Best time to visit Netherlands
Best Daytripsfrom Amsterdam
Best places to visit in Netherlands
Map of Netherlands
Weather in Netherlands
The Netherlands makes a great destination year-round with warm, sunny summers and mild - cold winters that see wind and occasional showers. Soak up the sun while you explore old windmills or warm up in a cafe in one of the cozy cities.
Unique Netherlands
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From its historic cities full of traditional houses and idyllic canals to its enchanting windmills and vibrant tulip fields, there are many things to do in the Netherlands, making it a great destination to visit in Europe.
Even though the Dutch like nothing more than a good bargain, the Netherlands itself isn’t the cheapest destination in Europe. Because of this, it’s good to plan your travels thoughtfully. Expect to pay around 80 – 150 EUR per night for a hotel and 15 – 30 EUR per meal.
Yes! Water is safe to drink right from the tap. Bring a reusable bottle to top up everywhere you go, staying hydrated while also reducing plastic.
Most travelers from the EU, the US, and many other countries can enter the Netherlands for up to 90 days without a visa. Check your country’s requirements to prepare for your vacation in the Netherlands.
With different accents spread throughout, the language spoken in the Netherlands is Dutch. Though they mostly speak their own language, English is widely spoken all across the country, with an estimated 90 – 93% proficiency.
Travel insurance is your safety net for all your travels, allowing you to enjoy your holiday in the Netherlands with peace of mind. From unexpected medical expenses to lost luggage, it ensures a worry-free trip.
The Netherlands uses Type F for its power plugs, so it’s a good idea to carry an adaptor to power up your devices when traveling to the Netherlands. Type F has two round pins that fit most European sockets.
Its old cities with many cozy cafes, terraces, and history; its quiet countryside, sometimes covered in colorful tulips; and its historic villages with beautiful buildings and windmills – there’s much to love in the small Netherlands.
Travel to the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a country with a rare combination of beautiful old-world charm and innovation. Discover cities like Rotterdam, where old-fashioned townhouses and churches neighbor cutting-edge buildings, modern cafes, and vintage shops. For a country with so much wow factor, the Netherlands is often underestimated as a travel destination.
How to Plan Your Trip to the Netherlands
Browse our Netherlands travel guides to plan the perfect trip! Hop around from city to city, stopping in between to stroll through colorful tulip fields and past historic windmills such as at Kinderdijk. Or, explore the unique Netherlands and visit tiny, colorful villages or go surfing at Goeree-Overflakkee. We’ve got you covered with our informative travel guides.
Best Time to Visit the Netherlands
The Netherlands’ weather changes with the seasons, but it makes a great destination year-round.
Spring: Spring makes a prime time to travel the Netherlands, when the iconic tulip fields burst into colors, particularly in April. The mild weather is also ideal for exploring cities like Amsterdam as well as cycling through the picturesque countryside.
Summer: Although occasionally unpredictable, Summers in the Netherlands are a great time to visit. This is the perfect time for outdoor activities, such as cruising on the scenic canals in Utrecht or visiting the coastal towns. There are also many festivals that take place, like the North Sea Jazz Festival and Amsterdam Pride.
Fall: The months of October and November usher in cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. This is a lovely time to come for beautiful foliage, cozy cafe-hopping, and many museums.
Winter: In the winter, visit charming Christmas markets, go ice skating, and warm up with Dutch comfort food like erwtensoep (split pea soup) and oliebollen (doughnuts). Ultimately, the best time to visit the Netherlands depends on your interests.
Countryside and Cities
The Netherlands is home to beautifully long, sandy coastlines and dunes, accompanied by a fierce northerly wind — all of which make it a great destination for a myriad of water sports.
Undercutting the rough and rugged coastline is the beautiful, green, flat countryside that stretches as far as the eye can see, home to infinite romantic villages like Volendam and Marken and charming windmills. The beauty of this landscape reaches new heights during April and May when the fields explode into colors as tulips bloom. Experience rows of colorful symmetry – a photographer’s paradise!
However, the Netherlands is most famous for the Dutch-renaissance beauty of Amsterdam. Discover cobbled streets sandwiched between beautiful, rickety townhouses and the lazy flow of the canals. Spend days here, exploring a way of life by bicycle, an icon on your Netherlands holiday.
But it’s not just Amsterdam that’ll captivate the heart. There are many other mesmerizing cities, such as the contemporary and innovative Rotterdam or the tree-lined canals of Utrecht. Because of its small size, it’s easy to explore, allowing you to cover many beautiful locations in a short amount of time. Go on one of the day trips from Amsterdam – there are many things to do in the Netherlands!
Food, Culture, and Religion in the Netherlands
The Dutch culture is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. Here, progressive values coexist with old traditions, fostering a sense of acceptance and open-mindedness.
Architecture and Art: It’s also a place where historic windmills coexist with cutting-edge architecture. Art and creativity are celebrated throughout the country, from the masterpieces of Dutch painters to the works of contemporary artists. That, and a deep appreciation of cycling and a cycling-friendly ethos, sums up the culture in the Netherlands.
Cuisine: The food in the Netherlands represents the country’s rich history and international influences. This means that there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to sample some Gouda or Edam cheese, renowned for their creamy textures and distinctive flavors, or try a sample of raw herring, a beloved local snack.
Religion: Just like the food, the religion in the Netherlands reflects its cultural diversity. The majority of Dutch people are nominally Christian, with many identifying as either Roman Catholic or Protestant. However, the country’s religious landscape is always evolving and known for its tolerance and secularism. Dutch society places a strong emphasis on individual freedoms, making it a place where various beliefs and worldviews coexist peacefully.
Why You Should Travel to the Netherlands
Traveling to the Netherlands is a great journey, with a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that’ll leave you in awe.
Wander through iconic cities like Amsterdam, where you find artistic masterpieces next to lively canals. Embrace the Dutch spirit by pedaling along serene countryside paths, discovering hidden gems in historic towns such as the Zaanse Schans, and savoring world-renowned cheeses and sweet stroopwafels. Finish it off with some windmills and tulip fields, and you’ve got the perfect vacation in the Netherlands.
Safety and Travel Advice in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a safe and traveler-friendly destination, but it’s always wise to be aware of safety measures and travel advice when visiting the country.
Natural disasters: Though the Netherlands is relatively free from natural disasters, flooding and strong winds can occur, especially in coastal areas. If severe wind storms are expected, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute will issue national or regional warnings. Download your local government app or register at an embassy to receive emergency updates.
Crime and safety in the Netherlands: Crime levels are generally low in the Netherlands; however, pickpocketing and bag snatching do happen. Areas subject to this are particularly in crowded areas, such as central Amsterdam or around Amsterdam Central Station. Try leaving your valuables at home or carry them safely on you.
Even though the Netherlands has a reputation for being tolerant of the use of ‘soft drugs’, such as cannabis, drug use is illegal. Buying or possessing prohibited drugs and substances outside designated areas (specific cafes) is illegal. Avoid confrontation with anyone offering you drugs, and never leave your drink unattended.
Learn more about travel safety
Traffic: Depending on your location and the time of day, traffic in the Netherlands can be busy. If you plan to drive, observe traffic rules and signs. Keep an eye out for ‘milieu zones’ (environmental zones), where only specific vehicles are allowed.
Bike safety: The country is also known for its cycling culture; it’s one of the best things to do in the netherlands. If you rent a bike, follow local biking rules, use designated bike lanes, and be cautious of traffic.
Travel Insurance: One of the things we always recommend for your Netherlands holiday is purchasing travel insurance. Whether it’s lost luggage or unforeseen accidents, travel insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring a smoother and worry-free experience. Check out these best travel insurances.