Flights from Johannesburg (JNB) to Netherlands

Discover the Netherlands

Discover the Netherlands

Why visit the Netherlands?

The Netherlands offers historic canal cities, cutting-edge design, and a relaxed way of life. You find world-class museums, charming villages, and wide open landscapes in a compact, easy-to-explore country.

What to expect

Expect a blend of heritage and modernity, from Amsterdam’s canal belt and Golden Age art to innovative architecture and creative neighbourhoods. Efficient transport links connect you to coastal towns, green countryside, and other cultural hubs.

Plan your trip

Use Amsterdam as your gateway to the Netherlands and the wider Benelux region, with straightforward rail and road links across the country and into neighbouring countries. The Netherlands is ideal for multi-city stays and short day trips from a single base.

Top experiences in the Netherlands

Wander Amsterdam’s canal belt

Stroll along UNESCO-listed canals lined with narrow townhouses, independent boutiques, and waterside cafés in the heart of Amsterdam.

Explore Dutch art treasures

Visit the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum to see masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age and iconic works by Vincent van Gogh.

Cycle like a local

Rent a bicycle and follow well-marked paths through city streets, parks, and villages, experiencing the Netherlands’ famous cycling culture first-hand.

See windmills and historic villages

Take a day trip to heritage sites such as Zaanse Schans, where traditional windmills and wooden houses bring Dutch history to life.

Admire spring flowers

In spring, wander through colourful flower fields and landscaped gardens such as those in the bulb-growing region near Amsterdam.

Relax by the North Sea coast

Head to coastal towns for long sandy beaches, fresh sea air, and relaxed promenades within easy reach of Amsterdam.

Discover modern Rotterdam

From Amsterdam, take the train to Rotterdam to see bold contemporary architecture, a major port, and dynamic waterfront districts.

Experience the Netherlands’ way of life

Getting around

The Netherlands is compact and well connected by rail, with frequent trains linking Amsterdam to other cities and neighbouring countries. Trams, buses, and extensive cycle paths make it easy to move between sights once you arrive.

Local life & culture

Daily life moves at a calm, organised pace, with an emphasis on outdoor living, creativity, and social time in parks and cafés. You can expect a welcoming, multilingual society that values design, sustainability, and cultural events year round.

Where to unwind

Unwind in urban parks, serene canalsides, and waterfront promenades, or take slow walks through forests and coastal dunes. Many towns offer nearby green spaces and nature reserves that feel a world away from the city streets.

A taste of the Netherlands

National dishes & specialties

You can look out for hearty comfort dishes, fresh North Sea seafood, and a strong cheese-making tradition, with different regions putting their own stamp on classic recipes.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Across cities you find relaxed cafés, canal-side terraces, and food halls offering everything from local favourites to global flavours, making it easy to eat well between sightseeing stops.

Signature & scenic dining

For a memorable meal, book restaurants overlooking canals, rivers, or modern skylines, where creative chefs pair seasonal produce with striking settings.

Retail therapy in the Netherlands

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Major cities feature shopping streets and centres that bring together international fashion, lifestyle brands, and Dutch designers under one roof or along lively pedestrian avenues.

Markets & local crafts

Browse open-air markets and smaller boutiques for design pieces, vintage finds, and regional products, especially in creative districts and historic town centres.

Evening retail scene

After dark, central shopping districts stay atmospheric, with illuminated façades, late-opening stores on selected evenings, and a relaxed mix of browsing, dining, and people-watching.

Best time to visit the Netherlands

Spring (March to May, shoulder season) brings mild weather around 8–15°C (46–59°F) and blooming flower fields. Summer (June to August, peak season) is warm and lively, with typical temperatures of 17–22°C (63–72°F) and long daylight hours. Autumn and winter (September to February, low season) are cooler at around 2–12°C (36–54°F), with quieter streets, changeable skies, and a cosy indoor atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions