Flights from South Africa to Netherlands

Discover Netherlands

Discover Netherlands

Why visit Netherlands?

Netherlands offers historic cities, peaceful canals, and flat countryside dotted with windmills and tulip fields. You will find a relaxed, design-forward culture with a strong focus on cycling and the outdoors.

What to expect

Explore vibrant Amsterdam, the political heart of The Hague, and the innovative port city of Rotterdam. Expect compact cities, efficient public transport, and a friendly, English-speaking population.

Plan your trip

Netherlands is an easy country to navigate in a short trip, and a practical entry point to wider Europe. From Amsterdam, you can connect quickly by rail or air to major cities across the continent.

Top experiences in Netherlands

Cruise Amsterdam's canals

See Amsterdam's historic canal houses and bridges from the water on a leisurely boat tour through the UNESCO-listed canal ring.

Visit world-class museums

Discover Dutch Masters at the Rijksmuseum, visit the Van Gogh Museum, or explore modern works at the Stedelijk Museum.

Cycle like a local

Rent a bicycle and ride along well-marked paths through city streets, parks, and scenic countryside routes.

Explore windmills at Zaanse Schans or Kinderdijk

Walk among traditional windmills and wooden houses to learn how the Dutch have managed water for centuries.

See tulip fields in bloom

In spring, visit flower fields and gardens such as Keukenhof to experience vibrant displays of tulips and other blooms.

Stroll through historic city centres

Wander cobbled streets and market squares in cities like Utrecht, Haarlem, and Delft to soak up Dutch charm.

Relax on the North Sea coast

Head to coastal towns such as Zandvoort or Scheveningen for wide sandy beaches, dunes, and fresh sea air.

Experience Netherlands's way of life

Getting around

Trains link Amsterdam Airport Schiphol with major Dutch cities quickly and frequently, while trams, buses, and metro services cover local journeys. Cycling is a convenient option almost everywhere, supported by safe bike lanes and bike parking at stations.

Local life & culture

Dutch daily life is shaped by a love of cycling, café culture, and spending time outdoors in all seasons. You will notice a straightforward, open communication style and strong appreciation for design, innovation, and the arts.

Where to unwind

Take a slow walk or cycle along canals and through city parks such as Vondelpark in Amsterdam or Het Park in Rotterdam. Beyond the cities, quiet polder landscapes, forests, and coastal dunes offer calm spaces to relax in nature.

A taste of Netherlands

National dishes & specialties

Try dishes such as stamppot, bitterballen, and herring, along with Dutch cheeses like Gouda and Edam. Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and smaller towns each bring their own twist to classic snacks and comfort food.

Casual & modern dining hubs

You will find relaxed cafés, bistros, and food halls across cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague, offering everything from Dutch favourites to global flavours. Many places focus on seasonal, local produce in a laid-back setting.

Signature & scenic dining

Enjoy canal-side terraces in Amsterdam, harbourside restaurants in Rotterdam, or refined dining in historic townhouses. Across Netherlands, creative chefs and intimate settings make meals feel special, whether for lunch or dinner.

Retail therapy in Netherlands

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Browse major shopping streets and centres such as those near Amsterdam's De Bijenkorf, Rotterdam's city centre, and The Hague's retail districts. You will find international brands, Dutch labels, and lifestyle stores in walkable areas.

Markets & local crafts

Visit markets like Amsterdam's Albert Cuypmarkt, Utrecht's city markets, or Delft's shops for ceramics, design pieces, and everyday goods. Smaller towns often feature weekly markets with local crafts and produce.

Evening retail scene

In larger cities, late-opening shops, illuminated shopping streets, and cosy side-street boutiques create a relaxed evening atmosphere. Many central areas combine dining, culture, and shopping within easy walking distance.

Best time to visit Netherlands

Netherlands has a temperate maritime climate with cool winters, mild summers, and changeable weather. Peak season: Late spring to early autumn (May to September) offers average temperatures around 15–22°C (59–72°F), with longer days, outdoor events, and tulip season in April to early May. Shoulder season: March to April and October to early November bring cooler temperatures of about 8–15°C (46–59°F), fewer crowds, and a mix of sunny and rainy days, ideal for city breaks. Low season: Late autumn and winter (mid-November to February) see temperatures around 2–7°C (36–45°F), shorter days, and a quieter atmosphere, with a chance of frost or light snow.

Frequently Asked Questions