘changeable activity.’ Like we said, Delft is an exciting city to visit. However, there are a lot more unique things to do while in The Netherlands, and you might want to swap a city for visiting another cultural site or something else. So depending on your interests, you can change some of the activities we selected above. 

In the next part, we describe the unique cultural things to do in The Netherlands. 

Dutch Tulip and Flowers

Did you know the National Flower of The Netherlands is a Tulip? The tulip is also one of the official logos of the country. Tulips were imported from an area that we now know as Turkey, so initially, they weren’t even Dutch. But because of the Dutch climate, tulips could quickly grow, and thus a thriving tulip industry was quickly born. During the heydays of the Dutch Eastern Company in the 17th century, tulips were seen as a status symbol. Having tulips was a sign of prosperity and wealth, so many people wanted to fill their gardens and houses with many tulips. This popularity led to a unique way of trade, and later a devastating economic crash. The period is known as  Tulip Mania . You find out more about it in our article  Why Is The Netherlands Famous For Tulips? 

Today Tulips and Flowers are still popular in the country. The Netherlands is the largest producer of flower bulbs in the world, and there are many cultural sites you can visit regarding this industry, we selected two: 

A visit to Keukenhof is a must while you’re in The Netherlands during their opening weeks. Keukenhof is the most extensive flower garden in the world but opens for only 8 weeks a year. Their opening weeks vary annually but are always between March and April. 

In 2020 Keukenhof opens between the 21st of March and the 10th of May. 

For the years following, the expected opening weeks are; 20th of March – the 16th of May (2021)

and the 19th of March – the 15th of May (2022). These are expected dates and can still vary. Make sure to check the latest information on  the official Keukenhof website . 

Annually the gardeners of Keukenhof plant of 8 million flower bulbs in different patterns. The theme of the park varies every year, so you can always expect some different art-flowers-works in the garden. Keukenhof started out as a showcase for the Dutch flower industry, which is the largest in the world. Today Keukenhof is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, receiving every year, millions of flower enthusiasts from all over the world in just 8 weeks. 

In our article,  What is Keukenhof Famous For?   You’ll find much more detailed information about this unique flower garden. 

Keukenhof is located between Amsterdam and The Hague, close to Leiden. It is ideal for visiting while staying in The Hague or in Amsterdam. 

Flower Fields

Keukenhof is not the only place where you can see the beautiful Dutch tulips and flowers. During the blossom period, you can find many large flower fields that are amazing for a visit. These areas change into a sea of flowers with bright colors and lovely perfumes. 

The blossom period of the flowers if roughly the same period as the opening weeks of Keukenhof. There are basically two large areas in The Netherlands that are ideal for visiting these flower fields. Of course, the area close to Keukenhof, which is known as  Bollenstreek (Bulb Region),  and  Noordoostpolder , which is an artificial land in the province of Flevoland, and the largest bulb cultivation area of The Netherlands. 

You can find detailed information on both areas in our article,  Where Are The Tulip Fields in The Netherlands?

Historic Windmills

The Netherlands is known for its historic windmills. An area as Zaanse Schans, which was the first industrial area of Western Europe, used to have hundreds of windmills that all functioned as a small factory. 

Not all windmills functioned as a factory to produce food, spices, or sawing wood. Many windmills functioned as water pumps to prevent the land of flooding. The best example of that you still find close to Rotterdam, at an area known as  Kinderdijk – A Unesco World Heritage site.  Many historic windmills here are functioning as a water management system, which was a unique system for the time when it was built. 

It is lovely to spend a day exploring the unique and historic windmills in The Netherlands. There are over 1000 historic windmills still left throughout the country. The most popular windmills are located in the area between Amsterdam, Leiden, The Hague, and Rotterdam. We wrote an article,  Best Place To See The Windmills ,  where we explain much more about the history of the windmills, and the most unique windmills to visit while you’re in The Netherlands. 

Cheese Markets

The Netherlands is known for its Dutch Cheese. You can find Dutch Cheese in every corner of the world. Especially the widely renowned  Gouda Cheese  is very popular everywhere. Since medieval times cheese markets became very popular in The Netherlands. Farmers sold their cheeses on the central squares in villages and cities. The process of this sale was unique. Instead of a fixed price for every cheese, they used a form of negotiation, which we call in The Netherlands  handjeklap. Handjeklap (Clap of Hands)  is a form to seal the deal with shaking each other’s hands. 

In the cities Alkmaar and Gouda, you can still visit cheese markets which are held historically. The farmers and sellers even wear traditional clothing!

Cultural Events

We love a good party in The Netherlands, and while you’re visiting the country, you might want to attend one of the annual cultural events. It depends when you’re visiting The Netherlands, of course, but the most unique cultural events are taking place between April and May. 

Also, during the summer period, let’s stay starting from May until September, you can attend a lot of music and theater festivals throughout the country. This list is almost endless. The city Amsterdam hosts more than a thousand different events alone throughout the year! 

The most unique cultural event which you should consider visiting is  Kingsday.

We celebrate our King’s Birthday on the 27th of April every year. This day is a public holiday, and the whole country dresses up in orange and go somewhere in their city or village to have a good time. 

The Dutch Royal family visits one city every year to celebrate Kingsday with the locals, which is always a unique and fun event to attend or watch on National Television. 

During Kingsday you can attend in almost every city, different celebrations. The most popular for many people is to celebrate Kingsday in Amsterdam, the whole city turns orange, and many festivities are organized throughout the city. However, because of its popularity in recent years, it became to busy in the city. So many other cities also started initiatives to organize significant events. And to spread out the public a bit more, the national Kingsday celebrations switched from Amsterdam to Breda.

Read more about Kingsday in our article  What is Kingsday in The Netherlands?

How To Get Around The Netherlands

The best way to get around the country is by using public transport. Of course, you can rent a car and drive around yourself. This is also safe and convenient (read  our recommendations  for the best car rental for traveling). 

However, most cities are perfectly to reach using the public transport network. You don’t need to pay for parking, and you miss out on the many traffic jams in the country. The Netherlands might be small, so driving from one city to another can be quick, but there are a lot of traffic jams on the highways. So why not skip that and enjoy the comfort of traveling by public transport. This is not only quicker, most of the time cheaper, but also better for the environment! 

Public Transport Card

In all the large cities you’ll find an extensive network of buses, metro or trams. Not every city has an underground metro network. 

You’re obliged to use a public transport card in The Netherlands, which is called the OV-chipcard ( OV stands for Openbaar Vervoer, which means Public Transport in Dutch).  Which is an electronic card that you can use in every form of public transport throughout the country. 

We recommend buying an anonymous card, which is available on every station. This card works as a prepaid card, where you put money on which you can use to travel with. You can find more information about the public transport card on  this website .

There isn’t an official ‘tourist card’ for public transport available, but there are different day tickets which can be cheaper than using the OV-chipcard. It all depends on what you’re planning to do. When you’re following this itinerary, we recommend using the OV-chipcard. 

Trains in The Netherlands

Traveling between the different cities is most convenient when you’re using the train network. Many trains are connecting large cities multiple times a day. And most trains are crossing Utrecht Central Station at least one time on their journey. Utrecht Station is the central public transport hub of the country. 

When you’re using the train, you can travel from Amsterdam to Rotterdam within one hour, so that’s quick, and you don’t have any traffic jams!   

The best website for finding more information about timetables and which connection you need to use is  9292.nl . Its the public transport planner of The Netherlands, also available as an app for iPhone and Android. 

Extending Your Itinerary For The Netherlands

Are you planning to stay longer in The Netherlands? With 10-days or 14-days you can discover much more of the country. You can stay longer in certain cities, visit the countryside or go to the Wadden Islands in the Northern part of The Netherlands . 

There are so many possibilities to choose from, either way, you’ll have a great time exploring the country! When you’re looking for more information on what you can do while staying longer in The Netherlands we recommend reading one of these  (or all of these)  articles: 

Best Cities in The Netherlands 

A list of the most unique cities in the country. Perfect if you want to find out which cities you’re going to add to your itinerary

Best Time To Visit The Netherlands

In this article, I’ll explain the best time to visit the country. When you’ll have the best chance of nice weather. The period where you can visit the most annual events and much more local tips. 

Interesting Facts About The Netherlands

This article is interesting both when you want to extend your itinerary and when you want to learn more about the Dutch heritage. We describe many facts about the country and the Dutch people.

Typical Dutch Food

You can’t go to The Netherlands and not trying some of our typical Dutch dishes like raw herring, kroket, or stamppot. This article is all about typical Dutch food, where to find out, and why you need to taste it! 

Similar Posts

What is utrecht famous for, what is keukenhof famous for, what is kingsday in the netherlands, what is amsterdam best known for, what is typical dutch food | dutch traditional food guide, where is the best place to see windmills in the netherlands.

• Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• 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: 10 Best Clubs & Bars

Europe Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

Magnificent Switzerland Holiday 6D/5N Package @ Rs 69,999

Plan your trip today!

Magnificent Europe Tour 7D/6N Package @ Rs 70,975

Get quotes from multiple travel experts.

France & Switzerland Tour Package 8D/7N @ Rs 90,000

Compare & customize quotes before booking.

Scintillating Spain & Portugal Tour 11D/10N @ Rs 101,150

Have Questions? Talk to our travel experts today.

6 Country Europe Tour Package 12D/11N @ Rs 118,650

Best prices guaranteed. EMI option available.

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

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.

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 To Go Crazy & Wild In The Beautiful Country

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 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 For A Perfect Stag Night

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 To Make Your Vacation Happening & Blissful

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 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 One Must Visit To Witness The Royal Side Of The Country!

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: Perfect Backdrops For Your Love Story

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 Which Offer A Glimpse Of The Ancient Structures Of Europe!

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: A Comprehensive Guide On The Beautiful City In Netherlands

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: A Handy Guide For Bringing Home Everything Chic & Classic!

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.

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 To Visit On Your Vacation To Netherlands!

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 To Plan Your Ultimate Escape

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!

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Netherlands

What is 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 wonderful destination is also known for its great cuisine.

Is Netherlands a safe country?

Yes, indeed. Netherlands is quite a safe country and the crime rate is very low. The law is strictly enforced. at Netherlands rank 16 on the list of world’s safest countries.

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 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.

Looking To Book An International Holiday?

Trip to Sri Lanka at Rs 13,500/-

Plan Your Vacation Today!

Trip to Singapore at Rs 20,499/-

Get Quotes From Local Experts

Mauritius Holiday Starting at Rs 65,000/-

Talk to Our Experts Today

Maldives Honeymoon Trip at Rs 39,800/-

Pay with easy EMI Option

Europe Trip at Rs 89,999/-

All Inclusive Deals

Vacation in Dubai at Rs 27,499/-

Hong Kong Holiday at Rs 24,999/-

Money Safe Guarantee

Thailand Holiday at Rs 7,999/-

Flights Excluded

People Also Read

Places To Visit In Norway Places To Visit In Switzerland Places To Visit In Denmark

Recent Posts

Unfold The Fascinating Facts About Louvre Museum

Places To Visit Near Ajmer Within 100 Kms

Interesting Facts About Burj Khalifa That Unveil Its Secrets

2024 में दमन में घूमने के लिए ये 16 बेहतरीन जगहें निश्चित रूप से आपको इस तटीय शहर से प्यार करने पर मजबूर कर देंगी!

10 Incredible Facts About Sagrada Familia That Will Make Your Visit Interesting

Places To Visit Near Udaipur Within 100 Km

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2023 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• International
• Places To Visit »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Maldives Tour Packages
• Bali Tour Packages
• Dubai Tour Packages
• Singapore Tour Packages
• Thailand Tour Packages
• Europe Tour Packages
• Sri Lanka Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Thailand Tourism
• Bali Tourism
• Singapore Tourism
• Maldives Tourism
• Mauritius Tourism
• Dubai Tourism
• Europe Tourism
• Hotels in Thailand
• Hotels in Maldives
• Hotels in Mauritius
• Hotels in Bali
• Hotels in Dubai
• Hotels in Singapore
• Hotels in Sri Lanka

THE 10 BEST The Netherlands Tours & Excursions

The netherlands tours.

• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Amsterdam Classic Boat Cruise with Live Guide, Drinks and Cheese

2. Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans Windmills Day Trip from Amsterdam

3. All-Inclusive Amsterdam Canal Cruise by Captain Jack

4. The Real Amsterdam Food Tour with Adam & Eve

5. Anne Frank Guided Walking Tour through Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter

6. Amsterdam Small-Group Canal Cruise Including Snacks and Drinks

7. Van Gogh Museum Exclusive Guided Tour with Reserved Entry

8. Amsterdam Small-Group Food Walking Tour in Jordaan District

9. Guided Bike Tour of Amsterdam's Highlights and Hidden Gems

10. Amsterdam Food Walking Tour and Canal Cruise

11. Van Gogh Museum Guided Tour

12. Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam

13. Keukenhof Ticket With Roundtrip Shuttle Bus from Amsterdam

14. Tour to Keukenhof, Tulip Farm and Windmill Cruise from Amsterdam

15. Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague Small Group Tour from Amsterdam

16. Amsterdam Canal Cruise with Live Guide and Onboard Bar

17. Swimming with Sea Turtles and Grote Knip Beach. Award Winner 2023

18. From Amsterdam: Guided Tour to Brussels and Bruges

19. Keukenhof Ticket and Transfer from Amsterdam

20. Zaanse Schans Windmills, Clogs and Dutch Cheese Small-Group Tour from Amsterdam

21. Keukenhof's Tulips and Windmills Small-Group Tour from Amsterdam

22. Amsterdam Evening Cruise by Captain Jack Including Drinks

23. Van Gogh Museum Tickets and Semi-Private 8ppl Max Guided Tour

24. Giethoorn, Afsluitdijk, Zaanse Schans Day Tour Mini VIP Bus Incl. Hotel Pick Up

25. Bruges Day Trip from Amsterdam

26. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Small-Group Guided Tour

27. Amsterdam Canal Cruise With Live Guide and Unlimited Drinks

28. Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans Windmills Day Trip from Amsterdam

29. Amsterdam: Red Light District guided tour (TOP RATED)

30. Countryside Bike Tour from Amsterdam: Windmills, Cheese, Clogs

What travelers are saying.

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Netherlands Vacations & Trips from $1,288

Book a hotel + flight or car together to unlock savings.

• Things to do

I only need accommodations for part of my trip

• payments icon Better together Save up to $580 when you book a flight and hotel together*
• lob hotels icon Find the right fit With over 300,000 hotels worldwide, it's easy to create a perfect package
• lob packages icon Rest easy Plan, book, and manage your trip all in one place

Your Netherlands Vacation

Make organizing your next getaway easy with a Netherlands vacation package. Whether it's nature, history or something else entirely that lures you here, our package deals will help you discover the best of it. Your trip to Netherlands wouldn't be complete without visiting some of its best cities, starting with Amsterdam , Hoofddorp and Schiphol . Expedia has hotels, flights, car rentals and more to help you put together your own customized Netherlands vacation today.

Top destinations in Netherlands

The Latest Netherlands Vacation Packages

SUPPER Hotel

Reviewed on Jul 24, 2023

Pestana Amsterdam Riverside

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

EuroParcs Schoneveld

Strandhotel Westduin

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2021

Fletcher Hotel - Restaurant Arion - Vlissingen

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2021

Netherlands Vacation

Famous for its canals, cycling routes and flat landscape dotted with windmills and tulip fields, the Netherlands is a charming country in the northwest of Europe.

Netherlands Hotel + Flights

When it comes to finding a place to stay here, you have plenty of choices. There are 18,138 hotels on offer starting at $144 a night. If you want to keep your expenses down and your wallet happy, why not think about bundling your hotel and flight bookings and creating your own fantastic Netherlands Vacation Package. You can even include extras like car rentals and experiences. Always dreamed about seeing the country’s iconic windmills? Just add a guided tour to your hotel and flight package.

Your Netherlands Vacation Itinerary

Day 1-3: Start your vacation by flying into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Once you’ve settled into your hotel, rent a bike. Cycling is an excellent way of getting around Amsterdam to see attractions like the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.

Day 4: Dubbed the International City of Peace and Justice, The Hague is well worth a visit. Rent a car in Amsterdam and you can be there in around an hour. The Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery and Scheveningen Beach are a couple of must-sees in this beautiful coastal city.

Day 5-6: Hop back in the car and drive south for about 30 minutes to Rotterdam. This architecturally adventurous city is home to landmarks such as Erasmus Bridge, Euromast Tower and the Cube Houses, as well as one of the world’s largest ports.

Netherlands Information

• There are festivals galore in the Netherlands. If you happen to be there April 27, dress in orange and join the locals as they celebrate King’s Day (Koningsdag).
• Museums are a major attraction in the vibrant capital of the Netherlands. If you’re hoping to stay here for a while and visit some of them, be sure to browse through our Amsterdam Vacation Packages .
• Want to treat yourself this vacation? Check out our Netherlands All Inclusive Resorts .

Netherlands Essential Information

Netherlands hotel deals.

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2024

Explore other types of vacation packages

All Inclusive Vacations

Beach Vacations

Kid Friendly Vacations

Golf Vacations

Luxury Vacations

Romantic Vacations

Ski Vacations

LGBTQ Friendly Vacations

Adventure Vacations

Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in netherlands, keukenhof gardens.

Explore Keukenhof Gardens, a favorite green space in Lisse, and also enjoy the area's biking trails. Check out the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this walkable area.

Efteling Theme Park

Have a fun-filled day at Efteling Theme Park and find out why this is a popular theme park in Kaatsheuvel. While you're in the area, wander around the forests.

Anne Frank House

See where this brave and famous Jewish teenager hid from the Nazis during World War II and recorded her world-famous diary.

Other vacations you might like

• Top cities in Netherlands
• Vacations and getaways similar to Netherlands
• Popular destinations in Netherlands
• Expedia's Latest Trends
• Amsterdam Vacations
• Rotterdam Vacations
• The Hague Vacations
• Zandvoort Vacations
• Utrecht Vacations
• Maastricht Vacations
• Hoofddorp Vacations
• Noordwijk Vacations
• Egmond aan Zee Vacations
• Haarlem Vacations
• Zaandam Vacations
• Renesse Vacations
• Spain Vacations
• Greece Vacations
• Italy Vacations
• Türkiye Vacations
• Cyprus Vacations
• Croatia Vacations
• Germany Vacations
• United Kingdom Vacations
• France Vacations
• Portugal Vacations
• North Holland
• South Holland
• Municipality of Amsterdam

Additional information about Expedia Group

Deals of the Week   Bucket List   Up to 50% OFF

Fully Guided Tours & Trips in Netherlands

Find the right fully guided tour for you in Netherlands. There are 117 trips to choose from, that range from 3 days in length, up to 16 days. The month with the most departures is April, making it the most popular time to visit Netherlands.

117 Fully Guided tour packages in Netherlands with 163 reviews

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Best of the Netherlands

Had a great time! Our tour guide, Patrizia, and driver, Simone, were the BEST.

Best of Holland (7 Days)

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

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

• Christmas & New Year

Tailor-Made Private Netherlands Trip with Daily Departure

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

Customized Netherlands Holiday with Daily Departure

Netherlands Biking Adventure

• River Cruise

Landscapes of Holland Dutch Symphony Intermediate Deluxe

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

• Bike and Barge

Tulip Tour, Bike & Barge in Holland

Experience was good.

Through authentic Holland (port-to-port cruise)

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

• Festival & Events

King’s Day 2024

My King's Day experience with Yes-Trips in Amsterdam was absolutely incredible! From start to finish, the entire celebration was flawlessly organized, making it one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The atmosphere in Amsterdam on King's Day is electric, and Yes-Trips truly knows how to maximize the fun. Whether you opt for their full package with ESN associations, the budget-friendly campsite accommodation, or the exclusive cruise party, you're guaranteed to have a blast. I went for the full package and was blown away by the seamless transportation, comfortable accommodation, and expert guides who made sure we didn't miss a beat. The highlight for me was definitely the cruise party along Amsterdam's main canal. Dancing to great music while cruising past the city's iconic landmarks was an experience I'll never forget. Plus, the vibrant orange sea of people in the streets added to the festive atmosphere, making it a celebration unlike any other. Overall, I can't recommend Yes-Trips enough for anyone looking to experience King's Day in Amsterdam. Their attention to detail, friendly staff, and dedication to ensuring everyone has a fantastic time truly sets them apart. If you're thinking about joining the celebration next year, don't hesitate to book with Yes-Trips – you won't regret it!

Northern Route

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

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

Tulip Time Cruise 2024

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

Springtime in Holland (port-to-port cruise)

Professional, helpful staff, great food.

Tulip Time Highlights 2024

Reviews of fully guided tours in netherlands.

Tour director was great. Buffet dinners were not the greatest. Disappointing that porterage has been discontinued. Hotels are a bit out of the way and do not allow for any exploration once you reach the hotel in the evening.

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

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

Regions in Netherlands

• North Holland (8)

Travel Styles

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

International Versions

• Deutsch: Geführte Rundreisen in Niederlande
• Français: Circuits Entièrement guidé aux Pays-Bas 2024/2025
• Español: Totalmente guidado Circuitos en los Países Bajos
• Nederlands: Volledig begeleid Rondreizen in Nederland

2 Weeks in the Netherlands: A Complete 14 Day Itinerary

Wondering how to spend two weeks in the Netherlands? Well, you’re in the right place!

The Netherlands is a fantastic little country that offers the perfect blend of natural beauty with cultural heritage. It is known for its open landscapes, traditional windmills, tasty cheese, and bright tulips.

We spent two weeks in the Netherlands and loved the culture, quaint towns, and laid-back vibe . Honestly, it is one of our favorite countries in all of Europe!

For over 10 years, we have designed awesome road trip itineraries in Italy, Malta, Greece, Belgium, France, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Namibia, Japan, and the Netherlands.

We know exactly how to make your 14-day Netherlands itinerary unforgettable.

Drive times are short, highways are in excellent condition , and you can explore the country at your own pace. This is especially important for people who travel with chronic pain and fatigue like I do.

In this post, we share how to spend 2 weeks in the Netherlands so you can choose and customize your own adventure . We go over the best towns to visit, things to do, drive times, and ideas on where to stay.

So, whether you have 10 or 14 days in the Netherlands, this post will help you craft your own perfect itinerary .

Grab a glass of wine, sit back, and let’s plan your Netherlands adventure!

Why Visit the Netherlands?

Umm, did we mention how tasty the cheese is?

Seriously, though… the Netherlands is a great destination to experience a new culture, wander historic towns , immerse yourself in museums , dine in trendy cafés, and discover an outdoor lifestyle .

We found the Dutch people to be very friendly and welcoming. They have a strong sense of community, value equality, and over 90% speak English . Kind of ideal, right?

Located in northwestern Europe, the Netherlands is bordered by Germany and Belgium. It is relatively small and can be explored in a short amount of time.

They have excellent infrastructure that connects major cities with the many adorable Dutch towns .

Trains are efficient and safe. Highways are paved and easy to navigate . And there is an extensive network of well-maintained cycling paths.

Plus, a Netherlands road trip can easily be combined with other European destinations, as trains are efficient and affordable . Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, and even the UK can be easily accessed by train.

Flight prices are very affordable too. You could easily catch a direct flight to Malta for a relaxing vacation . The choices are endless.

2 Weeks in the Netherlands – Map

Day 1-4: Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of the most interesting and beautiful cities in Europe. From iconic buildings and intricate canals to museums and trendy cafés, Amsterdam is the whole package.

We recommend spending at least 4 days in Amsterdam on your Netherlands road trip to soak up as much of the city as possible.

With 4 Days You Can: ✔️explore charming neighborhoods ✔️visit iconic museums ✔️rent a bicycle or hop on a canal cruise   ✔️dine in trendy cafes and cozy pubs ✔️indulge in Dutch delicacies

✅ HELPFUL TIP: When planning a trip , we always schedule at least 2 days in the first location before starting any road trip. This allows time to relax after an international flight and address any pain, pick up supplies for the trip, and enjoy the town.

Getting to Amsterdam

Make your way to Amsterdam Central Station , in the heart of Amsterdam. The easiest way to get there from Schiphol Airport is by train, taxi, or private transfer.

There is a bus from Schiphol Airport, but it does not take you directly to the historic center.

🚄 TRAIN: NS Dutch Railways Train, Cost: 6.90€ – 20min 🚕 TAXI: Cost: 40–60€ (depending on traffic) – 20min 🚌 BUS: Amsterdam Express 397 from Schiphol Plaza to Amsterdam Elandsgracht (not Central Station) Cost: 6.50€ – 30min

You can take a private transfer to Amsterdam for a more comfortable ride. Get Transfer offers competitive rates from various drivers, allowing you to select the cheapest option available.

🚓 Need a Transfer from Amsterdam Airport? ➡️ Book your Private Transfer here !

Getting Around Amsterdam

Much of Amsterdam’s historic center is pedestrian only . You may need to walk a short distance with your luggage, depending on your hotel’s location. The taxi will drop you off as close as possible.

✅ HELPFUL TIP: If you plan on staying in Amsterdam for an extended period or using it as a base to explore nearby towns, then consider booking accommodations closer to Central Station.

Your feet will be your primary mode of transportation during your 4 days in Amsterdam.

Make sure you have a good pair of walking sandals or runners to support your neck and back.

👉I like these runners because they are comfortable and offer excellent support.

Amsterdam has an efficient transportation system with access to many historic sights and museums. We found the trams in the city safe and comfortable. 🚃 Amsterdam Tram Map 🚌 Amsterdam Bus Map

Things to Do in Amsterdam

Alright, onto the good stuff. Get ready to explore this historical, amazing city!

Whether it’s renting a bicycle, cruising the canals, visiting world-class museums, eating a ton of cheese, or discovering its unique charm, Amsterdam will not disappoint!

✅ HELPFUL TIP: Most of the sights are wheelchair friendly. But keep in mind that the historic center has cobblestone streets and some small staircases, depending on where you visit.

Day 1: Historic Center, Canals & Markets

✔️ Amsterdam Centrum: Get lost in the historic center, admire 17th-century canals, Flemish architecture, and discover the cute shops.

✔️ Nieuwmarkt: Known for its historic buildings, lively market, delicious food, and its proximity to Chinatown and De Waag.

✔️ Rembrandt House Museum: The 17th-century house where Rembrandt lived, admire his paintings, and learn about his artistic process.

✔️ Canal Cruise: Hop on a canal cruise and take in the city’s beautiful architecture, charming bridges, and historic landmarks.

👉Admire Amsterdam with an onboard bar & local guide with this award-winning evening canal cruise!

Day 2: History & Lights

✔️ Anne Frank House: Visit the historical site where Anne Frank hid during the Nazi occupation of World War II and where she wrote her diary.

👉 Join a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter with the Anne Frank guided tour!

✔️ Electric Ladyland: This is the world’s 1 st museum of fluorescent art, featuring exhibits of glowing minerals, artworks, and installations.

✔️ The Dam: A lively square is home to the National Monument, Royal Palace, and New Church, with street performers, cafes, and shops.

✔️ Red Light District: It’s controversial, mysterious… and yes, safe for tourists. The narrow streets, red-lit windows, and entertainment options offer a distinct experience unique to Amsterdam.

👉Experience Amsterdam’s Red Light District & cafe culture with this award-winning private tour!

Day 3: Museums & Markets

✔️ Van Gogh Museum : ACheck out the largest collection of Van Gogh’s works, including his iconic paintings “Sunflowers” and “Starry Night”.

👉Buy your Van Gogh entrance ticket here!

✔️ Rijksmuseum: A treasure of Dutch art and history, with an extensive collection of masterpieces including Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch” and Vermeer’s “The Milkmaid.”

👉Buy your Rijksmuseum entrance ticket here!

✔️ Leidseplein: Known for its vibrant nightlife, this square has fantastic restaurants, trendy bars, clubs, and theaters worth exploring.

✔️ Bloemenmarkt: Along Singel Canal, you will find the world’s only floating flower markets, a cherished part of the city’s heritage since 1862.

Day 4: Neighbourhoods & Beer

✔️ Heineken Experience: Learn the history and brewing process of this world-famous beer, interact with exhibits, and enjoy a beer tasting.

👉Buy your Heineken Experience ticket here!

✔️ Albert Cuyp Market: Soap up the atmosphere, do some shopping, and indulge in some Dutch delicacies like Stroopwafels and Bitterballen.

✔️ De Pijp Neighborhood: This iconic district is known for its bohemian vibe, beautiful parks, cultural diversity, and culinary delights.

✅ HELPFUL TIP: Respect your body’s limits. I try to limit myself to 2 major sights per day. This helps extend my energy, does not add to my pain, and fits perfectly with my travel style.

Additional Things to Do

Depending on your time and interests, here are a few more museums and experiences you may want to add to your Netherlands itinerary.

✔️ Lord in the Attic: A clandestine Catholic church in a canal house attic. ✔️ Nemo Science: Interactive scientific exhibits & experiments. ✔️ National Maritime: A great collection of ships, artifacts, and exhibits. ✔️ Moco: Contemporary art that blends art, activism, and culture. ✔️ Stedelijk: Collection of modern art that spans several art movements. ✔️ FOAM Photography: Contemporary & historical photographs.

Neighborhoods & Parks

✔️ Vondelpark: Popular park offers an escape from the city with activities.    ✔️Amsterdamse Bos: City’s largest park with cherry blossoms & a pond. ✔️The Jordaan: A bohemian district with historic charm & vibrant art scene. If it’s snowing in Amsterdam, visit Café Chris for a Brown Bar experience. ✔️ Indische Buurt: Laid-back vibe with Middle Eastern bakeries, cafes & hipster bars.

✅ HELPFUL TIP: If it’s snowing in Amsterdam during your visit, head to Café Chris for a traditional Brown Bar experience.

Bicycle & Cafe Tours

✔️ Bicycle Tours: Experience the local cycling culture with a bike tour, and discover the city’s charm with a local guide.

👉This award-winning Bicycle Tour takes you around Amsterdam’s highlights and hidden gems.

✔️ Ganja Tour: For cannabis enthusiasts, explore famous coffee shops, and learn about the history, and culture of legal marijuana in Holland.

👉Visit Amsterdam’s museums & best coffee shops with this certified Cultural Ganja Tour .

Amsterdam City Pass

You may want to consider the Amsterdam City Pass if you want to see as much as possible in a limited time frame.

It includes entrance to museums, attractions, public transportation, and more. Passes range from 24 – 120 hours.

We chose not to purchase the City Pass. I travel with chronic pain and fatigue , so cramming in as many sights as possible in one day will only add to my pain. Not to mention, waste our money.

And I’m not in love with either of those ideas.

Plus, we prefer the freedom to let our hearts wander in a new place. You never know what little hidden gems you might discover.

Have difficulty walking? Struggle with chronic pain or fatigue? 🧑‍🦽Why not rent a wheelchair? Yes, you can rent a wheelchair for your Amsterdam visit or for your entire two weeks in the Netherlands. 👉 Amsterdam Wheelchair Rental 👉 Netherlands Wheelchair Rental

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

📍 Monet Garden Hotel Amsterdam : Inspired by Monet, this boutique hotel offers artistic ambiance and modern comfort. In an excellent location, it has beautiful rooms and a tranquil garden. ➡️ Book your stay at Monet Garden Hotel Amsterdam now!

📍 Boutique Hotel View : Built in a traditional house on a canal, this hotel is close to attractions with quiet, cozy well-decorated rooms and a helpful, attentive staff. It has a steep staircase. ➡️ Book your stay at Boutique Hotel View now!

Day 5-6: Volendam

DRIVE TIME: Amsterdam–Volendam (27 min – 23.7km/14.7 miles) TRAIN TIME: Amsterdam–Purmerend–Volendam (29 min)

The easiest way to get from Amsterdam to Volendam is by rental car.

⛔There is no direct train . You will need to take the train to Purmerend Station and then, a 7km bus ride to Volendam

Over the next two days, you will explore the seaside village of Volendam. Just north of Amsterdam, it famous sits on the shores of Markermeer Lake, connected to the North Sea.

Volendam offers visitors a glimpse into the country’s maritime heritage and the slower traditional Dutch lifestyle .

It has a quaint harbor, colorful wooden houses, and a busy waterfront lined with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to enjoy.

Volendam is famous for its traditional Dutch culture , including its clothing. Many local women still wear colorful dresses, lace bonnets, and clogs on special occasions.

Things to Do in Volendam

Unwind from the chaos of Amsterdam and take in the seaside views and relaxed vibe Volendam is known for. 

Day 5: Volendam & Marken

✔️ Volendam Village: Wander charming streets, admire traditional houses, watch fishermen work, and indulge in delicious fresh seafood.

✔️ Volendam Museum: Learn about local history and traditions with exhibits of traditional costumes, fishing artifacts, and photographs.

✔️ Boat Tour to Marken: Hop on a boat tour to the nearby island of Marken. Enjoy the landscape and explore the quaint village of Marken.

👉Sail your way to Marken with this regularly timed Express and Sheltered Boat Tour!

Day 6: Volendam Area

✔️ Zaanse Schans: This town is known for its preserved windmills, historic buildings, and open-air museum to learn traditional Dutch clog making.

✔️ Edam: This cheese-making town is just 6 minutes from Volendam. Walk to the historic center and visit the Edam Cheese Museum.

✔️ Cheese Tasting: Of course, this is on the list! Visit a local cheese shop or market to sample/purchase a variety of cheeses, including Edam & Gouda.

✔️ Windmill , Cheese Tasting & Clog-Making: Tour the Zaanse Schans windmills, participate in a clog-making workshop & visit a cheese farm to sample and learn about the country’s rich cheese-making traditions.

👉Experience Dutch traditions with a small group on this award-winning Windmill & Cheese Tour!

Where to Stay in Volendam

📍 Marinapark Volendam : Next to the marina, these modern, spacious rooms are quiet and have harbor views. There is a restaurant, bar, delicious breakfast, and indoor swimming pool. ➡️ Book your stay at Marinapark Volendam now!

📍 Volendam Old Bridge Residence : In a historic building, this hotel combines traditional with modern comforts. Centrally located with parking. Rooms are quiet with comfortable beds. ➡️ Book your stay at Old Bridge Residence now!

Day 7-9: Leiden, Delft & The Hague

Although most people stay in The Hague, we recommend staying in Delft for this part of your Netherlands itinerary.

Just like the Maltese town of Mdina , Delft is one of our all-time favorite European towns!

Smaller than the Hague, Delft offers a small-town feel that everyone should experience on their Netherlands road trip.

And with Delft’s proximity to The Hague, you get a more relaxed stay without the hustle and bustle. Sounds perfect, right?!

⛔You could stay in Leiden. But it is a university town and maybe a little student-heavy, depending on the time of year you visit. But if that’s your thing, then it is a fantastic option too.

We provide accommodation choices later in the post.

Day 7: Leiden

DRIVE TIME: Volendam–Leiden–Delft: 1 hour 22 min (89 km/55 miles) TRAIN TIME: Volendam–Delft: 1 hour

Today on your Netherlands itinerary, you will visit Leiden as you drive to Delft. It’s the perfect way to see this beautiful town without backtracking.

⛔If you are taking the train, then head straight to Delft so you don’t have to drag your luggage around longer than necessary. Leiden can be explored the following day.

Use the Netherlands Train Website to help plan your trip.

Leiden is a lovely town and a must when spending two weeks in the Netherlands. As a university town, it has a more youthful vibe too.

This colorful town is home to numerous museums, quaint shops, boat restaurants , and inner courtyards to explore.

The historic center of Leiden has the highest number of waterways and bridges of any town in the Netherlands, making for an exceptionally beautiful visit.

Things to Do in Leiden

From museums and churches to delightful cafes, this town has more than enough to keep you busy for a day. 

✔️ De Valk Windmill Museum: Wander through windmills and learn about the engineering, history, and role they played in the Netherlands.

✔️ Rapenburg Canal: Enjoy Leiden’s most beautiful canal with a coffee on a terraced café, or a romantic evening stroll.

✔️ Pieterskerk: A magnificent 14th-century Gothic church is one of the oldest in Holland and houses iconic paintings like The Last Supper.

✔️ Hooglandse Kerk: This impressive medieval church is a significant landmark known for its imposing tower and intricate stained glass.

👉Need a Tour around Leiden that hits it all?? ➡️ Book your Private Tour Here

If you have the time, consider the following:

✔️ Boat Trip to Katwijk: Soak in the beauty of the Dutch landscapes along the route to Katwijk, a beautiful seaside resort town.

✔️ Naturalis Museum: Interact with scientists and learn about the natural world through plant, animal, fossil, and rock exhibits.

✔️ Botanical Gardens: Relax among the diverse flora and fauna in Holland’s oldest botanical garden.

Day 8: Delft

No need for transportation today , as Delft is your base.

Time to explore Delft, one of the best towns to visit in the Netherlands . This town is seriously adorable! Make sure your camera is fully charged.

Delft is a picturesque, historic city renowned for its charming canals , preserved medieval architecture , and iconic blue and white Delftware ceramics.

It holds historical significance to Holland, as it is the birthplace of renowned painter Johannes Vermeer and the production center of Delftware , the distinctive blue and white pottery.

Delft was our absolute favorite town during our two weeks in the Netherlands. It quickly captured our hearts for its peaceful ambiance and undeniable beauty.

Things to Do in Delft

Here are a few of our favorite things to do. Or just start walking and discover Delft’s charm on your own.

✔️ Market Square (Markt): This lively town square hosts some fantastic markets, especially on Thursday & Saturday, selling fresh produce, flowers, local delicacies, and more.

✔️ City Hall: A lovely Renaissance–style building that serves as the ceremonial center of the city.

✔️ Nieuwe Kerk: This church serves as the resting place of Dutch Royal Family and highlights the heritage of Delft with gorgeous architecture.

✔️ Oude Kerk: An impressive church known for its striking tower, stained glass windows, and the tomb of Dutch master painter Johannes Vermeer.

Energy for a museum or two? Consider the following:

✔️ Royal Delft Museum: Learn the history of the iconic Delftware, the traditional craftsmanship and artistry behind these exquisite hand-painted porcelain pieces.

✔️ Vermeer Centruum Delft: A collection of exhibits showcasing the life and work of renowned painter Johannes Vermeer. A must for any art lover!

✔️ Lambert van Meerten Museum:  Housed in a restored 19th-century mansion with an extensive collection of decorative arts and antiquities.

👉 What about a photography tour around Delft? ➡️ Book your Photography Tour Here

Where to Stay in Delft

📍 Hotel Johannes Vermeer Delft : This is a unique stay in the heart of Delft on a quiet, canal street. With elegant, Dutch-inspired décor, spacious rooms, friendly staff, bar, and optional breakfast. ➡️ Book your stay a Hotel Johannes Vermeer Delft now!

📍 Hotel Arsenaal Delft : Centrally located, this stunning 4-star hotel has a quiet courtyard, bar, and parking. Rooms are spacious, impeccably decorated with wooden beams, and amazing views. ➡️ Book your stay at Hotel Arsenaal Delft now!

Day 9: The Hague

DRIVE TIME: Delft–The Hague: 24 min (12.6 km/7.8 miles) TRAIN TIME: Delft–The Hague: 16 min

Today, you make your way to The Hague, on the coast of the North Sea.

The train is easy and efficient if you plan to stick to the city center. However, the drive along the coast and surrounding countryside is very memorable.

The Hague, also known as Den Haag, is the political and administrative capital of the Netherlands . It is a vibrant city that blends historic charm with modern design.

It is home to numerous international organizations , including the International Court of Justice. There is also an impressive array of cultural attractions, green spaces, and a medieval castle to visit.

The Hague is one of the few Dutch cities on your Netherlands road trip with a beautiful coastline, sandy beaches, seaside resorts, and a lovely waterfront promenade.

Things to Do in The Hague

With its fascinating history and international significance, your visit to The Hague will be anything but dull.

✔️ Mauritshuis Museum: An impressive collection of Golden Age Dutch masterpieces, including Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring”.

✔️ Peace Palace: Visit the International Court of Justice, a stunning Neo-Renaissance building that is a landmark of peace and international justice.

✔️ The Hague Tower: Head to the top of this modern, distinct skyscraper for fantastic panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.

✔️ The Binnenhof: A historic complex serves as the seat of the Dutch Parliament and includes the 13th-century Binnenhof Castle.

👉 Looking for tours that include the Binnenhof? ➡️ Check out this short list on Viator

A few additional highlights in The Hague.

✔️ Madurodam Model City: Wander through this miniature model of meticulously crafted replicas of Holland’s historic sites and landmarks.

✔️ Beach & Promenade: Lined with luxurious hotels, fine dining, and charming cafes, the Promenade is perfect for a leisurely walk.

✔️ Kunstmuseum: An extensive collection of Dutch & international art in a modern building, including art by Mondrian, Van Gogh, and Picasso.

Day 10-12: Rotterdam & Dordrecht

For the next 3 days, you will explore Rotterdam, Dordrecht, and the Kinderdijk windmills.

We recommend Rotterdam as your base . It has the best variety of restaurants and accommodations, which we will provide later.

✅ HELPFUL TIP: As Rotterdam is so close to Delft, you may choose to extend your stay in Delft and visit Rotterdam and Dordrecht as day trips. This is completely doable by car or train.

Extending your stay in one location is an excellent way to spend less money while traveling .

Day 10-11: Rotterdam

DRIVE TIME: Delft–Rotterdam: 21 min (15.8 km/9.8 miles) TRAIN TIME: Delft–Rotterdam: 15 min

Obviously, the train is efficient and an excellent transportation choice for your two weeks in the Netherlands.

Driving your rental car is also very straightforward and enjoyable . Just make sure to stay to the right and allow people to pass, a common courtesy in Holland.

✅ HELPFUL TIP: Consider every aspect of train travel before booking your ticket. As someone with several invisible disabilities , dragging my suitcase to/from the station and waiting on a chilly platform is not ideal. Do what is best for you and your body.

Sometimes overlooked, we think Rotterdam is worth visiting . As the second largest city in the Netherlands, it has a fantastic mix of historic and contemporary sights.

Known for its innovative modern architecture , the city is full of iconic landmarks, futuristic buildings, and striking skyscrapers making Rotterdam’s skyline unique.

We combined our Netherlands with a trip to Belgium . Rotterdam is the best entry point into Belgium if you want to extend your holiday.

As a melting pot of diversity , Rotterdam has a vibrant cultural and culinary scene with an excellent variety of restaurants , markets, street food, shopping, and entertainment.

Not to mention, fantastic museums, galleries, theatres, and music venues to enjoy. So let’s dive in.

Things to Do in Rotterdam

Get ready for interesting sights and experiences on your visit to Rotterdam.

Day 10: Rotterdam

✔️ St. Lawrence Church: One of the few landmarks from pre-World War II, the church stands as a testament to Rotterdam’s history and resilience.

✔️ Cube House: Peek inside this architectural marvel designed by Piet Blom. These yellow, tilted cubes serve as an unconventional residential complex.

✔️ Markthal: With its colorful interior and horseshoe design, this indoor market sells fresh produce, international delicacies, and local specialties.

✔️ Canal Hot Tug: Explore the city’s waterways, bustling harbors, iconic bridges, and impressive skyline with a guided tour, or the unique HotTug.

👉 Hot Tug not your thing, why not try an electric boat? ➡️ Book an Electric Boat tour here?

Day 11: Rotterdam

Today you discover the city’s alternative artsy side.

✔️ REMASTERED: Actively participate in this interactive art experience that uses augmented and virtual reality to blur the boundaries of art.

✔️ Depot Boijmans van Beuningen: The first publicly accessible art depot with artwork not currently on display and behind-the-scenes of a museum.

✔️ Euromast Tower: Ride the panoramic elevator 185 meters to the top for stunning views of Rotterdam’s skyline. You can even dine up here!

✔️ Erasmus Bridge: Check out the striking design of this sleek bridge that resembles a white harp or a swan in flight, you be the judge.

Looking for more activities?

✔️ Delfshaven: Walk the cobblestone streets alongside the canals and admire beautifully preserved 17th-century buildings that line the waterfront.

✔️ Koopgoot: This underground pedestrian street is a popular shopping destination in the heart of Rotterdam.

✔️ Food Tour: Discover Rotterdam’s culinary gems, meet passionate food artisans, and indulge in delicious and unforgettable flavors.

Where to Stay in Rotterdam

📍 Hotel Van Walsum : This historic property is full of character. Rooms have comfortable beds, bright windows, and high ceilings. Friendly staff, onsite parking, and breakfast in the outdoor garden. ➡️ Book your stay a Hotel Van Walsum now!

📍 The James Hotel Rotterdam : This stylish boutique hotel is a quiet refuge in the city with modern rooms, king beds, and rainfall shower. There is a fitness center, private parking, and elevator. ➡️ Book your stay a The James Hotel Rotterdam now!

Day 12: Kinderdijk & Dordrecht

DRIVE TIME: Rotterdam–Kinderdijk: 24 min (23.8 km/14.8 miles) TRAIN TIME: Rotterdam–Kinderdijk–Dordrecht: 30 min each portion

You can get to the windmills of Kinderdijk by car or waterbus.

⛔The train is over an hour and includes 2 exchanges. And that is just one way! So, that’s a hard no thanks.

With frequent departures and short travel times, the Waterbus offers a convenient and enjoyable alternative to driving. There are direct routes from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk and Dordrecht.

So, whether you drive or take the waterbus, relax, and soak up the Dutch countryside on the way.

Kiderdijk is a small village known for its iconic windmills , located just outside the village.

These 19 windmills date back to the 18th century and were built to manage water levels and prevent flooding in the region. They stand as a symbol of Dutch engineering and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

The area can get busy with tourists, especially during high season. We recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid the crowd.

👉 Want amazing photos of Kinderdijk? ➡️ Join a Kinderdijk Photography tour here!

DRIVE TIME: Kinderdijk–Dordrecht: 15 min (13.4 km/9.6 miles)

Known as the “Venice” of Holland , Dordrecht is a well-preserved medieval city , full of art and history.

Time to wander around its narrow streets, pretty canals, and beautiful historic buildings.

Dordrecht’s waterfront location , with its scenic harbors and riverside promenades, adds to the city’s allure. It offers visitors a delightful blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty , and a relaxed atmosphere.

Things to Do in Dordrecht

✔️ Groothoofdspoort: This historic gate, known for its towers and Gothic-Renaissance architecture, is a prominent symbol of the city’s history.

✔️ Dordrecht Museum: An impressive collection of Dutch paintings from the 17th century for art lovers, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

✔️ The Hof: This tranquil and picturesque courtyard is in the heart of the city and surrounded by beautiful old houses and the 13th-century Hof Church.

✔️ Dordrecht Grote Kerk: This magnificent 14th-century medieval church is considered one of the most impressive in all of the Netherlands.

👉 Craving something a little different? ➡️ Try this private pub tour of Dordrecht!

Day 13-14: Gouda & Utrecht

TRAIN TIME: Rotterdam–Utrecht: 37 min DRIVE TIME: Rotterdam–Utrecht: 54 min (61.9 km/38.5 miles)

The final stop on your 2 weeks in the Netherlands will be the adorable towns of Gouda and Utrecht.

We recommend visiting Gouda on your way to Utrecht , to avoid backtracking.

Your last 2 nights will be spent in Utrecht , as it is a shorter distance to the airport for your departure later. As usual, accommodations are listed below.

⛔If you are taking the train, then head straight to Utrecht so you don’t have to drag your luggage around.

Both towns have direct lines from Rotterdam . Gouda can be explored the following day.

Use the Netherlands Train website to help plan your trip.

Day 13: Gouda

Ahhh… Gouda, another amazing town to visit on your Netherlands itinerary.

Gouda offers an entertaining, authentic Dutch experience with its beautiful square, historic architecture , and traditional cheese market . So, yes… be prepared to sample a lot of tasty cheese today!

We found Gouda’s charming canals , wonderful museums, interesting shops, cozy streets , and quiet parks , a welcomed change of pace from busy Rotterdam.

After your visit, make your way to Utrecht to check into your hotel for the next 2 nights.

Things to Do in Gouda

With a full day of markets, cheese, and churches, Gouda is bound to steal your heart too.

✔️ Gouda’s Markt: This square is packed with cafes, shops, the Gothic-style City Hall and the Stadhuis Museum to learn about Gouda’s history.

✔️ Cheese Market: From April to August, check out the Gouda Cheese Market, held on Thursday mornings. The size of the cheese wheels is insane.

✔️ St. John’s Church: Constructed in 1280, it is the longest church in Holland at 123 meters, with an impressive interior and stained glass windows.

✔️ Cheese Tasting: Learn the process and ingredients that turns cheese into a rainbow of colors with a cheese tasting at most shops around town.

👉 Want the full cheese-tasting experience? ➡️ Check out this tour & museum visit!

Day 14: Utrecht

The captivating town of Utrecht will be the last stop on your 2 weeks in the Netherlands. Honestly, this town is a stunning blend of old-world charm and youthful energy.

Utrecht is known for its thriving arts and music scene and hosts various festivals throughout the year.

With cute cafes, trendy boutiques, and a fantastic culinary scene, it is the perfect place to base yourself for 2 nights.

And like most towns on your Netherlands road trip, the medieval center is surrounded by picturesque canals, cobblestone streets, and stunning architecture.

Things to Do in Utrecht

Here are the must-see attractions while in Utrecht.

✔️ Dom Tower: Visit the tallest church tower in the country, a symbol of Utrecth, and climb to the top for amazing views of the city.

✔️ Canals of Utrecht: We enjoyed strolling with a coffee along the picturesque canals, lined with trendy shops and cafes.

✔️ Utrecht Cathedral: Marvel at its Gothic design of Holland’s most stunning church and explore the interior of this architectural masterpiece.

👉 Want to explore Utrecht from the water? ➡️ This kayak tour should be a splash!

Where to Stay in Utrecht

📍 Park Plaza Utrecht : This stylish hotel is close to the center with spacious, tastefully decorated rooms and comfortable beds. There is a breakfast buffet, restaurant, paid parking, and a gym. ➡️ Book your stay a Park Plaza Utrecht now!

📍 Hotel Beijers : This gorgeous, historic hotel is full of Dutch charm in a quiet central location. Beautiful, elegant rooms, with comfortable beds, and courtyard/city views. Breakfast is available. ➡️ Book your stay a Hotel Beijers now!

Visa Requirements for the Netherlands

The Netherlands is part of the European Union. If you are from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, or Australia, you will not require a visa for entry.

If you are a non-EU visitor, you must present the following to the Netherlands customs upon arrival:

✔️ PASSPORT: Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date.

✔️ VISA: The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Agreement, so if you are from Canada or the US, you may enter and stay for up to 90 days. This is true for both tourist and business purposes. Check here for more info.

✔️ HEALTH INSURANCE: For those not traveling from the countries listed above, you will require travel insurance to enter the Netherlands. You must purchase it before you leave for your trip.

👉 Need travel insurance? ➡️ SafetyWing offers great prices and excellent coverage!

How to Get to the Netherlands

Most travelers arrive in the Netherlands by international flight to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS).

As the third largest airport in Europe, Airport Schiphol connects Amsterdam with major international destinations around the world. There are many direct flights from Canada, the US, and Australia.

To find the best deals on international and domestic flights, we recommend using WayAway .

They make it easy to search a variety of dates, and locations, so you can find the best and cheapest flight options available .

It searches multiple flight airlines to find the best deals out there. It is not an online travel agency, there are no service fees , and the website is incredibly simple to use.

Once you decide on a flight, WayAway directs you to the actual provider’s website , so you can view all the info, read the necessary fine print, and make an informed decision on your travel plans.

➡️ Find the Best Flights with WayAway ✔️compares airlines ✔️offers the best rates ✔️plus 10% cashback Book Now with WayAway

✅ HELPFUL TIP: Again, Amsterdam airport is huge! So, if you travel with chronic pain and fatigue, you can request assistance when booking your ticket. Check out more tips for surviving air travel here!

How to Get Around the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a relatively small country, which makes it easy to get around and explore. It’s known for its efficient and well-developed network of trains, buses, and roadways.

The best method of transportation for your 2 weeks in the Netherlands will depend on your needs, preferences, and budget.

🚗Rental Car

Driving is the ideal option if you want more flexibility and freedom to explore. With a rental car, you can get off the beaten path and explore rural areas and smaller towns.

The highways and roads are safe and well-maintained with excellent signage. Keep in mind that parking can be challenging and expensive in major cities.

🚗 Need a rental car? Check availability & prices: ➡️ Reserve your rental car here !

⛔ Do not rent a car in Amsterdam. The city is flat, very walkable, with many sights in the historic center. Plus, parking is expensive and difficult. Save yourself the money & headache. Rent your vehicle when you are ready to explore the rest of Holland.

The Dutch rail system is highly reliable and covers the entire country. It connects cities and towns frequently and offers comfortable, spacious seats.

It’s an excellent option for traveling longer distances quickly, and ideal if you just want to sit back and enjoy the scenery. But keep in mind, trains are always not cheap.

It is important to research the costs of train tickets to each destination when planning your trip .

🚴‍♂️Bicycle

Obviously, this option is not for everyone… including me. But, Holland is famous for its cycling culture . Bicycling is a common mode of transportation for both short and long distances.

The country has an extensive network of well-maintained bicycle paths, making it safe and convenient to explore cities, towns, and rural areas on two wheels. To each their own!

Renting a Car in the Netherlands

Want to explore as many towns as possible, get lost in the beautiful countryside or drive along the coast? Then renting a car is the best choice for your Netherlands road trip.

Not only is it an efficient mode of transport, but renting a car gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace , and in a comfortable, air-conditioned car . This is especially important if you travel with chronic pain and fatigue, as I do.

✅ HELPFUL TIP: Renting a car has changed the way we now travel . It has significantly removed a large portion of my pain because I don’t need to waste my energy walking to/from train stations with my luggage. Something to consider when planning your trip.

We strongly recommend purchasing a GPS before you go.

You will want to download the map of the Netherlands into the GPS for your road trip before your arrival. That way, all maps are ready to go!

Booking a Tour in the Netherlands

If you are not a fan of planning all your own activities or want to spend less time in the car, then consider booking a tour for part of your trip.

👉 Benefits of Joining a Tour: ✔️Learn interesting history and facts from a local guide ✔️Unique experiences only a local would know ✔️Support the local community ✔️Worry-free transportation between sights ✔️Removes the stress of planning every activity ✔️Unique experiences only a local would know ✔️A safe, exciting way to meet other travelers

For those with chronic pain, fatigue, or reduced mobility , joining a larger tour group has its challenges. It can be tough to keep pace with the group or fully engage in all activities.

That is why opting for a private guide is an appealing choice for us when we wish to explore specific sights. There is greater flexibility as we can customize our schedule to accommodate my pain and limitations.

We like to use Viator or GetYourGuide for local tours. We included some awesome suggestions in the Things to Do section of each place.

👉 Want to browse tour options in the Netherlands? ➡️ Check out these amazing tours!

FAQ: 2 Weeks in the Netherlands

How many days is sufficient for the netherlands.

We recommend at least 7 days to gain a greater appreciation for what the Netherlands has to offer beyond Amsterdam. This time allows you to spend 3 days in Amsterdam and then explore the adorable towns we highlighted here and immerse yourself in Dutch culture.

What are the best months to visit the Netherlands?

The best months to visit the Netherlands are April to October. The weather is mild, and temperatures are pleasant, especially during the summer months. Tulips are the most colorful in spring and the foliage in autumn is beautiful.

How much money do you need for a week in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is not a cheap destination and may be challenging for a budget traveler. We recommend having a healthy budget of 100€ per person per day. For mid-range travelers like ourselves, we would plan on at least 700€ a week per person.

How long can a Canadian visit the Netherlands?

Canadian citizens can visit the Netherlands for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa. Of course, a valid passport with 3 months remaining is required.

Is it expensive to stay in the Netherlands?

The cost of visiting the Netherlands will depend on the time of year you travel, type of accommodation, and activities. Amsterdam and Utrecht have higher accommodation and dining costs compared to smaller towns. Overall, Holland is a moderately expensive destination. We found it comparable to our 12-day Malta vacation .

Final Thoughts: 2 Weeks in the Netherlands

I know… that was a lot. Hopefully, we provided you with the best itinerary possible so you can craft your own amazing two weeks in the Netherlands!

From exhilarating Amsterdam and modern Rotterdam to seaside Volendam and picture-perfect Delft, this country has a lot to offer.

You honestly can’t help but get swept up by the windmills and relaxed by the laidback vibe throughout this amazing country. The people are welcoming, the towns adorable, and the cheese… utterly delicious!

We hope you found our 14-day itinerary for the Netherlands helpful! Let us know if you have any questions… otherwise, enjoy your journey!

Read More on the Netherlands

11 Beautiful Small Towns in the Netherlands to Visit Is the Netherlands in Germany? But Seriously… Does it Snow in the Netherlands? & 13 Things to Do in Winter 2024 Netherlands and Belgium Itinerary: The Ultimate 14-Day Trip How to Survive Air Travel with Chronic Pain & Fatigue in 2023

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Your perfect Netherlands itinerary by a Dutch resident

June 19, 2019 by Karen Turner 36 Comments

After over three years of living in the Netherlands, I’ve been asked a lot about how much time to spend in the Netherlands.  A lot of people speed through the Netherlands only stopping for one day in Amsterdam , but I’d recommend enjoying at least 7 days in the Netherlands if you have the chance.  I’ll be covering the highlights of the Netherlands and tips for getting around the Netherlands in this Dutch itinerary.

I’ve focused this itinerary more on Holland as most of the attractions that people want to see are in this region, however I’ve included a couple off the beaten path Dutch cities that you might want to add onto your itinerary if you have more time and/or you’ve already covered most of the major cities in Holland.  This is based on my parents’ trip that I planned for them that they loved!

Many people don’t realize how small the Netherlands is.  It’s very easy to take day trips from Amsterdam to Rotterdam , the Hague , and many cities in the Netherlands.  To many people here, an hour is a long time to be on the train, so if you’re used to bigger countries, you don’t need to plan much because you can purchase a train ticket on the day of and they don’t sell out.

The tickets bought at the train station machines are not specific to any time, just the date, although I recommend avoiding rush hour. The maximum that you’ll pay is 25 euros each way on the train although in some cases, the regional buses might be cheaper!    You can read tips for finding cheap train tickets in the Netherlands here.

• 1 Three days in Amsterdam
• 2 Day trip to Zaanse Schans and Hoorn
• 3 Day trip to Haarlem and the tulip fields (April/May only*)
• 4 One day in Utrecht
• 5 Optional day trip: Cheese market in Woerden (summer only*) and Gouda
• 6 One day in the Hague
• 7 Optional: One day in Delft
• 8 One day in Rotterdam
• 9 Optional: One day in Dordrecht
• 10 One day in Den Bosch
• 11 Optional: One day in Efteling from Den Bosch
• 12 One day in Maastricht
• 13 What did you think of this Netherlands itinerary?

Three days in Amsterdam

I generally recommend having three days in Amsterdam. During this time, be sure to get a taste of Dutch food, wander around Amsterdam’s picturesque canals, glimpse into the sinful side of Amsterdam (if you dare!), explore the cool De Pijp district, and take in some of the incredible art at Amsterdam’s many museums.  As someone who lived in Amsterdam for a few years, I can promise that three days is the perfect taste of Amsterdam.

Many Dutchies will say that Amsterdam is not the same as the Netherlands and many joke that it’s the Disneyworld of the Netherlands.  Luckily, you are in the right place as I’ve designed an itinerary to show you much more of the Netherlands beyond Amsterdam. My parents followed a very close itinerary and although they loved Amsterdam, they were blown away by the other cities.   Click for my itinerary for three days in Amsterdam.

In Amsterdam, I recommend staying at Max Brown , a boutique hotel in Amsterdam.  This stunning hotel is made of various canal houses sewn together along one of Amsterdam’s most scenic canals.  As soon as you walk by, you’ll understand why this is one of my top picks (as well as one that my friends have loved).  For something more budget, the Student Hotel is a great choice for an affordable hotel and StayOkay Vondelpark is a cozy hostel that another friend of mine loved staying in.

It is a lot cheaper to stay outside of Amsterdam, so it might be better to spend three days and two nights in Amsterdam prior to moving with your suitcase to the other cities mentioned here.  You’ll save a lot of money and have more time to enjoy these stunning cities without having to worry about heading back early! I include hotel picks for a few of the cities (with more recommendations within the dedicated city guides).

Day trip to Zaanse Schans and Hoorn

A lot of people have heard of Zaanse Schans. You don’t need to go with a tour as there’s a direct bus from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaanse Schans, which is included with an iAmsterdam card .

It’s free to see these iconic Dutch windmills although you will need to pay admission to visit the museum.   You won’t need more than two hours here and get here to avoid the crowds!  Afterward, head back to the train station near Zaanse Schans to catch the train to Hoorn .

Hoorn is often overlooked by people who simply don’t know about it.  Hoorn is a stunning city along the Zuiderzee that served as a major seaside port for many years.  The riches of the VOC (Dutch East India Company) resulted in ridiculously charming architecture.

When the Zuiderzee was cut off from the North Sea, the town lost its significance with trade. Luckily, dairy has become a major industry for the region.  It’s perfect for a relaxing day away from the crowds in Amsterdam.  If you can go on a market day, I highly recommend it!

Read a self-guided walking tour of Hoorn

Day trip to Haarlem and the tulip fields (April/May only*)

If you’re visiting the Netherlands in time for tulip season, you’re in luck!  The best time to visit the Netherlands to see the tulips is mid-April to the end of April. (You might get lucky with seeing the tulip fields in May).  Most people head to Keukenhof  to see the tulips, however, you can also find the fields in Lisse that are free to admire. 

You can follow this self-guided walking route that I’ve taken several years in a row to see the Dutch tulips for free!   Haarlem is very close by and it’s such a lovely city.

Haarlem is a beautiful Dutch city that is quintessentially Dutch.  There’s nothing like sipping on a fresh mint tea as you sit out on Grote Markt admiring the  St. Bavokerk .  It’s a really charming city to explore on foot. For science geeks, I recommend the Teylers Museum to understand the history of science. You can also take a relaxing ride along Haarlem’s canals prior to stopping off at Jopen, a brewery within a former church.    Click for my guide to Haarlem.

One day in Utrecht

Utrecht is one of those cities that leaves an impression on you.  This stunning university city has two-story canals that you can stroll upon as well as a stunning church tower (all that’s left of the grand cathedral that once stood there).  Utrecht is famous in the Netherlands for its foodie culture and you will not be disappointed after you spend a day exploring this historic Dutch city. Click for my guide to Utrecht and things to do in Utrecht off the beaten path. 

Optional day trip: Cheese market in Woerden (summer only*) and Gouda

If you’re looking for a Dutch cheese market, I highly recommend the one in Woerden.  It’s considerably less touristy than the one in Gouda as well as Alkmaar. Woerden itself has some unique attractions that you can see beyond the cheese market.

What I love about this market is that real trades occur, so you can watch the handclap method go on as the buyers and sellers bargain for the price.  They also provide free cheese samples.  It’s absolutely free, so if you’re visiting in summer, head to the Woerden Cheese Market .   On the way back, the train will pass through Gouda, which I recommend combining with Woerden.

Although the Gouda cheese market occurs on a different day than the Woerden cheese market, Gouda is a very charming and beautiful city.  It is where stroopwafels are said to be invented, so you must try a fresh one while in Gouda.

For history geeks, the city hall is considered one of the most beautiful ones in the Netherlands.  You’ll find lots of charming little streets and alleyways all throughout the city.  Click for my tips for visiting Gouda!

One day in the Hague

The Hague is now my home.  Although it has this reputation for being boring, a lot of people are blown away by the unique architecture (a blend of styles with a lot of Art Deco), the stunning canals, and the diversity of the city.  Here, you’ll find the Mauritshuis, where you can view the Girl with the Pearl Earring and other Dutch masterpieces, as well as Escher in Het Paleis . 

Be sure to explore Denneweg, one of the most stunning canals in the city, and consider heading to the beach in Scheveningen on a nice day.  (Yes, there’s a beach nearby!)

You can read my guide for a day trip to the Hague here!   I also have guides on where to eat  in the Hague, where to drink  in the Hague, and secret places in the Hague to visit.

Hotel prices in the Hague are incredibly reasonable and I’d recommend making it your base in Holland.  At the Student Hotel , you can pay as little as 50 euros for a clean, modern room with quite a few amenities.   La Paulowna Boutique Hotel  is my recommendation for those looking for a boutique hotel with a special touch.   You’ll also have views of the Peace Palace (shown above!).

Optional: One day in Delft

Delft is where the famous delftware is actually made, however, there’s much more to this charming university city than pottery.  As Delft is quite compact, you can spend even a few hours walking along its scenic canals, stopping for a coffee at its many modern cafes, and touring its two churches.  The city is far from stuck in time and you’ll most likely be as taken with Delft as I have been.  Click for my self-guided walking tour to Delft. 

One day in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is completely different than the rest of the Netherlands.  The city was almost entirely destroyed in World War II, so the city was rebuilt.  Rather than rebuilding in the previous style, Rotterdam modernized with innovative skyscrapers and experimental architecture.  If you’re looking for something different than the historic cities, you’ll find Rotterdam to be the epitome of cool with many districts full of great food and shops (including one actually called the Cool District).  Click to read my guide to Rotterdam.

Optional: One day in Dordrecht

If you’re looking for something quite different, Dordrecht is a really beautiful Dutch city that isn’t known to many foreign tourists.  It has a stunning historic center and it’s called the Venice of Holland.  I have to agree with this assessment as it’s easy to imagine the posts picking up people at the various docks throughout the city center.   Click to read about Dordrecht.

Note: If you only have a week in the Netherlands, you might want to limit your time to Holland.  However, if you’re continuing down to Belgium or Germany, I’d encourage you to see Brabant and Limburg.  These two provinces are often overlooked by first-time visitors to the Netherlands and they really offer a great opportunity to learn about Dutch culture!

One day in Den Bosch

Many people haven’t heard of Den Bosch.  This stunning city with a well-preserved medieval center was the home to the famous Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch.  Throughout the city, you’ll find stunning canals where traders used to transport their goods on.  Taking a tour of the Binnendieze is one of the most unique tours that I’ve ever taken and going underneath the buildings was so cool.

Beyond the beautiful architecture, delicious desserts, and its stunning cathedral, Den Bosch is a very alive city with many adorable independent shops and great food.  Hotels are quite affordable in Den Bosch , which makes it a great stop-off prior to heading down to Limburg.  I was here for one day and it left me wanting a lot more.  Click to read your perfect day trip guide to Den Bosch.

Optional: One day in Efteling from Den Bosch

Many people outside of the Netherlands have not heard of the Efteling.   This Dutch amusement park has its own distinct universe as well as style of animation is older than Disney.   I consider Efteling on par with Disney although the tickets are a fraction of the cost. (I’d recommend staying in Den Bosch as it’s quite closeby!)

Coming here will make you feel like a kid again, so if you’re looking for a fun day out after exploring numerous Dutch cities, consider taking a little break exploring Efteling.  You can read tips for visiting Efteling here.

One day in Maastricht

Maastricht is one the gems of the Netherlands, however most people don’t know about it and end up skipping Maastricht.  However, my parents considered Maastricht to be their favorite city in the Netherlands, even after several trips to the Netherlands.   You can click to read my guide to Maastricht.

You might be wondering what is so special about Maastricht? The historic city center has a mix of architecture styles, several medieval churches that have been converted into bookstores and hotels, and a rich food culture.  It’s also the perfect jumping-off point to head towards Germany as Aachen, Germany is only one hour by bus—and Liege, Belgium i s another hour away by train.

What did you think of this Netherlands itinerary?

Click for tips for finding cheap train tickets in the Netherlands , secret things to do in Amsterdam , traveling in the Netherlands on a budget , and the best day trips from Amsterdam.

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

October 20, 2018 at 7:52 am

It would be interesting to see what you could come up with for Friesland and Groningen

April 16, 2019 at 10:13 am

Try Bergen op Zoom in West Brabant

July 12, 2019 at 4:37 pm

Hello can you provide me November 7 to 14 I want visit Netherlands trip so I need day by day itinerary top place visit send me my email thanks .

July 30, 2019 at 3:32 pm

Hi, thanks very much for sharing your experience & summing up all in this wonderful itinerary. I am looking to travel to Netherlands and it will help me a lot. I have a query regarding ‘I amsterdam card’. I wonder if you know this. If I buy that card, would I be able to use the card for public transport outside Amsterdam. Like could I use the card to travel to Rotterdam from Hague & further on. Thank you

July 30, 2019 at 4:19 pm

Hi Dania, Unfortunately the iAmsterdam card is limited to the Amsterdam region (buses). For the Hague/Rotterdam area, there is a similar card (Tourist Day Ticket) for Zuid Holland sold by RET valid on public transit (not trains) that would go from Rotterdam to the Hague. That said, I’d recommend just paying out of pocket for the train tickets as it’s faster and usually cheaper than this card as the buses/trams are slower than the trains.

August 6, 2019 at 12:25 am

Hi Karen, I really want to get in touch with you. Do you have a facebook page, I can use to connect to you please? Thank you

August 6, 2019 at 1:08 pm

Hi, if you click contact, you’ll find my email. Thanks, Karen

October 22, 2019 at 2:34 pm

Hi Karen, My wife and I are going to the Netherlands in April 2020. This will be our 3rd time visiting but, we only stayed in Amsterdam. I really enjoyed this article and you have given me many new ideas. We are probably a lot like your parents, very interested in the history and architecture. We also are not big fans of crowds and tours, I prefer to go about on our own and kinda do our own thing. Getting lost is frustrating but fun. Could you possibly send me an itinerary that we could enjoy as your parents did. Thank You Jerry

October 22, 2019 at 5:00 pm

Hi Jerry, You’re welcome to steal this itinerary, which is very close to their own. They never got to Den Bosch, but mostly because they didn’t realize that it was so charming. It’s high on their list for the next trip. Any of these cities mentioned here besides Amsterdam should give you that experience. Most Dutch cities don’t really require so much effort to see, so it’s quite easy to pop off the train with seeing much of the city within one day. The links within the article will bring you to city guides that I wrote for each city that include my recommendations on historical attractions, food, and architecture. I hope this helps you plan your third trip. Feel free to send me an email if anything is unclear. 🙂

November 4, 2019 at 1:54 am

I enjoyed your itinerary. I am planning to visit the Netherlands and your itinerary is very helpful. Thank you.

December 1, 2019 at 7:45 pm

Hi Karen We are planning 10 day trip to Holland in April 2020 Can you please just tell which city to make reservations for hotels My understanding that to many cities we can just take one day trip from Amsterdam

December 9, 2019 at 3:24 pm

Please check my day trips from Amsterdam post for more info (near the end!). You can save a lot by not staying in Amsterdam and spending just 2 days in Amsterdam if that’s all you intend to do. Haarlem, Leiden, the Hague, or Rotterdam can be a good base if you want to get away from Amsterdam to save on hotels.

December 6, 2019 at 9:14 pm

Hi, I just came upon your blog post through Pinterest. Thank you for highlighting a few cities in The Netherlands that are usually overlooked and absolutely worth a visit. I believe you’ve given a lot of tourists an inspirational read and I hope those who plan to see Amsterdam within a day will rethink their itinerary. As a Dutch reader (living in the USA), I do have some feedback though: 1) Dutch people never refer to the provinces of Noord-Holland en Zuid-Holland as ‘Holland’ the way you refer to it. You almost make it sound like it’s a separate country. Perhaps clarify you mean the provinces? As Dutch people we don’t talk about provinces the way Americans talk about States. States in the USA are a lot more independent from federal government and different from each other than the provinces in the Netherlands. We would just talk about the towns themselves and that would be all. 2) ‘Efteling’ would be ‘The Efteling’. 3) Dordrecht is called ‘Venice of the North’, not ‘Venice of Holland’. 4) ‘Zaans Schans’ is spelled Zaanse Schans, we pronounce the ‘e’ and it cannot be left out.

Have you been the the northern provinces yet? Friesland, Groningen and Drenthe are absolutely beautiful as well. I hope you enjoy your time in The Netherlands.

December 9, 2019 at 3:19 pm

Glad to hear from you Marta! I wrote this with the hope of showing people more of the Netherlands in a realistic way as although there are so many beautiful places, most people have limited time.

I wrote about Holland in this way because of the other way that many visitors think of Holland. I live in Zuid Holland myself and agree a lot about the towns being more important than the province. I try to not to lump Holland together as an entity in my general writing and try to be more specific about the provinces, but this post is a bit of an exception.

Repoints: Ahh, fixing that spelling error. 😉 I realize that people call it “the Efteling”, which corresponds to the Dutch name, but the added the seems redundant in English.

I’ve been to every province of the Netherlands and fully intend on becoming a citizen in the near future. I must write more about the Northern Provinces as I went at a time that I was less active with my blog. A trip back is due soon to Friesland. I really loved it and I would plan to write about it once I have better photos to inspire people to visit. 🙂 Thanks for commenting!

December 26, 2019 at 11:43 pm

Hi, lovely cities and will certainly get a good feel of the Netherlands. As a vivid traveller myself, I love diversity and would long for some green between all the beautiful architecture. If time, and physical health, lets you, I would recommend a bike ride or hike /stroll through ‘De Hoge Veluwe’ and eat apple pie, along the coast and a beverage in a beach house, perhaps even ‘Wadlopen. Have a haring or kibbeling while you’re at the sea. De Bieschbosh may be more central if you are staying in de Randstad (the bigger cities in de west) and can be combined with a visit Rotterdam (then take the boat from Rotterdam as extra!) for instance. Oh, if you do go to Rotterdam, stop for a beer tasting at the Pheonix factory. And in Utrecht; you can combine this on same day and go canooing at Rhijnouwen in summer. Also, if you have a car; Volendam or Marken, Kasteel Muiderslot are great stops for couple of hours.

Some of my personal favorites. Believe these options all make your already great itinerary more divers and will give you a more complete overview of the Netherlands.

December 26, 2019 at 11:45 pm

Hoge Veluwe should be combined with Kroller Muller; the second biggest van Gogh collection, but the building and environment add to the experience!

December 12, 2020 at 7:31 am

Hi Karen We are planning 7 days trip to Netherlands in June 2021 Can you please just tell which city to make reservations for hotels June 9 to 15 I want visit Netherlands trip so I need day by day itinerary top place visit send me my email thanks .

March 19, 2021 at 3:02 pm

It depends on you and how much you want to travel by train. I already have my recommendations in the article! 🙂

August 16, 2021 at 7:23 pm

Karen, It looks like I will have 8 days available. I will spend 3 nights in Amsterdam. I’d love to visit all the other locations outlined here, but don’t want to constantly move around. Do you recommend one of the other smaller cities as a home base to travel to the others? Thanks Maurita

January 30, 2022 at 6:44 pm

Hi, I’ll be booking Amsterdam soon for 6 nights. I plan on doing nothing too much the first day, because of a long flight. I plan to have 3 1/2 days touring Amsterdam and doing 2 days hoping on a train to explore. I had in mind Delft, Haarlem, Utrecht, Maastricht. But, I only have time for two places. I spent hours watching YouTube of these cities and reading reviews in travel forums. I’m having a hard time narrowing down 2. I’m not really into visiting anything like museums, I’m more into shops, coffee, lunch, scenery, taking walking, Maybe walk in a church. I really need help! Appreciate if you could help choose two.

March 17, 2022 at 10:13 pm

I am a bit slow in responding, but all are lovely. Maastricht is too far. I would say that Utrecht and Haarlem are the easiest to do!

March 15, 2022 at 9:14 pm

Hi Karen, my husband and I are visiting Holland for 9 days in June/July with our bikes. We land in Ijmuigen and are looking for advice on where to stay and visit. Can you help?

March 17, 2022 at 9:20 pm

I would recommend Haarlem, but there are lots of cute cities nearby if you prefer a smaller town vibe. 🙂 Alkmaar is nice too!

April 13, 2022 at 9:37 pm

Hi there. I’m coming to Amsterdam next week and I have one day alone before my group joins me. With the group we are doing the tulip gardens and parades and canal tour and Anne Frank house and some museums. I am trying to decide what would be a good way for me to spend the day alone. I’ll be staying by the airport but have thought of travelling into Utrecht, or over to Noord-Harlem or Harleem. I don’t know what I can pack into a day and I fear getting lost as well. Do you think I could do those three cities in a day? Or do you have a recommendation? Or should I just get a bike in Amsterdam and get lost? I appreciate any help. And thank you!

April 21, 2022 at 2:42 pm

Hi Annette, I hope that I am not too late, but the train is really simple (download the NS app or just go to the train station to buy a round-trip ticket). It is very hard to get lost in a Dutch city as the signage is really good. I would recommend Haarlem or Leiden if you are by the airport and it should be enough for a relaxing afternoon. You’ll probably see a lot with the group, so better to pick one place that you won’t visit with them. 🙂

April 27, 2022 at 4:48 pm

Hi Karen. So happy to find your info about the Netherlands. I am planning a 2 week trip for 4 in june and have reservations for all but the last 3 days. We’re in Breda for a couple of nights visiting my daughter’s partner’s family after going north from Amsterdam and around through Harlingen and Otterlo. We will be driving and visiting museums and parks along the way. We have to catch a flight early on the 4th day from schiphol so we can’t go too far. I am spending time in Utrecht before I meet with the others. So would staying in Breda and making day trips be the best use of our last 3 days? We are outdoor types and enjoy hiking, biking and sailing. Thanks so much. We are really excited about seeing the Dutch homelands.

May 5, 2022 at 2:11 pm

Hi Dana! Breda is a nice hub for some cities, but maybe a little far for where you want to go (although possible). Sounds like a lovely trip and maybe worth getting a hotel / car along the way to maximize your time rather than driving more!

April 29, 2022 at 4:30 am

Karen, we get off riverboat cruise on Nov 17 in Amsterdam(have visited this city before). Would you recommend Harlem or Ulreght as a hub to stay at, and then we day trip by rail to other towns? Time is flexible at this stage but we thought 5-7 days? From new Zealand we are not used to hard winter weather, so your guidance would be welcomed

May 5, 2022 at 2:12 pm

Hi Tom, November is definitely chilly and wet (although often not snowy). Yeah, traveling by train is a great idea! Utrecht is a better hub! Hope you have a great trip!

November 26, 2022 at 7:39 am

Your itinerary gives great insights. If we want to take unlicensed transport and minimise moving from hotel to hotel, which 2 cities are the best to stay so that we get to travel to all the places in this itinerary?

November 26, 2022 at 7:40 am

Sorry I meant public transport

December 1, 2022 at 8:28 pm

Utrecht or The Hague!

January 17, 2023 at 12:24 am

Thanks for this great guide! I will be going to Amsterdam for the 2nd time in May for one week. In your itinerary, you mention day trips to Zaanse and Harlem for tulips, I was wondering if those day trips were included in staying 3 days in Amsterdam? So I would be spending 2/3 days in Zaanse and Harlem. I see a lot of tours to Zaanse and I was wondering if you think it’s worth it to pay for a tour of the windmills/cheese and fishing market?

February 1, 2023 at 2:11 pm

I think three days in Amsterdam is ideal before doing a few day trips, but it is up to you as it is your trip. You can do a tour if you are tight on time, but it is easy enough to do a tour on your own of Zaanse Schaans and Haarlem using public transit. Zaanse Schans involves a bit more walking without a car, but it is very doable.

February 5, 2023 at 4:45 pm

Karen – thank you so much for sharing this great itinerary. I’ll be visiting in July and would love to see everything you mentioned. Unfortunately, I’ll only have a week. Can you recommend pairing any towns that could be seen and enjoyed in one day? Thanks!

April 3, 2023 at 3:20 pm

Lots of towns. The Hague, Utrecht, or Haarlem are great! 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• The Netherlands
• New York State
• Other European destinations
• Work With Me
• Disclosure and Privacy Policy
• Jeju SEO Tool: Free SEO Writing Tool

You can unsubscribe anytime. For more details, review our Privacy Policy.

You have successfully joined our subscriber list.

TreasureHunter USA Inc. 251 Little Falls Drive Wilmington, Delaware 19808 +1 (915) 4632387 EIN 88-2174128

www.wanderlustingk.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We also participate in other affiliate programs

www.wanderlustingk.com all rights reserved © 2023 | Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy |

The Best 14 Day Netherlands Road Trip 2024 + Maps and Tours

• Updated on: April 13, 2022

This article may contain affiliate links.  For more information, please see our disclaimer  here.

Table of Contents

The Dutch love road trips, so it’s no surprise that The Netherlands is a great place to hit the road. It’s one of the best ways to see the country, and with proper planning it can work out to be pretty cheap. Whether you bring your own vehicle, hire a motorhome, or even cycle, there’s tons to discover outside of Amsterdam.

Since we’re both from the Netherlands, we’ve spent a fair amount of time on the roads, visiting our favorite cities and sites. In this article, we’ll imagine our perfect Netherlands road trip that’ll help you discover the culture and hidden gems of our country.

So, strap yourself in and let’s get started!

Netherlands Road Trip: The Basics

Before we start our journey, let’s take a look at some of the basics, such as how much you can expect vehicle rental to cost, as well as your options when it comes to exploring the Netherlands.

Bringing Your Own Vehicle

It’s easy to bring your own vehicle from mainland Europe and the UK. This is a cost effective way of enjoying your Netherlands road trip , especially if you own a campervan/motorhome. There’s no vignette to worry about, and you can legally drive on Dutch roads with ease. British vehicles will need to put headlamp adjusters on, and you can buy these on the ferry. Click here to check the actual petrol prices.

Renting a Vehicle

While the cost of renting a vehicle in the Netherlands may not be the lowest globally, it’s far from prohibitive. Renting a small to medium-sized car typically falls in the range of €20 to €40 per day, providing you with the independence to experience the country’s charm at your leisure. Opting for a motorhome can cost between €70 and €150 per day, with prices usually lowering for longer-term rentals, though they may rise during peak season. One significant advantage of having a rented vehicle is the ability to freely explore numerous wonderful places to visit in the Netherlands by car, making your trip truly unique.

Car Rental Deal: Click here to get the best car rental prices in the Netherlands

The Dutch are crazy about cycling and it’s one of the best ways to see the country. With a wealth of cycle networks and special bike lanes throughout both the towns and the countryside, it’s a safe and enjoyable way to see the Netherlands. Bike rental typically costs €10-€40 per day, or €50-€150 per week. Or, you can always bring your own.

Know the Rules of the Road

It’s important to know the local laws if you’re planning a road trip. While rules in the Netherlands are pretty similar to most other European countries, there are some things that might not be obvious to visitors from further afield. Here’s a breakdown of the most important:

• Drive on the right, overtake on the left. 
• It is compulsory to carry a driving license, car registration papers and insurance documents in the car (Dutch, EU and international driving licenses are accepted).
• Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system while driving. Even holding a mobile while driving a vehicle is considered an offense. 
• Seatbelts are compulsory in the front and rear of the vehicle. 
• Drivers should pay particular attention to cyclists, who may ride two abreast.
• Unless otherwise signposted, vehicles coming from the right have priority.

It’s also compulsory to carry hi-vis vests for each passenger and a warning triangle to be used if you break down and have to stop at the side of the road. In addition, it’s advisable to carry spare bulbs for all external lights, a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit.

It’s worth bearing in mind that most rental vehicles will be equipped with these items. You can find the full list of rules right here.

Let’s Hit the Road!

With the basics out of the way, it’s time to delve into our dream Netherlands road trip! We’ll assume that you’re starting and ending your trip in Amsterdam, where you’ll find plenty of rental companies. The following round-trip takes in some of the best sites in the Netherlands and should take around 14-days.

Along the way, you’ll soak up the authentic Netherlands culture with visits to the awesome Dutch windmills, old-fashioned villages, and much more. This trip won’t cover the entire country, but showcases the most iconic sights!

How many days do I need to see the Netherlands?

As a lot of tourists just stay in Amsterdam city, please make some more time to explore the real countryside of the Netherlands as it’s really worth it. I know this may sound weird from a local, but really the country has so much to offer. Not all of you would have 14 days to spend in the Netherlands, but try at least to spend between 5 and 7 days to explore nature, beaches, typical Dutch villages, windmills, cities and to learn more about the culture by taking a tour. 

Video: Road Trip Netherlands inspiration

Day 1: Amsterdam & Muiderslot Castle

• Distance: 20 km
• Travel time: 25 minutes
• Route: Open in Google Maps

Day one is an easy one to help you soak up the capital city, while taking your wheels out for a quick spin to check that everything is okay. Amsterdam is full of great things to do, from museums and art galleries, to the iconic Amsterdam Canals . You can either spend the whole day exploring the city, or drive out to the nearby Muiderslot Castle.

The castle is a beautiful example of medieval architecture showcasing over 700 years of history, set in stunning grounds. Home to a variety of exhibitions and collections, there are guided tours and activities to enjoy. When you’re done, you can either return to Amsterdam for the evening, or camp out at the castle .

Tour recommendation Amsterdam

As we both lived in this amazing city we can tell you, Amsterdam has so much to offer! As we can’t pick one favourite tour we have some recommendations for you. So you can make the best out of your trip to Amsterdam. Check my favourite activities to do in Amsterdam.

Where to stay in Amsterdam

Day 2: amsterdam – the hague.

• Distance: 65 km
• Travel time: 55 minutes

Day 2 is another relaxing day with just a short distance to cover. Spend the morning indulging in Amsterdam’s cafe culture, before hitting the coast road to The Hague. In Dutch we say Den Haag, which is also the name you will see on the signs. The route takes in both Bloemendaal and Zandvoort beaches So, if you fancy a day and evening at the beach rather than in the city, you can always stop at either one at the end of day 1. Both are sandy with a vibrant local scene that takes in cafes, bars, and live music.

If you’re visiting between the end of March and the beginning of May, it’s worth dropping by Keukenhof to see the famous tulips . You can easily spend half a day taking it all in, before heading south once again to The Hague.

If not, continue straight to The Hague, and enjoy everything the small city has to offer, such as Binnenhof (the Dutch parliament buildings), and Madurodam — a miniature replica of the Netherlands. You can also enjoy Scheveningen and Kijkduin beaches, both of which are more or less within the city limits. 

Tour Recommendation The Hague

Discover the international capital of peace and justice during a 2.5 hour during bike tour . During this trip you will discover a wide diversity from the nice architecture of the city, the old Dutch buildings, shopping areas and last both not least the beach. If this is something you would like check this tour here .

Where to stay in The Hague

Day 3 & 4: the hague – rotterdam.

• Distance: 30 km

This is another short drive, so you can either enjoy a leisurely morning in The Hague seeing the sights you missed the day before, or head to Rotterdam to spend the entire day in the city. The road passes through Delft, a small university town home to beautiful churches, canals, great pubs, and museums. Delft is also famous for its blue pottery. If you’re into this, you might like to check out the Royal Delft factory where you can see master painters at work or join a painting workshop yourself.

Rotterdam is a great city that is worth staying at least a full day and night in, so if time allows, consider staying 2 nights. You can explore the famous Rotterdam Harbour, the largest in Europe, and home to the incredible Euromast . The city has an amazing night-life and cafe culture, as well as museums, tours, and adrenaline inducing activities.

From Rotterdam, you can also drive out to the windmills of Kinderdijk, about 30 minutes away. The small village showcases a number of iconic 18th century windmills, plus a network of canals and pumping stations. It’s a pleasant afternoon out, and you can return to Rotterdam later to enjoy the nightlife. Don’t forget to check out my guide Things to do in Rotterdam.

Tours Recommendation The Hague

Discover the Delft Blue factory from the 17th century in Delft. Check out this tour: The Royal Delft Experience .

Tours Recommendation Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the place we met and lived together for several years, it’s one of our favourite cities in the Netherlands. The architecture and the harbour or 2 unique items in the city, but there is so much more. Ready for a nice activity during your visit? Check out here some nice tours you can do.

Where to stay in Rotterdam

Day 5: rotterdam – middelburg.

• Distance: 105 km
• Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes

After a few shorter drives, we’ll now start seeing more of the country, as we head south towards Middelburg, the historic capital of Zeeland province. Along the way, there are plenty of beaches to check out. Brouwersdam and Renesse beaches are among the best, home to sand dunes and some of the best surfing spots the country has to offer.

Next up is Delta Park Neeltje Jans , an amusement park with a difference. The Delta Works is a series of construction projects in the Southwest of the Netherlands, consisting of numerous dams, locks, storm barriers, and levees. Each element is designed to protect a large part of the Netherlands from the sea. But, rather than just building boring barriers, a series of Delta Parks were created to provide education and entertainment.

Delta Park Neeltje Jans is one of the biggest and the best, and you can explore the delta, marvel at the sights in the aquarium, splash out in the aqua park, and enjoy a water safari boat trip. There’s also the exciting Hurricane Machine, where you can experience winds of up to 133 kilometers per hour!

Once you’ve dried off, head south to Middelburg, a small city steeped in tradition and slightly off the main tourist trails. Explore the twisty alleys, stroll along the canals, and stay in a historic boutique hotel. Alternatively, if you’d prefer a night under canvas, there are plenty of campsites in the surrounding area.

Where to stay in Middelburg

Bonus day: middelburg – efteling  .

• Distance: 130 km
• Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

This is an optional day for thrill seekers looking to enjoy the largest theme park in the Netherlands. At 130km, the drive takes around an hour and 20 minutes from Middelburg, passing through the farms and villages of the southern part of the Netherlands. That leaves plenty of time to enjoy a good breakfast in one of Middelburg’s rustic cafes.

The Efteling is home to roller coasters and a wealth of thrilling rides for adventure seekers, as well as some more tame options for the little ones. There’s truly something for everyone, and with restaurants and accommodation, you can really make a day of it. Besides the official hotels, you’ll find guesthouses and campsites aplenty nearby.

If theme parks aren’t your thing, you could travel instead directly to Utrecht, which is around 170km from Middelburg.

Where to stay in the Efteling area

Day 6 & 7: efteling – utrecht or middelburg – utrecht.

• Distance: 72 km or 170km
• Travel time: 55 minutes or 2 hours
• Route: Open in Google Maps or Google Maps

The next stop is Utrecht, a beautiful ancient university town known by locals as the lively beating heart of Holland. From Efteling it’s around 75km directly, or an extra 20km if you stop off at Loevestein Castle.

This medieval castle is situated in a stunning nature reserve, surrounded by rivers and lakes, and is home to a wealth of wildlife. There are also tours through the medieval museum, which showcases a number of interesting exhibitions.

After the castle, drive through more scenic Dutch countryside for another 60km before reaching Utrecht. There’s lots to see in this small university city, and if time allows, it’s worth spending an entire day. It has a lively vibe, and is famous for its historic center, wharf cellar bars along the canals, and the iconic Dom Church. A calm oasis compared to Amsterdam, it’s a great place to soak up some Dutch culture before driving on.

Tour recommendation Utrecht

Utrecht is well known as the city in the centre of the Netherlands and the canals. Check out the tours this place has to offer and let this city surprise you.

Where to stay in Utrecht

Day 8: utrecht – kampen.

• Distance: 95 km

Day 8 is for nature lovers, and though the distance is quite far, it’s broken up by visits to 2 of the most stunning national parks in the Netherlands . Enjoy breakfast in Utrecht before driving the short distance to Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park. Here you can enjoy hiking or cycling through vast woodlands, discovering ancient castles, and relaxing in a place that feels a million miles from the city, despite being just 30-minutes away!

Next up is Hoge Veluwe National Park, home to sprawling heathlands, looming sand dunes, and shady woodlands. There are even more chances for hiking or cycling through surreal scenery where you might come across beautiful wildlife. You’ll find plenty of campsites, hotels, and guest houses in these regions, so if you want to stay longer, it’s easily done.

If not, the next stop is the river town of Kampen, around 65km north on a road that takes you through moody woodlands and even more relaxing countryside. Kampen is a small town well off the tourist track, though you’ll find plenty of accommodation and things to do. Home to beautiful historic canalside houses, friendly cafes and restaurants, it’s another great place to relax after a long day on the road.

Look out for historic sailing ships along the river, or take a walking tour to discover the more than 500 historic monuments scattered throughout the town. Again, if you prefer to camp, there are plenty of options in the surrounding area.

Day 9: Kampen – Giethoorn – Weerribben

• Distance: 75 km
• Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Day 9 is another easy day, leaving you plenty of time to explore to your heart’s content. The next destination is Giethoorn & Weerribben, known as the Venice of the Netherlands. You can either drive straight there, or drop by Weerribben-Wieden National Park. Consisting of lakes, ponds, and canals, this stunning swampland is a great place for kayaking or boating. Keep your eyes peeled for otters and cormorants, among other wonderful wildlife.

You can rent boats in Giethoorn, so it’s best to head there first and then spend the day on the water. There are also a number of other nice towns and villages that are worth dropping by, such as Hasselt, close to Kampen. 

Giethoorn is also a great base for exploring the Drenthe province, which is home to the iconic ‘Hunebedden’. Hunebeds are prehistoric tombs built by the Funnelbeaker people using huge boulders. Drenthe is home to 52 ancient hunebeds, all within a 30km radius. You’ll find 3 near to Giethoorn, which are named with letters and numbers. The three you find closeby are Dolemen D52, D53, and D54 (there’s a nice teahouse next to the last 2, aptly named ‘Theehuis ‘t Hunebed’). But you’ll discover more on the next leg of the journey!

Day 10: Giethoorn – Weerribben – Bourtange

• Distance: 206 km
• Travel time: 2 hour 30 minutes

Day 10 is a day of exploration. As you’ll be driving mostly through the Drenthe region, there are plenty of Hunebeds to discover. The largest, D-27, is located in Borger, which is also home to the Hunebedden centre, where you can learn more about these fascinating monuments.

Today’s destination is the fortified city of Bourtange, located on the border with Germany in the Groningen province. A stop at Assen is a nice place for lunch, and the surrounding area is filled with hunebeds!

Bourtange is a restored star-shaped fortress town that dates back to 1580. Immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere, stay the night in the historic barracks, catch a historic reenactment, explore one of the 4 museums, or simply stroll along the canals. There’s no shortage of accommodation in and around the town, including 2 campsites that are within walking distance from the historic center.

Day 11: Bourtange – Holwerd

• Distance: 120 km
• Travel time: 1 hour 45 minutes

From Bourtange, it’s time to return to the coast, or more specifically, the Wadden Sea, an area of stunning natural beauty. There are around 50 Islands in the Wadden Sea, but the first 5 Dutch islands are some of the most interesting. Each has its own atmosphere and vibe, and it’s worth checking them all out if you can. To get there you can either loop around the coast (a slightly longer route), or inland via Groningen. A nice place to stop for a coffee in this city is in front of the centuries-old Martinitoren clock tower.

The 3 islands that are easiest to visit with a vehicle are Ameland via the car ferry at Holwerd , Terschelling via the car ferry at Harlingen , and Texel via the car ferry at Den Helder . There are numerous sailings per day on each line. You’ll find a ton of campsites and other accommodation around all of these towns, so you can explore the islands with ease.

We suggest heading to Holwerd and sailing to Ameland. Ferry crossings run pretty much every hour and take 20–50 minutes. If you like, you can stay on the island, or return the same day and head for Harlingen, ready to visit Terschelling island.

Some Wadden Island activities include mud-flat walking, relaxing on gorgeous beaches, and indulging in local delicacies, in particular fresh seafood and fish.

Day 12: Holwerd — Den Helder — Texel Island

• Distance: 125 km
• Travel time: 2 hours 15 minutes

To explore Texel Island, it’s worth taking your time, as there’s lots to do. From Holwerd, it’s around 110km to Den Helder, where you can take the ferry which runs pretty much every 30-minutes throughout the day.

Before you get there though, you’ll cross the Afsluitdijk, a major dam and causeway that has been protecting the Netherlands from raging seas for the past 90-years. The views over the edge are great, and it’s a nice place to witness nature clashing with human ingenuity.

If you arrive in Den Helder early enough, it’s worth catching the ferry to Texel to spend the day exploring and indulging in local delicacies, such as Texel lamb and the locally brewed Texel Skuumkoppe beer. There are places to stay on the island, or you can return to the mainland to stay in Den Helder.

Where to stay in Texel

Day 13: den helder – marken.

• Distance: 85 km

After enjoying the island lifestyle, it’s time to head back inland. Today’s drive takes us back towards Amsterdam, but not before exploring some more of the smaller villages and towns first. Heading south, the first stop of the day is Alkmaar, the city of cheese. For cheese lovers, it’s a must and you’ve got to catch the world-famous historical cheese market every Friday (March through September).

But there’s more to Alkmaar than just cheese — though a visit to the cheese museum is recommended! This historical town has a charming center, bustling cafe culture, and excellent restaurants. There are also some other great museums, such as the Beer Museum and the Beatles Museum. It’s a nice place to stay the night as well, though if you’d like to move on, the day is still young.

Today’s destination is the quaint fishing village of Marken, which is reached by driving along a thin sliver of land to the island. It’s rustic and charming, with a few choices for accommodation and a cosy harbour-side tavern and restaurant. Alternatively, there are several other fishing villages nearby, such as Monnickendam where you can dine on a fishing boat, or Volendam, a beautiful village filled with narrow streets and a bustling harbour.

Day 14: Marken – Zaanse Schans – Amsterdam

• Distance: 50 km

After indulging in stunningly fresh seafood, it’s time to hit the road again. This last day of driving is short and easy, eventually returning to Amsterdam. But first, you can’t visit the Netherlands without checking out the windmills of historic Zaanse Schans.

Located on the banks of the river Zaan, Zaanse Schans will take you back in time to the 18th and 19th centuries. Besides the iconic windmills, there’s also a historic, functioning bakery, a cheese factory, a pewter foundry, and a wooden clog warehouse where you can see how they’re made. You can hire a bike and cycle the cobbled streets, visit the museums, or relax on a sunny terrace.

From Zaanse Schans, it’s just over 20km back to Amsterdam, where you can discover the exciting nightlife of the city if you didn’t already get a chance to.

Tour recommendation Zaanse Schans

Step back in the 17th and 18th centuries during a visit to the Zaanse Schans. As there are so much nice tours there we picked our favourites for you. Click here to check the tours.

Best time to visit Netherlands

While each season in the Netherlands nature offers something unique, autumn (September-November) is our favorite time of year. The trees transform into a kaleidoscope of autumn colors, and it’s a spectacular sight to witness. Moorlands reach full bloom to create purple landscapes, and the leaves dazzle with shades of orange, red, and yellow. 

And the weather provides the perfect temperature to unwind without being drenched in sweat or clutching heavy winter gear. Autumn is a magical time to go hiking in Utrecht due to the breathtaking spectacle produced by Mother Nature. Check out my  Best Time To Visit The Netherlands Guide  for more detailed weather information.

Pin for later

All Netherlands posts

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

One Incredible Day Trip to Rotterdam

Ultimate Guide Tulip Fields Netherlands 2024: Best Places and Activities By A Local

The Ultimate Best Time To Visit The Netherlands in 2023 + Events and Weather Chart

Deals netherlands, activities & tours, travel insurance, accommodations.

5x Breathtaking Faroe Islands Waterfalls

Top 5 Faroe Island Lakes to Explore in 2024

2024 Insider’s Guide: 12 Essential Tips for Driving in the Faroe Islands

Deals faroe islands, destinations, travel tips.

• Privacy Policy
• Work with us

• Who are we?
• Personal Blog
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Western Australia
• Philippines
• The Netherlands
• Accommodation
• Budget Travel
• Couples Travel
• Ethical Travel
• Solo Travel
• Travel Books
• Travel Gift Guides
• Travel Gadgets and Packing Tips

18 Best day trips in the Netherlands

This post is also available in: Dutch

While Amsterdam is certainly a must-visit during your time in the Netherlands, there are other cool day trips in the Netherlands that should be included in your itinerary.

The Netherlands is a beautiful country with a lot of must-see places, such modern or historic cities and various cool attractions. As I’m Dutch myself, born and raised in Rotterdam , I decided it was time to write an article with cool day trips in the Netherlands. And luckily, the Netherlands is a tiny country, meaning you never really have to travel far and it’s easy to visit any place in a day. In just a few hours you can drive from one side to the other side of the country! Plus, there is a good public transport system here: if you hop on the train you can basically see the Netherlands in one day. 

Even though I’m from the Netherlands myself, I haven’t travelled around a lot in this small country. Ever since we came back from a big trip through Australia and Asia, I’ve noticed that I appreciate my own country more and more. That’s why I’ve decided to explore more of the Netherlands myself. To inspire others to do the same and see more of this tiny yet beautiful country, I asked other travel bloggers about the best day trips in the Netherlands. Below you can find fun day trips in the Netherlands and most of these day trips can easily be made from Amsterdam or other big cities in the Netherlands! 

Get ready for 18 cool day trips in the Netherlands, including some cool day trips from Amsterdam! Plus, we have some bonus day trips at the end of the article. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. For more information please check our Disclosure page . 

18 Cool Day Trips in the Netherlands

1. admire the windmills at zaanse schans.

Photo by Tommy Ferraz . Text by Ryan from  The Opposite Travellers .

Zaanse Schans is the perfect day trip from Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Located in Zaandijk, Zaandam and less than 20 minutes from the city is this amazing historical open-air museum. As soon as you set foot on this wonderfully preserved historical village you are introduced to scenic post card worthy views of a traditional Netherlands. The old-fashioned wooden windmills at Zaanse Schans are a particularly wonderful sight to see.

Many of the windmills are in perfect working order and open for you to explore. Climb up to the top of the windmills to get awesome views of the Dutch landscape. In addition to the windmills, you can also clomp around in some klompen , the traditional wooden shoes of the Dutch. Watch how the shoes are made and try on a giant pair or paint some yourself ! The Wooden Shoe Museum at Zaanse Schans is not to be missed and a great way to spend part of the day.

Zaanse Schans also presents great opportunities for some delicious food. If you’re a cheese lover then you’re in luck. The Cheese Farm De Catherinahoeve does free cheese making demonstrations and there is an abundance of free samples to indulge in as well. Also, be sure to treat yourself to a giant sweet or savoury pancake. Spanning nearly 30cm in diameter it’s a flavoursome experience you won’t want to miss out on. On top of all of the great things to see and do here, Zaanse Schans is not as well-known as Kinderdijk, which means it is pleasantly crowd free during most times of the year.

Tours to Zaanse Schans

With this fun tour you go to the  Zaanse Schans, Volendam and Edam .

With this  riverboat tour  you can admire the Zaanse Schans from the water.

Be sure to also check out this fun workshop Clogs Painting on the Zaanse Schans .

2. Explore the beautiful Castle de Haar

Photo and text by Milou from Explorista.net.

Castle de Haar is not just the biggest castle in the Netherlands, it’s also arguably the prettiest. The castle is surrounded by lavish castle gardens, that allow for a leisurely stroll. Go visit the deers, see the cows, or feed the ducks in the pond. The medieval castle was most likely built in the 13th or 14th century, but no one is exactly sure. The building was expanded and abandoned over the centuries until it was acquired by a lord and his wife who belonged to the Rothschild family. With her fortune they restored the castle to its former grandeur.

The castle is in amazingly good shape, from the gardens, to the exterior to the interior: everything looks the way it would have looked in the Middle Ages. My favourite part of the castle was by far visiting the ladies chamber, with its sunken bath tub and its blush pink tones. Interior goals, for sure!

It’s best to stay in the city of Utrecht and rent a car. It’s about a 20 or 30 minute drive from here. If you aren’t able to rent a car, you can also take the train and bus!

3. Visit Rotterdam and explore the cool architecture

More and more tourists realise that Rotterdam is a very cool city in the Netherlands and that it shouldn’t be skipped during a visit. Rotterdam can definitely be visited as a day trip in the Netherlands, and there are plenty of cool things you can do . The city can’t be compared with other Dutch cities. This is mostly because Rotterdam has a lot of unique, modern architecture and other Dutch cities are mostly known for the cute little canals and historic building.

Rotterdam is also getting more and more amazing restaurants , bars and cafes. Besides the cool architecture and unique hotspots in Rotterdam, there are also a lot of amazing museums and street art to explore. In short, a trip to the Netherlands should definitely include a visit to Rotterdam.

Tip:  Check out this cool river cruise , a way to learn more about this famous harbour city!

4. Admire windmills in Kinderdijk

Photo and text by Shandos from Travel Nuity.

The Netherlands is famous for its windmills. With so much of the country situated below sea level and comprised of reclaimed land, windmills were essential in previous centuries to keep everyone’s feet dry, although modern pumping stations have replaced most. The best way to get your fill of windmills (and plenty of gorgeous photos) is to take a day trip to Kinderdijk , just outside of Rotterdam. Here a group of 19 windmills located close together have been preserved, and even UNESCO World Heritage listed for their importance.

It’s actually free to visit Kinderdijk, but it’s worthwhile to pay a little extra to visit the museums situated inside two of the windmills. It’s amazing to see how whole families, some with a dozen children or more, managed to live inside these Dutch windmills, especially when you hear the racket created when the sails start to spin!

While most visitors choose to walk around the site (or take a bike ride), it’s also possible to take a boat trip at Kinderdijk, either stopping off along the way or making a single loop. A couple of cafés are located on site, serving drinks and simple toasties. You can also head to some restaurants located near the entrance for a more substantial lunch.

Tours to Kinderdijk

It’s possible to drive to Kinderdijk and park at the entrance. However, parking isn’t free (cost is about five euros) and it’s a rather small parking lot, so it quickly fills up. It’s also possible to arrange transportation from Amsterdam or from Rotterdam .

5. Take a cruise on the Amsterdam canals

Something that everyone should experience at some point is a canal cruise on the Amsterdam canals . Discover Amsterdam from the water and enjoy the sunset, while the lights of the city start to sparkle. Cruise past historic ‘herenhuizen’, bridges and boats.

And of course you can immediately learn more about the history of our capital, the best restaurants and the hippest nightclubs.

Do you like this? Then book a cruise in Amsterdam now.

6. Explore the cute canals of Utrecht

Photo and text by Tom from The Travelling Tom .

Utrecht is a beautiful city to visit on a day trip. The train ride from Amsterdam to Utrecht is only about 45 minutes or an hour. When you get to Utrecht, you’ll find a city that has similar characteristics to Amsterdam, but is different too. Utrecht has a similar canal system to Amsterdam, but on a smaller scale. Walking around the canals and admiring their beauty, and the lovely buildings all around you is a must!

A sight that you need to see in Utrecht is the cathedral. Work started on this towering building in 1253 and continued well into the 16th century. In 1674 a storm resulted in the collapse of the nave, which left the tower isolated from the remainder of the building. It’s never been rebuilt. It makes it a unique building, and a fascinating one to walk around.

Utrecht is a university town and there are a number of beautiful buildings connected to the university you can visit, such as the University museum. You can also visit the university botanic gardens. They were created in 1639, and feature plants from across the globe among beautiful gardens. Utrecht may be a lesser known city in the Netherlands, but it’s one well worth exploring!

Tip: Check out this fun game  that you can play in Utrecht on your phone. It is a scavenger hunt for a mysterious creature around the canals and narrow streets of Utrecht. Through the game you will learn more about the history of the city!

7. Discover The Netherlands in miniature in Madurodam

In Madurodam you can see all the highlights of the Netherlands in one place, but in miniature format. Visit the Peace Palace in The Hague, the canals in Amsterdam, view the miniature trains, play with water and visit the smallest fun fair ever.

It is a great fun outing for children, but as a parent you will certainly appreciate it too.

Please be sure to make a reservation up front. Buy your tickets for Madurodam here !

8. Enjoy nature at De Hoge Veluwe

Photo and text by Corinne from Reflections en Route.

One hour southwest of Amsterdam is a park unlike any other I’ve ever visited. Once you arrive in the Hoge Veluwe National Park you can choose from various bikes to use all day long for no additional cost. Just be sure to park it in one of the many bike parking lots along the way. The national park is filled with bike paths through stunning fields, around a lake, and through a pine forest.

The Hoge Veluwe hosts a couple of museums, and my favourite is the Kröller Müller which exhibits many Dutch artists including Vincent Van Gogh. There is also a fantastic natural world museum for children. Furthermore, there is a visitor center, a couple of restaurants and cafés, a huge playground and plenty of things to do for a full day outside. On one of the trails, you pass by the beautiful Jachthuis Sint Hubertus, a piece of artwork itself. You can go inside and get a tour for about €4,- or just grab a cup of tea or coffee at their tea house and enjoy the stunning view. The Hoge Veluwe will let you leave the city behind, get into nature, breathe the fresh air, and see a different part of the Netherlands.

Tip:  close to the Hoge Veluwe, you’ll also find The Veluwezoom, which can be seen in the featured photo of this article. During the second week of August the heather is in bloom, which creates the beautiful purple colour. Also, check out these  Activities at the Veluwe for your visit.

Tours at the Hoge Veluwe

If you are travelling by car, we recommend to drive to the Hoge Veluwe and explore by yourself. If not, we recommend to go on a tour. For instance,  this small group tour to Kröller Müller and the Hoge Veluwe .

9. Admire the Royal Palace in The Hague

Photo and text by Karen from Wanderlustingk.

The Hague is where the government of the Netherland is based and it’s truly one of the gems of the Netherlands. With some of the best art museums in the Netherlands and the beach only a short bike ride away, you can enjoy the best of both worlds in The Hague. At the Mauritshuis, you’ll find the Girl with the Pearl Earring , one of the most famous Dutch paintings. Similarly, you’ll find the royal palace surrounded by some great shops.

The Hague’s most famous attraction is Scheveningen, the beachside resorts only a twenty minute cycle from the city centre where you can enjoy adventure activities as well as relaxing seaside activities. Furthermore, The Hague offers unparalleled international dining from all over the world due to its many embassies. You’re more likely to hear more languages on the street than you would even hear in Amsterdam, so international visitors will find the calmness and diverse atmosphere very appealing in addition to the first class attractions.

Surfing lesson in The Hague

Who would ever think you can get a surfing lesson in the Netherlands? Well, it’s possible at Scheveningen, where you can get a surf lesson for beginners !

10. Eat poffertjes in the typical Dutch town Volendam

Text by Manouk from Groetjes uit Verweggistan .

Volendam is a typical Dutch destination. It’s a bit of a touristy place and every Dutch person must have been in Volendam once. Apart that it’s known for the many Dutch singers that come from this little Dutch town, Volendam is also known for the dike, the most touristic part of this village. The village has all kinds of cute houses and it’s really fun to walk around. You could also pay a visit to the  Palingsoundmuseum , where you can learn more about the musical history of Volendam.

The absolute highlight is of course a photo in traditional Volendam clothing . Along the dike you can find enough places where you can do this. Often you get the photos digitally, so you can pick the best ones yourself.

Furthermore, there are plenty of nice restaurants along the dike. We went for poffertjes  (traditional Dutch treat that are basically small pancakes) ourselves and I found it very funny how relieved the seller was that someone finally wanted poffertjes with butter and icing sugar instead of those crazy toppings like chocolate or strawberries. But if you want to eat it with such toppings, it is definitely possible!

Tip:  Do you want to explore more than only Volendam? Then you can also take the ferry to Marken . This is a former fishing village, which is also fun to visit!

11. Learn about Dutch history in Maastricht

Photo and text by Verity from Veritru.

Maastricht is an example of one of the weirdest borders of a country ever. Check it out on a map and you’ll understand! The whole city centre is a protected cityscape and its home to 1677 national heritage sites. The tourist office, as always, is the best place to start. We picked up a cheap city walking tour map which outlined everything we needed to see. Maastricht is well known for its lively squares, incredible architecture and impressive fortifications. It has been part of Belgium and Germany at different times throughout history to name a few, but is now definitely Dutch.

If you want to know more about the fortifications in Maastricht, definitely head into the small museum at Hell’s Gate. Here we had a full history lesson that took about 45 minutes which was seriously interesting, partly because the guys who run it absolutely love their jobs! Make sure you also head out of the city to Mount Saint Peter, an old fortress which boasts an impressive view of the skyline across Maastricht.

Even though Maastricht is a bit out of the way from Amsterdam or other big cities in the Netherlands, it’s definitely worth it. You can visit Maastricht by car or train.

12. Have a cultural day trip at Museum Voorlinden

If you’re looking for a unique cultural day trip in the Netherlands, be sure to check out Museum Voorlinden in Wassenaar. This privately funded initiative showcases the personal collection of the Dutch art collector Joop van Caldenborgh. Especially the permanent collection is really cool, such as the Swimming Pool by Leandro Erlich and the Open Ended Sculpture by Richard Serra. Next to the permanent collection, Museum Voorlinden also offers various cool exhibitions.

Museum Voorlinden is located in Wassenaar, very close to The Hague. It’s possible to go to the museum by car (parking is free!) or by public transport. Public transport is a bit of a hassle, because you first need to get the train and then take the bus.  

13. Discover beautiful flowers at Keukenhof

Photo and text by Saskia from Kids Erop uit .

The Keukenhof is something that every Dutch person and every tourist should see at least once. Here you see the Netherlands as you know it from the typical pictures: colourful flowers in a typically Dutch landscape. Of course the Keukenhof also has the well-known tulips, but there are also lesser known flowers. Every flower garden is different, so you won’t be able to stop taking photos! Every year there is a different theme in the Keukenhof. For instance, in 2017 the theme was Dutch Design for which they made a special Mondriaan garden.

There is a lot more to do in The Keukenhof than just admiring the flowers. Get lost in the maze, visit one of the exhibitions or attend one of the events.

Tip:  Go early to avoid the crowds ( or get a skip the line ticket ). The Keukenhof is open every year from the end of March until May. On the third weekend of April it is Flower Parade. The flower wagons ride from Noordwijk to Haarlem on Saturday.

Tours to The Keukenhof

There are lots of tours to the Keukenhof. It’s also possible to go to the Keukenhof as a day trip from Amsterdam. For instance, this tour brings you to the Keukenhof and the Zaanse Schans . That way you get to see two highlights in The Netherlands in one day!

14. Have a magical time at the Efteling

Photo and text by Naomi from Probe Around the Globe.

The Efteling is a magic theme park, located in the South of the Netherlands. It’s a family filled fun day trip, full of enchanted fairy tales and the Efteling also has many thrilling rides and roller coasters. The theme rides all have a magical reference and encourage you to be amazed with wonders. The park is located on a 494 acres natural land with forests, parks and lakes. Even if you don’t like (thrill) rides or themed attractions, you can still enjoy the carefully laid out park and fairy tale forest. The forest displays 29 fairy tales, either with interaction or as a display of the original story. If fairy tales are too dull for you, you’ll find 6 thrilling roller coasters varying from dark rides, to water rides and the latest addition to the park is a dive coaster, where you’ll plummit into the ground.

The Efteling is open year round, so you can also visit this amusement park in the winter. Although some rides may be closed due to weather conditions, the Efteling offers plenty of indoor attractions, camp fires and has a covered ice skating rink to enjoy the winter days at the Efteling.

Get your tickets for the Efteling here !

15. Go to the lush Orchideeën Hoeve in the province of Flevoland

Photo and text by Kristy from Tassie Devil Abroad.

Located close to Emmeloord in the province of Flevoland is De Orchideeën Hoeve , a very unique attraction! Although it’s relatively unknown it has actually won the award for ‘The Most Fun Outing in Flevoland’ for six years in a row and it’s easy to see why. Part indoor garden, part tropical rainforest experience, De Orchideeën Hoeve is a huge indoor garden centre that is simply enchanting to visit. I stumbled upon it by accident and immediately planned my own trip.

Not only is it a beautiful place to visit if you like flowers and plants, but it’s also home to lots of turtles, fish, rainbow lorikeets (which you can feed by hand) and even cute tiny monkeys. It houses the largest butterfly house in Europe and has a stunning ‘suspended’ garden café. Here you can have coffee and cake while listening to live piano music and look at hundreds of beautiful hanging baskets full of colourful flowers. There is also a huge jungle-themed play area so it really is a perfect destination for young and old. You can even get married there!

Tip:  Unfortunately, it’s not well serviced by public transport, so you will need a car to get there. It’s also quite close to Giethoorn, another beautiful Dutch destination, so you could combine the two places for a perfect day-trip!

16. Rent a boat in Giethoorn

Giethoorn is a cute Dutch village with lots of canals. There are boats instead of cars, and there are no roads. It’s just a small village, so it can get crowded really easily. A fun things to do in Giethoorn is renting a boat and exploring the town by water. When you have your own boat you can go as you please and stop whenever and wherever you want. If you don’t feel like manoeuvring through the canals of Giethoorn, you can also decide to go on the canal boat tour.

Want to learn more about Giethoorn, such as where to park your car, how to rent a boat and more useful information? Check out this useful guide for Giethoorn .

You can already book a tour from Amsterdam to Giethoorn .

17. Enjoy a beach day in Zeeland

Photo and text by Sofie from Wonderful Wanderings.

If you need to get away from it all for a day, the beaches of Zeeland are the place to be. Here you can walk for miles along broad sandy shores while the wind wipes your worries away and that salty smell of the sea reminds you of when you used to build sand castles as a kid. You can easily spend a day here, relaxing at the beach and enjoying a picnic for lunch, or you could head into one of Zeeland’s lovely little towns.

Another option is to spend part of your day in Zeeland’s capital, Middelburg. Middelburg has a historical town center with small brick houses, a market square and lots of restaurants with outdoor terraces. Shopaholics can find both independent boutiques and big retailers here, but it’s mostly the monuments that draw all attention. Visit the various churches, the synagogue or city hall. Walk toward the ring road to find the historical mills or climb up Lange Jan or “Tall Joe”, the 90.5-meters tall abbey tower that offers great views of the city and its surroundings. Back on lower ground, you can visit the Museum of Zeeland that’s part of the abbey.

18. A unique day trip in Amsterdam

It’s very likely that you’ll visit Amsterdam during your time in the Netherlands. It’s not a surprise that Amsterdam attracts over 6 million tourists a year, because it’s a beautiful, unique and cool city. There are really a lot of things you can do during a day in Amsterdam, such as sipping coffee at one of the hip cafés, shopping, or enjoying art at one of the many museums. If you want to discover some cool hotspots for breakfast, lunch or dinner, check out these unique hotspots in Amsterdam .

Tip: If you’re going to Amsterdam, it might be an idea to use the  I Amsterdam City Card , especially if you’re planning on doing a day trip from Amsterdam. A lot of cool things are included, such as museums and different day trips in the Netherlands, such as to the Zaanse Schans or Volendam. Not sure if you need this card? Here you can find more information about the I Amsterdam City Card !

If you’ve explored Amsterdam a bunch of times already, and you’ve seen most of the touristic attractions, then it might be time to explore different parts of the city. There are plenty of fun, unique things to do in Amsterdam.

5 Unique things to do in Amsterdam

1. IJhallen: If you’re crazy about second-hand clothing, shoes, furniture, basically anything vintage, then you’ll adore IJhallen. It’s the biggest flea market in Europe and you can find all sorts of unique treasures here! It takes place about once a month in the weekends, be sure to check their schedule here .

2. Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam: This unique spot in Amsterdam was established in 1638 and ranks as one of the earliest botanical gardens in existence. In this garden they grew medicinal herbs and rare and exotic plants that was never before seen in this part of the world. The Hortus Botanicus is a great place to go if you’re looking for a break from the busy city life and if you’re really into plants.

3. Electric Ladyland: The Museum of Fluorescent Art: Electric Ladyland is the world’s first and probably only museum that focuses on fluorescent light. This unique museum in Amsterdam features a large collection of rocks and other elements that naturally react to UV Light. Very cool and worth a visit.

4. Poezenboot: Do you love cats? Then definitely visit the Poezenboot. It’s basically a house boat on one of the Amsterdam canals. And the habitants are furry cats! It’s the ultimate cat sanctuary to cuddle and play with your furry friends.

5. Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum: If you want to learn everything there is to know about this controversial plant, then check out the Hash, Marihuana and Hemp Museum. There is a huge collection of items connected to cannabis and retraces its history.

Bonus day trips in the Netherlands

Besides the day trips that were mentioned by various travel bloggers above, there are many more day trips in the Netherlands. Below I list two more fun day trips from Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Eat lots of cheese in Alkmaar

A visit to the Netherlands should definitely include a visit to a cheese market! For instance, the Alkmaar’s famous cheese market , which is one of the oldest and most traditional cheese markets in the Netherlands.

That were 18 cool day trips in the Netherlands. Hopefully this post shows you that The Netherlands has so much more to offer than only Amsterdam! These cool day trips will surely make your time in the Netherlands memorable. I’m inspired to go on a couple of them myself now, and I can’t wait to share even more of the Netherlands with you guys!

You may also like

20 comments.

This is a great article! I loved Amsterdam and Keukenhof when I visited, but there are so many more places in the Netherlands that are on my bucket list. 🙂

The flowers at Keukenhof look stunning. It is great to see soo many activities that can create a versatile itinerary for anyone visiting Amsterdam. We have been to Zaanse Schans and we fell in love with the entire town. It really is the most serene place that literally looks like a scene from a movie 🙂

Amsterdam is stunning! I only visited there for 2 days a few years ago but I loved it. I hope to be able to visit again soon and explore more of the beautiful places you write about. Thank you for sharing!

wow your post makes me want to visit the Netherlands, RIGHT NOW!! Gorgeous photos. I’ve been to several parts of Europe but have yet to make it to the Netherlands. This is definitely on my bucket list and your guide would be invaluable! Great post and thanks for sharing.

I adore The Netherlands! It’s become a second home in the past year! The Hague and Rotterdam are my favourite places. I visited Eindhoven and Den Bosch too but I really want to visit Utrecht and Castle De Haar. Great picks in this post.

All of these spots look amazing! I didn’t realize there was such a beautiful castle in the Netherlands!

Wow that’s a huge bucket list for a trip to the Netherlands. I’ve only been to Amsterdam before, but would love to see more of the country – especially by bike and along the coast! Bookmarked for the future!!

All the sites and their photos you have shared in your blog are make me crazy to visit these places and wanna explore the good things about these places. These places are looks too good and beautiful for day trip in the Netherlands. Soon, I’ll visit these sites in near future. Thanks for sharing such beautiful sites of Netherlands.

AHH I am going to the Netherlands in April and I am going to cross a few of these off my list!

What is fun to do around spring time and in the summer is to rent a boat and visit the national park the biesbos

As someone who partly lives in Amsterdam, I gained so many great day trip ideas from this post! Do you have a favourite one among all these? 🙂

Hi Liza! Great to hear! I haven’t personally done all of these, that’s why I asked other travel bloggers for their recommendations! But I absolutely loved De Hoge Veluwe! Quite an extraordinary place in the Netherlands.

I’ve done most of these but definitely gotta go see that castle!

Hi Sarah! Me too! Haven’t been there yet!

Planning to visit this fall Really an awesome read

Thanks Mayuri! Hopefully you find some inspiration here!

I would kill for those photos 😛 astonishing!

I have the travel bug, and this article makes me want to hop on a plane right now! Next on the list: Netherlands.

Haha, thanks Elena!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Follow our adventures!

The 6 most beautiful road trips in the Netherlands (+ route maps)

Written by Maartje

We are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. Our home country the Netherlands has beautiful coastal areas, green forests, modern cities, picturesque villages, fairytale castles and so much more. A road trip is a great way to experience all those sides of the Netherlands. And you don’t even need a full week or vacation to do see.

We selected the most beautiful road trips in the Netherlands for you, all doable in just one day (or combine them in one big road trip around the country!).

Driving and renting a car in the Netherlands

The roads in the Netherlands are easy to drive. There are many extremely good quality highways around the country, though the road trips in these blog will bring you to the more smaller, but equally good quality roads. It’s very safe to drive.

Renting a car is fairly easy as well. You can rent a car at the airports, but also at the bigger towns. When booking a car abroad, we usually book one online in advance to make sure we get the best price deal and insurances are all included.

To get a good indication of the prices for a rental car in the Netherlands, we recommend you to check prices on Discover Car Hire . They often have the best deals and indicate clearly what insurance coverage is included.

#1 Delta route in Zeeland

Download route | The Delta Works in Zeeland, Brabant and South Holland are impressive proof of the engineering talents in the Netherlands. The 13 Delta Works were built after the flood of 1953, which flooded a large part of this area in the Netherlands.

The Delta Route takes you along all these structures on a great one-day road trip along the southern coast. The route combines a unique structure with the beautiful Zeeland coast.

#2 Veluwe Road Trip

Download route | The Veluwe is the most beautiful and best-known nature reserve in the Netherlands, though the Veluwe area covers a bigger part of the country than just the nature reserve. The cities and villages, museums and forests make the Veluwe one of the highlights of any visit to the Netherlands.

We combined all our favourite Veluwe highlights in one road trip, creating a road trip you could do in one day or you could spend a week uncovering all the destinations. Our route starts in the town of Arnhem and ends in the more northern city of Apeldoorn. In between you’ll drive past castle Rosendael, National Park De Hoge Veluwe with its Kröller Muller museum, the stunning Radio Kootwijk, the Pomphulweg and Royal Palace ‘t Loo. Plenty of reasons to make a stop of at least half a day!

Read more : we wrote an extensive blog about our favorite highlights of the Veluwe . Most of them are included in this road trip itinerary.

#3 Road trip itineraries for Drenthe

Download routes | Drenthe is worth not just one, but two road trip itineraries: the Hunebed Highway and the Middenveldroute. The Hunebed Highway is the tourist inspired name for the N34 road. Along this road are 47 of all 52 ancient dolmens (‘hunebed’ in Dutch) located.

The red-blue signs along the road will indicate where to stop to visit these unique, prehistoric structures. The surrounding area at the dolmens are beautiful with heather, forest and sandy plains, creating perfect stops to go for a hike as well.

The Middenveldroute focuses on this beautiful Drenthe landscape. Highlights along the Middenveldroute are the former Nazi camp Westerbork, medieval museum village Orvelte and Dwingelerveld National Park.

Read more : we wrote a blog about the best places to visit and things to do in Drenthe .

#4 The Holland America Route

Download route | This road trip is a nod to the historic Holland-America line from the port of Rotterdam to the United States. This road trip itinerary won’t bring you that far away from the Netherlands, but does give you a fun day touring around a beautiful part of the Netherlands.

This road trip starts in a town called America, located in the southern province Limburg. The itinerary will lead you along the Maas river for 150 kilometers. The tour ends in Gelderland at the castle ruins of Batenburg and castle of Hernen .

#5 Six-castle route in Friesland

Download route | Friesland is home to dozens of castles, called ‘stinten’ or ‘staten’ in this specific part of the Netherlands. There are more than 50 of them in this northern province!

This Dutch road trip will bring you to the six most beautiful Frisian castles and country houses. Which gems are there on this route? The Poptaslot with gardens in Marssum, the Dekemastate in Jelsum, the Fogelsanghstate in Veenklooster, the Schierstins in Veenwouden, the Uniastate in Bears and the Princessehof in Leeuwarden (unfortunatly most of the websites are only available in Dutch). You last stop – the castle in Leeuwarden – is home to a ceramic museum.

#6 The Sagenland Route in Twente

Download route | The east of the country is your destination for the Sagenland Route, the ultimate road trip through the Dutch landscape.

The drive covers pretty much all of the Twente region, leading you to water mills, historic farms, picturesque villages, ancient churches, the nature reserve of Springendal, the historic Ootmarsum and the Singraven country house. The Sagenland Route is created by the ANWB (Dutch road assistance) and is the only one clearly signed along the way, so you don’t even need to bring your road map for this trip.

Save this pin for later:

Related Entries

10 unusual museums in the netherlands.

24x best coffee in Amsterdam

30 hotspots in Maastricht

The 24 best Deventer hotspots for food and drinks

14 Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands

L ooking for the best places to visit in the Netherlands? Check out this post for all the details on the top cities and villages to explore to fully experience the wonderful Dutch country. 

The Netherlands is a very small country and driving from end to end takes only about 3 hours in total. However, within those three hours, you will pass through a ton of different cities that all offer something unique to be discovered.

Most visitors to The Netherlands head to Amsterdam and think they have seen it all. But there is so much more to this quaint country than you may originally think.

From sandy beaches to authentic windmills to winding canals and modern cities, this guide details 14 beautiful places in The Netherlands! 

The best thing about traveling around The Netherlands is that since it is so small everything is very close and getting from city to city takes only an hour at most. Plus, The Netherlands has an amazing railway transportation system that is very quick, clean, and comfortable. I’ll give some more information on getting around The Netherlands at the end of this post.

All the best places to visit in The Netherlands listed below are very different and well worth a visit. Find the ones that fit your desires best and get going on an adventure.

Amsterdam is definitely the most popular city to visit in the Netherlands. It is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands for a first-time visit to the country. Amsterdam is a world-famous tourist destination that is full of beautiful architecture, winding canals, famous bridges , and rich history. 

There is so much to do and see in Amsterdam, and it truly is a travel destination that has something for everyone! 

I have been living in Amsterdam for 5 years and still have not seen and done everything.

Amsterdam does have a reputation as a party city, and it does have a prevalent party scene and coffee shop culture (which is very different from a cafe), but there is so much more to the city. Both day and night in Amsterdam don’t have to be full of partying, it can be enjoyed in MANY ways.

Amsterdam is packed with museums with artists ranging from Van Gogh, Banksy, Rembrandt and many more. More so, Amsterdam is full of historical sites like the Anne Frank House, the botanical gardens dating back to the 1600s, and royal buildings such as the royal palace in Dam Square.

Visitors to the city could easily spend a week here with all the things to do and see. But with all the other stunning cities in the Netherlands, it is nice to move around and take some day trips from Amsterdam to see other places!

LIMITED ON TIME? CHECK OUT OUR 3 DAY AMSTERDAM ITINERARY

Delft is a small city in the Netherlands that is full of beautiful canals and old buildings. This is a top city to visit in the Netherlands because it has all the beauty of the other cities, but it doesn’t attract many tourists. Therefore, exploring the streets is much more enjoyable and authentic.

There are quite a few things to do in Delft, but the best is to simply stroll the streets and admire the beauty. However, you can also view the grand city hall, go to the top of The New Church of Delft, eat at one of the many cafes, or shop for Delftware – one of the best souvenirs from the Netherlands . 

Gouda, a charming Dutch city, is renowned for its iconic cheese and namesake: Gouda cheese. This picturesque town is home to historic canals, a stunning town hall, and a traditional cheese market. 

Gouda’s rich history, delightful architecture, and cheese-related heritage make it a must-visit destination in the Netherlands for tourists and cheese enthusiasts!

BOOK A GUIDED TOUR TO GOUDA

Zwolle is a lovely medieval Dutch city in the Netherlands that is full of surprises. This city is a little more off the beaten track and the authentic Dutch culture is very prevalent. Zwolle is the perfect place to visit in the Netherlands if you want to see a real Dutch town that isn’t overrun with tourism.

More so, there is quite a bit to do in Zwolle. The city has a main square which is home to a street market every Saturday. This is a great place to find fresh food, Dutch delicacies and take in the atmosphere.

Zwolle is also home to the stunning cathedral book store, which is one of the most beautiful bookstores in all of the Netherlands. There are also many shops in Zwolle with clothing, accessories, food and much more! 

Rotterdam is the most modern city in The Netherlands and looks very different from all other places on this list. Its modern architecture and design are due to the Second World War.

During this time the city was bombed very heavily and the city was in ruins. Therefore, when they rebuilt it they gave it a modern look. Although Rotterdam doesn’t have the classic Dutch architecture and look of other cities in the Netherlands, it has its unique charm that is well worth seeing.

There are quite a bit of things to do in Rotterdam, as well.

One of the main attractions of the cities that you should check out is the cube houses . These are a set of innovative houses that were designed for high-density living. The houses are very unique and you are even able to go inside. In addition to this, the city has a market hall that is full of 25+ different food vendors for you to choose from.

Rotterdam is also home to the Erasmus Bridge, which is an amazing feat of engineering. This bridge is one of the things Rotterdam is most well known for and something every visitor of the city should see.

Giethoorn is a magical fairytale village in the northeast side of the Netherlands. It is quite far from other cities in the Netherlands and can be a journey to get to, but despite this, it is 100% worth visiting.

The small town is full of charm and since it is so different and unique than all the other cities, it is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands. 

Giethoorn is also called the Venice of the north since the whole village is made up of waterways and getting around by boat is the most convenient and easiest way to get around. This small village attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, all eager to rent a boat and see the thatch-roofed houses and lush green landscape.

There are not many attractions in Giethoorn besides exploring the city, but trust me, exploring this unique village is more than exciting. If you are looking for a unique place to visit in the Netherlands that is very different from anything you’ve seen before, this is the place for you.

BOOK A DAY TRIP TO GIETHOORN FROM AMSTERDAM

The Hague is an exciting city in the Netherlands that is more than meets the eye. The city itself is the most royal city in the Netherlands and is home to various parliament buildings, museums, and more. It is even home to the world court.

One of the most exciting things to do in The Hague is head to Madurodam , which is a park full of mini versions of various cities and attractions in the Netherlands. 

However, the main thing visitors to the Hague need to see is the beautiful Scheveningen Beach. This is a vast sandy beach that is lined with restaurants and has a long pier with a Ferris wheel, that is great for families visiting The Hague with kids . On warm summer days, this beach is packed with Dutch locals and tourists drinking, eating, and spending time with friends and family.

BOOK A GUIDED TOUR TO THE HAGUE, DELFT, AND ROTTERDAM

Haarlem is also called a mini Amsterdam because its canals and architecture look extremely similar. However, there is one aspect they differ greatly on, and that is the number of people in the city.

Amsterdam is extremely busy and the city is constantly full of people, especially the city center. Whereas, Haarlem attracts many fewer tourists and therefore is much less busy. This is great because in Haarlem you get all the beauty of Amsterdam but can explore without being in huge crowds. 

There is also more to Haarlem than its beautiful streets and canals. The city has a lively main square that hosts street markets every Saturday, and inside the square is a huge church called St. Baco Church. More so, in the city center, there is a huge authentic Dutch windmill open to the public for tours.

FIND THE BEST TOURS IN HAARLEM

Maastricht is a university town located at the very bottom of the Netherlands, it is about as south as you can get. The city is characterized by its medieval-style architecture and vibrant atmosphere. It is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands if you are looking for a historic and unique city to visit. 

In Maastricht, you will find the iconic gothic-style church called St. Janskerk, beautiful cobblestone streets, a huge river bisecting the town, and various museums.

If you are planning to travel to Belgium or Germany after the Netherlands this is the perfect place to depart from.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: WHAT IS BELGIUM FAMOUS FOR?

Utrecht is a stunning city located in the center of the Netherlands. This city has beautiful medieval architecture, a 14th-century bell tower and tons to see and do.

One of the main attractions of the city is the unique dining experience to be had on the city’s main canal, Oudegracht. This canal is said to be 800 years old and used to be the main waterway of the city. However, today it is lined with cafes and restaurants that are packed with people in the warm months.

The city of Utrecht is also home to various stores to shop in, museums, and beautiful winding streets. It is a small and historic town with tons to discover.

BOOK A DAY TRIP TO UTRECHT AND MUIDERSLOT CASTLE FROM AMSTERDAM

Lisse is a very small town in the Netherlands famous for one main thing, the tulip fields. From late March to early May, Lisse becomes a hot spot in the Netherlands with people flocking to see the stunning tulip fields.

Within this area, you will find millions of tulips in a ton of fields, of all different colors. It truly is a magical experience.

If you are visiting the Netherlands in the spring months you must go see these tulip fields. You can spend some time walking or biking around the fields and then stopping at the Lisse city center for a bite to eat after the experience. 

BOOK A TOUR TO LISSE AND KEUKENHOF GARDENS

Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands if you want to see authentic Dutch windmills. Here you will find authentic green-hued Dutch windmills in abundance. These windmills are open for the public to enter and explore as well. 

In addition to the windmills, Zaanse Schans is also home to homemade chocolate shops, dutch cheese shops, Dutch souvenir shops, and even a museum.

It is the perfect place to head to if you want the full Dutch experience all in one easy location.

Volendam is a quaint fishing village located just 25 minutes away from Amsterdam by bus. Known for its colorful houses, scenic harbor, and traditional Dutch attire.

There are a lot of fun things to do in Volendam , as well as neighboring Edam and Marken.

You can sample Dutch cheeses, try smoked eel, take a photo in traditional Dutch attire, or simply wander along the Volendam Dike, and take in the sights and sounds of this seaside town. 

BOOK A GUIDED TOUR TO ZAANSE SCHANS, VOLENDAM, EDAM AND MARKEN FROM AMSTERDAM

Additional Information about the Netherlands

If you’re planning to travel to some of these best places to visit in the Netherlands, here are a few tips and helpful information about getting around the country. 

How to Get Around the Netherlands

The best way to get around the Netherlands is by train. The train system in the Netherlands is amazing! They are almost always on time, clean, and efficient. However, they can get a little bit costly.

If you are wondering where / how to plan your journey just head to the NS train website . Here you can search with your travel dates and locations and it will give your train options.

If the Netherlands is just one of several countries you are visiting you may also want to consider getting a Eurorail Pass from RailEurope . 

Additionally, if you are traveling around the Netherlands to various places it might be more cost-effective to rent a car instead of taking the train.

SEE OUR COMPLETE NETHERLANDS, BELGIUM, LUXEMBOURG ITINERARY FOR 2 WEEKS  

Tips for Traveling Around The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a pretty westernized country and most people speak English, therefore, there isn’t much of a culture shock when arriving. However, here are some tips to make your adventures in the Netherlands as smooth as possible.

• The currency used is Euros
• Be sure to have cash on you at all times – some places do not accept cards
• Watch out for bikes whenever you are walking! You can get very hurt if you get in the way of one

As you can see the Netherlands has a ton to offer. Amazingly, there are so many beautiful cities in the Netherlands and charming villages to explore in such a small area of land.

Whether you’re heading to the Netherlands during the holidays because Amsterdam is one of the best places to spend Christmas in Europe , or you’re going for a summer vacation, be sure to see some of the Netherlands most beautiful places that are sure to amaze you.

Do you have a question or comment about any of the best places to visit in the Netherlands? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Like it? Pin this list of the best places to visit in the Netherlands to save it for later!

Did you know….

When you make a purchase or book hotels, tours, or other travel services, through our links, we receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only EVER recommend service providers, websites, or products we personally use when booking our own travels. Your support enables us to keep producing helpful travel content. Thank you!

• Book a HOTEL
• Book a RENTAL CAR
• Purchase TRAVEL INSURANCE
• Book guided tours or excursions at GET YOUR GUIDE or VIATOR
• Book a DESTINATION PHOTOGRAPHER
• Buy TRAVEL GEAR on Amazon
• Buy a PRIORITY PASS MEMBERSHIP for airport lounge access

• Français

The difference between the Netherlands and Holland

So do you say ‘Holland’ or ‘the Netherlands’? Many people outside of the country have no clue, and even for Dutch people the difference isn’t always clear. In this article, we explain where the two names come from, what they denote and why both Holland and the rest of the Netherlands are definitely worth a visit!

• Find out what the difference is between Holland and the Netherlands.
• Learn more about diverse Dutch landscapes and nature.
• Read about Dutch icons and things that are typically Dutch.

What is the difference between Holland and the Netherlands? Many people seem to think that the two names are interchangeable. But North Holland and South Holland are actually just two of the 12 provinces of the Netherlands, which is officially called the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In this article, you can find out what has caused this confusion – and what the Netherlands (yes, all of it!) has to offer.

A brief history of the Netherlands and Holland

From 1588 to 1795, the area that is currently the Netherlands was known as the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. After the republic was conquered by French troops in 1795, it became the Batavian Republic, and Holland one of its departements . In 1806, Napoleon appointed his brother Louis as king, turning the country into a kingdom – the Kingdom of Holland. It remained a kingdom after Napoleon’s defeat and was then known as Kingdom of the Netherlands. Holland was now a province. And its economic and cultural dominance within the kingdom meant that ‘Holland’ became a commonly used name for the entire realm.

At that time, Belgium was part of the kingdom; Holland’s dominance was one of the reasons the Belgians revolted and separated from the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1830. In an attempt to restore balance among the remaining provinces, the province of Holland would later be divided into South and North Holland.

But the usage of the name Holland for the entire country stuck, especially abroad. However, the remaining ten provinces – Zeeland, North Brabant, Limburg, Utrecht, Gelderland, Flevoland, Overijssel, Drenthe, Friesland and Groningen – are just as much part of the Netherlands as North and South Holland. In this article, we delve into what all these different parts of the Netherlands have to offer to visitors.

Get inspired

Discover amazing Dutch cities

Nature in the netherlands.

From its sweeping coastline with dunes and sandy beaches to the forests and heathland of Drenthe and the Veluwe area, and from the hills of South Limburg to the Frisian lakes, the Netherlands boasts a great variety of natural features and landscapes.

But one thing that’s always present is water. Explore the Biesbosch wetlands , one of the world’s few freshwater tidal areas, or go sailing on lakes such as the Loosdrechtse Plassen or the Maasplassen. Take a brisk walk along the beaches of Zeeland, or marvel at the Dutch polder landscapes, the result of this country’s centuries-old fight against the water. Even the Netherlands’ busy metropolitan areas are bursting with nature and wildlife. Whichever province you visit, you’re never far from the countryside.

Your privacy settings

By loading the photos, you accept that Holland.com uses cookies to share data with third parties as described in our privacy statement (holland.com/privacy).

Typically Dutch

Ideally, you’ll explore the country on a bike, in true Dutch style. The largely flat land and relatively short distances have made cycling the main mode of transport here. In the process, the bike has become a real Dutch icon. The Dutch cycle everywhere and always, come rain or shine. A variety of modified bikes for wheelchair users make cycling accessible to more and more people.

Speaking of Dutch icons, of course you’ll be familiar with images of windmills, tulips and cheese. And then there are the Dutch masters : Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh and many other painters who changed art forever. That spirit of innovation defines the Netherlands in all areas of life: culturally, economically and socially. The Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.

The constant drive to experiment and innovate is woven into the fabric of Dutch society. It’s also the reason why Dutch Design is so successful. While bold ideas are one aspect of this, behind them is a mission to make life more practical, fairer and more sustainable.

Sustainability and innovation are key in the Netherlands of today, too. The country is at the forefront of the transition to electric vehicles . Climate-neutral buildings, bike paths that generate electricity – it seems like there are no limits to what can be done!

Holidays in the Netherlands

Typically Dutch holidays and festivals include King’s Day, Sinterklaas and, in the south of the country, carnival. On King’s Day, street parties featuring music, flea markets, games for the children and drinks for the adults are organized across the country. Many dress up in orange, the color of the royals – the House of Orange-Nassau – and, of course, the national football teams. Rather handily, this means that people get to reuse their orange outfits when the Dutch are taking part in the World Cup or the European Championship. And these events are yet another reason for a celebration: whole neighborhoods are decorated in orange and people get together to watch the games.

The feast of St Nicholas in early December sees the arrival of Sinterklaas and his helper Piet, who bring gifts and sweets for young children, while older kids and adults give each other little presents and write rhymes for each other. If you’re in the Netherlands in early December, make sure to taste kruidnoten and pepernoten , traditional seasonal biscuits.

Carnival is mainly celebrated in the southern provinces of North Brabant and Limburg, places where Catholicism was historically more dominant. The celebration itself takes place in carnival week, six weeks before Easter, but the preparations take several months. People get together in every village and town to build floats and create costumes. If you’re in the south of the Netherlands in carnival season, don’t miss out! Put on a costume and join the party.

City trip in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a great destination for a city trip. While most people choose Amsterdam , there are so many other amazing cities for visiting museums, seeing great architecture, eating out, going shopping and generally just strolling around. Utrecht , Haarlem , Rotterdam , Maastricht , Leeuwarden and Groningen are all more than worth a visit.

If this is your first trip to the Netherlands, make sure to take a look at our page with practical information to help you get started.

We hope you enjoy your visit to this beautiful, diverse country!

Did you find this interesting? Discover more

Nearly 100 Holland America cruise passengers become ill in norovirus outbreak

Nearly 100 Holland America Line passengers got sick in a norovirus outbreak.

Among 2,522 guests on the cruise line’s Koningsdam ship, 98 reported being ill, along with 12 crew members, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Their main symptoms were diarrhea and vomiting.

Koningsdam is currently sailing a round-trip cruise visiting Hawaii and French Polynesia that departed from San Diego on Feb. 17, according to CruiseMapper . Holland America and the ship’s crew increased cleaning and disinfection and isolated sick passengers and crew following the outbreak, among other steps, the CDC said.

“At Holland America Line, the safety and well-being of our guests and crew is our top priority. During the current voyage, a number of guests on Koningsdam reported symptoms of gastrointestinal illness,” a spokesperson for the line told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. “The cases were mostly mild and quickly resolving. We initiated enhanced sanitation protocols to minimize further transmission and the incidence of cases has since declined significantly.”

The news comes after more than 125 Cunard Line passengers got sick in a gastrointestinal illness outbreak earlier this year. Norovirus cases have also risen in the U.S. in recent weeks.

The CDC logged 14 cruise ship outbreaks that met its threshold for public notification in 2023, more than any year between 2017 and 2019. Norovirus was listed as the causative agent in all but one.

The virus is frequently associated with cruises, but Ben Lopman, a professor of epidemiology at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health, told USA TODAY last year that cruises make up a "tiny minority of norovirus outbreaks.” The majority take place in health care settings such as nursing homes.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].