The Netherlands offers historic canal cities, contemporary design, and a relaxed cycling culture. You can explore art museums, innovative architecture, and charming towns framed by waterways and open landscapes.
Discover Netherlands
Discover Netherlands
Why visit Netherlands?
What to expect
You will find lively cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague, each with distinct character. Expect compact, walkable centres, efficient public transport, and a blend of heritage buildings with modern, creative neighbourhoods.
Plan your trip
Use Amsterdam as a gateway to explore the rest of the Netherlands and nearby European countries by rail or road. With short travel times across the country, you can base yourself in one city and enjoy easy day trips.
Top experiences in Netherlands
Cruise Amsterdam’s canals
See Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canal belt from the water as you glide past narrow gabled houses, bridges, and houseboats on a leisurely canal cruise.
Explore Dutch masterpieces
Visit world-class museums such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum to admire collections of Dutch Golden Age paintings and iconic modern works.
Cycle like a local
Rent a bicycle and follow well-marked paths through city streets, parks, and countryside, experiencing the Netherlands’ famous cycling culture firsthand.
Visit traditional windmill villages
Take a short trip from Amsterdam to see classic windmills, historic wooden houses, and waterways that showcase traditional Dutch engineering and rural life.
Spring gardens and flower fields
In spring, stroll through vast, colourful flower displays and nearby bulb fields, where rows of tulips and other blooms stretch across the landscape.
Seaside escapes on the North Sea coast
Head to coastal towns for wide sandy beaches, dunes, and fresh sea air, easily reached by train or tram from major cities.
Discover historic city centres
Wander cobbled streets, canals, and market squares in cities such as Utrecht, Haarlem, and Delft, each with its own historic charm and local character.
Modern architecture and harbour life
Experience cutting-edge architecture and lively waterfront areas in cities known for their bold design and regenerated docklands.
Experience Netherlands’s way of life
Getting around
The Netherlands has an excellent rail network linking Amsterdam Airport Schiphol with major cities in under an hour. Trams, buses, and extensive cycle paths make it simple to move between districts once you arrive.
Local life & culture
Daily life often revolves around cycling, café terraces, and green public spaces. You will notice a strong appreciation for art, design, and a direct yet friendly communication style in both large cities and smaller towns.
Where to unwind
Relax in city parks, stroll along quiet canals at dusk, or take a short train ride to forests and beaches along the North Sea coast for fresh air and slower-paced days.
A taste of Netherlands
National dishes & specialties
Look for hearty classics such as stroopwafels, thick-cut fries with toppings, and cheeses from regions known for their dairies, often enjoyed in cosy cafés or traditional bars.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht you will find street food, contemporary bistros, and international flavours, reflecting the country’s multicultural character and its access to fresh North Sea produce.
Signature & scenic dining
Reserve a table at canal-side restaurants, contemporary waterside venues, or high-rise dining rooms with skyline views for a memorable perspective on Dutch cities.
Retail therapy in Netherlands
Malls & lifestyle hubs
Amsterdam and other major cities offer modern shopping centres where you can browse international fashion brands, lifestyle stores, and Dutch design labels under one roof.
Markets & local crafts
Browse open-air markets and smaller boutiques in cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Delft for vintage finds, ceramics, artworks, and other locally made pieces.
Evening retail scene
In central districts, shops, bars, and restaurants stay lively into the evening, with illuminated streets and canals adding atmosphere as you combine shopping with an evening stroll.
Best time to visit Netherlands
Spring shoulder season (April to June) brings mild weather and blooming landscapes, with average temperatures around 10–18°C (50–64°F). Summer peak season (July to August) is warmer and busier, with averages of 17–22°C (63–72°F), ideal for outdoor terraces and cycling. Autumn and winter low season (November to March) are cooler, from about 2–9°C (36–48°F), with quieter attractions and a cosy atmosphere in cafés and museums.