Explore the Netherlands
Discover beautiful canals, historic cities, colourful architecture, cycling culture, world-class museums, and charming landscapes across the Netherlands.
DISCOVER THE NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands may be relatively small, but it offers an impressive mix of historic cities, picturesque canals, distinctive architecture, countryside, beaches, windmills, and a culture shaped by centuries of trade and innovation.
Amsterdam is the country’s most famous destination, with its beautiful canal network, narrow historic houses, museums, bicycles, cafés, markets, and lively neighbourhoods. But there is much more to the Netherlands beyond its capital, from historic cities and traditional villages to tulip fields, windmills, and the North Sea coastline.
One of the best things about travelling in the Netherlands is how easy it is to get around. The country has an excellent public transport network, and relatively short distances make it possible to visit several destinations without spending hours travelling.
Here you’ll find my experience in Amsterdam, practical travel tips, and useful information to help you plan your own trip to the Netherlands.
PLACES I’VE VISITED IN THE NETHERLANDS
Explore my experience in Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ iconic capital, where historic canals, narrow houses, bicycles, museums, lively neighbourhoods, and distinctive Dutch culture come together.
Amsterdam
The Netherlands’ famous canal city, known for its beautiful historic architecture, picturesque waterways, world-class museums, cycling culture, lively streets, and relaxed atmosphere.
NETHERLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE
Everything you need to know to plan your trip to the Netherlands, from the best time to visit and travel costs to transport, accommodation, food, and practical tips.
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands can be visited throughout the year, but April to June and September are particularly good periods for many travellers.
Spring is one of the most popular times to visit, especially if you want to experience the country’s famous tulip season. Temperatures begin to rise, days become longer, and parks and gardens become more colourful.
Summer brings warmer weather and long daylight hours, making it ideal for walking, cycling, canal trips, and exploring outdoor attractions. July and August can also be busy, particularly in Amsterdam.
Early autumn can offer comfortable temperatures with fewer peak-season crowds.
Winter is colder, wetter, and darker, but Amsterdam and other Dutch cities can still be atmospheric, particularly around the Christmas period.
Rain and wind are possible throughout the year, so a lightweight waterproof jacket is useful even during warmer months.
HOW MUCH DOES THE NETHERLANDS COST?
The Netherlands is relatively expensive compared with some European destinations, and Amsterdam can be particularly costly for accommodation.
A budget traveller might spend around €80–€130 per day, excluding international flights, by choosing hostels or inexpensive accommodation, using public transport, eating some meals from supermarkets or bakeries, and carefully choosing paid attractions.
For a more comfortable trip with a private hotel room, restaurants, transport, and paid attractions, approximately €160–€300+ per day is more realistic.
Accommodation is often one of the biggest expenses in Amsterdam, especially during weekends and peak travel periods.
Booking your hotel well in advance can help, and staying slightly outside the historic centre may provide better value if you’re close to good public transport.
Walking and cycling can also reduce transportation costs while allowing you to experience the cities at a slower pace.
GETTING TO THE NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands is extremely well connected with the rest of Europe and destinations around the world.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the country’s main international airport and one of Europe’s major aviation hubs.
The airport has direct railway connections to Amsterdam and many other Dutch cities, making onward travel relatively straightforward.
The Netherlands also has excellent international rail connections with neighbouring countries.
Direct and connecting trains link Dutch cities with destinations in Belgium, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, making the country easy to include in a larger European journey.
International coaches can offer cheaper alternatives to trains, although journey times are usually longer.
GETTING AROUND THE NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands has an excellent public transportation system, and you generally don’t need a car when visiting its major cities.
Trains connect Amsterdam with cities and towns throughout the country, while buses, trams, and metro services provide local transportation.
In Amsterdam, trams, buses, metro services, ferries, walking, and cycling make getting around relatively easy.
Cycling is a major part of everyday Dutch life, but visitors should understand local cycling rules before renting a bicycle. Bike lanes can be extremely busy, particularly in Amsterdam.
When walking, pay attention before crossing a cycle lane. Bicycles can approach quickly and usually have their own dedicated space.
For countryside destinations and smaller villages, public transport is still often available, although a car can provide more flexibility for certain itineraries.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE NETHERLANDS
Where you stay will depend on your itinerary, but accommodation in central Amsterdam can be expensive.
The historic canal belt and Amsterdam Centrum put you close to many major attractions, restaurants, cafés, and museums, but prices are often higher.
Jordaan is known for picturesque streets, canals, cafés, and a neighbourhood atmosphere.
Areas around De Pijp offer restaurants, cafés, markets, and good transport connections.
Staying slightly farther from the historic centre can save money, provided you’re close to a tram, metro, or railway station.
Because Amsterdam’s public transport is good, you don’t necessarily need to stay directly beside the major attractions.
If you’re visiting other Dutch cities, accommodation close to the historic centre or railway station is often convenient.
FOOD IN THE NETHERLANDS
Dutch food may not receive as much international attention as some other European cuisines, but there are plenty of local foods worth trying.
Popular choices include stroopwafels, bitterballen, Dutch pancakes, fries, cheeses, and herring.
The Netherlands is particularly famous for cheese, with varieties such as Gouda and Edam known around the world.
Amsterdam also has an extremely international food scene, reflecting the city’s multicultural population and historical connections with different parts of the world.
You’ll find Indonesian, Surinamese, Middle Eastern, Asian, Mediterranean, and many other cuisines throughout the city.
Markets, bakeries, cafés, and casual food stands can also provide cheaper alternatives to restaurants.
MONEY AND PAYMENTS IN THE NETHERLANDS
The Netherlands uses the Euro (€).
Debit cards and contactless payments are widely used, and many businesses increasingly operate with very little cash.
Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless bank cards are commonly accepted in many locations.
However, carrying a small amount of cash can still be useful.
Foreign visitors should be aware that some smaller businesses may have specific card acceptance policies, so having more than one payment method is sensible.
ATMs are available throughout major cities.
If you’re using a foreign card, check whether your bank charges foreign transaction or ATM withdrawal fees.
STAYING CONNECTED IN THE NETHERLANDS
Getting online in the Netherlands is straightforward.
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, restaurants, airports, railway stations, and many public places.
Visitors can purchase a Dutch or European SIM card or use an eSIM for mobile data.
Mobile coverage is generally excellent across cities and populated areas.
Having mobile data is particularly useful for public transport information, maps, attraction bookings, restaurant searches, and navigation.
If you’re planning to cycle or explore countryside areas, downloading offline maps can provide a useful backup.
IS THE NETHERLANDS SAFE FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS?
The Netherlands is straightforward to explore independently, with excellent public transportation and compact city centres.
Normal precautions still apply, particularly in Amsterdam and other busy tourist areas.
Keep your phone, wallet, passport, camera, and other belongings secure in crowded areas, railway stations, nightlife districts, and on public transport.
One thing visitors should pay particular attention to is bicycle traffic. Amsterdam’s cycle lanes are part of the transport network rather than pedestrian spaces, and cyclists can move quickly.
Look carefully before crossing both roads and cycle lanes, and avoid standing or walking in designated bike lanes.
The European emergency number 112 can be used for emergency services in the Netherlands.
VISA AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, so entry requirements depend on your nationality.
British citizens travelling with a full British citizen passport can generally visit the Netherlands and other Schengen countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa for tourism and certain other permitted activities.
Passport validity requirements also apply, so check your passport before travelling.
European border procedures are changing, including the Entry/Exit System (EES) and the planned ETIAS travel authorisation system. Requirements and implementation arrangements can change, so always check the latest official information before your trip.
Visitors with other passports may require a Schengen visa depending on their nationality and circumstances. Always confirm the latest entry requirements before travelling.
WHAT TO WEAR IN THE NETHERLANDS
Dutch weather can change quickly, so dressing in layers is usually the safest option.
During summer, lightweight clothing can be comfortable on warmer days, but bringing a light jacket is still sensible.
Spring and autumn can bring a mixture of sunshine, wind, rain, and cooler temperatures, so a waterproof jacket is useful.
Winter can be cold, windy, and wet, requiring a warm coat and suitable footwear.
Comfortable walking shoes are important, particularly in Amsterdam where exploring the canals and neighbourhoods can involve many hours on foot.
If you’re planning to cycle, practical clothing and a waterproof layer can be particularly useful.
HOW LONG DO YOU NEED IN THE NETHERLANDS?
For Amsterdam alone, around 3–4 days is a good amount of time for a first visit.
This gives you enough time to explore the canal districts, major museums, neighbourhoods, markets, and other attractions without rushing constantly.
With 5–7 days in the Netherlands, you can combine Amsterdam with several day trips or other Dutch cities.
With 10 days, you’ll have much more time to explore different parts of the country, including smaller cities, countryside, traditional villages, and coastal areas.
Because distances are relatively short and railway connections are good, you don’t necessarily need to change hotels every day. Amsterdam can also work as a base for several day trips.
FINAL TIPS FOR VISITING THE NETHERLANDS
If you’re visiting Amsterdam for the first time, explore beyond the busiest streets around the historic centre.
Walk alongside the canals, explore different neighbourhoods, visit local markets, and spend some time simply experiencing everyday city life.
Book popular museums and attractions in advance, particularly during weekends and peak travel periods.
Pay attention to bicycles at all times. Don’t walk in cycle lanes, and look carefully before crossing them.
Amsterdam is very walkable, but using trams and metro services can save considerable time when travelling longer distances.
And if you have several days, don’t make Amsterdam your entire experience of the Netherlands. The country’s compact size and excellent railway network make it relatively easy to discover other cities, towns, countryside, and traditional Dutch landscapes.
READY TO EXPLORE THE NETHERLANDS?
From Amsterdam’s beautiful canals and historic architecture to charming cities, traditional windmills, colourful countryside, and distinctive Dutch culture, the Netherlands has plenty to discover. Start planning your trip and experience it for yourself.
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