Ultimate Netherlands Travel Guide 2023

Top Destinations in Netherlands

Amsterdam – Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is famous for its canals, colorful facades, world-class museums and bicycles. From Van Gough to Pomme Frites the streets are steeped in history and culture. Make sure to take advantage of the 250 miles of bike pathways and lose yourself in the magnificent array of art galleries and museums. Be sure to check out our Amsterdam Travel Guide for all the details.

The Hague –One of the most extraordinary places to visit in the Netherlands is unquestionably The Hague, which is best renowned for its collections of contemporary art at the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag and the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis. It is also right on the North sea making it a great destination in the warmer months.

Utrecht – The inner canal wharf system, which was built to prevent portions of the Rhine River from entering the city center, is the city’s most distinctive feature and reflects the city’s deep Middle Ages past. Utrecht is also the host of some epic EDM festivals, such as A State of Trance with Armin Van Buuren.

Leiden – The charming city of Leiden is a wonderful destination because of its beautiful, tree-lined canals that are distinguished by historic windmills, wooden bridges, and lush parks. A trip on a boat down one of these beautiful canals is an experience you won’t soon forget.

When to Visit Netherlands

The best time for traveling to this country is definitely during the spring and summer when all the beautiful gardens and parks in this country come alive, so you can enjoy the world-famous Dutch landscapes and flower markets. In the summer destinations like Amsterdam can get extremely busy and the attractions will be packed with tourists. The off-season is a good time to visit because the prices of hotels are a lot cheaper.

Although it can reach much hotter than that in the months of July and August, the average daily summer temperature is roughly 19°C (67°F).
In the winter, the typical daily temperature is 2°C (35°F).

How to Reach The Netherlands

There are various ways to get to the Netherlands. Most international flights will land at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. This airport is one of the most important ones in Europe after London, Paris and Frankfurt Airports. The other significant airports in the Netherlands are Eindhoven Airport, Maastricht/ Aachen Airport, and Rotterdam- The Hague Airport.

Traveling here by train is also another way to do it if you are coming from another European city to Amsterdam or Rotterdam.

If you choose to come to Netherlands by bus, you can take a Eurolines bus from every European capital. However, these jounies aren’t the fastest.

A fun way to travel and explore Europe is traveling by car. The roads to and in Netherlands are great, so turn on your GPS, grab a rental car and start exploring.

Getting around the Netherlands: Transportation Tips

Travel by train in the Netherlands
Train travel is the most convenient method to explore the Netherlands. The system, which is among the best in Europe, is mostly run by Nederlandse Spoorwegen, though not entirely (NS; Dutch Railways;). NS trains run quickly, are frequently available, are generally modern, and are always on time.

Renting a car in the Netherlands
The majority of the time, driving around the Netherlands is pleasant, simple, and quick. Although traffic jams and delays are not uncommon, the country has a generally good road network, with most large towns connected by some type of highway or dual roadway.

Getting around by bus in the Netherlands
Buses, which are operated by a mixture of local businesses but are still incredibly efficient and reach every rural area, supplement the train network. The entire nation is separated into zones for public transportation, making ticketing simple. You may either use your OV-chipkaart or hand over cash to the driver.

Travel by Air in the Netherlands
Holland is so small that flying between cities is actually only necessary if you’re on a time crunch (even then you might get there quicker by car or train). However, if you must fly, KLM Cityhopper and KLM exel can get you sorted.

Top Netherlands Travel tips

1. Explore the traditional Netherlands Visit some traditional windmills, buy or try on klompen (wooden shoes) and check out the tulips.

2. Don’t miss visiting the museums and art galleries The Netherlands is a country with an impressive number of famous artists, especially painters (Dutch Masters). Visit the museum quarter in Amsterdam, the Van Gogh museum, etc.

3. Ride a bicycle This is the country of bikes. The resident of Dutch cities are riding them every day on their way to work, gym, and to see friends. So, try to blend with the locals and ride your bike in some of the gorgeous parks and streets.

4. Bring a Raincoat or Umbrella Here, the weather can change quickly. Having a raincoat or umbrella on hand is a crucial travel suggestion for the Netherlands.

5. Hit the Festivals There is a large number of festivals and events in the Netherlands, like Dancevalley, A State of Trance, Lowlands, Pinkpop, and Sensations. Also, you can visit some of the free festivals like Carnival, Queens/ Kings day.

6. Watch football matches with the locals The Dutch people are big fans of football. Go to a local bar to watch the game with the locals or go and see some of the famous Dutch football clubs, like AFC Ajax, at the stadium.

7. Try Dutch cheese This country doesn’t have world-famous cuisine but it had amazing sorts of cheese like Gouda and Edam.

8. Try the Dutch beer Drinking some of the world’s most famous beers is a must when you come here. Some of them are Heineken, Bavaria, and Amstel.

Netherlands Typical Costs

Accommodation

• Budget: For budget-conscious travelers, hostels are a popular choice, with prices ranging from $20 – $40 per night for a bed in a dormitory. Private rooms in budget hotels or guesthouses can cost from $50 – $80 per night.

• Mid-Range: Mid-range hotels or vacation rentals, which offer more comfort and privacy, generally cost between $90 – $150 per night. This range usually includes 3-star to 4-star establishments or well-located private accommodations.

• Luxury: Luxury hotels or premium vacation rentals in prime locations, such as Amsterdam’s Canal Ring, range from $200 to $400+ per night. High-end establishments, like the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam, can cost over $500 per night.

Food

• Budget: For inexpensive dining options, you can expect to spend around $10 – $20 per day on food. This might include street food like herring, cheese sandwiches, or fast food.

• Mid-Range: Mid-range dining can cost between $25 – $50 per meal. This includes a main course and a drink at a decent restaurant, where you can try traditional dishes like stamppot or Dutch pancakes.

• Luxury: High-end dining experiences can cost $100+ per person. This includes gourmet restaurants or those with Michelin stars, such as Restaurant De Librije, where a multiple-course tasting menu can easily exceed $200.

Transportation

• Budget: The Netherlands offers excellent public transportation, with city trams and buses costing around $3 – $4 per ride. For intercity travels, trains are an affordable option, with tickets typically ranging from $15 – $30.

• Mid-Range: Renting a bike is a popular and convenient way to get around in the Netherlands. Daily rental prices range from $10 – $20. For those who prefer driving, car rentals can be found from around $30 – $60 per day.

• Luxury: Taxi rides within cities like Amsterdam usually cost between $20 – $40 depending on the distance. For a more luxurious experience, consider hiring a private car service, which can cost significantly more.