travel plan 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

How to Plan a Perfect Trip to Amsterdam

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

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

Washington, D.C. Guide: Planning Your Trip

The 17 Best Countries to Visit in Europe

Your Trip to the Czech Republic: The Complete Guide

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, the 10 best things to do in alberobello,..., 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....

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The Netherlands

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Western Canal Ring

Visiting the Anne Frank Huis is one of Amsterdam's most profound experiences. Tragically, of the 107,000 Jewish adults and children deported from the…

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The Netherlands’ top treasure house, the Rijksmuseum (pronounced ‘rikes’), is among the world's finest art museums. With over 1.5km of galleries, it packs…

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Housed in Rembrandt's former home on lively Jodenbreestraat, this evocative museum provides an unparalleled insight into one of the Netherlands’ greatest…

Van Nelle Fabriek

Designed and built between 1925 and 1931, this modernist World Heritage–listed factory northwest of the city centre is an icon of 20th-century industrial…

Mauritshuis

Offering a wonderful introduction to Dutch and Flemish art, this splendid museum is set in a 17th-century mansion built for wealthy sugar trader Johan…

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One week in the Netherlands: Travel Guide & Itinerary

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 6th October 2023

Categories Itineraries , Netherlands

Last Updated on 6th October 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

Nestled between Belgium and Germany, the Netherlands is a beautiful country characterised by its endlessly flat landscape and impossibly colourful tulip fields. Filled with historical, foodie, and cultural experiences, here’s your perfect guide and itinerary to spending one week in the Netherlands .

Is one week enough time to visit the Netherlands?

Things to know before visiting the netherlands for the first time, stop 1: amsterdam, stop 2: leiden, stop 3: the hague, stop 4: delft, stop 5: rotterdam, stop 6: gouda, breda, north brabant, maastricht, limburg, enjoyed reading about how to spend one week in the netherlands pin it now, read it again later:.

Although it’s pretty small when compared with some of its larger neighbours, The Netherlands packs in quite a lot of things to do, gorgeous towns, and endless array of beautiful countryside.

With this being said, if you want to get a brief overview of the country, then one week should be a sufficient amount of time in order to scratch the surface, taste the local food, and visit some of the most popular cities.

Easy to reach by plane, train, or car, once in the Netherlands, it couldn’t be easier to get around. Though accommodation tends to err on the pricier side of things, travelling by train is often surprisingly affordable and easily the most convenient way to travel the country.

For example, the train from The Hague to Leiden costs just a few euro, and the train between Rotterdam and Gouda costs well under ten euro. If you’re planning on doing a lot of train travel while in Europe, you may well consider investing in a Eurail pass.

Of all the Netherlands travel tips I could give you, you should know that the Netherlands and Holland are not interchangeable, and they aren’t even the same thing! Whereas the Netherlands is the entire country, Holland is simply one small region of the Netherlands.

When travelling around the country, you’ll soon learn that many people have an incredible level of English. Though I still advise you to learn a few simple words of Dutch (it’s only polite!) in almost every situation we were in, we soon found someone who was able to answer our questions and queries! Bring a simple Dutch phrasebook with you like this one to help you with your travels.

Stay: 2 nights

Where to stay: The Hoxton, Amsterdam

Book now: 3-Hour Guided Bike Tour of Historical Amsterdam

As the capital of the Netherlands, there’s no shortage of things to do and even more attractions to see when it comes to Amsterdam. So whether you want to enjoy a secret small museum , cycle around the city, or simply want to wander along some historic canals, Amsterdam well and truly has it all!

Some of the best things to do in the Dutch capital include meandering through the city’s many cobbled lanes (known collectively as ‘ hofjes ‘ these historic streets were once built to house those less fortunate and are now pockets of peace in the heart of Amsterdam) and snap photo of picture-perfect canalside houses. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our guide on how to spend one day in Amsterdam .

Stay: 1 night

Where to stay: Van der Valk Hote Leiden

Book now: Kagerplassen Lakes Boat Cruise

Beautiful and often overlooked in favour of nearby popular cities such as Rotterdam and Amsterdam, your first mistake on this one week Netherlands itinerary would be to forgo a visit to Leiden.

After all, the city is home to a plethora of interesting things to see and do, including several small museums, its own castle, and the very bar where the Heineken Star came from!

Of all the places listed within this Netherlands itinerary, Leiden may well be the quaintest of them all. Though technically a city, the Dutch settlement is formed of a tightly compacted maze of walkways, cobbled lanes, canals, and is easily explored on foot over the course of a day or two, giving Leiden more of a friendly town aura than that of an unknowable metropolis.

Nearby, Kasteel Duivenvoorde can be reached by bicycle, car, or public transport, and is easily one of the most beautiful castles in this part of Holland. And for those wishing to stick within the city limits, the hofje where Van Steen once lived, the boat bars of the canals, and the Miniaturist filming locations are all worth checking out.

Where to stay: Hotel des Indes

Book now: Madurodam Miniature Park Entrance Ticket

For those with an interest in politics, The Hague likely needs no introduction. After all, this is where many embassies in the Netherlands are located, not to mention that the sprawling UN Palace of Peace on the fringes of the historic town centre.

But scratch below the surface, and you’ll soon discover a myriad of history, culture, and a foodie scene well worth discovering. Highlights of The Hague include the Mauritshuis (home to Vermeer’s The Girl With the Pearl Earring) and Madurodam, one of the oldest theme parks in Holland. Did you also know that the Hague is not just home to the city, but also to the sea?

Scheveningen was once a fishing village in its own right which thrived on the profits of local herring but has since been absorbed into the fabric of The Hague. Now, the district is one of the best places to head to in the hotter months of the year, when watersports activities can be found and cafés selling cucumber cool drinks and piping hot fries set up shop alongside the golden sandy beach.

Where to stay: Hampshire Hotel

Book now: Delft Canal Cruise with Guided Commentary

If you’ve ever read anything about European pottery, then no doubt you’ll have noticed ‘Delftware’. Also known as ‘Delft Blue’ this iconic pottery is Dutch tin-glazed earthenware and originates in Delft.

Today, there are several ways to experience Delftware pottery, including visiting the Delft Pottery De Delftse Pauw factory, where there are free demonstrations throughout the week (as well as the chance to purchase a souvenir from your Dutch trip!)

Even if the earthenware doesn’t interest you, you’re sure to find plenty of other Delft attractions that are much more up your alley. For example, the Nieuwe Church (New Church) is home to William of Orange’s Tomb, while its tower offers stunning views onto Delft’s main town square. for the art lovers, the Vermeer Centre is an absolute must.

Where to stay: Inntel Hotels Rotterdam

Book now: Rotterdam Harbor Tour

Architecture lovers simply must visit Rotterdam, one of the most unusual cities in Europe, never mind the Netherlands. However, be warned: Rotterdam is a city like no other and if you come with preconceptions then you will surely be sorely disappointed. Instead, visit with an open mind and the city is sure to entice and enthral you in equal measure.

After all, this innovative Dutch settlement is filled with some of the most groundbreaking buildings of modern times, including the ever-so-famous (and very Instagrammable)  Rotterdam Cube House, not to mention plenty of hidden gems .

Other highlights of Rotterdam include the world-famous Markthal and plenty of quirky museums. While in the city, be sure not to miss out on Rotterdam’s maritime history, highlights of which can be found in the Maritime Museum and in the Oude Haven (Old Harbour). For more inspiration, be sure to check out how to spend one day in Rotterdam .

Where to stay: Best Western Plus City Hotel

Book now: Guided Tour of Goudsche Waag Cheese and Crafts Museum

While many tourists prefer to venture to the larger city of Utrecht, Gouda is easily one of the prettiest towns to be found anywhere in Europe. Home to delights such as the 15th-century Stadhuis (town hall) , a still-functioning Dutch windmill (next door you can buy flour that’s been freshly ground in the adjacent mill) , and a Catholic church hiding behind a canalside façade, there’s no shortage of quirky things to do in the city that’s best known for its namesake cheese.

Other highlights of Gouda include many stunning canals (without the kind of crowds you’ll likely see in Amsterdam or Amersfoort) and the Gothic Sint-Janskerk Cathedral. Visit during the winter, and you can expect to find Gouda transformed into a winter wonderland, complete with ice skating rink, giant tree, and Christmas market!

To end your one week in the Netherlands, celebrate in style by heading to the vintage bar of Biercafé De Goudse Eend. Housed somewhere between Blekerssingel canal and the historic Waag House (cheese weighing house), this traditional Dutch bar serves all kinds of beers, ciders, and ales, many locally produced. During our visit, we were more than pleasantly surprised to spend our time hanging out with the bar’s latest recruit, a beagle puppy!

If you have a little extra time after a week in the Netherlands…

For those who are looking to enjoy the best of Netherlands in more than a week, there’s plenty more to enjoy outside of just the Holland region.

For example, the Southern Netherlands city of Breda in the North Brabant province is a hidden Dutch gem that many tourists make the mistake of missing out on during their travels through the low country.

When it comes to Breda, hands down the best place to stay is in this four-star boutique hotel .

Otherwise, be sure to head East and towards the border with Germany and that of Belgium. For there, in the Southernmost city of the Netherlands, you’ll soon discover the beautiful destination of Maastricht , which, as a result of its proximity to other European countries, is a beautiful blend of several cultures.

Boasting plenty of history (for example, did you know that d’Artagnan was a real person?) and a fantastic foodie scene, the city is also perfect for those who love the outdoors and nature thanks to an abundance of nearby hiking trails.

Fancy visiting Maastricht in the Limburg province? Book yourself a room at this former church turned luxury hotel .

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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Kathleen Huntley

Saturday 19th of February 2022

Thank you for your "How To Spend One Week in The Netherlands". Your places to travel to look great. I am planning to visit. Ideally, I would like to visit different places by taking trains and walking to see the sights. Kathleen Huntley

Sophie Nadeau

Thank you for your lovely comment! When I visited the Netherlands I didn't rent a car and instead took trains everywhere. It's very easy to get around with trains so I hope you enjoy your trip! :)

Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

One Week in Netherlands | Travel Itinerary and Guide

– By Samantha Karen from Sam Sees World

The Netherlands is a beautiful country filled with towns, cities, and villages that are all very unique and diverse, and also one of the best destinations to travel to for Solo Travellers . It is a small country and therefore, spending one week in the Netherlands is just enough time to get a taste of some of the top places within the country. Of course, more time is always better, but this 7 Day Netherlands Travel Itinerary will give you the best Holland experience in the limited time that you have.

The fact that you can take a Eurostar Train from London and spend a weekend in Amsterdam , or even a week in Netherlands, has led to the immense popularity of Netherland with Londoners.

What’s great about travelling around the Netherlands is that, as previously mentioned, it is a very small country and that means getting around and travelling around seeing a lot of cities is very easy. Journeys between destinations are scenic and quick and offer tons to see along the way. With only seven days in the Netherlands you have to be picky on the places you choose to go to. In an ideal world you would go everywhere but, in this case, you have to pick the best of the best.

This Netherlands travel itinerary covers some of the best cities in Europe like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Haarlem, Utrecht, Gouda, that will give you the best Holland experience . Feel free to moderate this one week Netherlands itinerary to fit your needs if you prefer to travel slowly and spend a little more time in cities you could cut one or two of the places out of this itinerary in order to make it fit your travel style.

PS – Useful Travel Resources that will help you plan better for your Trip to Netherlands  – 

• Book your Netherlands train tickets at Omio or Trainline
• Book your Rental Car in Netherlands on Discover Cars and RentalCars.com
• Book the best Netherlands Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator
• Book the best Culinary / Food Experiences in Netherlands on EatWith
• Book your Accommodation in Netherlands on Agoda or Booking.com
• Book your flights at the cheapest rates on Kiwi.com
• Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
• Sign up for a Priority Pass before flying to Netherlands
• Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free vacation in Netherlands.

7  Day Netherlands Travel Itinerary and Guide

Day 1 – 2 | Amsterdam 

Day 3 | utrecht & gouda , day 4 | rotterdam, day 5 | den haag  , day 6 – 7 | haarlem , the 7 day netherlands itinerary – summarised, how to get around the netherlands, weather in the netherlands, share this:.

The first stop on your Trip to Netherlands is the very famous capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. This is by far the most popular city in the Netherlands and also one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, that attracts millions of tourists a year all eager to explore the stunning canals, quirky houses, and famous landmarks. But to do and see everything you should in Amsterdam, it is suggested you spend at least two days here. The best two days during the week to spend in Amsterdam are the weekend, as Amsterdam during the weekend is when you will find most events and special surprises.

During the two days in Amsterdam be sure to tick off some of the best things to do in Amsterdam, such as going to The Anne Frank House, visiting the Jordaan, eating Dutch cheese, and admiring the architecture. There’s so much to see and do and you will surely be lost in the streets and wishing you had a few more days. However, before you head out of Amsterdam, don’t forget to go on an Amsterdam souvenirs shopping spree. And when it comes to souvenirs, some of the unique and best souvenirs in Amsterdam that you should look out for, include the Amsterdam Gumshoe, Dutch Craft Beer, the Dutch Genever, the Stroopwafel, among others. 

If time permits, you can add an extra day in Amsterdam, and with the help of this 3 Day Amsterdam Itinerary , you can discover more immersive things to do in Amsterdam.

And if you are wondering where to stay in Amsterdam, you’ll be delighted to know that there are plenty of amazing hostels in Amsterdam under $25 for you to choose from. Simply, click on the Search button below, to get the best deals on the best hostels in Amsterdam and in Netherlands.

After visiting Amsterdam, take a short 20-minute train ride to Utrecht. Here you will find mediaeval buildings, old canals, lively streets and a ton to see. Spending the day here will show you another beautiful city in the Netherlands that is much less busy and touristy than Amsterdam. Utrecht is also very close to Gouda which is another city in the Netherlands famous for its Gouda cheese. Therefore, after spending one day in Utrecht it is suggested to leave early the next morning and make a quick stop in Gouda before visiting the next city.

A quick morning stop in Gouda is perfect before visiting Rotterdam. Gouda is an authentic Dutch town whereas Rotterdam could not be any more different. Rotterdam is a city that was completely destroyed during World War II and therefore it looks very different from the other cities in the Netherlands because it was rebuilt in a more modern style than the classic style. It is such an interesting place to explore and to see a more modern futuristic side to the Netherlands.

If you need more convincing, these 5 Reasons to visit Rotterdam, Gouda and Dordrecht will surely do the trick ?

The Hague is an interesting city that is known as the political capital of the Netherlands. Find various embassies, political buildings, and palaces in the Hague which are stunning and great to photograph. The most interesting and enticing aspect of the Hague is the beach called Scheveningen beach. This is a large sandy stretch of beach that becomes filled with people in the summer!

Spend the last two days of this One Week Netherlands Travel Itinerary, in Haarlem. Haarlem is also regarded as a mini Amsterdam because it looks quite similar but with much fewer tourists. This is a great place to explore by foot or by boat, plus it is close to the famous Zaanse Schans which is an area full of authentic Dutch windmills!

Spend two days in Harlem and you will be able to explore the city plus venture outside and go to Zaanse Schans. What’s also great is that Harlem is very close to Amsterdam (only 20 minutes by train) so if you are flying out from Amsterdam you are close and don’t need to travel far to get to the airport.

Day 1 – 2  |   Amsterdam 

Day 3  |   Utrecht & Gouda

Day 4  |   Rotterdam 

Day 5  |   Den Haag  

Day 6 – 7  |   Haarlem 

Tips and Recommendations for your Trip to Netherlands

If you’ve got more time on your hand, its highly recommended you also visit,  National Park De Biesbosch , The Frisian lakes , which are without a doubt some of the most beautiful places to visit in The Netherlands.

It might be a good idea to check out these 33 Facts about Amsterdam , before visiting. You’ll end up having more fun, as you’ll be better acquainted with Amsterdam.

The Netherlands, is one of the best countries to visit in Europe, and is very easy to travel around. The easiest way is by train and luckily the train transportation system in the Netherlands is one of the best in Europe. The trains are running constantly throughout the day and are a very fast way to get from city to city all around the country. However, if you are taking the train very often you might see the price catch up with you. The trains in the Netherlands are on the more expensive side and if you find yourself on a train every day it can get quite pricey. So make sure that you book your train tickets for your trip to Netherlands , in advance.

If you are looking to save some money on transportation you can also rent a car in Netherlands . Driving in the Netherlands is quite easy as there are not many major highways. Plus if you have your own car you can stop along the way and check out any additional places that are along the route.

The one thing that is not so great about the Netherlands is the weather. The Netherlands is notorious for raining very often and seemingly out of nowhere. You’ll most likely get used to these types of weather conditions and you just have to make the best of exploring in a little bit of rain. However, what’s great about the weather is that the Netherlands is a pretty mild country meaning in the winter it is cold but not very often in the negatives and during the other seasons you can expect mild and not extreme temperatures.

I hope you found this 7 Day Netherlands Travel Itinerary , to be of help to you, as a reliable Travel Resource for planning your Trip to Netherlands . Don’t forget to Pin these images, and save this Best of Netherlands in 7 Days – A Travel Itinerary and Guide, for future travel planning.

If you enjoyed reading this 7 Day Netherlands Itinerary and Travel Guide , you might want to check out some other 7 Day Travel Guides and Itineraries , as well.

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4 thoughts on “One Week in Netherlands | Travel Itinerary and Guide”

It will never be enough for spending time in the Netherlands. By the way, people who wanna attend The Anne Frank House should but tickets beforehand because it will be a bit problematic to buy on the spot. I liked reading your article. Thank you!

Thanks for such a descriptive and informative topic. Travelling really removes our monotony and freshens our mind.

Its indeed a really good list to have when visiting the Netherland, thanks for sharing… I am pinning it for future 🙂

I’ve always wanted to visit Europe especially Amsterdam, the place is right up my alley!

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Netherlands Travel Tips: All You Need To Know

Gerrit Vandenberg

Gerrit shares his love for the Netherlands from his home near Amsterdam, helping thousands plan unforgettable trips to the lowlands. Discover his inspiring journey "From a critical health scare to celebrating Holland's charms" . If you want to send Gerrit a quick message, you can contact him here .

Disclosure: This article has affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It costs nothing extra, but you'll help keep my content free. It's a win-win!

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And each week, I'll send you new tips to plan your Netherlands vacation. If you decide it's not for you (any longer), unsubscribing is always just a click away.

Hi, I'm Gerrit

I enjoy sharing useful tips about the beauty of this county.

With these practical Netherlands travel tips about Holland, I’m trying to make your trip to Holland frictionless, more enjoyable, and, above all, more relaxed.

You can click from the index below to go directly to the topic of your choice. Or, of course, you can read them all, and you’ll be current on everything Holland 😉

Find practical information about the best time to travel, the weather, money, electricity, accessibility, and everything in between.

Table of Contents For Netherlands Travel Tips

Accessibility.

If you travel with a disability, you should find – in general – that Holland as a country is well adapted for travelers with a disability. Most public buildings are accessible, as are most museums, theme parks, and restaurants.

Taking public transport is generally possible, but it can require some extra planning if you take the train. Read more about this in my full article about travel in the Netherlands with a disability .

The one major exception for good accessibility is the Anne Frank House Museum. Read more about that here .

Public spaces in modern parts of villages, towns, and cities are well adapted to wheelchair users. Still, older historic city centers can prove challenging at times.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the largest airport in Holland and is used by most visitors. 

There are also four smaller airports in Holland. They can be convenient if you want to combine your visit to Holland with other European destinations. Usually, you can travel at better prices from these airports and be in and out of the airport much quicker.

These airports are:

• Rotterdam/The Hague Airport
• Eindhoven Airport
• Maastricht/Aachen Airport
• Groningen Airport

Read more about the airports in Holland in our dedicated post here.

Best Time To Travel to Holland

Holland can be visited year-round, and each season has pros and cons.

Spring  is one of the most popular seasons to visit Holland. Expect large crowds and high prices, especially in flower season. That is between the last week of March and the first week of May.

The best weeks to see most flowers bloom are the 3rd and 4th week of April. April and May are also the months with the most sunshine (on average) in Holland.

As a bonus, April and May are also great for joining typical Dutch celebrations. On April 27th, it’s Kings Day, May 4th is Remembrance Day, and May 5th is Liberation Day.

Kingsday is a national holiday and the most significant national celebration ever. Make sure to wear something orange if you’re here! 

Summers  can be hot in Amsterdam or full of rain. You never know. Neither is particularly pleasant. 

The Germans will invade our beaches :-). And in August, when France, Spain, and Italy have their holiday together, Holland, our tiny country, is swamped by tourists. Especially Amsterdam then bursts to its seams with tourists.

Plus, the Dutch have their long summer holidays. They’re going on many day trips adding to an overhaul feeling of the busyness of cities and attractions all around the country.

I think The Netherlands is best to be avoided for a visit during summer. Unless you have the urge to practice your French, Italian, or German, then summertime is perfect!

The one event worth visiting during the summer, despite high prices and crowded streets, is Gay Pride on the canals of Amsterdam. It’s famous for its inclusive atmosphere and the colorful boats that will pass you by.

Autumn  is a great time to visit Holland and see the beautiful fall colors on the trees. Prices are low this season, most tourists are gone, and nature is at its most beautiful again (after the flower season).

Holland might be known for flat green grasslands with cows and windmills. But the country also has gorgeous forests all around, which become spectacular during the fall season. Put on your hiking boots, bring a warm coat, order a hot chocolate with whipped cream like the Dutch do, and explore Holland as not many visitors do.

Winter  is the slowest season of them all. But also, as the Dutch say, “gezellig” (cozy). It might be dark outside, but lights, candles, and holiday decorations are everywhere.

In December you can visit Christmas fairs and markets at castles, old medieval cities and even in caves. Plus, the famous Christmas markets in Germany are just around the corner. Easily accessible on a day trip.

Prices will be the lowest, and many tourists won’t visit. If the dark and cold don’t bother you, this might be the best time to visit. One side note: the two weeks around Christmas are crazy busy in Amsterdam. If you can avoid Christmas/New Year in Amsterdam, do! There are no significant celebrations anyway, then other cities like London are much better.

Drinking water

Amsterdam and the rest of Holland have the best tap water in the world. Quality is so good that you won’t taste any difference between bottled and tap water. There is no chemical taste like in so many other countries.

It makes no sense to buy bottled water in the Netherlands. It’s taxing to the environment and your wallet. Dutch drinking water is safe to drink.

Some restaurants serve tap water for free, but most don’t. Be prepared to see a charge for water on your bill.

Also, note the serving size of drinks in general in restaurants in Amsterdam and the rest of Holland are super tiny. On average, 200ml/7 fl. oz. And they are expensive (non-alcoholic beverages like mineral water and soda cost around €3 per drink), with no free refills either.

Amsterdam and Holland have a liberal image when it comes to drugs. But are things as relaxed as they seem? The short answer is no.

Usage and selling of soft drugs, including marihuana, are tolerated and regulated via “coffee shops.” That doesn’t mean it’s socially accepted, however.

It’s also illegal to smoke in public spaces. In tourist areas, this is not enforced, but elsewhere in the country, it is. There is a significant social stigma about drug usage, including marihuana. It’s not regarded as something cool by the Dutch. Drug usage, any drug, is usually associated with social problems and low income.

So why do we tolerate/legalize it? The Dutch have always been pragmatic. By regulating it, you take some of the criminal activity away. Now you can also tax it and provide healthcare. Plus, some of the curiosity disappears. Nowadays, many users are foreign visitors. Everything forbidden tends to be more attractive. Read more about the Dutch here.

Ok, our cuisine might not be famous. We get it. Expats often describe it as dull—meat, veggies, potatoes, and often, no salt.

Most Dutch will take a wholewheat sandwich with one slice of cheese or ham, nothing else, to work. The Dutch consider their main meals usually as practical. That doesn’t sound exciting.

The good news is you can find excellent restaurants with kitchens from all over the world everywhere in Amsterdam and the rest of Holland, from a quick, wholesome tasty meal to Michelin-starred restaurants. You won’t be deprived of good food here.

Due to its past colonial ties, Indonesian and Surinam cuisines are widely available around Holland. Both kitchens are amazingly flavorful and a must-try when you visit. We also have Dutch food specialties that are worth trying, believe it or not.

I’ve written a post about them. We excel in snacks, candy, pastries, seasonal products, and everything fried. A “Bitterbal” anyone? Read about Dutch Food in my post: “ Traditional Dutch Food .”

Electricity

In Holland, we use 220-230 volts. If you’re traveling from a country that uses 110-120 volts like the US or Canada, be aware that not all your devices will work here.

Usually, chargers for personal electronics and shavers can handle both voltages but check the adapter to see if this applies to your appliances.

Look at the image above to know what to look for. Our plugs are round two-prong plugs, with or without grounding. Make sure to buy a travel adapter before you leave home if your plugs look different.

Dutch medical care is considered one of the best in the world. You can find well-equipped modern hospitals in all major towns and cities nationwide. Doctors, nurses, dentists, and other healthcare professionals will speak English.

Most medicines are available in Holland. Make sure your (travel) insurance covers the total costs of medical care in Holland, or be prepared to pay upfront if you need treatment.

The medical system here works differently than in most countries. You can not go directly to the emergency room without a life-threatening emergency. Otherwise, a family doctor must refer you to a specialist if necessary.

Once you arrive, it’s important to get information from your accommodation, which family doctor to contact when you need one. Usually, this is included in the information booklet in your accommodation. If not, ask your host or at the reception.

Immigration (Passport, Visa, and ETIAS)

Most visitors from Western countries don’t need a visa for Holland when visiting as a tourist or for business. A valid passport (valid for at least three months after your intended departure) is enough.

If you live in the EU, an identity card is even sufficient.

There is some confusion out there about ETIAS. It stands for European Travel Information and Authorisation System. If you live outside the EU but can travel visa-free, you’ll need to apply for a pre-clearance to go to the EU when ETIAS comes into effect.

The fee will be €7, and you can apply online. Once approved, your travel authorization is valid for two years for multiple trips. ETIAS is not yet in effect. It’s expected to be launched in 2025. It’s not necessary or possible to apply for it now.

Of course, I’ll update this post when ETIAS comes into effect.

Internet In The Netherlands

Internet access is excellent in Holland. Most restaurants, hotels, and public places offer fast WIFI. If you’re staying with Dutch friends, they most likely have fast broadband Internet at home.

Still, I advise getting a local sim card with a large data allowance. It’s much easier than connecting to WIFI networks every time. And you’ll have the Internet everywhere (if not only for Google Maps !).

It’s also safer to use your data than public WIFI. Mobile Internet is so fast here that you won’t notice a difference with the internet speed at home. These high speeds mean you consume a lot more data because even watching Netflix on a mobile network is no problem.

Make sure your data bundle is adequate. I advise about 1 GB for every day you’re here in Europe. I’ve written a post on the best travel sim card for European travel.

The Dutch speak Dutch (Nederlands). To many foreigners, it sounds German. Please never, ever make the mistake of calling the Dutch language German. Or try to do your best to speak the few German words you know to a Dutch person.

The German occupation during WWII isn’t forgotten. Yes, we are friendly with our German neighbors now and welcome them to our beaches every summer, but it’s a thin layer. Calling a Dutch person German is offensive, no matter how good your intentions are.

In general, most people in Amsterdam and the rest of the country speak English. Finding your way and asking for advice or help should never be a problem. Most of my US friends say how amazed they are at the level of English here.

Do note that older people don’t always speak English very well since it wasn’t taught in school back then. Also note that although the Dutch speak English well, there are still cultural barriers like the Dutch directness. Read our article about the Dutch people to prepare yourself for this :-).

Money is always an important topic when you travel. What currency do you need? Can I use an ATM in Holland? How to exchange money, how to tip, et cetera. 

Read the answers to these questions in my post about Exchanging Currency in Amsterdam and the rest of The Netherlands.

ATM’s

ATMs are widely available. It’s legislation that ATMs must be available within a certain distance from everyone’s home to make access to cash available to everybody, even people living remotely and the elderly.

Google Maps has an excellent feature for locating the nearest ATM in Holland. Shopping centers and railway stations are always a safe bet to find one. More about ATMs can be read in my post about exchanging currency .

Sales Tax or Value Added Tax. In Dutch, we call it BTW. On non-food items, the VAT is 21%, and on food items, 9%.

The rate is steep, but VAT/BTW is included in all prices. The price you see is the price you pay. This is different than the US, for example, where sales tax is added at the register. That won’t happen here.

If you live outside the EU, you might qualify for a tax refund if you take the goods out of the country. Participating stores have a VAT refund sticker on the shop windows and near the register.

When you qualify, ask for a form at the cash register, get a customs stamp at the airport and claim your refund there. After fees, you get around 15% of the purchase amount back. In general, only large department stores and tourist shops/areas offer this service. Regular stores rarely do.

Tipping in Holland is different than, for example, in the US. It’s not mandatory or expected. Salaries here are higher than elsewhere. Still, the Dutch do tip. It’s considered rude if you receive excellent service but do not give a tip.

However, there isn’t a fixed percentage that is expected. It’s customary to tip a few euros to round up the bill. Usually, between 5 and 10% of the total amount, where 10% is considered an excellent tip.

If service is extraordinary, you can, of course, tip accordingly. But don’t tip as you would at home. That is often not expected or necessary. Tipping is expected in restaurants, private tours, and taxis. Not at many other places.

Paying To Use The Toilet

When you’re used to free public toilet access at home, you’re in for a surprise. In Holland, using one can cost between €0,50 and €1. This applies to malls, train stations, and fast-food restaurants like the Golden M.

Have some coins ready for these minor emergencies. Tip: your best bet for a free-of-charge toilet is at table service restaurants and museums.

Museum Reservations

The most well-known museums now often require a reservation with a time slot. This included the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum , and the Van Gogh Museum . All three likely sell-out, sometimes weeks (or months), in advance—especially the Anne Frank House . But also, the Van Gogh can sell out weeks in advance.

Avoid disappointment and make your reservations on time.

Opening hours

Opening hours vary from business to business. As a general rule of thumb, most shops open during office hours on Monday – Saturday. One night a week (Thursday or Friday), shops are open until 9 p.m.

This varies per city and even per suburb. In smaller towns, shops are usually closed on Monday (mornings.)

Supermarkets are usually open from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. Most supermarkets are open on Sunday, but every city has its own rules about this, and opening hours vary. Your safest bet is to go during the afternoon on a Sunday.

Some cities have Sunday opening hours for all stores, not just supermarkets, every Sunday. This is most often the case in larger cities.

Other cities allow stores to open just once a month, while others forbid their shops to open on Sundays.

Reasons for limited opening can be different. Sometimes it’s to protect worker from having to be constantly available, but most often, the reason is religious. If a city or town has a more conservative local government, stores will be closed.

Museums and restaurants are usually closed on Mondays. The exception is Amsterdam, where many museums are open seven days a week.

And remember that kitchens in restaurants often close at 10 p.m. In smaller towns, as early as 9 p.m. The Dutch eat early. The most popular times for a reservation are between 6 and 7 p.m.

I would say we Dutch are a friendly bunch. However, our reputation in the world doesn’t always match that. We’re known to be direct (sometimes offensive), our language sounds harsh to foreign ears, and some might say we’re cold. And yes, aren’t we those people legalizing prostitution and soft drugs? Ai, that almost hurt.

Thankfully most of it comes down to cultural misunderstandings. Our language sounds harder because it’s a Germanic language, and we have that hard G sound. I can guarantee you, most of the time, a conversation is friendly and polite except maybe during rush hour in traffic or when a tourist walks into the bike lane.

But believe me, that sounds very different. We are direct, yes. Get used to it. See, I’m direct too. But seriously, if you prepare yourself for it, it’s less hostile and liberating to know what the other person thinks, with no hidden agendas.

It works the other way around too. If a Dutch person tells you they like you, they genuinely do.

And about those moral laws like drugs and red lights? Rest assured. The Dutch don’t appreciate or think either activity is socially accepted.

Why is it legalized? The Dutch are pragmatic. If you can’t stop it, control it. The Dutch don’t like to preach morally (outside the bible belt, that is).

Read more about the Dutch people in this article here.

Holland has one of the best mobile phone networks in the world. The coverage is extensive, also in the countryside, in small villages, on the islands, and on beaches.

Local prepaid sim cards are available, but not easy for visitors to register. The better, cheaper, and easier option is to get a sim card for Europe with affordable bundles. Read our post for the best tourist SIM Cards in the Netherlands and Europe here.

Note because mobile coverage is this good, traditional ways to make a phone call are almost non-existent. Public phone booths are a thing of the past. Even emergency booths along the motorway are gone.

Postal Services in Holland

Post offices do not exist anymore in Holland. Today they’re called PostNL service points and are often located in shops, primarily inside books and magazine stores like Bruna or Primera. It’s just a desk. You can buy stamps at PostNL points and send letters and parcels from there. Use this link to search your nearest location.

You can also buy stamps at supermarkets like Albert Heijn. Use outdoor Orange mailboxes to post your postcards. They have two slots. Unless you have a local zipcode you’re sending to, use the “Overige Bestemmingen” slot for everything further away and international mail.

Public Holidays And Other Special Dates

Like every country, Holland has its own specific public holidays, significant dates, and school holidays. Holland doesn’t tend to have as many public holidays as many other countries do. But we have specific days like Kings Day (April 27th).

And we add 2nd days to holidays like Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas. In Holland, we use three “zones” for school holidays to spread the number of people going on holiday at once. This system extends the periods the Dutch have their school holidays. Thus prices are higher for longer. For all these dates, please check out my post on Dutch Holidays .

Public Transportation

In Holland, you’ll find excellent transit systems all around the country. The main backbone of public transport is the train system, connecting every corner of the country with high-frequency scheduled departures in every direction.

From the train station, towns and villages are connected by local buses. Or the Dutch rent a bike for the last few miles if needed. In large cities, you’ll find an extensive system of buses, trams, metro, and sometimes even ferries. Amsterdam and Rotterdam have them all.

Download the NS App on your phone. It’s available in English. You can use it for planning your journey and buying your tickets. The app accepts credit cards (that most machines do not), and you avoid the €1 surcharge for paper tickets.

Responsible travel

In today’s day and age, thinking about your environmental impact is essential when you travel. You can do many small things to make your travel less taxing on the environment.

Choose an airline using modern airplanes that emit much less than older aircraft. Even better is choosing an airline where you can offset your Co2 emission. KLM is an airline that gives you that option when you book your flight.

Within Europe, travel by train when it’s convenient. Between Amsterdam and Brussels, Frankfurt, Paris, and London, it’s easy to take a high-speed train, often just as fast or faster as a plane ride. You can check fares and travel times here. Locally, use a bike or public transport to avoid the gas emission of a taxi or Uber.

Leave No Trace behind

Leave no trace behind is global advice. When people travel, they tend to be more careless about waste than at home. Please don’t be one of them and use trashcans when you’re here. They’re everywhere.

In nature, take your empty bottles, wrappers, and other waste with you until you see a trashcan and throw it away. It’s a small effort with a significant impact.

Over-Tourism

You may have heard some places and cities worldwide suffer from over-tourism. Amsterdam is one of these cities. If you’re mindful of this topic, you can make better choices: Use local companies like us for your tours.

Go off the beaten track a bit more. Explore neighborhoods outside the city center, and go to other cities and towns so that not all visitors are concentrated in a tiny area.

Also, avoid booking general group tours through travel agents and cruise liners. The money will not stay locally, and the quality is usually subpar.

The most important thing to know is that plastic bags are not free of charge in Europe. Legislation requires businesses to charge for plastic bags. This is to encourage people to bring their own bags. And it works. Since this legislation is in place, the one-time use of plastic bags is marginalized.

The Dutch are very much into recycling. We separate glass, paper, plastic, metal, and organic waste in our homes from our regular trash.

When you see opportunities to separate your waste and recycle, please do. It’s a small effort, but again, significant consequences.

Paper and plastic are now often collected separately in public spaces, including trains, railway stations, and fast-food restaurants. Note that if you buy drinks in a bottle or can, you pay a deposit (in Dutch, it’s called “Statiegeld”).

Return these items to any supermarket when empty for a refund of that deposit (look for the return machines inside stores).

Support local

Did you know when you book tours with large global companies, their subcontractors get only pennies on the dollars you spend? Plus, the quality of these tours is substandard at best.

Expect to be taken to tourist shops and inferior restaurants and spend little time at the main attraction. Instead, look for local tours and companies recommended by independent sources that are often not by your cruise ship information desk.

Most tourist attractions can be easily accessed without needing a tour operator. Blogs like these are great for inspiration and direction. A tour can be worthwhile if you want more background information or to go to difficult-to-reach places.

Just make sure to book local and ask about what is part of the trip. Do they take you to a tourist shop, for example? (then keep looking for another tour) Is the tour recommended by a local? On my blog, you’ll only find links to tours I 100% endorse, and I only work with companies taking reasonable commissions.

You can opt for a private tour. You can book me as one . I love to take visitors inside the country. But also to show the best side of Amsterdam, including, for example, a food tour or a Rijksmuseum highlight tour. The great thing about private tours is that they can be customized to your preferences.

Disclaimer: I am not an expert on security, crime, or terrorism. Please always follow the advice from (local) authorities first.

What I say below is my honest but personal opinion from a local perspective.

Crime in general in the Netherlands is lower than in most developed countries. Due to strict weapon laws, murders are still rare. If they happen, it’s usually outside the public eye and within criminal organizations.

Also, due to a high standard of living and the Dutch value system, there is less division between income groups. Because of that, crime rates are lower. Your biggest concern should be pickpockets and bike theft. You should have a worry-free holiday if you’re mindful of your belongings, especially in busy and touristy areas. Make sure to lock your bike!

Criminal scams can happen anywhere, including in tourist places like Amsterdam. Always be vigilant.

One annoying scam for a while (not as present today as before) where fake police officers. They are dressed as legit-looking cops, but they’re not.

What can you do? 

• Ask them to speak Dutch. A fake cop is usually a criminal from Eastern Europe and can’t speak Dutch (familiarize yourself with the accent when you get here)
• Ask for their ID. Police officers should always identify themselves when asked.
• Look for an official vehicle like a police car, bicycle, motorcycle, or horse nearby, marked blue, red, and white. The correct uniform is black/yellow.
• It’s a red flag if they ask for your wallet to investigate fake money. Regular police would never do that.
• Draw attention to yourself, and yell for help if the person asks for your wallet. 

Emergency Numbers in Holland

If you have an emergency (police, fire services, and ambulance), call 112 . This is the European version of 911 in North America.

Use 112 only in a life-threatening emergency, not if your wallet is lost.

For that, you can call the police at 0900-8844 . That number is for non-life-threatening emergencies.

The safety standards for events are incredibly high. At events, there are always first-aid assistants available. There will be security and, with significant events, police presence too. Often bags are inspected, and exits are always clearly marked.

The use and possession of drugs are forbidden within the closed events areas (including soft drugs). These will be confiscated. At more significant events, there is a zero-tolerance policy (also for bringing your own alcohol.). If a person is aggressive, he or she will be arrested and often brought in front of a judge within 24 hours.

If you are an EU citizen, fines are often sent directly to your home address. They’re collected by your local authority if there is an agreement between your country and Holland. Not paying has the same consequences as at home.

If you are from outside the EU or your country does not have an agreement with Holland, you must pay fines before you leave the country, often immediately, but if not, you will be stopped at the border. Fines are high in Holland. You will get them for the usual offenses. But also for things you might not expect, like :

• Touching your phone while operating a bicycle
• Using your phone in a car while driving
• Parking a vehicle where forbidden
• Peeing on the street. Yes, gents, hold your urge even after a few beers, do not pee in the canal
• Having no official ID on you (always take your passport, a copy won’t suffice, and neither will your driver’s license if it’s from outside the EU)

Even for things listed above, the costs go quickly in the three-digit range. The canal can suddenly become a costly toilet.

LGBTQ travelers

The Netherlands is known for its liberal attitude towards the LGBTQ community. But things never are as they seem to be at first glance. Primarily, due to large influxes of migrants from traditional countries (from the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe), hostilities do increase.

More and more, you hear about threats or abuse (both physically and mentally) towards openly LGBTQ persons on the street, even in Amsterdam.

It’s one of the most upsetting things to me. I am all for immigration when people are fleeing danger and looking for safety. But then why be disrespectful of your new host country and its customs? And bring others in danger? It was voluntary to come specifically here. It’s mind-boggling to me. But unfortunately, it’s reality.

My advice is this: you’re safe inside any establishment, whether geared specifically towards LGBTQ people or for the general public. On the street, be more mindful of your surroundings. Keep public affection to a minimum, especially if youth groups are around.

Don’t think you can walk hand in hand just because at home you can’t, and here you’re free. It’s not always like that, and it hurts me to say that.

One of the great things is that the police are always your friend! Remember this.

Even if you go on a wrong date, the police will not judge you and will always help you. LGBTQ issues are part of their training. So never feel shame or fear reporting an LGBTQ-related issue to the police.

Terrorism is a tricky subject. I wish I could say Holland is safe from terrorism. Unfortunately, we live in a world where there is no such thing as a safe place. Holland has not had any significant incidents, but we came close. 

Still, the chance of personally becoming a victim of an act of terrorism is minimal, even if you visit a hotspot like London, Paris, or New York. So why limit yourself to seeing the world?

Everybody has to make their own safety assessment. But I believe it shouldn’t stop you from living and exploring.

Being as fearful as many of us became doesn’t match the statistics. Traffic or DIY projects at home are far more dangerous. Still, we do these activities without a second thought.

What can you do to minimize the chance of being involved in an incident?

• Know your exit when a need to evacuate arises, and be prepared.
• Be mindful of your surroundings. When you see odd behavior, report it. Call 112 if you feel unsafe.
• When you see an unattended bag, move away from it and call 112 immediately.
• Trust your instincts when you don’t feel safe, move away
• Read your country’s official travel advice.

Regarding the last piece of advice, be aware these sometimes can be overly cautious and sometimes even politically motivated, so they’re not always as helpful as they could be.

Solo Female Travelers

As two men, we’re not the expert on solo female travel. Thankfully, others are experts on the topic. Karen, a fantastic blogger from WanderlustingK, is a traveler-turned-local. She wrote a comprehensive post about solo female travel in Amsterdam and the rest of Holland.

But here is some general advice: Amsterdam and the rest of Holland are safe places to travel to for women. Of course, things do happen like anywhere else. Still, Holland is one of the safer destinations for solo female travelers.

Dutch women themselves are very independent. There is also a lot of security, cameras, and police presence, especially in big cities.

The Dutch tend to be a bit shy compared to other cultures. It’s not typical for a Dutch guy to approach a girl directly.

A few things to watch out for: use extra care in the red light district (everybody should, men and women). When you go out for a drink, always watch your drink. If you are harassed (most commonly by minority youths), just ignore them, and you’re fine. When you feel in real danger, always call 112 immediately.

Holland is in the GMT+1 timezone (CET), and we observe daylight saving time. That means, in general, when it’s noon in New York City, it’s 6 p.m. in Holland. When it’s noon in London, it’s 1 p.m. in Holland. And when it’s noon in Australia, it’s 2 a.m. in Holland.

I said in general because the dates of switching to daylight saving times differ worldwide. North America, for example, is usually one week behind. In that timeframe, the time difference can be larger or smaller.

In Holland (and the rest of Europe), we switch the clocks on the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October. Our best tip: when in doubt, ask Google what time it is in Holland and your home country.

Weights and Measurements

In Holland, we use the metric system. Meters, liters, and kilos and not feet, ounces, and pounds like countries that use the Imperial System.

Some of the most frequent conversions are:

• One mile = 1.609 kilometers
• One gallon = 4.546 liters
• One pound = 0.453 kilos or 453 grams

The easiest thing to do is to use Google for conversions on the fly. If you need mobile data during your visit, check out my post about this topic.

Weather and Climate

The weather in Holland. Ahh, our favorite conversational topic of them all. Our climate is considered mild. Due to its proximity to the sea, it’s not too cold or hot. We have four distinct seasons.

But climate change is changing that a bit. It hardly freezes long enough anymore to ice skate in wintertime, and summers are now often tropical. What still holds true is that the weather here is unpredictable.

You should always expect a range of temperatures. And rain is always around the corner. It didn’t get this green here from the sun. Pack accordingly. If you’re annoyed by the weather, know you’re in good company, and you’ll have the perfect conversation starter to connect with a local.

Which Travel Tips Are Most Helpful ?

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Netherlands Itineraries

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

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The Netherlands beyond Amsterdam is a bit of a mystery to most people, even to those who live there – which, of course, is part of its charm. However, to save you having to read through the entire Guide before deciding where to go we've put together a few itineraries to help you out.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Netherlands, created by local experts

8 days  / from 2808 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 3024 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.

Recommended Netherlands itineraries

If you are planning your travel to the Netherlands yourself, use these itineraries created by our travel writers as a starting point for inspiration.

The Netherlands Itinerary 1 - A grand tour

The Netherlands is a small country, so you can see the best of it within a week – that is if you don't linger too long in Amsterdam.

1. Amsterdam

A good place to start, and small enough that you can see its highlights in a day or two.

Only fifteen minutes from the capital, but a place apart, with a nice old centre and plenty to see, including the fantastic Frans Hals Museum.

Lively student town just half an hour from Amsterdam that retains its cobbled old centre.

The Netherlands' most handsome provincial town with plenty of historical attractions and the most classically beautiful canal-riven Dutch town centre.

5. Biesbosch

The country's most significant and accessible wetland, easily explorable by boat or bike.

The most accessible of the Dutch islands, and a wonderfully relaxing place of dunes, birds, beaches and gentle cycling, and with some great places to stay.

7. Enkhuizen

Perhaps the most enchanting of the old Zuider Zee ports, its face firmly turned towards the water around its busy inner harbours, and with the excellent Zuider Zee Museum as a bonus.

8. Groningen

The northern part of the country's major urban centre, with a huge university population and a buzzy centre full of bars and restaurants.

The Netherlands Itinerary 2 - The Great Outdoors

You don't normally think of the Netherlands as a place to experience the Great Outdoors, but it is a fantastic destination for many outdoor activities, from horseriding to sailing to some other, more specifically Dutch pursuits.

1. Wadlopen in Friesland

There's nothing more Dutch – or more enjoyable – than the guided walks you can do between the north coast and the islands of the Wadden Sea.

The Netherlands is a boaty kind of place all round, but the lakes and waterways of Friesland are the best place to take to the water, or there are plenty of opportunities on the IJsselmeer.

You can, of course, do this anywhere if the weather is cold enough, but there's nothing better than following at least part of the course of the famous Elfstedentocht race through Friesland.

4. Horseriding

The countryside is well suited to all kinds of equestrian activities, especially the Hoge Veluwe National Park .

5. Windsurfing and surfing

There's no better place for both activities than Renesse in Zeeland's Schouwen-Duiveland, where you can rent boards and wet suits and seek out the plentiful waves and wind.

The Netherlands Itinerary 3 - Art and culture

The Netherlands is known for its art and boasts some top-class collections. Several smaller towns hold a fantastic selection of Dutch painting and sculpture, and visiting some of these lesser-known museums and galleries makes for a great trip.

When it reopens, the Rijksmuseum will reclaim its rightful place in the top ten of European galleries; until then you still have the Van Gogh Museum , the newly reopened Stedelijk and the excellent Amsterdam Historisch Museum, to name just three.

2. The Frans Hals Musuem

It's worth visiting Haarlem for this museum alone – to see paintings by Frans Hals and others in the almshouse where he lived his final days.

3. The Mauritshuis

This elegant seventeenth-century mansion in The Hague is home to one of the finest concentrations of Dutch and Flemish paintings in the world.

4. Boijmans van Beuningen Museum

A vast collection of Flemish, Dutch and modern art awaits in this amazing museum in Rotterdam.

5. Centraal Museum, Utrecht

Utrecht is home to an extensive fine art collection with a local focus, including great works by Jan van Scorel, the Utrecht School, as well as Gerrit van Rietveld and Miffy's Dick Bruna.

6. Kröller-Muller Museum

Perhaps the country's finest collection of late nineteenth-century and modern paintings and sculptures, housed in a wonderful location in the Hoge Veluwe park.

7. Rijksmuseum Twente

It may be a bit of a trek, but Enschede's Rijksmuseum Twente is as good a small collection of Dutch art as you'll find outside the major museums.

Top image: Classic Dutch windmills behind rows of pink tulip flowers, Netherlands © JeniFoto/Shutterstock

The Rough Guides to Netherlands and related travel guides

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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

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written by Keith Drew

updated 3.09.2021

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.

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Netherlands Travel Guide

Your ultimate netherlands travel guide, with tips, and things to see and things to do in holland. great for first-time and returning travelers..

The Netherlands, or The Kingdom of the Netherlands officially, is a country in northwestern Europe.

Known for its windmills, canals, tulips, and cycling, it makes for a great vacation.

Fans of art will love the Van Gogh Museum, while the tulip gardens and historic canals offer breathtaking views.

Add in vibrant cities like Amsterdam and it has something for everyone. There are many things to see and do here.

This Netherlands travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

Popular City Guides

• Anne Frank House

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about The Netherlands

• Power voltage is 230 V at 50 Hz. Type C and F.
• The official currency is the euro and 1 euro is equal to 1.10 USD.
• The best way to get around is by car.
• To enter, you will need a U.S. passport valid for 3 months after your stay ends. You do not need a visa if your stay is under 90 days.
• KPN, Vodafone Nederland, and T-Mobile (merged with Tele2) are the main mobile provider and a prepaid SIM card can be purchased through any of them by visiting the company’s official stores or local supermarkets.
• The Netherlands has three separate value-added tax (VAT) rates: 0%, 6%, and 21%, with the 9% rate being used for common goods and services.

Things to See and Do in The Netherlands

• Canals of Amsterdam : Amsterdam has 165 beautiful canals, perfect for a great relaxing morning or afternoon. Take a boat tour or walk along the canal banks to enjoy a beautiful city and water views.
• Anne Frank House: Come visit the historic house of Anne Frank. One of the most popular museums in the Netherlands, learn more about the history of Anne Frank by browsing through audio, photos, videos, and artifacts.  
• Van Gogh Museum: Fans of Van Gogh or art will love this museum. Featuring the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh paintings,book a private tour or browse through at your own pace.
• Zaanse Schans: Travel to this open-air museum to explore a village modeled after Holland in the 18 th and 19 th centuries. See the windmills, walk through the shops and houses, go to the interactive exhibit to see chocolate being made, and more.
• Keukenhof: Come smell and see the flowers at this public garden. Open from March to May, the garden features 7 million spring-bulb flowers in bloom, including colorful tulips.

Netherlands Travel Guides

• Where To Stay In Amsterdam
• Anne Frank House, Amsterdam
• Amsterdam with Kids – 7 Attractions You and Your Child Will Love

Accommodation

Budget: You can find prices for hostels in the range of 18-50 euros per night. Enjoy dorm-styled or private rooms, free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, security lockers, and great central locations.

Mid-Range: For mid-range hotels, expect to pay between 70-135 euros. Enjoy private rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, a hotel restaurant and bar, a pool, and good locations to nearby attractions and public transport.

High-End: Upscale hotels can range from 140-275 euros per night. Take in the best with top-of-the-line service, polished private rooms with rainfall showers and whirlpool tubs, indoor and outdoor pools, spas, hotel restaurants with fine dining and chandeliers, and a hotel bar.

Check out our in-depth guide to: Where to Stay in Amsterdam: A Local’s guide to the City

Food : The cuisine of the Netherlands favors vegetables, meat, bread, cheese, and potatoes. Hollandse Nieuwe (raw herring with onions and pickled cucumbers) is one of the most popular dishes.

When out and about, try a stroopwafel, a waffle with syrup filling, or try a kroket, which is a deep-fried roll stuffed with meat ragout.

The Netherlands has many restaurants where you can try more of their cuisine, with a typical meal costing 15 euros.

The Best Ways to Get Around The Netherlands

Getting to the netherlands:.

Getting to the Netherlands: The main airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, located 13.6 miles from Amsterdam’s city center.

Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Groningen, and Maastricht also have their own airports.

Flights: You can check for the best flights to The Netherlands on Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Train: Trains are a good way to go between cities and the Netherlands has 400 stations that travel throughout the day, and sometimes at night. Go from Amsterdam to Rotterdam in 70 minutes for just 18 euros one-way.

Tram: The tram is another excellent way to travel and runs from 6 AM to midnight.

Bus: Buses are a cheap way to get around and bus lines are available in most areas. A typical fare is 3.20 euros for one hour of traveling.

Taxis: Taxis are a good way to get around. Taxis have a starting fee of 7.50 euros and increase up to 2.20 euros per kilometer. A taxi ride from Amsterdam airport to downtown Amsterdam, for example, will cost around 39 euros.

Uber: Uber is available in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Haarlem, and The Gooi.

Bicycle: Bicycling is a very popular form of transportation in the Netherlands, and due to this you can find many cycling paths throughout the country. You can find rentals priced at 10-40 euros per day. 

Rent a car: Renting a car requires you to be at least 19 years old and have a U.S. license that is at least a year old. Prices start at 36 euros per day for drivers 25 and older.

You can also compare prices here

When to go To the Netherlands

• The best time to visit is between March and May and September to November, where you can find better deals on hotels and avoid the peak tourist season of July-August.
• April, in particular, is a great month for those who want to see the flowers after they have bloomed.
• Temperatures average to 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit during these seasons.
• If you are looking for the hottest weather, go in August, where temperatures can increase up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Rotterdam Marriott Hotel : Check in to this 5-star hotel and stay in the trendy cool district, which features designer boutiques, popular restaurants, and the De Doelen concert hall.

The hotel comes private rooms and suites featuring marble bathrooms and minibars, free breakfast, room service, a cocktail bar, a café in the lobby, and a 24-hour gym.

Carlton BeachClub: When in The Hague, stay at this great beachside hotel. Accessible by tram and just a 6-minute walk from the Scheveningen Pier, the hotel comes with private rooms with balconies and TVs, a hotel restaurant, a bar and grill, a spa with 3 saunas, and an indoor pool.

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam  – 5 star luxury Amsterdam hotel that is a bit more affordable than the Waldorf.

Amsterdam Accommodation Guides

Where To Stay In Amsterdam – The Best Areas & Neighbourhoods

What to Pack for The Netherlands

• Power Adapter: As the voltage is higher than the US, bring a power adapter to charge your electronics. 
• Walking Shoes: With so many outdoor activities, bring a pair of sturdy walking shoes to keep your feet comfortable.
• Raincoat: Keep yourself dry by bringing a raincoat.
• Check out our Packing for Europe – Tips That Will Make Your Travel Life Easier

See our packing tips: packing tips

Netherlands Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Netherlands Travel Guide: Related Articles

Where To Stay In Amsterdam In 2024: Our Favorite Places and Neighbourhoods

34 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam In 2024

The 21 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

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

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10 Day Itinerary The Netherlands | Written By Locals

So, The Netherlands is your next destination, and your planning to stay 10 days? Good for you! With this 10 day itinerary, I’ll help you fill in your day to day schedule.

10 Day Itinerary The Netherlands, day to day schedule: 

Day 1: Amsterdam Sightseeing & Canal Tour

Day 2: amsterdam bicycle & museum tour, day 3: zaanse schans / volendam, day 4: keukenhof / leiden, day 5: the hague, day 6 & 7: rotterdam .

• Day 8: Breda 
• Day 9: Optional Activities

Day 10: Utrecht

Let’s find out the best activities per day, the best places to stay in each city, and the different highlights! 

10 Day Itinerary The Netherlands

A visit to The Netherlands for 10 days might sound long for many, but there’s a lot to explore in this small country. I traveled throughout the country a lot, and as a Dutchie, I can tell you all the best places to visit, and I know many local things to do in different cities.

Before we dive into this 10-day itinerary for my home country, I want to tell you about a few other articles about The Netherlands. When you plan a shorter trip for like a week, you might want to read our  One Week Itinerary to The Netherlands  first. Which is, you probably can guess it, an itinerary for 7 days ;). If you still doubt how long your trip to The Netherlands should be, you can read our article  How Many Days Do You Need in The Netherlands   and also read this definitely helpful itinerary.

Let’s start this 10 day trip to The Netherlands in Amsterdam. Maybe you wonder why almost every itinerary starts in Amsterdam? That’s because most people arrive in Amsterdam when traveling to The Netherlands. Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, the largest international airport in the country, is located in Amsterdam. So it is just the most convenient to start in our capital. 

Amsterdam is the largest city of The Netherlands, it is the capital of the country, but it is not where our government resides. That’s the city The Hague, but later more on The Hague when we’re reaching day 5 in this itinerary. 

In Amsterdam, you can easily spend like 5 or 7 days if you like. There’s much to see and explore in Amsterdam, it is just fun to hang around, and experience life as a local. However, for this itinerary, we stay in Amsterdam for two days. One the first day we planned a sightseeing tour, so you directly get the hang of the city. Get off with a good start and learn the local vibe. 

Amsterdam is perfect for walking around and exploring the old historic center. You can, of course, book a guided tour, but it is also fun to go exploring yourself.

When you’re going to walk around yourself, make sure to visit areas like  Jordaan, De Pijp, Albert Cuyp Market, Dam.  In our article;  How Many Days in Amsterdam ,  you’ll find more detailed information about these neighborhoods. 

Canal Belt Tour

The Amsterdam Canal Belt is probably one of the most famous canal belts in the world. It is a Unesco World Heritage site, and during the 17th century, it was the most important ‘road network’ in the city. It was during the heydays of the Dutch Eastern Company, at that time, the most important maritime trade company in the world. The canal belt was connected to the Amsterdam Port, and with the canal boats, it was easy to transfer products and goods from the port to the city. Also, it was the fastest way for the working class to reach the port and go to work every day. 

Today the canal belt is still important in Amsterdam, but its mainly used by the locals for leisure activities. And for tourists to go around the city and get to know Amsterdam from a different perspective. Everything is different from the water! You don’t need to back your tour in advance. The tour boats leave from many different locations throughout the city, and most of them are guided tours, offered in all kinds of languages. 

Let’s get around the city in the Dutch way, on a bicycle!

Fun Fact Alert!   Did you know there are more bicycles in The Netherlands then citizens? Read more fun facts in our article  The Fun Facts of The Netherlands . 

Cycling around Amsterdam is straightforward, convenient, and safe. Make sure to follow the designated bicycle paths, and always follow the traffic lights, and you’ll be okay. The best place to rent a bicycle in Amsterdam is via  MacBike ; with over 30 years of experience, they were probably one of the first commercially bike rentals in the city. They have several locations throughout the city, which makes it convenient to drop off your bike. 

An excellent bicycle tour in Amsterdam, which will take around half-day, is to follow the canal belt, go around de Pijp area, Jordaan, and end up in Vondelpark. Vondelpark is the largest city park in Amsterdam and probably the most beautifully designed city park in The Netherlands. It is great to drop off your bike close to the park, and then head inside to park to hang out and enjoy some lunch. A lunch which you can easily buy at one of the many take away food stands in the city! 

We recommend to ask at the rental company for a roadmap and ask if they can select the route via the different areas. Due to road works, the traffic situation in Amsterdam changes a lot, so it is better to ask for the most recent situation at the rental shop. 

Places To Stay In Amsterdam

Booking a hotel or apartment in Amsterdam is overwhelming. There are more than 2000 listings on Booking.com alone! So to help you choose, we selected a few hotels and apartments. We didn’t stay at any of them, but when we saw the customer reviews, we felt it was safe to recommend these. We always check the customer reviews on Booking.com and the only book I place for ourselves when the listing gets a recent (reviews not older than 2 months) review score of 9+. 

Recommended places to stay in Amsterdam are: 

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

Let’s get more cultural. The Netherlands is known for its small fisherman villages and unique historical windmills. You can capture both in just one day by visiting Zaanse Schans and Volendam. Both areas are easy to reach, traveling from Amsterdam. You’ll get there within an hour. It is recommended to choose a place to stay in Amsterdam or close to Amsterdam for the first 3 days. On day 4 we recommend traveling with public transport to a different city. 

Zaanse Schans

Famous for its historic windmills. During its heydays, you could find hundreds of active windmills in this area. Zaanse Schans was the first industrial area of Western Europe. After the Dutch invention of the crankshaft, the production snowballed. The crankshaft made a vertical saw movement possible, allowing the windmills to saw much more wood in the same amount of time. 

Most wood sawing was used for shipbuilding in that day because the Dutch Eastern Company needed seaworthy ships for their trade routes in Southeast Asia. 

Today only a handful of windmills are still located at Zaanse Schans, but it is a unique place to visit. You’re literally stepping back in time. A place you can’t find somewhere else. 

Zaanse Schans is also perfect for a half-day cycling tour through the Dutch countryside, exploring more of the windmills that are a bit further away. You can read more about this area, and other unique historic windmills in our article  Where Can You Find The Best Windmills in The Netherlands.  

The fisherman’s village Volendam is probably the best-known fisherman village in The Netherlands. It is not the most authentic. To visit the more authentic and less touristy fisherman village, you probably want to go to Edam. However, Volendam is also great for a visit, and easy to reach coming from Zaanse Schans. 

Volendam is known for people still walking in traditional clothing, the large dike, and daily freshly caught seafood. It is probably the best place to taste typical Dutch Food, raw herring. Which is a delicacy according to many Dutch people, I’m not a fan, but you need to try it once! (In our article   Typical Dutch Food ,  you can find more information about raw herring and other unique Dutch dishes)

Keukenhof is the largest flower garden in the world. It is a must-visit while you’re in The Netherlands. However, it is seasonal. The Keukenhof only opens for roughly 8 weeks a year. In 2020 they open between March 21 and May 10. 

Every year their opening weeks are around these dates, you can find the most recent information on  their website .

Keukenhof is located close to Leiden in a small village Lisse. So when the Keukenhof is closed, you might want to visit Leiden, which is a lovely medieval city to visit. Or you can spend an extra day in Amsterdam or The Hague. 

Annually the Keukenhof gardeners plant over 8 million flower bulbs. And because of the warm winters, they need to plant even more flower bulbs because the flowers grow to fast. So with stacking the different flower bulbs, they assure perfectly blossoming flowers during their opening weeks. 

The area is part of what we call in The Netherlands,  the Bulb Region,  an area where you can visit the famous flower fields and walk around a sea of colors during the blossoming period. 

Fact Alert! The Netherlands is the biggest flower-bulb exporter in the world! Read more about this interesting fact in our article  Why is The Netherlands Famous For Tulips?

When you’re interested in spending more time around the Dutch flower fields, you might be interested in reading the article ‘ Where Are The Tulip Fields in The Netherlands? ‘,  where we describe the best places and best time to visit the tulip and flower fields. 

Best city in the country! Okay, I’m not objective. I lived in The Hague almost my whole life, so I’m what we say in The Netherlands,  Hagenaar (A citizen from The Hague).  Anyway, today I live in a suburb close to The Hague. A small city on its own, but more in the countryside. My roots are still in the government city, so I’m always getting enthusiastic when I’m writing about The Hague. 

The Hague is known as the government city and the city where the Royal Family lives. It is the third-largest city of The Netherlands, and walking around the historic city centers feels like you’re walking around in a large village. The city is located very close to the beach. Scheveningen Beach, the most famous beach in the country, which is an official part of The Hague, is like 15 minutes away from the city center. 

The Hague Highlights

Spending a day in The Hague can be a bit busy, there’s much to explore. We wrote the article  One Day In The Hague , a complete itinerary , which we recommend reading. In that article, we cover all the highlights like visiting  Binnenhof (Government building), Mauritshuis (unique museum), Royal Palace Noordeinde, Scheveningen Beach, and many more. 

Places To Stay in The Hague

Spending a night in The Hague is lovely. You can sleep in the building next to the Royal Palace Noordeinde, and feel a bit like a Dutch Royal for one night. Or you might stay at Hotel Des Indes, which is one of the oldest hotels in the country. We selected a few hotels, which are all linking to the Booking.com page so you can check them out for yourself. Don’t forget to check the recent customer reviews before booking your stay! 

• 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) 

Traveling from The Hague to Rotterdam is like 40 minutes, tops. When you hop on the intercity train (the fast train in The Netherlands), you can reach Rotterdam in like 25 minutes. 

Rotterdam is the most modern city in The Netherlands. It is known for its unique and bright architecture. It is a unique city to visit. When you’re staying in Rotterdam for only one day, you’ll definitely have a great time, but I feel you need to hurry a bit and miss out on some unique things to visit. 

Of course, you can decide to visit Rotterdam for one day (you can find a  one day Rotterdam itinerary  in this article I wrote), but staying two days, you can enjoy the city even more. One the first day, I would recommend following the one-day itinerary, which takes you along all the city highlights and is perfect for your first day.

Second day in Rotterdam

On the second day in Rotterdam, I would recommend visiting Kinderdijk, which is a Unesco World Heritage site.  Kinderdijk  is famous as one of the first large water management systems in The Netherlands. 

After visiting Kinderdijk, you can either hang out in one of the large city parks and relax for a bit. Or visit Port of Rotterdam, which is the largest container port of Europe. When you’re interested in this form of industry, it is recommended to book a guided tour in advance. 

Als, this second day is perfect for spending some more time in one of the areas you liked, and enjoy life as a local. 

Places To Stay in Rotterdam

There are many places to stay in Rotterdam, so I made a small selection of some unique places which are not your everyday hotels. Like we said, Rotterdam is known for its unique architecture, so why not stay in a unique building for a night. 

• Euromast  –  Romantic Getaway, with a unique city view
• Hotel New York  –  Sleep in the old office of the Hotel America Line
• SS Rotterdam  –  One of the old cruise ships of the Holland America Line
• Wikkelboats  –  A tiny house in the old harbor, a home made of cardboard! Fun and unique place to stay
• Cube Houses Hostel  –  You can sleep in one of the unique cube houses, it will be a budget choice because they only offer dormitory rooms. 
• Cube House Apartment  –  Want to have a cube house for yourself for a few nights? You can book an apartment to stay overnight .

Day 8: Breda

The province of North Brabant (Noord Brabant in Dutch, and often referred to as  Brabant ) is known for its Burgundian Lifestyle. The vibe is different in Brabant. Life is a bit slower, things are not rushed like in Amsterdam or The Hague. 

Breda is one of the unique cities to visit in Brabant, and while you are there make sure to visit the following highlights; 

Castle of Breda

An important building in Dutch history. It was the castle where Hendrik van Nassau the 3rd lived and stayed in the Nassau family (Dutch Royal Family) for many generations. The castle is located on a military academy, and you can only visit it via a guided tour, which you can book on the website of the  local tourism office . 

Citypark Valkenburg

This city park is known for its many fountains and a perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon. 

This inner square in the middle of the city center is a unique place to visit. It is a peaceful and quiet place to walk around, away from the bustling city. This historic inner square was used as a shelter for homeless and poor people. 

Places to Stay in Breda

Breda has many places where you can stay. When you take a look at the listings on Booking.com, you’ll notice that many accommodations are highly ranked. Which confirms the fact that Breda is known for its Burgundian Lifestyle. Hospitality is one of the most important factors of this lifestyle. 

We recommend taking a look at  the different accommodations  and choose something you like. You can’t hardly go wrong while booking a place to stay in Breda. 

Day 9: Optional Activities – Own Interpretation

This is probably something you’re not used too when reading a travel itinerary. However, there are many things to explore while visiting The Netherlands, I felt it was essential to leave at least one day open for your own interpretation. 

You might want to stay longer in one of the cities we mentioned earlier, which you can do more relaxed when you don’t have a tight schedule. Or maybe you have a city in mind you absolutely want to visit while you’re in The Netherlands, and we didn’t mention before. It is all possible, either way, we selected this day for you, so you can choose the things you like to do in The Netherlands. 

Recommended cities to visit

Here are some cities you might find inspiring to visit. 

• Gouda: which is famous for its traditional cheese market and unique historical center
• Den Bosch: A unique Medieval center. In Den Bosch, you can also experience the truly Burgundian lifestyle
• Giethoorn: a small village in the northern part of The Netherlands, known as  Venice of the North.  The city consists entirely of canals, there are no roads inside the village! 
• Groningen, a vibrant student city, located in the North of The Netherlands. Groningen is known for its natural park Lauwerslake, which is the park with the most unique biodiversity in The Netherlands. 

In our article  Best Cities in The Netherlands ,  you can read much more information about 26 unique cities to visit. 

On the last day of this itinerary, before you leave the country and head back home, or maybe travel a different country in Europe, it is time to visit Utrecht. 

Utrecht is the fourth-largest city in The Netherlands and was once the economic heart of the country. During Roman times, Utrecht was an important settlement for the Romans to cross the rivers. You can still visit a Roman archaeological site under the Dom Tower in Utrecht. 

The most famous highlight of Utrecht, and maybe the most famous tower of The Netherlands, is the belltower  Dom Tower (Domtoren in Dutch).  The church tower was built in the 14th century, and since then, it is a significant landmark in the region. It is the only bell tower in The Netherlands where the unique church bells are still rung by hand. A heavy job, because some of the bells weigh 32000 kilograms! The bells are set in motion by the expert of the Bellringers Guild. They use a unique hanging technique on ropes, using their full body weight to get the bells in motion. 

It is possible to visit the belltower, but only via a guided tour. I highly recommend this tour, because you learn a lot of the Dutch history and the unique tower. The only downside is that the tower is not accessible for people with mobility issues. The stairs to the tower are very small, so they can’t build an elevator inside. 

Utrecht Canal Belt

The canal belt of Utrecht is not a large as the Amsterdam Canal Belt, but it also played an essential role in the development of the city. Before Amsterdam was a thriving city, Utrecht was the economic heart of The Netherlands, and that’s mainly because of the unique location of the city, and its canal belt. Almost the same story as in Amsterdam, only Utrecht was further away from the sea. Which is why Amsterdam had more of an advantage over time. 

It is unique to take a tour around the Utrecht canal belt and explore the city from the water. 

Read more about Utrecht in our article,  What Is Utrecht Famous For?

Places to Stay in Utrecht

There are many places you to stay in Utrecht, we selected three accommodations which got good customer reviews on Booking.com. 

• Hotel Beijers  
• Loft 188 Apartments   
• Bunk Hotel Utrecht   (Budget Option) 

Read More About The Netherlands

You probably want to learn more about The Netherlands before your trip starts. We wrote many articles about our home country you might find interesting, you can see the full list of articles following  this link . 

Some articles you might find interesting are; 

• Best Things to Do in The Hague
• What is Rotterdam Famous For?
• Typical Dutch Food Guide
• Weird Things About Dutch People
• Is The Netherlands Worth Visiting   (Recommend read for when you’re still deciding if you should go)

The Netherlands – European Hub

Traveling from The Netherlands to other countries in Europe is straightforward. You can easily catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Paris, which also stops in large cities in Belgium. Or catch a European flight to one of the many countries. A flight from Amsterdam to Greece takes only a few hours. And within 3 hours you can reach Lisbon, Portugal! There are many possibilities to choose from if you want to extend your flight. You might want to read our  booking recommendations , which can be helpful when booking your next trip. 

Some exciting countries to visit in Europe are: 

We spent almost 3 months traveling around Greece during 2019 and had a great time. The country is beautiful. Of course, you can visit the mainland and go to  Athens , which is a unique city to visit. Or you can go island hopping and visit one of the many islands in Greece. It is al possible! 

The weather in Greece is almost always sunny and warm. And the prices are low, especially when you visiting one of the lesser-known islands. When you visit some popular destinations, prices can be though. 

We wrote  several articles about Greece  with you might find interesting to read. An interesting article for when you want to go island hopping in Greece is our  10 Day Island Itinerary For Greece Islands . 

A road trip through Italy is like the romantic getaway everyone is dreaming of. When you’re traveling to The Netherlands, it is easy to make this dream come true. You can just hop on a flight and fly in a few hours to every major city in Italy. You can find all our articles about Italy on  the Italy category page . 

We also traveled through Italy last, and I love the country. Perfect Food, lovely people, beautiful cities, and almost always perfect weather. I especially love the Tuscany region, you might want to read our article  What is Tuscany Best Known For ,  where we describe the best highlights of the area. One of our favorite cities to visit in Italy is Rome, make sure to read our article  What is Rome Known For?

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