The Netherlands blends historic cities, charming canals, and wide open landscapes dotted with windmills. You can experience world-class art, cycling culture, and a relaxed, creative way of life.
Discover the Netherlands
Discover the Netherlands
Why visit the Netherlands?
What to expect
Expect compact cities that are easy to explore on foot or by bicycle, from canal-lined Amsterdam to Rotterdam and The Hague. Beyond the cities, discover coastal dunes, flower fields in spring, and peaceful villages in the countryside.
Plan your trip
Use the Netherlands as your base to explore its well-connected regions and the wider Benelux and European rail network. With efficient public transport and clear signage, planning day trips and multi-city itineraries is straightforward.
Top experiences in the Netherlands
Cruise Amsterdam's canals
See Amsterdam's merchant houses, bridges, and houseboats from the water on a leisurely canal cruise through its UNESCO-listed waterways.
Explore Dutch art masters
Visit the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam to stand before iconic works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.
See tulip fields in bloom
In spring, wander through vibrant flower displays and fields of tulips at gardens such as Keukenhof and surrounding bulb-growing regions.
Discover historic windmills
Head to areas like Zaanse Schans or Kinderdijk to see traditional windmills, wooden houses, and green polders that tell the story of Dutch water management.
Cycle like a local
Rent a bicycle and ride along safe, well-marked paths through city streets, canalside routes, and flat countryside.
Stroll through Dutch royal cities
Spend time in The Hague and Delft, with their grand boulevards, historic centres, and links to the Dutch royal family and painters.
Relax on the North Sea coast
Escape to seaside towns such as Scheveningen or Zandvoort for sandy beaches, coastal walks, and bracing sea air.
Experience the Netherlands's way of life
Getting around
Trains link Amsterdam Schiphol Airport with major Dutch cities quickly and frequently, while trams, buses, and metro lines help you move within urban areas. Beyond the cities, an extensive network of cycling paths and regional trains makes it easy to explore smaller towns.
Local life & culture
Daily life in the Netherlands moves at a calm, organised pace, with a strong emphasis on cycling, outdoor cafés, and time spent with friends. You will notice a practical, design-focused approach to everything from public spaces to architecture and the arts.
Where to unwind
Unwind in leafy city parks such as Vondelpark in Amsterdam or in quiet canalside neighbourhoods. For more nature, explore national parks with forest and heathland, or head to the windswept dunes and beaches along the North Sea coast.
A taste of the Netherlands
National dishes & specialties
Try Dutch classics such as stroopwafels, cheese from regions like Gouda, and hearty dishes featuring potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Coastal areas showcase fresh seafood, while cities offer a wide interpretation of local favourites.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Across cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, you will find relaxed cafés, street-food halls, and neighbourhood restaurants serving global flavours. Modern Dutch cuisine often blends local produce with international influences in laid-back settings.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy memorable meals in canal houses, riverside terraces, and contemporary dining rooms with skyline views. Many restaurants highlight seasonal ingredients and innovative menus that reflect the Netherlands's creative culinary scene.
Retail therapy in the Netherlands
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In Amsterdam and Rotterdam, large shopping streets and centres bring together international fashion, lifestyle brands, and Dutch designers. You can browse everything from boutiques to department stores within compact, walkable districts.
Markets & local crafts
Visit markets in Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Delft for flowers, cheeses, vintage finds, and handmade goods. Smaller towns are known for ceramics, textiles, and artisan products that make thoughtful keepsakes.
Evening retail scene
In major cities, shops along central streets and canals stay lively into the evening, illuminated by warm window displays. Around key squares, you will find a mix of shopping, dining, and cultural venues ideal for a relaxed night out.
Best time to visit the Netherlands
Spring (April to June) is a shoulder season, with mild days around 10–18°C (50–64°F) and blooming flower fields drawing visitors. Summer (July to August) is the peak season, with warmer temperatures of about 18–24°C (64–75°F), long daylight hours, and busy cities and beaches. Autumn and winter (November to March) are the low season, bringing cooler weather from 2–10°C (36–50°F), quieter attractions, and a cosy atmosphere in cafés and museums.