Netherlands

Explore My Netherlands Destination Guide

Firsthand recommendations, practical tips, and itinerary ideas to help you explore the Netherlands with confidence.

Amsterdam

COMING SOON

Netherlands at a Glance

BEST KNOWN FOR

Amsterdam's canals, windmills, tulip fields, cycling culture, museums, charming villages, Dutch cheese and stroopwaffles.

GETTING AROUND

Train network, trams, buses, ferries, and one of the world's most bike friendly countries.

Currency

Euro (€)

Language

Dutch

Budget

$$$$ - Expensive

Best time to visit

Apr - May and Jun - Sep

My Experience in the Netherlands

Before visiting, I thought the Netherlands was mostly about Amsterdam. While I enjoyed exploring the city’s canals, neighborhoods, and local restaurants, I was surprised by how much I loved venturing beyond the capital.

Zaanse Schans offered a glimpse into traditional Dutch life with its iconic windmills, clog-making demonstrations, and local cheese. Giethoorn felt like stepping into a storybook, where canals replace streets and boats replace cars. Utrecht quickly became one of my favorite discoveries, with its picturesque canals, relaxed atmosphere, and vibrant cycling culture. The Netherlands was incredibly easy to explore and proved to be much more diverse than I expected.

Tours & Activities

Discover Amsterdam through canal cruises, neighborhood walks, and experiences worth adding to your itinerary.

EXPLORE AMSTERDAM TOURS

Know Before You Go

Watch for cyclists. They have the right of way in bike lines. Look both ways before crossing and avoid standing or walking in marked bike lanes.

Tap in and tap out. Use the same contactless payment method to check in and more importantly out on most trains, trams, buses, and metros.

Amsterdam is only the beginning. Consider day trips to Utrecht, Zaanse Schans and other towns easily by train instead of spending your entire trip in Amsterdam.

Respect the red-light district. Never photograph or film the workers in the windows. Be respectful while in the area. Remember, it is also a residential neighborhood.

Reserve popular attractions early. Anne Frank House and Keukenhof Gardens often sell out weeks in advance. Book tickets early.