South Holland Travel Guide
Plan your trip to South Holland with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat and stay, and more.
- Introduction to South Holland
- List of Places to Visit in South Holland
- Hiking/Biking Routes of South Holland
- Best Things to Do in South Holland: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for South Holland
- Food and Drink Scene of South Holland
- Where to Stay in South Holland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in South Holland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of South Holland
- Best Time to Visit South Holland
- Do’s and Don’ts of South Holland
- Safety and Health
- Getting to South Holland: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in South Holland
- Where to Go Next from South Holland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to South Holland
South Holland, a province in Western Netherlands, is a unique travel destination that offers a blend of both natural and cultural attractions. Comprising of cities such as The Hague, Rotterdam, and Leiden, it has something for everyone, from art lovers and history buffs to outdoor adventurers and foodies.
List of Places to Visit in South Holland
Here are some of the top places you should visit during your trip to South Holland:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Mauritshuis Museum
- Peace Palace
- Museum De Lakenhal
- Royal Delft
- Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen
Natural Attractions of South Holland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Kinderdijk Windmills
- Keukenhof
- Dunes of South Holland
- Westbroek Park
- Scheveningen Beach
Hiking/Biking Routes of South Holland
South Holland offers several hiking and biking routes. Boasting beautiful landscapes and fields of colorful flowers, these trails offer picturesque views. Here are some popular routes:
- The Green Heart
- The North Sea Trail
- The Cycling Circuit of the Hague
- The Utrecht Hill Ridge
Best Things to Do in South Holland: Activities and Tours
South Holland is full of activities and tours that will enrich your experience while you’re there. Here are some of the must-do activities in South Holland:
- Visit the cheese market of Gouda
- Attend the famous flower parade of Aalsmeer
- Take a canal tour in Leiden
- Explore the Dutch countryside on a bike tour
- Experience the nightlife of Rotterdam
Week-Long Itinerary for South Holland
Here is a suggested itinerary for a week in South Holland:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the Mauritshuis Museum and explore the city center of The Hague |
| 2 | Take a bike tour of Leiden and see the beautiful flower fields of Keukenhof |
| 3 | Explore the windmills of Kinderdijk and the Royal Delft Pottery Factory |
| 4 | Relax on the beaches of Scheveningen and enjoy the local cuisine |
| 5 | Visit the Museum De Lakenhal and stroll around the city center of Leiden |
| 6 | Take a canal tour of Rotterdam and visit the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen |
| 7 | Shop for souvenirs in Rotterdam and depart from the airport |
Food and Drink Scene of South Holland
The cuisine of South Holland is influenced by a combination of traditional Dutch and international flavors. Here are some local dishes and beverages you might want to try:
Must-Try Dishes
- Stamppot - a hearty dish made of mashed potatoes and vegetables
- Bitterballen - deep-fried meatballs that are a popular Dutch snack
- Poffertjes - small, fluffy pancakes soaked in butter and powdered sugar
- Ossenworst - a traditional smoked beef sausage
Local Beverages
- Gin
- Jenever - a traditional Dutch gin
- Heineken beer
- Dutch wine
Where to Stay in South Holland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
South Holland has a variety of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some highly-rated options:
- Hotel Des Indes in The Hague
- CitizenM Hotel in Rotterdam
- Boutique Hotel Steenhof Suites in Leiden
- Jorplace Beach Hostel in Scheveningen
What to Buy in South Holland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
South Holland has a rich history and culture that is reflected in the many unique souvenirs it offers. Here are some items you may want to bring back with you:
- Delftware pottery
- Wooden clogs
- Cheese knives
- Gouda cheese
Local Culture and Customs of South Holland
The Dutch are known for their welcoming and friendly culture. South Holland is no exception. The locals are always willing to help and chat about local culture and traditions. Here are a few customs to keep in mind:
- Shake hands with everyone upon greeting them
- Do not interrupt someone while they are speaking
- It is customary to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home
Best Time to Visit South Holland
The best time to visit South Holland is during the spring (March to May), when the famous Keukenhof gardens are in bloom. The weather is mild, and the scenery is beautiful. Another great time to visit is in the summer (June to August) when the beaches are open and the cities come to life.
Do’s and Don’ts of South Holland
Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your trip to South Holland:
Do:
- Try local cuisine and beverages
- Rent a bike to explore the countryside
- Respect cultural customs and traditions
Don’t:
- Smoke cannabis in public
- Be loud and disruptive during quiet hours
- Wear shoes inside someone’s home
Safety and Health
Safety in South Holland
South Holland is known for being a safe and secure province, but as with any travel destination, it’s best to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions.
Health in South Holland
South Holland has high-quality health care facilities, and travelers can access medical care if needed. It’s important to carry your health insurance documents with you at all times.
Getting to South Holland: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near South Holland
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
- Rotterdam The Hague Airport
Bus Stations Near South Holland
- Leiden Centraal Station
- Rotterdam Centraal Station
- The Hague Central Station
Other Options
- Train: South Holland is well-connected by train
- Car rental: Renting a car is a great option for exploring the countryside
How to Get Around in South Holland
Public transportation in South Holland is reliable, and travelers can easily explore the cities and countryside. Bikes are a popular way to get around, and several rental options are available.
Where to Go Next from South Holland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
South Holland is located in the heart of the Netherlands and offers easy access to other regions and destinations. Here are some nearby places to visit:
- Amsterdam
- Utrecht
- Haarlem
Conclusion
South Holland offers a unique combination of natural and cultural attractions, making it a must-visit destination when traveling to the Netherlands. With beautiful landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality, it’s a great place to explore and create unforgettable memories.
