Netherlands travel guide

The ultimate travel guide to The Netherlands

From the moment you arrive in the Netherlands my home country, the landscape transforms into a patchwork of flat, green fields, crisscrossed by shimmering waterways and dotted with charming villages. This low-lying country has been shaped by centuries of living with and battling against the water, turning fertile soil into one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. Today, the Netherlands is a global powerhouse in farming and food innovation, with high-tech greenhouses and modern farms spread across the countryside.

If you’re lucky, you might spot one of the iconic windmills still in operation, quietly working as part of the nation’s intricate water management system. But beyond the famous tulip fields and canals lies a country full of surprises rich in history, bursting with culture, and endlessly rewarding to explore.

From windmills to great cities

The iconic windmills of the Netherlands are more than just the famous landmarks of Zaanse Schans and Kinderdijk though those are certainly must-sees. These timeless symbols of Dutch ingenuity are scattered across the country, from quaint villages like Schiedam, Leiden, and Haarlem to the serene countryside beyond. Hop on a bike and explore; you’re almost guaranteed to encounter one of these graceful giants along the way.

Beyond the countryside, there are several Dutch cities you simply can’t miss on your journey. The vibrant capital, Amsterdam, stands out with its breathtaking canal-ringed architecture those elegant herenhuizen from the Golden Age lining the waterways are a sight to behold. But this charm isn’t exclusive to Amsterdam. Cities like Utrecht, The Hague (Den Haag), Delft, Alkmaar, and ’s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch) share that same timeless allure, each with its own distinct character. And don’t overlook the more modern faces of the Netherlands Rotterdam with its cutting-edge architecture and dynamic port, or Eindhoven, the city of innovation and design.

While exploring these urban gems, make time for the country’s world-renowned museums. Step into the poignant story of the Anne Frank House, admire masterpieces in the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, or explore the refined collections of the Mauritshuis, the Louwman Museum, or the Escher in The Palace. Whether you’re drawn to art, history, or design, the Netherlands offers a deep and engaging cultural experience at every turn.

Take a look at our best things to do in The Netherlands page for more inspiration or more specific the best things to do in Amsterdam for when you visit the capital on a citytrip. Do let us know if you have found hidden gems!

Sightseeing around in The Netherlands

Some of the most unforgettable sights in the Netherlands lie outside the big cities. In spring, the Keukenhof bursts into an explosion of color, showcasing millions of tulips in full bloom an iconic Dutch spectacle. Equally enchanting are the postcard-perfect villages of Giethoorn and Weerribben, where canals replace streets, and charming towns like Volendam, Deventer, Sneek, Gouda, Urk, Naarden, and Scheveningen each offer their own slice of local culture and history.

For nature lovers, the Hoge Veluwe National Park and the Wadden Sea are must-visits National Parks, while the impressive Delta Works and Neeltje Jans showcase Dutch engineering at its finest. And for a touch of magic, head to the Efteling the country’s oldest and most beloved theme park, full of fairy tales and fantasy for both kids and adults.

Getting around is a breeze thanks to the Netherlands’ efficient and reliable public transportation system. Trains, trams, and buses connect nearly every corner of the country. Still, for the most authentic Dutch experience, consider traveling by car or better yet by bike. With around 37,000 kilometers of dedicated cycling paths crisscrossing the landscape, you’ll find it easy and enjoyable to explore the countryside, coastlines, and cities on two wheels. It’s the perfect way to combine adventure, culture, and a bit of exercise just like the locals do.

First time visiting The Netherlands?

Is this your first time visiting The Netherlands, then we have some straightforward travel tips for you to get around. We also have a dedicated page around travel tips for The Netherlands but below you find some useful traveltips for your first time visit.

• Tipping is not obligatory and only done when service or food is excellent. So, no need to tip an extra 10% as is expected in many countries, keep it at max 5%
• People may be busy with their own day, but starting a friendly conversation is a good way to ask for local recommendations.
• For a few journeys, contactless payment is often the simplest option. Compare a day pass with the cost of your planned trips before buying one; it is not always cheaper. See our public transport guide for tickets and check-in advice.
• Use Uber to get around in the bigger cities. Taxis are expensive in most cases so you will save a lot of money.
• We Dutch people like to eat around 18:00 so most restaurants will close their kitchens around 22:00. Be sure to order your meal before that.
• The best time to travel to The Netherlands would be from April until October. You will have the best weather and a chance to enjoy the tulip fields in spring. Read more about the best time to visit The Netherlands.
• Traveling with kids is no problem at all. All the facilities are there to support you and your kid along the way.
• Average restaurant meals cost you around 30-40 euro per person. You can go cheaper via takeaway or snack bars. More on daily travel budget here. Be sure to test some of our local Dutch food specialities.
• Almost everyone speaks English, so it’s easy to ask around for help. We also tend to speak basic German, French and many other languages. So, if your English isn’t that great try it slowly in your native tongue. We also offer some basic Dutch language sentences to get you kickstarted.
• In the Netherlands, a coffeeshop is associated with cannabis rather than a regular cup of coffee. For coffee, look for a café or koffiebar.
• Biking in the most cities is by far the best way to get around. The country is covered with biking lanes and so are the cities. So easily hop sightseeing spots on your bike. Be careful on the bike lanes, they can be very busy with cyclist.
• We Dutch are very direct. Sorry for this.

This is just a shortlist for first time travelling tips. We have a more extensive guide on how to plan a trip in The Netherlands prepared for you.

Some fun facts about The Netherlands

While visiting a country, it’s always fun to know some facts about it. The Netherlands is a unique place with a very rich history. Underneath we listed some fun facts about Holland.

• The country is called the Netherlands. The name Holland refers to two of its provinces: Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland. Those provinces include several major cities in the Randstad, but they do not cover the whole country. Holland is often used informally for the Netherlands, especially abroad.
• The Netherlands is densely populated, especially in the Randstad. Outside the major cities, you will also find farmland, dunes and smaller towns.
• The Netherlands is geographically one of the lowest countries in Europe. Most of the big cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Leiden, Waddinxveen and Zoetermeer are below sea level. Actually, around 60% of the people are living 5m below sea level.
• The first stock market in the world originated in Amsterdam. It was created by the VOC also called Dutch East India Company in 1602 and is located in Amsterdam.
• An average Dutch person cycles around 1000km a year. To work, to fun, to everywhere! Our bikes are sacred.
• Did you know that there are more bikes in The Netherlands then citizens? It is estimated by the unions BOVAG and RAI that there are around 22.8 million bikes in the country and only around 18 million inhabitants.
• Dutch is the official language of The Netherlands. But around 93%+ of the Dutch also speaks English. We do like it when you try to speak Dutch to us.
• People from The Netherlands are among the tallest people in the world. Women average around 175,62 cm and men around 182,53 cm. We are tall!
• We don’t all walk on wooden clogs. This is a hoax. However, we did walk on them back in the days when water management wasn’t that great as now.
• Cannabis sales in coffee shops are tolerated under strict conditions, including a maximum of 5 grams per transaction. This does not mean that cannabis is unrestricted or that every visitor can buy it. Municipalities can impose additional rules, and enforcement of the residency requirement differs by municipality.
• You can find out more facts about The Netherlands on our facts and myths page. Be sure to check it out if you want a good laugh!

Check out our 100+ facts about The Netherlands.

Don’t forget about this

Traveling through the Netherlands has never been easier, thanks to our curated guides. At ExploringHolland.com, you’ll find practical travel tips, insider recommendations, and detailed information on cities, villages, and must-see sights across the country. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for a deeper dive, we’re here to help you make the most of your journey.

Got a question? Don’t hesitate to get in touch. As proud locals, we’ll do our best to guide you with genuine Dutch know-how and enthusiasm. Tot ziens en veel plezier in Nederland!