Western Netherlands Travel Guide

Explore the beauty of Western Netherlands with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, and more!


Introduction to Western Netherlands

Western Netherlands, located in the Benelux region of Europe, is a land of contrasts. It offers iconic cities, stunning landscapes and a cultural heritage that dates back centuries. From the vibrant city of Amsterdam to the charming towns of Utrecht and Haarlem, Western Netherlands has a lot to offer to travelers.

In this travel guide, we’ll show you the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Western Netherlands. We’ll also provide you with some handy tips on food and drink, local culture and customs, safety, and transportation options.

List of Places to Visit in Western Netherlands

Western Netherlands is a treasure trove of beautiful destinations, each with its own unique charm. Here are some of the must-visit places in Western Netherlands:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam: It is the Netherlands’ national museum, and home to thousands of works of art and artifacts, ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day.

  • Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam: It’s one of the most popular museums in the world, featuring more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 800 letters written by Vincent van Gogh.

  • Anne Frank House, Amsterdam: A place of great historical significance, it pays tribute to Anne Frank and her family, who hid from the Nazis during World War II.

  • Keukenhof Gardens, Lisse: It’s a stunning showcase of flowers, including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, and attracts visitors from all over the world.

  • The Hague: It’s home to many museums, the most important being The Mauritshuis, which houses the works of Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Rubens.

  • Kinderdijk: This is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its 19 windmills, which were built in the 18th century.

Natural Attractions of Western Netherlands: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, Haarlem: A beautiful park located close to the city of Haarlem, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the sea, dunes, and forests.

  • Hoge Veluwe National Park, Arnhem: One of the largest and most diverse natural reserves in Western Europe, offering visitors the chance to explore the varied landscapes on foot or by bike.

  • The Wadden Islands: A group of islands in the North Sea, characterized by their long beaches, dunes, and wildlife.

  • Biesbosch National Park, Dordrecht: A natural paradise of rivers, creeks, marshes, and swamplands, where you can discover some of the Netherlands’ rarest birds and animals.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Western Netherlands

Western Netherlands is a perfect destination for hikers and cycling enthusiasts. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Amsterdam to Utrecht route: A beautiful bike ride that takes you through the scenic Dutch countryside, passing by picturesque towns and villages.

  • Hoge Veluwe National Park Route: A scenic bike ride through forests and dunes, with the chance to spot some of the Netherlands’ rarest animals along the way.

  • Zuid-Kennemerland National Park Route: A perfect route for hikers, offering panoramic views of the sea, dunes, and forests.

Best Things to Do in Western Netherlands: Activities and Tours

Western Netherlands offers an endless range of things to do, from exploring the urban delights of Amsterdam to enjoying the natural beauty of the national parks. Here are some of the best things to do in Western Netherlands:

  • Take a canal tour of Amsterdam, and discover the city’s beautiful waterways.

  • Visit the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse during the tulip season and soak up the beauty of the colorful flowers.

  • Visit the beautiful town of Haarlem, with its charming narrow streets and impressive architecture.

  • Go for a hike in the Hoge Veluwe National Park and enjoy the stunning natural scenery.

  • Take a cycling tour through the Dutch countryside and discover the quaint villages and scenic landscapes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Western Netherlands

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for Western Netherlands:

Day Destination
1 Amsterdam
2 Utrecht
3 The Hague
4 Haarlem
5 Keukenhof Gardens
6 Zuid-Kennemerland National Park
7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Western Netherlands

When it comes to food and drink, Western Netherlands offers a delicious range of local cuisine and beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Stroopwafel: A traditional Dutch cookie made with two thin waffles and a sticky caramel filling.

  • Bitterballen: A popular Dutch snack made with a beef ragout filling, coated in breadcrumbs and deep-fried until crispy.

  • Oliebollen: A Dutch delicacy, similar to donuts, often served at Christmas and New Year’s.

  • Herring: A national dish of the Netherlands, traditionally eaten raw with onions.

  • Poffertjes: Miniature Dutch pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar.

Local Beverages

  • Jenever: A traditional Dutch gin, made from juniper berries, and herbs.

  • Heineken: A popular Dutch beer, internationally renowned.

  • Koffie Verkeerd: A Dutch coffee called “wrong coffee,” which is a latte with more milk than coffee.

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

Western Netherlands has plenty of options when it comes to accommodation. Here are some of the best options:

Hotels

  • Pulitzer Amsterdam: A five-star hotel located in the heart of Amsterdam, offering stylish and luxurious accommodation.

  • Grand Hotel Karel V, Utrecht: A five-star hotel set in a beautiful 14th-century monastery, offering a unique and historic experience.

  • Crowne Plaza Den Haag-Promenade: A four-star hotel located in The Hague, offering comfortable and modern accommodation.

Hostels

  • ClinkNOORD Hostel, Amsterdam: A stylish and modern hostel located in Amsterdam’s up-and-coming Noord neighborhood.

  • The Flying Pig Hostel, Utrecht: A quirky hostel located in the heart of Utrecht, offering a fun and friendly atmosphere.

  • The Hague Backpackers Hostel: A clean and modern hostel located in The Hague’s historic center.

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

If you’re looking for souvenirs and local products to bring home, Western Netherlands has plenty to offer:

  • Cheese: The Netherlands is famous for its cheese, and you’ll find a wide range of cheeses, from gouda to edam.

  • Delftware: Beautiful blue and white pottery made in the city of Delft.

  • Stroopwafels: Traditional Dutch cookies, made with two thin waffles and a caramel filling.

  • Clogs: Traditional Dutch wooden shoes, handcrafted in various sizes and designs.

Local Culture and Customs of Western Netherlands

Western Netherlands has a rich cultural heritage, with many traditions and customs that are still practiced today. These include:

  • Biking: The Netherlands is famous for its cycling culture, and it’s a great way to explore the country’s cities and countryside.

  • Tulip season: Every spring, the Netherlands becomes a sea of brightly colored tulips, and the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse is the best place to experience it.

  • Coffee culture: Dutch people love their coffee and will often stop for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake in the middle of the day.

Best Time to Visit Western Netherlands

The best time to visit Western Netherlands is from April to September. This is when the weather is the most pleasant and the flowers are in bloom. However, it’s also high season, so expect crowds and higher prices.

Do’s and Don’ts of Western Netherlands

Do:

  • Rent a bike and explore the country’s beautiful countryside.

  • Visit the Keukenhof Gardens during the tulip season.

  • Try some Dutch delicacies like stroopwafels, herring, and bitterballen.

Don’t:

  • Smoke weed in public places.

  • Leave your bike unlocked, bike theft is common, and lock the bike properly.

  • Take photographs without permission, especially of people and houses.

Safety and Health

Safety in Western Netherlands

The Netherlands is generally a safe country, with low levels of violent crime. However, pickpocketing, bike theft, and scams are common. So be cautious, be especially careful around popular tourist areas.

Health in Western Netherlands

The health system in the Netherlands is excellent, and there are no major health concerns. It’s always advisable to make sure your travel insurance covers any pre-existing conditions and repatriation costs if you must be flown back home.

Getting to Western Netherlands: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Western Netherlands

  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: The largest airport in the Netherlands, located just outside Amsterdam.

  • Rotterdam The Hague Airport: A small airport located halfway between Rotterdam and The Hague.

Bus Stations Near Western Netherlands

  • Amsterdam: Amsterdam Central Station, Amsterdam Marnixstraat, Sloterdijk Station

  • The Hague: The Hague Central Station, Hollands Spoor Station

Other Options

  • High-speed trains: The Netherlands has a great train network, with high-speed trains connecting major cities within the country and further afield.

  • Car rental: Car rental is also a popular option for visitors who want to explore the countryside at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Western Netherlands

The best way to get around Western Netherlands is by public transport system, which is very efficient and cost-effective. The Netherlands is also famous for its cycling culture, and many cities have excellent bike rental schemes.

Where to Go Next from Western Netherlands: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Belgium: A small, charming country that’s famous for its chocolate, beer, and waffles. Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent are all easily accessible by trains.

  • Germany: Western Netherlands is located close to the German border, and cities like Cologne and Düsseldorf are just a few hours away.

Conclusion

Western Netherlands is a destination that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature. Whether you’re exploring the stunning national parks, indulging in Dutch delicacies, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Western Netherlands is sure to be a rewarding travel experience. We hope that this guide has given you the inspiration and information you need to plan your trip to Western Netherlands.

Keukenhof flower park in the municipality of Lisse, South Holland Keukenhof flower park in the municipality of Lisse, South Holland Canal in the city of Delft, South Holland Canal in the city of Delft, South Holland Kinderdijk, a line of several old wind mills. Some of them are open for visitors. Kinderdijk, a line of several old wind mills. Some of them are open for visitors. Konik horses, an old Polish breed, in Oostvaardersplassen Konik horses, an old Polish breed, in Oostvaardersplassen Cube houses in Rotterdam Cube houses in Rotterdam Gouda cheese Gouda cheese


    Flevoland
    North Holland
    South Holland
    Utrecht (province)