Tourist Popularity

A-

Hotels

Family Friendly

B+

Single Friendly

Senior Friendly

LGBTQ+ Friendly

Weather

Recreation

A-

Nightlife

Restaurants

Crime

InternationalTravel.ai > Netherlands

The Netherlands

Coastal Beaches

Best Season to Visit: Spring

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: November

Famous For: Canals, Tulips, Art museums

Train Access: Yes (nederlandse spoorwegen (ns), very safe)

Bus Service: Yes (Connexxion, Qbuzz, Arriva, EBS, RET, GVB, very safe)

Tourist Visa: Non-EU nationals may need a Schengen visa to enter the Netherlands for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period, with applications typically processed within 15 calendar days.

The Netherlands, with its iconic windmills, tulip fields, and canal-laced cities, offers a rich tapestry of cultural and natural attractions for travelers. Amsterdam, the vibrant capital, is renowned for its historic architecture, the Anne Frank House, and world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. The city's canal rings and the bustling De Wallen district provide a unique urban charm. Beyond Amsterdam, the picturesque countryside unfolds with traditional Dutch villages such as Giethoorn, where boats glide through waterways instead of cars on roads. The Netherlands is also famous for its cycling culture, with extensive bike paths allowing visitors to explore the flat landscape with ease. Dutch cuisine, with delights such as stroopwafels, herring, and Gouda cheese, offers a taste of local flavors, while international dining options abound. Outdoor activities range from beach outings on the North Sea coast to tulip viewing in Keukenhof Gardens during spring. Unique events like King's Day and the Keukenhof Flower Parade showcase the nation's festive spirit. The Netherlands also hosts numerous music and cultural festivals throughout the year, reflecting its diverse and inclusive society. For art enthusiasts, the Kröller-Müller Museum and the Maastricht TEFAF art fair are must-visits. The country's compact size and excellent public transport make it easy to experience both urban excitement and rural tranquility within a short journey.

VRBO Vacation Rentals
Learn More

With over 2 million bookable vacation rentals, Vrbo connects homeowners with families and vacationers looking for something more than a hotel for their trip. The Vrbo community offers families an array of rental property types such as condos, cabins, lake rentals, beach houses, and more. Discover properties in destinations that everyone dreams of visiting.

VRBO Vacation Rentals

Podcasts

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Planning Your Trip to Netherlands

Weather: The Netherlands has a maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. The country experiences a fair amount of precipitation throughout the year, with no extreme periods of cold or heat. Due to its flat geography and proximity to the sea, the weather can be quite windy, and there is often high humidity.

Festivals: King's Day is a nationwide celebration with street parties and markets, while the Keukenhof Flower Parade is a stunning display of floral artistry.

Best Destinations for Kids: Efteling theme park enchants children with fairy-tale attractions, while the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam offers interactive exhibits for young minds.

Hidden Gem: The Wadden Islands, with their unspoiled nature and unique tidal flats, offer a tranquil escape and are a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Budget-Friendly Advice: The Netherlands offers budget-friendly options for travelers, with hostels and budget hotels providing accommodations starting at around €20-€40 per night. Eating at local markets or from street vendors allows for inexpensive dining experiences, with Dutch snacks like kroketten and poffertjes costing just a few euros. City cards, available in Amsterdam and other cities, offer free or discounted access to public transport and attractions. Cycling is a cost-effective and popular way to explore, with bike rentals available for around €10 per day. Free walking tours in cities like Utrecht and Rotterdam provide insights into Dutch history and culture. Visiting smaller towns like Delft or Leiden can be more affordable than the capital, with fewer tourist crowds and lower prices. Picnicking in public parks or by the canals is a delightful and economical way to enjoy a meal.

Accessibility: The Netherlands is known for its flat terrain and well-developed public transport, making it relatively easy for older people to navigate, with accessible trams, buses, and trains.

For the Solo Traveler: Solo travel in the Netherlands is a rewarding and safe experience. The country is known for its friendly locals and high proficiency in English, making communication easy. Solo travelers can enjoy the vibrant café culture in cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht, or take part in group bike tours through the countryside. Hostels are a great place to meet fellow travelers, with prices starting at around €20-€40 per night. Safety is generally high, but as with any destination, it's important to stay aw

Planning a 1 Week Stay: A week in the Netherlands could include exploring Amsterdam's museums and canals, visiting the historic city of Utrecht, and experiencing the seaside charm of The Hague.

Planning a 1 Month Stay: For a month-long trip, consider a mix of city life in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, with excursions to the tulip fields in spring, cycling in the countryside, and relaxing on the Wadden Islands.

Delving into the Culture

Movies Set: Ocean's Twelve, The Fault in Our Stars, A Bridge Too Far, The Diary of Anne Frank

Popular Foods: Dutch cuisine is known for its hearty and comforting dishes. Stamppot, a dish made of mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables like kale, carrots, or sauerkraut, is a traditional favorite, often served with smoked sausage. Another popular food is herring, which can be eaten raw, often served with onions and pickles. For dessert, stroopwafels, thin waffle cookies with a caramel syrup filling, are beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Unusual Eats: Haring or raw herring is a peculiar Dutch delicacy that is typically eaten with onions and pickles. Some visitors find the idea of eating raw fish challenging, but it is a traditional and popular snack in the Netherlands. Another unusual food is drop, or Dutch licorice, which comes in various shapes and degrees of saltiness, and can be an acquired taste for non-locals.

Popular Sports: football, field hockey, speed skating, cycling

Popular Teams: AFC Ajax (football), PSV Eindhoven (football), Feyenoord Rotterdam (football)

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: When greeting someone in the Netherlands, it is common to shake hands, and kissing on the cheek is reserved for close friends and family. It is considered rude to enter a Dutch person's home without being invited. Additionally, punctuality is highly valued in Dutch culture, and being late for appointments or social gatherings can be seen as disrespectful.