Things To Do
in Netherlands
The Netherlands is a low-lying, densely populated country known for its picturesque canals, iconic windmills, and vibrant cycling culture. It blends historic cities like Amsterdam and Delft with modern architecture in Rotterdam and expansive natural areas such as the Wadden Sea and Hoge Veluwe. The country is culturally diverse with a tolerant, direct social style, excellent public transport, and a strong tradition of art, design, and floriculture.
Visitors can expect easy travel, world-class museums, and compact towns that are ideal for exploration by bike or on foot.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Van Gogh Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the stunning artwork of the famed artist. Stroll through the beautiful Vondelpark, grabbing a coffee at a local café and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. As the morning sun shines down, take in the sights and sounds of the city awakening around you.
In the afternoon, embark on a scenic canal cruise that reveals the picturesque architecture of Amsterdam from the water. Afterwards, explore the Anne Frank House, where you can learn about the poignant history and impact of the Frank family's story. The journey through time will be a moving experience, leaving you with a sense of reflection.
As night falls, head to the lively Jordaan district for dinner at a cozy restaurant featuring traditional Dutch cuisine. After dinner, wander the charming streets and perhaps catch some live music at a local venue. To end the day on a high note, don't miss out on the vibrant nightlife, whether it's in a trendy bar or a relaxing café.
Begin your morning in Utrecht with a visit to the Dom Tower, climbing its steep steps for panoramic views over the city. Explore the charming streets and picturesque canals that make Utrecht uniquely beautiful, stopping by local shops and galleries. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a quaint café, taking in the city's vibrant atmosphere.
Spend your afternoon at the Centraal Museum, where you can discover the rich history and contemporary art of Utrecht and its surrounding areas. Following your cultural exploration, enjoy a relaxing walk along the Oudegracht canals, where you can stop for a light lunch at one of the waterside cafes. The stunning architecture and lively atmosphere will leave you captivated.
In the evening, treat yourself to a delightful dinner at a local eatery, sampling Dutch specialties or international cuisine. After dinner, take a stroll through the city center to enjoy the illuminated canals and refreshed evening vibe. Wrap up your night with a cozy drink at a bar, engaging in conversations with locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-4 |
| 🍺Beer (pint at a bar) | $5-7 |
| 🚌Single public transport ticket (city) | $3-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-200 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, well-connected transport makes multi-city trips easy.
- Rich cultural heritage, world-class museums, and beautiful landscapes.
- Excellent cycling infrastructure and walkable city centers.
- High safety standards and reliable public services.
- Popular attractions can be crowded and expensive in peak season.
- Weather can be unpredictable and often damp.
- Accommodation and dining can be pricey in major cities.
- Bike theft and petty theft in tourist areas are common.
- "Hallo / Goedemorgen" - Hello / Good morning
- "Dank u wel / Dankjewel" - Thank you
- "Alstublieft / Alsjeblieft" - Please / Here you go
- "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
- "Waar is ... ?" - Where is ... ?
- "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
- "Mag ik de rekening, alstublieft?" - May I have the check, please?
Places to Visit in Netherlands
Visit one of these nice places.
UNESCO-listed canal belt with iconic bridges and narrow canal houses — best photographed at golden hour or from a canal boat.
A famed row of 18th-century windmills set against open polder landscape — classic Dutch postcard shots, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Vast spring tulip displays with colorful fields and floral compositions; peak bloom is highly photogenic but is seasonal (spring).
Historic wooden houses, windmills, and craft demonstrations close to Amsterdam — ideal for traditional Dutch scenes.
Modern architecture and waterfront views; dramatic at dusk and great for long-exposure urban shots.
Food in Netherlands
Netherlands Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thin waffle sandwich with a gooey caramel-like syrup center; best freshly made at markets such as Albert Cuyp or small bakeries in Amsterdam.
Must-Try!
Seafood classic eaten with onions and pickles; try it at street stands ('haringkar') in coastal towns and fish markets like Scheveningen.
Crispy fried meat ragout bites served with mustard — a quintessential bar snack found in cafés and pubs across the country.
Mini fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and butter, commonly sold at markets, fairs, and winter Christmas markets.
Varieties like Gouda and Edam are available at cheese shops and markets; visit Alkmaar or Gouda for cheese markets and tasting.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively daily market in De Pijp with stroopwafels, fresh herring, cheeses, and international street-food stalls.
Indoor market hall combining food stalls, fresh produce, and restaurants beneath striking architecture — great for sampling Dutch and international foods.
Indoor food court featuring elevated street-food vendors offering everything from local snacks to global cuisine.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
The Dutch are known for being direct and frank — take straightforward feedback as normal, not rude.
Being on time is valued for meetings and tours; aim to arrive promptly.
Cyclists have priority in many places — always look both ways at bike lanes, and don’t walk in marked cycle lanes. Lock your bike securely to deter theft.
It’s common to remove shoes at someone's home if requested; respect personal space and modest physical distance in conversations.
Safety
Tipping in Netherlands
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory — a small tip (5–10%) or rounding up is common in restaurants and taxis if service is good. Many establishments include a service charge on bills; for casual cafés and bars, leaving change is fine.
Contactless card payments are widely accepted; PIN is commonly required for debit cards (Maestro/V PAY). Many places accept major credit cards, but small shops and some markets may prefer cash or contactless. Use an OV-chipkaart or contactless payment for public transport; iDEAL is common for Dutch online payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Late March to May brings mild weather, blooming tulip fields (Keukenhof open March–May), and comfortable travel. Expect some rainy days and cool breezes; bring layers and waterproofs. Spring is one of the busiest tourist times due to flower season.
June to August is warmest (often 20–25°C / 68–77°F) with long daylight hours and many outdoor events. Coastal areas are popular and can be windy; book accommodation early for peak season. Occasional heatwaves and thunderstorms may occur.
September to November features cooler temperatures, colorful foliage in parks and forests, and fewer tourists. Rain and wind increase; pack a waterproof jacket and layers for variable conditions.
December to February is chilly and damp with temperatures often just above freezing; snow is possible but rare. Festive markets and cozy brown cafés are highlights; if canals freeze solid (in rare cold spells), natural ice skating is a national pastime.
Netherlands at Night
Hiking in Netherlands
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Expansive park of heathlands, forests and sand dunes with marked trails, wildlife spotting, and the Kröller-Müller Museum (sculpture garden).
Wooded ridge with varied hiking paths, historic estates, and panoramic viewpoints — reachable from Utrecht region.
The Netherlands' most famous long-distance walking route stretching from Pieterburen in the north to Sint Pieter (near Maastricht) in the south — walk sections as day hikes.
Tall coastal dunes near the North Sea with boardwalks and trails offering sweeping sea and dune landscapes — great for birdwatching and beach-hiking.
Unique freshwater tidal wetlands with walking trails and canoe routes through willow forests and winding creeks; ideal for peaceful nature excursions.
Airports
How to reach Netherlands by plane.
The main international hub with excellent rail and bus links to Amsterdam (20–30 minutes by train) and other Dutch cities; extensive international connections.
Smaller international airport serving Rotterdam and The Hague region; accessible by train and bus with short transfer times to city centers.
Budget and regional flights hub for the south of the Netherlands; good for access to Brabant and Maastricht by train or bus connections.
Serves the far south Limburg region and some European low-cost carriers; convenient for cross-border visits to Belgium and Germany.
Regional airport serving the north; limited routes but useful for accessing Groningen and northern provinces.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population with deep regional identities (North Holland, South Holland, Friesland, Limburg, etc.) and Dutch as the primary language.
Substantial expatriate populations in Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Eindhoven (tech, diplomacy, education) who contribute to a multicultural environment.
Influential Indonesian, Surinamese and Caribbean Dutch communities with strong cultural and culinary contributions, especially in larger cities.
University towns like Leiden, Utrecht, Groningen and Delft have vibrant young demographics and active cultural scenes.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport with passionate supporters for clubs like Ajax, PSV, and Feyenoord; matchdays have vibrant atmospheres.
A national winter favorite with strong international success; natural ice skating is a beloved pastime during cold snaps.
Widely played and followed sport with strong club systems and international competitiveness.
Both a mode of transport and competitive sport; scenic cycling routes and cycling races are popular nationwide.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Dutch restaurants now offer clear vegetarian options; markets and cafés often have vegetarian versions of snacks. Supermarkets and specialty stores carry plant-based alternatives.
Growing vegan scene in cities with dedicated vegan cafés and restaurants; look for ‘vegan’ on menus or ask staff. Grocery stores stock vegan substitutes.
Cafés and restaurants increasingly provide gluten-free choices; bakeries may have limited options, so ask when ordering. Packaged gluten-free items are available in supermarkets.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Netherlands.