The Netherlands is known for its historic cities, canals, cycling culture, and forward-thinking design. You will find a compact country where artistic heritage and everyday life blend in an easygoing, welcoming way.
Discover the Netherlands
Discover the Netherlands
Why visit the Netherlands?
What to expect
Explore canal-lined Amsterdam, cutting-edge Rotterdam, and The Hague by the sea, then head into the countryside for windmills, tulip fields, and coastal dunes. Distances are short, trains are frequent, and each region has its own character.
Plan your trip
With Amsterdam as your gateway, it is simple to connect by train to cities across the Netherlands and into Belgium, Germany, and beyond. Plan time for both the big museums and quieter towns to experience the country at your own pace.
Top experiences in the Netherlands
Cruise the canals of Amsterdam
See Amsterdam from the water on a canal cruise, gliding past gabled houses, bridges, and houseboats in the UNESCO-listed historic centre.
Explore world-class museums
Visit the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House to trace Dutch art, history, and personal stories in intimate spaces.
Cycle like a local
Rent a bicycle and follow signposted routes through city streets, polders, and parkland, enjoying flat paths and clearly marked lanes.
See windmills at Zaanse Schans or Kinderdijk
Step into traditional villages where working windmills, wooden houses, and waterways show how the Dutch have lived with water for centuries.
Stroll through spring flower fields
In spring, wander Keukenhof Gardens and nearby bulb fields, where rows of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths create vivid ribbons of colour.
Relax on the North Sea coast
Head to beach towns such as Scheveningen or Zandvoort for wide sandy shores, coastal walks, and breezy cafés facing the sea.
Discover modern Dutch architecture
In Rotterdam and other cities, see daring contemporary buildings, innovative bridges, and reimagined harbour districts that showcase Dutch design.
Experience the Netherlands way of life
Getting around
Trains connect Amsterdam Airport Schiphol with cities across the Netherlands in under a few hours, and trams, buses, and metro lines make local travel simple. Cycling is often the quickest way to move around city centres, with abundant rental options.
Local life & culture
Daily life in the Netherlands is relaxed yet organised, with a strong emphasis on cycling, time outdoors, and a straightforward communication style. You will notice a rich cultural calendar of exhibitions, festivals, and performances throughout the year.
Where to unwind
Unwind in city parks such as Vondelpark in Amsterdam or Kralingse Bos in Rotterdam, or escape to the dune landscapes that shelter the North Sea coast. Lakes, waterways, and quiet villages offer calm spots for walking, boating, or simply sitting by the water.
A taste of the Netherlands
National dishes & specialties
Try classics such as fries with rich sauces, hearty stews, and cheese from regions like Gouda and Edam, along with sweet treats from street stalls and bakeries. Coastal areas showcase fresh seafood and simple, comforting dishes.
Casual & modern dining hubs
In Amsterdam and other cities, you will find relaxed cafés, food halls, and neighbourhood bistros serving Dutch favourites alongside global flavours. Modern restaurants often highlight seasonal produce and a mix of European and international influences.
Signature & scenic dining
Dine in canal-side restaurants, converted warehouses, and rooftop venues with city views, especially in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. You can also find refined dining rooms in historic buildings where contemporary chefs reinterpret Dutch ingredients.
Retail therapy in the Netherlands
Malls & lifestyle hubs
In and around Amsterdam, large shopping districts and centres bring together international brands, lifestyle stores, and homegrown labels. Other major cities offer compact pedestrian areas where you can browse fashion, design, and everyday essentials.
Markets & local crafts
Visit markets in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht for flowers, antiques, art, and crafts, from vintage finds to contemporary design pieces. Smaller towns often have weekly markets where you can pick up regional products and handmade items.
Evening retail scene
In the evenings, shopping streets in big cities stay lively with illuminated windows, late-opening stores on selected days, and cosy bars and cafés nearby. Markets and seasonal events add to the atmosphere during holidays and special occasions.
Best time to visit the Netherlands
Peak season: April to September, with mild to warm weather around 15–22°C (59–72°F), longer daylight hours, and busy attractions during tulip and summer months. Shoulder season: March and October, with cooler temperatures of about 8–15°C (46–59°F) and fewer crowds, ideal for city breaks and museum visits. Low season: November to February, when it is cold and often damp, typically 2–7°C (36–45°F), with quieter streets, festive lights, and a cosy indoor atmosphere.