tourist guide for netherlands

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.

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which means that should you purchase something or get a quote through them I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the site running with up to date information. I do not represent GetYourGuide, World Nomads, Discovercars.com or Booking.com. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy the product mentioned in this article .

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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Netherlands travel guide

As flat as a local pannenkoek , the Netherlands is a land of colourful tulip fields and canals, sophisticated cities and some of the most striking coastline in Northern Europe. It punches well above its weight culturally, laying claim to the likes of Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Mondrian, amongst others.

At the head of the state sits the country's constitutional monarchy, whose palaces dominate many of the larger cities, including The Hague and the capital city, Amsterdam. The latter, renowned for its step-gabled houses, ubiquitous bikes, seedy red light district and hazy coffeeshops, is bisected by a UNESCO-listed network of waterways, many of which are spanned by beautiful, latticed bridges.

To the south lies Rotterdam, an industrial port city that has benefitted from a complete makeover in recent years, acquiring a slew of excellent museums and an unlikely affinity for hip-hop in the process.

The butt of many a northern joke, the southern city of Maastricht lies in the much-maligned Limburg region. Despite the teasing, this is a city of delicate beauty, dotted with churches, bisected by a mighty river and home to what is almost certainly the best bookshop in the world, Selexyz Dominicanen.

Back towards the coast, the Netherlands becomes more stereotypically Dutch, with vast colourful fields of tulips dotted with windmills and dairy farms producing the wheels of cheese for which the country is so famous. The low-lying Dutch countryside is scattered with a network of charming towns and villages such as Edam, Haarlem and Leiden, which have changed little over the centuries.

Best of all though, are the sandy, North Sea beaches of Zeeland, which stretch for an almost unbroken 650km (403-miles). With more sunshine than any other part of the Netherlands, Zeeland is the Dutch riposte to the Caribbean – and with better cycling trails and museums, if not the hot weather, to boot.

41,543 sq km (16,039 sq miles).

17,020,000 (2016 World Bank).

488 per sq km.

Constitutional monarchy.

King Willem-Alexander since 2013.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte since 2010.

Travel Advice

Check separate travel advice pages for advice on travel to the constituent countries and special municipalities located in the dutch caribbean..

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in the Netherlands set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Netherlands’ embassy in the UK .

Countries may restrict travel or bring in rules at short notice. Check with your travel company or airline for changes.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Visit TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre) for general COVID-19 advice for travellers .

Travel to the Netherlands

There are no COVID-19 travel restrictions for the Netherlands. See the Dutch government website for information on COVID-19.

Passport validity requirements

If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements .

Your passport must be:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.

Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to .

Passport stamping

At Dutch border control, you may need to:

show a return or onward ticket

show you have enough money for your stay

Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through the Netherlands as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit.

You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area, and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence include boarding passes and tickets.

If you are a resident in the Netherlands, read our living in the Netherlands guide .

Visa requirements

You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:

• as a tourist
• to visit family or friends
• to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
• or for short-term studies or training

If you are travelling to the Netherlands and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.

To stay longer (to work or study, for business travel or for other reasons) you must meet the Dutch government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you may need on the Dutch government website .

If you are travelling to the Netherlands for work , read the guidance on visas and permits.

If you stay in the Netherlands with a residence permit or long-stay visa, this does not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit.

Vaccination requirements (other than COVID-19)

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and vaccination certificates you may need on TravelHealthPro .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of the Netherlands. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking food and drink into the Netherlands

You cannot take meat, milk or products containing them into EU countries. There are some exceptions for medical reasons, for example certain amounts of powdered infant milk, infant food, or pet food required for medical reasons. Check the rules about taking food and drink into the EU on the European Commission website.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice .

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on  staying safe abroad  and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out  how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad .

Terrorism in the Netherlands

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in the Netherlands.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners. You should remain aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Recent attacks include:

in 2019, 4 people were killed and 6 injured in a shooting incident in Utrecht

in 2018, 2 people were seriously injured in a knife attack at Amsterdam Central Station

On 12 December 2023 the Netherlands raised its National Terrorist Threat Level. This means that they assess there is a heightened risk of a terrorist attack in the Netherlands.

Protect your belongings

Pick-pocketing and bag snatching are common, particularly in central Amsterdam and around Amsterdam Central Station. Thieves often operate in gangs on the trains and trams to and from Schiphol airport and Central Station. One thief distracts you while another steals your bag. Sleeping on trains can make you an easy target.

Thieves can enter restaurants attempting to sell you something or look for someone. Bags have been stolen from between people’s feet while they were distracted.

You should:

• keep sight of your luggage and belongings
• keep valuables safely on you
• not leave bags or jackets hanging on the back of a chair in restaurants
• avoid falling asleep in public or on public transport

If you are a victim of theft, contact the nearest police station and get a police report.

Scams – fake police ID

Amsterdam police have warned of criminals using false police identities to trick tourists into handing over cash and credit cards. They will usually say that it is part of and investigation into counterfeit money and false credit cards. Be very cautious about any approaches.

Genuine plain-clothed police will rarely carry out this type of inspection. Dutch police don’t have shiny badges, which the fake police sometimes present as ID.

• be cautious if approached
• ask for identity and check it thoroughly
• not let them intimidate you

Call 0900-8844 to contact the nearest police station if you are unsure whether a police person is genuine.

Drug sellers

Avoid confrontation with anyone offering you drugs. Stay away from quiet or dark alleys, particularly late at night.

Drink spiking

There is a risk of drink spiking, particularly for young women and solo travellers. Don’t leave your drink unattended.  If you think your drink has been spiked, seek immediate medical help and inform the police. If you are in a group, make sure you leave together.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal id.

By law, anyone from the age of 14 and over must always be able to show a valid form of identification. British nationals should use their passport as ID. Dual-nationals can show a valid Dutch driving license, passport or Dutch/European identity card. For people aged 16 or over who fail to comply with the requirement to identify themselves, the fine is 100 euros. For persons aged 14 and 15, the fine is 50 euros.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Don’t carry or use drugs. The Netherlands has a reputation for being tolerant on the use of ‘soft drugs’, such as cannabis. However, drugs are illegal and drug use is only tolerated in designated premises in the major cities. Buying or possessing prohibited drugs and substances outside of designated areas, is illegal and can result in a prison sentence.

Buying or smoking soft drugs in public places is an offence. There are specific cafés where the use of cannabis is tolerated.

The sale of dry and fresh psychoactive mushrooms is illegal. However, the truffle (sclerotium) form of psychoactive (psilocybin) mushrooms are not covered under Dutch law (Opium Act) and are still sold in regulated ‘smart shops’. Be extremely careful as mixing alcohol, cannabis and wild mushrooms can be fatal.

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in the Netherlands, see information on driving abroad and read the RAC guide .

Licences and permits

When driving in the Netherlands, always carry your:

• driving licence
• insurance documents
• vehicle documents
• photo ID such as a passport or residence permit

If you are driving a vehicle that does not belong to you, you may need written permission from the registered owner. You are not allowed to drive on a provisional license.

If you’re living in the Netherlands, check the living in guide for information on requirements for residents.

Driving a British car abroad

You may need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK. From 2021, UK stickers have replaced GB stickers. Find more information on what to do if you are driving outside the UK .

Driving regulations

Traffic offences can carry heavy, on-the-spot fines. If you are fined, always ask for a receipt.

Watch out for trams. They have priority over other traffic. You must stop if a tram or a bus stops in the middle of the road to let passengers on and off.

Speed cameras, speed traps and unmarked vehicles are widely used. Motorway speed limits can vary. You must follow overhead illuminated lane indicators when in use.

Pedestrians and road safety

Be careful when crossing roads, especially on zebra crossings. Look out for cyclists and mopeds, who have right of way over motor vehicles and often ignore road traffic rules and red lights.

You could be fined for jaywalking.

Amsterdam canals

Every year people drown in the canals of Amsterdam. The majority of drownings happen after heavy drinking or smoking cannabis. Take care when travelling beside canals.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

For more information, read our guidance on healthcare when travelling in Europe .

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on health risks and what vaccinations you need for the Netherlands on TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre)
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

TravelHealthPro explains best practice when travelling with medicines .

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad .

Healthcare facilities in the Netherlands

You can view a list of English speaking doctors in the Netherlands .

COVID-19 healthcare in the Netherlands

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms during your stay, follow the advice about preventing the spread of respiratory infections on the Dutch government website .

If you need a COVID-19 self-test, you can buy them at a chemist or a pharmacy.

Self-isolate if you have a confirmed or suspected case of mpox (monkeypox). Report any mpox symptoms to the Dutch Municipal Health Service (GDD).  Find your local GGD centre on the GGD website or GGD Amsterdam . See further information on what to do if you have mpox on the Dutch Government website .

Health insurance cards

Apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. If you already have an EHIC, it will still be valid as long as it remains in date.

The GHIC or EHIC entitles you to state-provided medical treatment necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Dutch nationals. If you do not have your EHIC with you or you’ve lost it, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team .

It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. An EHIC or GHIC does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover .

EHIC and GHIC cover state healthcare only, not private treatment. You will be responsible for the cost of any treatment provided by a private doctor or private clinic.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health . There is also guidance on TravelHealthPro .

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in the Netherlands

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans , including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers , funeral directors and translators and interpreters in the Netherlands
• dealing with a death in the Netherlands
• being arrested in the Netherlands
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime

what to do if you’re in hospital

• if you are affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission .

You can also contact FCDO online .

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

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Netherlands Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Netherlands travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

From beautiful canal-lined cities to fields of colorful tulips to historic castles and windmills, the Netherlands is a picture-perfect getaway for any kind of traveler. It’s no wonder that the country and its capital of Amsterdam are regularly noted as some of the top travel destinations in Europe .

Whether you want to experience Amsterdam’s nightlife scene or tour the storybook homes of small towns like Giethoorn, every experience in the Netherlands is unique.

Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered with this guide full of tips and inspiration to have the best Dutch getaway yet.

You’ll find many of the Netherlands’ top attractions in its cities, which blend classic Dutch culture with a modern, cosmopolitan flair.

The capital city of Amsterdam is usually first on any traveler’s to-visit list for a trip to the Netherlands, and for good reason.

Home to tons of world-class museums, picturesque canals and a signature cafe scene, there’s much to explore in this famous city. Plus, whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or on a solo trip to Amsterdam , there is really something for everyone.

For a more modern look at Dutch life, head to Rotterdam, the country’s second-largest city.

Rotterdam boasts a lively nightlife scene, unique architecture, cool historic ships and more. The city is also just a short trip from the Kinderdijk Windmills, a UNESCO Heritage Site where you can visit the oldest surviving windmills in the country.

You’ll also want to spend some time in the historic city of Haarlem, featuring many classic Dutch landmarks like windmills, canals, and markets.

Beyond its cities, the Netherlands has plenty of natural wonders to explore.

Visiting in spring? Be sure to make some time to visit Keukenhof Gardens, or the Garden of Europe, where you’ll find acres of tulips and other colorful blooms on display. You’ll definitely want to have your camera ready for this excursion!

As a coastal country, the Netherlands also has many unique beaches to explore.

The Wadden Sea area to the north is definitely worth a visit for its tranquil landscapes and great opportunities for birding. You can even do some sailing on the Frisian Lakes in Frieland, a destination that attracts thousands of boaters and water sports enthusiasts every year.

Keep reading to dive into resources that will help you with planning a trip to the Netherlands in Europe.

Note: This ultimate guide to Netherlands travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

Netherlands Map

Use this Netherlands travel map to begin planning your trip to this incredible country!

Click here for an interactive Google Map version of the above graphic.

Amsterdam Travel Guide

Looking for an Amsterdam visitor’s guide that can help you plan the perfect trip? Check out:

Solo Trip To Amsterdam: How To Have An Amazing Trip On Your Own

Best Tours In The Netherlands

Explore local culture with a Netherlands tour guide through these unique excursions:

• Surprise Walk of The Hague with a Local (Den Haag)
• Biking Rotterdam Food Tour with Local Guide (Rotterdam)
• Kinderdijk Windmill Farm Tour (Alblasserdam)
• Vondelpark Guided Bike Tour (Amsterdam)
• Volendam, Marken and Windmills Day Trip (Amsterdam)
• Guided Canoe Adventure with Picnic Lunch in Waterland (Amsterdam)

Renting A Car In The Netherlands

Need a rental car for your Netherlands trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Netherlands Hotels

Click here to browse the best Netherlands travel hotels!

Prefer self-contained stays?

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Netherlands Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Netherlands tour. When visiting the Netherlands — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Netherlands travel itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Netherlands Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling in the Netherlands .

Q: What are the best things to do in the Netherlands?

You’ll find many of the Netherlands’ top attractions in the capital city of Amsterdam.

Explore the city on foot or via water taxi and marvel at the picturesque buildings and houseboats that line the canals. The city is also home to many important museums and historic sites you’ll definitely want to check out.

Art lovers will want to visit the Rijksmuseum, the Dutch National Museum that houses many paintings by the Old Masters, and the Van Gogh Museum, an entire building dedicated to one of the most famous painters in modern history.

A visit to the Anne Frank Museum is always a moving experience. Here you can tour the small space where Anne and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II and learn more about how her story has inspired people around the world for decades.

Beyond the museums, you’ll definitely want to go for a stroll in Vondel Park, a huge urban oasis with gorgeous flowers, several walking paths, and even a sculpture by Picasso!

As one of Europe’s oldest monarchies, the Netherlands has plenty of castles and royal residences to explore. In the capital, you can explore the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, centrally located in Dam Square. Tour the palace’s gorgeous rooms and halls and see how the Dutch Royal Family lives.

For a bit of medieval history, head to Valkenburg, a picturesque town with ancient castles, gorgeous architecture, and one of the nation’s top spas.

Outside of Utrecht, you can visit De Haar Castle, a large fort rebuilt in 1892 with a collection of historic artifacts, paintings, and furniture that’s definitely worth gawking over.

Of course you’ll want to spend a little time in the great outdoors during your trip to the Netherlands. The country is famous for its flowers, so you’ll definitely want to see some blooms while you’re there.

For the best views, head to Keukenhof in Lisse, also known as the Garden of Europe. Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest flower gardens featuring acres of bulbs that bloom every spring. Most famous of these are probably the tulips, which reach their peak in April and May.

Not much of a flower fan?

Go for a hike in De Hoge Veluwe National Park, the nation’s largest nature reserve featuring acres of trees, trails, and more. You can also see how the scenery inspired famous artists at the park’s Kröller-Müller Museum, featuring works from Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, and more.

Q: What are some do’s and don’ts in the Netherlands?

Before you visit the Netherlands, there are a couple of do’s and don’ts to consider.

– Know the difference between a “coffeeshop” and a “cafe.” The Netherlands (and Amsterdam in particular) is well known for its cannabis culture, including the many coffeeshops where you can buy and consume cannabis products as well as food and drinks. Yes, you can get an espresso at these shops, but if you don’t want to ascend to a higher plane for the rest of the day, make sure the brownie you’re buying isn’t the “magic” kind. You’ll find more of your standard, drug-free fare at local cafes. Also, note that different municipalities in the Netherlands have different laws when it comes to cannabis and coffeeshops. For example, in Maastricht, foreign tourists are not allowed to enter coffeeshops.

– Lock your bike. Biking is the preferred method of transportation in many Dutch cities and as such, bikes are a hot commodity. If you’re renting a bike, make sure you get a sturdy lock and always make sure it’s secured to a pole or bike rack before you walk away. An extra lock may even be worth using for peace of mind.

– Buy an OV-ChipKaart. Public transportation is fairly ubiquitous in Dutch cities, making it easy to get around. An OV-ChipKaart will give you access to public transportation throughout the country, from the Rotterdam Metro to Amsterdam’s famous tram system. You can also easily top up the card without worrying about buying different cards and tickets for different systems in different cities.

Don’t:

– Worry too much if you only know English. English is widely spoken in the Netherlands and you’ll find plenty of signs in both English and Dutch as you travel, particularly in the cities and areas popular with tourists. It’s good to know a few simple phrases and greetings in the native language, but you don’t necessarily need to take a full course in Dutch to get around.

– Take pictures of the sex workers in the Red Light District. Yes, sex work is legal in the Netherlands, but the Red Light District is not a zoo. It is extremely rude to take photos of sex workers without their consent, and if any of them catch you doing so, they’ll let you know. If you’re visiting the Red Light District, just keep your phone in your pocket.

– Buy drugs from street dealers. Dutch drug policy may be lax compared to that of other countries, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll find safe drugs on the street. If you want to partake, buy from regulated sources like coffeeshops. Buying drugs off the street in the Netherlands is also illegal and you don’t want to end your vacation in a Dutch jail cell.

Q: How much money do I need per day in the Netherlands?

The average traveler spends about $151 USD per day in the Netherlands on transportation, accommodation, food, activities, and other travel expenses. This can vary depending on your itinerary and travel style; for example, you’ll spend more money in Amsterdam than you will in a smaller town like Lisse.

Affordable accommodation options like hostels and public transportation can help keep your costs low, as can skipping out on restaurant meals and finding free activities.

Q: How many days do you need for the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is a fairly small country, so you can see a lot in a week-long trip. One week will give you enough time to spend a few days exploring Amsterdam, take a few day trips to nearby destinations like Zaanse Schans, and spend a day or two each in cities like Utrecht, Haarlem, and the Hague.

You can also travel anywhere you want in the Netherlands over a relatively short amount of time via train, so you won’t lose too much time getting from destination to destination.

Q: Is the Netherlands safe to travel?

The Netherlands is a pretty safe destination for travelers. Rates of violent crime are low, but many of the standard travel safety advice applies here.

Stay aware of your surroundings and keep any valuables close to you and out of view as pickpocketing is common in cities, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Make sure you know how to avoid pickpockets to keep your valuables safe.

You’ll also want to stay out of bike paths if you’re walking around cities like Amsterdam if you don’t want to end your trip in a Dutch hospital.

Q: How long can a tourist stay in the Netherlands?

Most tourist visas will allow you to stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days without engaging in any professional activity during your stay.

Q: Do I need a Netherlands travel visa?

Travelers from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Schengen Area member countries, and several other countries do not need a visa to visit the Netherlands for a period of fewer than 90 days.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Netherlands International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Consulate General of the Netherlands.

Q: When is the best month to go to the Netherlands?

In terms of weather, between mid-April and mid-October is recommended, though if you want to avoid the crowds and increased travel fares skip the busy tourism months of July and August.

Q: Where is the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is located in northwestern Europe between Belgium (south) and Germany (east).

Q: Are credit cards accepted in the Netherlands?

Credit cards — particularly Visa and Mastercard — are widely accepted around the Netherlands, though it is always wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and in case of emergency.

Q: Can you drink the tap water in the Netherlands?

Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in the Netherlands, though it never hurts to ask your hotel in the specific city you’re visiting just to be sure.

Q: What is the local currency in the Netherlands?

The local currency in the Netherlands is the Euro (€).

What would you add to this Netherlands travel guide?

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Netherlands Travel Guide

Your ultimate netherlands travel guide, with tips, and things to see and things to do in holland. great for first-time and returning travelers..

The Netherlands, or The Kingdom of the Netherlands officially, is a country in northwestern Europe.

Known for its windmills, canals, tulips, and cycling, it makes for a great vacation.

Fans of art will love the Van Gogh Museum, while the tulip gardens and historic canals offer breathtaking views.

Add in vibrant cities like Amsterdam and it has something for everyone. There are many things to see and do here.

This Netherlands travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

Popular City Guides

• Anne Frank House

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about The Netherlands

• Power voltage is 230 V at 50 Hz. Type C and F.
• The official currency is the euro and 1 euro is equal to 1.10 USD.
• The best way to get around is by car.
• To enter, you will need a U.S. passport valid for 3 months after your stay ends. You do not need a visa if your stay is under 90 days.
• KPN, Vodafone Nederland, and T-Mobile (merged with Tele2) are the main mobile provider and a prepaid SIM card can be purchased through any of them by visiting the company’s official stores or local supermarkets.
• The Netherlands has three separate value-added tax (VAT) rates: 0%, 6%, and 21%, with the 9% rate being used for common goods and services.

Things to See and Do in The Netherlands

• Canals of Amsterdam : Amsterdam has 165 beautiful canals, perfect for a great relaxing morning or afternoon. Take a boat tour or walk along the canal banks to enjoy a beautiful city and water views.
• Anne Frank House: Come visit the historic house of Anne Frank. One of the most popular museums in the Netherlands, learn more about the history of Anne Frank by browsing through audio, photos, videos, and artifacts.  
• Van Gogh Museum: Fans of Van Gogh or art will love this museum. Featuring the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh paintings,book a private tour or browse through at your own pace.
• Zaanse Schans: Travel to this open-air museum to explore a village modeled after Holland in the 18 th and 19 th centuries. See the windmills, walk through the shops and houses, go to the interactive exhibit to see chocolate being made, and more.
• Keukenhof: Come smell and see the flowers at this public garden. Open from March to May, the garden features 7 million spring-bulb flowers in bloom, including colorful tulips.

Netherlands Travel Guides

• Where To Stay In Amsterdam
• Anne Frank House, Amsterdam
• Amsterdam with Kids – 7 Attractions You and Your Child Will Love

Accommodation

Budget: You can find prices for hostels in the range of 18-50 euros per night. Enjoy dorm-styled or private rooms, free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, security lockers, and great central locations.

Mid-Range: For mid-range hotels, expect to pay between 70-135 euros. Enjoy private rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, a hotel restaurant and bar, a pool, and good locations to nearby attractions and public transport.

High-End: Upscale hotels can range from 140-275 euros per night. Take in the best with top-of-the-line service, polished private rooms with rainfall showers and whirlpool tubs, indoor and outdoor pools, spas, hotel restaurants with fine dining and chandeliers, and a hotel bar.

Check out our in-depth guide to: Where to Stay in Amsterdam: A Local’s guide to the City

Food : The cuisine of the Netherlands favors vegetables, meat, bread, cheese, and potatoes. Hollandse Nieuwe (raw herring with onions and pickled cucumbers) is one of the most popular dishes.

When out and about, try a stroopwafel, a waffle with syrup filling, or try a kroket, which is a deep-fried roll stuffed with meat ragout.

The Netherlands has many restaurants where you can try more of their cuisine, with a typical meal costing 15 euros.

The Best Ways to Get Around The Netherlands

Getting to the netherlands:.

Getting to the Netherlands: The main airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, located 13.6 miles from Amsterdam’s city center.

Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Groningen, and Maastricht also have their own airports.

Flights: You can check for the best flights to The Netherlands on Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Train: Trains are a good way to go between cities and the Netherlands has 400 stations that travel throughout the day, and sometimes at night. Go from Amsterdam to Rotterdam in 70 minutes for just 18 euros one-way.

Tram: The tram is another excellent way to travel and runs from 6 AM to midnight.

Bus: Buses are a cheap way to get around and bus lines are available in most areas. A typical fare is 3.20 euros for one hour of traveling.

Taxis: Taxis are a good way to get around. Taxis have a starting fee of 7.50 euros and increase up to 2.20 euros per kilometer. A taxi ride from Amsterdam airport to downtown Amsterdam, for example, will cost around 39 euros.

Uber: Uber is available in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Haarlem, and The Gooi.

Bicycle: Bicycling is a very popular form of transportation in the Netherlands, and due to this you can find many cycling paths throughout the country. You can find rentals priced at 10-40 euros per day. 

Rent a car: Renting a car requires you to be at least 19 years old and have a U.S. license that is at least a year old. Prices start at 36 euros per day for drivers 25 and older.

You can also compare prices here

When to go To the Netherlands

• The best time to visit is between March and May and September to November, where you can find better deals on hotels and avoid the peak tourist season of July-August.
• April, in particular, is a great month for those who want to see the flowers after they have bloomed.
• Temperatures average to 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit during these seasons.
• If you are looking for the hottest weather, go in August, where temperatures can increase up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Rotterdam Marriott Hotel : Check in to this 5-star hotel and stay in the trendy cool district, which features designer boutiques, popular restaurants, and the De Doelen concert hall.

The hotel comes private rooms and suites featuring marble bathrooms and minibars, free breakfast, room service, a cocktail bar, a café in the lobby, and a 24-hour gym.

Carlton BeachClub: When in The Hague, stay at this great beachside hotel. Accessible by tram and just a 6-minute walk from the Scheveningen Pier, the hotel comes with private rooms with balconies and TVs, a hotel restaurant, a bar and grill, a spa with 3 saunas, and an indoor pool.

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam  – 5 star luxury Amsterdam hotel that is a bit more affordable than the Waldorf.

Amsterdam Accommodation Guides

Where To Stay In Amsterdam – The Best Areas & Neighbourhoods

What to Pack for The Netherlands

• Power Adapter: As the voltage is higher than the US, bring a power adapter to charge your electronics. 
• Walking Shoes: With so many outdoor activities, bring a pair of sturdy walking shoes to keep your feet comfortable.
• Raincoat: Keep yourself dry by bringing a raincoat.
• Check out our Packing for Europe – Tips That Will Make Your Travel Life Easier

See our packing tips: packing tips

Netherlands Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Netherlands Travel Guide: Related Articles

Where To Stay In Amsterdam In 2024: Our Favorite Places and Neighbourhoods

34 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam In 2024

The 21 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

the ultimate travel guide to Netherlands

The home of incredible artwork, innovative design and the culinary triumph that is chips and mayonnaise. We break down this spectacular country in our Netherlands travel guide.  

More hipster than hippy these days, Amsterdam’s cutting-edge architecture, environmental innovation and design have seen it evolve into one of Europe’s coolest destinations.

Sometimes referred to as “The Venice of the North,” Amsterdam is lined with canals that wind their way through streets of quaint old merchants’ houses, while its galleries are world-renowned, featuring the finest works from Dutch masters Rembrandt and Van Gogh.

What better way to get a feel for a city than a flea market; a place where locals come to sell all their unusual bits and bobs, unwanted or otherwise.

Open Monday to Saturday, the 300-plus stores of the Waterlooplein Flea Market are where to find treasures like classic cameras, old leather bicycle seats, vintage clothes, silverware and period biscuit tins.

While there’s the famous flower market and any number of farmer’s markets to peruse, Waterlooplein is well worth swinging by to find that strange something from the annals of Europe’s past you never knew you needed.

A great way to explore Amsterdam is on a bike . With mostly flat streets, 500 kilometres of bike paths, some 250,000 bike racks, and almost 880,000 bicycles – 70 per cent of trips in the city centre are made by bike.

Amsterdam is also home to some of the world’s hottest hotels . For example there’s Canal House , spanning three 17th-century merchants’ houses on Amsterdam’s elegant Keizersgracht waterway.

You’re in the heart of things – cyclists whiz by, canal boats are on the move and everything is just around the corner.

It’s surprisingly swish but dark and moody, modern and clever all at once. Guestrooms are little Dutch masterpieces – lustrous Vermeer colours, whimsical artworks and exposed beams.

The Netherlands is also the perfect destination for those who revel in the outdoors, from the vast greenery of Drenthe to the sandy dunes of Ameland .

Drenthe is one of the most sparsely populated regions in The Netherlands, mainly made up of farmland. The area has lovely forests, lakes and rivers, and is criss-crossed with bike trails that make it easy to take in the countryside and visit villages along the way.

There’s also a lot of history: it is the site of numerous hunebeds, imposing burial monuments built by the Funnel Beaker People between 3400 and 2850BC, while at Hooghalen, Kamp Westerbork, a transit camp used by the Nazis during World War II, is now a memorial to the tragic events that took place here.

Comprising four sleepy villages with a population of little more than 3500, Ameland is just an eight-kilometre ferry ride from the mainland.

Its landscape consists mostly of sand dunes; its main beach, also home to a photogenic lighthouse, is known as ‘The Diamond of the Dutch Wadden’.

While on the island, be sure to sample some of the local cuisine including farm cheese, rye bread, catfish, mustard and Nobeltje, a rum liqueur enjoyed in coffee, over ice-cream or pancakes.

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Headed to Amsterdam? Here are 14 top things to do there

Mar 12, 2024 • 8 min read

Exploring Amsterdam by bicycle is an essential experience © Harry Cooper Photography / Shutterstock

With its iconic canals lined by slender gabled buildings and spanned by arched bridges, Amsterdam  must be one of the beautiful and charming cities in the world.

Whether you’re after exceptional art and architecture, innovative design, fabulous food or thumping nightlife, you'll find it here. Amsterdam’s  condensed layout means you can fit a lot in even on a short trip, as you hit the city’s most famous attractions and discover under-the-radar surprises.

Here are 14 things to do that will show you the best of what Amsterdam has to offer.

1. Soak up history with a canal cruise 

Amsterdam is a city shaped by water. The best way to appreciate its beautiful UNESCO World Heritage–listed Canal Ring is from a boat, passing through the canals themselves. This is a delight at any time – but particularly beautiful at night, when the waters’ ripples reflect the city’s twinkling lights.

You can navigate the waterways yourself (companies such as Boaty rent zero-emission electric canal boats), or hop on a sightseeing cruise, as just about every visitor does. Non-touristy alternatives include learning first-hand about the city’s history of migration aboard Rederij Lampedusa ’s former refugee boats, or helping keep the waters clean by “plastic fishing” from Plastic Whale ’s vessels, which are made from retrieved and recycled plastic waste.

Planning tip: If you prefer to enjoy the canals from land, grab a table at De Belhamel . Situated at the head of the Herengracht, this superb restaurant’s canal-side tables are perfect for canal-watching (summer only).

2. Make like the Dutch, and get on a bike

Cling-clanging bells and whirring spokes are part of the soundtrack of a city where bicycles outnumber cars – making for perhaps the essential means for getting around town . Bike lanes crisscross every part of the city, where the terrain (as in most of the Netherlands ) is forgivingly flat and rental outlets abound. 

Beyond the built-up streets, fascinating places to explore range from the former ship-building yards of Amsterdam Noord to the rambling woodlands of Amsterdamse Bos and the pretty port of Muiden, with its storybook medieval castle.

To avoid being  the kind of tourist Amsterdam doesn’t enjoy welcoming , it’s important to follow cycling etiquette. Always use the designated bike lane rather than lanes for cars, or sidewalks; adhere to the rules of the road; signal with your arm when turning; and make sure you’ve turned on your front and back lights at night.

3. Head to Museumplein to immerse yourself in art

Amsterdam’s top three museums are handily located around the green lawns of Museumplein . The grande dame of the trio is the famous  Rijksmuseum , which occupies a palatial 1885 and contains perhaps the best collection of works by Dutch masters like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals. The museum’s galleries also display sumptuous decorative arts as well, including blue-and-white Delftware porcelain and intricate dollhouses.

The world’s largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s dazzling paintings ( The Yellow House and Sunflowers , among them) hangs at the neighboring Van Gogh Museum . Modern and contemporary creations by the likes of Mondrian and De Kooning are the focus of the bright, light-filled Stedelijk Museum .

Planning tip: Invest in an  I Amsterdam City Card , a discount pass that provides access to dozens of city attractions, to gain entrance to two of the museums (the Van Gogh Museum no longer participates). The Netherlands Museum Pass includes all three (as well as hundreds of museums across the country); buy one in person at the Rijksmuseum or the Stedelijk.

4. Sip local brews at Brouwerij ’t IJ

You’ll know you’re truly in Amsterdam when you’re sip a tall, frothy beer under the sails of a windmill. Much-loved craft brewery Brouwerij ’t IJ brews in former public baths adjacent to a traditional wooden spinner. Its leafy terrace is idyllic for a pint (try its signature Zatte Tripel ). It’s often possible to see the brewing in action on a behind-the-scenes tour.

5. Find something chic yet practical at a Dutch design shop

Bike carrier straps that function as shelving. Glow-in-the-dark door stoppers. Self-adhesive lamps to stick on the wall. These are just some of the witty, inventive and above all practical Dutch designs you’ll find in Amsterdam, along with furniture, fashion and gadgets galore.

A great place to start browsing is Droog , with a garden, gallery space and restaurant where most of the tableware is also for sale. Other emporiums to check out include  X Bank , set up as a showcase for local creators, and the Gathershop , which stocks its shelves with handmade and fair-trade gift items.

6. Lie out with locals in Vondelpark

Amsterdammers’  favorite green escape is the sprawling  Vondelpark , a lush, 116-acre (37-hectare) oasis of English-style gardens with fragrant roses, winding paths, ponds and sculptures. One of the best free things to do in the city , this egalitarian space is where everyone – kids, adults, couples, joggers, picnickers, locals and tourists – hangs out in the sunshine. Within the park, there are cafes as well as an open-air theater.

Planning tip:  A short walk from the Museumplein’s institutions, Vondelpark is the perfect spot to reflect after soaking in superb art.

7. Visit the Anne Frank Huis, and never forget

When Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands in May 1940, war came to the city for the first time in almost four centuries – and devastated its thriving Jewish community.

The war’s impact on real people’s lives might be more palpable at the Anne Frank Huis  than at any other site in the world. Behind a warehouse on Prinsengracht, the young girl hid for over two years with her family and their friends in a dark, airless “Secret Annexe” – until they were betrayed and sent to concentration camps. Only her father survived.

Anne recorded the entire experience in her diary, now a classic of Western literature. Walking through the tiny, dark rooms in which she recorded her story is a humbling experience indeed. 

Detour: Amsterdam’s occupation – which didn’t end until 1945 – is also brought to life at the museum of the Dutch Resistance, the Verzetsmuseum . 

8. Raise a class at a bruin café

No matter the weather, the best place to experience Dutch gezelligheid (conviviality and coziness) is in one of its bruin cafés (brown cafes). Dark timber and tobacco-stained walls give these traditional pubs their name.

Planning tip:  With around a thousand across the city, you’ll never be far from a bruin café. They’re especially concentrated charming neighborhoods like the former blue-collar quarter of  the Jordaan , where canalside gems with candle-topped tables include Café Papeneiland , Café Pieper and ’t Smalle .

9. Go out on the town

Awash with bars, concert venues and music-thumping clubs, Amsterdam’s renowned nightlife extends far beyond De Wallen, better known the Red Light District (and an area whose reputation authorities are looking to change).

Leidseplein , home to the famed Melkweg , is a major hub, as is nearby Rembrandtplein . Amsterdam’s LGBTIQ+ scene is found throughout the city, with popular venues like Cafe Prik  playing banging dance tunes late into the night.

Detour: Hop on a free ferry to Noord, one of the city’s coolest, most up-and-coming neighborhoods, and a haven of ultra-hip watering holes. Be sure to check out Pllek and Café de Ceuvel .

10. Snack on local specialties from street markets

Lively street markets like the Albert Cuypmarkt are lined with stalls selling delicious cheap eats like haring (herring; served chopped with diced onion on a bread roll), Vlaamse frites (“Flemish fries”: crispy, fluffy and typically smothered with mayonnaise), stroopwafels (cookie-like wafers sandwiched with caramel syrup) and poffertjes (mini pancakes), as well as Dutch cheeses such as Gouda and Edam. At bars, classic snacks include deep-fried kroketten (croquettes), including ball-shaped, meat-filled bitterballen .

11. Learn about the newest architecture trends at ARCAM

At first glance, Amsterdam’s cityscape seems scarcely changed from the era of Golden Age paintings – yet the contemporary city abounds with such tech-savvy, forward-thinking innovations as solar-paneled bike lanes, a sustainable “floating neighborhood” and the world’s first 3D-printed stainless-steel bridge. Learn about these innovations and other cutting-edge trends in design and urban studies, as well as the best in 21st-century architecture, at the Amsterdam Architecture Foundation ( ARCAM ).

Planning tip: Get out of the galleries and see Amsterdam’s newer side with a guided tour led by an ARCAM expert. Visit their website for the latest schedule (an additional fee applies).

12. Try jenever at Wynand Fockink

The local firewater, jenever (Dutch gin) is made from juniper berries and served chilled. Amsterdam has some wonderfully atmospheric tasting houses to try smooth jonge (young) and pungent oude (old) varieties, such as 17th-century Wynand Fockink .

Cultural tip: Jenever typically arrives in a tulip-shaped shot glass filled to the brim – the kopstootje  tradition dictates that you bend over the bar, with your hands behind your back, and take a deep sip.

13. Swing out over city on the top of A’DAM Tower

The craziest activity in Amsterdam is nowhere near the Red Light District – in fact, it’s far above it. At the top of A’DAM Tower , a 1970s-era high-rise, a six-seater swing sends you out over the building’s edge and 100m (328ft) in the air, as your feet dangle below

You can also ride a virtual-reality roller coaster or take in the view from the tower's 360-degree observation deck, restaurants (one revolving) or rooftop bar.

14. Celebrate at one of Amsterdam’s festivals

Your visit to this outgoing city is likely to coincide with one of its many festivals ; the occasion might involve food, drink, electronic dance music or classical concerts on barges moored on the canals. The most important date on Amsterdam's calendar is King’s Day (Koningsdag; April 27), when people don outlandish orange-colored outfits and party in the streets. And the “parade” of barges that takes to the canals during Pride Amsterdam  at the end of the July is a flotilla you’ll never forget. 

This article was first published December 2014 and updated March 2024

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25 Most Beautiful Places in the Netherlands

Which are the most beautiful places in the Netherlands? This post contains a selection of the most beautiful cities , little towns and villages , castles , gardens and nature parks in the Netherlands. It provides inspiration for everyone who wants to visit the country but doesn’t know what are the must-sees and where to start. Discover the Netherlands with these 25 amazing places!

I have divided those charming places in 5 categories. I thought it would be fair if I include 5 entries per category, thus I can show you the diversity the Netherlands can offer to all visitors.

You can scroll through the list or you can choose a category from the drop-down menu that’s of interest to you. There is also a handy map, with all places indicated on it, which will help you to better plan your stay in the country.

De Biesbosch

Loonse en drunense duinen, alde feanen, de haar castle, hoensbroek castle, slot loevestein, ammersoyen castle, the gardens of appeltern, the castle gardens of arcen, the castle garden of oud-valkenburg, botanical garden in kerkrade, final words, 5 most beautiful cities in the netherlands.

Amsterdam with its spiderweb of canals and the stepped-gable houses alongside the water is perhaps the most visited place in the Netherlands and undeniably one of the most beautiful cities not only in the Netherlands but in the world. When you visit the Netherlands for the first time, the Dutch capital should be on your bucket list. Take a boat trip along the canals (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and visit a museum or two if you have more time. If you are a fan of Van Gogh, you won’t be disappointed, as the Van Gogh Museum has the biggest collection of the artist’s works. The Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank Museum are also a must.

Tip: When planning your visit to Amsterdam, check out these 4 walking routes in the Dutch capital . The post contains also a map for an easy self-guided tour.

Read more: Best things to do and see in Amsterdam if you are visiting only for a day

Den Bosch, or ‘s-Hertogenbosch, is the major city of North Brabant – the Dutch province that’s famous for the good food and the joie-de-vivre life style. Admire the majestic St. John’s Cathedral ( Sint-Janskathedraal ) and take a boat tour in the old city sewerage ( De Binnendieze ). Don’t miss to take a beer on De Parade (a square near the cathedral) and if you are fan of the Medieval painter Hieronymus Bosch, who was born there in this city, visit the Jheronimus Bosch Art Centre , where you can find all his works (in reproduction) at one place.

Read more: Discover the best things to see and do in Den Bosch

Utrecht is absolutely charming with its canals and the cafes at the water level . When in Utrecht, visit the beautiful Dom (the cathedral of Utrecht). You can climb to the top of the cathedral for some amazing views or get underneath it for some Roman ruins. If you want to get off-the-beaten path, visit the quirky Museum Speelklok , where you can admire their unique collection of self-playing instruments.

Read more: Discover the best things to see and do in Utrecht

Maastricht is one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands and is often called the Pearl of the South. The locals just love a day trip to Maastricht combined with some first class shopping. When in Maastricht, visit the beautiful Vrijthof Square with the St. Servatius Basilica ( Sint-Servaasbasiliek ) and the St. John’s Church ( Sint-Janskerk ). A fan of classic music? Then a concert of Andre Rieu on the Vrijthof Square in the summer is a must. This is a once-in-a-life-time experience and I can vouch for it from first hand.

Read more: How to spend the perfect day in Maastricht . If you are visiting in the winter you should not miss the famous Christmas Market of Maastricht .

Rotterdam is like no other city in the Netherlands – it’s modern, it’s hipster and it’s full of life. It’s one of the few places in the Netherlands where the skyline is dominated by high-rises . When in Rotterdam, take a boat tour in the harbour. Europort used to be the biggest one in the world, but it lost its first place some years ago, now being only the biggest in Europe. If you love great views, climb to the top of the Euromast and if you need a bit of an adrenaline rush, you can go down with a zip-wire. Oh, and fan of quirky architecture? Take a look at the famous Cube Houses or the Markthal.

Read more: The best things to see and do in Rotterdam

5 Most beautiful villages and small towns in the Netherlands

They call it the little white town and for a reason. All the houses are white in this little place, something quite unusual for the Netherlands. Thorn has unique historical heritage. It started as a cloister and turned into a prosperous Abbey-State , a dwarf state in the 15th-18th centuries, ruled by women. The town is a popular tourist destination among the Dutch. The best Dutch pancakes restaurant has there a branch, so I can’t help it but recommend paying a visit to the Pannekoekenbakker for the most delicious Dutch pancakes.

Read more: What to see and in Thorn and why are the houses after all white in Thorn

When you travel to the Netherlands, you should visit at least one of its walled towns, which are part of the so-called Southern Defense Line ( De Zuiderwaterlinie ). Heusden is one of them – a little town in the shape of a star, surrounded by water. It looks as if time has stopped in Heusden, but instead of being just and open-air museum, the little place is actually a regular small town with a great dose of charm and lots of cuteness. When in Heusden, take a walk alongside the bulwarks , thus you can make a complete circle around the town. For some great Dutch pancakes, stop at the Pannekoekenbakker .

Read more: Best things to do in Heusden, recommended by a local

Valkenburg is a lovely small town in South Limburg. It’s famous for the chalk quarries ( mergelgrotten ) and the Castle Ruins ( Kasteelruinen ) perched on a hill above the town. Numerous cafes and restaurants line up the streets of this small place. It’s a very popular holiday destination among the Dutch and it’s always thriving with life. Well, after all, it’s one of the two places in the Netherlands where there are caves. Moreover the landscape around Valkenburg is quite pretty with the rolling hills and the cattle grazing on the meadows, and the occasional castle here and there.

Read more: The best things to see and do in Valkenburg, recommended by a local

Once an important harbour, this cute little place turned into an inland town after the sea was drained in the 17th century to make place for more land. The regained land from the sea is known as polder , and the area around De Rijp – De Beemster Polder , is included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the last years most of the houses have been beautifully restored and the little town is full of charm. You can find there some of the oldest wooden houses in the Province of North Holland.

They call it the Venice of the North or the Dutch Venice and indeed Giethoorn completely deserves its nickname. Imagine an idyllic small village with no streets but canals instead. Beautiful houses, mostly farms, with thatched roofs, lots of green and flowers and the willows hanging above the crooked bridges. Unfortunately the last years Giethoorn has been discovered by the tourists and is suffering from overtourism. Nonetheless, the place is simply gorgeous and too cute not to see it.

5 Most beautiful national parks in the Netherlands

If you are in a search of a quiet place with gorgeous sunsets, green waters and vast sand beaches – you’ll find it all on this small West Frisian island . Not to forget the little quaint villages, the pastoral landscapes and the great local food. Oh, and a part of the island is a protected area as one of the 20 National Parks in the Netherlands. When travelling to Texel, just leave your car on the mainland, as you won’t need it on the island. However taking your bike with you is a great idea.

Read more: Best things to do on Texel island

De Biesbosch is probably the most unique national park in the Netherlands. The land that was reclaimed from the marshlands in the past centuries is now given back to nature. De Biesbosch is one of the biggest freshwater tidal wetlands in Europe – a network of interconnected rivers and creeks, a kind of an inland delta. The best way to discover this beautiful area is by boat.

Read more: De Biescbosch National Park – complete travel guide

This Dutch National Park looks totally out of place – moving sand dunes in de middle of the country. The Dunes of Loon and Drunen are actually the biggest sand-drifting area in Northern Europe. For a country with hardly any hilltops, leave alone mountains, the Dunes are great for hiking and even sleighing in the winter (if it happens to snow). In the late summer when the heath is in bloom, the dunes turn into a magical purple haze.

Read more: Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park – complete travel guide

De Meinweg is another one of the 20 National Parks in the Netherlands. This park is characterized by terraced landscape with steep transitions between the plateaus. You can walk there through forests , marshlands and lakes . There’s also this lovely trail that goes along a boardwalk through a flooded forest. As the National Park is located at the border with Germany, you might just pop up there without noticing it.

De Alde Feanen National Park is the youngest National Park in the Netherlands. It was added in 2012 as the 20th National Park. It’s a bogland area located in Dutch Province of Friesland near the capital city Leeuwarden. The bog is home to more than 450 plant species and over 100 bird species . The most popular inhabitants of the Alde Feanen are the white storks . You can spot them everywhere. It’s a peaceful area where you can go for walking, biking or boating. It’s so quiet there that you will feel absolutely disconnected from the rest of the world.

Read more: De Alde Feanen National Park – complete travel guide

5 Most beautiful castles and palaces in the Netherlands

De Haar Castle ( Kasteel De Haar ) near Utrecht is perhaps the most famous and most visited Dutch castle. If it’s the most beautiful one, that’s pretty subjective, but it’s for sure quite imposing. The castle was restored in 1892 by the famous Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers in a Gothic Revival style. The original castle dates back to the end of the 14th century. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park and gardens. You can visit both the castle and the park.

The Hoensbroek Castle ( Kasteel Hoensbroek ) is a lovely castle in the southern province of Limburg. The first fortress on this place dates back to 1360. Through the years the castle has been expanded many times. It belonged to the van Hoensbroek family, the one that built it for nearly 6 centuries. In 1927 the castle was sold to a foundation which still manages it as of present. Today, the castle can be visited and it gives an idea of how life was in 17th and 18th centuries. The furnishings are back from the period. You can do a self-guided tour of the castle and in each room there are interactive stories told in various ways.

Slot Loevestein was built in the 14th century by the knight Dirc Loef but soon after it was taken by the Count of Holland . In the 17th century the castle was turned into a state prison. One of the greatest legal scholars, the father of the modern international law – Hugo Grotius ( Hugo de Groot in Dutch), was imprisoned there but he succeeded to escape. How did he manage to escape? I won’t tell you. Visit the castle to find out.

Ammersoyen Castle ( Kasteel Ammerzoyen ) is a beautiful castle surrounded by water in the province of Gelderland. The construction of the defensive castle near the Meuse River started in the 12th century and it was finished in the 13th century. The Ammersoyen Castle was completely restored to its medieval glory in the 1970s and is open for visitors.

There aren’t many palaces in the Netherlands, but from the few that are still there, Het Loo Palace ( Paleis Het Loo ) is undoubtedly the most beautiful one. And not only the palace is worth the visit. The meticulously manicured and kept Baroque gardens contrast with the natural and a bit wild beauty of the English park . Let’s say Het Loo Palace is the Dutch Versailles , but not because it looks like the palace near Paris, it’s because of its significance and role through the centuries as the palace of the House of Orange-Nassau (the Dutch Royal House).

Read more: The 15 most beautiful castles in the Netherlands

5 Most beautiful parks and gardens in the Netherlands

Tulips! Lots of tulips! Everywhere! You can’t find a place more Dutchy than that. Unfortunately, being a spring garden, Keukenhof is open only in the period March-May. It’s a perfectly manicured garden, where each year they plant more than 7 million spring flower bulbs . Hyacinths, tulips, crocuses, and daffodils in most amazing shapes and colors create intricate patterns and stun the visitors.

Read more: Everything you need to know about visiting Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands

The Gardens of Appeltern ( De Appeltern Tuinen ) started as a company project and evolved into the biggest and most beautiful garden park in the Netherlands. The park was created in 1980s as a series of show-model gardens and today it features more than 200 different inspiration gardens on 23 ha.

If you are visiting the Netherlands and the Keukenhof gardens are closed your best bet will be the Castle Gardens of Arcen ( Kasteeltuinen Arcen ). A meticulously manicured park with gardens and a lovely castle – the Castle Gardens of Arcen won’t disappoint you. The best time to visit the park is June-July when all flowers are in bloom. Beside the gardens, you can also visit the castle.

The Castle Garden of Oud-Valkenburg ( Kasteeltuin Oud-Valkenburg ) is a lovely small scale garden in South Limburg. Once it used to be the kitchen garden of the Schaloen Castle . Today, it features a herbal garden and a heritage garden , which shows local traditional flora. There’s also a watermill at the garden. You can combine a visit to the garden with a walk to the castle. The Schaloen Castle is not open for visitors, but there is a nice cafe outside where you can enjoy the beautiful view with the castle and its gardens.

The Botanical Garden in Kerkrade ( Botanische Tuin Kerkrade ) has a very interesting history. It opened in 1937 as a recreational garden for the mine workers of the State Mines ( Staatsmijnen ). Mining was booming in South Limburg and lots of facilities were created for the equally booming population in the region. The centerpiece of the Botanical Garden is the Open-air Cathedral – the trees are arched and arranged in such a way that they remind of the framework of a cathedral. There are 195 varieties of plants and trees found today in the Botanical Garden.

Read more: What to do and see in Kerkrade

Although flat as a pancake, the Netherlands can offer some amazing places, from the capital city of Amsterdam with its UNESCO-listed canals and stepped-gable houses, to the quaint little village of Giethoorn with no streets. For an explosion of colors yous should visit the famous Keukenhof tulip gardens and if you want to escape the world, you can do so in one of the National Parks. Chasing castles? No problem. You will find an abundance of them!

Do you need some extra help to plan your trip to the Netherlands? Join the dedicated Exploring the Netherlands Facebook Group , where you can get tips from other travellers and locals. Or perhaps you have questions or comments? Join the group and I’ll be happy to answer them.

About Daniela

Are you planning a trip to Amsterdam? If you are, you must be asking yourself a lot of questions about your future destination. Discover what to do , where the best places to eat are, where to stay , and a lot of other useful advice written by travelers just like you. Enjoy your holiday to the fullest with our travel guide!

Amsterdam Travel Guide

• General Information
• Top attractions
• Getting to Amsterdam
• How to Save
• Where to Stay
• Where to eat
• Amsterdam in 2 Days

Why should you visit Amsterdam?

Although Amsterdam doesn't have prominent landmarks and few iconic images come to mind when you picture it,  its unique atmosphere while wandering along the  canals surrounded by bicycles makes it one of the most popular destinations in Europe.

Amsterdam is one of the liveliest European cities with a vibrant nightlife. After sunset, all the bars are open and brimming with life.

Amsterdam is also a cultural haven and is at the forefront of Europe in terms of art, museums,  and shows . Some of the most-visited museums include Rijksmuseum , the  Anne Frank Museum , and the  Van Gogh Museum.

Where to begin?

If this is your first visit to Amsterdam and you haven’t read much about the capital, we recommend you start reading about its history and travel tips . Then, check out these articles to learn about the best neighborhoods  and  museums , and find out some of the city's  strikingly unique characteristics .

If you haven’t booked your flights and hotel yet , book them as soon as possible , since the prices go up quickly.

Have you booked your accommodation?

If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, we suggest visiting our search engine , where you’ll find all types of hotels, hostels, and apartments with the best rates guaranteed . You can get up to a 75% discount and pay once you get to your destination.

• Accommodation in Amsterdam - find the best deals

top activities

Windmills Tour: Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken S tep back in time as you head to the serene Dutch countryside for a taste of its windmills, dams, and medieval towns. A must if you're in Amsterdam!

Canal Cruise Amsterdam Your visit to Amsterdam wouldn't be complete without doing a scenic canal cruise . Explore the city's iconic landmarks from an open-top boat tour on the canal!

Amsterdam - Bruges Excursion On this trip, we make our way to Belgium to discover Bruges, the Venice of the North and  one of the world's most impressive and best-conserved medieval cities .

Day Trip to the Keukenhof Gardens Amazing colours, beautiful aromas and more than thousand tulips, daffodils and hyacinths have made the Keukenhof gardens some of the most famous in the world.

Anne Frank Jewish Quarter Tour Discover Amsterdam through the story of Anne Frank , passing though the Jewish Quarter while exploring the relationship between this city and the Nazi Regime.

Giethoorn Day Trip Allow yourself to be seduced by "The Dutch Venice" with an excursion to the pastoral Giethoorn, passing through its famous canals on a delightful cruise.

Amsterdam Bike Tour Exploring Amsterdam on a bike is an unmissable experience. Visit the city like a local accompanied by an English-speaking guide and discover its top sights!

Heineken Experience and Canal Boat Trip Enjoy this double excursion, which includes tickets to the old Heineken Experience brewery and a boat trip along the Amsterdam canals .

Amsterdam Red Light District Tour Join us on a guided tour of Amsterdam's legendary Red Light District . We'll delve deep into this neighborhood's liberal atmosphere, where almost anything goes.

Canal Night Cruise On this cruise, you'll drift along the canals of Amsterdam, observing the city as it lights up at night while enjoying a selection of fine wines and cheeses !

Tour of Rotterdam, Delft, The Hague and Madurodam This tour leaves Amsterdam behind to discover the landscapes and most important cities in Holland: visiting Rotterdam, Delft and The Hague .

Amsterdam Hop On Hop Off Bus The Amsterdam Hop-On Hop-Off bus is the perfect choice if you want to discover the main attractions of Amsterdam in a comfortable and convenient way!

Icebar Amsterdam Tickets Kick back and chill at Amsterdam's Xtracold Icebar , where you can enjoy a drink at -10º C. Experience the city's coolest bar with an area built entirely of ice.

Keukenhof Ticket with Transport If you're in Amsterdam in spring, don't miss out on a visit to Keukenhof! A bus will take you to one of the most beautiful flower gardens in the world!

Food Tour of Amsterdam Prepare your taste buds for a delightful adventure on this food tour of Amsterdam . Savor a wide range of local delicacies as you tour this fascinating city!

Rijksmuseum Guided Tour The National Museum of Amsterdam awaits you. Enjoy the Rijksmuseum Guided Tour and discover the masterpieces of famous painters including Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Van Gogh Museum & Canal Cruise If you're in Amsterdam, these are two unmissable experiences: the Van Gogh Museum and a cruise along the canals in the Venice of the North!

Discover the inside of the human body in great detail with your ticket to Body Worlds . You'll see over 200 real anatomical models in this unusual exhibition.

Moco Museum Amsterdam Ticket See works by Banksy , Jeff Koons , Andy Warhol , Damien Hirst , Lichtenstein , and  Picasso at the Moco Museum in Amsterdam for an immersive art experience!

Amsterdam Jewish Quarter Museums & Synagogue Ticket With this Amsterdam Jewish Quarter Museums and Synagogue Ticket, you'll visit the Historical Jewish Museum, the Children's Museum and the Portuguese Synagogue.

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam Ticket Don't miss the Madame Tussauds Museum in Amsterdam and enjoy posing with your favourite celebrities. Adele, Rafael Nadal and Kate Moss are waiting to meet you!

Amsterdam History Tour Discover all the treasures of the city's historic centre with this fascinating Amsterdam History Tour. Its mysteries and history will be revealed to you! 

Amsterdam Pancake Cruise If there's one thing better than taking a relaxing river cruise in Amsterdam , it's doing so while enjoying some delicious traditional pancakes !

Rijksmuseum Ticket + Canal Cruise Discover the masterpieces of Rembrandt & Vermeer with priority access to Holland's most important museum, then enjoy a cruise along the canals of Amsterdam.

Wadden Sea Cruise and Seal Safari Enjoy a day at sea spotting seals, porpoises and other animals in their natural environment in the Wadden Sea, as well as visiting the town of Medemblik.

Amsterdam Diamond Museum Ticket Be dazzled by diamonds with our  Amsterdam Diamond Museum Ticket . You'll learn all about the history of these precious and highly-prized gems in the Netherlands!

Herzogenbusch Concentration Camp Tour Discover a World War II memorial site and traces of the Holocaust at the Herzogenbusch Concentration Camp on this trip from Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Canal Trip and Gourmet Dinner Enjoy a different kind of night in Amsterdam on this city canal cruise. A four course meal is included, as is a free bar with wine, beer and soft drinks.

Hard Rock Amsterdam Enjoy delicious American food to the tunes of the best international rock at the  Hard Rock Cafe in Amsterdam ! You can choose between either lunch or dinner.

Dutch Cheese Tasting If there's anything the Dutch are passionate about, it's cheese! Make the most of your time in Amsterdam tasting mouth-watering Gouda and Edam.

Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket Experience Amsterdam's incredible nightlife with the Amsterdam Nightlife Ticket ; a 1, 2 or 7-day pass to the city's best nightclubs and trendy bars.

I amsterdam City Card The I amsterdam Card is the best way to save time and money in the city of canals. Includes free entry to museums, unlimited public transport and discounts.

Private Amsterdam Tour Discover the secrets of Amsterdam's historic centre with an exclusive English-speaking guide just for you and your partner, family or friends.

Day Trip to Haar Castle Would you like to visit the Netherlands' largest and most luxurious fortress ? Join us on this tour to Haar Castle from Amsterdam to explore this historic place.

Amsterdam: The Old Sailor's Secrets Adventure Quest On this puzzle hunt in Amsterdam , you'll follow a trail lost in time and solve the old sailor's secrets by using clues in an app!

Hoge Veluwe National Park Tour The De Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the Netherlands ' greatest natural treasures. Discover its incredible plants and wildlife on this trip from Amsterdam .

Ripley's Believe it or Not! Ticket the world's tallest man, optical illusions, tiny cars ... With this ticket to Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum , you'll discover unique exhibitions and items.

SIM Card with Data and Calls With this SIM card that has data and calls, you can roam the city using the internet and maps all day long, making your trip easy and hassle-free!

The Amsterdam Dungeon Ticket Enter... if you dare! The Amsterdam Dungeon Ticke t will grant you access to a thrilling journey through Amsterdam's dark history...

Private Photograph Session in Amsterdam On this  private photograph session in Amsterdam , you'll make lifelong memories. A professional will capture your best poses  in iconic locations across the city !

Bike Tour around the Dutch Countryside + Canal Boat Trip No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a bike ride. You can join us on this bike tour around the Dutch countryside  which also includes a  canal cruise .

Texel Island Day Trip Are you a love of nature? Be enchanted by Northern Holland  on this  Texel Island day trip , the largest  in the Frisian archipelago .

Rembrandts Amsterdam Experience Ticket Take an extraordinary immersive journey featuring captivating projections, music, and special effects  with your ticket to Rembrandts Amsterdam Experience .

Amsterdam Layover Tour Make the most of your layover at Amsterdam airport with this tour . If your layover is over 8 hours then you can even visit traditional Dutch villages.

Private Day Trips from Amsterdam The Keukenhof Tulip gardens, the Kinderdijk windmills, or the beautiful city of Bruges . Enjoy a variety of interesting places from Amsterdam.

Royal Experience Amsterdam Tour Visit the oldest diamond polishing factory in the world with this guided tour of Royal Experience in Amsterdam. Become an expert in Dutch jewlery history!

Amsterdam Bike Tour + Boat Trip Join us for a bike tour of Amsterdam with a boat trip on the canals - the perfect combo to discover the capital of The Netherlands!

Zaanse Schans Windmill Village Boat Tour Discover the emblematic Dutch windmill village of Zaanse Schans on this boat tour from Amsterdam . You'll be enchanted by its traditional charm!

Visit the Netherlands like never before with a ticket to This is Holland. You'll take a journey through the country in a fully immersive experience !

Rembrandt House Museum Ticket With this ticket to the Rembrandt House Museum you'll discover what life was like for the famous Dutch painter, who lived in here between 1639 and 1658.

Amsterdam National Maritime Museum Ticket With your entrance ticket to the National Maritime Museum you'll have the opportunity to explore more than 500 years of Dutch maritime history .

Tour of the Van Gogh Museum Explore the captivating world of Vincent van Gogh and delve into the mesmerizing artistry that shaped history on this guided tour of the Van Gogh Museum .

Amsterdam Museum Ticket Visit the Amsterdam Museum and travel through the city's history. Immerse yourself in the capital of the Netherlands' extraordinary legacy!

Amsterdam Light Festival Cruise Artists from around the world have created light sculptures, projections and artwork for the Amsterdam Festival of Lights. Discover their secrets on this cruise

Port of Amsterdam Boat Ride On this boat trip through the Port of Amsterdam , you'll discover the history of one of the most important trading points in Europe - and the world!

Brussels Day Trip Get ready for an action-packed day as we explore the highlights of Brussels on this tour from Amsterdam . We'll discover all the city's iconic landmarks !

Why is our Amsterdam travel guide useful?

Our travel guide is written by adventurers like yourself with straightforward language . It includes useful articles on how to save money and how to obtain the best discounts . It includes all the top landmarks to visit and we regularly update all the information .

The information provided in this guide was updated in  December 2022 . If you find a mistake or would like to make a suggestion, please don't hesitate to  contact us .

Our travel guides

• top attractions
• where to stay
• and much more

Netherlands Travel Books and Guides

Are you searching for the most reliable and insightful netherlands travel books.

Then, you’ve landed on the right page. I’ve spent years exploring the Netherlands, both as a local and travel guide , offering curated experiences for visitors.

My carefully chosen list is divided into six categories:

• Guide Books : Comprehensive and practical guides to help you explore every corner of the country.
• Hidden Gems : No tourist traps in these books!
• Pocket Guides : Quick and easy references for your travels.
• Culture Books : Dive deep into the history, traditions, and social customs of the Netherlands.
• Maps : Your essential tool for navigating cities and the countryside with ease.
• Learn Dutch: If you want to take your language skills to the next level.

Table of Contents

1. netherlands guide books.

Here is my selection of the most popular Netherlands travel guides . I always love getting myself the Lonely Planet, but I have to admit mainly for their amazing covers 🙂 But I always get something out of them I did not know!

I like DK books too because of their visual 3D maps, which are so detailed and helpful.

Rick Steves is known for his practical advice , and he includes this amazing fun walking tours. Ricks Book is my favorite travel guide for Amsterdam and The Netherlands.

I love how Rick Steves' guidebooks offer a traveler's perspective. This is my favorite Amsterdam guidebook by far! Rating 4.8/5 on Amazon.

Lonely Planet guides have changed but I still enjoy this book, it's pretty and up to date though it's not as hands-on as Rick Steves'.Rating 4.6/5.

2. Hidden Gems Guides

Here are my favorite Hidden Gems guidebooks . These are for those who want to get away from the tourist spots. The authors take you around the country far away from the tourist crowds.

3. Pocket Guides

These are not full-sized guidebooks , but they are filled with the highlights. Perfect for those not wanting to have/carry full-sized guidebooks.

The Rick Steves pocket guide contains six detailed walking tours , making it super practical!

4. Culture Books

Here is my selection of books to learn more about the Dutch .

The Undutchable book is hilarious . I have read this book and laughed front to back, it’s all so true. You see two versions below. One available right now, and a completely revised version for available for pre-order and comes out in February 2024.

Plus three amazing art books from Holland’s three most well-known artists : Van Gogh, Vermeer and Rembrandt.

Besides the fun book below, here is also a list of my relevant blog posts:

• 16 Fun Facts About The Netherlands And Its People ‍
• Van Gogh in The Netherlands, learn about his life and work
• Are Dutch People Rude? Or Is It A Myth?
• Dutch Winter Paintings

5. Netherlands Maps

Sometimes you just want a map in your hands, and not a phone, of one these free maps cluttered with advertisements. Below you find a selection of maps that I like . I like especially the Amsterdam City map that is re-writable for your notes, and then just wipe it!

If you’re going a roadtrip, the spiral bound map (the only one I could find for the Netherlands) can be a lot more practicle then the folded versions, but the fold out is more detailed. Depending on your how you use it, both can be a good choice.

6. Learn Dutch

Overkill maybe for you a trip, because everyone speaks English here. But maybe you’re an expat coming here for work, or you have Dutch heritage, or you just like to learn. Here are two fun books to master Dutch . I like the coloring book in particular.

Here is also my article on how to learn Dutch – Hello in Dutch and 51 other phrases .

Final Thoughts

These listings link to Amazon.com . If your country has a local Amazon store, you will be automatically redirected there, for example, Amazon.co.uk . Prices are displayed in USD $ here but will vary in local Amazon stores.

I hope this curated selection of Travel Guides , Maps, and Cultural Books will be a helpful addition to my free blog content.

These are books I would use myself , it’s just fun going through them before you leave, and a helpful resource on the road!

If you miss a good book, please let me know in the comments below.

Safe travels, have an amazing time here in the Netherlands!

18 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Rotterdam

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The second largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam lies on both banks of the Nieuwe Maas, the tidal southern arm of the Rhine, where it's joined by the little River Rotte. It's also the world's largest port, home to the massive Europoort facility through which so much freight passes on its way to and from the continent.

Although almost completely destroyed by German air attacks in 1940, central Rotterdam was energetically rebuilt after the war and replanned with modern shopping streets, residential districts, and high-rises. Today, it is one of the most modern and architecturally interesting places to visit in Europe.

Despite its modernity, the city dates back to medieval times and was already prosperous by the 13th century, when a dam was built to separate the Rotte from the Nieuwe Maas, hence the city's name. Rotterdam has also long been important as a cultural hub, its early prosperity leading to the birth of Rotterdam's most celebrated citizen, the humanist Erasmus, born here in 1467.

For visitors and travelers, Rotterdam is as popular for its vibrant entertainment options as it is for its many fine museums, splendid architecture, and maritime tourist attractions. It's well worth including on your Netherlands travel itinerary.

To help you make the most of your time, be sure to read our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Rotterdam.

See also: Where to Stay in Rotterdam

1. Walk around the Old Harbor and Marine Museums

2. explore the art collections of museum boijmans-van beuningen, 3. discover world cultures at wereldmuseum, 4. take a tour of grote of sint-laurenskerk, 5. take a peek at the cube houses, 6. get your design fix at het nieuwe instituut, 7. enjoy international cuisine at the market hall, 8. see the kinderdijk windmills, 9. wander through coolsingel, 10. take a boat tour of the europoort, 11. take the kids to rotterdam zoo, 12. see the euromast, 13. make a pilgrimage to delfshaven, 14. get your art fix at kunsthal rotterdam, 15. see the netherlands in miniature at miniworld rotterdam, 16. learn about the city's history at museum rotterdam, 17. enjoy a day trip from rotterdam, 18. take the train to schoonhoven, where to stay in rotterdam for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to rotterdam, rotterdam - climate chart.

Rotterdam's Old Harbor (Oude Haven), part of the city's revitalized Maritime District, is a boat basin filled with restored historic boats, including houseboats lived in by locals.

In good weather, you can sit outside one of the many cafés and restaurants and enjoy people watching, or stroll around and watch the boats being painted or repaired. Signs identify the ages of the boats and show pictures of this area in its heyday as a commercial port and shipyard.

A short walk from here is Maritime Museum Rotterdam . Established in 1873, the museum provides a fascinating look into the city's connection to the sea and its many waterways. Its large collections cover the history of shipping and seafaring, including ship models, a reconstruction of a 2,000-year-old vessel, and numerous seafaring paintings.

Another marine-related tourist attraction is the adjoining Maritime Museum Harbor , an open-air facility that's home to the well-preserved 19th-century ironclad Buffel , as well as an old lightship. All told, more than 20 historic vessels are on display here. Both facilities offer English-language guided tours.

A recent addition to Rotterdam's roster of important old vessels is the SS Rotterdam . Launched in 1958, it's considered the finest Dutch-built passenger vessel ever to sail. This sumptuously decorated vessel is now a hotel and museum, and one of the favorite things to do here is have lunch or dinner in its dining room.

For those traveling with kids, check out the Kids Marina , were youngsters can captain their own mini-version of a cargo or passenger vessel.

Address: Leuvehaven 1, 3011 EA Rotterdam

Official site: www.maritiemmuseum.nl/en

Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, one of the Netherlands' (and Europe's) most important art centers, is known for its superb collections of paintings, sculptures, and applied and decorative arts from across the continent.

Painters of the 14th to 16th centuries are particularly well represented, with works by Hubert and Jan van Eyck, Hieronymus Bosch, and Pieter Bruegel the Elder. The 17th century is represented by Rembrandt and Rubens (26 of the latter's works can be viewed), while later centuries are represented by Monet, Gauguin, and Van Gogh. Modern painters represented include Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall.

For a truly memorable experience, check into tickets for the museum's occasional opening of the "depot." This unique event allows public access to the museum's storage areas, allowing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of a gallery's workings and rarely seen artworks.

Address: Museumpark 18, 3015 CX Rotterdam

Official site: www.boijmans.nl/en/

Wereldmuseum Rotterdam, or " World Museum ," is another great museum to visit. Founded in 1883, this ethnographic museum features more than 1,800 different artifacts from across the globe. Most ancient and modern cultures are featured to some degree here, providing a fascinating look at the evolution of world cultures.

The museum also holds related events and lectures throughout the year, including family-friendly activities. Guided tours are available. A restaurant and shop are located on the premises.

Address: Willemskade 25, 3016 DM Rotterdam

Official site: www.wereldmuseum.nl/en

Great St. Lawrence Church (Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk) is all that's left of Rotterdam's medieval buildings, most of which were destroyed during WWII. Located in Grote Kerkplein, the late Gothic church dates from the 15th century and was built on once marshy ground giving the building a peculiar lean that was only halted after its foundation was rebuilt in 1650. It was heavily damaged in bombings, but was fully restored at the end of the war.

Upon entering the church, you'll be struck by the beauty of the bright interior, an effect heightened by the colored glass of its windows. The church is famous for its three Danish organs, the largest of which stands on a marble base on the inside wall of the tower. The bronze doors of the main entrance, on the theme of War and Peace , are by the Italian artist Giacomo Manzu, and in front of the church is a statue of Rotterdam's most famous son, Erasmus.

Guided tours are available, and the modest admission fee includes a very informative English-language audio guide. The church also hosts frequent music concerts and other events.

Address: Grotekerkplein 15, Rotterdam

Official site: https://laurenskerkrotterdam.nl/en/

Rotterdam is home to many fine examples of modern architecture, much of it inspired by the city's waterside setting, as well as a response to the devastation of WWII. Pushing the architectural envelope to the max are the city's famous Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen).

Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom, this block of houses, with their unique cube-shaped upper stories, are clearly visible from a walk through the Old Harbor. One of them, the Show Cube , is open to visitors and contains displays on the design and history of the buildings. An interesting museum dedicated to chess is also located here.

Another architectural gem is the White House (Witte Huis). Once Europe's tallest building, this stunning 10-story Art Nouveau structure was built in 1898 and is now a National Heritage Site, with superb views from its rooftop.

Address: Overblaak 70, 3011 MH Rotterdam

Official site: https://kubuswoning.nl/en/

Those with an interest in architecture and building design should visit the Het Nieuwe Instituut (HNI). Translated literally as "The New Institute," this modern museum focuses on the development of various architectural movements over the decades. There is of course a particular emphasis on Dutch styles, but other global design movements are also featured.

Newer exhibits have been added that feature the field of digital culture. In addition to its exhibits, visitors can visit Sonneveld House, an example of a modernist architectural style dating from the 1920s that's located just across the street. A shop and café, along with a pleasant garden, are also open to visitors.

Address: Museumpark 25, 3015 CB Rotterdam

Official site: https://hetnieuweinstituut.nl/en

One of the most popular gathering points in Rotterdam is the impressive Market Hall (Markt), a huge office complex that opened in 2014.

Nicknamed "Koopboog" (Horseshoe) by locals, it's an architectural marvel, with the soaring arched ceiling of its food hall covered in larger-than-life murals of vegetables, fish, and other produce, celebrating the fact the market itself is a kaleidoscope of fresh and prepared foods.

You'll find fast foods of every sort here, along with classy restaurants serving everything from traditional Dutch favorites, like Stroopwafels, to Balkan foods, Spanish tapas, and exotic Indonesian dishes.

On the River Noord, just 23 kilometers east of Rotterdam, is the beautiful little village of Kinderdijk. Taking its name from a famous legend that describes a baby's cradle being stranded here during the St. Elizabeth's Day flood of 1421 – the name literally translates as "the "children's dyke" – it's one of the most visited places in the Netherlands.

Each of its 19 perfectly preserved 18th-century windmills is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Built between 1722 and 1761, together they comprise the largest surviving concentration of windmills in the country, a history that's celebrated during special Mill Days , when their sails are once again set in motion.

Fun things to do include exploring the museums located in the Blookwer and Nederwaard mills, as well as the Wisdom pumping station. Fun tours along the canals are also available.

Address: Molenkade Nederwaard 1, 2961 AS Kinderdijk

Official site: www.kinderdijk.com

The centerpiece of Coolsingel – nicknamed the city's "Cool" district and the main street of Rotterdam's city center – is the Town Hall (Stadhuis).

Built between 1914 and 1920 in Dutch Renaissance style, it miraculously escaped destruction in the bombing of the city during World War II. While you can't visit the richly decorated interior on your own, guided tours are available and can be booked through the city's tourist office.

Opposite the Town Hall, in the busy Stadhuisplein, is a war memorial designed by Mari Andriessen. Other Coolsingel highlights include the Beurs-World Trade Center , a high-rise building with a facade of greenish-blue glass, and the Bijenkorf ("Beehive") department store, designed by leading architect Marcel Breuer in 1958. Fronting Bijenkorf is the 26-meter-high work of sculpture, Construction (1957), by Naum Gabo, a French sculptor of Russian origin.

The popular shopping streets of Lijnbaan and Koopgoot are also in this area. A few blocks northwest from Bijenkorf, you'll come to De Doelen , a concert hall and congress center rebuilt in 1966 after its destruction in 1940. It offers seating for 2,200 people, excellent acoustics, and a superb roster of concerts. Nearby is Theater Rotterdam Schouwburg , the city's municipal theater, which opened in 1988.

Rotterdam's massive port occupies half the city's total area of 247 square kilometers, much of it in turn occupied by Europoort, a huge complex known as the "Gateway to Europe." In addition to countless large freight vessels, you'll see mile after mile of quays and storage facilities built to service the world's busiest port.

One of the most popular sightseeing tours of the port area begins at Maeslantkering near Hoek van Holland (Hook of Holland) and includes a close-up look at the city's massive surge barrier. Evening tours are also fun, especially with Rotterdam's most famous landmarks, including the superb Erasmus Bridge , being spectacularly illuminated.

Established in 1857 and one of the oldest zoos in the Netherlands, Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp) is well known for its successful breeding programs. Highlights of this include a number of young elephants, as well as the rare red panda, fascinating creatures to watch as they explore the large enclosures designed to resemble their natural habitats.

Natural habitats are, in fact, a priority here: the Asian section includes a swamp forest with two large aviaries for exotic birds, a Mongolian steppe, a bat cave, a Chinese garden, and numerous creatures indigenous to the region.

Also worth exploring is the zoo's Oceanium, an excellent aquarium featuring a large collection of marine life from the Americas. And, if after your visit the kids still have energy to burn, pay a visit to Plaswijckpark . This fun family park features boat and train rides, an adventures playground, plus a petting zoo.

Address: Blijdorplaan 8, 3041 JE Rotterdam

Official site: www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/en/

One of Rotterdam's most distinctive landmarks, the Euromast lies at the north entrance to the Maas Tunnel. Erected in 1960, this 185-meter-high tower houses two restaurants with superb city views, each at the 92-meter mark.

For thrill seekers looking for more than just great views there's the chance to abseil down the building, while those looking for a unique overnight stay can book one of two stunning suites located at the 100-meter point. English language guided tours are available.

Address: Parkhaven 20, 3016 GM Rotterdam

Official site: www.euromast.nl/en

The old district of Delfshaven, unlike much of the rest of Rotterdam, survived WWII largely unscathed. Consequently, its unspoiled old architecture has resulted in it becoming one of the most popular spots in this big bustling city.

Delfshaven is revered by the Dutch as the birthplace of Admiral Piet Hein, a 16th-century hero of the country's long war against Spain. For Americans, it's notable for the Old Church (Oude Kerk), where the last service was held in 1620 by the Pilgrims before sailing for the New World to found Plymouth, Massachusetts. This is commemorated with a memorial and bronze tablet.

Another example of the city's modern-yet-functional architecture is the Rotterdam Kunsthal, or Art Hall. This trendy gallery opened in 1992 and hosts a variety of constantly changing exhibits of visual arts, design, architecture, and culture from across the globe.

Another gallery of note is the Chabot Museum , which features the works of Dutch painter and sculptor Henk Chabot. It's housed in a superb white villa built in 1938.

Those with an interest in photography should plan on visiting the Netherlands Photo Museum (Nederlands Fotomuseum). Highlights include a broad collection of historical images by a number of Dutch photographers.

Address: Museumpark, Westzeedijk 341, 3015 AA Rotterdam

Official site: www.kunsthal.nl/

Miniworld Rotterdam is one of the newest tourist attractions in the Netherlands – and one of the best for kids. Set in a large warehouse and covering an area of over 535 square meters, Miniworld recreates many of the most recognizable landmarks and places to visit in the Netherlands on a miniature scale.

Crisscrossing these displays is a 2.3-kilometer-long network of model rail tracks, with some 150 trains buzzing around at any one time, between them pulling an impressive collection of over 1,800 pieces of rolling stock. Close to half the exhibit features parts of Rotterdam, allowing the little ones in your party to recognize some of the many attractions they may already have visited.

If you've got the time, book a fun behind-the-scenes tour. Along the way, you'll visit the Miniworld workshop and learn how the trains are controlled from the command center, including how the whole display is lit up when night falls – an event that happens every 25 minutes in Miniworld Rotterdam.

Address: Weena 745, 3013 AL Rotterdam

Official site: www.miniworldrotterdam.com/ENGindex.htm

Museum Rotterdam is one of the best places to visit for those wanting to learn more about the history of this fascinating port city. Established in the 1950s, the museum displays a rich collection of documents and artifacts, including artworks from the 17th and 18th centuries. Of these, the most important works are by Dutch painter Pieter de Hooch.

More recent history is also featured at the museum's Coolhaven annex. Dedicated to World War II, Museum Rotterdam '40 -'45 NU opened in 2015 and features exhibits relating specifically to the Dutch wartime experience. A notable artifact on display is the original flag of surrender used in May 1940 after the country was invaded by Germany.

Address: Rodezand 26, 3011 AN Rotterdam

Official site: https://museumrotterdam.nl/en/

Many pleasant excursions await within an easy commute of Rotterdam. One of the most popular places to visit is Bergen op Zoom , a historic old town some 67 kilometers south that is noted for its large squares and pleasant pedestrian zones. It's also where you'll find Markiezenhof Palace , a 15th-century mansion that now houses a cultural center and museum with numerous fine paintings and period furniture.

Also worth a visit are Breda , 52 kilometers southeast of Rotterdam, with its museums and monuments, and the town of Gorinchem , 44 kilometers to the east. Another must-see is the Witches Weigh House (Museum de Waag) in Oudewater, famous for once having been used to weigh those suspected of witchcraft. If you were considered light enough to ride a broomstick, the theory was that you were a witch (fortunately for the women of Oudewater, none of the accused were considered light enough to be punished).

About 70 kilometers from Rotterdam, Zierikzee on the island of Schouwen-Duiveland lures tourists with its yacht harbor, a picturesque old town center, and beautiful beaches fringed by wooded dunes.

Situated halfway between Rotterdam and Utrecht, and just an hour away by train, Schoonhoven is a good day's excursion for its superbly preserved medieval buildings. St. Bartholomeuskerk , founded in the 13th century and notable for its tendency to lean off the vertical, has stalls carved with scenes from the life of Christ. Look out for the 17th-century pulpit with its figures of the 12 Apostles, and the tomb of Olivier van Noort, the first Dutchman to circumnavigate the globe in the early 1600s.

The Schoonhoven Town Hall (Stadhuis), built in 1452 in Late Gothic style but much altered in later centuries, has a domed hexagonal tower containing a carillon of 50 bells.

Other town highlights include the picturesque Weigh House (Waag) from 1617 on top of a dam above the harbor; and the Edelambachtshuis , a granary built in 1566 that now houses a collection of jewelry from the 1600s to the 1900s.

If you're visiting Rotterdam for the first time and want to see some of the city's top sights, the best area to stay is in the city center. From here, you're near attractions such as the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen; the Euromast; Erasmus Bridge; and Coolsingel, the city's main street. Here are some of our most highly rated hotels in and near the city center:

Luxury Hotels:

• Located in a prime location just a five-minute walk from the city center, Mainport Hotel presides over impressive views of the city skyline from the banks of the river Maas and blends influences from East to West in its sultry, modern style. The spa features a Finnish sauna and hammam, while other notable amenities consist of a heated indoor swimming pool and on-site parking.
• Across the river from the city center and just a few steps away from public transport, the Green-Key-certified Suite Hotel Pincoffs is a classy boutique hotel worth booking. Set in a historic 19th-century customs house, this great spot frequently rates as the city's best boutique hotel with its affordable yet swanky suites. Breakfast and lunch are available for a fee.
• If you prefer a large chain luxury hotel, the pet-friendly Hilton Rotterdam could be just the ticket. Featuring a modern 24-hour fitness center, an indoor swimming pool, and a Michelin-star restaurant, it's within easy walking distance of Central Station and the shopping district. A mix of classy rooms and suites are available.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• At the top-end of the city's many mid-range hotels, citizenM Rotterdam offers quality accommodations just steps from Blaak station and a short stroll to the maritime museum and Coolsingel. Billed as affordable luxury, its clean, bright rooms feature wall-to-wall windows, a homey lobby that feels like a living room, and an innovative design concept.
• The nearby Ibis Rotterdam City Centre is also a worthy contender in the mid-range category. Situated on a small canal, this great-value hotel features small, bright rooms with free Wi-Fi and large-screen TVs. Amenities worth noting include a good on-site restaurant, as well as free parking.
• Just a short walk away from the city's Central Station and fabulous shopping, the Holiday Inn Express Rotterdam - Central Station offers the kind of quality rooms and amenities you'd expect from a big brand like Holiday Inn. The rooms are spacious and bright and include coffee makers and free Wi-Fi, while guests are treated to a complimentary continental breakfast each morning.

Budget Hotels:

• Located near the Museumpark, Central Station, and great shops and restaurants, easyHotel Rotterdam City Centre is one of the city's top-rated budget hotels. It features small yet bright rooms in the heart of the city, with affordable prices and clean public areas.
• Just a two-minute walk from Rotterdam's city center, Bienvenue offers basic rooms for a budget-friendly price. Standard rooms feature comfortable beds, along with work desks and free Wi-Fi. Guests often comment on how peaceful this hotel is, a fact due to its location in a quiet neighborhood of an otherwise large and busy city.
• Hotel Baan is another good budget accommodation option, located near a train station and within walking distance of the iconic Euromast. Rooms are clean and simple, with some offering views directly over a canal.
• Half-Day Walking Tour and Harbor Cruise: You can see Rotterdam's top sights from both land and sea on the half-day Rotterdam Walking Tour Including Harbor Cruise . The Old Harbour, Cube Houses, and Museumpark are just some of the attractions on the itinerary of this private tour. After strolling around the city streets, you can relax on a harbor cruise and view the city from a different perspective.
• Architecture Tour: If you're interested in learning more about Rotterdam's landmark buildings, the Private Rotterdam Architecture Walking Tour is an excellent option. On this three-hour walking tour, you'll see impressive buildings, like Rotterdam Central Station, the Cube Houses, and Rotterdam Market Hall (Markthal), and hear fascinating stories about their history.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Nearby Places to Visit : Almost any point in the Netherlands is within easy reach of Rotterdam. Just a short commute to the north is the country's porcelain center of Delft , known for its famous Delftware, a type of pottery that has graced shelves and dining room hutches around the world since the 17th century. The capital of the Netherlands, The Hague , also makes for an easy excursion, and is well worth visiting for its fine old palaces. Fun attractions in Leiden , one of the country's main cultural centers, include its old castle and world-class museums.

Netherlands Travel Ideas : Only 40 minutes from Rotterdam by train, busy Amsterdam is another good base for day trips , especially for art lovers, who can enjoy such art-related attractions as the Rijksmuseum, home of many works by Rembrandt. And to the north of Amsterdam is the city of Haarlem , boasting one of the most attractive and pedestrian-friendly city centers in the country. A few kilometers east of Rotterdam is the country's fourth largest city, Utrecht , popular among sightseers for its picturesque setting and well-preserved medieval architecture.

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One Day In Willemstad, The Netherlands: Explore Things To Do In This Fortified Village In Noord- Brabant

One of the best destinations to visit in Noord (North)- Brabant, The Netherlands, is the small town of Willemstad. When you’re thinking of spending one day in Willemstad, then this article will help you with that. From things to do in Willemstad to hidden gems in the surroundings of this small Dutch town. This travel blog about Willemstad (Noord- Brabant) will tell you everything you need to know when you travel to Willemstad.

The region of Willemstad is filled with unusual places to visit in The Netherlands, plus exploring the fortified city itself is an absolute must do. I hope that you will find this blog on the best things to do in Willemstad, The Netherlands, useful.

Whether you plan to visit Willemstad for its beautiful streets and buildings or to discover other attractions the town of Willemstad is one of the places to see in the south of The Netherlands. Do remember that Willemstad is not part of Holland, but is found in the Noord (North)- Brabant province. The locals will thank you for your efforts.

There are always people who wonder ‘Is Willemstad worth visiting’, and I always like to remind you that if it weren’t, it wouldn’t be published here. But of course, everyone’s interests are different, but I personally think that this Willemstad city guide will show you why you must visit one of the cutest towns in The Netherlands. Especially since it’s filled with cool things to do. Now, let’s get on with the landmarks and other things to see in 24 hours in Willemstad.

Things to do in one day in Willemstad: Discover the best small town to visit in Noord (North)- Brabant, The Netherlands

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Tourism in Willemstad is definitely there, but mainly around noon and the afternoon during high season (July & August). And it’s not like there are people flooding to this town, there will be a few people yes. Beyond those months, the centre and outskirts of Willemstad are even more calm than during summer.

There a quite a few sights in Willemstad that you need to add to your itinerary, but luckily this travel guide for Willemstad will show you all the must sees, best activities and landmarks to see in one day.

History and facts about Willemstad, Noord- Brabant

The small town of Willemstad, Noord (North)- Brabant, is one of the best destinations to visit in The Netherlands. The population in the city of Willemstad is around 3000 inhabitants. This small town in Noord (North)- Brabant is located between the villages of Fijnaart and Numansdorp. Willemstad is also a perfect day trip from cities such as Breda. 

The history of inhabitation in the area of Willemstad dates back to thousands of years ago. In 1968, construction workers of the Delta Works in The Netherlands found a 6500-year-old figurine made of oakwood. It is called ‘Mannetje van Willemstad’, or the man of Willemstad. It was found in a thick layer of peat at a depth of 8 metres, between the remains of the roots of an oak tree. They think that during the time the little sculpture was made, it was put between the roots on purpose to conserve the statue for the future family. And because the sea-level had risen a lot after that time, it was easily conserved. 

People first weren’t too sure whether the figure was real, because there were no other examples. But during the years after the finding, several other statues were found, so no one has any doubt whether it’s real or fake. The function of the figurine of Willemstad isn’t clear. It could have been a toy, but could also be a part of a ritual celebration, etc.

The thousands of year after that, the inhabitation in the region of Willemstad, Noord (North)- Brabant, didn’t become permanent until the middle of the 16th century. The town of Ruigenhil (which later became Willemstad) was founded in the region that was made a polder by the marquis of  Bergen op Zoom . On the 17th of June 1583, the Spanish occupied the town of Steenbergen which is found near Ruigenhil. After that, Ruigenhil was made a fortified town by William of Orange, or Willem van Oranje in Dutch. 

After Willem van Oranje died in 1584, his son (Prins Maurits) gave Ruigenhil city rights in 1585. But that’s not all. Because when Willem was murdered in 1584, everyone started to call Ruigenhill ‘Willems stad’, or Williams city. And in 1585, the name Ruigenhil was officially changed into Willemstad.

Prince Maurits then gave the assignment of expanding the fortifications of Willemstad to Adriaen Anthonisz, who was well-known for its spectacular fortresses in The Netherlands. It was shaped into the current shape of the seven pointy stars fortress of Willemstad. The bastions on the tips of the stars were each named after one of the seven provinces that were standing united against the Spanish.

The first official protestant church in The Netherlands, which was specially built for protestant church services, was also built in Willemstad. The Koepelkerk was built in 1607, with financial support from Prins Maurits, but it had to be either round or octagonal shaped. Then in 1623, Prince Maurits assigned the building of the Princehof, which is currently Mauritshuis. That building was the town hall of the municipality of Willemstad until it combined with the municipality of Moerdijk in 1997. The Dutch Royal family is still connected to Willemstad, one of the titles of King Willem- Alexander is Lord of Willemstad.

Willemstad withstood a siege by the French in 1793 but eventually was handed over to the French after Bergen op Zoom was occupied. In the 19th century, King Louis Napoleon visited on the 27th and 28th of April 1809. Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte visited on the 4th of October 1811. He also assigned the building of the powder house, or ammunition storage building, in Willemstad. Then during the English invasion, the French built two fortresses south of Willemstad: Fort Sabina Henrica and Fort De Hel.

In 1874, Willemstad became a vital part of the Stelling van het Hollandsch Diep en het Volkerak. This line of fortifications was meant to protect the Holland part of The Netherlands, against foreign troops from Brabant who wanted to cross the water at the Hollandsch Diep. 

In May 1940, there were a few Dutch militaries found in Willemstad to defend the nearby ferry crossing. On the 14th of May 1940, the Germans arrived to scout the area, and a short fight was only needed to occupy the town of Willemstad. The Germans took advantage of the fortifications of Willemstad and built several casemates on the ramparts of Willemstad.

On the 30th of May 1940, a barge ran into a German magnetic mine and sunk. On the ship, there were Belgian military who were imprisoned by the Germans and were on their way to be transported to Germany. The German report stated that 167 Belgians died, but the number is way higher. Most of them are buried on a special cemetery near the harbour of Willemstad.

Where to stay in Willemstad

Finding accommodation in Willemstad, Noord- Brabant, isn’t that difficult. The only downside is that there aren’t a lot of hotels or B&B’s in this small town of Willemstad, so during summer (which is high season in The Netherlands) these places to stay in Willemstad are booked more often. So, book on time is essentially my best tip. Discover the best hotels in Willemstad (North- Brabant) below.

het Willemshuis: Check prices via Booking.com

Hotel Mauritz & Belle Suites: Check prices via Booking.com

Hotel Trusten: Check prices via Booking.com

Pure Passie Bed and Breakfast: Check prices via Booking.com

Best restaurants in Willemstad

In Willemstad there are actually a lot of cafes and restaurants. This small town in Noord- Brabant has everything you’re searching for. So, I’m giving you a couple of recommendations below.

A great breakfast cafe in Willemstad is Bij Betsie , especially if you’re fan of great coffee. Restaurant Vista is incredible for both an amazing lunch and dinner in Willemstad. Restaurant Rosmolen is a great lunch- and dinner restaurant in Willemstad, Noord- Brabant, as well. And I would also recommend you to have a look at Cuarto Ocho Restobar Español in Willemstad.

With these great restaurant recommendations for Willemstad, Noord- Brabant, you can honestly not go wrong with these. Whichever restaurant or cafe you end up choosing during your day in Willemstad, North- Brabant, your tastebuds will be fine.

What to do in Willemstad, Noord- Brabant, The Netherlands

If you’re looking for places to visit in Willemstad, then this part of the article will be more than helpful. Whether you’re looking for what to do and see in Willemstad, or where to go on a weekend, I will tell you everything you need to do in Willemstad here.

Free walking tour in Willemstad, Noord- Brabant

A walking tour through a new town is always a great idea, especially since its an excellent introduction and you will gain some information about this city in North- Brabant. Now, there are no free walking tours in Willemstad, as it’s pretty small, so I created my own for you.

We will start our sightseeing tour through Willemstad at Hofstraat 1 , which is also named the Mauritshuis. It was built in 1623, in the assignment of Prince Maurits, who was the son of William of Orange. The building was made to use it as a country house and hunting lodge, and it was named Prinsenhof. After Prins Maurits died in 1625, the governor of Willemstad obtained the building and used it as housing.

During the French occupation in 1793, the French army bombed the building which left it heavily damaged. In 1808, the building was even more in decay due to heavy storms and several parts of the building were removed. In around 1827, the building was made it liveable again and shortly after a military hospital was located here.

From 1907 until 1956, this building was used by the Royal Military as barracks. During that time, some of them also lived with their family in the building. After the military left, the building was used by three families (not connected to the military). And in 1967, the building was eventually bought from the Dutch government by the municipality of Willemstad. They restored the entire complex to perfect conditions. On the 15th of December 1973, the building was officially opened as the town hall of the municipality of Willemstad. To honour Prins Maurits, the building has been named the Mauritshuis. It stopped to be the town hall when several districts combined their forces in 1997.

Now you will make your way to  Hofstraat  and then onwards to  Bastion Zeeland . After that, you will walk to  Bastion Holland  (this resembles the region Holland, which was when the two provinces Noord- Holland & Zuid- Holland were still one part) and then go to  Raadhuisstraat 18 . Here you will see several dyke houses that date back to the beginning of the 1900s.

Then continue your free walking tour in Willemstad, Noord- Brabant, to  Benedenkade 6 . This is where you can find the arsenal, or one of the military buildings, in Willemstad. This building was made in 1792 and designed by Philip Willem Schonck. After Willemstad, as a fortified city was lifted in 1926, the arsenal was still used to store military goods for quite some decades after that. By the end of the 1960s, this building was sold, and that owner renovated the arsenal which was finished in 1973. It’s been in use for social and cultural activities ever since. The head of Medusa, on the gate, was used to scare away unwanted visitors.

Now go to  Benedenkade 4 . Here you will see a guardhouse, which is housed near a water gate and dates back to the 18th century. Then continue on  Benedenkade  and go to  d’Orangemolen . You cannot visit this Dutch windmill in Willemstad, as it is currently a house, but what is interesting to know is that this windmill was built on the assignment of the Nassause Domeinraad to replace an earlier mill that was built in 1584. This executive board managed the estates of the family Oranje- Nassau (which is the current Royal Family).

After that, you will walk to  Bovenkade 3 . Here you see two connected warehouses that are dating back to the beginning of the 1800s. This is the old town hall and church in Willemstad. It was built in renaissance style in 1587. Initially, Prince Maurits of Orange wanted both a church and a town hall to be made in the small town of Willemstad, but during those times, funds had run low. That’s why they designed a multifunctional town hall, which could also be used to held church services. The big bell that’s found in the tower of the old town hall in Willemstad dates back to the end of the 12th century, which makes it the oldest bell of that type in the province of Noord- Brabant. It was captured by the Germans to make it into bullets in 1943. But luckily this didn’t happen, and the bell was back into its tower in 1945.

Then walk to  Voorstraat  and  Voorstraat 26 . Both Voorstraat 24 as 26 was a former orphanage and date back to around 1775. Now walk to  Landpoortstraat  and then towards  Kerkkring 19 . This is the main church in Willemstad and the first official protestant church in The Netherlands that was built for protestant church services. Construction started in 1597 and finished in 1607. It was made with financial support from Prince Maurits, but with that came the fact that the church had to be either round or octagonal shaped to get that support. It was designed by Adriaan de Muyr, Coenraat Norenburch and Andries de Rooij.

When Ruigenhil (which later changed in Willemstad) was first found in 1565, it didn’t have any church. A cemetery was placed at the end of the Voorstraat to built a Catholic church one day. But that didn’t happen, obviously, because when the Sea Beggars occupied the town of Ruigenhil, everyone had to become protestant. The definite church for Catholics in Willemstad, Heilige Maagd Mariakerk, was only finished in 1875.

It was restored in 1770, but the French damaged it by firing weapons at it in 1793. Then during the Second World War, this church was destroyed in November 1944. When it was restored after that, a fire broke out during work and repairs. After that, the church was rebuilt again and obtained some inventory from other churches in the country. 

You can visit this Koepelkerk in Willemstad from the beginning of May until the beginning of October every Saturday from 14:00- 17:00. You can climb its tower and see a beautiful view from the fortified town of Willemstad and its surroundings.

It’s also opened on the second Pentecost from 11:00- 17:00 and Open monument day (10:00- 17:00).

After that you will walk to  Achterstraat ,  Molenpad ,  Kerkkring ,  Hofstraat  and  Groenstraat . Groenstraat is the end of your Willemstad walking tour.

Get the full map & Willemstad walking route 

Best museums in Willemstad, Noord- Brabant

The Mauritshuis is home to both the VVV, or tourist information, of Willemstad and a museum. In the years 2019- 2021, the entire building is going to be changed into a multifunctional visitors centre to learn about the defence lines, Willemstad and the Mauritshuis itself.

Walk on the fortifications of Willemstad

The ramparts in Willemstad, Noord (North)- Brabant, are found all around the city. It gives you a completely different perspective of this Dutch town in Noord- Brabant, as well as from its surroundings. One of the things that has surprised me is how well the paths are taken care of, which makes walking there even better. It’s definitely one of the things you need to do when you’re spending one day in Willemstad, Noord- Brabant.

Belgian cemetery in Willemstad

As I’ve told you in the ‘history & facts’ part of this itinerary for Willemstad, Noord (North)- Brabant, hundreds of Belgian prisoners died when a ship ran into a magnetic mine. While the Germans said that 167 people had died, the real number is way higher than that. Most of them have their final resting place at the Erekerkhof nearby the harbour of Willemstad, The Netherlands, which you can visit.

Visit the weekly market in Willemstad

If you want to discover what Willemstad has to offer on its market, then you would love to visit this small town in the province of Noord (North)- Brabant on Monday afternoon from 13:00- 16:00. Explore and buy local products and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of the village.

Things to do in the surroundings of Willemstad, The Netherlands

Discover the defence line & fortresses nearby willemstad.

There are several fortresses, nearby Willemstad, that you can visit and most of them have at least a restaurant or cafe to sit for some bites and drinks. Not all of them are a museum, but you can definitely walk around these fortresses in the western part of Noord- Brabant. Quite a few of these Dutch fortresses in The Netherlands are closed from the beginning of October until the beginning of spring, so keep that in mind.

• Fort Sabina:  This fortress is free to visit during opening times and is also nicknamed the ‘green fortress’, because of its 12 hectares green space. It was built in the assignment of Napoleon and is found in Heijningen. Every last Sunday afternoon of the month, there are guided tours (at around 14:00).
• Fort De Hel:  This fortress is found just outside the town of Willemstad and was built during the French time in The Netherlands at the beginning of the 19th century. The surroundings of this fortress in The Netherlands are great for walking.
• Fort Buitensluis:  You can explore the area of the fortress by foot. During opening times you can go on a guided tour through this fortress in west Brabant, plus there is a beautiful roof terrace which gives you a spectacular view on its surroundings and the water of the Hollandsch Diep with the city of Willemstad on the other side. ‘On the other side?’ Yes, you need to go on a little  ferry ride to reach this Dutch fortress  in Noord (North)- Brabant. This fortress is found in Numansdorp
• Fort Prins Frederik:  This fortress is currently (2020) being renovated and restored into original glory. You can still go for a walk around the area of the fort, which is always a lovely sight. Plus, it’s very nice to see how much work they have already put in this fortress (it was in a terrible state). After it’s been completely renovated, a restaurant or cafe will be housed in a part of the fort, and we will see what they’re going to do with the rest of it. It’s located on Ooltgensplaat, not too far away from Willemstad.
• Fort Bovensluis:  This fortress is also close to Willemstad and was built between 1861 and 1862. Nowadays you can eat or drink at its restaurant, don’t forget to sit on their terrace for a beautiful view, and you can also walk around the area.

Explore nature reserves near Willemstad

Willemstad is located in the middle of the Dutch countryside and exploring nature reserves is one of the things you need to when you’re in The Netherlands. Dutch nature has many forms, sizes and shapes and near the city of Willemstad you can find many Dutch nature reserves, but these three below are my favourites.

Natuurgebied Buitengorzen

This nature reserve is found next to the bank of the Hollandsch Diep and located between Klundert and Willemstad. It’s around 208 hectares and mostly exists out of (wet) meadows and reeds banks, which is a typical Dutch landscape. A lot of rare flora and fauna is found in this nature reserve.

Dintelse Gorzen

This is a nature reserve that is around 20 kilometres away from Willemstad, which is easily reached by bike. It’s about 539 hectares and found on the south bank of the Volkerak. This nature reserve is named after the river the Dintel, even though this river is not found in this nature reserve. The area has been named since the 15th century. During that time, people wanted to place dykes around this area, but because the current was too strong, this didn’t happen. The tides disappeared from this region after a dyke was finished in 1987. However, due to the history of this area, fertile soil in a salty landscape, there is a lot of diverse flora and fauna to be found here. It’s also part of one of the long-distance walking paths in The Netherlands: Floris V-path.  

Tonnekreek en de Kleine Ton

Found between the town of Klundert and Willemstad is the Tonnekreek. You can walk through beautiful Dutch polders, with the little creeks that are found everywhere. It’s the perfect location to get ‘lost’ in your thoughts.

Cycle around the fortresses in Willemstad and its surroundings

There is a unique cycling route that will show you some of the best of the surroundings of Willemstad and its fortresses. The  website is in Dutch , but you will be able to understand the gist if you use a translating tool. You will cross the river  Hollandsch Diep with a ferry  a few times and will discover countless beautiful places in Noord (North)- Brabant.

Rent bikes and cycle in the surroundings of Willemstad

There is one  bike shop in Willemstad , Noord- Brabant that has bike rental. Their website that I’ve linked to is in Dutch, but translating won’t be difficult with one of the handy tools. Don’t forget to ask them for great cycling routes in the region of Willemstad, because they have great tips. Also, always make sure you have a passport or legitimate id with you to rent bikes.

See the biggest sluices in Europe near Willemstad

Willemstad is found at the banks of the Hollandsch Diep river, but not far away from this town in Noord (North)- Brabant is split in Volkerak and Haringvliet. Through the Volkerak sluices, these waterways can be reached. These conduits are the biggest canal sluices in Europe and the busiest in the world, and when you look at cargo that is transported by ships (more than 240 million tons), it is the biggest canal sluice in the world as well.

Visit a museum in Zevenbergen

In the small town of Zevenbergen, you can visit a museum that is found in an old farm which dates back to the 18th century. It has been turned into a regional museum where you can discover how the life of people in this region in Noord (North)- Brabant lived in the earlier times and what sort of things they used in their day-to-day life. Plus, you can explore a small village shop which is the same as at the beginning of the 1900s. Don’t forget to have a look at the artefacts that were discovered by archaeologists in their search to Castle Zevenbergen and fortress Noordam.

Explore and admire the Hollandsch Diep

This is a big river in the south of The Netherlands and is connected to both the Rhine and Meuse river. Hollandsch Diep is also a vital part of the sailing route from Rotterdam to Antwerp. Two rivers: Amer and Nieuwe- Merwede come together and form the Hollandsch Diep river.

I always like looking at the water. I look at how it moves, how it’s used, which boats are sailing there and which animals I can spot. There’s something about water that makes it calming. A part (or 4254 hectares to be precise) of the Hollandsch Diep is a Natura 2000 area and is protected nature.

How to get to Willemstad, The Netherlands

If you want to know how you can reach the town of Willemstad by public transport, always have a look at 9292.nl/en for the updated and current information (including prices). We use that website and public transportation app all over The Netherlands.

From  Oudenbosch :  It’s very easy to reach the town of Willemstad from Oudenbosch. You simply have to take a sprinter train to the train station of Roosendaal. From there you can take a bus to Willemstad. It takes you around one hour and 15 minutes to get from Oudenbosch to Willemstad, and most of this is the bus journey.

From  Bergen op Zoom :  To get to the fortified town of Willemstad from Bergen op Zoom, you’d have to take an intercity train to the train station of Roosendaal. From Roosendaal, you need to take the bus in the direction of Willemstad. To get from Bergen op Zoom on a trip to Willemstad takes you around one hour and twenty minutes.

From  Rotterdam :  If you want to go on a day trip from Rotterdam to the small town of Willemstad, you need to take a metro from Rotterdam Centraal train station to Zuidplein. From there you must take a bus which stops at Numansdorp. From there you must transfer to another bus to Willemstad. To get to Willemstad from Rotterdam takes you a little over one hour.

From  Dordrecht :  When you’re interested in visiting Willemstad from Dordrecht as a day trip, you can take any sprinter and an intercity train that stops at the Roosendaal train station. From there you need to transfer to the bus in the direction of Willemstad. To get from Dordrecht to Willemstad will take you around one hour and twenty minutes.

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Other Noord (North)- Brabant travel blogs and guides you’ll love

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Things to do in Drimmelen

Things to do in Bergen op Zoom

Things to do in Grave

Things to do in Eindhoven

Things to do in Den Bosch

One week itinerary for the south of The Netherlands

I hope that this city blog for Willemstad (Noord- Brabant) has been helpful to you. And that you now know the answer to the question ‘Where is Willemstad, The Netherlands’. This one day itinerary for Willemstad has shown you everything you can do on a day trip to this Dutch town, including free things to do in Willemstad. I’m more than certain that you will love your stay here. Share this post!!

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The North and the Frisian Islands Travel Guide

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Until the early twentieth century, the north of the Netherlands was a remote area, a distinct region of small provincial towns far removed from the mainstream life of the Randstad. Yet, in 1932, the opening of the Afsluitdijk, a 30-kilometre-long sea wall bridging the mouth of the Zuider Zee, changed the orientation of the country once and for all: the Zuider Zee, once a corridor for great trading ships, became the freshwater IJsselmeer and the cultural gap between the north and west narrowed almost immediately.

Around Groningen

Motor racing in assen, the elfstedentocht, friesland: a land apart, the frisian islands, hindeloopen, moddergat and wierum.

One of the three northern provinces, Friesland, is a deservedly popular tourist stopover, with its cluster of dune-swept islands, a likeable capital in Leeuwarden, and a chain of eleven immaculate, history-steeped “cities” (villages really), each with a distinct charm: Harlingen is noted for its splendid merchant houses; Hindeloopen , with its cobbled streets and pin-neat canals, encapsulates the antique prettiness of the region;while Makkum was a centre of tile manufacture and is still known for ceramics and its role as a sailing centre. As for the islands, each is barely more than an elongated sandbank, parts of which can be reached by indulging in wadlopen , hearty walks along (or ankle-deep in) the mud flats that flank the islands to the south. In the north stretches kilometre after kilometre of hourglass-fine sandy beach and a network of cycleways. Like much of the Netherlands, the scenery of the mainland is predominantly green, bisected by canals and dotted with black-and-white cattle – Friesians, of course – and pitch-black Frisian horses. Breaking the pancake-flat monotony of the landscape, sleek wind turbines make the most of the strong westerlies, a modern counterpart to the last working windmills in the area.

East of Friesland, the province of Groningen has comparatively few attractions, but the university town of Groningen more than makes up for this with a vibrant ambience, contemporary fashions, range of affordable bars and restaurants, a growing international performance-art festival and the best nightlife in the region. It’s also home to the Groninger Museum , a striking and controversial vision of urban architecture and art, and a definite highlight of the region.

South of Groningen lies Drenthe , little more than a barren moor for much of its history. During the nineteenth century, the face of the province was changed by the founding of peat colonies, whose labourers drained the land and dug the peat to expose the subsoil below. As a result, parts of Drenthe are given over to prosperous farmland, with agriculture the dominant industry. Sparsely . and the least visited of the Dutch provinces, Drenthe is now popular with home-grown tourists, who are drawn by its quiet natural beauty, swathes of wood, wide cycling paths and abundant walking trails, although many come here to visit Drenthe’s most original feature – its hunebeds , or megalithic tombs.

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Once known as East Frisia, the province of Groningen does not have the high tourist profile of many of the country’s other regions, but it does boast a large slab of empty coastline where the Lauwersmeer National Park is home to extensive wildlife, the seal sanctuary of Pieterburen, and the pick of the old manor houses that dot the province, Menkemaborg in Uithuizen . To the southeast of Groningen, the old frontier village of Bourtange has been painstakingly restored, offering an insight into eighteenth-century life in a fortified town, while nearby Ter Apel holds a rare survivor from the Reformation in the substantial remains of its monastery.

The Pieterpad

Pieterburen is also the start and end point for the longest unbroken walking route in the Netherlands, the 464-kilometre-long Pieterpad to Maastricht. More information and a map of the walking route can be obtained at Pieterburen VVV or at w pieterpad.nl .

Walks around Uithuizen

The trip to Uithuizen can be combined with wadlopen – a guided walk across the coastal mud flats to the uninhabited sand-spit island of Rottumeroog , the most easterly of the Dutch Wadden islands. Excursion buses head out to the coast from Menkemaborg at weekends two or three times a month(June–Sept); the trip costs from €32.50 per person and lasts four hours: booking is essential – contact Stichting Uithuizer Wad ( w wadlopen.nl ). Without a guide, it’s too dangerous to venture onto the mud flats, but it is easy enough to walk along the enclosing dyke that runs behind the shoreline for the whole length of the province. There’s precious little to see, but when the weather’s clear, the browns, blues and greens of the surrounding land and sea are unusually beautiful. From Uithuizen, it’s a good hour’s stroll north to the nearest point on the dyke, and you’ll need a large-scale map for directions.

Some 10km west of Sneek, Bolsward (pronounced bozwut ) was founded in the seventh century and became a bustling and important textile centre in the Middle Ages, though its subsequent decline was prolonged and deep. It’s less touristy than the surrounding towns, with a busy and attractive central street, Marktstraat, bisected by a canal, and a couple of especially handsome old buildings.

The one significant settlement hereabouts, the town of Dokkum , about 12km northeast of Leeuwarden, made a name for itself when its early pagan inhabitants murdered the English missionary St Boniface and 52 of his companions here in 754. In part still walled and moated, Dokkum has kept its shape as a fortified town, and is best appreciated by the side of the Het Grootdiep canal, which cuts the town into two distinct sections. This was the commercial centre of the old town and is marked by a series of ancient gables, including that of the Admiraliteitshuis which serves as the town’s museum (Tues–Sat 1–5pm; €4; w museumdokkum.nl ). There’s not much else to see beyond a couple of windmills, quiet walks along the old ramparts and all sorts of things named after St Boniface as penance for the locals’ early misdeeds. But there are a couple of nice places to stay, and it makes a good base for some wadlopen , or if you just want to experience small-town Dutch life in one of Friesland’s pleasantest provincial centres.

Until the early nineteenth century, the sparsely populated province of Drenthe , by the German border, was little more than a flat expanse of empty peat bog, marsh and moor. In recent decades, it’s accumulated a scattering of small towns, but it remains the country’s least populated province, whose main pull is its woods and countryside. Its only conspicuous geographical feature is a ridge of low hills that runs northwest for some 50km from Emmen, its largest town, toward Groningen. This ridge, the Hondsrug , was high enough to attract prehistoric settlers whose hunebeds (megalithic tombs) have become Drenthe’s main tourist attraction. Otherwise, Assen , the provincial capital, is a dull place with a good museum, and Emmen , its only real rival, can only be recommended as a convenient base for visiting some of the hunebeds and three neighbouring open-air folk culture museums.

Pretty much the only time Assen is the centre of attention is during the Assen TT ( w tt-assen.com ), the only Grand Prix motorcycle race in the Netherlands, and the British Superbike championships in September. The last TT drew a crowd of around 130,000, making it the largest one-day sports event in the Netherlands. On the three nights leading up to the event, Assen’s centre is packed with people enjoying live music and lots of beer. If you are visiting while it’s on (the last Saturday in June), make sure you book accommodation well in advance.

The Elfstedentocht (“Eleven Towns Race”) is Friesland’s biggest spectacle, a gruelling ice-skating marathon around Friesland that dates back to 1890, when one Pim Muller, a local sports journalist, skated his way around the eleven official towns of the province, simply to see whether it was possible. It was, and twenty years later the first official Elfstedentocht was launched, contested by 22 skaters. Weather – and ice – permitting, it has taken place just fifteen times in the last hundred years, most recently in 1997, attracting skaters from all over the world.

The race is organized by the Eleven Towns Association, of which you must be a member to take part; the high level of interest in the race means that membership is very difficult to obtain. The route, which measures about 200km in total, takes in all the main centres of Friesland, starting in Leeuwarden in the town’s Expo Centre, from where the racers sprint – skates in hand – 1500m to the point where they get onto the ice. The first stop after this is Sneek, after which the race takes in Hindeloopen and the other old Zuider Zee towns, plus Dokkum in the north of the province, before finishing back in Leeuwarden. The event is broadcast live on national TV, the route lined with spectators. Of the 17,000 or so people who take part, usually no more than three hundred are professional skaters. Casualties are inevitably numerous; the worst year was 1963, when 10,000 skaters took part and only seventy finished, the rest beaten by the fierce winds, extreme cold and snowdrifts along the way. Generally, however, something like three-quarters of the competitors make it to the finishing line.

If you’re not around for the race itself, the route makes a popular bike ride and is signposted by the ANWB as one of their national cycling routes; four or five days will allow enough time to sightsee as well as cycle.

Franeker , about 17km west of Leeuwarden, was the cultural hub of the northern Netherlands until Napoleon closed its university in 1810. Today, it’s a quiet country town with a spruce old centre, the highlight of which is an intriguing eighteenth-century planetarium.

A region that prospered during the sixteenth-century heyday of the Zuider Zee trade, Friesland is focused around eleven historic cities and seven lakes, the latter symbolized by the seven red hearts on the region’s flag, which proudly flutters in many a back garden. Friesland once occupied a much larger chunk of the north and, in the eighth century, Charlemagne recognized three parts: West Frisia, equivalent to today’s West Friesland, across the IJsselmeer; Central Frisia, today’s Friesland; and East Frisia, now Groningen province. From earliest times, much of the region was prey to inundation by the sea and the inhabitants built their settlements on artificial mounds ( terpen ) in a frequently forlorn attempt to escape the watery depths. It was a tough existence, but over the centuries the Frisians finessed their skills, extending their settlements by means of a complex network of dykes. You can still see what’s left of some of the mounds around the area, though in large settlements they’re mostly obscured. Always a maverick among Dutch provinces, the area that is now Friesland proper remained independent of the rest of Holland until it was absorbed into the Habsburg Empire by Charles V in 1523.

Since the construction of the Afsluitdijk, Friesland has relied on holidaymakers drawn to its rich history, picturesque lakes and immaculate villages to replace the trading routes and fishing industries of yesteryear. Grand old farmhouses define the region: their thatched roofs slope almost to the ground and are crowned with ûleboerden , white gables in the form of a double swan once used as a deterrent to evil spirits. Boating is one way of getting around and Friesland is also an ideal province to visit by bicycle. The best loop, which takes in all of the Eleven Towns, follows the 220-kilometre-long route of the Elfstedentocht , a marathon ice-skating race held during winters cold enough for the canals to freeze over. Most tourist offices stock maps and guides for cycling, in-line skating, driving or sailing the route all year round.

Finally, the Frisians have several unusual sports and traditions that can still raise eyebrows in the rest of the country. Using a large pole to jump over wet obstacles was once a necessity in the Frisian countryside, but the Frisians turned it into a sport: fierljeppen . Today Frisian and Dutch pole jumpers compete during the annual Frisian championships held in Winsum, on the second Saturday of August.

Skûtjesilen , a fourteen-day sailing race held throughout Friesland in July or August, is another regional oddity. Skûtjes are large cargo vessels, but they went out of use after World War II and are now only used for contests and recreational purposes: the tourist office in Sneek can give information on where to see the races. Last but not least is kaatsen , a Frisian version of tennis, with over 2000 contests held every year. Instead of a racket a kaatser uses a handmade glove to hit the handmade ball; a team of kaatsers comprises three players. There’s a small museum devoted to kaatsen in Franeker .

The four Frisian islands preserve an unexpected sense of wilderness in so populated a country, low-lying sandbanks with mile upon mile of hourglass-fine sandy beaches and well-developed networks of cycleways. A tourist magnet in summertime, busy and developed Terschelling is large enough to swallow the holiday crowds, while car-free Vlieland resembles a grass-covered dunescape and is popular with young families. Both can be reached from Harlingen, while the access point for busy Ameland is the port of Holwerd. The smallest of the four islands is Schiermonnikoog ; this can be reached from Leeuwarden and Dokkum, but the shorter route there is from neighbouring Groningen. One way of reaching the islands is by indulging in wadlopen , a hearty walk at low tide across – and often knee-deep in – the mud flats that lie between the islands and the mainland. See here for ways to do this, but don’t attempt it without a qualified guide. The islands have a wide range of accommodation , particularly Terschelling and Ameland, but prices rise dramatically in summer, when vacant rooms can be thin on the ground, and you should also always reserve ahead if you’re visiting in July or August, or indeed at anytime during the summer.

The Oerol Festival

Every year around the middle of June, Terschelling celebrates the beginning of the warmer season with the Oerol Festival ( w oerol.nl ). Oerol – meaning “everywhere” in the Terschelling dialect – is the name of a rural tradition in which the island’s cattle were released from their winter stables to frolic and graze in the open fields, an event that marked the changing of the seasons. Today, over 50,000 people head out to the island for the Oerol, transforming Terschelling into a big festival area, with the island serving as both inspiration and stage for theatre producers, musicians and graphic artists. Finding accommodation is almost impossible during the ten-day festival, so book ahead.

Wadlopen , or mud-flat walking, is a popular and strenuous Dutch pastime, and the stretch of coast on the northern edge of the provinces of Friesland and Groningen is one of the best places to do it: twice daily, the receding tide uncovers vast expanses of mud flat beneath the Waddenzee. It is, however, a sport to be taken seriously, and far too dangerous to do without an experienced guide: the depth of the mud is variable and the tides inconsistent. In any case, channels of deep water are left even when the tide has receded, and the currents can be perilous. The timing of treks depends on weather and tidal conditions, but most start between 6am and 10am. It’s important to be properly equipped; recommended gear includes shorts or a bathing suit, a sweater, wind jacket, knee-high socks, high-top trainers and a complete change of clothes stashed in a watertight pack. In recent years, wadlopen has become extremely popular, and as excursions are infrequent, between May and August it’s advisable to book a place at least a month in advance. The VVVs in Leeuwarden, Dokkum and Groningen can provide details, or you could contact one of the wadlopen organizations direct.

Prices and trips vary according to location, and how long (and far) you choose to go. You can do a full trip crossing to one of the islands – Ameland or Schiemonnikoog – and coming back by ferry, or just do a circular trip across the mud flats and back again. Pieterburen is a popular place to start: a circular trip from there costs €16.50 per person, and takes three and a half hours; while a full trip to Schiermonnikoog and back by ferry costs €75 a head.

The most exciting city in the northern Netherlands, Groningen comes as something of a surprise in the midst of its namesake province’s quiet, rural surroundings. It’s a hip, rather cosmopolitan place for the most part, with a thriving student life that imbues the city with vim and gusto. Competitively priced restaurants dish up exotic curries and fresh falafel alongside the standard Dutch staples, and the arts scene is particularly vibrant, especially during the academic year. Virtually destroyed during the Allied liberation in 1945, the city focuses on two enormous squares and is now a jumble of styles, from traditional canal-side townhouses to bright Art Deco tilework along the upper facades of the shopping streets – an eclecticism that culminates in the innovative Groninger Museum sitting on its own island near the station. Finally, one of the nice things about Groningen is that the centre is almost car-free , the result of huge investment in traffic-calming measures and a network of cycle paths and bus lanes. Today two-thirds of residents travel regularly by bike, the highest percentage in the country.

Festival Noorderzon

Every year in mid-August, Groningen hosts the increasingly popular Festival Noorderzon ( w noorderzon.nl ), a ten-day blend of theatre, music, film and performance art. About a third of the events are free, many of them staged in the Noorderplantsoen park, a fifteen minute walk north along Nieuwe Kijk in ’t Jatstraat. Come night-time, food stalls and drinking-holes surround the lake in the park, while folk stroll along the lantern-lit paths or chill on the lake’s stone steps to the sound of Afrobeat, Latin, funk, rock, jazz or ambient music. Other entertainment includes circuses, mime, puppetry, videos and installations. Hotels get busy, so if you’re planning to visit around this time you’d do well to book in advance.

The Groninger Museum

The town’s main draw is the excellent Groninger Museum , set on its own island on the southern edge of the centre, directly across from the train station. Aside from a very cool information lounge with computers and touch screens, the museum is mostly given over to temporary exhibitions and what you see really depends on when you’re here. If you’re lucky, a rare work by the seventeenth-century Dutch painter Carel Fabritius – Man in a Helmet (probably the museum’s most prized possession) – will be on display, or Rubens’ energetic Adoration of the Magi and Isaac Israëls’ inviting Hoedenwinkel from a modest sample of Hague School paintings.

Most people, however, visit as much for the building itself as for what’s inside, which consists of six pavilions , each designed in a highly individual style: think Gaudí on holiday in Miami, and you’ll have some idea of the interior decor. Once inside, between the stylish café and museum shop, the striking mosaic stairwell sweeps downwards, depositing you among bulbous lemon-yellow pillars and pink walls, from where moat-level corridors head off to pavilions either side: east to Mendini, Mendini 1 and Coop Himmelb(l)au, west to Starck and De Ploeg.

De Ploeg and the Starck Pavilion

The museum’s collection includes a number of works by the Expressionists of the Groningen De Ploeg school, housed in their own pavilion, a trapezium constructed from red bricks. The De Ploeg movement is characterized by intense colour contrasts, exaggerated shapes and depiction of landscapes – often of the countryside north of Groningen. As founding member Jan Altink put it: “There wasn’t much going on in the way of art in Groningen, so I thought of cultivation and thus also of ploughing. Hence the name De Ploeg.” As well as Altink, look out for the paintings of Jan Wiegers. Upstairs from De Ploeg, the Philippe Starck pavilion is a giant disc clad in aluminium plating and houses the museum’s wonderful collection of Chinese and Japanese porcelain , beautifully displayed in circular glass cases, softened by gauzy drapes.

The Mendini Pavilions and Coop Himmelb(l)au

On the other side of the mosaic stairway, the Mendini pavilions are dedicated to temporary exhibitions, while a large concrete stairway links Mendini 1 to the final, and most controversial, pavilion. Designed by Wolfgang Prix and Helmut Swiczinsky, who together call themselves Coop Himmelb(l)au , it’s a Deconstructivist experiment: double-plated steel and reinforced glass jut out at awkward angles, and skinny aerial walkways crisscross the exhibition space. It all feels – probably deliberately – half-built. Look out for the glass-walk holes, where the concrete floor stops and suddenly between your feet the canal gapes, two storeys below. This pavilion is also given over to temporary exhibitions.

Liquor fit for a queen?

Although Groningen does not have a rich culinary tradition, the Hooghoudt brewery ( w hooghoudt.nl ) is known throughout the country and dates back to 1888. It’s best known for its Graanjevener, but they also produce Beerenburg and other liquors like the Wilhelmus Orange Liquor, which is traditionally served on Queen’s Day.

Thirty kilometres west of Leeuwarden and just north of the Afsluitdijk, Harlingen , is a more compelling stop than nearby Franeker. An ancient and salty old port that serves as the ferry terminus for the islands of Terschelling and Vlieland, it’s something of a centre for traditional Dutch sailing barges , a number of which are usually moored in the harbour. It was a naval base from the seventeenth century onwards, and abuts the Vliestroom channel, once the easiest way for shipping to pass from the North Sea through the shallows that surround the Frisian islands and on into the Zuider Zee. Before trade moved west, this was the country’s lifeline, where cereals, fish and other foodstuffs were brought in from the Baltic to feed the expanding Dutch cities, and it was also once a centre for the ceramics industry. Its historic importance is reflected in a fine old centre of sixteenth- to eighteenth-century houses, sandwiched between the pretty Noorderhaven and the more functional Zuiderhaven canals. However, Harlingen is too busy to be a twee tourist town: there’s a fishing fleet, a small container depot and a shipbuilding yard.

The exquisitely pretty village of Hindeloopen juts into the IJsselmeer, and is very much on the tour-bus trail. Outside high summer, however, and in the evening when most visitors have gone home, it’s peaceful and very enticing, a tidy jigsaw of old streets, canals and wooden bridges that are almost too twee to be true.

Its attractive church , a seventeenth-century structure with a wonky medieval tower, has some graves of British airmen who perished in the Zuider Zee, while the small village museum beside the church, the Museum Hindeloopen (April–Oct Mon–Fri 11am–5pm, Sat & Sun 1.30–5pm; €3; w museumhindeloopen.nl), displays examples of Hindeloopen’s unusual furniture, although the largest display is at the Fries Museum in Leeuwarden.

The painted furniture of Hindeloopen

Until the seventeenth century, Hindeloopen prospered as a Zuider Zee port , concentrating on trade with the Baltic and Amsterdam. The combination of rural isolation and trade created a specific culture within this tightly knit community, with a distinctive dialect (Hylper–Frisian with Scandinavian influences) and sumptuous local dress . Adopting materials imported into Amsterdam by the East India Company, the women of Hindeloopen dressed in a florid combination of colours where dress was a means of personal identification: caps, casques and trinkets indicated marital status and age, and the quality of the print indicated social standing. Other Dutch villages adopted similar practices, but nowhere were the details of social position more precisely drawn. However, the development of dress turned out to be a corollary of prosperity, for the decline of Hindeloopen quite simply finished it off. Similarly, the local painted furniture showed an ornate mixture of Scandinavian and Oriental styles superimposed on traditional Dutch carpentry. Each item was covered from head to toe with painted tendrils and flowers on a red, green or white background, but the town’s decline resulted in the collapse of the craft. Tourism has revived local furniture-making, and countless shops now line the main street selling modern versions, though even the smallest items aren’t cheap, and the florid style is something of an acquired taste.

An old market town lying at the heart of an agricultural district, Leeuwarden was formed from the amalgamation of three terpen that originally stood on an expanse of water known as the Middelzee. Later it was the residence of the powerful Frisian Stadholders, who vied with those of Holland for control of the United Provinces. These days it’s Friesland’s capital, a university town with a laidback provincial air, its centre a haphazard blend of modern glass and traditional gabled terraces overlooking canals. It perhaps lacks the concentrated historic charm of many other Dutch towns, but it’s an amiable old place, with a couple of decent museums. Its most appealing feature is its compact and eminently strollable old centre, almost entirely surrounded and dissected by water. Leeuwarden is a real student town too, so it has a bit of life about it, not to mention a decent array of good-value places to eat and drink.

Leeuwarden’s most famous daughter, Mata Hari (1876–1917) was born Gertrud Zelle. Hari became a renowned “exotic” dancer after an early but unsuccessful marriage to a Dutch army officer. Although the Netherlands was neutral during World War I, Hari seems to have accepted a German bribe to spy for the kaiser. The French intelligence service soon got wind of the bribe – partly because she was also supposed to be working for them – and she was subsequently arrested, tried and shot. What she actually did remains a matter of some debate, but in retrospect it seems likely that she acted as a double agent, gathering information for the Allies while giving snippets to the Germans. Whatever the truth, there’s a small statue commemorating her at her partially clad best on Over de Kelders, erected on the hundredth anniversary of her birth in 1976.

Just 10km west of Bolsward, MAKKUM is a very agreeable place, a collection of immaculate houses, church towers, and canals, cobbled streets and wooden boats that’s saved from postcard-prettiness by a working harbour. It’s long been a centre for the manufacture of traditional, high-end Dutch ceramics , and the town is a bit of a magnet for coach parties during the summer, as well as a year-round sailing centre. But it never feels overwhelmed, and the Tichelaar workshops , Turfmarkt 65 (Mon–Fri 9am–5.30pm, Sat 10am–5pm; t 0515 231 341, w tichelaar.nl ), are worth a visit during your wander around the centre. You can have a look at the workshop out the back or just browse through the gallery-like shop, which is full of beautiful objects priced way beyond the reach of most people, before taking the weight off in its small Bakkerswinkel café.

Museumroute Aldfaerserf

Choosing the scenic route south from Makkum to Workum takes you along the Museumroute Aldfaerserf , in which the villages of Allingawier, Exmorra and others serve as open-air museums illustrating Frisian life in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Historical buildings have been restored and refurbished, regaining their historical functions as bakeries, carpenters’ shops, farms and smithies, and the 25km route can be done by car or bicycle. Bikes can be rented at the museum route’s base at Meerweg 4 in Allingawier (April–Oct Tues–Sun 10am–5pm; €5; t 0515 231 631, w aldfaerserf.nl ).

Of all the tiny hamlets in north Friesland, two of the most interesting lie on the Waddenzee. Moddergat , the more easterly of the two, spreads out along the road behind the sea wall 10km northeast of Dokkum, merging with the village of Paesens . At its western edge, a memorial commemorates the 1883 tragedy when seventeen ships sank during a storm, with the loss of 83 lives. Opposite, ’t Fiskerhuske Museum , Fiskerpad 4–8 (end Feb to Oct Mon–Sat 10am–5pm; July & Aug Mon closed but Sun 1–5pm; €4; w museummoddergat.nl ), comprises three restored fishermen’s cottages with displays on the history and culture of the village and details of the disaster: as such small museums go, it’s pretty good.

Huddled behind the sea dyke 5km to the west, Wierum has one main claim to fame, its twelfth-century church with a saddle-roof tower and (as in Moddergat) a golden ship on the weather vane. The dyke offers views across to the islands and holds a monument of twisted anchors to the fishermen who died in the 1883 storm and the dozen or so claimed in the century after.

With its thicket of boat masts poking out above the rooftops, it’s easy to spot Sloten from afar. It’s something of a museum piece, and the village’s 1000 inhabitants are proud to call Sloten one of Friesland’s eleven “cities”, and a medieval one at that. Encircled by water, it’s a popular spot with Dutch and German tourists alike – the delightful central canal, Heerenwal is flanked by plane trees and pavement cafés. On the bastion at Heerenwal’s far end, the De Kaai windmill provides a sort of focus, a working mill open on Saturdays for visits (April–Sept Sat 1–5pm; Oct–March Sat 10am–noon).There’s also a small museum , in the town hall on Heerenwal (April–Oct Tues–Fri 11am–5pm, Sat & Sun 1–5pm; €3; w museumsloten.nl ), but otherwise it’s just a case of wandering the cobbled alleyways and encircling bastions and admiring the gabled facades.

Twenty minutes by train from Leeuwarden, Sneek (pronounced snake ) was an important shipbuilding centre as early as the fifteenth century, a prosperous maritime town protected by an extensive system of walls and moats. Postwar development has robbed the place of some of its charm but there are still some buildings of interest, notably the grandiose Waterpoort at the end of Koemarkt, all that remains of the seventeenth-century town walls. At the beginning of August, crowds flock in for Sneek Week , an annual regatta, when the flat green expanses around town are thick with the white of slowly moving sails – and accommodation is almost impossible. The town is also known for its regional speciality, Beerenburg, a herb-flavoured gin, that you can buy at the Weduwe Joustra shop , at Kleinzand 32, which retains its original nineteenth-century interior, with the old barrels and till.

Named after the Frisian god Stavo, Stavoren is the oldest town in Friesland and was once a prosperous port; it’s now both the end of the train line and the departure point for ferries to Enkhuizen . Strung out along the coast, Stavoren is an eclectic mix of the old and new: the harbour is flanked by modern housing while the shipyards are linked by cobbled backstreets. Popular with yachty types, it’s a great place to admire the carefully restored seventeenth- to nineteenth-century vessels that once plied the Zuider Zee, now moored up and awaiting rental. On a sunny day, watching the old wooden ships go by and listening to the clink of halyards is as an enjoyable pastime as any. At the southern end of town, massive, squat turbines encased in glass can be seen pumping water out of Friesland and into the IJsselmeer.

Cycling around Stavoren

Stavoren is a good base for cycling. Options include following the coastal cycleway 10km north to Hindeloopen , or 5km south to Laaksum , past dark green and marine-blue lagoons with banks of reeds rustling in the wind. For a longer ride, continue through Laaksum and pick up the signposts to Oudemirdum , with its swathes of forest crisscrossed by cycleways and wooden bridges spanning pea-soupy canals. This 40-kilometre loop makes a pleasant day-trip, but bear in mind the winds can be forceful along the coast, and generally blow from the southwest.

Heavily protected by its sea defences, the town of Workum , ten minutes southwest of Sneek by train, is a very pleasant place that was until the early eighteenth century a busy seaport. It has a bustling main street and a pretty central square anchored by a seventeenth-century Waag , at Merk 4. This is now home to both the tourist office and a small museum exhibiting a standard nautical-historical collection (April–Oct Mon & Sun 1.30–5pm, Tues–Sat 10am–5pm; June–Aug also Mon morning; Nov–March Thurs–Sun 1.30–5pm; €2). Immediately behind is Friesland’s largest medieval church, the St Gertrudiskerk (April–Oct Mon–Sat 11am–5pm), with its enormous stand-alone bell tower and small collection of mostly eighteenth-century odds and ends inside.

Top image: Bourtange Fortress aerial view during sunset in the Province of Groningen. Fortress in shape of star near border of Netherlands and Germany © saleksv/Shutterstock

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updated 06.09.2021

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How to explore amsterdam like a local.

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Tiptoe through the tulips during Amsterdam's aromatic spring season.

According to the city’s statistics bureau, more than 18 million people visited Amsterdam last year, making it one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations.

It’s easy to see why so many people are lured to the Dutch capital: world heritage canals, vintage architecture, outstanding museums, chromatic tulips, what seems like a thousand different types of cheese, and effortless transportation links to the rest of western Europe.

With iconic attractions like the Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and canal boat tours chockablock with tourists during the summer season, how do Amsterdammers spend their free time?

Here are four awesome ways to explore the city like a local:

Rent your own canal boat and picnic on the water.

Day One: Rent Your Own Canal Boat

Forget the guided, narrated canal boat tours. Rent your own boat at maritime outfitters like Sloepdelen and explore the city’s waterways at your own pace.

Their little all-electric sloops are super quiet and easy to drive via a joystick and rudder. Unlike renting cars, no boating license is required and the vessels can fit as many as 12 people.

You book the boats online, choosing between Sloepdelen’s two floating docks, both of them perched on the sinuous Singelgracht canal on the east and west sides of the city’s historic center. Arriving at the dock, you activate the sloop with your smartphone, get a brief orientation on how to navigate the craft, and you’re off.

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The boats can be rented in increments of two, three and four hours (at a cost of 70 Euros per hour). Each boat comes with a handy map showing popular routes, one-way canals, restricted areas, and public restrooms.

And don’t forget food and beverage for a floating picnic. Try the tasty Asian fusion sandwiches at Margo’s Amsterdam or the bánh mì baguettes, gỏi cuốn spring rolls, and other Vietnamese street foods at Viȇt View .

The new Straat Museum showcases works by more than 150 of the world's leading street and graffiti ... [+] artists.

Day Two: Hop Across the Harbor to Noord

Amsterdam’s busy harbor is called the Ij (pronounced like “eye”). Across the water from the historic center is the Noord district, a former factory and shipbuilding area that’s gradually transitioned over the past few decades into a cutting-edge, post-industrial wonderland.

Getting there is part of the fun. The GVB Ferries that crisscross the harbor are totally free to pedestrians and cyclists. And the more popular lines run every 15 or 20 minutes between 7 a.m. and midnight.

Start your ferry hopping day on the No. 7 ferry from Pontsteiger to the NDSM Wharf. Grab a pastry and coffee at Carroll’s Café before ducking into the new Straat Museum . Opened in 2020 and housed inside a former shipbuilding warehouse, the museum flaunts massive works of graffiti and street art from around the world.

If you’re not in a hurry, sink into a long and casual lunch at Pllek , a waterfront eatery built with old metal shipping containers (try the avocado toast or the wild boar sausage).

After lunch, ride the No. 5 ferry from NDSM to Amsterdam Central Station, and then No. 3 ferry to Buiksloterweg. From the wharf, it’s a five-minute walk to the Eye Filmmuseum , which is both a masterpiece of modern architecture, exhibits on various aspects of the moving image, and a place to catch daily screenings of classic movies.

If you have any energy left, make your way to the observation deck atop the nearby A’DAM Tower for a panoramic view of the harbor and city, and a chance to ride in an “Over the Edge” swing that flies 300 feet above the waterfront.

Wild boar bratwurst and beer at Pllek Restaurant on the waterfront.

Day Three: Lions and Tigers and Brews

Surrounded by four wide canals, Plantage is literally an island unto itself on Amsterdam’s east side. More than a thousand people live in the insular neighborhood, but most of the land is taken up by attractions popular with Amsterdammers for more than a hundred years.

Founded in 1838, Natura Artis Magistra (“Nature Teaches Art”) is the world’s fifth oldest zoo. Better known as Artis, the menagerie boasts more than 900 species as well as a planetarium, aquarium, and the interactive, cutting-edge Micropia museum of microscopic life.

Among the island’s other residents is the Hortus Botanicus . Founded in 1638 as a place where apothecaries could study the strange plants discovered in the tropics by the Dutch East India Company, the botanical garden blends vintage and modern futuristic greenhouses.

Plantage also harbors the Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam , which details the Dutch resistance against the occupying Nazis during World War Two, as well as the H’Art Museum , which partners with the Smithsonian, British Museum and Pompidou Center to stage unique art, design and biographical exhibits.

Slake your thirst on a locally brewed Amstel lager or Brouwerij 't IJ IPA at the Cafe Eik en Linde , a cute little pub with a pool table, board games, friendly café cat and typical Dutch snacks like “old” Gouda cheese, liverwurst, and appelschnitt pie.

How many windmills can you count in the Dutch countryside around Amsterdam?

Day Four: Escape Into the Countryside

Amsterdam is often called the “City of Bikes” for good reason. Around 80% of residents own a cycle and roughly two-thirds ride them every day. More than 320 miles (515 km) of dedicated bike paths convey cycles through the city.

But when Amsterdammers crave a quick getaway, they often hire a vehicle for a day or even a couple of hours and strike off in various directions into the Dutch countryside.

“Car sharing” agencies like Greenwheels and Free2Move make it easy to rent by downloading their app onto your smartphone, creating an account, and locating a vehicle near your location on an interactive map of Amsterdam. The app also opens the car when you reach its charging station or street location.

Double-parked delivery trucks, road or canal construction, and swarms of bikes make driving out of the central city more than a little challenging. But once you’re in the countryside, the roads are good and often uncrowded.

Where should you go?

Head west to Haarlam (with its imposing cathedral and interesting lunch options) and the North Sea coast. If it’s spring, book tickets and parking pass at Keukenhof Gardens to view the tulips and other flowers. In summer, hit the long, sandy beach at Zandvoort or hike coastal Zuid-Kennemerland National Park . Total distance: around 66 miles (106 km).

Or you can drive east from the city on an adventure that features the amazing Kröller-Müller sculpture garden (one of the world’s largest collections of outdoor art) and De Hoge Veluwe National Park for hiking or biking (both electric and muscle-powered bikes are available at three outlets in the park). Extend the day by visiting the World War Two museums and memorials in nearby Arnhem . Total distance: circa 130 miles (207 km).

The Amsterdam trio: Bikes, boats and blooms.

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The Complete Guide to Eurostar Trains

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Table of Contents

Destinations

Club eurostar, eurostar travel classes, lounge access, eurostar recapped.

Eurostar offers high-speed train travel between the U.K., Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Germany. Its trains can reach 186 mph, which means a train from London to Paris takes only 2 hours and 16 minutes. Eurostar merged with Thalys — another European high-speed train company — in 2023.

Taking a Eurostar train between these five countries can be more seamless than flying because you get a solid baggage allowance and don’t need to deal with airports, liquid restrictions in your carry-on and long security lines.

Here’s what you need to know about Eurostar’s destinations, cabin classes, lounges, loyalty program, amenities and pricing.

Eurostar offers direct train service to London, Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Netherlands. For all other destinations, you must connect to a different train, potentially with another carrier.

The fastest train journeys are the following:

Paris to Brussels - 1 hour, 22 minutes.

London to Lille, France - 1 hour, 22 minutes.

London to Brussels - 1 hour, 53 minutes.

Brussels to Amsterdam - 1 hour, 53 minutes.

London to Paris - 2 hours, 16 minutes.

London to Rotterdam - 3 hours, 13 minutes.

Paris to Amsterdam - 3 hours, 20 minutes.

Paris to Cologne - 3 hours, 20 minutes.

London to Amsterdam - 3 hours, 52 minutes.

Depending on where you’re headed, taking the train may take less total time than flying. For example, the train from London to Paris takes 2 hours and 16 minutes, while a flight takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Though the train takes almost an hour longer, other factors involved with flying, including early airport arrival, travel time to/from the airport, security and boarding, make the train the faster option.

The Eurostar operates out of St. Pancras International Station, located in central London and easily accessible by several tube (underground) lines and buses. By contrast, London’s main airports, Heathrow Airport and London Gatwick Airport, are located outside the city and can take an hour or more to get to depending on where you’re traveling from and your mode of transport.

Furthermore, Eurostar’s rules are arguably more traveler-friendly than those of airlines. On even the cheapest tickets, Eurostar allows adults to bring two pieces of luggage and one carry-on with no weight limit. Children can bring one piece of luggage and one carry-on.

You also don’t have to worry about paying for a seat or dealing with liquid restrictions. You can make fee-free changes to your ticket as many times as you like until seven days before departure. Ticket changes within seven days of departure incur a $40 fee unless you’re in Business Premier.

Club Eurostar is Eurostoar’s loyalty program and you can sign up for a free account to start earning points. You earn 1 point per $1 spent on Eurostar tickets. Train + hotel packages also earn points, albeit at a lower rate (1 point per $2).

Eurostar has four membership levels, and with each increasing level you earn more points on travel and get access to additional perks.

All levels can pool points with friends and family, use points to pay a portion of their tickets and upgrade their seats from Standard to Standard Premier/Comfort. If you’re going for elite status with Eurostar, the biggest advantages are companion vouchers, lounge access and priority benefits when traveling.

Rewards can be used for as low as 100 points on various experiences from free tickets to upgrades.

Standard cabin on the train from Amsterdam to Brussels. (Photo by Elina Geller)

Eurostar offers different travel classes, and these travel classes vary by destination. All trains offer Wi-Fi, but in my experience, the Wi-Fi has been awful, with upload and download speeds of less than 1 Mbps.

Trains to/from London

A Eurostar train to/from London offers three travel classes: Standard, Standard Premier and Business Premier. All seats offer U.K. and EU plug sockets. You can also choose your seat when traveling on this route.

Standard: This travel class offers the lowest priced tickets and food and drinks are available for purchase.

Standard Premier: You get free magazines and a more spacious seat, along with a light meal and drinks.

Business Premier: You get the same seat as in Standard Premier, plus additional perks including three pieces of luggage, a carry-on, hot meals created by Raymond Blanc OBE served with champagne, free newspapers and magazines and a dedicated fast-track ticket gate. You also get access to Eurostar lounges and NS International lounges.

Trains between Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany

Premium seats on the train from Brussels to Amsterdam. (Photo by Elina Geller)

When traveling between Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany, there are three travel classes: Standard, Comfort and Premium. All seats include EU plug sockets.

You also have access to Eurostar’s taxi booking service, which allows you to arrange transport to/from the train station. Unfortunately you cannot choose your seat when traveling between these destinations.

Standard : This travel class has the cheapest tickets. Food and drinks are not included but can be purchased onboard.

Comfort : You get a more spacious seat, but still need to pay for food and drinks. Comfort seats have access to premium Wi-Fi, but I found that Wi-Fi to be just as slow as in Standard class.

Premium : You have the same seat as in Comfort class and some additional perks including a gourmet cold meal served at your seat, access to Eurostar lounges and NS International lounges. 

The Eurostar amenities you receive depend on which class you travel in. You receive a complimentary meal in Premium, Standard Premier or Business Premier. Those in Business Premier (only available on London routes) receive three-course meals created in collaboration with Michelin-star chef Raymond Blanc OBE. Passengers in Premium get a meal designed by Belgian chef Frank Fol.

Passengers in other travel classes don’t receive a complimentary meal but can purchase drinks or snacks from the Eurostar Cafe.

Eurostar lounge in Brussels. (Photo by Elina Geller)

Travelers in Premium can visit the Eurostar lounge in Paris and Brussels, and NS International lounges in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Those traveling in Business Premier can use the lounge in London, Paris and Brussels.

Club Eurostar elites traveling on any fare class can access certain lounges depending on their elite status:

Avantage, Carte Blanche and Etoile members : Eurostar lounge in Brussels and Paris.

Carte Blanche and Etoile members : Eurostar lounge in London, Paris and Brussels; DB lounges in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Essen; NS International lounges in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Schiphol airport; Railteam lounges in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria.

Check each lounge’s information page for opening hours. Generally, you can expect to find various seating spaces, complimentary newspapers and magazines, free Wi-Fi as well as food and drinks to enjoy.

Eurostar allows you to book tickets up to 120 days in advance, and the sooner you book the better. You’ll generally find the cheapest tickets on Tuesday and Wednesday. Since you can change your ticket fee-free as many times as you want until seven days before departure, you might as well book as soon as possible.

There are also special or discounted fares for the following groups:

Children under age 4

Kids ages 4-11

Passengers under 26 or over 60

Travelers in a group

Wheelchair passengers and companions

The availability of discounts depends on your destination, so you’ll want to check Eurostar’s page for guidance.

If you have a credit card that earns travel rewards, you’ll want to use it for this purchase since trains are part of the travel category. Here’s a sampling of cards that earn extra rewards for travel and don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

on Chase's website

• 2 points per $1 spent on travel, including train travel.

• 3 points per $1 spent on travel, including train travel.

• 2 miles per $1 on every purchase.

• 3 points per $1 on transit, including train travel.

Terms apply.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

You can pay in U.S. dollars when buying Eurostar tickets online. However, if you plan to buy anything on board the train, and you’ll be in Europe anyways, you’ll want to use a card that waives foreign transaction fees .

» Learn more: Best travel credit cards

Is it cheaper to fly or take Eurostar?

The answer to this question depends on how far in advance you purchase your ticket, your day of travel, whether you need to pay for luggage, and the difference in costs between traveling to the airport and to a Eurostar train station.

Here’s a sampling of Eurostar fares in September 2024 from London to Paris.

Here’s a selection of flights from London to Paris on the same day.

Although the cheapest flight is $13 less than the train, bag fees are not included in that price. And since Eurostar stations are generally more centrally located, your overall cost may be cheaper on the train after factoring in a rideshare or taxi to the airport.

Eurostar offers a convenient way to travel between the U.K., Belgium, Netherlands, France and Germany. If you’re deciding whether to fly or take a Eurostar, factor in the cost, travel time (including the time spent getting to and from the airport, as well as the time spent at the airport) and how many bags you're bringing as part of your decision.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands's Greatest Style Moments

The Dutch queen is a master of bold color statements.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

April 18, 2024

Maxima glittered in green and gold at the the Straat Museum for street art and graffiti.

The queens were definitely on the same wavelength during the Spanish royals's visit to the Netherlands. Maxima and Queen Letizia both opted for shades of pink, albeit very different ones, for a day of events around Amsterdam.

April 17, 2024

For a state banquet celebrating the visit of King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain, Maxima and the other royal ladies coordinated beautifully in shades of blue .

To pair with her icy blue look, Maxima wore the Stuart Tiara, which dates back to the 19th century, completed by the nearly 40-carat pear-shaped Stuart Diamond.

March 26, 2024

Maxima accented her sleek grey ensemble with some stand-out gems—spider-shaped brooches!— at an event supporting youth mental health.

February 27, 2024

Maxima was stunning in emerald green while meeting with the Colombian Minister of Finance and Public Credit Ricardo Bonilla during her visit to Columbia.

February 21, 2024

Maxima nailed the winter white look at More Art and Culture in School at the Poppodium De Spot in Middelburg.

January 25, 2024

The queen offset a monochrome grey outfit with a statement necklace while visiting the The Design Academy In Eindhoven.

October 19, 2023

Queen Maxima opted for a bold purple dress and matching hat, for the official welcome of the Dutch royals to South Africa.

October 18, 2023

Maxima looked lovely in orange and white at the Jacaranda Trees in Pretoria, South Africa.

August 27, 2023

Maxima was chicly on theme in a black cotton jumpsuit by Max Mara at the Dutch Grand Prix F1 race in Zandvoort. She paired the style with a camel Massimo Dutti napa leather jacket , Jimmy Choo sandals, and a Mari crossbody bag .

June 30, 2023

For the royal family's summer photos at Zuiderstrand, Queen Maxima opted for an elegant take on beachy whites—and perfectly coordinated with her pup, Mambo.

June 21, 2023

Maxima and her husband, King Willem-Alexander, attended a concert in Brussels, Belgium during their state visit. Maxima chose a creamy marigold gown to the evening, with a one-shoulder silhouette and a belted detail.

June 20, 2023

Queenly pastels were on display at a banquet at Laeken Castle in Brussels when the Dutch royals made a state visit. Queen Maxima went for an on-trend pink shade with ruffles, while Queen Mathilde of Belgium opted for icy blue.

June 14, 2023

Maxima looked properly glamorous in navy and gold for a gala for the Diplomatic Corps at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam.

Maxima made maximum impact with this aqua shirtdress at a presentation about higher education in Den Bosch, Netherlands.

June 1, 2023

For the wedding of Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif in Amman, Maxima wore a floral blue gown with complementary patterns and fluttering sleeves by designer Luisa Beccaria.

May 10, 2023

Maxima wore a sunny yellow suit and matching coat to visit to the Wadden Islands.

May 6, 2023

At the coronation of Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla , Maxima wore a hand-embroidered dress by Dutch designer Jan Taminiau along with earrings that are part of the Stuart tiara.

April 27, 2023

A knack for color clearly runs in the royal family. For the Kingsday celebration in Rotterdam, Maxima chose a vivid green gress and matching headpiece, while her daughter Princess Amalia went for bold magenta. King Willem-Alexander and their daughter Princess Ariane, on the other hand, chose contrasting combos of bright blue and white.

Lauren Hubbard is a freelance writer and Town & Country contributor who covers beauty, shopping, entertainment, travel, home decor, wine, and cocktails.

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