Flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Netherlands

Discover Netherlands

Discover Netherlands

Why visit Netherlands?

Netherlands offers a blend of historic cities, cutting-edge design, and peaceful countryside threaded with canals and tulip fields. You can explore world-class museums, cycle-friendly streets, and welcoming neighbourhoods in a compact, easy-to-navigate country.

What to expect

Expect characterful canal belts in Amsterdam, innovative architecture in Rotterdam, and charming old towns like Utrecht and Haarlem. Distances are short, public transport is efficient, and English is widely spoken, making day trips between cities simple.

Use Amsterdam as your base and connect by train to cities across Netherlands, as well as to Belgium, Germany, and beyond. The country is ideal for long weekends or longer journeys that combine culture, countryside, and easy access to the wider region.

Top experiences in Netherlands

Stroll Amsterdam's canals

Wander along the canal rings, explore narrow streets lined with gabled houses, and step into cosy cafes and boutiques between bridges.

Explore world-class museums

Visit the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House in Amsterdam for art, history, and powerful storytelling.

Cycle like a local

Rent a bicycle and follow dedicated paths through city parks, rural polders, and small villages to see the country at a relaxed pace.

See windmills and waterways at Zaanse Schans

Take a short trip from Amsterdam to this riverside area of traditional wooden houses and historic windmills set by the water.

Visit the tulip fields in spring

In spring, head to regions around Lisse and Keukenhof Gardens to see colourful tulip fields and landscaped flower displays.

Discover The Hague's cultural quarter

Explore museums, palaces, and galleries in The Hague, then continue to nearby Scheveningen beach for sea air and seaside views.

Experience Dutch design in Rotterdam

Walk among daring modern buildings, riverside promenades, and creative districts that showcase contemporary Dutch design.

Wander historic Utrecht

Climb the Dom Tower, stroll along canals with wharf cellars, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in one of Netherlands' oldest university cities.

Experience Netherlands's way of life

Getting around

Trains link Amsterdam with major Dutch cities in under an hour, and local trams and buses make moving within cities straightforward. You can also rent a bicycle almost anywhere, or use intercity trains to continue into neighbouring European countries.

Local life & culture

Daily life in Netherlands often centres on the bicycle, neighbourhood cafes, and green public spaces. You will find an easy-going social culture, with a focus on outdoor living, creativity, and well-designed public areas in both big cities and smaller towns.

Where to unwind

Relax in Amsterdam's Vondelpark, breathe in sea air on the long beaches at Zandvoort or Scheveningen, or retreat to quiet lakes and nature reserves in the countryside. Canal boat rides and riverside walks offer a gentle way to slow down between city sights.

A taste of Netherlands

National dishes & specialties

Try traditional dishes such as hearty stamppot, Dutch cheeses from regions like Gouda and Edam, and sweet treats including stroopwafels and poffertjes, particularly in markets and old town centres.

Casual & modern dining hubs

In Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, food halls, canal-side cafes, and neighbourhood bistros offer Dutch favourites alongside Indonesian, Surinamese, Mediterranean, and many other flavours. You can eat informally at any time of day, from quick bites to relaxed shared plates.

Signature & scenic dining

Look for waterside restaurants along canals and harbours, as well as refined dining rooms in historic buildings, modern towers, and boutique hotels. In Amsterdam and The Hague, you can pair multi-course menus with views over city skylines or quiet gardens.

Retail therapy in Netherlands

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Amsterdam offers major shopping streets and centres with international brands and Dutch labels, while Rotterdam and The Hague feature modern malls and design-forward lifestyle districts with fashion, interiors, and concept stores.

Markets & local crafts

Browse Amsterdam's street markets for vintage finds, Dutch cheeses, and design items, or visit Delft and Utrecht for ceramics, art prints, and handmade crafts. Smaller town markets often showcase seasonal produce and regional specialities.

Evening retail scene

After dark, central shopping streets in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague stay lively with illuminated storefronts, late-opening boutiques on selected evenings, and nearby cafes and bars where you can pause between browsing.

Best time to visit Netherlands

Spring (April to June) is a shoulder season, with mild days around 10–18°C (50–64°F), blooming flowers, and lengthening daylight. Summer (July to August) is the peak season, with temperatures typically 18–25°C (64–77°F), outdoor events, and busier city centres. Autumn and winter (November to March) are the low season, with cooler temperatures from 2–10°C (36–50°F), quieter sights, and a cosy atmosphere in cafes and museums.

Frequently Asked Questions