From stripy fields of tulips to spinning windmills, magnificent museums, and giant cheese wheels, the Netherlands may be small, but it has much to offer. While the art, architecture, and attractions reel in visitors worldwide, the liberal vibes, world-class street art, and happening nightlife are also a big draw. Whatever your interests, part of the charm is how interconnected everything is, with most of the best things to do in the Netherlands easily ticked off on day trips from the bright lights of Amsterdam.
Grey and wet in winter, sweltering and humid in summer (especially in the cities), the Netherlands is at its best in spring and fall. In April, people gather to see the country’s world-famous tulip fields and to visit the Amsterdam Tulip Festival. Another highlight, also in April, is Koningsdag (King’s Day), a raucus celebration when people dressed in orange clothing and other costumes fill the streets. If you’re looking for music festivals, however, you’ll need to brave the heat and visit in summer.
The Netherlands vast NS national rail network and excellent bus and tram lines make using public transportation to get around easy, fast, and inexpensive. The almost uniformly flat country is also a cycling paradise, with an extensive system of bike lanes and paths. Daily bike rentals are available at most NS train stations, and bikes are allowed on trains. For longer rentals, try local bike shops, which offer affordable rates and a wide variety of bikes to choose from.
Culture vultures can stretch their travel budgets by investing in the Netherlands Museum Pass. This card is valid for entry to more than 450 museums—including popular spots like Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank’s House—and can be used for a full year. You can purchase the pass at most major museums, but you can’t share it; each one is printed with the passholder’s name and a photograph.
Local Currency Euro (€) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +31 | Language(s) Dutch | Attractions 159 | Tours 2,123 | Reviews 168,860 |
The Netherlands is famous for its unique architecture, colorful fields of tulips, world-class art museums, and old-fashioned windmills. The low-lying nation is also known for locally produced cheeses such as Gouda, as well as blue-patterned pottery from the city of Delft.
...MoreTourists visit Amsterdam to explore its canals, boutiques, bars, flower markets, and world-class museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House). In the surrounding countryside, towns known for windmills and clogs (Zaanse Schans), tulip fields (Bollenstreek), and cheese (Edam) are also popular with tourists.
...MoreIf you’re only visiting Amsterdam, three days in the Netherlands should be enough. Though it’s better to give yourself at least five days so that you can see places beyond the city such The Hague, Maastricht, Rotterdam, and Delft—all easy day trips from Amsterdam.
...MoreIf you’re a fan of architecture, you’ll find plenty of beautiful spots to visit in the Netherlands, from the cheese-producing town of Gouda to the charming city of Leiden. Amersfoort is a great option for medieval architecture, while fans of nature should make a beeline to the sand dunes of Hoge Veluwe National Park.
...MoreYou should avoid getting in the way of cyclists in the Netherlands, particularly in Amsterdam, where getting around by bicycle is a way of life. Don’t walk on bike paths; and if you plan to rent a bike, ask for a rundown of the rules of the road before you head out.
...MoreDon’t miss the museums of Amsterdam, especially the gargantuan Rijksmuseum, which houses the world’s finest collection of works by the Dutch masters. Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum is another must-see, while the Mauritshuis in The Hague houses Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp and Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring.
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