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The Ultimate 7-day Netherlands Travel Itinerary

Are you ready for the ultimate Netherlands travel itinerary? As any Dutchman will tell you, the Netherlands is not exactly the most naturally beautiful country in the world. But the Dutch never let lack of natural resources be a barrier to economic growth and expansion.

Over the centuries they built beautiful cities on man made canals and even drained the sea to reclaim thousands of acres of land for a new province. There’s a fascinating history behind this country and you’ll learn all about it on a trip to the Netherlands. 

I spent about four years of my life living in the Netherlands, mostly in Amsterdam and Haarlem . For the most part I loved living and working there. I explored the small country from top to bottom over those years, and while I haven’t been everywhere I have seen a good amount of the country and have prepared the best itinerary for you that I can think of. 

Now it should be said that if you’re an American with limited vacation time coming to Europe for the first time, then I typically recommend three days in Amsterdam – which allows for day trips outside the city – then move on to elsewhere in Europe, like Belgium or Italy .

But for those of you with more vacation time that wish to spend a week in the land of tulips and windmills I’ve got you covered. Read on for the best way to see and experience the Netherlands! 

Netherlands Travel Itinerary – The Basics

Ns train service, day 1: amsterdam, day 2: amsterdam and hoorn, day 3: tulips and windmills, day 4: the hague, day 5: maastricht, day 6: back to amsterdam, day 7: haarlem, night 7: last night of this netherlands travel itinerary, so long netherlands , netherlands travel itinerary faqs.

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You’ll start and end this itinerary in Amsterdam unless you live in northern Europe. Schiphol airport in Amsterdam is well connected to just about everywhere on the planet and has direct flights to every continent except Australia. If you’re coming from the US, almost all the large cities have a direct flight to Amsterdam these days. KLM even flies to Austin, Texas now!

Lay of the land

The Netherlands is a small country. From the northern tip to the southern tip is barely a 4 hour drive. You will not cover a whole lot of ground on this trip, but it’s densely populated so you will see a lot. 

How to get around

You have the option to either rent your own car or take the train around. Driving in old Dutch cities can be confusing and parking can cost an arm and a leg, so for this itinerary I recommend using the extensive rail network in the Netherlands. More on the train later. 

If you want to rent a car it would be best to do it after your first few days in Amsterdam, as parking in the city is not cheap. To book your rental car from Amsterdam click here .

The currency is the Euro and you’re more likely to need cash than you might think. There are still places that only accept cash in the Netherlands. Also note that grocery stores do not take credit cards so if you don’t have a European bank card you’ll need to pay cash. Overall, the Netherlands is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Though it’s not Switzerland or Norway. It’s cheaper than traveling around the United States, but it’s not Greece.

Dutch is the language of the land, but the Netherlands has one of the highest rates of English proficiency in the world, even when you include English speaking countries. It’s unlikely you’ll come across someone who doesn’t speak English on your trip. Most Dutch people are completely fluent . 

Where to stay

Hotels are affordably priced in most Dutch cities, but way overpriced in Amsterdam. If you want to save money, book something away from the city center like in Sloterdijk or Amsterdam Zuid, both of which are well connected to downtown.

Sloterdijk is very easy to get to since it’s just a 5 minute train ride to Amsterdam Central Station and the train comes every 5 minutes on average. In other cities best to book a hotel as close to the central train station as you can.

In Amsterdam I recommend staying at Mercure Sloterdijk Station . You’ll be a 5 minute train ride from downtown while avoiding the excessive noise. The staff is excellent and the rooms are much more spacious than hotel rooms in the city center. I’ve stayed here over 20 times myself, so you know it’s a legit recommendation.

The Dutch cycle as a form of transportation more than any other people in the world. It’s one of the top things that the Netherlands is known for globally and one of the main reasons that people love living in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.

No trip to the Netherlands is complete without renting a bike at some point. Just be careful when on the bike paths. It’s the main mode of transportation in the country and the paths can get very crowded. Stay to the right and don’t run any red lights and you should be fine. 

Weather in the Netherlands

The Netherlands does not have amazing weather by any stretch of the imagination. It doesn’t get too cold or too hot, but it rains a lot and can be very windy.

The best months for weather are May and June. That might sound odd, but summer often has more cold and rainy days than spring. Though with climate change summers are getting hotter and drier. So let’s add in July and August to the best months to visit for weather.  

Best time of year to visit the Netherlands

The best month in the Netherlands is May. It’s the warmest month on average and the days are long, with sunsets after 9:00 PM. But if you want to see the famous Dutch tulip fields you’ll have to go in April. So let’s assume you’re going in April, which is the most crowded time of year due to tulip season. In April it won’t be warm but won’t be cold either. You can have clear days or horribly rainy days. It’s just luck. 

Summers can be really nice or they can be awfully cold and rainy. It just depends on the year. Summer is also the most crowded time (other than April). Come autumn the days start to get shorter and the wind picks up. Many people visit in winter to avoid the crowds but I really can’t recommend that since Dutch winter weather is just so damn rainy. I highly recommend visiting in May.

I have also dedicated an entire article to the best time of year to visit the Netherlands . That article gives a month by month breakdown of the weather, crowds, and events

Food in the Netherlands

Eating in the Netherlands is a unique experience. The Dutch aren’t exactly known for food, but you can find some excellent restaurants. See my post about eating in the Netherlands for a full rundown of Dutch food culture . 

This is always a culture shock for Americans, but smoking is still very prevalent in the Netherlands. Not as much as France, but you can reasonably expect to get a fair amount of secondhand hand smoke on your trip. It’s not allowed anywhere indoors, but if you’re sitting outside on the terrace at a café or restaurant just be prepared for cigarette smoke coming from all directions. 

Travel Insurance

Before you set out on your journey, just make sure to purchase travel insurance so that you’re protected for the unexpected. We use World Nomads and had a good experience the one time we unfortunately had to actually use it. World Nomads provides coverage to travelers in over 100 countries. You can search for a coverage plan using the link below.

The best way to get around the Netherlands is the NS train , which stands for Nederlandse Spoorwagon (Dutch train). The rail network is extensive and connects just about every city in the country. Smaller villages that don’t have NS stations will at least have a bus stop. 

When you arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport you’ll find the train station within the airport. From the kiosks you should purchase a blue OV Chipkaart. Do not buy individual tickets per journey. The card will cost you 7 Euros but it will make your life a lot easier for the next seven days.

At each station you’ll tag on and tag off. The best part about the OV Chipkaart is that all public transport throughout the entire country runs on it. So it’s not just for trains, but also local buses, trams, and metros in any city. 

You can easily add money to the card from kiosks at any train station with a credit card. Put 100 euros on the card. The cost per ride depends on the destination but is never more than 27.40 euros.

If you follow this itinerary you’ll spend about 100 euros on train and bus fare. If you go over you can always add more at the kiosks in any train station. 

Riding the train in the Netherlands

The train itself is not glamorous but it’s pretty comfortable. Accidently sitting in first class if you didn’t book a first class ticket might get you a fine. And if you’re in a quiet car you better be quiet or someone will tell you off. The quiet cars are labeled so just pay attention.

There are no bars or food stands on the trains, but there is someone who walks down the train aisle selling drinks and snacks. Nothing fancy, just Heineken and Snickers and stuff like that. 

Train stations vary depending on the city. Amsterdam’s central station is massive, with restaurants and shopping malls. While smaller stations might only have a Albert Heijn To-go, which is a convenience store sized version of the Netherlands’ main supermarket. 

Trains are pretty good about being on time, but sometimes do get delayed or even canceled. The info boards at the stations will keep you updated. You can also download the NS Train app while you’re there and use that for live updates and route planning. 

I rode the train a hell of a lot when I lived in the Netherlands and I can say it’s truly a great system. I would kill to have something like it in the northeast United States!

The 7-Day Netherlands Travel Itinerary 

Now it’s time to explore the Netherlands on the best 7-day Netherlands travel itinerary! If you follow this itinerary you’ll see what I consider to be the main highlights in the county. I’ve excluded some places I think are overhyped and not worth it on a short trip, like Rotterdam and Giethoorn , and included some places you might not think of, like Haarlem and Maastricht. 

The map below shows your approximate route, though note that it’s Google driving directions, and the train doesn’t quite follow the highways.

No Netherlands travel itinerary is complete without Amsterdam. Let’s assume you’ve come from the US so you’re there in the morning and have a full day ahead of you. You’ll spend the entire day today exploring Amsterdam, so hopefully the weather is nice!

If your hotel won’t let you check in early or store your bags you can always rent a luggage locker at Amsterdam central train station. Hopefully you’re feeling refreshed because there’s a lot of walking to do today!

I won’t go through everything there is to do in Amsterdam here. For that you can check out my ultimate guide to Amsterdam . It’s not a big city, but it’s vibrant and full of history and beautiful sights to behold. It’s also a great city to visit with children .

Just Walking around is my favorite way to spend an afternoon in the city. Some key spots to hit could be the Anne Frank House (book well in advance), Dam Square, the Royal Palace, the Rijksmuseum, the Jordaan, and the Van Gogh Museum if you’re into art. 

My Amsterdam guide goes through most of the tourist spots but also gives recommendations to live like a local if you want to avoid drunk British 22 year olds for a bit. You can find my restaurant recommendations there as well as how to properly experience the red light district. Spend the night at your hotel in Amsterdam and get ready for a day trip tomorrow. 

If you want to be closer to the action there are literally thousands of hotels in Amsterdam. Check out the listings on booking.com to book something great!

Where to stay in Amsterdam:

In the city center: Amsterdam Marriott Hotel

outside the city center: Mercure Sloterdijk Station

Full accommodation listings: Booking.com link

Start your day off right with a ride on the Pannekokenboot (pancake boat) This all-you-can-eat pancake boat tour will take you down the IJ river in Amsterdam. You’ll take a ferry across the river from central station to get to the boat meeting point. It’s a quick ride and it’s free.

If you’re not up for a boat ride you can have yourself a nice breakfast of traditional Dutch pancakes at Restaurant De Carrousel. Though note that pancakes are also a popular dinner meal in the Netherlands.

After pancakes hop on the train to Hoorn, a beautiful Dutch town on the coast. This afternoon you’ll check out some historic Dutch fishing villages. Hoorn is known for its well preserved Dutch architecture as well as its sinking houses. Due to poor soil many building foundations have settled inconsistently in the Netherlands.

You can see tilted houses in Amsterdam, but none as defined as the ones in Hoorn. Some other sites to stop by are the Hoofdtoren, the Westfriesmuseum, and the Grote Kerk (big church). 

Want to learn more about Dutch cheese and food? Check out my guide to Dutch Food Culture

After walking around Hoorn, hop on the bus to Edam. This little Dutch village is known for its cheese. It’s also a cute little town to walk around. From here you’ll walk to the famous fishing village of Volendam, passing the best spots in Edam on the way. It’s a solid 30-40 minute walk, not including stops.

Volendam is a little Dutch fishing village known for fantastic seafood, especially smoked eel. For the best smoked eel stay for dinner at Smit-Bokkum , one of my favorite restaurants in the Netherlands. The bus runs late so there’s no rush to head back to Amsterdam and spend another night in town. 

No Netherlands travel itinerary is complete without some flowers. So head back to the airport and rent a car. It’s tulip day, and based on my experience you’ll want your own vehicle.

The other option is to take the bus to Keukenhof from the airport. But my honest recommendation is to skip Keukenhof. This is the famous flower garden in Lisse.

It’s definitely nice. But it’s always overcrowded and feels artificial to me. Many people – like me – find the endless fields on tulip farms more beautiful than a manicured garden that charges 18.50 euros. 

So get in the car and head towards Lisse. Instead of going to Keukenhof you’re heading to the flower fields nearby though, mainly near Halfweg. There are tons of fields of tulips and other colorful flowers all around this area, though mostly to the west of Lisse. Some key things to note:

Tips for visiting the flower fields:

• The fields are private farms so technically you’re not supposed to walk through them, though you’ll see many people ignoring the rules. 
• Don’t pick flowers from the fields. If you want some tulips people sell them from the side of the road for a very good price.
• Don’t park on the road. The roads are narrow here and they will be crowded with other people looking for photos of flower fields. There are places to pull off and leave your car every so often. 

When you’ve had enough flower fields for one day it’s time to head to Zaandse Schans, a famous old Dutch village with multiple windmills along the river. It can get pretty crowded here too, but it’s neat to walk along the river and learn all about the history of windmills and cheese making.

Before heading back to the airport, stop by the city of Zandaam to check out one of the craziest hotels in the world, Inner Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam. You’ve probably seen photos of this funky building on Instagram. Since you’ve parked already, grab dinner along the river in Zaandam before returning the car. 

A note about Day 3

If all that sounds a little daunting for one day and you want it to be easier, consider an organized tour. You’ll be going to Keukenhof and not the individual flower fields if you go this route, but it is a lot less stressful. GetYourGuide offers a full day tour to Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans that might be just up your alley. 

Time to check out of your hotel and take the train to The Hague (Den Haag in Dutch when searching on ns.nl). The Hague is famous for having the international criminal court, where multinational court cases are decided and arbitrated. It’s also known for the Hague Convention, which established various international laws.

Domestically, the Hague is the seat of government for the Netherlands, even though technically Amsterdam is the capital. The Binnenhof is the Dutch parliament building and you can go in and walk around for free, though I’ve never done it. 

There are many other things to see and do in the Hague. The city center is easily walkable but you can also take trams all over the city anywhere you want to go.

Some other sites to be sure to check out are The Mauritshuis (if you’re into art), the Noordeinde Palace (the Dutch answer to Buckingham Palace), and Lange Voorhout, one of the most charming streets in the country. 

If you want to get out of the city center for a bit take the tram to the beach. Scheveningen is one of the most popular beaches in the Netherlands, thanks to its location basically in the Hague.

It’s too cold most the year to actually sit on the beach (May – Sep) but it’s neat to walk around and check out the pier, where you can ride the Ferris wheel or grab a beer on the water. Spend the night in The Hague and enjoy a nice dinner in the city of international peace. 

Where to stay in The Hague: Mercure Hotel Den Haag Central

Today you’ll spend the morning on the train heading to Maastricht, a city on the very southern tip of the Netherlands. Notably you’ll pass through Rotterdam, the second most populous Dutch city. We’re going to skip Rotterdam on this itinerary. It was mostly destroyed in WW2 and was rebuilt with a more modern design.

You’ll also skip Kinderdijk , arguably the most famous Dutch windmills, which showcases the history of using the wind to create energy throughout the centuries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’d prefer to see Kinderdijk over Zaanse Shans, you can swap these two windmill sites on Day 3. Kinderdijk, however, is much further from Amsterdam and not well connected on public transport.

One thing you’ll notice as you pull into Maastricht is hills. Topography! The Netherlands is known for a lot of things , and one of those things is that it is almost completely flat. But when you get down here on the border of Belgium and Germany you start to get some rolling hills. In fact, the highest point in the Netherlands is down here where the country borders Belgium and Germany at the same time.

Have extra time? Then maybe you’d like to check out Belgium! Be sure to read my guides to Bruges and Ghent , two of my favorite cities in Europe!

A little medieval city that is neat to walk around and explore, Maastricht is the perfect place to spend a day exploring. Base yourself at the Vrijthof Plaza, which is essentially the central square and go from there.

Some of the top sights to hit are the Basilica of Saint Servatius, Saint Jan’s Church, (where you can go to the top of the tower for a view of the rare Dutch rolling hills), Fort St. Pieter, and the old city walls at Hell Gate among other things.

When you’re done exploring, grab dinner on the main square and take in the sights and sounds of the southern Netherlands before spending the night in Maastricht.

Where to stay in Maastricht: Hotel Monastere

After a nice breakfast in Maastricht take the train back to Amsterdam, about 2.5 hours, where you’ll explore the funky side of the city north of the IJ river. The ferry across the river takes about 5 minutes and leaves every 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station.

Head up to the A’DAM Lookout for a view from about as high as you can get in the city. There’s a bar at the top and on a nice day it’s a good spot to relax and take in the views. If you’re into movies, next door is the Eye Film Museum. If you’re not into movies, just admire the crazy architecture of the building. 

Walk through the modernized industrial neighborhood to Oedipus Brewing for an afternoon beer. For more craft beer, the Walhalla Brewery and Taproom is on the next block.

End your day with a walk (or take the bus) to the NSDM Wharf, a funky old industrial building that’s been turned into a sort-of art market/gallery. As night sets in, stay for dinner at Pllek (booking essential) and watch the sunset over Amsterdam, your new favorite city.  

Last day of the trip. Spend the morning in Haarlem. Haarlem is only about 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central by train. I lived in Haarlem for two years. It’s a beautiful little Dutch city that is easy to walk around in a few hours. The cathedral in the central square is the second largest in the country, and the most beautiful in my opinion.

There are all sorts of little alleyways to get lost in Haarlem. For a cool experience grab lunch at the Jopenkerk, a brewpub located in an old cathedral. 

Spend your final afternoon exploring the beauty of the streets of Amsterdam by bike. There are a ton of bike rental agencies in Amsterdam and I’ve never used any of them so I can’t recommend any particular agency. Check out the Iamsterdam website for more info on bike rental companies.

Note about biking in Amsterdam: don’t bike like a dumb tourist!

As you cruise the bike paths, just be sure to pay attention to the traffic signals. The Dutch bike path system is state-of-the-art and you’ll be cycling on special paths. Just be courteous to the locals and bike at a sufficient pace and don’t stop in the middle of the paths. 

As the evening rolls in, if you haven’t done a canal tour yet might as well do that today. They’re not amazing, but it’s cool to cruise the canals observing the old houses. The basic tours are essentially all the same, so see who is offering specials. Most of them leave from right in front of the train station. 

For your last dinner if you haven’t had an Indonesian feast yet, it’s time for that. While it’s Indonesian food, it’s super Dutch and I’ve never seen an Indonesian rice table restaurant outside the Netherlands. I recommend Aneka Rasa downtown for convenience and price. You’ll leave satisfied! 

Now it’s hard to not associate Amsterdam with the Red Light District . If you haven’t seen it yet might as well on your last night. There’s all sorts of controversy over it these days, but I think it’s truly unique.

You can’t see anything quite like it anywhere else in the world. The main strip is lined with sex shows, peep shows, and of course windows full of beautiful women who are professional prostitutes.

While I don’t have personal experience with them, what I know comes from a friend who saw one when he was in town. And all I’ll say is that it won’t cost you only the 50 Euros they’ll tell you when you knock on the door 🙂 If you’re not looking to get lucky, just walking the canal taking in the sights and sounds should be enough. 

Depending on what time your flight is, you might have some time for more exploration in the morning. Either way you’ve had a lot of cheese and beer by now so time to head home and detox!

One thing to add is that if you’re coming in April, you might want to plan for or around the King’s Day holiday, April 27. It’s a national holiday to celebrate the King’s birthday, but in reality it’s just a giant party. Everyone dresses in orange and rides boats around the canals and gets hammered. It happens all over the country but the biggest party is in Amsterdam.

So if that sounds like your thing you might want to plan your trip to coincide. If being surrounded by hundreds of thousands of drunk people isn’t your idea of fun, best to avoid being in the Netherlands on King’s Day. 

Lastly, should you not come in April, there are plenty of things to substitute into the third day’s morning. If it’s summer, head to the beach at Zandvoort. If you’ve come in winter to avoid the summer crowds I’d use that time to sleep in and watch the rain fall from a café in Amsterdam! Either way you’ll find something lovely to do on this ultimate Netherlands travel itinerary!

How many days is enough for the Netherlands?

If you want a good taste of what the Netherlands has to offer, 7 days is adequate time. If you just want to get a quick fix of the Netherlands, it’s common to do 2-3 days in and around Amsterdam then move on to elsewhere in Europe.

What is the best way to tour the Netherlands?

The best way to get around the Netherlands is by train and public transportation. If you plan on going to small villages and avoiding the cities, however, your trip might be better suited for a rental car.

What is the best time to visit the Netherlands?

The best time to visit the Netherlands is mid-April through the end of September, with the exception of August, which is far too crowded.

Is the Netherlands expensive? 

By European standards the Netherlands is one of the more expensive countries to live and visit. Hotels and restaurants in central Amsterdam are overpriced, though locations outside major urban areas are most modestly priced. Americans, however, will find it quite an affordable country given how expensive life in the US can be.

Is it worth going to Rotterdam?

In the humble opinion of this author, it is not worth going to Rotterdam when visiting the Netherlands unless you have about two weeks to kill. Not that there’s anything wrong with Rotterdam. It’s just not that interesting compared to other European cities.

Chris Heckmann

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Your perfect Netherlands itinerary by a Dutch resident

June 19, 2019 by Karen Turner 36 Comments

After over three years of living in the Netherlands, I’ve been asked a lot about how much time to spend in the Netherlands.  A lot of people speed through the Netherlands only stopping for one day in Amsterdam , but I’d recommend enjoying at least 7 days in the Netherlands if you have the chance.  I’ll be covering the highlights of the Netherlands and tips for getting around the Netherlands in this Dutch itinerary.

I’ve focused this itinerary more on Holland as most of the attractions that people want to see are in this region, however I’ve included a couple off the beaten path Dutch cities that you might want to add onto your itinerary if you have more time and/or you’ve already covered most of the major cities in Holland.  This is based on my parents’ trip that I planned for them that they loved!

Many people don’t realize how small the Netherlands is.  It’s very easy to take day trips from Amsterdam to Rotterdam , the Hague , and many cities in the Netherlands.  To many people here, an hour is a long time to be on the train, so if you’re used to bigger countries, you don’t need to plan much because you can purchase a train ticket on the day of and they don’t sell out.

The tickets bought at the train station machines are not specific to any time, just the date, although I recommend avoiding rush hour. The maximum that you’ll pay is 25 euros each way on the train although in some cases, the regional buses might be cheaper!    You can read tips for finding cheap train tickets in the Netherlands here.

• 1 Three days in Amsterdam
• 2 Day trip to Zaanse Schans and Hoorn
• 3 Day trip to Haarlem and the tulip fields (April/May only*)
• 4 One day in Utrecht
• 5 Optional day trip: Cheese market in Woerden (summer only*) and Gouda
• 6 One day in the Hague
• 7 Optional: One day in Delft
• 8 One day in Rotterdam
• 9 Optional: One day in Dordrecht
• 10 One day in Den Bosch
• 11 Optional: One day in Efteling from Den Bosch
• 12 One day in Maastricht
• 13 What did you think of this Netherlands itinerary?

Three days in Amsterdam

I generally recommend having three days in Amsterdam. During this time, be sure to get a taste of Dutch food, wander around Amsterdam’s picturesque canals, glimpse into the sinful side of Amsterdam (if you dare!), explore the cool De Pijp district, and take in some of the incredible art at Amsterdam’s many museums.  As someone who lived in Amsterdam for a few years, I can promise that three days is the perfect taste of Amsterdam.

Many Dutchies will say that Amsterdam is not the same as the Netherlands and many joke that it’s the Disneyworld of the Netherlands.  Luckily, you are in the right place as I’ve designed an itinerary to show you much more of the Netherlands beyond Amsterdam. My parents followed a very close itinerary and although they loved Amsterdam, they were blown away by the other cities.   Click for my itinerary for three days in Amsterdam.

In Amsterdam, I recommend staying at Max Brown , a boutique hotel in Amsterdam.  This stunning hotel is made of various canal houses sewn together along one of Amsterdam’s most scenic canals.  As soon as you walk by, you’ll understand why this is one of my top picks (as well as one that my friends have loved).  For something more budget, the Student Hotel is a great choice for an affordable hotel and StayOkay Vondelpark is a cozy hostel that another friend of mine loved staying in.

It is a lot cheaper to stay outside of Amsterdam, so it might be better to spend three days and two nights in Amsterdam prior to moving with your suitcase to the other cities mentioned here.  You’ll save a lot of money and have more time to enjoy these stunning cities without having to worry about heading back early! I include hotel picks for a few of the cities (with more recommendations within the dedicated city guides).

Day trip to Zaanse Schans and Hoorn

A lot of people have heard of Zaanse Schans. You don’t need to go with a tour as there’s a direct bus from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaanse Schans, which is included with an iAmsterdam card .

It’s free to see these iconic Dutch windmills although you will need to pay admission to visit the museum.   You won’t need more than two hours here and get here to avoid the crowds!  Afterward, head back to the train station near Zaanse Schans to catch the train to Hoorn .

Hoorn is often overlooked by people who simply don’t know about it.  Hoorn is a stunning city along the Zuiderzee that served as a major seaside port for many years.  The riches of the VOC (Dutch East India Company) resulted in ridiculously charming architecture.

When the Zuiderzee was cut off from the North Sea, the town lost its significance with trade. Luckily, dairy has become a major industry for the region.  It’s perfect for a relaxing day away from the crowds in Amsterdam.  If you can go on a market day, I highly recommend it!

Read a self-guided walking tour of Hoorn

Day trip to Haarlem and the tulip fields (April/May only*)

If you’re visiting the Netherlands in time for tulip season, you’re in luck!  The best time to visit the Netherlands to see the tulips is mid-April to the end of April. (You might get lucky with seeing the tulip fields in May).  Most people head to Keukenhof  to see the tulips, however, you can also find the fields in Lisse that are free to admire. 

You can follow this self-guided walking route that I’ve taken several years in a row to see the Dutch tulips for free!   Haarlem is very close by and it’s such a lovely city.

Haarlem is a beautiful Dutch city that is quintessentially Dutch.  There’s nothing like sipping on a fresh mint tea as you sit out on Grote Markt admiring the  St. Bavokerk .  It’s a really charming city to explore on foot. For science geeks, I recommend the Teylers Museum to understand the history of science. You can also take a relaxing ride along Haarlem’s canals prior to stopping off at Jopen, a brewery within a former church.    Click for my guide to Haarlem.

One day in Utrecht

Utrecht is one of those cities that leaves an impression on you.  This stunning university city has two-story canals that you can stroll upon as well as a stunning church tower (all that’s left of the grand cathedral that once stood there).  Utrecht is famous in the Netherlands for its foodie culture and you will not be disappointed after you spend a day exploring this historic Dutch city. Click for my guide to Utrecht and things to do in Utrecht off the beaten path. 

Optional day trip: Cheese market in Woerden (summer only*) and Gouda

If you’re looking for a Dutch cheese market, I highly recommend the one in Woerden.  It’s considerably less touristy than the one in Gouda as well as Alkmaar. Woerden itself has some unique attractions that you can see beyond the cheese market.

What I love about this market is that real trades occur, so you can watch the handclap method go on as the buyers and sellers bargain for the price.  They also provide free cheese samples.  It’s absolutely free, so if you’re visiting in summer, head to the Woerden Cheese Market .   On the way back, the train will pass through Gouda, which I recommend combining with Woerden.

Although the Gouda cheese market occurs on a different day than the Woerden cheese market, Gouda is a very charming and beautiful city.  It is where stroopwafels are said to be invented, so you must try a fresh one while in Gouda.

For history geeks, the city hall is considered one of the most beautiful ones in the Netherlands.  You’ll find lots of charming little streets and alleyways all throughout the city.  Click for my tips for visiting Gouda!

One day in the Hague

The Hague is now my home.  Although it has this reputation for being boring, a lot of people are blown away by the unique architecture (a blend of styles with a lot of Art Deco), the stunning canals, and the diversity of the city.  Here, you’ll find the Mauritshuis, where you can view the Girl with the Pearl Earring and other Dutch masterpieces, as well as Escher in Het Paleis . 

Be sure to explore Denneweg, one of the most stunning canals in the city, and consider heading to the beach in Scheveningen on a nice day.  (Yes, there’s a beach nearby!)

You can read my guide for a day trip to the Hague here!   I also have guides on where to eat  in the Hague, where to drink  in the Hague, and secret places in the Hague to visit.

Hotel prices in the Hague are incredibly reasonable and I’d recommend making it your base in Holland.  At the Student Hotel , you can pay as little as 50 euros for a clean, modern room with quite a few amenities.   La Paulowna Boutique Hotel  is my recommendation for those looking for a boutique hotel with a special touch.   You’ll also have views of the Peace Palace (shown above!).

Optional: One day in Delft

Delft is where the famous delftware is actually made, however, there’s much more to this charming university city than pottery.  As Delft is quite compact, you can spend even a few hours walking along its scenic canals, stopping for a coffee at its many modern cafes, and touring its two churches.  The city is far from stuck in time and you’ll most likely be as taken with Delft as I have been.  Click for my self-guided walking tour to Delft. 

One day in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is completely different than the rest of the Netherlands.  The city was almost entirely destroyed in World War II, so the city was rebuilt.  Rather than rebuilding in the previous style, Rotterdam modernized with innovative skyscrapers and experimental architecture.  If you’re looking for something different than the historic cities, you’ll find Rotterdam to be the epitome of cool with many districts full of great food and shops (including one actually called the Cool District).  Click to read my guide to Rotterdam.

Optional: One day in Dordrecht

If you’re looking for something quite different, Dordrecht is a really beautiful Dutch city that isn’t known to many foreign tourists.  It has a stunning historic center and it’s called the Venice of Holland.  I have to agree with this assessment as it’s easy to imagine the posts picking up people at the various docks throughout the city center.   Click to read about Dordrecht.

Note: If you only have a week in the Netherlands, you might want to limit your time to Holland.  However, if you’re continuing down to Belgium or Germany, I’d encourage you to see Brabant and Limburg.  These two provinces are often overlooked by first-time visitors to the Netherlands and they really offer a great opportunity to learn about Dutch culture!

One day in Den Bosch

Many people haven’t heard of Den Bosch.  This stunning city with a well-preserved medieval center was the home to the famous Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch.  Throughout the city, you’ll find stunning canals where traders used to transport their goods on.  Taking a tour of the Binnendieze is one of the most unique tours that I’ve ever taken and going underneath the buildings was so cool.

Beyond the beautiful architecture, delicious desserts, and its stunning cathedral, Den Bosch is a very alive city with many adorable independent shops and great food.  Hotels are quite affordable in Den Bosch , which makes it a great stop-off prior to heading down to Limburg.  I was here for one day and it left me wanting a lot more.  Click to read your perfect day trip guide to Den Bosch.

Optional: One day in Efteling from Den Bosch

Many people outside of the Netherlands have not heard of the Efteling.   This Dutch amusement park has its own distinct universe as well as style of animation is older than Disney.   I consider Efteling on par with Disney although the tickets are a fraction of the cost. (I’d recommend staying in Den Bosch as it’s quite closeby!)

Coming here will make you feel like a kid again, so if you’re looking for a fun day out after exploring numerous Dutch cities, consider taking a little break exploring Efteling.  You can read tips for visiting Efteling here.

One day in Maastricht

Maastricht is one the gems of the Netherlands, however most people don’t know about it and end up skipping Maastricht.  However, my parents considered Maastricht to be their favorite city in the Netherlands, even after several trips to the Netherlands.   You can click to read my guide to Maastricht.

You might be wondering what is so special about Maastricht? The historic city center has a mix of architecture styles, several medieval churches that have been converted into bookstores and hotels, and a rich food culture.  It’s also the perfect jumping-off point to head towards Germany as Aachen, Germany is only one hour by bus—and Liege, Belgium i s another hour away by train.

What did you think of this Netherlands itinerary?

Click for tips for finding cheap train tickets in the Netherlands , secret things to do in Amsterdam , traveling in the Netherlands on a budget , and the best day trips from Amsterdam.

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

October 20, 2018 at 7:52 am

It would be interesting to see what you could come up with for Friesland and Groningen

April 16, 2019 at 10:13 am

Try Bergen op Zoom in West Brabant

July 12, 2019 at 4:37 pm

Hello can you provide me November 7 to 14 I want visit Netherlands trip so I need day by day itinerary top place visit send me my email thanks .

July 30, 2019 at 3:32 pm

Hi, thanks very much for sharing your experience & summing up all in this wonderful itinerary. I am looking to travel to Netherlands and it will help me a lot. I have a query regarding ‘I amsterdam card’. I wonder if you know this. If I buy that card, would I be able to use the card for public transport outside Amsterdam. Like could I use the card to travel to Rotterdam from Hague & further on. Thank you

July 30, 2019 at 4:19 pm

Hi Dania, Unfortunately the iAmsterdam card is limited to the Amsterdam region (buses). For the Hague/Rotterdam area, there is a similar card (Tourist Day Ticket) for Zuid Holland sold by RET valid on public transit (not trains) that would go from Rotterdam to the Hague. That said, I’d recommend just paying out of pocket for the train tickets as it’s faster and usually cheaper than this card as the buses/trams are slower than the trains.

August 6, 2019 at 12:25 am

Hi Karen, I really want to get in touch with you. Do you have a facebook page, I can use to connect to you please? Thank you

August 6, 2019 at 1:08 pm

Hi, if you click contact, you’ll find my email. Thanks, Karen

October 22, 2019 at 2:34 pm

Hi Karen, My wife and I are going to the Netherlands in April 2020. This will be our 3rd time visiting but, we only stayed in Amsterdam. I really enjoyed this article and you have given me many new ideas. We are probably a lot like your parents, very interested in the history and architecture. We also are not big fans of crowds and tours, I prefer to go about on our own and kinda do our own thing. Getting lost is frustrating but fun. Could you possibly send me an itinerary that we could enjoy as your parents did. Thank You Jerry

October 22, 2019 at 5:00 pm

Hi Jerry, You’re welcome to steal this itinerary, which is very close to their own. They never got to Den Bosch, but mostly because they didn’t realize that it was so charming. It’s high on their list for the next trip. Any of these cities mentioned here besides Amsterdam should give you that experience. Most Dutch cities don’t really require so much effort to see, so it’s quite easy to pop off the train with seeing much of the city within one day. The links within the article will bring you to city guides that I wrote for each city that include my recommendations on historical attractions, food, and architecture. I hope this helps you plan your third trip. Feel free to send me an email if anything is unclear. 🙂

November 4, 2019 at 1:54 am

I enjoyed your itinerary. I am planning to visit the Netherlands and your itinerary is very helpful. Thank you.

December 1, 2019 at 7:45 pm

Hi Karen We are planning 10 day trip to Holland in April 2020 Can you please just tell which city to make reservations for hotels My understanding that to many cities we can just take one day trip from Amsterdam

December 9, 2019 at 3:24 pm

Please check my day trips from Amsterdam post for more info (near the end!). You can save a lot by not staying in Amsterdam and spending just 2 days in Amsterdam if that’s all you intend to do. Haarlem, Leiden, the Hague, or Rotterdam can be a good base if you want to get away from Amsterdam to save on hotels.

December 6, 2019 at 9:14 pm

Hi, I just came upon your blog post through Pinterest. Thank you for highlighting a few cities in The Netherlands that are usually overlooked and absolutely worth a visit. I believe you’ve given a lot of tourists an inspirational read and I hope those who plan to see Amsterdam within a day will rethink their itinerary. As a Dutch reader (living in the USA), I do have some feedback though: 1) Dutch people never refer to the provinces of Noord-Holland en Zuid-Holland as ‘Holland’ the way you refer to it. You almost make it sound like it’s a separate country. Perhaps clarify you mean the provinces? As Dutch people we don’t talk about provinces the way Americans talk about States. States in the USA are a lot more independent from federal government and different from each other than the provinces in the Netherlands. We would just talk about the towns themselves and that would be all. 2) ‘Efteling’ would be ‘The Efteling’. 3) Dordrecht is called ‘Venice of the North’, not ‘Venice of Holland’. 4) ‘Zaans Schans’ is spelled Zaanse Schans, we pronounce the ‘e’ and it cannot be left out.

Have you been the the northern provinces yet? Friesland, Groningen and Drenthe are absolutely beautiful as well. I hope you enjoy your time in The Netherlands.

December 9, 2019 at 3:19 pm

Glad to hear from you Marta! I wrote this with the hope of showing people more of the Netherlands in a realistic way as although there are so many beautiful places, most people have limited time.

I wrote about Holland in this way because of the other way that many visitors think of Holland. I live in Zuid Holland myself and agree a lot about the towns being more important than the province. I try to not to lump Holland together as an entity in my general writing and try to be more specific about the provinces, but this post is a bit of an exception.

Repoints: Ahh, fixing that spelling error. 😉 I realize that people call it “the Efteling”, which corresponds to the Dutch name, but the added the seems redundant in English.

I’ve been to every province of the Netherlands and fully intend on becoming a citizen in the near future. I must write more about the Northern Provinces as I went at a time that I was less active with my blog. A trip back is due soon to Friesland. I really loved it and I would plan to write about it once I have better photos to inspire people to visit. 🙂 Thanks for commenting!

December 26, 2019 at 11:43 pm

Hi, lovely cities and will certainly get a good feel of the Netherlands. As a vivid traveller myself, I love diversity and would long for some green between all the beautiful architecture. If time, and physical health, lets you, I would recommend a bike ride or hike /stroll through ‘De Hoge Veluwe’ and eat apple pie, along the coast and a beverage in a beach house, perhaps even ‘Wadlopen. Have a haring or kibbeling while you’re at the sea. De Bieschbosh may be more central if you are staying in de Randstad (the bigger cities in de west) and can be combined with a visit Rotterdam (then take the boat from Rotterdam as extra!) for instance. Oh, if you do go to Rotterdam, stop for a beer tasting at the Pheonix factory. And in Utrecht; you can combine this on same day and go canooing at Rhijnouwen in summer. Also, if you have a car; Volendam or Marken, Kasteel Muiderslot are great stops for couple of hours.

Some of my personal favorites. Believe these options all make your already great itinerary more divers and will give you a more complete overview of the Netherlands.

December 26, 2019 at 11:45 pm

Hoge Veluwe should be combined with Kroller Muller; the second biggest van Gogh collection, but the building and environment add to the experience!

December 12, 2020 at 7:31 am

Hi Karen We are planning 7 days trip to Netherlands in June 2021 Can you please just tell which city to make reservations for hotels June 9 to 15 I want visit Netherlands trip so I need day by day itinerary top place visit send me my email thanks .

March 19, 2021 at 3:02 pm

It depends on you and how much you want to travel by train. I already have my recommendations in the article! 🙂

August 16, 2021 at 7:23 pm

Karen, It looks like I will have 8 days available. I will spend 3 nights in Amsterdam. I’d love to visit all the other locations outlined here, but don’t want to constantly move around. Do you recommend one of the other smaller cities as a home base to travel to the others? Thanks Maurita

January 30, 2022 at 6:44 pm

Hi, I’ll be booking Amsterdam soon for 6 nights. I plan on doing nothing too much the first day, because of a long flight. I plan to have 3 1/2 days touring Amsterdam and doing 2 days hoping on a train to explore. I had in mind Delft, Haarlem, Utrecht, Maastricht. But, I only have time for two places. I spent hours watching YouTube of these cities and reading reviews in travel forums. I’m having a hard time narrowing down 2. I’m not really into visiting anything like museums, I’m more into shops, coffee, lunch, scenery, taking walking, Maybe walk in a church. I really need help! Appreciate if you could help choose two.

March 17, 2022 at 10:13 pm

I am a bit slow in responding, but all are lovely. Maastricht is too far. I would say that Utrecht and Haarlem are the easiest to do!

March 15, 2022 at 9:14 pm

Hi Karen, my husband and I are visiting Holland for 9 days in June/July with our bikes. We land in Ijmuigen and are looking for advice on where to stay and visit. Can you help?

March 17, 2022 at 9:20 pm

I would recommend Haarlem, but there are lots of cute cities nearby if you prefer a smaller town vibe. 🙂 Alkmaar is nice too!

April 13, 2022 at 9:37 pm

Hi there. I’m coming to Amsterdam next week and I have one day alone before my group joins me. With the group we are doing the tulip gardens and parades and canal tour and Anne Frank house and some museums. I am trying to decide what would be a good way for me to spend the day alone. I’ll be staying by the airport but have thought of travelling into Utrecht, or over to Noord-Harlem or Harleem. I don’t know what I can pack into a day and I fear getting lost as well. Do you think I could do those three cities in a day? Or do you have a recommendation? Or should I just get a bike in Amsterdam and get lost? I appreciate any help. And thank you!

April 21, 2022 at 2:42 pm

Hi Annette, I hope that I am not too late, but the train is really simple (download the NS app or just go to the train station to buy a round-trip ticket). It is very hard to get lost in a Dutch city as the signage is really good. I would recommend Haarlem or Leiden if you are by the airport and it should be enough for a relaxing afternoon. You’ll probably see a lot with the group, so better to pick one place that you won’t visit with them. 🙂

April 27, 2022 at 4:48 pm

Hi Karen. So happy to find your info about the Netherlands. I am planning a 2 week trip for 4 in june and have reservations for all but the last 3 days. We’re in Breda for a couple of nights visiting my daughter’s partner’s family after going north from Amsterdam and around through Harlingen and Otterlo. We will be driving and visiting museums and parks along the way. We have to catch a flight early on the 4th day from schiphol so we can’t go too far. I am spending time in Utrecht before I meet with the others. So would staying in Breda and making day trips be the best use of our last 3 days? We are outdoor types and enjoy hiking, biking and sailing. Thanks so much. We are really excited about seeing the Dutch homelands.

May 5, 2022 at 2:11 pm

Hi Dana! Breda is a nice hub for some cities, but maybe a little far for where you want to go (although possible). Sounds like a lovely trip and maybe worth getting a hotel / car along the way to maximize your time rather than driving more!

April 29, 2022 at 4:30 am

Karen, we get off riverboat cruise on Nov 17 in Amsterdam(have visited this city before). Would you recommend Harlem or Ulreght as a hub to stay at, and then we day trip by rail to other towns? Time is flexible at this stage but we thought 5-7 days? From new Zealand we are not used to hard winter weather, so your guidance would be welcomed

May 5, 2022 at 2:12 pm

Hi Tom, November is definitely chilly and wet (although often not snowy). Yeah, traveling by train is a great idea! Utrecht is a better hub! Hope you have a great trip!

November 26, 2022 at 7:39 am

Your itinerary gives great insights. If we want to take unlicensed transport and minimise moving from hotel to hotel, which 2 cities are the best to stay so that we get to travel to all the places in this itinerary?

November 26, 2022 at 7:40 am

Sorry I meant public transport

December 1, 2022 at 8:28 pm

Utrecht or The Hague!

January 17, 2023 at 12:24 am

Thanks for this great guide! I will be going to Amsterdam for the 2nd time in May for one week. In your itinerary, you mention day trips to Zaanse and Harlem for tulips, I was wondering if those day trips were included in staying 3 days in Amsterdam? So I would be spending 2/3 days in Zaanse and Harlem. I see a lot of tours to Zaanse and I was wondering if you think it’s worth it to pay for a tour of the windmills/cheese and fishing market?

February 1, 2023 at 2:11 pm

I think three days in Amsterdam is ideal before doing a few day trips, but it is up to you as it is your trip. You can do a tour if you are tight on time, but it is easy enough to do a tour on your own of Zaanse Schaans and Haarlem using public transit. Zaanse Schans involves a bit more walking without a car, but it is very doable.

February 5, 2023 at 4:45 pm

Karen – thank you so much for sharing this great itinerary. I’ll be visiting in July and would love to see everything you mentioned. Unfortunately, I’ll only have a week. Can you recommend pairing any towns that could be seen and enjoyed in one day? Thanks!

April 3, 2023 at 3:20 pm

Lots of towns. The Hague, Utrecht, or Haarlem are great! 🙂

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10 Day Itinerary The Netherlands | Written By Locals

So, The Netherlands is your next destination, and your planning to stay 10 days? Good for you! With this 10 day itinerary, I’ll help you fill in your day to day schedule.

10 Day Itinerary The Netherlands, day to day schedule: 

Day 1: Amsterdam Sightseeing & Canal Tour

Day 2: amsterdam bicycle & museum tour, day 3: zaanse schans / volendam, day 4: keukenhof / leiden, day 5: the hague, day 6 & 7: rotterdam .

• Day 8: Breda 
• Day 9: Optional Activities

Day 10: Utrecht

Let’s find out the best activities per day, the best places to stay in each city, and the different highlights! 

10 Day Itinerary The Netherlands

A visit to The Netherlands for 10 days might sound long for many, but there’s a lot to explore in this small country. I traveled throughout the country a lot, and as a Dutchie, I can tell you all the best places to visit, and I know many local things to do in different cities.

Before we dive into this 10-day itinerary for my home country, I want to tell you about a few other articles about The Netherlands. When you plan a shorter trip for like a week, you might want to read our  One Week Itinerary to The Netherlands  first. Which is, you probably can guess it, an itinerary for 7 days ;). If you still doubt how long your trip to The Netherlands should be, you can read our article  How Many Days Do You Need in The Netherlands   and also read this definitely helpful itinerary.

Let’s start this 10 day trip to The Netherlands in Amsterdam. Maybe you wonder why almost every itinerary starts in Amsterdam? That’s because most people arrive in Amsterdam when traveling to The Netherlands. Schiphol Amsterdam Airport, the largest international airport in the country, is located in Amsterdam. So it is just the most convenient to start in our capital. 

Amsterdam is the largest city of The Netherlands, it is the capital of the country, but it is not where our government resides. That’s the city The Hague, but later more on The Hague when we’re reaching day 5 in this itinerary. 

In Amsterdam, you can easily spend like 5 or 7 days if you like. There’s much to see and explore in Amsterdam, it is just fun to hang around, and experience life as a local. However, for this itinerary, we stay in Amsterdam for two days. One the first day we planned a sightseeing tour, so you directly get the hang of the city. Get off with a good start and learn the local vibe. 

Amsterdam is perfect for walking around and exploring the old historic center. You can, of course, book a guided tour, but it is also fun to go exploring yourself.

When you’re going to walk around yourself, make sure to visit areas like  Jordaan, De Pijp, Albert Cuyp Market, Dam.  In our article;  How Many Days in Amsterdam ,  you’ll find more detailed information about these neighborhoods. 

Canal Belt Tour

The Amsterdam Canal Belt is probably one of the most famous canal belts in the world. It is a Unesco World Heritage site, and during the 17th century, it was the most important ‘road network’ in the city. It was during the heydays of the Dutch Eastern Company, at that time, the most important maritime trade company in the world. The canal belt was connected to the Amsterdam Port, and with the canal boats, it was easy to transfer products and goods from the port to the city. Also, it was the fastest way for the working class to reach the port and go to work every day. 

Today the canal belt is still important in Amsterdam, but its mainly used by the locals for leisure activities. And for tourists to go around the city and get to know Amsterdam from a different perspective. Everything is different from the water! You don’t need to back your tour in advance. The tour boats leave from many different locations throughout the city, and most of them are guided tours, offered in all kinds of languages. 

Let’s get around the city in the Dutch way, on a bicycle!

Fun Fact Alert!   Did you know there are more bicycles in The Netherlands then citizens? Read more fun facts in our article  The Fun Facts of The Netherlands . 

Cycling around Amsterdam is straightforward, convenient, and safe. Make sure to follow the designated bicycle paths, and always follow the traffic lights, and you’ll be okay. The best place to rent a bicycle in Amsterdam is via  MacBike ; with over 30 years of experience, they were probably one of the first commercially bike rentals in the city. They have several locations throughout the city, which makes it convenient to drop off your bike. 

An excellent bicycle tour in Amsterdam, which will take around half-day, is to follow the canal belt, go around de Pijp area, Jordaan, and end up in Vondelpark. Vondelpark is the largest city park in Amsterdam and probably the most beautifully designed city park in The Netherlands. It is great to drop off your bike close to the park, and then head inside to park to hang out and enjoy some lunch. A lunch which you can easily buy at one of the many take away food stands in the city! 

We recommend to ask at the rental company for a roadmap and ask if they can select the route via the different areas. Due to road works, the traffic situation in Amsterdam changes a lot, so it is better to ask for the most recent situation at the rental shop. 

Places To Stay In Amsterdam

Booking a hotel or apartment in Amsterdam is overwhelming. There are more than 2000 listings on Booking.com alone! So to help you choose, we selected a few hotels and apartments. We didn’t stay at any of them, but when we saw the customer reviews, we felt it was safe to recommend these. We always check the customer reviews on Booking.com and the only book I place for ourselves when the listing gets a recent (reviews not older than 2 months) review score of 9+. 

Recommended places to stay in Amsterdam are: 

• Heritage Canal House 
• Apartments De Hallen
• Hostel The Flying Pig Downtown  (Budget Choice)
• Hotel The Toren 

Let’s get more cultural. The Netherlands is known for its small fisherman villages and unique historical windmills. You can capture both in just one day by visiting Zaanse Schans and Volendam. Both areas are easy to reach, traveling from Amsterdam. You’ll get there within an hour. It is recommended to choose a place to stay in Amsterdam or close to Amsterdam for the first 3 days. On day 4 we recommend traveling with public transport to a different city. 

Zaanse Schans

Famous for its historic windmills. During its heydays, you could find hundreds of active windmills in this area. Zaanse Schans was the first industrial area of Western Europe. After the Dutch invention of the crankshaft, the production snowballed. The crankshaft made a vertical saw movement possible, allowing the windmills to saw much more wood in the same amount of time. 

Most wood sawing was used for shipbuilding in that day because the Dutch Eastern Company needed seaworthy ships for their trade routes in Southeast Asia. 

Today only a handful of windmills are still located at Zaanse Schans, but it is a unique place to visit. You’re literally stepping back in time. A place you can’t find somewhere else. 

Zaanse Schans is also perfect for a half-day cycling tour through the Dutch countryside, exploring more of the windmills that are a bit further away. You can read more about this area, and other unique historic windmills in our article  Where Can You Find The Best Windmills in The Netherlands.  

The fisherman’s village Volendam is probably the best-known fisherman village in The Netherlands. It is not the most authentic. To visit the more authentic and less touristy fisherman village, you probably want to go to Edam. However, Volendam is also great for a visit, and easy to reach coming from Zaanse Schans. 

Volendam is known for people still walking in traditional clothing, the large dike, and daily freshly caught seafood. It is probably the best place to taste typical Dutch Food, raw herring. Which is a delicacy according to many Dutch people, I’m not a fan, but you need to try it once! (In our article   Typical Dutch Food ,  you can find more information about raw herring and other unique Dutch dishes)

Keukenhof is the largest flower garden in the world. It is a must-visit while you’re in The Netherlands. However, it is seasonal. The Keukenhof only opens for roughly 8 weeks a year. In 2020 they open between March 21 and May 10. 

Every year their opening weeks are around these dates, you can find the most recent information on  their website .

Keukenhof is located close to Leiden in a small village Lisse. So when the Keukenhof is closed, you might want to visit Leiden, which is a lovely medieval city to visit. Or you can spend an extra day in Amsterdam or The Hague. 

Annually the Keukenhof gardeners plant over 8 million flower bulbs. And because of the warm winters, they need to plant even more flower bulbs because the flowers grow to fast. So with stacking the different flower bulbs, they assure perfectly blossoming flowers during their opening weeks. 

The area is part of what we call in The Netherlands,  the Bulb Region,  an area where you can visit the famous flower fields and walk around a sea of colors during the blossoming period. 

Fact Alert! The Netherlands is the biggest flower-bulb exporter in the world! Read more about this interesting fact in our article  Why is The Netherlands Famous For Tulips?

When you’re interested in spending more time around the Dutch flower fields, you might be interested in reading the article ‘ Where Are The Tulip Fields in The Netherlands? ‘,  where we describe the best places and best time to visit the tulip and flower fields. 

Best city in the country! Okay, I’m not objective. I lived in The Hague almost my whole life, so I’m what we say in The Netherlands,  Hagenaar (A citizen from The Hague).  Anyway, today I live in a suburb close to The Hague. A small city on its own, but more in the countryside. My roots are still in the government city, so I’m always getting enthusiastic when I’m writing about The Hague. 

The Hague is known as the government city and the city where the Royal Family lives. It is the third-largest city of The Netherlands, and walking around the historic city centers feels like you’re walking around in a large village. The city is located very close to the beach. Scheveningen Beach, the most famous beach in the country, which is an official part of The Hague, is like 15 minutes away from the city center. 

The Hague Highlights

Spending a day in The Hague can be a bit busy, there’s much to explore. We wrote the article  One Day In The Hague , a complete itinerary , which we recommend reading. In that article, we cover all the highlights like visiting  Binnenhof (Government building), Mauritshuis (unique museum), Royal Palace Noordeinde, Scheveningen Beach, and many more. 

Places To Stay in The Hague

Spending a night in The Hague is lovely. You can sleep in the building next to the Royal Palace Noordeinde, and feel a bit like a Dutch Royal for one night. Or you might stay at Hotel Des Indes, which is one of the oldest hotels in the country. We selected a few hotels, which are all linking to the Booking.com page so you can check them out for yourself. Don’t forget to check the recent customer reviews before booking your stay! 

• Hotel Des Indes   (It’s one of the oldest hotels in The Netherlands!)
• The Penthouse The Hague Tower
• Hotel Indigo – Palace Noordeinde    (Located next to the Royal Palace)
• Kingkool City Hoste l (Budget Choice) 

Traveling from The Hague to Rotterdam is like 40 minutes, tops. When you hop on the intercity train (the fast train in The Netherlands), you can reach Rotterdam in like 25 minutes. 

Rotterdam is the most modern city in The Netherlands. It is known for its unique and bright architecture. It is a unique city to visit. When you’re staying in Rotterdam for only one day, you’ll definitely have a great time, but I feel you need to hurry a bit and miss out on some unique things to visit. 

Of course, you can decide to visit Rotterdam for one day (you can find a  one day Rotterdam itinerary  in this article I wrote), but staying two days, you can enjoy the city even more. One the first day, I would recommend following the one-day itinerary, which takes you along all the city highlights and is perfect for your first day.

Second day in Rotterdam

On the second day in Rotterdam, I would recommend visiting Kinderdijk, which is a Unesco World Heritage site.  Kinderdijk  is famous as one of the first large water management systems in The Netherlands. 

After visiting Kinderdijk, you can either hang out in one of the large city parks and relax for a bit. Or visit Port of Rotterdam, which is the largest container port of Europe. When you’re interested in this form of industry, it is recommended to book a guided tour in advance. 

Als, this second day is perfect for spending some more time in one of the areas you liked, and enjoy life as a local. 

Places To Stay in Rotterdam

There are many places to stay in Rotterdam, so I made a small selection of some unique places which are not your everyday hotels. Like we said, Rotterdam is known for its unique architecture, so why not stay in a unique building for a night. 

• Euromast  –  Romantic Getaway, with a unique city view
• Hotel New York  –  Sleep in the old office of the Hotel America Line
• SS Rotterdam  –  One of the old cruise ships of the Holland America Line
• Wikkelboats  –  A tiny house in the old harbor, a home made of cardboard! Fun and unique place to stay
• Cube Houses Hostel  –  You can sleep in one of the unique cube houses, it will be a budget choice because they only offer dormitory rooms. 
• Cube House Apartment  –  Want to have a cube house for yourself for a few nights? You can book an apartment to stay overnight .

Day 8: Breda

The province of North Brabant (Noord Brabant in Dutch, and often referred to as  Brabant ) is known for its Burgundian Lifestyle. The vibe is different in Brabant. Life is a bit slower, things are not rushed like in Amsterdam or The Hague. 

Breda is one of the unique cities to visit in Brabant, and while you are there make sure to visit the following highlights; 

Castle of Breda

An important building in Dutch history. It was the castle where Hendrik van Nassau the 3rd lived and stayed in the Nassau family (Dutch Royal Family) for many generations. The castle is located on a military academy, and you can only visit it via a guided tour, which you can book on the website of the  local tourism office . 

Citypark Valkenburg

This city park is known for its many fountains and a perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon. 

This inner square in the middle of the city center is a unique place to visit. It is a peaceful and quiet place to walk around, away from the bustling city. This historic inner square was used as a shelter for homeless and poor people. 

Places to Stay in Breda

Breda has many places where you can stay. When you take a look at the listings on Booking.com, you’ll notice that many accommodations are highly ranked. Which confirms the fact that Breda is known for its Burgundian Lifestyle. Hospitality is one of the most important factors of this lifestyle. 

We recommend taking a look at  the different accommodations  and choose something you like. You can’t hardly go wrong while booking a place to stay in Breda. 

Day 9: Optional Activities – Own Interpretation

This is probably something you’re not used too when reading a travel itinerary. However, there are many things to explore while visiting The Netherlands, I felt it was essential to leave at least one day open for your own interpretation. 

You might want to stay longer in one of the cities we mentioned earlier, which you can do more relaxed when you don’t have a tight schedule. Or maybe you have a city in mind you absolutely want to visit while you’re in The Netherlands, and we didn’t mention before. It is all possible, either way, we selected this day for you, so you can choose the things you like to do in The Netherlands. 

Recommended cities to visit

Here are some cities you might find inspiring to visit. 

• Gouda: which is famous for its traditional cheese market and unique historical center
• Den Bosch: A unique Medieval center. In Den Bosch, you can also experience the truly Burgundian lifestyle
• Giethoorn: a small village in the northern part of The Netherlands, known as  Venice of the North.  The city consists entirely of canals, there are no roads inside the village! 
• Groningen, a vibrant student city, located in the North of The Netherlands. Groningen is known for its natural park Lauwerslake, which is the park with the most unique biodiversity in The Netherlands. 

In our article  Best Cities in The Netherlands ,  you can read much more information about 26 unique cities to visit. 

On the last day of this itinerary, before you leave the country and head back home, or maybe travel a different country in Europe, it is time to visit Utrecht. 

Utrecht is the fourth-largest city in The Netherlands and was once the economic heart of the country. During Roman times, Utrecht was an important settlement for the Romans to cross the rivers. You can still visit a Roman archaeological site under the Dom Tower in Utrecht. 

The most famous highlight of Utrecht, and maybe the most famous tower of The Netherlands, is the belltower  Dom Tower (Domtoren in Dutch).  The church tower was built in the 14th century, and since then, it is a significant landmark in the region. It is the only bell tower in The Netherlands where the unique church bells are still rung by hand. A heavy job, because some of the bells weigh 32000 kilograms! The bells are set in motion by the expert of the Bellringers Guild. They use a unique hanging technique on ropes, using their full body weight to get the bells in motion. 

It is possible to visit the belltower, but only via a guided tour. I highly recommend this tour, because you learn a lot of the Dutch history and the unique tower. The only downside is that the tower is not accessible for people with mobility issues. The stairs to the tower are very small, so they can’t build an elevator inside. 

Utrecht Canal Belt

The canal belt of Utrecht is not a large as the Amsterdam Canal Belt, but it also played an essential role in the development of the city. Before Amsterdam was a thriving city, Utrecht was the economic heart of The Netherlands, and that’s mainly because of the unique location of the city, and its canal belt. Almost the same story as in Amsterdam, only Utrecht was further away from the sea. Which is why Amsterdam had more of an advantage over time. 

It is unique to take a tour around the Utrecht canal belt and explore the city from the water. 

Read more about Utrecht in our article,  What Is Utrecht Famous For?

Places to Stay in Utrecht

There are many places you to stay in Utrecht, we selected three accommodations which got good customer reviews on Booking.com. 

• Hotel Beijers  
• Loft 188 Apartments   
• Bunk Hotel Utrecht   (Budget Option) 

Read More About The Netherlands

You probably want to learn more about The Netherlands before your trip starts. We wrote many articles about our home country you might find interesting, you can see the full list of articles following  this link . 

Some articles you might find interesting are; 

• Best Things to Do in The Hague

What is Rotterdam Famous For?

• Typical Dutch Food Guide
• Weird Things About Dutch People
• Is The Netherlands Worth Visiting   (Recommend read for when you’re still deciding if you should go)

The Netherlands – European Hub

Traveling from The Netherlands to other countries in Europe is straightforward. You can easily catch a direct train from Amsterdam to Paris, which also stops in large cities in Belgium. Or catch a European flight to one of the many countries. A flight from Amsterdam to Greece takes only a few hours. And within 3 hours you can reach Lisbon, Portugal! There are many possibilities to choose from if you want to extend your flight. You might want to read our  booking recommendations , which can be helpful when booking your next trip. 

Some exciting countries to visit in Europe are: 

We spent almost 3 months traveling around Greece during 2019 and had a great time. The country is beautiful. Of course, you can visit the mainland and go to  Athens , which is a unique city to visit. Or you can go island hopping and visit one of the many islands in Greece. It is al possible! 

The weather in Greece is almost always sunny and warm. And the prices are low, especially when you visiting one of the lesser-known islands. When you visit some popular destinations, prices can be though. 

We wrote  several articles about Greece  with you might find interesting to read. An interesting article for when you want to go island hopping in Greece is our  10 Day Island Itinerary For Greece Islands . 

A road trip through Italy is like the romantic getaway everyone is dreaming of. When you’re traveling to The Netherlands, it is easy to make this dream come true. You can just hop on a flight and fly in a few hours to every major city in Italy. You can find all our articles about Italy on  the Italy category page . 

We also traveled through Italy last, and I love the country. Perfect Food, lovely people, beautiful cities, and almost always perfect weather. I especially love the Tuscany region, you might want to read our article  What is Tuscany Best Known For ,  where we describe the best highlights of the area. One of our favorite cities to visit in Italy is Rome, make sure to read our article  What is Rome Known For?

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Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

One Week in Netherlands | Travel Itinerary and Guide

– By Samantha Karen from Sam Sees World

The Netherlands is a beautiful country filled with towns, cities, and villages that are all very unique and diverse, and also one of the best destinations to travel to for Solo Travellers . It is a small country and therefore, spending one week in the Netherlands is just enough time to get a taste of some of the top places within the country. Of course, more time is always better, but this 7 Day Netherlands Travel Itinerary will give you the best Holland experience in the limited time that you have.

The fact that you can take a Eurostar Train from London and spend a weekend in Amsterdam , or even a week in Netherlands, has led to the immense popularity of Netherland with Londoners.

What’s great about travelling around the Netherlands is that, as previously mentioned, it is a very small country and that means getting around and travelling around seeing a lot of cities is very easy. Journeys between destinations are scenic and quick and offer tons to see along the way. With only seven days in the Netherlands you have to be picky on the places you choose to go to. In an ideal world you would go everywhere but, in this case, you have to pick the best of the best.

This Netherlands travel itinerary covers some of the best cities in Europe like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Haarlem, Utrecht, Gouda, that will give you the best Holland experience . Feel free to moderate this one week Netherlands itinerary to fit your needs if you prefer to travel slowly and spend a little more time in cities you could cut one or two of the places out of this itinerary in order to make it fit your travel style.

PS – Useful Travel Resources that will help you plan better for your Trip to Netherlands  – 

• Book your Netherlands train tickets at Omio or Trainline
• Book your Rental Car in Netherlands on Discover Cars and RentalCars.com
• Book the best Netherlands Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator
• Book the best Culinary / Food Experiences in Netherlands on EatWith
• Book your Accommodation in Netherlands on Agoda or Booking.com
• Book your flights at the cheapest rates on Kiwi.com
• Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
• Sign up for a Priority Pass before flying to Netherlands
• Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free vacation in Netherlands.

7  Day Netherlands Travel Itinerary and Guide

Day 1 – 2 | Amsterdam 

Day 3 | utrecht & gouda , day 4 | rotterdam, day 5 | den haag  , day 6 – 7 | haarlem , the 7 day netherlands itinerary – summarised, how to get around the netherlands, weather in the netherlands, share this:.

The first stop on your Trip to Netherlands is the very famous capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. This is by far the most popular city in the Netherlands and also one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, that attracts millions of tourists a year all eager to explore the stunning canals, quirky houses, and famous landmarks. But to do and see everything you should in Amsterdam, it is suggested you spend at least two days here. The best two days during the week to spend in Amsterdam are the weekend, as Amsterdam during the weekend is when you will find most events and special surprises.

During the two days in Amsterdam be sure to tick off some of the best things to do in Amsterdam, such as going to The Anne Frank House, visiting the Jordaan, eating Dutch cheese, and admiring the architecture. There’s so much to see and do and you will surely be lost in the streets and wishing you had a few more days. However, before you head out of Amsterdam, don’t forget to go on an Amsterdam souvenirs shopping spree. And when it comes to souvenirs, some of the unique and best souvenirs in Amsterdam that you should look out for, include the Amsterdam Gumshoe, Dutch Craft Beer, the Dutch Genever, the Stroopwafel, among others. 

If time permits, you can add an extra day in Amsterdam, and with the help of this 3 Day Amsterdam Itinerary , you can discover more immersive things to do in Amsterdam.

And if you are wondering where to stay in Amsterdam, you’ll be delighted to know that there are plenty of amazing hostels in Amsterdam under $25 for you to choose from. Simply, click on the Search button below, to get the best deals on the best hostels in Amsterdam and in Netherlands.

After visiting Amsterdam, take a short 20-minute train ride to Utrecht. Here you will find mediaeval buildings, old canals, lively streets and a ton to see. Spending the day here will show you another beautiful city in the Netherlands that is much less busy and touristy than Amsterdam. Utrecht is also very close to Gouda which is another city in the Netherlands famous for its Gouda cheese. Therefore, after spending one day in Utrecht it is suggested to leave early the next morning and make a quick stop in Gouda before visiting the next city.

A quick morning stop in Gouda is perfect before visiting Rotterdam. Gouda is an authentic Dutch town whereas Rotterdam could not be any more different. Rotterdam is a city that was completely destroyed during World War II and therefore it looks very different from the other cities in the Netherlands because it was rebuilt in a more modern style than the classic style. It is such an interesting place to explore and to see a more modern futuristic side to the Netherlands.

If you need more convincing, these 5 Reasons to visit Rotterdam, Gouda and Dordrecht will surely do the trick ?

The Hague is an interesting city that is known as the political capital of the Netherlands. Find various embassies, political buildings, and palaces in the Hague which are stunning and great to photograph. The most interesting and enticing aspect of the Hague is the beach called Scheveningen beach. This is a large sandy stretch of beach that becomes filled with people in the summer!

Spend the last two days of this One Week Netherlands Travel Itinerary, in Haarlem. Haarlem is also regarded as a mini Amsterdam because it looks quite similar but with much fewer tourists. This is a great place to explore by foot or by boat, plus it is close to the famous Zaanse Schans which is an area full of authentic Dutch windmills!

Spend two days in Harlem and you will be able to explore the city plus venture outside and go to Zaanse Schans. What’s also great is that Harlem is very close to Amsterdam (only 20 minutes by train) so if you are flying out from Amsterdam you are close and don’t need to travel far to get to the airport.

Day 1 – 2  |   Amsterdam 

Day 3  |   Utrecht & Gouda

Day 4  |   Rotterdam 

Day 5  |   Den Haag  

Day 6 – 7  |   Haarlem 

Tips and Recommendations for your Trip to Netherlands

If you’ve got more time on your hand, its highly recommended you also visit,  National Park De Biesbosch , The Frisian lakes , which are without a doubt some of the most beautiful places to visit in The Netherlands.

It might be a good idea to check out these 33 Facts about Amsterdam , before visiting. You’ll end up having more fun, as you’ll be better acquainted with Amsterdam.

The Netherlands, is one of the best countries to visit in Europe, and is very easy to travel around. The easiest way is by train and luckily the train transportation system in the Netherlands is one of the best in Europe. The trains are running constantly throughout the day and are a very fast way to get from city to city all around the country. However, if you are taking the train very often you might see the price catch up with you. The trains in the Netherlands are on the more expensive side and if you find yourself on a train every day it can get quite pricey. So make sure that you book your train tickets for your trip to Netherlands , in advance.

If you are looking to save some money on transportation you can also rent a car in Netherlands . Driving in the Netherlands is quite easy as there are not many major highways. Plus if you have your own car you can stop along the way and check out any additional places that are along the route.

The one thing that is not so great about the Netherlands is the weather. The Netherlands is notorious for raining very often and seemingly out of nowhere. You’ll most likely get used to these types of weather conditions and you just have to make the best of exploring in a little bit of rain. However, what’s great about the weather is that the Netherlands is a pretty mild country meaning in the winter it is cold but not very often in the negatives and during the other seasons you can expect mild and not extreme temperatures.

I hope you found this 7 Day Netherlands Travel Itinerary , to be of help to you, as a reliable Travel Resource for planning your Trip to Netherlands . Don’t forget to Pin these images, and save this Best of Netherlands in 7 Days – A Travel Itinerary and Guide, for future travel planning.

If you enjoyed reading this 7 Day Netherlands Itinerary and Travel Guide , you might want to check out some other 7 Day Travel Guides and Itineraries , as well.

• 7 Day Phuket Dive + Travel Itinerary
• The 7 Day Nairobi Travel Itinerary
• 9 Day Bali Travel Itinerary and Guide
• 7 Day Road Trip to Scotland
• Best of South Africa in 7 Days
• The 7 Day Myanmar Road Trip Itinerary
• One Week in Crete | Greece – Travel Itinerary and Travel Guide
• 7 Days in Israel – A Detailed Travel Itinerary
• 7 Day Road Trip to Bhutan – The Last Shangri La
• One Week in Kerala – God’s Own Country

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Netherlands

Visit the land of windmills and tulip fields, home to charming villages and incredible cities full of history and culture.

The Netherlands, offbeat and open-minded, is the land of wooden shoes and tulip fields, vibrant cities and charming villages, culture and history, bicycles and beautiful nature – and iconic windmills which dot its countryside. As its cities have served as international trading hubs for several centuries, it is a multi-national melting pot - a country where everyone is welcome and feels at home. The Netherlands comes alive in the spring with the blooming of its endless fields of flowers, the reopening of the traditional cheese markets, and the cycling tours that abound.

Amsterdam's rich history, captivating cultural heritage, picturesque canals, and vibrant atmosphere make it a popular and unforgettable tourist destination!

Netherlands' third-largest metropolis is also the country's seat of government, featuring fine architecture and rich culture.

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Plan your trip with RoutePerfect’s AI and optimize it by using RoutePerfect’s crowdsourced database, based on proven and enjoyable, well-crafted itineraries of thousands of travelers.

Amsterdam , a unique city and the capital of the Netherlands, is home to a 17th century system of canals, historic buildings, beautiful museums, and a pleasant ambiance in which its residents generally walk or bike from place to place. Go native! Rent a bike to pedal your way around the city and enjoy all of the sites.

In the historic center, dating back to when Amsterdam was a vast trading networking, you’ll see the gabled residences constructed by wealthy merchants along the canals. Enjoy the canals by day or night via one of the many cruises available or by strolling along the banks, past the canal houseboats and centuries-old houses. Wander through Vondelpark , Amsterdam’s largest park, which is a thriving hub of activity in any season. Visit Dam Square , Amsterdam’s beating heart, where you can admire the National Monument, Royal Palace , and New Church – and enjoy a host of street artist performances.

Museum Square, a cultural focal point in Amsterdam, is a must for culture lovers. The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to the works of Vincent Van Gogh and his contemporaries, and the Rijksmuseum , the main national museum in the Netherlands, houses other famous works from the Dutch Golden Age, including Rembrandt’s Night Watch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid.

Visit the Anne Frank house where you’ll learn about the writer’s life growing up and her experiences under the Nazis.

At the Heineken Experience , you can tour the brewery and discover what’s behind one of the world’s favorite beers. Amsterdam’s Icebar is among its coolest venues - wrapped warmly in the jackets provided, you’ll drink from glasses made of ice in a bar sculpted from 35 tons of natural ice and kept at -10 degrees Celsius.

A half hour outside Amsterdam you’ll find Keukenhof, the largest flower park in the world which features the flowers that the Netherlands is most famous for. In the spring, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the spectacle and perfume of more than 7 million flowers, mainly tulips, in bloom. In the summer, the garden of the Keukenhof Castle is filled with different types of flowering dahlias which provide an overwhelming display of color.

Another not-to-be-missed day trip from Amsterdam is to the lovely Dutch countryside with stops in Zaanse Schans, the picturesque windmill village where you can visit a working windmill, and in Volendam , the charming, centuries-old fishing village with a historic harbor, colorful wooden houses, and working cheese factories. Speaking of cheese, Edam – the city made famous by the quintessentially Dutch cheese of that name – is another fascinating destination along this route. The trip wouldn’t be complete without a short boat ride to the island of Marken for a visit with a local traditional clog maker.

The Hague , the City of Peace and Justice and the political heart of the country, boasts many monuments, chic hotels, art museums, high-end shopping, and beautiful beaches. The Peace Palace , the result of collective cooperation of countries around the world, is a must-see with its impressive architecture, interior design, and gardens. The Mauritshuis Museum , located in the city center, houses Vermeer’s Girl with the Pearl Earring.

Need guidance? In the Netherlands, where postcards come to life, you’ll find attractive, exciting vacation spots to suit any travel style, and RoutePerfect is your address for planning, organizing, and booking your personalized dream vacation. Unlike any other company, RoutePerfect offers its exclusive popular itineraries written by tourism professionals and experienced travelers to jumpstart your planning, helping you to customize your travel and book your accommodations so that you can experience the country YOUR way.

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Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

The Netherlands Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

When most people think of traveling in the Netherlands, they think of Amsterdam , with its semi-sleazy Red Light District, charming canals, historic windmills, and laid-back “coffee” shops where you can smoke pot.

But there is much more to the country than its largest city.

The Netherlands is a country filled with centuries-old brick homes, an interconnected system of canals (you can travel most of the country via the water), expansive farmland, and even some really nice beaches. It’s one of my favorite countries in the world. The people are wonderful, there are tons of small towns to explore, and its small size means it’s easy to visit in a short time.

Most travelers come here just to see Amsterdam for a few days before moving on.

Don’t do that.

Spend time exploring outside of Amsterdam and you can discover the country that keeps me coming back every year.

Whether you are backpacking or just traveling on a budget, this Netherlands travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you make the most out of your time here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on the Netherlands

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in the netherlands.

1. Visit Amsterdam

The capital and center of tourism in the country, Amsterdam is as beautiful as it is crazy. There are famous canals, beautiful and historic houses, tons of parks, a foodie scene, art, coffee shops, and, of course, the infamous Red Light District and its wild nightlife. It’s perfect for exploring by bike and it’s every museum lover’s dream, with exhibitions on everything from Anne Frank to van Gough. Take a free walking tour to really get a feel for the city.

2. Explore Rotterdam

Rotterdam is one of the busiest shipping ports in the world. It may not get the attention Amsterdam does, but this city is a great place to visit if you want good parks and modern architecture (most of the old buildings were bombed in World War II) — including some futuristic cube houses. The port has an interesting harbor to explore (you can learn more about it in the attached Futureworld) and a few decent museums. It’s an often-overlooked city that’s worth a few days of exploring.

3. Take a canal tour

Whether in Amsterdam or in another city, make sure you take a canal tour to see the canals that made the country famous. The canals are such an integral part of life that you can’t really understand the country until you spend time boating on the canals. You can take a tour with a large company (there are tons of different canal tours on offer including a pizza cruise, cruises with wine and cheese, and booze cruises with unlimited drinks) but if you can, I suggest you rent your own boat which is much more affordable (prices start at 50 EUR) and gives you a more intimate experience.

4. Tour Leiden

Head to this small town and see where the Pilgrims lived before they left for America. It’s a historic city and filled with beautiful 17th-century buildings and landscaped parks. There are over a dozen museums in this small city, including the Museum of Antiquities and the National Museum of Ethnology. It also boasts in one of the Netherlands’ largest flower-growing areas. Go in May to catch the best of the tulip season.

5. Wander The Hague

Other things to see and do in the netherlands, 1. day trip to historic haarlem.

Haarlem, located just outside Amsterdam, was a cultural and economic hub during the Dutch Golden Age (1588-1672). Wander the city and take in the historic homes of the merchant class who brought the city to prominence. There’s not a ton to do here but the town center has a good market, a towering Gothic church, and it’s a low-key alternative to the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. It makes a nice escape for an afternoon.

2. Celebrate King’s Day (Koningsdag)

Every year on April 27th (April 26th if the 27th is a Sunday), the Dutch celebrate the birthday of their King, Willem-Alexander for Koningsdag . For 33 years, they celebrated Queen Beatrix on April 30th as part of Queen’s Day, however, in 2013 she passed the throne to her son so the holiday changed dates, and Queen’s Day became King’s Day. It’s a national holiday filled with outdoor concerts, lots of orange (the national color), plenty of drinking, and insane celebrations on the canals. It is one of the wildest national holidays I’ve ever celebrated.

3. Visit Edam

Edam is a popular cheese from the Netherlands. It’s also a town just 21 kilometers (13 miles) north of Amsterdam. Edam is a picture-perfect Dutch town with iconic windmills, rolling farmland, and quaint houses. It’s one of the most quintessential Dutch towns. You can explore the 18th-century cheese warehouses, go on a boat tour, or just come here to eat cheese and be as Dutch as possible!

4. Head to the Keukenhof

The Keukenhof is the largest flower garden in the world, boasting 79 acres of spectacular floral displays. Located between Amsterdam and The Hague, the garden is open between March and May of each year when the tulips are in season. More than 7 million bulbs are planted annually and the garden has around 800 different types of tulips. When you picture Holland, you picture flowers and there is no better place to see them than here! Admission is 19 EUR.

5. Bike through Hoge Veluwe National Park

Hoge Veluwe National Park is the largest national reserve in the Netherlands. Covering some 55 square kilometers (21 square miles), the park is composed of sand dunes and woodlands and is home to deer, wild sheep, foxes, badgers, boars, and more. You can rent bicycles to explore for 5 EUR. Don’t miss the Kröller-Müller Museum while you’re here. It has works by artists like van Gogh, Picasso, Rodin, and other masters. Admission to the park is 12.30 EUR.

6. Relax in Maastricht

One of the southernmost towns in the Netherlands, this city is famous for having the country’s only “mountain.” At 322 meters high (1,056 feet), Vaalserberg is really more of a hill and doesn’t take long to climb. But this often-overlooked city is a great place to experience Dutch life away from the hordes of tourists who frequent Amsterdam.

7. Go cycling

As one of the most popular activities throughout the country, you would almost feel out of place not on a bike. The Netherlands is covered by over 20,000 kilometers (12,400 miles) of paths dedicated to two-wheeled transportation. Hoge Veluwe National Park is a particularly beautiful place to ride, but the entire landscape of the country is quite scenic as well. Other popular places to cycle are the Dunes of Texel National Park, Kinderdijk (to see the windmills), and Lauwersmeer National Park. Bike rentals cost around 10-12 EUR per day.

8. Tour Delft

This is a fascinating little town, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. The town is known for its blue pottery (Delftware), but has a handful of other worthwhile sights to see too, including a Gothic church in the old town with a leaning tower (the foundation developed problems during construction); the Oostpoort, a city gate from 1400 that remains from the original city wall; and the stout City Hall building, part of which dates to the 17th century. The town lies just 20 minutes from The Hague and Rotterdam so you can visit as a day trip from either.

9. Admire van Gogh’s work

Open since 1973, this museum in Amsterdam is host to over 500 original works by Vincent van Gogh, in addition to works by some of his contemporaries and friends. The exhibits chronicle his life, showing the progress and development of his work, alongside Gaugain, Monet, and Toulouse-Lautrec. Van Gogh didn’t earn fame in his lifetime and was actually constantly struggling with poverty, making his accomplishments all the more impressive and inspiring. Admission is 20 EUR. Note: Pre-book tickets online to avoid massive queues when you arrive.

10. Visit “Venice of the North”

Slow-paced Giethoorn, located east of Amsterdam, is a charming place with lots of picturesque canals. With no cars allowed in the city center, this peaceful town is a good change of pace from the busyness of the Netherlands’ larger cities. Rent a small boat and spend the day floating by charming cottages and enjoying the slower pace of life.

11. Learn about the Netherlands’ past

Opened in 1912, the Netherlands Open Air Museum is a sprawling 100-acre space that highlights what life was like in historic Netherlands. You can see traditional cabins and houses, learn about trades and crafts, and discover more about the country’s history from the Middle Ages to the present. The museum is located in Arnhem and is a great place to visit with kids. Admission is 19.50 EUR.

12. Have fun at an amusement park

Efteling, in Kaatsheuvel, is one of the oldest theme parks in the world (it opened in 1952) and is the Netherlands’ biggest amusement park. It has all the usual theme park attractions like rollercoasters, games, and performances and is open year-round (each season has different features like fairy lights and bonfires in the winter, and tulips and Dutch terraces in the spring). Admission costs 38 EUR (prices vary by day and season). You need a reservation as well as a ticket.

  For more information on cities in the country, check out these guides:

• Amsterdam Travel Guide
• The Hague Travel Guide
• Rotterdam Travel Guide
• Utrecht Travel Guide

The Netherlands Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels typically cost between 15-35 EUR per night for a bed in a dorm with 6-8 beds. The most popular hostels in Amsterdam can be closer to 50 EUR in the summer so avoid visiting in peak season if you’re on a budget (and book early if you do). Private rooms in hostels cost at least 65 EUR per night for a room that sleeps two (closer to 115 EUR in Amsterdam). Free Wi-Fi is standard, and many hostels also have self-catering facilities. In some cities, the hostels close in winter.

Camping is available around the country, with campgrounds costing around 10-15 EUR per night for a basic plot without electricity.

Budget hotels with basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, TV, and AC cost around 55-85 EUR per night. Expect to pay 10-20 EUR more in Amsterdam and The Hague.

Airbnb is also an option, with private rooms averaging around 50 EUR per night (it’s more like 80 EUR in Amsterdam) and entire homes (including studio apartments) averaging around 100 EUR per night (but again, much higher in Amsterdam). Book early or prices can double.

Food – The Netherlands isn’t famous for its food, but there’s still good stuff to be had. Dutch cuisine typically involves lots of vegetables, bread, and cheeses (gouda originated here). Meat, while historically not as prominent, is a staple of dinner meals. Breakfast and lunch usually involve open-faced sandwiches, often with cheeses and cold cuts. Dinners are very much a “meat and potatoes” meal, with meat stews and smoked sausage being two popular choices. For those with a sweet tooth, the stroopwafel (a waffle cookie with a syrup filling) is the go-to choice, though apple tarts/pies are also local favorites.

Other things to try include poffertjes (fluffy mini-pancakes served with powdered sugar), gouda and edam cheeses, and patat (thick-cut fries with toppings).

Cheap meals at fast food joints or places like Maoz or Walk to Wok cost around 10-15 EUR. Casual restaurant meals average around 15-20 EUR for a main dish while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 30-35 EUR.

Chinese food costs between 10-15 EUR while a large pizza costs around the same. Beer costs 5 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is 3 EUR. Bottled water is around 2 EUR.

If you cook your meals, expect to pay around 40-65 EUR per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, seasonal vegetables, rice, and some meat.

Backpacking the Netherlands Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking the Netherlands, expect to spend around 65 EUR per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, cooking most of your meals, using local transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like walking tours and lounging in the parks.

On a mid-range budget of about 160 EUR, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, enjoy some fast food and other cheap eats, have a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around or rent a bike, and do more paid activities like guided tours and museum visits.

On a “luxury” budget of 280 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car to explore, and do as many paid tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

The Netherlands Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While not the most expensive country in Europe, the Netherlands isn’t super cheap either. Here are some ways to help save money in the Netherlands so you don’t blow your budget:

• Limit your partying – Many people go to Amsterdam to party — and to smoke pot. While the city is cracking down on this, it’s still an unnecessary expense that can add up quickly. Limit your smoking (and limit your expenses in the coffee shops; you don’t need to buy something in every shop).
• Get the Museumkaart (Museum Card) – Good for one month for non-residents, this card gets you into several museums for only 64.90 EUR. You get access to 400 museums throughout the Netherlands and it’s good for repeat visits as well! If you’re visiting multiple cities in the country, this is a must! Compare the price to the museums you want to visit to see if it’s worth it for you.
• Bike everywhere – Biking is the cheapest form of transportation. You can rent a bike for only a few euros a day. While most Dutch cities are easily walkable, cycling is what the locals do. It’s the most bike-friendly country in the world so don’t pass up the chance to explore on two wheels. Prices average around 10-15 EUR per day but can be as low as 5 EUR.
• Attend a free festival – During the summer, everyone goes outside. Check local tourism boards for a list of free concerts, festivals, shows, and markets. Once the weather gets warm, the social calendar fills up!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a service that lets travelers stay with locals for free. It’s a fun cultural exchange platform that not only saves you money but connects you with a local who can share their insider tips. Since a lot of travelers use this service, make your requests for hosts early (especially in Amsterdam).
• Cook your own food – Dutch food isn’t going to win any culinary awards (sorry, my Dutch friends) so skip the restaurants and cook your own food. It saves you a ton!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in the Netherlands

Here are some of my favorite places to stay in the Netherlands:

• St. Christopher’s (Amsterdam)
• Hostel Room (Rotterdam)
• Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel (Rotterdam)
• Pink Flamingo Hostel (The Hague)
• Kingkool (The Hague)
• Stayokay Utrecht Centrum (Utrecht)
• Hostel Strowis (Utrecht)

How to Get Around the Netherlands

Public transportation – It’s easy to use public transportation to get around the Netherlands’ cities. One-way fares in major cities start at 4 EUR. All public transportation uses an OV-chipkaart, which you can load with money. You can also get a day travel pass (starting cost is 7-9.50 EUR).

Bus – Buses are an affordable way to get around the Netherlands, but they aren’t as fast or efficient as the train. Flixbus is the cheapest bus operator. A trip from Amsterdam to Rotterdam costs as little as 3 EUR and takes just over 1 hour, while Amsterdam to The Hague can be done for the same cost and takes 40-50 minutes.

Train – The Netherlands is so small that all major tourist destinations in the country are within a 2.5-hour train journey from Amsterdam. The national rail system is Nederlandse Spoorwegen and their service is clean and efficient. Train travel in the Netherlands is a thing of beauty!

You can use the official rail site to look up itineraries and ticket prices. Intercity train tickets around Holland are cheap and cost between 10-20 EUR, though for super short distances, they can be as little as 5 EUR. Amsterdam to Rotterdam is 11 EUR and takes 40 minutes while Amsterdam to The Hague is also 11 EUR and takes 50 minutes.

The national rail service also has special tour programs for travelers. This gives you unlimited travel throughout a period of consecutive days (such as 3-8 days of unlimited travel in a 30-day period). There’s also the Benelux Pass, which gives you access to public transportation like trams and buses for a certain number of days. Prices begin around 109 EUR and go up to 206 EUR depending on how many days you want (maximum is 8 days in a month).

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

Ridesharing – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by paying a small fee. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train and is perfect for medium and long-distance trips.

Bike rental – The Netherlands is one of the best cycling countries in the world and bike rentals here are cheap. You can rent bikes starting for around 10-15 EUR per day (sometimes as little as 5 EUR).

Car Rental – Car rentals can be as low as 25 EUR per day, but the bus and train systems in the Netherlands are so excellent and affordable that you really don’t even need to bother. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to the Netherlands

The Netherlands receives the most tourist traffic from mid-April to mid-October, but the real peak season is July and August. However, the weather is never very extreme, and visiting during the off-season or shoulder season is also worth your time. Prices are also a lot more affordable during the off-season, and if you come between mid-April and mid-May you can see the incredible tulip fields in bloom. Just bring a rain jacket.

The average daily summer temperature is around 19°C (67°F), but it can get a lot hotter than that during July and August. The average daily temperature in the winter is 2°C (35°F). Still, coming here during the Christmas season is always a good time as the cities light up with markets and festivities.

Since the Netherlands is located below sea level, you can expect to encounter a few days of fog or rain no matter when you visit. The winters can be damp as well. Be sure to pack a warm layer or two and a waterproof jacket if you’re visiting in the shoulder season or the winter.

How to Stay Safe in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel – even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent attacks are rare, as is petty theft.

There are a few common scams around, however, such as people trying to sell you used public transit tickets or stolen bikes. Avoid interacting with them and you’ll be fine.

If you’re worried about other travel scams, you can read about the most common travel scams to avoid right here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

The Netherlands Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

The Netherlands Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling the Netherlands and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hotels in Amsterdam

The Best Walking Tours in Amsterdam

Where to Stay in Amsterdam: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 34 Best Things to See and Do in Amsterdam

The 9 Best Hostels in Amsterdam

My Suggested 3-5 Day Itinerary for Visiting Amsterdam

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

4 Days in Amsterdam: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

How to spend 4 days in amsterdam: the best itinerary + where to stay.

You’re planning to spend 4 days in Amsterdam and you’re looking for the best things to do?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this optimized 4-day itinerary in Amsterdam.

During your trip, you will discover all must-see attractions of the city as well as (if you wish to!) the surroundings of Amsterdam, such as the Waterland villages or Zaanse Schans windmills.

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best places to visit in Amsterdam in 4 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. The I Amsterdam City Card

4 days in amsterdam: must-see attractions:, one last tip for a perfect 4-day stay in amsterdam, a. dam square and the royal palace of amsterdam, b. the amsterdam dungeon or the amsterdam museum, c. the béguinage (begijnhof), d. the flower market, e. zuiderkerk and nieuwmarkt, f. the red light district, g. oude kerk, a. jordaan district, b. the cheese museum, c. anne frank house, d. visit a museum: rijksmuseum, van gogh, moco or stedelijk, e. vondelpark, f. canal cruise, a. albert cuyp market, b. heineken experience, c. skinny bridge, d. visit a museum or guided tour of amsterdam by bike, e. this is holland/a’dam lookout, option 1: the windmills of zaanse schans + haarlem, option 2: the waterland villages, option 3: keukenhof (between mid-march and mid-may only), where to stay in amsterdam, amsterdam in 4 days with kids, more things to do during your 4 days in amsterdam, renting a boat in amsterdam, map of your 4-day itinerary in amsterdam, 4 days in amsterdam: flight prices and tips, you’re traveling to the netherlands these articles will help you , how to avoid waiting in line (and save a lot of time) at amsterdam’s tourist attractions.

As Amsterdam welcomes tens of thousands of tourists every day , you can imagine that there is often very long waiting lines at the entrance of the city’s must-see attractions such as the Rijksmuseum or the Royal Palace.

And you don’t want to waste a big chunk of your 4-day itinerary in Amsterdam queuing, right?

Hopefully, I have a few tips that will allow you to easily avoid this inconvenience .

So, here are the 2 solutions to save a lot of time and money during your stay in Amsterdam!

Your first option to save time and get discounts on Amsterdam’s must-see attractions is to opt for the I Amsterdam City Card.

As the City Card is valid for a period of between 1 and 5 days (depending on what you choose when booking), you can use it throughout your 4 days in Amsterdam.

With the I Amsterdam City Card, you will get:

• Free entrance to the city’s museums (including the the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum of course!)
• A canal cruise
• Discounts on certain attractions such as the Amsterdam Dungeon and the Heineken Experience
• 25% off bike hire and in certain restaurants
• Unlimited use of public transport during your 4 days in Amsterdam.

To buy your I Amsterdam City Card and see the full list of attractions included, simply click on the button below:

2. Fast track tickets for Amsterdam’s best tourist attractions

The 2nd solution to save time during your 4-day stay in Amsterdam is to buy fast track tickets 1 by 1, for each attractions or activities.

In Amsterdam, you can get fast track tickets for the main museums as well as for many activities you might want to enjoy during your 4 days.

Here’s the list of the attractions and activities I talk about in this itinerary.

To book, simply click on the attractions names (in orange) or on the green buttons you will find in this guide.

• The Royal Palace of Amsterdam
• The Amsterdam Dungeon
• Amsterdam Museum
• Guided tour of the Red Light District
• Private tour of the Jordaan district
• Rijksmuseum
• Van Gogh Museum
• The Stedelijk Museum
• Canal cruise
• The Heineken Experience
• Guided tour of Amsterdam
• Guided bike tour
• THIS IS HOLLAND
• Anne Frank walking tour of Amsterdam
• Guided Segway tour
• One day including a visit to the windmills + 1 hour cruise + Volendam + Marken
• Visit Edam + Volendam + Marken + Zaanse Schans + cheese-tasting .

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!) , you should really book your accommodation.

As Amsterdam is one of the most touristic cities in the world , the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in Amsterdam by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at  traveler’s favorite hotels in Amsterdam.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in Amsterdam, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

4 days in Amsterdam: recommended itinerary

It’s now time to plan your 4-day itinerary in Amsterdam!

For this itinerary, I assume you’ll be spending 4 full days in Amsterdam and purchased the I Amsterdam City Card or your fast track tickets. That’s the best way to save time and money during your stay!

If you still have questions after reading this article or need help planning your trip, don’t hesitate to send me your questions via the comments section located at the bottom of this guide.

So, what should you see during your 4 days in Amsterdam?

First day – the historic centre

Day 1 visits:

A. Dam Square and the Royal Palace B. The Amsterdam Dungeon or the Amsterdam Museum C. The Béguinage (Begijnhof) D. The flower market E. Zuiderkerk and Nieuwmarkt F. The Red Light District G. Oude Kerk

Let’s start this 4-day visit to Amsterdam at Dam Square, the city’s main square.

It’s a 10-minute walk from Amsterdam Centraal station via Damrak or Nieuwendijk streets . If you prefer, you can also take the tram that departs from of the railway station.

On Dam Square, you can see:

• The National Monument
• Nieuwe Kerk church
• The Royal Palace of Amsterdam, which you really should visit! The former City Hall that became a royal residence today houses a museum. There, you can admire period furniture as well as numerous paintings and sculptures.

Entrance to the palace isn’t included in the City Card, so you should buy your skip the line tickets in advance. It would be silly to waste time before visiting your very first attraction of the day!

The price is the same as at the ticket office and the audio guide is included.

You need to book it here:

After the Royal Palace , you have 2 options for your next visit: the Amsterdam Dungeon or the Amsterdam Museum .

They are both located less than 5 minutes from Dam Square on foot.

1) The Dungeon is a unique experience where you can discover one of the darkest part the Netherlands history in the form of staged productions with actors in period costume.

During this 1 h 15 show , you’ll of course be invited to join in and participate to the various scenes such as a witch burning at the stake or a trial during the Spanish inquisition.

It’s really very well done and you’ll soon be taken up by the atmosphere. Well, as long as you aren’t elected to try out the instruments of torture 🙃.

The I Amsterdam City Card gets you a 25% reduction on your entrance ticket.

With the Amsterdam City Pass , you can enjoy a 10% discount for the Dungeon as long as you book your ticket online using the discount code you got when you bought the pass.

If you don’t have the pass, you can book your entrance ticket by clicking here.

2) In a more classic style but still in line with the history of the city , you can also visit the Amsterdam Museum. It’s a great way to learn about about 1,000 years of the Netherlands capital’s history !

Free entrance with the Amsterdam City Card . If you don’t have the pass, you can purchase your tickets here.

Near the square you’ve also got Body Worlds exhibition , Madame Tussauds wax museum and the Ripley’s museum. Simply choose the one you prefer!

After spending the morning indoors, let’s continue with a walking tour of the city.

Not far from the Dungeon and the museum, you should take a look at the Béguinage , one of the oldest inner courtyards in the city.

These houses were once inhabited by a community of women called the Béguines, hence the name.

Here, you can also see Amsterdam’s last wooden house . This type of housing became strictly forbidden because of the high risk of fire.

Another popular site you should see during your 4 days in Amsterdam is the flower market, or Bloemenmarkt.

The flower market is located on the banks of the canal, just 5 minutes on foot from the Béguinage. As the name suggests, you’ll find plenty of flowers here, and especially tulips , the iconic flower of the Netherlands.

Fresh flowers , bulbs, wooden flowers: they’re here in all formats and colours. There are also shops selling souvenirs such as postcards, magnets and, of course, the traditional wooden clogs.

You’re sure to find something here to take home from your 4-day stay in Amsterdam!

Let’s now walk along Kloveniersburgwal canal for 10 minutes to reach Zuiderkerk church.

At certain times of the day (the times are completely random), you can climb to the top of the bell tower with a guide.

Continue your stroll and you will pass by Nieuwmarkt square.

You will immediately recognize it thanks to “The Waag “, a building that looks like a small castle located on the center of the square. It’s actually the old gateway to the city which has today been converted into a café and restaurant.

If you continue to the north of the square, you will stumble upon the small Chinatown district of Amsterdam.

It’s now time to visit the hottest spot in town: the famous Red Light District!

You’ve probably already heard about this district, mainly famous for its prostitutes sitting behind red-fronted shop windows!

Yes, prostitution is completely legal in Amsterdam, they are workers who have to pay their taxes just like the rest of the population.

Important: please note that it’s not allowed to take photos of the prostitutes from the street.

To learn more about the history of the district and go deeper into the subject (no, it’s not what you’re thinking!), you can take a guided tour of the Red Light District.

You need to book your guided tour here:

Here are some slightly less traditional visits that are also worth it:

• Visit Amsterdam’s Museum of Prostitution
• Visit a brothel with a sex worker guide

Red Light District is also home to the oldest church in Amsterdam: Oude Kerk , built in the 1300s.

Entry to the church costs 15€ . If you ask me, that’s a bit expensive considering the interior isn’t very special. To give you an idea, it’s the same price as St John’s Cathedral in Malta , which is incredibly more interesting to visit!

In fact , you’re mostly paying to see one of the contemporary art exhibition they usually host inside, which in my opinion don’t really fit the place and are not really worth it.

On the other hand, it’s well worth admiring Oude Kerk exterior architecture, with its red bricks and large stained glass windows.

Entry to the Oude Kerk is free of charge with your I Amsterdam City Card.

So if you have the City Card, don’t hesitate to go have a look inside and make up your own mind!

2nd day Itinerary

Day 2 visits:

A. Jordaan district B. The Cheese Museum C. Anne Frank House D. Visit a museum: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh, MOCO or Stedelijk E. Vondelpark F. Canal cruise

If you have the chance to spend 4 days in Amsterdam, you should take some time to visit the very typical Jordaan district.

This iconic part of the city (together with the historic centre and the Red Light District) is located to the west of Dam Square.

To get there, simply walk along the canal while admiring the houses’ red brick façades. You will pass in front of Westerkerk church, the largest protestant church in the Netherlands.

The best way to visit the Jordaan without missing anything is to take a 2-hour guided tour:

And if you’re a foodie and love to discover local produces, you should opt for this fantastic food tour by clicking there!

While I’m talking about food , that’s exactly what the next visit is all about: the Cheese Museum, also located in Jordaan district.

Well, in all fairness, the word “museum” is a bit grand because it’s nothing more than a small exhibition in a shop’s basement with a few explanations about cheese-making.

The shop itself, located on the ground floor, will for sure grab your attention as it offers free Gouda tastings of every variety (pesto, truffle, chilli…).

Fancy taking part in a tasting workshop of the finest Dutch cheeses during your 4-day stay in Amsterdam?

I’ve selected a really nice activity where you get to taste 5 cheeses by Henri Willing who is well-known for his traditional and high-quality cheeses .

all served with local wines and beers!

Book your cheese-tasting in Amsterdam here.

Let’s continue your 4-day Amsterdam itinerary by staying in the Jordaan district to visit Anne Frank House (when I told you this was an optimized itinerary, I wasn’t joking! 😄)

During the Second World War , when the Jews were being hunted down, it’s here that the Fank family hid to escape deportation. Anne Frank’s diary, now famous throughout the world, tells of the conditions they lived in .

Today, you can visit the different rooms in the house and see photos and objects that belonged to the family, all alongside extracts from the diary.

Entrance tickets are available for sale online only from the official website (click here) . 80% of the tickets are made available online 2 months in advance, and the rest are made available by small batches from 9.00 am each day.

These tickets go very quickly and you should book as early as possible.

If you haven’t managed to get your tickets for the house, you can make up for it by taking a guided tour of the former Jewish district.

The tour, which lasts 2 hours, is the best way to learn more about Anne Frank and life at that time:

There are loads of museums in Amsterdam, and some are among the most famous in the world.

The major ones are located around the Museumplein, or Museum Square.

There are 2 ways for you get there from Anne Frank House:

• A 30-minute walk along the canal
• 20 minutes by tram.

You can choose which museum interests you the most between:

• The Rijksmuseum, the largest and most famous museum in Amsterdam. It houses an impressive collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age. Entry is included with the I Amsterdam City Card .Otherwise you should buy your fast track tickets for the Rijksmuseum in advance by clicking here .
• Van Gogh Museum, dedicated to the famous Dutch artist, with 200 of his works on display. Free entry with the City Card. If you don’t have a card or pass, you can get a fast track ticket here.
• The MOCO , dedicated to contemporary art, includes an exhibition about Banksy. Free entrance with the Amsterdam City Card.
• The Stedelijk Museum, the museum of contemporary art and design. Free entrance with the Amsterdam City Card.

Want to go for a drink after the museums?

You should head for the House of Bols Experience next to the Museumplein.

You will learn all about the process of making the oldest spirits brand in the world, and best of all, you will get to try an excellent cocktail!

You need to buy your tickets for the House of Bols by clicking here.

For a bit of fresh air after these indoor attractions, you can head to Vondelpark.

The largest park in the city is only a 5-minute walk from the Museumplein.

In Vondelpark, you will find several lakes , well-maintained paths for walking or cycling and play areas for the kids.

To bring this second day to a leisurely end, you should take a canal cruise.

Make yourself comfortable and discover the architecture and traditional houses from a different angle. It really is one of the best things you can do during your 4 days in Amsterdam!

There are different sorts of cruise depending on the type of boat and the duration. I’ve picked out 5 of the most popular for you.

Simply click on the links for more information and to book:

• 75 minute cruise exploring the historic centre + audio guide
• 1 hour cruise with audio guide to admire the façades of the Dutch Golden Age houses
• 1 hour cruise in a semi-open electric canal boat
• 90 minute evening cruise to enjoy the city lights
• Luxury cruise with drinks and snacks included.

Don’t forget: if you’ve bought the I Amsterdam City Card , you’re entitled to a free cruise!

3rd day in Amsterdam: best places to visit

Day 3 visits:

A. Albert Cuyp Market B. Heineken Experience C. Skinny Bridge D. Visit a museum: of a guided tour of Amsterdam by bike E. A’DAM Lookout

This is now the 3rd of your 4-day trip to Amsterdam.

Let’s start the morning at Albert Cuyp Market , one of the biggest open-air markets in Europe. In addition to fruits and vegetables , you can also buy cheese , flowers and souvenirs there.

The market, open from Monday to Saturday , is located in De Pijp neighbourhood.

Next, you can head to Heineken Experience 5 minutes away from the market.

Inside the former premises of the brewery , you’ll learn everything about the history of the famous Heineken company and the different stages of making their iconic drink: beer of course!

At the end of the visit, you indeed get to enjoy a good pint of beer.

You need to book your tickets in advance here!

Next, you can go for a quick photo opportunity on the famous Skinny Bridge (Magere Brug in Dutch).

Film buffs and lovers of the James Bond series will recognize the bridge used as a set for “ Diamonds are Forever” movie.

Dating back to the 17th century, this bridge was originally so narrow that it was hard for 2 people to pass each other, hence its nickname: the Skinny Bridge .

Since then, it’s been widened twice to allow a few more people to cross at the same time, and it can also opens to let the canal boats through.

For the afternoon, you have a few options :

1) Visit a museum.

There are a few museums close to the Skinny Bridge: the Hermitage Amsterdam , Rembrandt House Museum or the Tropenmuseum of ethnography.

If you prefer, you can also return to the Museumplein area to visit one of the museums there.

2) Explore the city by bike: do like locals and grab a bike to discover the hidden gems of the city! The whole city is perfect for this, as there are cycle lanes everywhere.

Actually, as a pedestrian you almost need to look out for the bikes more than for the cars.

You can hire a bike by clicking on the button below:

Or if you prefer, you can book a guided tour by bike to immerse yourself deeper in the local culture:

3) If you’re visiting Amsterdam with kids, you can take them to the zoo of Amsterdam or to NEMO Science Museum , which is great fun.

You might also want to stop at a coffee shop at some point during the afternoon. Consuming cannabis sitting comfortably in a dedicated café is another Amsterdam institution, and it’s completely legal here!

As the afternoon comes to an end, head to Amsterdam central station.

From there, you can take the free ferry shuttle across the river to Buiksloterweg quay .

You will then have to walk less than 5 minutes to THIS IS HOLLAND, an attraction that takes you on a 10-minute virtual flight over the Netherlands . To add to the experience, the seats move and you can even smell the scent of the tulips as you fly over the fields.

The City Card entitles you to a discount. If you don’t have a pass, you can book your tickets online by clicking here.

Right next to THIS IS HOLLAND , a great way to end the day is on the panoramic terrace at the A’DAM Lookout.

From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view over the entire city and even, if you dare, try the highest swing in Europe.

Entry to the A’DAM Lookout is included in the City Card Amsterdam.

4th day – The Best things to do near Amsterdam

On the last day of your 4-day itinerary in Amsterdam, you should go on a day trip to visit Amsterdam’s surroundings!

Here are the 3 best places to visit near Amsterdam:

Zaanse Schans is for sure the most famous tourist attraction around Amsterdam!

Here, you can visit windmills built next to the water . While in Amsterdam, you will probably have already seen them on a few postcards.

In addition to the windmills, there are shops selling cheese, souvenirs and clogs. It’s touristy, but in a good way because Zaanse Schans has been well developed to maintain tradition.

You can also visit 2 museums there: one dedicated to clock-making (a speciality of the village) and the other to windmills.

There are 3 ways you can get to Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam :

• Take bus no. 391 or 891 from the central station. There’s one approximately every 15 minutes. You need to purchase your ticket by clicking here!
• Take the train to Zaanse railway station (20-minute journey)+ a 15-minute walk to the windmills.
• Take a day trip that includes transport and a guide.

To make it easier for you, I have picked out 3 organized day trips that include a visit to Zaanse Schans windmills, but with slight variations:

• A visit to the windmills + 1 hour cruise + Volendam + Marken (2 Waterland villages I will tell you about below, in “option 2”). In my opinion, this is the best excursion to see the windmills!

You need to book it by clicking on the green button below:

And the other 2 options:

• A 3-hour organised trip in a small group with a guided tour/entry to the windmill/clog-making demonstration.
• An excursion to discover Edam + Volendam + Marken + Zaanse Schans + cheese-tasting .

If you want to make your own way to Zaanse Schans, you only need half a day to visit the site. So in the afternoon you should visit Haarlem (just a 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam).

I really loved this charming and picturesque small town, featuring beautiful brick houses and a magnificent church.

There are 7 traditional and authentic villages you can visit close to Amsterdam. They are known collectively as the “Waterland villages” because they are criss-crossed by canals or situated by the sea.

It’s easy to visit them all in one day thanks to the 10€ Waterland day ticket.

It gives you unlimited use of the buses to get from Amsterdam to the villages (and between all the villages).

You can get the bus routes and timetables from the information centre at the railway station. You can buy the day ticket at any of the automatic ticket machines located in the central station.

Here’s the list of villages you should see:

• Broek in Waterland and its small wooden houses
• Monninckendam, where you can visit the Waterlands Museum and Saint Nicolas church
• Marken: a very pretty small island featuring a harbour and waterside restaurants
• Volendam: a very charming village lots of small shops and restaurants around the harbour.
• Edam: a traditional village that’s perfect for a stroll to admire the very beautiful houses.
• Purmerend: not my favourite because it’s a bit less traditional. It’s more a common small town, you can skip it if you don’t have time.
• Beemster: designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its polder, a man-made stretch of land obtained by draining water. The Beemster lake was drained from the 17th century using 43 water mills – a true technical feat.

You want to visit several Waterland villages easily?

In that case, you can opt for an organized day trip!

Here are the 3 I recommend, simply click on the links below for more details and to book:

• Excursion visiting Edam + Volendam + Marken + Zaanse Schans + cheese-tasting .
• Visit to Volendam + Edam + windmills
• Volendam + Marken + Zaanse Schans + 1-hour cruise

If you’re lucky enough to be spending 4 days in Amsterdam between mid-March and mid-May, don’t miss a visit to Keukenhof.

It’s simply the most famous park in the Netherlands, the only place where you can admire millions of tulips!

You really need to book your entrance tickets for Keukenhof in advance to avoid the crowd at the entrance. Simply click on the button below:

So now you know exactly what to do and see in Amsterdam in 4 days!

Now it’s time for you to think about where to stay in Amsterdam.

To make life easier for you, here’s my selection of the best places to stay in Amsterdam depending on your budget:

• Hans Brinker Hostel Amsterdam: Youth hostel 400 metres from the Rijksmuseum and 10 minutes from the Vondelpark. Bed in a dormitory from 26€, including breakfast. Strong points: the location, the warm welcome, the atmosphere. An excellent choice if you’re looking for a cheap accommodation in Amsterdam!
• Motel One Amsterdam: Located 2 km from the Rikjsuseum and the Albert Cuyp Market. Clean and well-decorated double room from 110€ per night, breakfast 11.50€. Strong points: helpful staff, location 2 minutes from the metro, the good breakfast.
• Jaz Amsterdam: Situated a 15-minute metro ride from the centre. Spacious and stylish room from 110€, breakfast 16.95€. Strong points: very friendly staff, good facilities, the fabulous breakfast.
• Motel One Amsterdam-Waterlooplein: Situated close to the Zuiderkerk and a 15-minute walk from Dam Square. Warm room with very comfortable bed linen from 154€, breakfast 11.50€. Strong points: close to the centre, delightful staff, good and varied breakfast. It’s my favourite for its excellent value for money in Amsterdam!
• Mövenpick Hotel Amsterdam City Centre: Situated just a 10-minute walk from the railways station and the centre of Amsterdam. Spacious, modern and comfortable room, some with a river view, from 190€, breakfast 25€. Strong points: location, comfort, friendly staff, access to the sauna included. The best hotel for a high end stay in Amsterdam!
• NH Collection Amsterdam Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky: Located right on Dam Square, this luxury hotel offers rooms with a sleek and modern décor from 310€, breakfast included. Strong points: central location for exploring Amsterdam on foot, exceptional bed linen, the excellent breakfast. Perfect for a romantic break in the heart of the city!
• Hyatt Regency Amsterdam: 5* hotel situated 800 metres from the zoo. Bright and elegantly decorated rooms from 360€, breakfast 28€. Strong points: the staff are concerned to ensure the well-being of their guests, the decoration, the location, the excellent restaurant. The best hotel in Amsterdam for a luxury stay!

And if you prefer to rent a luxury apartment for your stay in Amsterdam, the Keizersgracht Suite 471 is the best address in the city!

If these hotels are full or don’t suit you, you should take a look at the traveler’s favorites by clicking here : The Best Hotels in Amsterdam .

Since I had a very early flight home on the morning of my departure, I also tried out the Ibis Schiphol Amsterdam Airport situated 10 minutes from the airport (free shuttle). And I was pleasantly surprised: the rooms are modern, comfortable, and you can’t hear the planes at all.

You plan to visit Amsterdam in 4 days with your children?

Well, the city is perfect for a family trip!

Everything can easily be visited on foot, and if your kids start to be tired, you can always hop on a tram.

Here are my recommended things to do for a 4-day trip to Amsterdam with kids:

• The flower market
• Jordaan district
• Going to Amsterdam zoo
• The NEMO Science Museum
• Go see the typical windmills of Zaanse Schans.

You can also modify this itinerary a bit more and take them to:

• Ripley’s Believe It or Not museum,
• The Lego shop on the Kalverstraat, with its really nice Lego scenes and animations
• Micropia a museum dedicated to microbes and bacteria. Truly original and really well put together! It’s not far from the zoo.
• Madurodam where you can see the main monuments of the Netherlands in miniature. A nice park with beautiful models a 1 h 10 min drive from Amsterdam.
• Do a round of mini golf in the dark (get your tickets here)

If you want to modify this itinerary a bit and/or include additional guided tours or activities , you should read my detailed guide of Amsterdam, with all the best places to visit.

Simply click on the following link to learn everything about the Dutch capital: The ultimate guide to visiting Amsterdam!

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day on Amsterdam’s canals , you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip on Amsterdam’s canals? 😊

To help you visualize your daily itineraries during your 4 days in Amsterdam, I have created this map with all the places to visit day by day . You can view the legend of the map by clicking on the top left button, the one with a little arrow.

You can thus see the suggested itineraries for each day.

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices.

To check the rates and schedules for flights to Amsterdam, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

• Take the train to the central train station
• Take the #397 bus to go to the Museumplein.

You should choose according to your hotel location!

For the “Schiphol airport – Amsterdam city center train” , you should really book your tickets in advance . You will save a lot of time when you will arrive!

You will get the ticket directly on your mobile (no need to print it), so you won’t need to queue at the ticket counter or vending machines.

To book your round trip “airport – city center” train ticket, simply click the button below:

If you don’t want to take a flight, you can also get to Amsterdam by train from many European cities.

To check the schedules, the rates and to book your tickets, it’s right there:

If you need help to plan your 4-day itinerary in Amsterdam, don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section below!

Discover all my articles about Amsterdam : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Amsterdam are listed there.

• Amsterdam: Top 30 best things to do
• 2 days in Amsterdam – The perfect itinerary for 48h!
• 3 Days in Amsterdam – The best 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in Amsterdam – The defitinive guide to plan your trip
• 5 Days in Amsterdam – The best itinerary discover the city and the surroundings
• Where to stay in Amsterdam? My guide to the best areas and hotels of the city

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Netherlands Itinerary One Week: the Ultimate Netherlands Road Trip Route Map

by Drifter Planet | Apr 12, 2018 | Netherlands , Most Popular Blog Posts , Road Trips

Are you planning to visit Europe this summer and not sure which country to spend most of your time in? We highly recommend the Netherlands. It is the land of old school windmills, waffles, Gouda, tulips, bicycles, canals and is one of the most liberal countries in the world.

Gouda Cheese and a bicycle – typical sight in the Netherlands (CC0) via Pixabay

The Dutch love their bicycles and literally all the destinations in this lovely country are bicycle friendly. However, exploring the entire Netherlands on a bicycle may be a little too extreme for many, so our first tip for you is to use a rental car .

Depending on how you plan, you can pick up your car at the start of your journey in Amsterdam and drive your way around the country.

We’ve created a one-week itinerary for you to explore the Netherlands on your own by car. Depending on your pace of traveling, you can make this journey in 5 days or 7 days or even 14 days.

When San and I travel, we usually travel slow and spend a long time in each destination to get a feel of it. However, if you’re short on time, you don’t have to stay overnight.

Here’s the itinerary for one week Netherlands road trip

Amsterdam, the city of sins.

Amsterdam Looks Stunning at Night

Amsterdam is not just one of the most visited cities in Europe, but in the entire world. It is famous for its canals, narrow houses. It is also infamous for its coffeeshops , red light district but we actually think the city has so much more than that.

Amsterdam has some of the best museums in Europe, the food scene is amazing, and the city also has a crazy nightlife . Even though I have spent lots of weekends in Amsterdam , it is more than just a weekend city break.

Amsterdam for couples is super romantic, and you will have fun discovering the lovely city with your partner. While you’re here, don’t miss Amsterdam-Noord .

Because of its liberal nature, some people also call Amsterdam the city of sins. It is very easy to reach Amsterdam from any part of the world by catching a flight to Schiphol Airport, or by train or bus from most of Europe.

Spend a day in Amsterdam and be sure to read our travel tips , which will help you save money here. Go for a canal cruise, admire the narrow buildings or see some interesting art. Do keep in mind that parking charges in Amsterdam are very expensive, so it makes sense to rent a car after you’ve already spent a day here. Be sure to check out our amazing itinerary for Amsterdam for ideas.

While you’re in Amsterdam, you  can  rent your own bike  and cycle around at your own pace . If you’re not very confidant about cycling in Amsterdam and want to brush up on your skills, then I have handpicked a few cycle tours for you that you can check out:

• Amsterdam 3 hour bike tour:  Bike ride through Amsterdam’s  prettiest streets and hidden gems.
• Amsterdam 2 hour bicycle tour : Cycle through Jordaan, Red light district, Rijkmuseum, etc.
• 2.5 hours Amsterdam Sightseeing Tour by Bike:  Cycle through the Museum square, pass by the Vondel park, Anne Frank house, Wester Church Tower and the red light district
• Windmills, Cheese and Clogs : 3 Hour Countryside Bike Tour to the outskirts of Amsterdam
• 2 hour bike tour of Amsterdam city : Cycle through the city, cross the skinny bridge and pass by most of the famous attractions. Stop for a drink at Vondel Park
• 3 Hour guided tour of historical Amsterdam : Available in English, German and French

If you arrive in Amsterdam without a booking, you may just get the biggest shock when you find how expensive the rooms (and even hostels are). You can check our curated list of places to stay in Amsterdam for every budget.

If you plan in advance, you can find a decent place to stay here which is affordable. From here, you can pick up your rental car and move to the next destination.

Lisse, the largest garden in the world

From Amsterdam 45 minutes, 35 kilometers

Keukenhof Garden in Lisse near Amsterdam – Netherlands Itinerary One Week (CC0) via Pixabay

We did mention that the Netherlands is famous for its tulips. One of the main tulip attractions in Holland is the Keukenhof Garden which is at Lisse, an idyllic little town. This garden has over 800 varieties of tulips. In 32 hectares you can find artworks, events, flower shows, inspiration gardens and much more. The Keukenhof is one of the largest gardens in the world and will give you an experience you’ll never forget. You don’t really need to stay here for the night but you can directly visit the next destination on the itinerary.

Here are some of the top tours that I have handpicked for you so that you can skip the line and enjoy the beauty of these colorful tulips:

• Amsterdam to Keukenhof ONE DAY Round Trip + Tulip Garden Entry Ticket + Multi Lingual Tour
• Amsterdam to Keukenhof 5 Hour Round Trip + Tulip Garden Entry Ticket + Multi Lingual Tour + Cruise on Lake
• Amsterdam to Keukenhof Half Day Round Trip + Tulip Garden Entry Ticket and Tour
• Amsterdam to Keukenhof 6 Hour Round Trip + Tulip Garden Entry Ticket with Tour + Diamond Factory Tour
• Amsterdam to Keukenhof One Day Round Trip + Tulip Garden Entry Ticket  + A’Dam Tower Lookout Entry
• Amsterdam to Keukenhof 8 Hour Round Trip + Tulip Garden Entry Ticket  + Windmills + Clog Maker + Cheese Farm + A’Dam Tower Lookout Entry

Please note, that the Keukenhof Garden isn’t always in full bloom. Usually the best time to visit this place is in April, but we recommend you check the local tourism website before you go. Here’s an amazing guide which will tell you the best way to do the Tulip Fields in the Netherlands .

On your way to the next destination – Kinderdijk, you can consider making a stop at Den Haag. It is much cheaper and relaxed in comparison to Amsterdam. Here’s a guide to free things to do in Den Haag .

Suggested: The Ultimate Europe Itinerary and Best Places to visit in Europe

Kinderdijk, old famous mills

From Lisse 1 hour and 15 minutes, 85 kilometer

Kinderdijk windmills – Netherlands Itinerary for one week (CC0) via Pixabay

The mill complex in Kinderdijk is quite a unique sight. The Netherlands is partly under sea level. These mills with pumps combined with the dikes at the sea dries a big part of the land so people can live there. If they would let nature run its course, 40% of the Netherlands would be flooded! For nearly a thousand years, the Dutch have been smartly dealing with the surrounding water using wind and steam energy to keep the Netherlands above water. It’s really impressive to see these nineteen big windmills from the UNESCO World Heritage.

Veluwe, heathlands that changes by season

From Kinderdijk 1 hour and 14 minutes, 110 kilometers

Veluwe – Forest destination in the Netherlands (CC0) via Pixabay

The Veluwe is a beautiful nature reserve to drive through. Expect so see shifting sands, beautiful forests, colorful heathlands, sheep and gently flowing streams. Apart from the natural beauty, Veluwe also has museums, historic towns, culinary enjoyment.

Giethoorn, little Venice

From Veluwe 1 hour and 10 minutes, 110 kilometers

Giethoorn – Little Venice in the Netherlands – One week Itinerary (CC0) via Pixabay

Giethoorn , also called Dutch Venice, is perhaps the prettiest destinations in the Netherlands. This typical Dutch town shows perfectly how Dutch people love to work with and at the water. Sail in a typical ‘Punter’ boat at the little canals through the bush, reedlands, past the old farms and under the many old wooden bridges.

Want to visit Giethoorn on a day trip from Amsterdam?

If you don’t have a rental and and would still like to visit Giethoorn, then why not make a day trip from Amsterdam? You can check out this tour that will take you from Amsterdam to Giethroon and it also includes boat rides in both Amsterdam and Giethoorn.

Book your transport from Amsterdam to Giethroon

The Wadden Sea Islands

From Giethoorn 1 hour, 80 kilometers (depends on which island)

Choose one of the five Wadden Sea Islands to leave the crowds behind you. Time to relax and de-stress. The trip on the boat is already an impressive experience. Take a close look at the ‘Wad’, and if you’re lucky you’ll spot a group of chilling seals. Take a long walk on the beach or go ‘Wad-walking’ and find treasures in the sand and mud. On one of the Islands, Vlieland, your car is not allowed. But obviously you don’t need your car there, when you want to enjoy and relax in the nature. You can park your car at the harbor.

Schiermonnikoog – The Wadden Sea Islands in the Netherlands (CC0) via Pixabay

The Dutch Wadden Sea Islands, Schiermonnikoog (pictured above), Ameland, Terschelling, Vlieland and Texel, are the five pearls of the North of the Netherlands. They are all worth the visit because they differ a bit from another; each Island has its own style and culture. Read more about the differences between the Dutch Islands .

Cross the Afsluitdijk

Afsluitdijk pier – the Netherlands itinerary one week (CC0) via Pixabay

This 32 kilometers long dike connects two parts of the Netherlands is an important traffic link between the two provinces. This exceptional feat of civil engineering is an amazing system that controls the water level on both sides of the dike and protects the Dutch from floods. At the middle of the Afsluitdijk there’s a viewpoint. Take your time to soak up the view.

Volendam, A fisher village

From The Wadden Sea Islands 1 hour and 20 minutes, 120 kilometers (depends from which island)

The adorable fishing village Volendam in the Netherlands – CCO via Pixabay

A typical Dutch food is ‘Hollandse nieuwe haring’ or Dutch raw herring with onions. You eat it by holding the fish by the tail and allowing it to gradually slide into your mouth. You may like it or not, but you have to try this raw herring!

Herring is not the only special thing in Volendam. This charming village is characteristics with small houses, canals and drawbridges and the most idyllic view. Dress up in a typical Volendams costume and have your picture taken. Don’t forget to visit the wooden shoe factory! It will complete your outfit. These wooden shoes are called klompen in Dutch or you can just call them clogs.

Try Dutch Clogs – Wooden Shoes – Itinerary for the Netherlands – (CCO) via Pixabay

Volendam has a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. Eat at the nicest restaurants at the waterfront. Try Dutch stroopwafels, speculaas cookies, try mini pancakes called ‘poffertjes’ or eat some more fish! As the Dutch say: ‘lekker’! What do you find the tasties?

Hope you enjoyed our suggested Netherlands itinerary for one week. This trip can also be done without a car, but we recommend you rent one so that you’re not dependent public transportation. Moreover, the highways in The Netherlands are easy to drive and free to use. Also the secondary roads are good to ride, and they take you along the prettiest villages and stunning countryside views. You can stop wherever you want (as long as you’re not on the highway) and enjoy the view.

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17 Comments

Nice post, quite a helpful one.

Good to know 🙂 Are you visiting the Netherlands soon?

Wow thanks. This information was so helpful!

Thank you! Hope you enjoy your visit. 🙂

This is a very nice article. We would like to go the first week of Sept. I have never driven in Europe, I am up for the challenge – but would parking be a problem outside the city. We also considered train travel.

Parking outside the city is way easier to park than it would be inside the city. Driving in The Netherlands is easy

I would like to avoid picking up the rental car in Amsterdam City. I am thinking of spending the first day in Amsterdam (without car)- so I can explore the Amsterdam city on bicycle and foot – and then have a rental car from the second day. Where is the best place to pick up the rental car? Thanks

Actually Amsterdam’s airport is a little outside the city and perhaps you can pick it up from there after you’re done exploring the city. Alternatively, you can also pick it up from the nearby Utrecht or Den Haag (the hague). You can check and compare the prices here for different rental companies –> http://www.anrdoezrs.net/links/8050934/type/dlg/https://www.autoeurope.com/

After a 2 week trip(bicycle) in Belgium, 4 of us are looking to rent a car in Brussels and travel thru the Netherlands for 5-7 days and departing for home out of Amsterdam. What are must see & do destinations to see by rental car & bikes?

I am planning a visit in Netherlands at the end of November for 6 o 7 days. I am going to start my trip from Amsterdam. If I will go with above plan what all places I should plan my night stay, so that I can book hotel in advance. Also I am not expert in Driving, so what is the best feasible option to conveyance.

hi Sonal and Sandro, i’m very grateful to find such a detailed blog like yours. Love you guys 🙂 anyway, i’m going to visit the Netherlands in 13th April. Before i decide what to do in each cities, this is my itinerary plan Amsterdam – The Hague – Rotterdam – Utrecht – Amsterdam (will spend 1 day in each city). I’m traveling solo and it’ll be my first trip to Europe. Could you share some of your opinions on my itinerary ? Would love to hear you reply my comment 🙂 Thanks a lot!

hi arness, me and 2 of my friends are also planning a trip from april 13th for a week stay in netherlands! im supposed to be the head planenr for the trip and its giving me a bit of a headache to be honest since its my first trip to europe. anyway, it would be nice to share info if possible to build the iterinary. we are also favoring the Ams-Rot-Rot-Ams route. we are still mulling over the transport if we’ll do it by car or by train

Hi… Thanks for the nice post. I am visiting Amsterdam in third week of April 2019. I have 3.5 days in Amsterdam and will be staying at clinknoord hostel. Can I cover Kinderdijk, Alsmer market and Lisse tulip gardens in a single day by buying regional pass. Can you suggest any other site that is not that touristy. I will be witnessing kings day celebrations on 27th April. So possible days are 25th or 26th April… Thanks Ajay

Thank you for the information I’d consider adding a picture of your route on a map that we can understand the driving distances between each point. Now it’s required to go to Google Maps every time I want to check out the location of a place.

Hi Hezi, what a wonderful idea. I have done it and added a google maps route map in this post on top, hope it helps. We have another post with a different suggested itinerary for the Netherlands .

This article isn’t especially clear about where/which towns you recommend to sleep in for the stay. That would also be helpful to know.

Well narrated … wish I had this information earlier.. I love Netherland and been there four times … still look forward to visit again … would like to add Madurodam, Delft, and Hague too…

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Hello Travelers!

Namaste, Guten Tag! I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travels since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with family of 3).

I love European city breaks, nature, adventure, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, and road trips. I have a knack for creating the most amazing travel itineraries and in-depth destination guides which will help you make the most of your trip.

Not sure where to start? Start with some of my most popular posts .

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Last Updated on January 26, 2023 by Drifter Planet

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Netherlands By Train

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Explore the Netherlands by train with a Eurail pass and travel from easy-going capital Amsterdam to cities covered with history like Utrecht and Maastricht. While in the Netherlands, consider a visit to the Keukenhof flower gardens and the traditional houses of the Zaanse Schans. Spot tulip fields along the way, as the train takes you to every corner of this small, but fascinating country.

Train types in the Netherlands

• Domestic High-Speed
• International High-Speed
• International Night

Regional and Intercity trains in the Netherlands

Intercity (IC)

Connects major cities such as Amsterdam, Maastricht and Utrecht.

No reservation required.

Sprinter (RE)

Slower than Intercity trains, these trains link regional destinations to larger Dutch cities.

Domestic high-speed trains in the Netherlands

Intercity Direct (ICD)

• On this train you can ride even faster between Amsterdam Centraal, Schiphol Airport, Rotterdam Centraal and Breda.
• A supplement of € 2,90 is required between Schiphol Airport and Rotterdam Centraal.
• An Intercity Direct (ICD)  supplement  is only required if this train is used for domestic journeys.

International high-speed trains in the Netherlands

• Connects Amsterdam with Frankfurt (Germany) and Basel (Switzerland).
• Reservations are compulsory during summer season (June 1st until September 1st)
• During the rest of the year, reservations are highly recommended.

Intercity Berlin (IC)

Reach Berlin from Amsterdam in 6 hours 20 minutes.

Reservations are highly recommended and are compulsory from June 1st until September 1st.

Intercity Brussels (IC)

• Connects Amsterdam and Rotterdam with Brussels (Belgium).
• Reservations are not required.

Eurostar (EST)

• Amsterdam – Schiphol – Rotterdam – Antwerp – Brussels – Paris 
• Amsterdam – Schiphol – Rotterdam – Antwerp – Brussels – Disneyland Paris 
• Amsterdam – Rotterdam – London
• Reservations are compulsory for these trains, which can get fully booked. We recommend making your reservation as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
• Read more about special booking conditions on our dedicated Eurostar page .
• Services to Brussels and (Disneyland) Paris are operated by red-coloured former Thalys trains.

International Night trains in the Netherlands

ÖBB Nightjet (NJ)

• Amsterdam – Utrecht – Arnhem – Munich – Innsbruck
• Amsterdam – Utrecht – Arnhem – Linz – Vienna
• Amsterdam – Utrecht – Arnhem – Basel – Zürich

European Sleeper

• Brussels – Antwerp – Rotterdam – Amsterdam – Berlin – Dresden – Prague 
• To Dresden and Prague from March 25th   
• Runs three times a week 
• Reservations are compulsory

Popular connections

• Domestic routes
• International routes

Here are approximate train times between Holland's most popular cities. These routes can all be taken with Intercity trains and are  free  for holders of an Eurail Pass valid in the Netherlands.

You can travel to and from the Netherlands from popular cities in the following European countries:

Reservations

Eurail reservation self-service system

• Eurostar, TGV, IC Berlin, ICE, Nightjet

Administration costs when booking through Eurail self-service

• € 2,- p.p.per train
• Additional € 9,- per order (for paper tickets)

With railway carriers

• SNCB (b-europe) : Only Eurostar
• IC, ICE, Nightjet
• European Sleeper : Only European Sleeper trains, international

Other platforms

• Eurostar and connecting TGV trains from Paris and Brussels

By calling the NS International Customer Service

• +31 030 2300023 (open 24/7). From 11 PM – 7 AM the call center is only available for questions 
• When calling, you’ll hear a menu in Dutch. Select extension ‘5’ for services in English. NS International can book trains in various European countries (€7.50 booking fee per person, with a maximum of €22.50 per order; 2 reservations per call allowed or 1 consecutive journey). Reservations made over the phone can be paid with iDEAL, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Bancontact, or SOFORT. The reservations ticket will be sent to you by email. Via a link in the email you can load it into the NS International app or print it.

Locally at one of the 5 stations in the Netherlands with an NS International ticket desk

• NS International tickets desks are available at Amsterdam Central station, Arnhem Central station, Rotterdam Central station, Schiphol Airport, and Utrecht Central station.

Note: Eurostar trains are popular and therefore, usually sell out quickly. Make sure to get your seat reservation in time. Alternatively, find trains without seat reservations in our timetable by toggling on the ‘no reservation needed’ button.

An explanation of how each booking platform works can be found here:   How do I book my reservations

Get your Pass for the Netherlands

Benelux pass.

Discover Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg by rail.

Standard prices from $ 131

Global Pass

Be free to visit the Netherlands and up to 32 other Eurail countries.

Standard prices from $ 233

Pass benefits

Discounted ferry crossings to Great Britain

Discounted ferry travel is an extra benefit of a Eurail pass valid in the Netherlands on the route:

Hoek van Holland – Harwich (Great-Britain)

Access to NS International lounges

Eurail first-class pass holders can also access the NS International lounges on the following train stations for free:

Amsterdam Centraal

Rotterdam Centraal

See all Pass benefits in the Netherlands

Tips and tricks for the Netherlands

What are the main train stations in the netherlands.

The Netherland's 3 main hubs have connections to many domestic and international destinations. They are:

Amsterdam Central Station

Rotterdam Central Station

Utrecht Central Station

The Netherlands' railway stations are extemely well developed with excellent facilities:

Lockers for storing your stuff

Cash machines and foreign exchange desks

Cafés, restaurants and shops

Tourist information offices

Elevators, escalators and access for disabled passengers

Dutch Hub stations

The main hub stations in the Netherlands are  Amsterdam Centraal ,  Rotterdam Centraal  and  Utrecht Centraal . At these train stations, it's possible to connect to trains to the Netherlands’ main cities and many international destinations.

Please note that the Dutch Railways have closed the entry gates to many Dutch stations. To get into the station, look up the square barcode on your Eurail pass cover. Hold the barcode against the scanner next to an entry gate, and the gate will open for you.

Bicycles on trains in the Netherlands

One of the best ways to explore the country is by cycling shorter distances while riding the country's efficient trains between towns and cities.

Cycling is extemely common in the Netherlands. You can rent bikes from most large train stations.

Spelling of names in the Netherlands

You'll usually find the local spelling of Dutch cities on train timetables and at train stations in the Netherlands.

Good to know:

Centraal Station = Central Station

Den Haag = The Hague

Hoek van Holland = Hook of Holland

Quick facts

Capital: Amsterdam

Population: 16.8 million

Language: Dutch

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Dialing code: +31

Get inspired

Change of currency

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Cities to Visit

Complete Guide to Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Public Transportation

Essential Dutch Phrases

One Week in the Netherlands

48 Hours in Amsterdam

Getaways From Amsterdam

Top Things to Do in the Netherlands

Castles to Visit in the Netherlands

Best Things to Do in Amsterdam

Things to Do With Kids in Amsterdam

Shopping in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Top Markets

Live Music in Amsterdam

Amsterdam's Must-Visit Museums

Guide to the Keukenhof Flower Gardens

Must-Try Food in the Netherlands

Craft Beer in the Netherlands

Heineken Experience

Amsterdam's Top Restaurants

Nightlife in Amsterdam

Best Time to Visit

Weather & Climate

Airports in the Netherlands

Getting Around the Netherlands

How to Get Around the Netherlands

Sadettin Canbay / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

The Netherlands is a relatively small country, but its transport options are pretty impressive. You can travel around the country by car or train with ease and within the cities there are trams, buses, and metro systems to take you from place to place. 

The tourism infrastructure is especially good in the bigger cities with options to change the language on ticket machines to English so you won’t need to dust off your phrasebook any time soon.

Familiarize yourself with the 9292 website or download the app, it’s a great way to plan trips, check routes, and find out about engineering works.  

The main railway company in the Netherlands is Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) which covers most of the country (and travels to nearby countries like France). There are also some regional companies that operate in the country, such as Abellio from Gouda to Alphen, as well as the Eurostar that connects the Netherlands to neighboring Belgium and London.

How the Trains Work

It’s easy to travel by train in the Netherlands, you can buy tickets from machines or kiosks at train stations on your day of travel. If you want to, you can book your train tickets ahead of time on the NS website , they tend to be very slightly cheaper. The same website also has information about current departures and engineering works. 

If you’re traveling around Europe to other cities like London, Berlin, and Lille, you should book your tickets and select your seat ahead of time, you can do that on the NS International website .

Train Tip: Local trains that connect cities in the Netherlands don’t offer seat bookings. Because the country is relatively small it’s better to think of trains like a metro system, in that you buy a ticket and hop on the next arriving train. If you’re taking a long train journey, for example, from Amsterdam to Groningen then it’s worth traveling outside of rush hour to make sure you can find a seat.

Metro, Trams, and Buses

The largest metro system is in the capital Amsterdam , but Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague also have great metro networks. Taking the metro is often faster than traveling by bus or tram. You’ll also find tram systems in Amsterdam , Rotterdam and The Hague. The Utrecht sneltram (meaning fast tram) connects the city center to the suburbs. Buses are available across the country.

How the Metro, Trams, and Buses Work

Despite different networks running transport in different cities, to travel on the metro, tram, or bus anywhere in the Netherlands you need an OV-chipkaart. You can buy tickets at machines in metro stations with cash, chip and pin cards, or contactless payment methods. On buses and trams you can’t buy tickets with cash.

You can either buy a paper or plastic card from the machines at the station, newsagents, or supermarkets. The plastic card is recommended for any time period over a day (since plastic is more durable than paper). Prices vary, but you can buy an OV-chipkaart for that is valid for one hour, up to one that is valid for 7 days. Alternatively, if you get a plastic OV-chipkaart, you can load it with time-based tickets, such as a 48-hour ticket, or with credit. 

Bus and Tram Tip: If you've loaded your card with credit, be sure to tap in and out on buses and trams, so you don’t get overcharged. You have to save that money for souvenirs!

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to travel around the Netherlands is by bike. Many of the larger roads are set up with separate bike lanes, so it’s not as daunting as it looks.

How to Hire a Bike: You can find bike routes and rental companies online at the Fietsersbond website . It's not an exhaustive list of rentals but it’s a good place to start.

Bike Tips: Bikes in the Netherlands tend to have pedal brakes, where you pedal backward to slow and stop the bike, but you can request a handbrake bike. Be sure to keep as far to the right as possible in bike lanes, stop at red lights (even if the locals don’t), use your bell to signal to pedestrians (tourists have a habit of unknowingly wandering into bike lanes) and look out for tram lines. When you encounter them, be sure to cross them diagonally or horizontally or your wheel could get stuck causing you to fall off. Always lock your bike (ideally to something); pretty much every resident has had a bike stolen or thrown into a canal at least once.

Car Rentals

To encourage people to use public transport instead of driving, it's quite expensive to park in most Dutch cities. The Netherlands is the fifth-largest electric vehicle market in the world and electric cars are popular as there is a zero-emission taxation policy in the country. 

You can hire cars from companies like Enterprise, Europcar, and Sixt but it’s not the cheapest or easiest way to get around a city. However, driving through the country in the Netherlands is easy since it’s not a hugely populated country and it’s flat. Plus, a car gives you the freedom to take any excursion you like, when you like.

Uber is available in the Randstad which encompasses the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht, the surrounding areas, as well as Eindhoven in the southwestern part of the country. It is fairly affordable, but when it rains the surcharges do make it one of the more expensive modes of transport.

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10-Day Road Trip to the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany

Description

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day multi-country road trip across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany! If traveling through picturesque landscapes and immersing yourself in the captivating cultures of destinations like Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Antwerp, Brussels, Essen, and Cologne sounds like your idea of a great vacation, this iconic European tour is for you.

This enchanting 10-day multi-country tour allows you to journey through 3 extraordinary countries in Europe.

In the first leg of your journey, you'll find yourself in the heart of the Netherlands, a land filled with treasures waiting to be discovered. Explore charming locales such as Amsterdam, where picturesque vistas and cultural gems await your exploration.

As you move on to the second country, Belgium, prepare to be mesmerized by its diverse and vibrant landscapes. Immerse yourself in the allure of Antwerp and Brussels, where every street tells a story, and every corner reveals a new adventure.

Continuing your journey, you'll step into the captivating realm of Germany. This country's charm is boundless, and you'll be impressed by the wonders of Cologne and Essen. From ancient architecture to culinary delights, Germany invites you to immerse yourself in its rich culture and experience a voyage like no other.

With this ultimate European tour package, you'll experience the essence of 3 incredible countries, each offering a tapestry of experiences that will leave you with lasting memories.

In more detail, this carefully crafted travel itinerary invites you to stay 4 nights in the Netherlands, 3 nights in Belgium, and 2 nights in Germany. During these 10 days, you will be able to fully embrace the extraordinary beauty and immersive wonders of top destinations such as Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Antwerp, Brussels, Essen, and Cologne and beyond.

Throughout your tour around Europe, you’ll stay at some of the best accommodations along your route. Our recommendations always include options with varying levels of comfort, ranging from 3 to 5-star hotels that cater to various preferences and budgets.

You can review and select your preferred accommodation for each destination of your road trip around the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany in the booking widget to the right of your screen or by scrolling down to the travel itinerary for each day of your trip.

Upon your arrival in the Netherlands, you’ll be greeted by the captivating city of Amsterdam. Here, you're going to collect your chosen rental car and begin your 10-day adventure. While in Amsterdam, you’ll have the chance to visit some of the best attractions in the city, including Rijksmuseum and the fascinating Van Gogh Museum. This is only the start of all the wonders you'll be able to experience throughout your tour around Europe.

Your multi-country road trip brings you close to some of Europe’s most iconic attractions and landmarks, such as Antwerp’s MAS - Museum aan de Stroom and Essen's iconic UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein. From must-see attractions to breathtaking viewpoints, this meticulously crafted itinerary promises you a glimpse into the unique features of this region in Europe.

Your ultimate multi-country road trip across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany will not be complete without indulging in some retail therapy!

Shop at the popular shopping centers in Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Antwerp, Brussels, Essen, and Cologne and embark on a quest for rare souvenirs to give your friends and family back home. Shopping abroad is a fun experience that allows you to discover exclusive items that may not be available in your home country. Beyond the thrill of buying unique goods, it’s also an amazing opportunity to immerse in local customs and interact with friendly locals at every stop.

By booking this holiday package, you can save yourself from the tedious task of researching and planning your road trip in Europe. We'll handle all the travel arrangements for your 10-day self-drive adventure in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. With our expertise, you can enjoy a hassle-free experience and focus on immersing yourself in incredible destinations without the stress of organizing every detail.

Make the most of this multi-country holiday package by adapting it to your needs. Effortlessly include top-tier car rental services and drive through the continent’s enchanting landscapes with confidence. The included insurance coverage ensures a seamless and stress-free journey. Choose from a range of lavish or wallet-friendly lodgings to wake up well-rested on each day of your trip. Add flight tickets for a smooth arrival and departure. Lastly, upgrade your road trip experience with the best tours and activities along your route to have something fun to look forward to at each destination.

This holiday deal also comes with 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide accessible via our mobile app to assist you throughout your journey.

Discover breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and iconic landmarks in multiple European countries in one epic road trip! Travel across borders and experience the freedom of the open road as you create lifelong memories in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

Choose your travel dates today and start planning your unforgettable multi-country road trip with Guide to Europe!

Destinations

Attractions

Travel details

Include flights?

Flights Yes No

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Personalize your itinerary, day 1 – amsterdam - arrival day.

• Amsterdam - Arrival day

Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Amsterdam for 3 nights.

Catch an early flight to the Netherlands to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Amsterdam before it’s time to hit the road and drive to your next destination. Discover the city’s rich history, breathtaking sights, and lively atmosphere with visits to the most popular attractions.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Amsterdam today.

After a long journey to Amsterdam, we're here to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable start to your road trip adventure. Your first accommodation will be located in central Amsterdam, making sightseeing in the city effortless.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Amsterdam’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

After a long day of experiencing some of the most fantastic attractions and sights in the Netherlands, we recommend you try Gartine, one of the best restaurants in Amsterdam. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 678 customers.

If you’re keen on trying something else, locals also recommend The Pantry as one of the top restaurants in the city. The Pantry is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,646 customers.

After your meal, continue your getaway at one of the hottest bars in the city, Proeflokaal Arendsnest. This bar has an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 3,048 customers.

Alternatively, you can grab a few shots of your favorite drink and have an amazing night at the famous Café ZILT. This incredible bar has a vibrant atmosphere and plays great music, worthy of its average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 705 customers.

Bar Oldenhof cannot be missed with its wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. 525 bar lovers have given this place a seal of approval with their 4.7 out of 5 stars average rating.

Your multi-country road trip in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany has only just begun. Brace yourself for more exciting days to come as you cross country borders in the comfort of your rental car and discover the most unique attractions, activities, and foods of each destination.

Experiences

Day 2 – amsterdam.

Drive 35 km, 1 hour 30 min

• Anne Frank House
• Negen Straatjes
• Van Gogh Museum
• Het Amsterdamse Bos

On day 2, you will wake up in North Holland with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 2 nights left in Amsterdam before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

Anne Frank House is a travelers’ favorite in Amsterdam, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 61,973 visitors. More than 1,195,456 people visit this extraordinary museum and local gem every year to experience its uniqueness.

In Amsterdam, don’t miss De 9 Straatjes, a great place to see in the region. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 11,022 reviews.

Check other top attractions in Amsterdam off your list when you visit the wonderful Van Gogh Museum. This popular sight is an outstanding museum, rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 80,478 travelers. Approximately 2,161,160 people visit this attraction each year.

Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding Vondelpark. This park and place of interest has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 49,731 reviews.

While in Amsterdam, take the chance to join a popular tour to experience something one-of-a-kind during your getaway in the Netherlands. Check out all the tours Amsterdam offers, and personalize your vacation package to your preferences for an amazing day in the region.

If you've been looking forward to all the culinary delights you’ll get the opportunity to try along your multi-country road trip in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Amsterdam. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

You can enjoy a mouthwatering selection of food and drinks at Restaurant Moeders. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 3,647 customers.

If you feel like having something else, Café restaurant van Kerkwijk is another great option. This fantastic restaurant serves delectable and comforting food, deserving of its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 1,859 customer reviews.

If you’re in the mood for a drink, visit SkyLounge Amsterdam, one of the top bars in the city. An excellent place to unwind and enjoy a refreshing evening drink, SkyLounge Amsterdam has earned an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 6,266 customers.

Alternatively, you could enjoy a toast with locals and other travelers at Excalibur Café, a crowd-favorite. Around 3,047 customers have rated their experience at Excalibur Café an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Spend the evening looking over your itinerary for tomorrow and reminisce about what you’ve seen and done so far on your European road trip adventure. New experiences await!

Day 3 – Amsterdam

Drive 20 km, 56 min

• Rijksmuseum
• Albert Cuyp Market
• NEMO Science Center

Wake up and see what day 3 of your great European road trip in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany has in store for you! You will be staying in Amsterdam for 1 night before continuing your journey to the next destination.

Something that makes Amsterdam the perfect holiday destination is that the region offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding museum, Rijksmuseum. This local gem has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 85,768 visitors and gets around 2,700,000 visits every year.

The famous Albert Cuyp Market is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Amsterdam's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 29,602 travelers have rated this incredible travel destination an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars in reviews.

Amsterdam is also home to the extraordinary NEMO Science Museum, which boasts a 4.5 out of 5 star rating in 29,256 traveler reviews. This stunning museum and local feature draws more than 502,990 visitors on an annual basis, captivating the hearts of travelers with its unique charm.

To make your fun escapade in Amsterdam, the Netherlands even more exciting, we recommend you check out all the tours and activities you can add to your itinerary. Joining tours is an incredible way to visit wonderful places and meet new friends.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Amsterdam boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of the Netherlands.

FuLu Mandarijn is one of the most popular restaurants in Amsterdam. Most people can find something that fits their taste from FuLu Mandarijn’s excellent menu. Approximately 2,203 customers have rated this popular restaurant an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

If you’re in the mood for something different, check out Bar-B Burgers ‘N’ Beers. This Amsterdam-based restaurant is one of locals’ favorites and has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,912 customers.

Another top-rated restaurant that serves a menu of appetizing food and drinks is CAU Steak Restaurant. This popular restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,292 customers.

After your meal, continue your getaway at one of the hottest bars in the city, Lost in Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar. This bar has an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,918 customers.

Alternatively, you can grab a few shots of your favorite drink and have an amazing night at the famous Red Light Bar. This incredible bar has a vibrant atmosphere and plays great music, worthy of its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,612 customers.

Bar-B Burgers ‘N’ Beers cannot be missed with its wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. 1,912 bar lovers have given this place a seal of approval with their 4.5 out of 5 stars average rating.

Relax, recharge, and look forward to what tomorrow holds. The opportunities are endless with a European self-drive tour!

Day 4 – Amsterdam and Antwerp

Drive 197 km, 3 hours 21 min

• Mauritshuis
• Diergaarde Blijdorp

Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 4 of your multi-country journey across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 2 vibrant destinations - South Holland in the Netherlands and Antwerp in Belgium. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat for a restful slumber at one of the best hotels in Antwerp. You will spend 1 night here for some well-deserved relaxation.

Feel the freedom as you navigate your way from Amsterdam to Antwerp, Belgium. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours and 3 minutes without stops.

Make more amazing memories during your vacation in Belgium by adding tours and activities to your travel itinerary. Tours are another exciting way to experience the best of Antwerp, immersing in local customs and meeting new friends.

After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Antwerp of your choice.

As the sun sets on day 4 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Antwerp's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Belgium to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Antwerp has them.

According to reviews, Billie's is one of the absolute best places to eat in the city of Antwerp. At this restaurant, you’ll enjoy a great atmosphere and a fantastic food and drinks menu. Billie's is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,257 customers.

This restaurant is a top recommendation often mentioned by both travelers as well as locals.

A visit to a top-rated local bar is one of the most refreshing ways to cap off a beautiful night in Antwerp. At Billie's, you can enjoy a mix of fun and relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,257 customers.

Alternatively, unwind and relive your best memories of this day of your adventure at Paters Vaetje, another popular bar in the city. Customers have rated this fantastic bar an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 1,669 reviews.

Dogma is also one of the best places in Antwerp where you can let loose and enjoy some celebratory drinks. This bar has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 912 customers.

Day 5 – Antwerp and Brussels

Drive 53 km, 1 hour 21 min

• MAS - Museum aan de Stroom
• Zoo Antwerpen
• Royal Gallery of Saint Hubert
• Grand-Place

Dive into day 5 of your remarkable multi-country road trip across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. Today you will jump into the car and make your way to Antwerp and Brussels in Belgium, where you will have the opportunity to experience all the top things to see and do. At the end of the day, you’ll unwind at one of the finest accommodations in Brussels. You’ll stay here for 2 nights.

Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Antwerp today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding MAS - Museum aan de Stroom. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 16,028 visitors.

When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Antwerp, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Brussels. This drive usually takes around 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Upon reaching Antwerp, unwind, observe, and explore. The best things to do, see, and eat are waiting for you.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Antwerp, including the outstanding Zoo Antwerpen. Having an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 22,173 reviews, this fascinating zoo and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the region.

Get a more in-depth understanding of Brussels by checking out the amazing selection of tours and excursions you can add to your itinerary. Explore more of the region’s wonders, create memorable experiences, and join laid-back to challenging activities. You’ll be happy to learn that there are plenty of top-rated tours and activities in Brussels.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Brussels. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

If you've been looking forward to all the culinary delights you’ll get the opportunity to try along your multi-country road trip in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Brussels. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

After a long day of exploring, we recommend you try Le Bistro - Porte de Hal, one of the top-rated restaurants in the city of Brussels. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 3,790 customers.

Locals also recommend The Lobster House as one of the best restaurants in the city of Brussels. The Lobster House is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,528 customers.

Another of the best restaurants in the city of Brussels is Poechenellekelder. This restaurant has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 2,331 customers.

Quench your thirst after a long day of adventure at Delirium Café, a prime hotspot for fun and relaxation seekers in the city. Delirium Café boasts an impressive 4.5 out of 5-star rating from 18,478 customers.

Or, try the exciting drinks at Poechenellekelder, a vibrant place where locals and travelers converge for spirited toasts and amazing stories. Poechenellekelder has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,331 customers.

As the sun dips below the horizon, make a stop at another famous bar in the area, Monk. This bar is a local favorite, with an impressive rating of 4.3 out of 5-star from 2,331 customers.

Take in the ambiance of Brussels as this vacation day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your road trip to look forward to!

Day 6 – Brussels

Drive 28 km, 1 hour 19 min

• Cinquantenaire
• Brussels Park
• Mont des Arts - Kunstberg
• St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels

Day 6 of your multi-country road trip promises a full day of discoveries in beautiful Brussels. Enjoy time off the road as you’ll be staying in the city for 1 night more before hitting the road again.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Brussels, including the outstanding Parc du Cinquantenaire. Having an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 32,486 reviews, this fascinating park and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the region.

Brussels is also home to the captivating Parc de Bruxelles, a local park considered one of the highlights of the region. About 17,502 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.4 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

The extraordinary Mont des Arts is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Brussels. This extraordinary tourist hot spot boasts a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 13,218 travelers.

A trip to the wonderful St Michael and St Gudula Cathedral, Brussels will inspire you. Visitors have rated their experience at this amazing church and attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 16,844 reviews.

Soak in Brussels's rich culture at the fantastic Atomium. Further proving its status as one of the best places to visit in Brussels is its overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars in 79,824 visitor reviews.

Make the most of your vacation by joining activities and tours that let you discover what else Brussels has in store for you.

There are many top-rated experiences you can include in your travel plan to add flavor to your adventure in Belgium. Browse all of your options and reserve your slot before our favorites get fully booked.

By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy lively vibes in central Brussels. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

Renowned for its prestigious 1 Michelin star rating and an array of mouthwatering dishes, Barge has consistently impressed its foreign and local diners, garnering praise for its exceptional organic and market cuisine.

Have a fulfilling dinner from its enticing creative menu, which has consistently earned La Villa Lorraine by Yves Mattagne high ratings and praise from satisfied guests. This top dining choice has been awarded a Bib Gourmand, so prepare for an amazing and high-quality food experience.

Its delectable modern french and creative offerings have contributed to impressive reviews from numerous patrons who’ve already savored its meals. Food enthusiasts visiting the area will be glad to know that this restaurant has also been awarded Bib Gourmand status.

For a sip of relaxation, head over to Bar Des Amis, a top-notch spot in the city scene. Whether you're unwinding solo or with pals, Bar Des Amis has charmed many with its 4.3 out of 5-star rating, as attested by 1,677 happy guests.

Or, join the buzz at Brussels Beer Project // Dansaert Brewery, where locals and fellow explorers gather for good times and good chats. Brussels Beer Project // Dansaert Brewery captures hearts with its 4.6 out of 5-star rating, drawing acclaim from 1,046 merry-makers.

And don't miss out on Barbeton, another local party gem in Brussels. This bar has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,044 reviews, highlighting its charm and popularity in the area.

Day 7 – Brussels, Cologne, and Essen

Drive 297 km, 3 hours 43 min

• Cologne Chocolate Museum
• Cologne Cathedral
• Cologne Zoological Garden

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 2 stops. Today you will experience some of the highlights of this European tour package, that is, the wonderful destinations of Cologne and Essen in Germany. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Essen. Essen will be your home for 2 nights.

Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive towards Germany, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Essen. This drive usually takes around 3 hours and 23 minutes, without any stops or traffic disruptions.

Get a dose of thrill, excitement, and inspiration on your trip in Germany. Check out the tours and tickets you can add to your Essen itinerary and feel all the emotions in this wonderful city.

Add this highly recommended tour to your package now and make this refreshing day in Germany extra special!

It’s time to check in at a top-rated stay in Essen. Choose a hotel where you can gently let go of the day’s excitement and enjoy some peace and relaxation.

Before this memorable day of your vacation comes to a close, treat your palate to a taste of Germany's delectable cuisine at one of Essen's best restaurants. After a nice meal, enhance your vacation experience by enjoying the local nightlife or unwinding with a drink or two in the city’s most recommended bars.

At the top-rated restaurant sattgrün theaterpassage, you can enjoy a mouthwatering selection of food and drinks. This restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 1,011 customers.

If you feel like having something else, Fritzpatrick's Irish Pub is another great place to eat. This fantastic restaurant has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 2,779 customers.

A third restaurant you could check out is Traumkuh - Burger & Poutine. Traumkuh - Burger & Poutine offers a menu of delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy your hunger. We will let its excellent rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 1,460 customers speak for itself.

Order some of the best-tasting cocktails and celebrate the night away at Daktari Cocktailbar. This famous bar in Essen has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 638 customers.

You can also check out an equally popular bar in the area, Fritzpatrick's Irish Pub. This amazing place never disappoints with its variety of drinks and fantastic ambiance. Fritzpatrick's Irish Pub has received an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 2,779 customers.

If you want to visit another bar, we recommend Restaurant Hülsmannshof. This bar offers guests many choices of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to pair with a great night, helping it earn an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,570 customers.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany! Enjoy your evening in Essen to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply just relaxing.

Day 8 – Essen

Drive 62 km, 1 hour 30 min

• Duisburg Zoo
• Duisburg Inner Harbour
• Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
• UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein

On day 8, you will wake up in Duisburg with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Essen before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated museum and attraction in Essen — UNESCO-Welterbe Zollverein. About 17,439 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

To double the fun and excitement on your vacation in Germany, we also recommend adding tours to your travel itinerary. Tours are a great way to engage in immersive activities, meet other vacationers like you, and experience Essen's unique culture.

This fantastic excursion will show you around famous sights in Essen.

As the sun sets on day 8 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Essen's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Germany to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Essen has them.

Featuring delightful food options and modern and classic offering, Hannappel has garnered acclaim from numerous satisfied diners.

For local recommendations, look no further than Schote. Featuring exquisite modern and market cuisine, Schote , a well-loved Bib Gourmand restaurant, stands out as a favorite among local and international customers.

Countless patrons that sing its praises add to this restaurant’s prestige.

If you’re looking for a bar to end the evening at, many locals recommend Zweibar Café & Bar, claiming it’s one of the best in the city. This bar has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 612 customers.

Another popular place to go for a drink is Café Goldbar, rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 526 customers.

Temple Bar is a place where you can easily spend an hour or two of fun or relaxation. This bar is rated an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars by 502 customers.

Day 9 – Essen and Amsterdam

Drive 225 km, 3 hours 13 min

• Netherlands Open Air Museum
• Royal Burgers' Zoo
• Sonsbeek Park
• Hoge Veluwe National Park

On day 9 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 2 destinations, Gelderland and Amsterdam in the Netherlands. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Amsterdam, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.

After soaking in Essen’s unique atmosphere, jump back into your car with a full heart, and drive in the direction of your next destination: Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Expect your car journey to last a minimum of 2 hours and 32 minutes.

Fasten your seatbelt and journey to your next stop.

To double the fun and excitement on your vacation in the Netherlands, we also recommend adding tours to your travel itinerary. Tours are a great way to engage in immersive activities, meet other vacationers like you, and experience Amsterdam's unique culture.

This fantastic excursion will show you around famous sights in Amsterdam.

Relax your senses after a day of exhilarating activities and fun exploration. Retreat to one of the best accommodations in Amsterdam.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Amsterdam. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in the Netherlands in a new light. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax, mingle with the locals, and raise a toast to your unforgettable road trip vacation in Europe.

Locals love eating at Palmyra Syrian Restaurant, so you might want to check out their menu. This excellent restaurant has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 1,561 customers.

De Blauwe Hollander is another great restaurant you can try in Amsterdam. This popular restaurant in the city is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 1,807 customers.

After your meal, continue your getaway at one of the hottest bars in the city, De Brabantse Aap. This bar has an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 1,736 customers.

Alternatively, you can grab a few shots of your favorite drink and have an amazing night at the famous Stone's Café Bar & Nightclub. This incredible bar has a vibrant atmosphere and plays great music, worthy of its average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,501 customers.

Mulligans Irish Music Bar cannot be missed with its wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. 1,175 bar lovers have given this place a seal of approval with their 4.5 out of 5 stars average rating.

As the night falls in Amsterdam, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lay back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

Day 10 – Amsterdam - departure day

• Amsterdam - Departure day

On day 10 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Amsterdam before it’s time to leave.

Depending on how much time you have before your departure, you may want to engage in some last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Get some unique items to remind you of your great European road trip across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.

Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Amsterdam and enjoy what may be your last vacation meal of this trip. Look forward to recreating these distinct culinary experiences in your own kitchen later to remind you of your unforgettable road trip across the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany.

This restaurant serves good quality food and has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from 1,736 customers.

Alternatively, if you have an appetite for something different, eat at Mulligans Irish Music Bar. Around 1,175 customers have given this fantastic restaurant an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 1,157 customers, you’ll enjoy dining at this restaurant’s cozy atmosphere.

The time has come to say farewell to Amsterdam for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 10-day European road trip in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany with fond memories. Safe travels!

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