Netherlands

The Netherlands: a fairy tale for adults

Guide to Netherlands

Basic Information

The enchanting Kingdom of the Netherlands, crisscrossed by a labyrinth of rivers and canals, beckons you into a realm of art, picturesque villages, and vibrant fields of flowers. It's a place where a spirited celebration of non-conformity adds a touch of intriguing decadence to the charming homes of its dignified citizens. Even in the broad daylight, legalized indulgence can seem as ordinary as a banker's attire. In this land of perpetual youth and joyful wisdom, there's something delightful waiting for every traveler who arrives in Europe with an open heart!

Photos of Netherlands

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Capital

Amsterdam

Language

Dutch

Currency

EUR

Time zone

GMT +2

Population

17 022 101

Territory

41.543 km²

Dishes worth trying:

Erten soup — thick, rich chowder made of split peas with smoked sausage or ham

Hootsport — thinly sliced boiled beef with a side dish of mashed potatoes seasoned with stewed carrots and fried onions

Stampede — hot vegetable mashed potatoes, carrots, onions and cabbage with smoked sausage or meat balls bitterballen with mushrooms

Risttafel — Rice fried to golden crust with stewed vegetables and finely chopped beef or pork slices

See if Scarlett Johansen looks like the real "Girl with a Pearl Earring" by Vermeer, which is kept at the Moritshuis Gallery in The Hague.
Stroll through Amsterdam's Red Light District and resist the spell of vice.
Climb the Pepperdine bell tower and look down on the town of Zwolle with the proud gaze of a conqueror.
Stock up on rare cheeses at Rotterdam's cheese boutique.
Relive your childhood and spend a weekend at the Efteling theme park in Tilburg.

Tips

Hotel and hostel rooms should be booked in advance. A severe shortage of hotels is a sore spot in the Dutch tourism sector.

It is illegal to drink alcohol in public in the Netherlands. The amount of the fine depends on the strength of the drink. The ban also applies to outdoor restaurant terraces.

The Netherlands has a prominent animal protection movement. Avoid sparking conflicts with activists by openly displaying items like your new leather jacket or fur coat.

Learn more

Sights

Trying to describe all of the Netherlands' attractions is akin to emptying the sea with a spoon. Behind each majestic facade lie numerous equally captivating spots waiting for you to discover on your journey. In the meantime, here are the top 15 tourist destinations in the country, each offering inspiring postcard-worthy views.

Royal Park Keukenhof

The calling card of the Netherlands. "The Garden of Europe", stretching beyond the horizon with the scarlet dawn of tulips and lilac clouds of hyacinths.

Erasmus Bridge

A symbol of the revitalized Rotterdam, the upward pointing asymmetrical pylon, in the outline of which the figure of a swan is guessed.

Kinderdijk

Quiet refuge of 19 windmills from the 17th and 18th centuries at the mouth of the rivers Nord and Lek. Surprisingly, some of the machinery is still in working order!

Tours to Netherlands

Travelers sometimes limit themselves by specifically seeking tours to Holland, missing out on the broader Netherlands experience. Holland is just one part of this captivating country, and a well-rounded vacation in the Netherlands offers much more.

Most trips to the Netherlands are centered around exploration and sightseeing. This country, with its iconic canals, bridges, and windmills, is a must-see for any tourist.

Many visitors come to the Netherlands to witness the vast fields of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. It's one thing to see these vibrant blooms in photos and quite another to immerse yourself in their fragrant beauty.

Some savvy travelers aim to time their trips for the end of April to coincide with Queen's Day, a nationwide celebration. Keep in mind that accommodation prices tend to rise during this festive period.

In general, traveling in the Netherlands is relatively affordable. For example, a three-day trip to Amsterdam for two people costs around 310 EUR, and an extension to six days is just an additional 90 EUR.

While it might be challenging to find even cheaper options, you can enhance your trip by including visits to other top European cities like Paris, Milan, Berlin, or Venice. To find the best deals and maximize your travel budget, consider looking for hot offers, and services like tripmydream can be invaluable in this regard. They aggregate various hot trip options from different tour operators, helping you find the best deals.

Where to go to Netherlands?

As you dive into a whirlpool of experiences, avoid drifting aimlessly like a ship without a rudder or windmills. Define the purpose of your trip from the start – whether it's for a tulip photoshoot, sightseeing, a rock festival, Queen's Day celebration, shopping for souvenirs at flea markets, savoring the national cuisine and trying famous cheeses, or simply a tranquil beach vacation. Consult tripmydream to discover your ideal city or resort in the Netherlands, and we'll guide you toward an unforgettable adventure!

Amsterdam

The Hague

When to go to Netherlands

The Netherlands offers endless opportunities year-round, but your choice should align with the season if you have specific activities in mind. Whether it's sightseeing, beach vacations, theater and museum visits, shopping, sports, cycling to historical sites, or indulging in a gastronomic journey, tripmydream will assist you in picking the ideal time to make your Netherlands dreams come true!

Netherlands in spring

Spring in the Netherlands is famous for its unpredictable outpourings of heavy rainfall. In March, temperatures remain at winter levels, with the turn to warmth usually occurring in April. In May, the weather is pleasantly mild with occasional rainfall.

Netherlands in summer

Summer in the Netherlands is warm, but not hot: the air temperature during the beach season is +20 - 23°C, comfortable for active recreation. Moderate cloudiness and non-aggressive diffuse insolation prevail, with occasional short rains.

Netherlands in the fall

Autumn in the Netherlands comes gradually: after the velvet season in September, the cold weather comes smoothly. October is plagued by rain and gusty winds from the sea. In November, the temperature drops to +8°C; storms and heavy fogs are not uncommon.

Netherlands in winter

Winter in the Netherlands is warm but windy and wet, so we recommend bringing an umbrella, a waterproof jacket and waterproof shoes. Snowfall is rare, but the shores of water bodies are firmly covered with ice, so you can go ice skating if you want to.

Climate and weather in to Netherlands by months

Usefulness

People go to the Netherlands for adventure, but not all adventures are equally rewarding. Take tripmydream's advice and don't take unnecessary risks!

Visa to Netherlands

No visa needed for European citizens

Customs & Tax Free

Weapons, drugs, plants with substrate and animal products are prohibited to be brought into the Netherlands. Museum treasures must remain within the country. Find out how to reclaim VAT before departure.

Customs regulations

Travel by car

Renting a compact-class car will cost about 50 EUR/day, but the costs will be more than recouped by the impressions and the opportunity to travel to neighboring countries.

Lease terms and traffic rules

Phrasebook for tourists

The Dutch will love you if you learn a few phrases in Dutch.

Learn phrases

Public transport and prices

The Netherlands has excellent public transportation and rail connections between cities and towns. Find out how to get the best deal on train tickets.

Transportation

Events

Holidays and festivals in the Netherlands take place with a Rablezian flair. Check out the red dates on our calendar and make your vacation unforgettable!

Holidays and Events