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The Netherlands Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

When most people think of traveling in the Netherlands, they think of Amsterdam , with its semi-sleazy Red Light District, charming canals, historic windmills, and laid-back “coffee” shops where you can smoke pot.

But there is much more to the country than its largest city.

The Netherlands is a country filled with centuries-old brick homes, an interconnected system of canals (you can travel most of the country via the water), expansive farmland, and even some really nice beaches. It’s one of my favorite countries in the world. The people are wonderful, there are tons of small towns to explore, and its small size means it’s easy to visit in a short time.

Most travelers come here just to see Amsterdam for a few days before moving on.

Don’t do that.

Spend time exploring outside of Amsterdam and you can discover the country that keeps me coming back every year.

Whether you are backpacking or just traveling on a budget, this Netherlands travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you make the most out of your time here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on the Netherlands

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in the netherlands.

1. Visit Amsterdam

The capital and center of tourism in the country, Amsterdam is as beautiful as it is crazy. There are famous canals, beautiful and historic houses, tons of parks, a foodie scene, art, coffee shops, and, of course, the infamous Red Light District and its wild nightlife. It’s perfect for exploring by bike and it’s every museum lover’s dream, with exhibitions on everything from Anne Frank to van Gough. Take a free walking tour to really get a feel for the city.

2. Explore Rotterdam

Rotterdam is one of the busiest shipping ports in the world. It may not get the attention Amsterdam does, but this city is a great place to visit if you want good parks and modern architecture (most of the old buildings were bombed in World War II) — including some futuristic cube houses. The port has an interesting harbor to explore (you can learn more about it in the attached Futureworld) and a few decent museums. It’s an often-overlooked city that’s worth a few days of exploring.

3. Take a canal tour

Whether in Amsterdam or in another city, make sure you take a canal tour to see the canals that made the country famous. The canals are such an integral part of life that you can’t really understand the country until you spend time boating on the canals. You can take a tour with a large company (there are tons of different canal tours on offer including a pizza cruise, cruises with wine and cheese, and booze cruises with unlimited drinks) but if you can, I suggest you rent your own boat which is much more affordable (prices start at 50 EUR) and gives you a more intimate experience.

4. Tour Leiden

Head to this small town and see where the Pilgrims lived before they left for America. It’s a historic city and filled with beautiful 17th-century buildings and landscaped parks. There are over a dozen museums in this small city, including the Museum of Antiquities and the National Museum of Ethnology. It also boasts in one of the Netherlands’ largest flower-growing areas. Go in May to catch the best of the tulip season.

5. Wander The Hague

Other things to see and do in the netherlands, 1. day trip to historic haarlem.

Haarlem, located just outside Amsterdam, was a cultural and economic hub during the Dutch Golden Age (1588-1672). Wander the city and take in the historic homes of the merchant class who brought the city to prominence. There’s not a ton to do here but the town center has a good market, a towering Gothic church, and it’s a low-key alternative to the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. It makes a nice escape for an afternoon.

2. Celebrate King’s Day (Koningsdag)

Every year on April 27th (April 26th if the 27th is a Sunday), the Dutch celebrate the birthday of their King, Willem-Alexander for Koningsdag . For 33 years, they celebrated Queen Beatrix on April 30th as part of Queen’s Day, however, in 2013 she passed the throne to her son so the holiday changed dates, and Queen’s Day became King’s Day. It’s a national holiday filled with outdoor concerts, lots of orange (the national color), plenty of drinking, and insane celebrations on the canals. It is one of the wildest national holidays I’ve ever celebrated.

3. Visit Edam

Edam is a popular cheese from the Netherlands. It’s also a town just 21 kilometers (13 miles) north of Amsterdam. Edam is a picture-perfect Dutch town with iconic windmills, rolling farmland, and quaint houses. It’s one of the most quintessential Dutch towns. You can explore the 18th-century cheese warehouses, go on a boat tour, or just come here to eat cheese and be as Dutch as possible!

4. Head to the Keukenhof

The Keukenhof is the largest flower garden in the world, boasting 79 acres of spectacular floral displays. Located between Amsterdam and The Hague, the garden is open between March and May of each year when the tulips are in season. More than 7 million bulbs are planted annually and the garden has around 800 different types of tulips. When you picture Holland, you picture flowers and there is no better place to see them than here! Admission is 19 EUR.

5. Bike through Hoge Veluwe National Park

Hoge Veluwe National Park is the largest national reserve in the Netherlands. Covering some 55 square kilometers (21 square miles), the park is composed of sand dunes and woodlands and is home to deer, wild sheep, foxes, badgers, boars, and more. You can rent bicycles to explore for 5 EUR. Don’t miss the Kröller-Müller Museum while you’re here. It has works by artists like van Gogh, Picasso, Rodin, and other masters. Admission to the park is 12.30 EUR.

6. Relax in Maastricht

One of the southernmost towns in the Netherlands, this city is famous for having the country’s only “mountain.” At 322 meters high (1,056 feet), Vaalserberg is really more of a hill and doesn’t take long to climb. But this often-overlooked city is a great place to experience Dutch life away from the hordes of tourists who frequent Amsterdam.

7. Go cycling

As one of the most popular activities throughout the country, you would almost feel out of place not on a bike. The Netherlands is covered by over 20,000 kilometers (12,400 miles) of paths dedicated to two-wheeled transportation. Hoge Veluwe National Park is a particularly beautiful place to ride, but the entire landscape of the country is quite scenic as well. Other popular places to cycle are the Dunes of Texel National Park, Kinderdijk (to see the windmills), and Lauwersmeer National Park. Bike rentals cost around 10-12 EUR per day.

8. Tour Delft

This is a fascinating little town, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. The town is known for its blue pottery (Delftware), but has a handful of other worthwhile sights to see too, including a Gothic church in the old town with a leaning tower (the foundation developed problems during construction); the Oostpoort, a city gate from 1400 that remains from the original city wall; and the stout City Hall building, part of which dates to the 17th century. The town lies just 20 minutes from The Hague and Rotterdam so you can visit as a day trip from either.

9. Admire van Gogh’s work

Open since 1973, this museum in Amsterdam is host to over 500 original works by Vincent van Gogh, in addition to works by some of his contemporaries and friends. The exhibits chronicle his life, showing the progress and development of his work, alongside Gaugain, Monet, and Toulouse-Lautrec. Van Gogh didn’t earn fame in his lifetime and was actually constantly struggling with poverty, making his accomplishments all the more impressive and inspiring. Admission is 20 EUR. Note: Pre-book tickets online to avoid massive queues when you arrive.

10. Visit “Venice of the North”

Slow-paced Giethoorn, located east of Amsterdam, is a charming place with lots of picturesque canals. With no cars allowed in the city center, this peaceful town is a good change of pace from the busyness of the Netherlands’ larger cities. Rent a small boat and spend the day floating by charming cottages and enjoying the slower pace of life.

11. Learn about the Netherlands’ past

Opened in 1912, the Netherlands Open Air Museum is a sprawling 100-acre space that highlights what life was like in historic Netherlands. You can see traditional cabins and houses, learn about trades and crafts, and discover more about the country’s history from the Middle Ages to the present. The museum is located in Arnhem and is a great place to visit with kids. Admission is 19.50 EUR.

12. Have fun at an amusement park

Efteling, in Kaatsheuvel, is one of the oldest theme parks in the world (it opened in 1952) and is the Netherlands’ biggest amusement park. It has all the usual theme park attractions like rollercoasters, games, and performances and is open year-round (each season has different features like fairy lights and bonfires in the winter, and tulips and Dutch terraces in the spring). Admission costs 38 EUR (prices vary by day and season). You need a reservation as well as a ticket.

  For more information on cities in the country, check out these guides:

• Amsterdam Travel Guide
• The Hague Travel Guide
• Rotterdam Travel Guide
• Utrecht Travel Guide

The Netherlands Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels typically cost between 15-35 EUR per night for a bed in a dorm with 6-8 beds. The most popular hostels in Amsterdam can be closer to 50 EUR in the summer so avoid visiting in peak season if you’re on a budget (and book early if you do). Private rooms in hostels cost at least 65 EUR per night for a room that sleeps two (closer to 115 EUR in Amsterdam). Free Wi-Fi is standard, and many hostels also have self-catering facilities. In some cities, the hostels close in winter.

Camping is available around the country, with campgrounds costing around 10-15 EUR per night for a basic plot without electricity.

Budget hotels with basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, TV, and AC cost around 55-85 EUR per night. Expect to pay 10-20 EUR more in Amsterdam and The Hague.

Airbnb is also an option, with private rooms averaging around 50 EUR per night (it’s more like 80 EUR in Amsterdam) and entire homes (including studio apartments) averaging around 100 EUR per night (but again, much higher in Amsterdam). Book early or prices can double.

Food – The Netherlands isn’t famous for its food, but there’s still good stuff to be had. Dutch cuisine typically involves lots of vegetables, bread, and cheeses (gouda originated here). Meat, while historically not as prominent, is a staple of dinner meals. Breakfast and lunch usually involve open-faced sandwiches, often with cheeses and cold cuts. Dinners are very much a “meat and potatoes” meal, with meat stews and smoked sausage being two popular choices. For those with a sweet tooth, the stroopwafel (a waffle cookie with a syrup filling) is the go-to choice, though apple tarts/pies are also local favorites.

Other things to try include poffertjes (fluffy mini-pancakes served with powdered sugar), gouda and edam cheeses, and patat (thick-cut fries with toppings).

Cheap meals at fast food joints or places like Maoz or Walk to Wok cost around 10-15 EUR. Casual restaurant meals average around 15-20 EUR for a main dish while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 30-35 EUR.

Chinese food costs between 10-15 EUR while a large pizza costs around the same. Beer costs 5 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is 3 EUR. Bottled water is around 2 EUR.

If you cook your meals, expect to pay around 40-65 EUR per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, seasonal vegetables, rice, and some meat.

Backpacking the Netherlands Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking the Netherlands, expect to spend around 65 EUR per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, cooking most of your meals, using local transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like walking tours and lounging in the parks.

On a mid-range budget of about 160 EUR, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, enjoy some fast food and other cheap eats, have a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around or rent a bike, and do more paid activities like guided tours and museum visits.

On a “luxury” budget of 280 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car to explore, and do as many paid tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

The Netherlands Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While not the most expensive country in Europe, the Netherlands isn’t super cheap either. Here are some ways to help save money in the Netherlands so you don’t blow your budget:

• Limit your partying – Many people go to Amsterdam to party — and to smoke pot. While the city is cracking down on this, it’s still an unnecessary expense that can add up quickly. Limit your smoking (and limit your expenses in the coffee shops; you don’t need to buy something in every shop).
• Get the Museumkaart (Museum Card) – Good for one month for non-residents, this card gets you into several museums for only 64.90 EUR. You get access to 400 museums throughout the Netherlands and it’s good for repeat visits as well! If you’re visiting multiple cities in the country, this is a must! Compare the price to the museums you want to visit to see if it’s worth it for you.
• Bike everywhere – Biking is the cheapest form of transportation. You can rent a bike for only a few euros a day. While most Dutch cities are easily walkable, cycling is what the locals do. It’s the most bike-friendly country in the world so don’t pass up the chance to explore on two wheels. Prices average around 10-15 EUR per day but can be as low as 5 EUR.
• Attend a free festival – During the summer, everyone goes outside. Check local tourism boards for a list of free concerts, festivals, shows, and markets. Once the weather gets warm, the social calendar fills up!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a service that lets travelers stay with locals for free. It’s a fun cultural exchange platform that not only saves you money but connects you with a local who can share their insider tips. Since a lot of travelers use this service, make your requests for hosts early (especially in Amsterdam).
• Cook your own food – Dutch food isn’t going to win any culinary awards (sorry, my Dutch friends) so skip the restaurants and cook your own food. It saves you a ton!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in the Netherlands

Here are some of my favorite places to stay in the Netherlands:

• St. Christopher’s (Amsterdam)
• Hostel Room (Rotterdam)
• Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel (Rotterdam)
• Pink Flamingo Hostel (The Hague)
• Kingkool (The Hague)
• Stayokay Utrecht Centrum (Utrecht)
• Hostel Strowis (Utrecht)

How to Get Around the Netherlands

Public transportation – It’s easy to use public transportation to get around the Netherlands’ cities. One-way fares in major cities start at 4 EUR. All public transportation uses an OV-chipkaart, which you can load with money. You can also get a day travel pass (starting cost is 7-9.50 EUR).

Bus – Buses are an affordable way to get around the Netherlands, but they aren’t as fast or efficient as the train. Flixbus is the cheapest bus operator. A trip from Amsterdam to Rotterdam costs as little as 3 EUR and takes just over 1 hour, while Amsterdam to The Hague can be done for the same cost and takes 40-50 minutes.

Train – The Netherlands is so small that all major tourist destinations in the country are within a 2.5-hour train journey from Amsterdam. The national rail system is Nederlandse Spoorwegen and their service is clean and efficient. Train travel in the Netherlands is a thing of beauty!

You can use the official rail site to look up itineraries and ticket prices. Intercity train tickets around Holland are cheap and cost between 10-20 EUR, though for super short distances, they can be as little as 5 EUR. Amsterdam to Rotterdam is 11 EUR and takes 40 minutes while Amsterdam to The Hague is also 11 EUR and takes 50 minutes.

The national rail service also has special tour programs for travelers. This gives you unlimited travel throughout a period of consecutive days (such as 3-8 days of unlimited travel in a 30-day period). There’s also the Benelux Pass, which gives you access to public transportation like trams and buses for a certain number of days. Prices begin around 109 EUR and go up to 206 EUR depending on how many days you want (maximum is 8 days in a month).

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

Ridesharing – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by paying a small fee. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train and is perfect for medium and long-distance trips.

Bike rental – The Netherlands is one of the best cycling countries in the world and bike rentals here are cheap. You can rent bikes starting for around 10-15 EUR per day (sometimes as little as 5 EUR).

Car Rental – Car rentals can be as low as 25 EUR per day, but the bus and train systems in the Netherlands are so excellent and affordable that you really don’t even need to bother. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to the Netherlands

The Netherlands receives the most tourist traffic from mid-April to mid-October, but the real peak season is July and August. However, the weather is never very extreme, and visiting during the off-season or shoulder season is also worth your time. Prices are also a lot more affordable during the off-season, and if you come between mid-April and mid-May you can see the incredible tulip fields in bloom. Just bring a rain jacket.

The average daily summer temperature is around 19°C (67°F), but it can get a lot hotter than that during July and August. The average daily temperature in the winter is 2°C (35°F). Still, coming here during the Christmas season is always a good time as the cities light up with markets and festivities.

Since the Netherlands is located below sea level, you can expect to encounter a few days of fog or rain no matter when you visit. The winters can be damp as well. Be sure to pack a warm layer or two and a waterproof jacket if you’re visiting in the shoulder season or the winter.

How to Stay Safe in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel – even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent attacks are rare, as is petty theft.

There are a few common scams around, however, such as people trying to sell you used public transit tickets or stolen bikes. Avoid interacting with them and you’ll be fine.

If you’re worried about other travel scams, you can read about the most common travel scams to avoid right here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

The Netherlands Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

The Netherlands Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling the Netherlands and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hotels in Amsterdam

The Best Walking Tours in Amsterdam

Where to Stay in Amsterdam: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 34 Best Things to See and Do in Amsterdam

The 9 Best Hostels in Amsterdam

My Suggested 3-5 Day Itinerary for Visiting Amsterdam

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

• No disruptions
• 3 engineering works

Journey planner

Use the journey planner to plan your trip within the Netherlands. Enter your departure station and your destination, and the journey planner finds the best way to make your train journey.

The journey planner works for all train operators in the Netherlands and uses the same data as the NS journey planner. Current delays and cancelled trains are calculated into the travel advice.

NS Travel Planner 4+

#1 ov app of the netherlands, ns reizigers b.v..

• 4.8 • 3.9K Ratings

Screenshots

Description.

Arrange your entire door-to-door journey with NS. Wherever you’re going today, it starts in the NS app. How will you continue your journey? About the NS app The free NS app is your ideal travelling companion. It lets you plan your entire journey to any address in the Netherlands and keep up to date with the latest travel information and any disruptions as you go. You can also easily check where you can hire a public transport bicycle or shared car in your area, or quickly find the nearest P+R if you are travelling partly by car. See how crowded it is on the train and have your tickets quickly on hand. Everything to help you get going by whatever transport suits you best today. Why traveling with the NS app + Best app in the Public Transport category + over 2 million users + Quick, safe and easy payment + The “Nearby me” feature lets you see exactly which forms of transport are available in the neighbourhood, from train, bus, tram and metro to public transport bicycles and shared cars. All in a single overview. So it’s the easy way to plan your entire door-to-door journey. + Arrange it all easily in Mijn NS. You can check your balance, access your journey information, simply change your travel class and view and change your season tickets. Feedback Every journey starts with the NS app. That’s why we’re always improving the app with new functions that will help you with your journey even more. If you have any questions, tips or other feedback, let us know in the app. That will let us make the app experience even better!

Version 7.75.0

Every journey starts in the NS app. That is why we keep improving the app with larger and smaller changes that help you on your way even more. If you have any questions or suggestions, let us know in the app. Enjoy your trip!

Ratings and Reviews

3.9K Ratings

Good app, but adjust walking distances please

I use the day a few times a week and generally it's the best way to plan public transport. I would live to see a possibility to adjust the amount I'm willing to walk to reach the train station. My office is just in-between two train stations, and one is a 14-minute walk, the other a 16-minute walk. The app only ever shows me trains from/to the first station. Alternatively allow choosing two train stations as possible start/end point. Thank you!

Don’t waste your time.

Login fails repeatedly. Not only for myself, but my son who also attempted to use the app. We thought creating a personal account on the website might help, but the website constantly failed with “cannot verify the address” messaging. The app may just be a front end for the NS website. Either way, don’t bother wasting your time. Update: the developer responded with an irrelevant answer, which I won’t bother refuting. The basic problem still exists; trying to login after creating an account ends with an error stating “try again later”. This error is posted many times throughout the reviews and not once is it answered (I waded through seeking an answer before submitting a negative review). Sorry, app is useless.

Developer Response ,

Hello ziptwang. Thank you for your feedback. The question I want to ask you in return is why you need an account? Having an account is advisable if you have an NS subscription. You can only get a subscription with an address in The Netherlands. For planning trips and buying e-tickets for example, you don't need an account. If after reading this information you still want an account, I advise you to contact NS customer service at https://www.ns.nl/en/customer-service/contact.

I can’t login

Hi, I don’t want to give the app a bad review because everything is just working and its good:) but sadly every time i try to login it says it “doesn’t work and that i need to try later” but i’m trying now for like 4 days and i know for 100% sure my password is correct and its quit annoying I hope you guys know what to do because I have exams in 2 weeks😕 but guys have a great day💕

App Privacy

The developer, NS Reizigers B.V. , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Identifiers

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• User Content
• Search History
• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

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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.

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Netherlands

Visit the land of windmills and tulip fields, home to charming villages and incredible cities full of history and culture.

The Netherlands, offbeat and open-minded, is the land of wooden shoes and tulip fields, vibrant cities and charming villages, culture and history, bicycles and beautiful nature – and iconic windmills which dot its countryside. As its cities have served as international trading hubs for several centuries, it is a multi-national melting pot - a country where everyone is welcome and feels at home. The Netherlands comes alive in the spring with the blooming of its endless fields of flowers, the reopening of the traditional cheese markets, and the cycling tours that abound.

Amsterdam's rich history, captivating cultural heritage, picturesque canals, and vibrant atmosphere make it a popular and unforgettable tourist destination!

Netherlands' third-largest metropolis is also the country's seat of government, featuring fine architecture and rich culture.

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Amsterdam , a unique city and the capital of the Netherlands, is home to a 17th century system of canals, historic buildings, beautiful museums, and a pleasant ambiance in which its residents generally walk or bike from place to place. Go native! Rent a bike to pedal your way around the city and enjoy all of the sites.

In the historic center, dating back to when Amsterdam was a vast trading networking, you’ll see the gabled residences constructed by wealthy merchants along the canals. Enjoy the canals by day or night via one of the many cruises available or by strolling along the banks, past the canal houseboats and centuries-old houses. Wander through Vondelpark , Amsterdam’s largest park, which is a thriving hub of activity in any season. Visit Dam Square , Amsterdam’s beating heart, where you can admire the National Monument, Royal Palace , and New Church – and enjoy a host of street artist performances.

Museum Square, a cultural focal point in Amsterdam, is a must for culture lovers. The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the works of Vincent Van Gogh and his contemporaries, and the Rijksmuseum , the main national museum in the Netherlands, houses other famous works from the Dutch Golden Age, including Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid.

Visit the Anne Frank house where you’ll learn about the writer’s life growing up and her experiences under the Nazis.

At the Heineken Experience , you can tour the brewery and discover what’s behind one of the world’s favorite beers. Amsterdam’s Icebar is among its coolest venues - wrapped warmly in the jackets provided, you’ll drink from glasses made of ice in a bar sculpted from 35 tons of natural ice and kept at -10 degrees Celsius.

A half hour outside Amsterdam you’ll find Keukenhof, the largest flower park in the world which features the flowers that the Netherlands is most famous for. In the spring, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the spectacle and perfume of more than 7 million flowers, mainly tulips, in bloom. In the summer, the garden of the Keukenhof Castle is filled with different types of flowering dahlias which provide an overwhelming display of color.

Another not-to-be-missed day trip from Amsterdam is to the lovely Dutch countryside with stops in Zaanse Schans, the picturesque windmill village where you can visit a working windmill, and in Volendam , the charming, centuries-old fishing village with a historic harbor, colorful wooden houses, and working cheese factories. Speaking of cheese, Edam – the city made famous by the quintessentially Dutch cheese of that name – is another fascinating destination along this route. The trip wouldn’t be complete without a short boat ride to the island of Marken for a visit with a local traditional clog maker.

The Hague , the City of Peace and Justice and the political heart of the country, boasts many monuments, chic hotels, art museums, high-end shopping, and beautiful beaches. The Peace Palace , the result of collective cooperation of countries around the world, is a must-see with its impressive architecture, interior design, and gardens. The Mauritshuis Museum , located in the city center, houses Vermeer’s Girl with the Pearl Earring.

Need guidance? In the Netherlands, where postcards come to life, you’ll find attractive, exciting vacation spots to suit any travel style, and RoutePerfect is your address for planning, organizing, and booking your personalized dream vacation. Unlike any other company, RoutePerfect offers its exclusive popular itineraries written by tourism professionals and experienced travelers to jumpstart your planning, helping you to customize your travel and book your accommodations so that you can experience the country YOUR way.

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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, cycling in the netherlands – everything you need..., 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.

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Holland Explorer

Amsterdam & tulips travel guide, travelling by train in the netherlands: complete guide (2024).

How to buy a Dutch train ticket? Is it easy to travel in the Netherlands by train? Are Dutch trains expensive? How to get a discount if you’re travelling by train with a group? Here is everything you need to know about train tickets in the Netherlands in 2024.

The Netherlands have a modern and extensive railway network, which includes around 400 stations. Intercity (faster) trains run between the larger cities, and Sprinter (slower) trains connect smaller stations. It’s easy to explore the Netherlands by train!

How to plan your train journey in the Netherlands?

Visit the official Dutch national rail company (Nederlandse Spoorwegen) website NS.nl for up-to-date information on train schedule, possible routes and fares. For international trains consult NSInternational.com .

If you have a complex route with several transfers, it can be a good idea to save your travel information, including the stations where you need to change the train.

• Download Glimble for iOS >>
• Download Glimble for Android >>
• How to travel from Schiphol airport to Amsterdam center

Train tickets prices in the Netherlands

The price of your journey depends on the travel distance. Visit NS.nl website for current fares on your route.

If you take a high-speed Intercity Direct train between Amsterdam and Rotterdam, you will need to purchase an Intercity direct supplement . The supplement for a one-way journey costs € 2,90 in 2024.

• Read more: Travelling from the Netherlands to Paris, Brussels, Berlin >>

How to buy a Dutch train ticket?

The easiest way is to buy your train ticket online at NS.nl . This e-ticket is € 1 cheaper than a ticket from a ticket machine. The ticket can be used any time at the selected date.

Alternatively you can get them from the vending machines at the stations or at the ticket desks. When you buy a disposable (single-time use) train ticket , you will be charged € 1 over the standard travel fare for the ticket itself.

If you are planning to travel around the Netherlands, we recommend to consider buying an OV-chipcard , which is valid in all means of public transport in the country. An empty smart card costs € 7,50 (but it will help you avoid paying € 1 every time you purchase a disposable ticket) and is valid for 4 – 5 years.

To travel with an OV-card you need to have a sufficient credit (€ 20 for travelling by train and € 4 for travelling by bus, tram, and metro).

OV-chipcards can be purchased at service desks or OV-chip marked machines at the train stations, at Tickets & Info offices or vending machines.

Group tickets in Dutch trains

If you are travelling with a group of 2 to 7 people during off-peak hours ( i.e. weekdays before 06:30, between 09:00 and 16:00, and after 18:30. At weekends and all day on public holidays), you can buy group train tickets:

• 2 persons €34 (€ 17,00 per person)
• 3 persons € 34 (€ 11,33 per person)
• 4 persons € 38 (€ 9,50 per person)
• 5 persons € 42 (€ 8,40 per person)
• 6 persons € 46 (€ 7,67 per person)
• 7 persons € 50 (€ 7,15 per person)

Check the details at NS.nl and order ticket online >>

Travelling by train with children

If you are travelling with children age 4 – 11, you can buy a special kids train ticket – Railrunner . It costs € 2,50 and is valid all day in all domestic trains.

Children up to the age 3 travel for free if not occupying a seat.

How long is a train ticket valid?

A single or return train ticket in the Netherlands is valid on the date indicated on the ticket. It means that you can take any local train on the chosen date and route. But you can use the ticket only once.

Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket

Tip! If you are planning to stay in the Amsterdam area, Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket can be a good option for you.

Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket (ARTT) is valid for 1-3 days of unlimited travel by train, bus, tram and metro in Amsterdam and surrounding areas (including Volendam, Edam, Marken, Zaanse Schans , Haarlem , Zandvoort and Keukenhof .

Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket map in 2024. You can find a full-size image at Iamsterdam.com official website. Learn more about ARTT >>

Prices in 2024:

• 1 day – € 21,00
• 2 days – € 31,50
• 3 days – € 40,50

The ticket is valid from the first time you check in until 04:00 hours after the last valid day.

Order Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket online >>

• Learn more about Amsterdam & Region Travel Ticket >>

Check-in and check-out

No matter which type of ticket you are using (except for the e-tickets) at the start and the end of your trip you have to check-in and check-out. Simply scan your ticket or OV-card at the special card readers. You can find them at station halls, metro gates and near the entrance doors in trams and buses.

If you are travelling with an e-ticket, you generally don’t need to check-in and out. The ticket has your name, travel route and the date when it’s valid, and that’s enough. However many train stations in the Netherlands are equipped with gates, and you need to open them to access the station.

With your e-ticket you can open the gate by scanning the ticket barcode at one of the gates equipped with a barcode reader (in has a “Scan ticket” symbol on its display).

Travelling 1st and 2nd class in the Netherlands

In most trains in the Netherlands you can choose between travelling 1st and 2nd class, which differ in price and comfort of seating. The first class compartments have larger seats and more space between them, especially in the Intercity trains.

The first and second class seating is indicated by the class number on the board of the train.

Fine for travelling without a ticket in the Dutch trains

The fine for travelling without a valid ticket on public transport in the Netherlands is € 50 + the cost of a train ticket. This fine is the same for all forms of public transport: train, bus, tram, metro. The administration fee is € 15.

Do the trains run on New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands?

From 23 December 2023 to 7 January 2024 the trains in the Netherlands operate a holiday timetable. During the Christmas holidays , fewer people travel by train. Therefore there will be more or less the same timetable during the week as during the weekend.

On New Year’s Eve (31 December 2023) there will also be no trains after 20:00 . Train service will resume on New Year’s Day around 10:00 .

On the Rotterdam- Schiphol-Amsterdam -Utrecht night network, a train will run every hour from 01:00 on New Year’s Day. And from 5:00 every half an hour. In 2024 also Haarlem will have a night train connection with Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Check the train departures times and plan your trip in advance!

More about travelling by train in the Netherlands:

Travelling by international trains in the netherlands.

Travelling by tram, metro, bus in Amsterdam

Travelling from Schiphol airport to Amsterdam

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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 .

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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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Visiting The Dutch Countryside

Travelblog about The Netherlands | Exploring The Netherlands beyond the crowds

Custom The Netherlands & Holland Travel Itinerary Planning

Planning a trip to The Netherlands can get a little tricky if you  don’t know  what to look for, and it can quickly get overwhelming even when the country isn’t that big. There’s simply a lot to do and see in The Netherlands. But don’t worry, because I’m here to help! I’m also here to help if you’re  already planning  your The Netherlands itinerary and you’re still a little overwhelmed. 

Why you should use me as your travel planner for The Netherlands

As a born and raised Dutch local, I am your personal travel expert for The Netherlands (and yes, also the Holland region). I have travelled to the most beautiful places in The Netherlands throughout the years, and I can’t wait for you to explore The Netherlands in the best possible way.

I’m born and raised in the Dutch countryside in the North of The Netherlands. The Netherlands and its countryside are perfect for travelling and exploring, plus generally easy to reach by public transportation. Nature reserves are even easy to reach, and cities are absolute peanuts. 

I will happily create a tailor-made travel itinerary for The Netherlands that fits your most beautiful dreams. Whether you’re devoted to finding the best art museums and galleries on your The Netherlands trip or to exploring the most beautiful nature reserves in The Netherlands on your The Netherlands adventure. If you’re a city person, then let me give you the best city tips for you. And if you’re a slow, or fast-paced traveller, then I will precisely know what suits you best. 

Each The Netherlands itinerary I create is uniquely planned and caters to your needs. Think of budget, travel style, interests and more. 

I won’t book anything  in these The Netherlands itineraries for you; you must do that. But, I will give you links and information for the places to make booking completely hassle-free. So, I will create your The Netherlands trip package, but you’d have to book everything yourself.

Why am I offering customized The Netherlands & Holland itinerary planning?

The reason why I’m offering my help to create a The Netherlands travel itinerary is simple. While I’m always happy to answer easy and small questions about The Netherlands on my social media channels and in the comments section of my website, I do not have more than 24 hours in a day. 

This means that most of my time is spent on creating amazing and free articles on my The Netherlands website (if I may say so myself, although I might be a little biased). This way you can plan a trip to The Netherlands yourself, but if you’d need extra help when planning a trip to The Netherlands, then this is something I charge for.

So, I will happily create a tailor-made travel itinerary for The Netherlands for you. Plus, I’m able to give you lots of The Netherlands travel tips, for instance for a The Netherlands (cycle) route planner, Dutch weather, local culture and so much more.

The Netherlands Itinerary Help

Who:  If you have already planned most of your The Netherlands itinerary, but need me to fill in some parts, want some extra tips and feedback. For instance, if you’re planning a 10-day trip to The Netherlands and you’ve only planned two days, you’d need to plan more, or I would recommend you to use the next plan that I offer.

What:  I will look through your The Netherlands planning and will give you recommendations on places to add or leave out, based on your interests. I will be able to provide feedback on whether your plan is doable, plus tips on restaurants, what to pack and more. 

Price: 20 euros per day of your The Netherlands trip itinerary. So, if you have planned most of your ten-day The Netherlands trip, then me making your route & itinerary perfect and giving you tips and tricks will be costing 200 euros. 

Interested? Send an email! 

info[@]visitingthedutchcountryside.com with ‘The Netherlands Itinerary Help’ as the subject. Don’t forget to introduce yourself, state your budget, send your current The Netherlands planning, travel dates, interests and any ideas you might’ve had.

This fee must be paid upfront. 

The Netherlands Itinerary Planning

Who:  If you don’t know what places you want to visit in The Netherlands, then this is for you. Your personalised The Netherlands itinerary will be perfect for you.

What:  An exactly planned The Netherlands itinerary which caters to your wishes. It includes tips on where to stay, which tours to do, museums to visit, where to eat, etc. It’s completely tailored to your interests. Plus, you will be able to get tips on what to pack, the weather and more.

Price:  80 euros per day. For instance, if you want your favourite The Netherlands travel planner (it’s me, in case you were wondering) to create a 7-day itinerary, this is 560 euros. 

Interested? Send an email! 

info[@]visitingthedutchcountryside.com with ‘The Netherlands Itinerary Planning’ as the subject of the mail. Don’t forget to introduce yourself, state your budget, travel dates, interests and any ideas you might’ve had. 

Half of the fee must be paid upfront. The other half needs to be paid before your perfect itinerary, with things to see in The Netherlands, is send your way. Without payment, you won’t get your plan.

Some quick information about The Netherlands travel planning consultations

– You won’t receive your The Netherlands planning, or feedback when you haven’t made any payment yet. 

– I can only make a certain number of itineraries each month. So, first come is first served. They tend to fill up rather quickly.

– I am not a travel agent. I will send you exact tips and a complete itinerary, but you have to make the bookings yourself. ‘What bookings?’ Think of accommodation, rental bikes and tours. Don’t worry; I will send you the links to those specific places, so you can do it exactly as we planned. But, it is your responsibility to reserve and book these places on time. 

– I would recommend you to send me an email way in advance, if you can. The later you send me an email, the more good tours and accommodation will be booked, and you will be missing out on those, which is not what you want. Of course, I can still do a bit of magic, but the absolute dream spots will probably be sold out. So, do you want your dream holiday in The Netherlands? Then be on time so that I can provide this for you.

– If you need a visa for The Netherlands, then this is your job to apply for one. When you get accepted for your visa, then you can send me an email. I know that permits are a pain in the ass sometimes and often pretty short notice, but don’t worry, I will still search the best possible activities in The Netherlands for you. Just let me know that the reason for your late email is the visa and then I will squeeze it in wherever I can. 

– I am also not responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may affect your ultimate enjoyment of the trip. 

In conclusion about The Netherlands & Holland travel consultation

Getting a perfect The Netherlands itinerary planning will be done quickly by me. Whether you want a luxury The Netherlands travel itinerary, are on a budget or simply want to get some more trip-planning information. I will help you with almost every step of the way, so you will be able to see the highlights of The Netherlands. You can use me to get the best The Netherlands vacation ideas and to make to most out of your The Netherlands and Holland itinerary.

Whether you’re searching for the best local The Netherlands itinerary planner, or what a trip to The Netherlands might cost, let me help plan your trip to The Netherlands. The Netherlands is beautiful in any month, from April to September and December. By the end of your journey, you’ve explored everything you could’ve ever wished for. And don’t forget to recommend my Holland & The Netherlands trip planner service to your family and friends. Whether they’re searching for an Amsterdam travel planner or simply want to start planning a trip to the Holland region, I’ve got them covered.

If you want me to plan your trip to Amsterdam, a The Netherlands road trip or something completely different, I will be there with my creative ideas and thoughts as your The Netherlands and Holland trip planner. 

So, if you ask me: ‘Manon, what can you see in The Netherlands?’, then I will probably answer you with ‘a whole lot’. But, when you state your interests, then I can guarantee you that using me as your travel planner for The Netherlands will be the best choice you’ve made. 

The Netherlands has so much to offer and I can’t wait for you to experience it! 

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Backpacking the Netherlands: EPIC Budget Travel Guide • 2024

The Netherlands. That’s the place where everyone rides bikes around the red light district with a joint in hand? Well, not quite – but that sounds cool.

The beloved capital city, Amsterdam, is unarguably one of the coolest cities in the whole world . Endless streams of bikes, tulip-lined canals, and the smell of Mary Jane floating under everyone’s nose. 

But what about the rest of the Netherlands? Ah, yes! You’ll be happy to know, the magic also lies well beyond the canals of the capital! 

There’s something about the Dutch that makes backpacking the Netherlands one of the best travel experiences. Their laidback attitude, vibrant party energy, and efficient approach to modern life is refreshing – to say the least.

But millions of tourists in a tiny country mean one thing: hugely inflated prices. The Dutch aren’t stupid. While backpacking The Netherlands can be done cheaply, you’re really going to have to work for it.

In this backpacking the Netherlands travel guide, you’ll find valuable secrets about travelling in this country. There’s an art to finding the best place to stay in the Netherlands.

Planning a trip to the Netherlands quickly becomes how can I stay longer? Let’s get started!

Why Go Backpacking in The Netherlands?

Despite popular belief, The Netherlands and Holland aren’t exactly the same thing. Holland is in the Netherlands: it’s a region in the western part. Though, this is also the area with the most exciting places to visit. 

Geography lesson over, it is, unequivocally, one of my favourite European countries to visit . The people are awesome, getting around is super easy, and there are endless good times. There’s always an excuse to fly to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. 

The country is simply poetic. The fields are green and dotted with windmills, and everything just works. Dutch cities are well connected and kinda cute as far as cities go. 

The Netherlands is often reduced to one destination: Amsterdam . While there is a good reason for this – Amsterdam is indeed very charming – there is MUCH more to the country than this one city.

The real reason to visit The Netherlands is the culture. Dutch people are among the most laid back that I’ve met and never take themselves too seriously. Dutch festivals and concerts, some of the best environments to get to know the locals, become special memories.

The Netherlands is not a big country – it does not require months or even weeks to appreciate. For this reason, it is often relegated to a weekend trip or maybe a stopover when backpacking between France and Germany.

But this is also one of its greatest strengths. You don’t need to invest a lot in The Netherlands to have fun. You can just show up, go for a walk, ride a bike, pop into a pub, and fun will follow.

Visiting The Netherlands is always a great idea for your European holiday. 

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking The Netherlands

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Your itinerary for The Netherlands can vary considerably from other travellers. If you arrive at Amsterdam airport, anywhere in Holland is barely further than Amsterdam itself. So actually, you could easily start your backpacking itinerary almost anywhere in the Netherlands. 

Here are a few suggestions for your Dutch travel itinerary. 

5-Day Travel Itinerary for The Netherlands – Holland Highlights

For a 5-day itinerary for visiting The Netherlands, you’ll be pressed for time – even in this small country. 

I recommend you commit at least 2 days to Amsterdam. It’s easy to make a couple of short day trips for the time you have remaining. 

Once you arrive in Holland, either base yourself in Amsterdam or one of the neighbouring cities. If you stay in Amsterdam , you will obviously get to experience more of it. 

If you prefer the latter option (either because it’s cheaper or quieter), I suggest staying in Utrecht or Haarlem and making day trips.

When visiting Amsterdam, be sure to set aside lots of time for just wandering. Whilst there is lots to see and do in Amsterdam, simply getting lost along the canals is good. 

The nightlife in Amsterdam is absolutely top notch. If you’re here for the party, allocate some time for recovery too. 

Take a day for Utrecht – the smaller, quainter version of Amsterdam complete with its own canals. This university city has some of the best vibes in the country and it’s nice to stay in too.

Haarlem is Amsterdam’s closest neighbour. Expect something similar visually but minus some chaos. It’s not got the same magic but a much more chilled vibe. 

Rotterdam and The Hague are also good places to stay in The Netherlands. They’re cool destinations in their own right and make perfect bases. 

Rotterdam is the ultra-contemporary, maybe slightly sterile, version of Holland. It offers cool modern architecture and very laid-back locals. 

The Hague is a good place to see older Gothic-style buildings. It’s also one of the best places in the Netherlands to enjoy the beach.

10-Day Travel Itinerary for the Netherlands – North or South?

This is an expanded version of the previous 5-day Dutch itinerary. Let’s shake it up a bit and start this backpacking the Netherlands itinerary in Rotterdam . 

Staying in Rotterdam , The Hague, or Utrecht instead of Amsterdam are all worthwhile ideas. If you’re stuck choosing between Amsterdam vs Rotterdam , remember that you can spend a couple of days hanging in one of these and still have time to go to the capital.

Check out Rotterdam – the cube houses make an interesting picture at the very least. The harbour is a great place to see the city too. You can take easily some day trips from Rotterdam too. 

You could stretch your legs to Maastricht if you’re feeling adventurous. If you’re going to cross to Belgium, maybe save Maastrict for later.

Make a stopover in Delft , if you have time. This mini-city doesn’t usually make it on travellers’ itineraries but it’s an easy stop to see a different side of The Netherlands. 

Then, head onwards to The Hague . Stroll through the parks and enjoy the best of Dutch city life. In The Hague, you’ll find one of the nicest beach towns in the Netherlands, Scheveningen . 

After some peace, head to Haarlem for a warm-up before the big one, Amsterdam . You’ll want to set aside at least 2 days for Dam because you probably won’t want to leave. 

With more days, you’ll have time for some exhibitions or museums. If I were to choose one that I recommend you should see in Amsterdam, maybe the Anne Frank house because it’s very humbling.

2-Week Travel Itinerary for The Netherlands – Offbeat and Further Afield

Now we’re talking. With 2 weeks backpacking The Netherlands, you’ll see the more authentic sides of the country! You’ve got time for all the top cities in The Netherlands and some off-beat places too.

Get your fill of Amsterdam – 2 or 3 days should be good to discover it’s famous spots and hidden gems . Then, we’re northbound.

Check out the Frisian Islands . Though bring a coat if you’re heading to the beach. Even in summer, it gets chilly!

When you’re on your way south, make a stop in Utrecht . Take your time to find the quaint, hidden bars, cafes, and coffee shops. A bit of all the best of the Netherlands packed into one little stop. 

From here, Hoge Veluwe National Park isn’t too far off the radar. Arnhem is the gateway of Hoge Veluwe. Reach the best corners of the park with a bike and a picnic.

Then take a train or bus down to Rotterdam and The Hague . Check out the previous Holland itineraries for day-trips from there. 

If you’re planning on going to Belgium or Germany afterwards, visiting the border cities of Groningen (in the North) or Maastricht (in the South) makes sense as well. Or maybe just forget about those places and stay a while longer in The Netherlands. 😉

I have to say, I haven’t been disappointed anywhere while backpacking The Netherlands. That’s really saying something.

So pick a place on the map and go and enjoy. There are just some places that are absolute standouts. Here are some top places to visit in The Netherlands.

Visiting Amsterdam

Ah Amsterdam, my love… This city always gives me that sense-of-home feeling. 

What’s the first thing you think of when you think about visiting Amsterdam ? Partying, the Anne Frank House, the red light district, tulips, recreational drug use, Heineken? You’d be absolutely right that they all make this capital city one of the most unique places in the world to visit. 

As “big cities” go in the Netherlands (which is not saying a lot), Amsterdam is the biggest. It’s also – surprisingly – one of the most chill capital cities that I can think of. There’s not a lot of traffic or noise pollution, and it’s really easy to get around. 

But maybe you’re thinking, I’m not into drugs or partying . Well, there’s still plenty to see in Amsterdam that doesn’t involve getting blasted.

Solo travellers, friends, families, couples, ex-couples, come here to delve into this interesting city and experience something unique.

Ultimately, the best way to experience Amsterdam is grab a bike, go for a ride along the canals and parks, and stop when something seems interesting. You’ve no shortage of interesting places to stop.

But the debauchery? Besides it being a stunning place to be, it’s a place you can get away with things you wouldn’t at home. Whilst not everything in Amsterdam is allowed, it is an extremely open place. 

Cheeky little space cake while visiting the Rijksmuseum ? Take magic mushrooms before going to the Van Gough Museum ?

The infamous prostitution area, Red Light District is famous the world over. It’s also the world’s best people-watching spot.

The ONLY downside of this place is that is it no longer a secret. Prices are soaring year after year. Ripping off tourists has never been easier – and they take full advantage. 

So it’s losing a little bit of its spark. Yet I still always find myself back there…

Visiting Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a complete 180 from Amsterdam. After being completely levelled during World War II, the city had to completely rebuild itself. Today, this means towering skyscrapers, ultra-modern architecture, and converted warehouses.

Locals swear down that Rotterdam is better than Amsterdam. For some people, this is definitely the truth.

Rotterdam even has an area officially deemed (no-joke) ‘The Cool District’ complete with a Mobile Suit Gundam Statue. How many other places have a statue of Santa holding a giant butt plug too. (This isn’t a joke either).

Insider tip: one of the coolest coffeeshops in the Netherlands I went to was in Rotterdam – The Reef . If you’re interested, of course.

There are so many weird and funky buildings in this city that some areas feel like open-air modern art museums. Staying in a cool hostel in Rotterdam is also a great way to appreciate this.

The Cube Houses and Market Hall are worth a visit and De Rotterdam hotel is probably the most interesting skyscraper in the city. Photographers will really enjoy visiting the Netherlands Photo Museum as well.

Walk across the iconic Erasmusbrug bridge and then head for Katendrecht . This former industrial area once hosted derelict warehouses; now they’re all been converted into breweries, food halls, and music venues.

Try as it might, Rotterdam doesn’t have the same spark. Business and trade are its primary focuses and the port, once the busiest in the world, is the centre of the city. 

Beyond the architecture, you’ll have to search a bit for things to do in Rotterdam. Though it does make a great base to get off the beaten path in the Netherlands a little. Take a day trip to nearby Delft – or Belgium, if you wanna stretch it a bit further.

Visiting The Hague

The Hague or Den Haag in Dutch (that’s useful to know for the signs) is the administrative and royal capital of The Netherlands. It is the home of the International Court of Justice and the royal family.

It is, altogether, a very quintessentially Dutch city. You’ll find antique royalist buildings lined by streaming canals and plenty of peaceful spaces to soak it all in.

The Mauritshuis (Dutch art) is one of the best places to visit in The Hague. You’ll see famous artwork from Rembrant and cast your eyes on the Girl with the Pearl Earring. 

The Binnenhof is a gorgeous row of buildings set against a man-made lake; photographers will love to shoot this spot. There are lots of excellent museums in The Hague as well, like the Gemeentemuseum (modern art) and the Panorama Mesdag. 

The Madurodam miniature museum, though kitschy and touristy as hell, is also fun. It features a series of historical sites in The Netherlands built at 1:25 scale. If you ever had a Godzilla fantasy, then this would be the place to do it. (Don’t go full Godzilla.)

Another thing that makes Den Haag a fabulous place to visit in the Netherlands is the beach. The beautiful seaside town of Scheveningen can be reached by bike in 20 minutes. Especially in summer, you’ll find huge crowds of people in very high spirits.

It’s a very different experience in the winter and the summer. Stretch your legs in the sand dunes, take an ice cream, and – if you’re feeling brave – go for a dip in the North Sea.

Visiting Utrecht

Utrecht is one of The Netherlands’s best-kept secrets. This university mini-city is like Amsterdam’s cooler, younger sibling. 

You’ll still find the typical dutch setting of postcard buildings, reflecting their image back in the canal waters. But there’s one major difference: there are barely any tourists.  

Locals and backpackers think very fondly of Utrecht. It’s full of hidden gems that you can bounce around.

The central attraction in Utrecht is the imposing Dom Tower . This is a good place to orient yourself. Around this tower are lots of quaint craft stores and cafes to find unique trinkets.

The main canal, Oudegracht, runs right through the heart of the city. Unlike the canals of Amsterdam, this waterway still has its original cellars on the banks, historically, used for storing goods being transported along the river.

Nowadays, the cellars host super charming waterfront restaurants and cafes. If you like live music, head for ‘t Oude Pothuys along the canal.

But the best place in Utrecht has to be the Belgisch Biercafe Olivier. Not only does it have a FANTASTIC beer selection but it also has a fascinating story to go along with it. 

Thanks to the students, the city feels young and vibrant. Nights are usually happening and there is a lot of good energy around. There are quite a few awesome hostels in Utrecht , making it a great spot for budget backpackers too.

Visiting Maastricht

Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in The Netherlands and probably one of the most lowkey. Far fewer tourists and an easygoing local attitude make Maastricht a very easy place to explore.

There’s lots of old, medieval and Roman architecture to see and no sense of urgency. People call Maastricht one of the most beautiful places to visit in The Netherlands. You can get yourself stuck here for more than a couple of days.

The most noteworthy structure in town is the St Servaas Church in the centre of town. The Basilica of Our Lady , with its distinct, monolithic facade, is also worth visiting and can be reached by walking from St Servaas.

Aside from these usual attractions, there are a couple of other things to do in Maastricht. The city is famous for its 13th-century caverns that were used for shelter during bombing runs. Further outside the city, you’ll also find the highest mountain in The Netherlands, Vaalserberg , a staggering 322 meters high.

Visiting Hoge Veluwe National Park

Ah the great outdoors! In The Netherlands! 

Yes, there are things to do in The Netherlands that don’t involve brown bars or getting baked in coffee shops. You can get high here the old fashioned way: in the woods and nature of Holland’s largest national park .

Hoge Veluwe is located smack bang in the middle of the country. It is fairly large and actually features quite a few varied landscapes including forests, sand dunes, and meadows. It isn’t the Alps, by any means, but it is still charming in its own special way.

Most people explore Hoge Veluwe by bike through the extensive system of trails. There are several bike stations throughout the park where you can pick up a set of wheels. The entrance ticket allows you to rent these for free.

One of the coolest parts of Hoge Veluwe is the Kröller-Müller Museum . This museum, located inside the park, hosts one of the largest collections of Van Gogh in the world, including the lauded “Gates of Eternity” piece. Given Van Gogh’s interest in landscapes later in life, a national park seems an appropriate place to preserve his work.

Architecture buffs should also visit the old residence of Jachthuis Sint Hubertus inside the park. The opulent building puts most lakeside mansions to shame.

There are a couple of ways to enter Hoge Veluwe. The most convenient way is via the small town of Arnhem . Arnhem is a cool little spot for accommodation options for those who want to stick around. Also, there’s a great pub called Sugar Hill that makes a bomb burger.

Visiting Groningen

Groningen, the largest Dutch city in the north, is kinda ‘far’ in Netherlands terms. If you only have a shorter time for a backpacking itinerary in the Netherlands, you might not think to go to Groningen. 

It’s about 2 hours north of Amsterdam. For this reason, few tourists actually make it this far. But their loss is our gain.

It’s not actually within Holland either. Aside from feeling much more local, Groningen has a sizable student population and a pretty damn good nightlife as well.

The most prominent landmark in Groningen is the Martini Belltower (like the drink), in Grote Markt . Go and ask for it shaken, not stirred, and try and look original. Spoiler alert: you won’t look original. 

While Gronigen is a pretty city to walk around, complete with all the usual Dutch hallmarks like canals and boathouses, it really stands out after hours. There are some very cool bars in Groningen and Dutch students come here for the weekend to get their kicks.

Check out the best bars in Groningen: Groote Griet, Kleine Griet, and De Drie Gezusters . The holy trinity will bring you to your knees – probably in a bathroom stall, bent over a toilet. They are big, they are rowdy, AND they’re all connected access to one means access to all 3. 

Football fans will also appreciate that Groningen has a team, the launching point of Luis Suarez’s career. (No ear jokes).

If you have the chance, make a day trip to Giethoorn from Groningen. This is a tiny little village with tiny canals and tiny little homes. It’s like if everyone in Hobbiton owned a boat and built a moat.

Getting off the Beaten Path in The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a damn small country. Half an hour in any direction means you’re already travelling off the beaten path . 

Public transport is world-class. Bike lanes are world- leading . There’s really no excuse to not stretch your legs a bit. 

Just about everywhere in The Netherlands is a day trip away from Amsterdam. This is, after all, a very small country in Europe. So make the most of this great opportunity to go where most people don’t bother.

• Haarlem – A beautiful Medieval town, close to Amsterdam. Features a very impressive Gothic Church and square – good for afternoon beers. Saturdays are the local Grote Markt.
• Leiden – Birthplace of Rembrandt. A windmill stands in the middle of a park side canal. Lots of natural history museums. Leiden is a bit further from Amsterdam but makes a good stop on your way to Den Haag.
• Noordwijk – I couldn’t go without a shoutout to this special place. Home to the best hostel in Europe .
• Gouda – I went with no expectations and ended up meeting cool locals who invited me to a party. There’s nothing here – but there are cool people.
• Kinderdijk – Windmills, tulip fields, bicycles, canals; the only thing missing from this postcard Dutch town is a tap dancer in wooden clogs. A good day trip from Amsterdam for travel photos.
• Lisse – Home to the Keukenhof Gardens. You’re going to see tulips everywhere in mid-April, but Keukenhof is la creme de la creme. It’s only open in the spring when the flowers are in bloom. 
• Alkmaar – The so-called “cheese capital of Holland.” Come here if you fancy a bit of cheese mongering and stealth farts.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

When you’re backpacking the Netherlands, you should always encourage yourself out of your comfort zone a bit. By doing so, you’re opening the door to all the best experiences.

Here are some of the best things to do in The Netherlands.

1. Ride a bike

Yes, you have to ride a bike when you visit The Netherlands. You will look a fool at first, but it is mandatory. Fly around the canals of Amsterdam or the great outdoors of Hoge Veluwe National Park.

2. Go to a coffee shop

Stoners – coming to chill – with other stoners. Whether you’re solo travelling in the Netherlands or with companions, these places are magic. There’s nowhere in the world so social, like coffeeshops.

I mean, maybe you’re not into the devil’s lettuce. That’s cool. You can straight pass on this one.

But maybe you’re curious? 😉 Where better than The Netherlands to try it out?

3. Attend a Dutch festival

The Dutch host some of the best festivals in the world . From the national holiday of King’s Day to gay pride, these people know how to celebrate better than anyone else. It’s not just a top thing to do in The Netherlands – but your life.

4. See the tulips

Yes, it’s your typical tourist picture: you go to The Netherlands in April/early May to catch the tulip season. But do you know why it’s so popular? Because it’s amazing!

There are many tulip gardens to see: Keukenhof Gardens are the most famous. You may think it’s a bit touristy for you but, honestly, I was so impressed that I’m recommending it here!

If you’re really on a budget, you can head further afield (this is where the bike is useful, again) and find tulips everywhere.

5. Go on a canal cruise

You can walk or ride around The Netherlands all you like. But you’re guaranteed to see a different perspective from the water! Canal cruises teach you loads about the place you’re in, plus they know how to have a good time in the process.

6. Getaway to Amsterdam’s more authentic neighbour: Utrecht

Yes, Amsterdam is amazing . But it’s also overflowing with tourists.

For a breath of fresh air and a more local experience, head to Dam’s little brother, Utrecht. Complete with its own canals, stunning streets, and even a mini red-light district, it’s one of those places to visit in The Netherlands that just makes you feel glad you went.

7. Kickback in Maastricht

By Dutch standards, Maastricht is on the fringe. Fewer tourists visit, locals are more idiosyncratic, and life moves at a different pace here. For a more alternative adventure in Holland, head to Maastricht and just chillax. Laze about the town, appreciate fine buildings, eat and drink when you want, and be content.

8. Eat Stroopwafel

No Netherlands travel guide is worth a damn if it doesn’t mention the gloriousness that is the stroopwafel.

A confectionery wonder, an afternoon delight, a gift from God; call the caramel waffle sandwich what you will. They are one of the best treats on the entire planet. (I’m in withdrawal from them, obviously.)

9. Visit a (few) museum(s)

Trying to figure out what to do in Amsterdam first? Going to a museum is a good place to start. These exhibitions are certainly impressive.

Learn about artists like Rembrandt at the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gough Museum . See dead bodies preserved for science at Body Worlds . Or, my personal favourite, the NEMO Science Museum (thank me later).

10. Getaway to the Frisian Islands

The Frisians are indeed one of the more offbeat places to visit in The Netherlands. Yet, they really aren’t that hard to get to.

The gateway, Texel, can be reached by public transit from Amsterdam and the outer islands are connected by the ferry. One could conceivably island-hop as well with a good bike and the ferry!

Staying in Amsterdam while backpacking in The Netherlands is going to mean paying more for accommodation. I mean, it’s awesome but a budget trip to The Netherlands means budget backpacker accommodation – or considering staying outside Amsterdam.

I have seen dorms range from around $20 to more than $100 per bed! So as you can see… they’re gonna rip tourists off whenever they can.

Utrecht is one of my favourite places to stay in The Netherlands. It’s more low-key and less expensive than Amsterdam. There are plenty of cool hostels in Utrecht as well.

You could stay in Rotterdam or The Hague. You’ll probably be making day trips out of here to liven up your Holland itinerary though. 

Hostels in The Netherlands are sweet. Really, I can’t stress how much fun is going on in these places.

Amsterdam’s hostel scene is bouncing. Some, like Generator Amsterdam or WOW Amsterdam , are super modern; others, like Strowis Hostel in Utrecht, are more rustic and ooze character. I like my Dutch hostels like my Dutch bars : the browner, the better. The old skool way.

I have to give a shoutout here to a special place – The Flying Pig Beach Hostel in Noordwijk . Although this hostel has been a victim of the pandemic and is no longer the bouncing party hostel it used to be, there is still magic in the walls.

It’s easily the best hostel in Europe that I’ve been to, where I met people who changed my life. This place has become  home for many people and it alone is a reason to visit The Netherlands.

If you have a little extra cash and value more privacy, there is an amazing selection of Airbnbs in The Netherlands ! The problem is – because they’re so awesome – they’re often amazingly expensive too.  

Personally, I’d avoid hotels if possible. Most are sterile, inconveniently located, overpriced, and not really social.

Couchsurfing is also a good option when backpacking in The Netherlands. Dutch people are pretty open when it comes to sharing their personal space with others. There’s sometimes a beer in the fridge too.

The Best Places to Stay in The Netherlands

This is a tough one because there are so many amazing places to stay in The Netherlands! But here are some places to put on your hit list.

Look, no beating around the bush: The Netherlands is expensive. There are a few reasons for this but the main reason is because people love it. Accommodation, food, tours, even just using a toilet can cost you more than it would in most places.

The Netherlands is one of the more expensive European countries, especially Amsterdam can be especially expensive as well. But for those with good spending habits, The Netherlands can still be an affordable place to visit.

A low-medium daily budget is $50 – $70 USD. This will get you a bed in a hostel, a few drinks, cooking at home, some transport, and some sensible tourism activities. By ‘sensible tourism activities’ I mean maybe the odd museum or canal ride – they can cost you around $20+ a pop. 

Everywhere can always be done on a budget – and the Netherlands is no exception. Seasoned broke backpackers can install their usual budget travel tactics . Prepare your own food, volunteer, get a bike instead of using public transport – these are all killer starter moves.

Eating out in The Netherlands is expensive. Cooking at home is too but it’s considerably cheaper. Too Good To Go is one of the best travel apps to get discount food that would otherwise be thrown away.

I love how efficient the trains are but the buses are cheaper. You can get different types of public transport passes in the Netherlands to save money. You could also rent a bike for longer periods – which can be cheaper than renting for a day, starting around $12.

You can find cheaper hostels in the Netherlands, with a keen eye, for around $20. Camping is a cheaper option, and really fun, but you need to prepare for wet weather. Couchsurfing is the ultimate cheapskate hack.

Fun might it be, partying in the Netherlands is pricey . Drinking out is expensive and drugs are more expensive. Get the party started with cheap(er) drinks at the supermarket.

Listen, there are barely any ‘free’ things to do in the Netherlands. You’ll have to really keep your eyes peeled for free things to do because they really are few and far between.

So if you have a tight budget, choose your attractions wisely. You can buy an Amsterdam pass to get unlimited entries.

A Daily Budget in the Netherlands

Here’s a little run down of how a daily budget for travelling The Netherlands can look:

Money in the Netherlands

The Netherlands uses the Euro as currency. It’s perfect to interchange between other Eurozone countries. 

As of June 2022, 1 Euro = $1.05  USD .

So it’s pretty easy to work with. It’s basically 1:1.

ATMs are everywhere, though watch out for the ones that have hidden charges attached. Always extract money in your own currency to avoid conversion rates and make sure you have a good grasp on your travel banking before you go. 

Travelling in the Netherlands can be completely cashless. I have had many trips only carrying my credit card. Almost everywhere accepts Visa and MasterCard now as a minimum. 

You can take cash and exchange it. Though expect to get ripped off at exchange stores.

For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, The Broke Backpacker strongly recommends Wise – The Artist Formerly Known as Transferwise! Our favourite online platform for holding funds, transferring money, and even paying for goods, Wise is a 100% FREE platform with considerably lower fees than Paypal or traditional banks.

But the real question is… is it better than Western Union? Yes, it most certainly is.

Travel Tips – The Netherlands on a Budget

Travelling to the Netherlands on a budget? Here are some ways to cut the costs of a trip with a few handy travel tips:

• Try Couchsurfing – How’s a free bed sound? Finding a place to crash isn’t always easy but when you do score one, it’s a sweet deal. Hosts are friendly and show you a different side of the country.
• Sleep outside of Amsterdam – Amsterdam is fun, but it ain’t cheap. You can find a cheaper stay in neighbouring towns, like Utrecht or Haarlem, and then make day trips to the capital.
• Camping – Camping is a budget backpacker’s best buddy. You’ll just need a good backpacking tent to stand the (terribly) wet climate here. 
• Shop around to rent a bike – Don’t just rent from the first one you go to, ask around a few places and ask for the best deals. When you have your trusty travel companion, The Netherlands is your oyster. 
• Cook your own food – It’s budget backpacking 101. Cooking at home is cheaper than eating out. If you are without a kitchen, invest in a portable camping stove .
• Find cheap flights – A wiseman once said “Only suckers pay full price”. Use apps like Skyscanner to find cheap plane tickets. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of the biggest in Europe so you’re already off to a good start. 
• Volunteer – Volunteering in The Netherlands is a great way to get a free bed and discounted food. Plus, people leave stuff all the time : food, clothes, electronics, weed … Yay for free stuff. 
• Use a refillable water bottle – Is there ever a reason to buy a plastic water bottle in The Netherlands? Dutch tap water is perfectly fine to drink. So bring a good trav el water bottle with you and go nuts.

Why Should You Travel to the Netherlands with a Water Bottle?

I know I’m not alone with my heartbreak of seeing the world covered in single-use plastic. Fortunately, The Netherlands is well equipped to help you reduce your consumption with the right tools.

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you can be part of the solution. With a reusable water bottle, you’re already making a huge difference. It’s one step closer to being a more responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

This is Northern Europe. The Netherlands is not exactly known for its warm weather. The rain is a bit warmer in the summer than the winter.

The winters are pretty dark and grey. It doesn’t really snow much here either, especially on the west side. 

Summers have more consistent warm days. And when you get good days, everyone knows exactly what to do to make the most of it. The days are damn long with around 17 hours of daylight at the summer solstice. 

Although it’s not exactly consistent, especially now with global warming, around June you will start to see more summery weather. On those rare hot days , the beaches and parks stack out with people having a good time. Top Dutch festivals are in full swing and energies are high. 

Though, with this happy-go-lucky period comes skyrocketing prices. So if you’re really on a budget, avoid this time. 

April also gets pretty busy with Tulip Season. Book in advance for tulip gardens to avoid disappointment. 

27th of April is King’s Day : the holiday of Dutch pride. This is also one of the biggest celebrations of the year – particularly in Amsterdam. If you want to experience it, you’ll have a good time – you’ll just have to pay higher prices.

The shoulder months are the best time to travel to the Netherlands, generally. May and September see fewer tourists but have pretty reliably good weather too. 

It’s worth seeing if you can time your trip to the Netherlands with a festival too. Summer and Christmas time see the most activity. 

My favourite festival in the Netherlands the world is Gay Pride at the end of July. The best celebration, not just for the LGBTQIA+ community but for everyone.

What to Pack for the Netherlands

On every adventure, there are six things I always have on my backpacking packing list :

Osprey Aether 70L Backpack

Ya can’t go backpacking anywhere without a blasted backpack! Words cannot describe what a friend the Osprey Aether has been to The Broke Backpacker on the road. It’s had a long and illustrious career; Ospreys don’t go down easily.

Feathered Friends Swift 20 YF

My philosophy is that with an EPIC sleeping bag, you can sleep anywhere. A tent is a nice bonus, but a real sleek sleeping bag means you can roll out anywhere in a and stay warm in a pinch. And the Feathered Friends Swift bag is about as premium as it gets.

Grayl Geopress Filtered Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator – so you can enjoy a cold red bull, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Every traveller should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. When you’re camping, hiking, or even if the power just went out, a top-quality headlamp is a MUST. The Petzl Actik Core is an awesome piece of kit because it’s USB chargeable—batteries begone!

First Aid Kit

Never go off the beaten track (or even on it) without your first aid kit! Cuts, bruises, scrapes, third-degree sunburn: a first aid kit will be able to handle most of these minor situations.

As a whole, the Netherlands is a really safe country . Crime rates are pretty low and people are generally trustworthy. If you’re following normal travel safety routines , you should have no problem while visiting The Netherlands. 

Your biggest concern is probably bike theft which is extremely common nationwide. Do not leave your bike – even for a minute – unattended and unlocked… unless you want to make it disappear. Bike thieves are professionals in The Netherlands. 

Of course, accidents happen on bikes too. Be careful when using bike lanes, especially close to the roads. Be respectful to other people. 

Staying safe in Amsterdam is easy enough. Though the capital city sees the highest crime rate in the country, they’re mostly petty by nature: pickpocketing, bike thefts, and the likes. I’ve never had a stiff of trouble. 

I have heard reports of people having bad experiences when buying drugs off the streets, though. If you’re walking into dark alleys with a fat stack of cash looking to score, you couldn’t really be more vulnerable. It’s better to ask a friend or one of the hostel staff where the best place to buy is, rather than scouting out yourself. 

Other, larger Dutch cities are not completely immune to crime. Stay vigilant, especially in heavily-trafficked places and on public transport. 

Finally, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, feel free to take yourself away from it. With that, you should have a perfectly safe visit to the Netherlands.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll in the Netherlands

For many travellers, this is the reason for visiting The Netherlands in the first place. Legends of coffeeshops, red-light districts, and warehouse parties have circulated worldwide.

There is validity to these tall tales. 

Let’s start with the weed: you already know that it’s legal. It’s the biggest seller of drug tourism in The Netherlands. It comes, wonderfully cultivated, with a selection big enough for a full menu. 

Weed is sold in coffeeshops. There are different types of coffeeshops but, generally, it’s a place where you can buy, smoke, drink (sometimes alcoholic but mostly not), and socialise – in a whole manner of ways. 

Some have snooker tables, board games, old arcade games, and some even play films. So as you can tell, Coffeeshops are one of the best ways to meet people or even find a travel buddy . They’re awesome for solo travellers in the Netherlands. 

Most people drink alcohol in the Netherlands. You could spit and hit a bar pretty much anywhere. I’m not gonna delve into more than that.

Truffles and mushrooms are legal in The Netherlands. You can buy them in smartshops . These stores are a fun place to shop around. 

Other drugs are generally accepted in The Netherlands, although still technically illegal. Unless you’re caught with a narco-level amount of drugs, most police will look the other way. 

Pay particular attention to MDMA and pills in The Netherlands. You’ll probably find the strongest ecstasy here than anywhere else in the world, so please be extra careful. You can get drugs tested anonymously at Jellinek or GGD Amsterdam drug testing services if you have any doubts.

Prostitution in The Netherlands

The red light district of Amsterdam ‘s reputation precedes it. Actually, most big cities in The Netherlands have red light districts, though they are much more discreet. The Dutch’s incredibly open-minded attitude towards prostitution makes it arguably the safest country in the world for sex tourism. 

It works because it follows strict rules such as prostitutes must be over 21 years old, attend regular health checks, and pay tax. They are actually pretty well looked after. 

If you’re into it, paying a visit through the doors is one of the most unique things to do in Amsterdam . Though if you have high expectations, you could end up paying an absolute bomb. 

I’ve heard reports of people paying €700 for less than 10 minutes. If you’re a bit of a smooth talker, don’t look like an absolute tourist, or a regular, you’ll likely get a better price.

There are strict rules regarding prostitution in The Netherlands. This is to protect the workers – so BE RESPECTFUL . Notice the caps and bold letters there…

Here are some simple rules to follow whether you’re taking part or just observing. 

• NEVER take photos or videos of the workers. No excuses. 
• You must be at least 18 years old to use the services. 
• You can haggle a bit, but don’t take the piss. 
• No means no. 
• Choose your words carefully. Make sure you know what you’re paying for. 

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting The Netherlands

You can’t plan for everything when you’re travelling. But having good travel insurance is a good start.

I use SafetyWing and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There are three ways to enter The Netherlands: land, sea, or air. Most will arrive in The Netherlands via the third option.  

Schiphol Airport is the largest airport in the country and it’s technically Amsterdam. The rest of the country is so accessible that most people use this airport, even if they are not going to Amsterdam.

Eindhoven is the second busiest airport in the country and is served mostly by budget carriers like Ryanair and Wizzair. This means you can find some damn good deals if you’re flying to The Netherlands from anywhere else in Europe.

You can travel to the Netherlands overland by bus, train, or car. Buses are the cheapest way of travelling around Europe but not the most reliable. 

Travelling to the Netherlands by train is my favourite way. They are arguably the most sustainable travel option too. If you’re backpacking around Europe, and like the idea of using the train, you can get a European rail pass to save money. 

It is possible to travel to The Netherlands by ferry from several UK ports: Kingston, Newcastle, and Harwich. It’s great to take your car to Europe. Though if you’re just a passenger, it’s probably more convenient to fly.

Entry Requirements for The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a part of the Schengen Zone , which is a part of the European Union. That’s the group of countries that first spring to mind when you’re talking about backpacking Europe: Italy, Spain, France, etc.

Most nationalities can enter the Schengen Zone, visa-free, for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days . You get an entry stamp from the first port you used to enter the Schengen Zone and then an exit stamp from the country you leave the Schengen Zone from. The system is very convenient.

Not every nationality applies for this visa-free regime within the Schengen Zone. If you use a passport from any of these countries, you will need to apply for a visa beforehand to visit The Netherlands.

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The Netherlands is a very small country and, consequently, is very easy to get around. You could travel by train from one end of the country to the other, in around 6 hours. This makes backpacking The Netherlands very convenient to explore as you can stay just about anywhere and not be too far away from anything.

The Netherlands benefits from a very efficient public transport system. Using a combination of buses, trains, and trams, you can travel just about anywhere. If all of those should fail, there’s never a bike to rent too far away.

All the major cities in The Netherlands have a bus and/or tram network. The ticketing system is convenient: you can buy singles or day/weekly passes. Plus, almost everywhere in the country uses the OV-chipkaart . The card itself costs around 7.50 euro and you charge it with funds. Fares vary depending on the route.

Trains are usually used to travel longer distances in The Netherlands. They are very quick and efficient.

Given the small size of the country, you could easily stay in the likes of Amsterdam or anywhere central as a base to see the rest of the country. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s definitetly the fastest. Look into buying a  Eurorail Pass if you plan on using the train often.

If you’re backpacking in The Netherlands and find the train too expensive, the larger, main-liner buses are usually very affordable. They do take longer to arrive at their destination though. Use Flixbus to check for prices.

Prepare to pay an arm and a leg for taxis. Uber is in The Netherlands but, again, it’s still expensive. For travelling between cities, try using Blablacar .

Have you really backpacked the Netherlands if you didn’t ride a bike? Get around the Dutch cities, fly between towns, explore all the natural spaces: having a bike is very convenient.

Rentals usually start at around 10 euro/day but keep your eyes peeled for weekly/monthly deals. If you wanted to visit ALL of The Netherlands by bike, then Al Gore would be very happy with you.

Unless you’re really hell bent on the freedom of the road, I wouldn’t suggest renting a car in Holland. Tolls and parking are high, traffic is bad in the cities, and fuel is expensive. Otherwise, you can usually find good prices on rentalcars.com .

Hitchhiking in the Netherlands

Dutch people are very nice when it comes to lending a ride. They ought to be too: do you know how many Dutch people I’ve seen hitching rides across the globe?! It’s only fair that they return the favour in their own country.

Hitchhiking in The Netherlands is straight out of a textbook. Simply stand in the right place, have a sign, hold out your thumb, and wait. You should score a ride in less than an hour although people usually find success in more like 15 minutes.

When it comes to being a successful hitcher , the key is choosing the right spot to throw out your thumb. Busy town centres and highways are not a good place to find a ride.

Motorway turnpikes and gas stations – now we’re talking. These latter options are a hitchhiker’s prime territory.

Be aware that some gas station managers prefer that you stand in a certain place when hitching so as not to bother the customers too much. On the rare occasion, you may get a dick who tells you to piss off – forget that guy.

Onwards Travel from the Netherlands

Step up and take your pick folks: there are lots of countries to head to next after wrapping your holiday in Holland. The rest of Europe is super accessible.

If you’re heading out of the continent, lucky you! Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of the best places in Europe to do that from.

If you’re looking to stay close by, here are some great choices:

• Travel to Belgium – My guiltiest of pleasure holidays, the place I go to drown my sorrows in endless beer and fried potatoes. Give me a tripel and pot of mussels and I’ll take miserable weather any day. Ghent is my favourite Belgium town.
• Travel to Germany – Similar to The Netherlands though more tight-collared. Direct trains from Amsterdam to major German cities are regular. Go to Hamburg if possible; now that’s an awesome German experience.
• Travel to the UK – English Channel be damned! Getting between the Netherlands and the UK is one of the easiest journeys in the world. Take the Eurostar via the underwater Channel Tunnel or catch a cheap (and very fast) flight. You also have the ferry (perfect for taking your car).

So you want to stay in The Netherlands long-term and maybe work while you’re there. So does everyone else!

The Netherlands offers some of the highest standards of living in the world and a government that is very supportive of the startup culture. Living here could be a dream destination for digital nomads ; you just need to be able to pay for everything.

The Netherlands is not a cheap place to live in, not by a long shot. If you want to have your own apartment, you’ll need to be making quite a bit on your own at least or be employed by a local company.

If you fall into the former category and want to stay longer in The Netherlands, there are ways to acquire residency . Of course, residents of the EU are free to come and go as they please. Non-EU residents will have some loops to jump through.

For most backpackers, the most common way of staying in The Netherlands longer is by volunteering somewhere.

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Volunteering in The Netherlands

Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in an awesome place without spending any money. Meaningful life and travel experiences are rooted in stepping out of your comfort zone and into the world of a purposeful project.

Most of the opportunities you’ll find are in hospitality, where you’ll usually receive free accommodation and a meal in return for your time. More unique opportunities include assisting in holistic centres and helping out on eco-projects.

Officially, you can’t volunteer off a tourist visa in the Netherlands. Non-EU/EEA citizens will probably need to apply for the appropriate permit before arriving. 

Volunteering is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst helping your host community. Though be careful as many big companies in the Netherlands also abuse this for cheap or free labour.

If you want to find volunteering opportunities in the Netherlands, I recommend that you Signup for Worldpackers –  a volunteer platform that connects local hosts directly with travelling volunteers. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10 when you sign up. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers are usually very well-managed. However, whenever you are volunteering, do stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Dutch people are some of my favourites in the world. They’re loyal, good-natured, lovable, hilarious, and sometimes completely lacking in filters.

Almost every hostel has some gorgeous Dutch person doing something strange and totally oblivious to their own behaviour. I think of them fondly.

Physically, the Dutch are often true to their stereotypes. Yes, everyone here is a giant. I’m 5 foot and a bit… I know when I arrived in the Netherlands simply because my neck hurts from looking up at everyone.

Though the Netherlands is one of those amazing places that has a full rainbow of colours, races, and cultures. Don’t be surprised to see a huge range.

The Dutch tend to be pretty lean as well. Maybe that’s thanks to all the bike riding.

When travelling to The Netherlands, I highly recommend speaking with the locals. They’re friendlier than other Europeans and they welcome awkward approaches and conversations. At the end of the day, the Dutch are so nice that most should indulge you, at least a bit.

Useful Travel Phrases for The Netherlands

Dutch can sound funny. I always think they sound like the characters from that computer game the Sims – chatting a series of slurs and nonsense.

Luckily, just about everyone speaks English in the Netherlands. Only in the most remote corners of the countryside will you be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t speak English.

If you wanted to impress the locals though and have a good laugh, knowing a few Dutch phrases might be worthwhile. You may not need to know anything to order a coffee but trying to say “Lientje leerde Lotje lopen langs de lange Lindenlaan” five-times fast in a bar is sure to earn you some friends.

• Tot ziens  – See you later
• Alsjeblieft  – Please
• Dank ja wel  – Thank you
• Lekker – literally translates to ‘tasty’ but used like cool/great/awesome
• Je lult uit je nek  – Stop dicking out your neck (talking bullshit)
• Hallo – hello
• Eet smakelijk – Enjoy your meal
• Goedemorgen – Good Morning
• Klootzak  – Asshole
• Nu komt de aap uit de mouw  – Now the monkey comes out the sleeve

What to Eat in The Netherlands

The Netherlands isn’t exactly a culinary paradise. You can find good food here but you have to look and be willing to pay more.

Traditional Dutch food is hearty and sometimes a little simple. Being a dairy-based culture, cheese and butter are common, especially for breakfast.

Like their German neighbours, rich bread and sausages are also staples of the diet. Rounding everything out is a lot of potato-based dishes and cooked vegetables.

Being so coastal, fish is also very common. You’ll see it fried, smoked, cured, or (their favourite) raw.

One thing that the Dutch excel in is munchies . If you don’t know what munchies are, they’re the type of small, unsubstantial foods you crave more than anything when you’re absolutely baked like a potato. I’m talking biscuits, chocolate, crisps, cereal, little fried things you don’t know the name of… you know, all crap, but all amazing.

Then the king of munchies: the stroopwafel – a waffle sandwich with syrup or jam. You can buy them in the shop or go the real deal and get those freshly made ones you’ll see at food carts.

Of course, there are plenty of international restaurants around. Indonesian food is particularly popular as the country was once a part of the Dutch Empire. The ubiquitous kebab can also be found everywhere.

When eating out, it is customary to split the check evenly among friends. This is called “Going Dutch” on the bill.

Must-Try Dishes in The Netherlands

Here are some other worthwhile Dutch dishes:

• Bitterballen – Deep fried stuffed meatballs
• Stamppot – Mashed potatoes w/ trimmings
• Hollandse Nieuwe – Dutch raw Herring (for the curious souls)
• Gouda – The cheese that goes with everything
• Dutch Pancakes (Poffertjes) – shut up and take my money
• Kroket – Dutch croquettes
• *Hagelslag – Sandwich w/ confectionery sprinkles

*Listen, hagelslag is like chocolate sprinkles that the Dutch love on toast – like breakfast. If you’re not Dutch, it’s weird as. Though when you try it, you can’t say it’s half bad.

A Brief History of the Netherlands

For much of recorded European history, The Netherlands didn’t play an enormous part. From antiquity all the way up until the 16th century, Holland and its people were mostly vassals of other larger, European powers. The Romans, Franks, Holy Roman Empire, and even the Spanish, have occupied current-day Holland and governed it.

It wasn’t until the Eighty Years War, also known as the Dutch Revolt, that The Netherlands shed the yoke of the conquered and became a separate political entity. At the time they, as well as Belgium and Luxembourg, were ruled by the Hapsburgs of Spain.

FUN FACT : Willem van Oranje was the champion of the revolt and founded the first Dutch Royal House. The colour of his original family seal, orange, would go on to become the official colour of the new royal house as well. (See King’s Day.)

Following their independence from Spain, The Netherlands joined the conquer and power phase. During the Age of Exploration they even gave the English a run for their money. At its height, The Dutch Empire had control over Indonesia (then the East Indies), Taiwan, and South Africa, as well as large parts of India, the Carribbean, and New England.

Eventually, The Netherlands would get caught up in the imperial power struggles that gripped Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries. Napoleon came and went, the UK became the world’s superpower, and Prussia became a European juggernaut. The Netherlands managed to avoid the worst of World War I but got beaten badly by the Nazis in World War II.

In the end, The Netherlands managed to survive some of the most tumultuous years of European history. Now, Holland is one of the most prosperous nations in the EU: its economy is advanced, the government quite liberal, and people seemingly happy.

Backpacking The Netherlands is like no other country. You’re treated to a tiny country, with a world of possibilities.

Cycling in The Netherlands

No Netherlands travel guide would be complete without banging on about getting about cycling excessively. That’s because the Netherlands is the best country in the world for cycling .

Actually, cyclists have priority over cars and even pedestrians on the roads. Bike lanes are more common than footpaths and they take incredibly beautiful routes throughout the country.

Plus, of course, it’s almost perfectly flat. So even if you’re not the fittest person, it’s easy to get around.

Marijuana in the Netherlands

The laws about weed in the Netherlands are arguably the most relaxed in the world. Whether you smoke or not, you can’t really miss it: weed is one of the biggest tourist attractions.

Coffeeshops are dotted throughout the country. They’re the place to buy and consume. Go explore down the rabbit hole – I will say no more. 

The rules in coffeeshops are pretty simple: you have to be over 18 and if you’re staying to smoke, you have to buy a drink. The system works and millions of tourists flock to the country every year to enjoy the flower without fear of breaking any rules. 

Technically, it’s illegal to smoke in public spaces. Although people still do, they’re generally respectful of how they do it which is why it’s so highly tolerated. So if you’re wanting a nice joint for the sunset, same rules apply and you shouldn’t have any trouble. 

Many accommodations won’t let you smoke there. Others have a designated smoking area. In the Netherlands, you can sometimes get away with asking for forgiveness rather than permission. 😉

Just be aware, the weed is much stronger than you’ll find in most countries. You’ll see all kinds of variations and strengths. If you go in, all guns blazing, you’ll join the thousands of other billy big bollocks, throwing a whitey before your coffee even arrives. 

Take your time, ask questions when you’re buying, and light it up, bro.

Is the Netherlands expensive to visit?

Yes. It absolutely is. It’s the biggest downside to travelling in the Netherlands now. Although, with all your best broke backpacker travel tips, you can make it as cheap as anywhere else in the world. 

How do I not look like a tourist in Amsterdam?

Good luck – almost everyone you see looks like a tourist in Amsterdam. Have a rough idea of where you’re going. Don’t look at maps every 5 minutes. If you can navigate your way around on a bike you’re onto a real winner. 

What is the best month to go backpacking in the Netherlands?

May or September are good times. In these months, you’ll have pretty good weather and you’ll miss the wave of tourists from tulip, summer, and Christmas seasons.

Is it OK to speak English while travelling the Netherlands?

Absolutely! English is pretty much the business language in The Netherlands. Everyone speaks it. Sometimes you’ll struggle to find someone who speaks Dutch.

What do I need to buy weed in the Netherlands?

You just need to be 18 years old. They will often ask you to prove this too (if you’re lucky). Don’t take offence if they ask you; it’s important that they keep their licence to sell weed.

If you haven’t realised by now in this travel guide, backpacking in the Netherlands is awesome . Free-spiritedness is encouraged, consciousness is high, and you don’t have to take life too seriously. Damn, I love this place. 

Mysterious stories of a mystical place, the reputation of The Netherlands stands proud. But beyond the debauchery, it’s one of the most relaxed and beautiful places to add to a European travel itinerary.

I can’t exaggerate how much backpacking The Netherlands changed my life, several times over. The same could very well happen to you.

There are so many amazing things to do in the Netherlands. But with all this hype, just remember to watch your bank balance while you’re having fun. One night down the red light district could mean the end of your trip – if you’re not careful. 

The Dutch people are always down for a good time. That attitude is contagious. Everyone backpacking through the Netherlands seems down for a ball too. 

Do you know what that means? All-round good times. 

Just make sure you look both ways, at least twice, before you cross the roads. Those bikes pop up out of nowhere.

So book that trip. Don’t even think twice. You won’t regret it for a second. 

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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