The Netherlands offers historic canal cities, innovative design, and a relaxed cycling culture. You find compact distances, friendly locals, and a mix of heritage and modern creativity.
Discover Netherlands
Discover Netherlands
Why visit Netherlands?
What to expect
You can explore Amsterdam's canals and museums, Rotterdam's cutting-edge architecture, and The Hague's coastal vibe, with charming smaller towns dotted between flat countryside and tulip fields.
Plan your trip
The Netherlands works well as a short city break or a longer holiday combined with nearby European countries, with Amsterdam Schiphol as a major gateway to the region.
Top experiences in Netherlands
Cruise Amsterdam's UNESCO-listed canals
See Amsterdam from the water on a canal cruise, gliding past gabled townhouses, bridges, and houseboats in the historic city centre.
Explore world-class Dutch art
Visit the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and other galleries to admire Dutch Masters, modern works, and temporary exhibitions in Amsterdam and beyond.
Cycle like a local
Rent a bicycle to follow dedicated cycling paths through cities, villages, and countryside, experiencing the Netherlands at a relaxed pace.
Wander through spring tulip fields
In spring, head to areas such as Keukenhof and the bulb region near Lisse to see colourful tulip fields and landscaped gardens in full bloom.
Discover windmills and waterways
Take a day trip to sites like Zaanse Schans or Kinderdijk to walk among traditional windmills, dykes, and canals that shaped the Dutch landscape.
Enjoy the Dutch coastline
Spend time on sandy beaches at Scheveningen, Zandvoort, or the North Sea islands, with walking paths, beach clubs, and wide sea views.
Step into Dutch history
Explore preserved town centres such as Haarlem, Utrecht, and Delft, where cobbled streets, churches, and canal-side cafes reveal centuries of history.
Experience Netherlands's way of life
Getting around
Trains connect Amsterdam Schiphol Airport with major Dutch cities in under an hour, and an extensive rail, tram, bus, and cycling network makes it easy to move between neighbourhoods and regions without a car.
Local life & culture
Life in the Netherlands feels informal and open, with a strong cycling culture, a love of the outdoors, and a design-forward attitude seen in architecture, art, and everyday objects.
Where to unwind
Relax along Amsterdam's canals, in city parks like Vondelpark, or in nature reserves, dunes, and lakes just outside the major cities, ideal for walking, boating, and quiet escapes.
A taste of Netherlands
National dishes & specialties
You can try Dutch classics such as bitterballen, pancakes, and cheeses, with cities like Amsterdam, Gouda, and Alkmaar known for traditional flavours and long-running cheese markets.
Casual & modern dining hubs
Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht offer relaxed bistros, street food halls, and neighbourhood cafes, serving everything from Dutch comfort food to international and plant-based menus.
Signature & scenic dining
Enjoy waterside terraces along canals, contemporary restaurants in striking modern buildings, or refined venues in historic townhouses for memorable meals with a distinct Dutch setting.
Retail therapy in Netherlands
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Major cities feature shopping areas with international brands, local designers, and department stores, often clustered in compact districts that are easy to explore on foot.
Markets & local crafts
Look for open-air markets and specialty streets in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and smaller cities, where you find design pieces, flowers, and handcrafted souvenirs alongside everyday goods.
Evening retail scene
In larger Dutch cities, central shopping streets and cosy side lanes stay lively into the evening, with boutiques, bookstores, and design shops near bars and cafes.
Best time to visit Netherlands
Spring shoulder season (April to May) brings mild weather, tulip blooms, and average temperatures around 8–15°C (46–59°F). Summer peak season (June to August) is warm and busy, with long daylight hours and typical temperatures of 17–22°C (63–72°F). Autumn and winter low season (November to February) tend to be cool and damp, with temperatures usually between 2–8°C (36–46°F), quieter attractions, and festive events in December.