Netherlands Travel Guide (Benelux/Europe)

Introduction to Netherlands
List of Places to Visit in Netherlands
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Netherlands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Netherlands
Best Things to Do in Netherlands: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Netherlands
Food and Drink Scene of Netherlands
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Netherlands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Netherlands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Netherlands
Best Time to Visit Netherlands
Do’s and Don’ts of Netherlands
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Netherlands
- Health in Netherlands
Getting to Netherlands: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Netherlands
Where to Go Next from Netherlands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Netherlands

Netherlands, located in the Benelux region of Europe, consists of 12 provinces. The country is known for its windmills, tulips, cheese, and bicycles. It is also famous for being the birthplace of several world-renowned artists, including Vincent van Gogh and Rembrandt. Netherlands offers a unique experience to travelers with its vibrant culture and scenic landscapes. In this travel guide, we will explore the best places to visit, things to do, food, culture, and more in Netherlands.

List of Places to Visit in Netherlands

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Netherlands has an extensive history and is home to several world-famous museums and historical sites. Here are some of the must-visit places:

Rijksmuseum: This is the Dutch National Museum that houses over 8,000 works of art and artifacts from the Dutch Golden Age. The museum has a massive collection of paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Van Gogh Museum: Dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh, this museum has more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters by the artist.
Anne Frank House: This is where Anne Frank hid with her family during World War II. Today, it is a museum showcasing the life of Anne Frank and the atrocities of the war.
Keukenhof: Keukenhof is the world’s largest flower garden and has over 7 million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in bloom during the springtime.
Windmills of Kinderdijk: These UNESCO-listed windmills of Kinderdijk date back to the 18th-century and are a quintessential symbol of Dutch landscape.
Zaanse Schans: This charming village located on the banks of the Zaan River is known for its iconic windmills, clogs, cheese-making, and chocolate factories.
The Hague: This city is the seat of the Dutch government and has several fascinating attractions, including the Binnenhof, Peace Palace, and the Mauritshuis museum.

Natural Attractions of Netherlands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Netherlands has a diverse landscape with forests, beaches, and dunes. Here are some of the best places to enjoy nature in Netherlands:

Hoge Veluwe National Park: This park is located in the province of Gelderland and is famous for its heathlands, sand dunes, and wildlife. Visitors can explore the park by bike or on foot.
Wadden Sea: This UNESCO-listed site is a unique intertidal zone located in the north of Netherlands. It is home to several species of birds, seals, and marine life.
Texel: This island is located in the Wadden Sea and is known for its cycling routes, beaches, and wildlife.
Hoge Berg: This is a unique area that has 110 burial mounds from the Bronze Age. The site also has several windmills, farms, and meadows.
Amsterdamse Bos: This is the largest municipal park in Amsterdam and is home to several recreational activities, including cycling, horse riding, and swimming.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Netherlands

Netherlands is known for its biking culture, and it has an extensive network of cycling routes. Here are some of the best biking and hiking routes in Netherlands:

Veluwezoom: This is a stunning National Park that has several biking and hiking trails. The terrain is perfect for both experienced and novice riders.
Amsterdam to Haarlem: This 25 km route takes you through beautiful Dutch countryside, past windmills and tulip fields.
Holterberg: This is a popular hiking and biking area that has stunning views of the hilly terrain.
The Netherlands Cycle Route: This is a 6,000 km route that takes you through the most scenic parts of Netherlands, including small towns, iconic landscapes, and seascapes.

Best Things to Do in Netherlands: Activities and Tours

Netherlands is filled with exciting activities and tours for travelers of all ages. Here are some of the best things to do in Netherlands:

Canal Cruises in Amsterdam: This is one of the most popular tourist activities in Netherlands. You can explore the famous canals of Amsterdam while enjoying some of the best views of the city.
Cheese Tasting in Gouda: Gouda is known for its cheese production, and visitors can enjoy a cheese-tasting tour that takes them through the history of cheese-making in Gouda.
Visit the Rotterdam Cube Houses: These unique houses were designed by architect Piet Blom in the 1970s and are a fascinating architectural marvel.
Watch a traditional Dutch windmill at work in Zaanse Schans: Visitors can watch the inner workings of a Dutch windmill in Zaanse Schans.

Week-Long Itinerary for Netherlands

Here is a sample itinerary for travelers visiting Netherlands for a week:

Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam, Visit the Rijksmuseum and take a canal cruise.
Day 2: Explore the Jordaan neighborhood and Anne Frank House.
Day 3: Visit the Keukenhof Gardens and the Windmills of Kinderdijk.
Day 4: Visit the city of Utrecht.
Day 5: Visit Rotterdam and the Cube Houses.
Day 6: Explore The Hague and the Mauritshuis Museum.
Day 7: Depart from Amsterdam.

Food and Drink Scene of Netherlands

Must-Try Dishes

Netherlands has a rich culinary history, and there are several local dishes that you must try:

Stroopwafel: These are thin waffles filled with syrup and are a favorite snack for locals.
Bitterballen: These are deep-fried meatballs that are served with mustard and are a popular bar snack.
Herring: Raw herring is a traditional Dutch dish that is usually served with chopped onions and pickles.
Poffertjes: These are small, fluffy pancakes that are served with powdered sugar and butter.

Local Beverages

Netherlands is famous for its beer and jenever (Dutch gin). Here are some of the best local beverages to try:

Beer: Netherlands has a vibrant craft beer scene, and you must try some of the local brews, including the famous Heineken and Amstel beer.
Jenever: This is a traditional Dutch gin that is usually served with a small glass of beer.

Where to Stay in Netherlands: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Netherlands has several accommodation options for travelers, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Here are some of the best options:

Hotel Pulitzer in Amsterdam: This hotel is located in the heart of Amsterdam and has several canal-facing rooms.
King Kong Hostel in Rotterdam: This hostel has a unique industrial design and is located in the city center.
Zoku Amsterdam: This is a unique hotel that offers a mix of apartment-style living and hotel amenities.

What to Buy in Netherlands: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

There are several unique souvenirs and local products that you can bring back from Netherlands. Here are some of the best options:

Delftware: This is blue and white pottery that is made in the city of Delft and is a quintessential Dutch souvenir.
Cheese: Netherlands is famous for its cheese production, and you can bring back several varieties of cheese, including Gouda and Edam.
Stroopwafels: These delicious waffles filled with syrup are a perfect souvenir for your family and friends.

Local Culture and Customs of Netherlands

Netherlands has a vibrant culture, and locals are known for being friendly and welcoming. Here are some of the local customs and etiquette that you should be aware of:

Bicycles are a preferred mode of transportation, and you should be careful while crossing the bike lanes.
The Dutch are known for being direct, and it is not considered rude to ask personal questions.
Tipping is not mandatory in Netherlands, but it is customary to round up the bill.

Best Time to Visit Netherlands

The best time to visit Netherlands is during the spring months (April to May) when the tulips are in bloom. The weather is also pleasant during this time of the year, and you can enjoy a range of outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Netherlands

Do:

Do try the local cuisine, including raw herring and stroopwafels.
Do respect the bicycle lanes and give way to the bikers.
Do explore the countryside and enjoy the scenic views.

Don’t:

Don’t touch the artworks in the museums.
Don’t litter on the streets.
Don’t smoke in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Netherlands

Netherlands is a safe country, and violent crimes are rare. However, travelers should be aware of pickpocketing and bicycle thefts. It is also essential to be careful while crossing the bike lanes and use the pedestrian crossings.

Health in Netherlands

Netherlands has an efficient healthcare system, and travelers can access medical services easily. It is recommended to carry travel insurance to cover any medical emergencies.

Getting to Netherlands: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Netherlands

Netherlands has several international airports that connect to major cities around the world, including:

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM)
Eindhoven Airport (EIN)

Bus Stations Near Netherlands

There are several bus stations in Netherlands that have connections to nearby cities, including:

Amsterdam Central Station
Rotterdam Central Station
Utrecht Central Station

Other Options

Netherlands has an extensive train network that connects all the major cities. Travelers can also rent cars or bikes to explore the countryside.

How to Get Around in Netherlands

The best mode of transportation in Netherlands is by bike or public transport. Netherlands has an efficient public transport system that includes trains, buses, trams, and metros. Travelers can also rent cars or bikes to explore the countryside.

Where to Go Next from Netherlands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Netherlands is located in the heart of Europe and has several nearby destinations, including:

Belgium: The neighboring country of Belgium is known for its chocolate, beer, and historic cities, including Brussels and Bruges.
Germany: Germany is located to the east of Netherlands and has several cultural and historic sites, including Berlin and Munich.
France: France is located to the south of Netherlands and is known for its culture, cuisine, and art, including Paris and Lyon.

Conclusion

Netherlands offers a unique travel experience with its rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, scenic landscapes, and delicious cuisine. We hope that this comprehensive travel guide has helped you plan your trip to Netherlands and explore the best the country has to offer.