Spring
Spring brings blooming flowers and mild weather, making it a popular time for tourists.
Travel guide
Niderland
The Netherlands, known for its picturesque canals, vibrant tulip fields, and rich cultural heritage, offers a diverse travel experience beyond its capital, Amsterdam. Explore charming villages, historic cities, and stunning landscapes throughout the country.
Traveler100 · CC BY-SA 3.0- Best MonthsApril to June
- AirportsSchiphol, Rotterdam, Eindhoven
- TransitTrains, trams, buses
- Power230V, Type C/F plugs
- TippingNot mandatory, round up
- LanguageDutch, English widely spoken
01
When to go
The best time to visit the Netherlands is during the spring (April to June) when the weather is mild and the tulip fields are in full bloom.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best monthsHot monthsCooler months
Summer
Summer offers warm temperatures and numerous festivals, ideal for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Autumn showcases beautiful fall colors and fewer crowds, perfect for a relaxing visit.
02
Where to stay
Pick the neighbourhood by how you want the day to start and end, not by distance to one museum.
Charming
Jordaan
A trendy neighborhood in Amsterdam known for its narrow streets, independent art galleries, and atmospheric canals.
Can be crowded during peak tourist season.
Historic
Zaanse Schans
An open-air museum near Amsterdam showcasing traditional Dutch windmills and wooden houses.
Best visited early in the morning.
Cultural
Utrecht City Center
A vibrant area with unique canals, shops, and cafes, perfect for exploring on foot.
Less touristy than Amsterdam.
Picturesque
Delft
Famous for its blue pottery and historic architecture, Delft offers a quaint atmosphere.
Ideal for a day trip from Rotterdam.
Political
The Hague
Home to the Dutch government and international courts, The Hague features beautiful parks and beaches.
Visit the Mauritshuis for art lovers.
Dynamic
Groningen
A lively university city with a youthful vibe, known for its museums and nightlife.
Explore the Groninger Museum for contemporary art.
Scholarly
Leiden
A historic city with a rich academic background, featuring beautiful canals and botanical gardens.
Home to the oldest university in the Netherlands.
Cultural
Maastricht
Known for its medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene, Maastricht is a gateway to Belgium.
Visit the Vrijthof square for local events.
Artistic
Haarlem
A charming city with a rich history, known for its beautiful churches and the Frans Hals Museum.
Easily accessible from Amsterdam.
Modern
Rotterdam
Famous for its modern architecture and vibrant port, Rotterdam offers a unique urban experience.
Explore the Markthal for local food.
Traditional
Volendam
A picturesque fishing village known for its traditional costumes and fresh seafood.
Try the herring from local vendors.
Scenic
Kinderdijk
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring iconic windmills and beautiful landscapes.
Best viewed during sunset.
03
What to eat
Everyday food, eaten the way locals do. Look for a busy place rather than a ranked list.
Stroopwafels
A sweet treat made of two thin waffles filled with caramel syrup, found at markets and bakeries.
→ Try them warm for the best experience.
Haring
Raw herring fish, typically served with onions and pickles, available at street vendors.
→ Eat it by holding it by the tail.
Bitterballen
A popular Dutch snack made of beef ragout, commonly served in bars and cafes.
→ Perfect with mustard for dipping.
Poffertjes
Fluffy, mini pancakes dusted with powdered sugar, often found at fairs and markets.
→ Best enjoyed fresh off the griddle.
Patat
Thick-cut fries served with a variety of sauces, available at snack bars across the country.
→ Try them with mayonnaise or satay sauce.
Dutch Cheese
Sample a variety of cheeses like Gouda and Edam at local markets and cheese shops.
→ Don't miss the cheese tastings.
Oliebollen
Traditional Dutch doughnuts, typically enjoyed during New Year's celebrations.
→ Look for them at winter markets.
04
What to see
An order that works on foot, with the trip out of the first city at the end.
Keukenhof Gardens
Famous for its stunning tulip displays, open during spring.
Rijksmuseum
The national museum of the Netherlands, showcasing Dutch art and history.
Van Gogh Museum
Dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh, located in Amsterdam.
Anne Frank House
The historical house where Anne Frank wrote her diary during WWII.
Dam Square
The central square in Amsterdam, surrounded by notable buildings.
Zaanse Schans
An open-air museum featuring traditional Dutch windmills and houses.
The Hague's Binnenhof
The political center of the Netherlands, with stunning architecture.
Efteling Theme Park
A fairy-tale themed amusement park, great for families.
Kinderdijk Windmills
A UNESCO World Heritage site with iconic windmills.
Utrecht's Dom Tower
The tallest church tower in the Netherlands, offering panoramic views.
Maastricht's Vrijthof
A lively square known for events and festivals.
Groninger Museum
A contemporary art museum with unique architecture.
Delft's Old Town
A charming area with canals and historic buildings.
The Frisian Islands
A group of islands known for their natural beauty and outdoor activities.
Haarlem's Grote Markt
The main square in Haarlem, surrounded by historic buildings.
Rotterdam's Markthal
A modern market hall with a variety of food options.
Volendam's Harbor
A picturesque harbor area with traditional fishing boats.
05
Getting around
Airport to city, across the city, and onward to the next region.
Airports
The main airports are Schiphol (AMS), Rotterdam (RTM), and Eindhoven (EIN).
AMSSchiphol
RTMRotterdam
EINEindhoven
Train Travel
The train network connects major cities and is a convenient way to travel across the country.
Biking
Biking is a popular and efficient way to explore cities and the countryside.
Public Transport
Trams and buses are available in most cities, making it easy to get around.
06
Practical notes
Plugs
The Netherlands uses type C and F plugs, with a standard voltage of 230V.
Cash
Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's good to have some cash for small purchases.
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill is common.
Language
Dutch is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
Data
A travel eSIM covers maps and tickets after landing.
Trip Duration
A week is ideal to explore the major highlights of the Netherlands.