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The Netherlands Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 18, 2024

When most people think of traveling in the Netherlands, they think of Amsterdam , with its semi-sleazy Red Light District, charming canals, historic windmills, and laid-back “coffee” shops where you can smoke pot.

But there is much more to the country than its largest city.

The Netherlands is a country filled with centuries-old brick homes, an interconnected system of canals (you can travel most of the country via the water), expansive farmland, and even some really nice beaches. It’s one of my favorite countries in the world. The people are wonderful, there are tons of small towns to explore, and its small size means it’s easy to visit in a short time.

Most travelers come here just to see Amsterdam for a few days before moving on.

Don’t do that.

Spend time exploring outside of Amsterdam and you can discover the country that keeps me coming back every year.

Whether you are backpacking or just traveling on a budget, this Netherlands travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure you make the most out of your time here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on the Netherlands

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in the netherlands.

1. Visit Amsterdam

The capital and center of tourism in the country, Amsterdam is as beautiful as it is crazy. There are famous canals, beautiful and historic houses, tons of parks, a foodie scene, art, coffee shops, and, of course, the infamous Red Light District and its wild nightlife. It’s perfect for exploring by bike and it’s every museum lover’s dream, with exhibitions on everything from Anne Frank to van Gough. Take a free walking tour to really get a feel for the city.

2. Explore Rotterdam

Rotterdam is one of the busiest shipping ports in the world. It may not get the attention Amsterdam does, but this city is a great place to visit if you want good parks and modern architecture (most of the old buildings were bombed in World War II) — including some futuristic cube houses. The port has an interesting harbor to explore (you can learn more about it in the attached Futureworld) and a few decent museums. It’s an often-overlooked city that’s worth a few days of exploring.

3. Take a canal tour

Whether in Amsterdam or in another city, make sure you take a canal tour to see the canals that made the country famous. The canals are such an integral part of life that you can’t really understand the country until you spend time boating on the canals. You can take a tour with a large company (there are tons of different canal tours on offer including a pizza cruise, cruises with wine and cheese, and booze cruises with unlimited drinks) but if you can, I suggest you rent your own boat which is much more affordable (prices start at 50 EUR) and gives you a more intimate experience.

4. Tour Leiden

Head to this small town and see where the Pilgrims lived before they left for America. It’s a historic city and filled with beautiful 17th-century buildings and landscaped parks. There are over a dozen museums in this small city, including the Museum of Antiquities and the National Museum of Ethnology. It also boasts in one of the Netherlands’ largest flower-growing areas. Go in May to catch the best of the tulip season.

5. Wander The Hague

Other things to see and do in the netherlands, 1. day trip to historic haarlem.

Haarlem, located just outside Amsterdam, was a cultural and economic hub during the Dutch Golden Age (1588-1672). Wander the city and take in the historic homes of the merchant class who brought the city to prominence. There’s not a ton to do here but the town center has a good market, a towering Gothic church, and it’s a low-key alternative to the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam. It makes a nice escape for an afternoon.

2. Celebrate King’s Day (Koningsdag)

Every year on April 27th (April 26th if the 27th is a Sunday), the Dutch celebrate the birthday of their King, Willem-Alexander for Koningsdag . For 33 years, they celebrated Queen Beatrix on April 30th as part of Queen’s Day, however, in 2013 she passed the throne to her son so the holiday changed dates, and Queen’s Day became King’s Day. It’s a national holiday filled with outdoor concerts, lots of orange (the national color), plenty of drinking, and insane celebrations on the canals. It is one of the wildest national holidays I’ve ever celebrated.

3. Visit Edam

Edam is a popular cheese from the Netherlands. It’s also a town just 21 kilometers (13 miles) north of Amsterdam. Edam is a picture-perfect Dutch town with iconic windmills, rolling farmland, and quaint houses. It’s one of the most quintessential Dutch towns. You can explore the 18th-century cheese warehouses, go on a boat tour, or just come here to eat cheese and be as Dutch as possible!

4. Head to the Keukenhof

The Keukenhof is the largest flower garden in the world, boasting 79 acres of spectacular floral displays. Located between Amsterdam and The Hague, the garden is open between March and May of each year when the tulips are in season. More than 7 million bulbs are planted annually and the garden has around 800 different types of tulips. When you picture Holland, you picture flowers and there is no better place to see them than here! Admission is 19 EUR.

5. Bike through Hoge Veluwe National Park

Hoge Veluwe National Park is the largest national reserve in the Netherlands. Covering some 55 square kilometers (21 square miles), the park is composed of sand dunes and woodlands and is home to deer, wild sheep, foxes, badgers, boars, and more. You can rent bicycles to explore for 5 EUR. Don’t miss the Kröller-Müller Museum while you’re here. It has works by artists like van Gogh, Picasso, Rodin, and other masters. Admission to the park is 12.30 EUR.

6. Relax in Maastricht

One of the southernmost towns in the Netherlands, this city is famous for having the country’s only “mountain.” At 322 meters high (1,056 feet), Vaalserberg is really more of a hill and doesn’t take long to climb. But this often-overlooked city is a great place to experience Dutch life away from the hordes of tourists who frequent Amsterdam.

7. Go cycling

As one of the most popular activities throughout the country, you would almost feel out of place not on a bike. The Netherlands is covered by over 20,000 kilometers (12,400 miles) of paths dedicated to two-wheeled transportation. Hoge Veluwe National Park is a particularly beautiful place to ride, but the entire landscape of the country is quite scenic as well. Other popular places to cycle are the Dunes of Texel National Park, Kinderdijk (to see the windmills), and Lauwersmeer National Park. Bike rentals cost around 10-12 EUR per day.

8. Tour Delft

This is a fascinating little town, making it the perfect destination for a day trip. The town is known for its blue pottery (Delftware), but has a handful of other worthwhile sights to see too, including a Gothic church in the old town with a leaning tower (the foundation developed problems during construction); the Oostpoort, a city gate from 1400 that remains from the original city wall; and the stout City Hall building, part of which dates to the 17th century. The town lies just 20 minutes from The Hague and Rotterdam so you can visit as a day trip from either.

9. Admire van Gogh’s work

Open since 1973, this museum in Amsterdam is host to over 500 original works by Vincent van Gogh, in addition to works by some of his contemporaries and friends. The exhibits chronicle his life, showing the progress and development of his work, alongside Gaugain, Monet, and Toulouse-Lautrec. Van Gogh didn’t earn fame in his lifetime and was actually constantly struggling with poverty, making his accomplishments all the more impressive and inspiring. Admission is 20 EUR. Note: Pre-book tickets online to avoid massive queues when you arrive.

10. Visit “Venice of the North”

Slow-paced Giethoorn, located east of Amsterdam, is a charming place with lots of picturesque canals. With no cars allowed in the city center, this peaceful town is a good change of pace from the busyness of the Netherlands’ larger cities. Rent a small boat and spend the day floating by charming cottages and enjoying the slower pace of life.

11. Learn about the Netherlands’ past

Opened in 1912, the Netherlands Open Air Museum is a sprawling 100-acre space that highlights what life was like in historic Netherlands. You can see traditional cabins and houses, learn about trades and crafts, and discover more about the country’s history from the Middle Ages to the present. The museum is located in Arnhem and is a great place to visit with kids. Admission is 19.50 EUR.

12. Have fun at an amusement park

Efteling, in Kaatsheuvel, is one of the oldest theme parks in the world (it opened in 1952) and is the Netherlands’ biggest amusement park. It has all the usual theme park attractions like rollercoasters, games, and performances and is open year-round (each season has different features like fairy lights and bonfires in the winter, and tulips and Dutch terraces in the spring). Admission costs 38 EUR (prices vary by day and season). You need a reservation as well as a ticket.

  For more information on cities in the country, check out these guides:

• Amsterdam Travel Guide
• The Hague Travel Guide
• Rotterdam Travel Guide
• Utrecht Travel Guide

The Netherlands Travel Costs

Accommodation – Hostels typically cost between 15-35 EUR per night for a bed in a dorm with 6-8 beds. The most popular hostels in Amsterdam can be closer to 50 EUR in the summer so avoid visiting in peak season if you’re on a budget (and book early if you do). Private rooms in hostels cost at least 65 EUR per night for a room that sleeps two (closer to 115 EUR in Amsterdam). Free Wi-Fi is standard, and many hostels also have self-catering facilities. In some cities, the hostels close in winter.

Camping is available around the country, with campgrounds costing around 10-15 EUR per night for a basic plot without electricity.

Budget hotels with basic amenities such as free Wi-Fi, TV, and AC cost around 55-85 EUR per night. Expect to pay 10-20 EUR more in Amsterdam and The Hague.

Airbnb is also an option, with private rooms averaging around 50 EUR per night (it’s more like 80 EUR in Amsterdam) and entire homes (including studio apartments) averaging around 100 EUR per night (but again, much higher in Amsterdam). Book early or prices can double.

Food – The Netherlands isn’t famous for its food, but there’s still good stuff to be had. Dutch cuisine typically involves lots of vegetables, bread, and cheeses (gouda originated here). Meat, while historically not as prominent, is a staple of dinner meals. Breakfast and lunch usually involve open-faced sandwiches, often with cheeses and cold cuts. Dinners are very much a “meat and potatoes” meal, with meat stews and smoked sausage being two popular choices. For those with a sweet tooth, the stroopwafel (a waffle cookie with a syrup filling) is the go-to choice, though apple tarts/pies are also local favorites.

Other things to try include poffertjes (fluffy mini-pancakes served with powdered sugar), gouda and edam cheeses, and patat (thick-cut fries with toppings).

Cheap meals at fast food joints or places like Maoz or Walk to Wok cost around 10-15 EUR. Casual restaurant meals average around 15-20 EUR for a main dish while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 30-35 EUR.

Chinese food costs between 10-15 EUR while a large pizza costs around the same. Beer costs 5 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is 3 EUR. Bottled water is around 2 EUR.

If you cook your meals, expect to pay around 40-65 EUR per week for groceries. This gets you basic staples like pasta, seasonal vegetables, rice, and some meat.

Backpacking the Netherlands Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking the Netherlands, expect to spend around 65 EUR per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, cooking most of your meals, using local transportation to get around, and doing mostly free activities like walking tours and lounging in the parks.

On a mid-range budget of about 160 EUR, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, enjoy some fast food and other cheap eats, have a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around or rent a bike, and do more paid activities like guided tours and museum visits.

On a “luxury” budget of 280 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car to explore, and do as many paid tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

The Netherlands Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

While not the most expensive country in Europe, the Netherlands isn’t super cheap either. Here are some ways to help save money in the Netherlands so you don’t blow your budget:

• Limit your partying – Many people go to Amsterdam to party — and to smoke pot. While the city is cracking down on this, it’s still an unnecessary expense that can add up quickly. Limit your smoking (and limit your expenses in the coffee shops; you don’t need to buy something in every shop).
• Get the Museumkaart (Museum Card) – Good for one month for non-residents, this card gets you into several museums for only 64.90 EUR. You get access to 400 museums throughout the Netherlands and it’s good for repeat visits as well! If you’re visiting multiple cities in the country, this is a must! Compare the price to the museums you want to visit to see if it’s worth it for you.
• Bike everywhere – Biking is the cheapest form of transportation. You can rent a bike for only a few euros a day. While most Dutch cities are easily walkable, cycling is what the locals do. It’s the most bike-friendly country in the world so don’t pass up the chance to explore on two wheels. Prices average around 10-15 EUR per day but can be as low as 5 EUR.
• Attend a free festival – During the summer, everyone goes outside. Check local tourism boards for a list of free concerts, festivals, shows, and markets. Once the weather gets warm, the social calendar fills up!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a service that lets travelers stay with locals for free. It’s a fun cultural exchange platform that not only saves you money but connects you with a local who can share their insider tips. Since a lot of travelers use this service, make your requests for hosts early (especially in Amsterdam).
• Cook your own food – Dutch food isn’t going to win any culinary awards (sorry, my Dutch friends) so skip the restaurants and cook your own food. It saves you a ton!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in the Netherlands

Here are some of my favorite places to stay in the Netherlands:

• St. Christopher’s (Amsterdam)
• Hostel Room (Rotterdam)
• Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel (Rotterdam)
• Pink Flamingo Hostel (The Hague)
• Kingkool (The Hague)
• Stayokay Utrecht Centrum (Utrecht)
• Hostel Strowis (Utrecht)

How to Get Around the Netherlands

Public transportation – It’s easy to use public transportation to get around the Netherlands’ cities. One-way fares in major cities start at 4 EUR. All public transportation uses an OV-chipkaart, which you can load with money. You can also get a day travel pass (starting cost is 7-9.50 EUR).

Bus – Buses are an affordable way to get around the Netherlands, but they aren’t as fast or efficient as the train. Flixbus is the cheapest bus operator. A trip from Amsterdam to Rotterdam costs as little as 3 EUR and takes just over 1 hour, while Amsterdam to The Hague can be done for the same cost and takes 40-50 minutes.

Train – The Netherlands is so small that all major tourist destinations in the country are within a 2.5-hour train journey from Amsterdam. The national rail system is Nederlandse Spoorwegen and their service is clean and efficient. Train travel in the Netherlands is a thing of beauty!

You can use the official rail site to look up itineraries and ticket prices. Intercity train tickets around Holland are cheap and cost between 10-20 EUR, though for super short distances, they can be as little as 5 EUR. Amsterdam to Rotterdam is 11 EUR and takes 40 minutes while Amsterdam to The Hague is also 11 EUR and takes 50 minutes.

The national rail service also has special tour programs for travelers. This gives you unlimited travel throughout a period of consecutive days (such as 3-8 days of unlimited travel in a 30-day period). There’s also the Benelux Pass, which gives you access to public transportation like trams and buses for a certain number of days. Prices begin around 109 EUR and go up to 206 EUR depending on how many days you want (maximum is 8 days in a month).

To find routes and prices for trains around Europe, use Trainline .

Ridesharing – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by paying a small fee. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train and is perfect for medium and long-distance trips.

Bike rental – The Netherlands is one of the best cycling countries in the world and bike rentals here are cheap. You can rent bikes starting for around 10-15 EUR per day (sometimes as little as 5 EUR).

Car Rental – Car rentals can be as low as 25 EUR per day, but the bus and train systems in the Netherlands are so excellent and affordable that you really don’t even need to bother. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to the Netherlands

The Netherlands receives the most tourist traffic from mid-April to mid-October, but the real peak season is July and August. However, the weather is never very extreme, and visiting during the off-season or shoulder season is also worth your time. Prices are also a lot more affordable during the off-season, and if you come between mid-April and mid-May you can see the incredible tulip fields in bloom. Just bring a rain jacket.

The average daily summer temperature is around 19°C (67°F), but it can get a lot hotter than that during July and August. The average daily temperature in the winter is 2°C (35°F). Still, coming here during the Christmas season is always a good time as the cities light up with markets and festivities.

Since the Netherlands is located below sea level, you can expect to encounter a few days of fog or rain no matter when you visit. The winters can be damp as well. Be sure to pack a warm layer or two and a waterproof jacket if you’re visiting in the shoulder season or the winter.

How to Stay Safe in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel – even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. Violent attacks are rare, as is petty theft.

There are a few common scams around, however, such as people trying to sell you used public transit tickets or stolen bikes. Avoid interacting with them and you’ll be fine.

If you’re worried about other travel scams, you can read about the most common travel scams to avoid right here.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

The Netherlands Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

The Netherlands Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling the Netherlands and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hotels in Amsterdam

The Best Walking Tours in Amsterdam

Where to Stay in Amsterdam: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 34 Best Things to See and Do in Amsterdam

The 9 Best Hostels in Amsterdam

My Suggested 3-5 Day Itinerary for Visiting Amsterdam

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Backpacking the Netherlands: EPIC Budget Travel Guide • 2024

The Netherlands. That’s the place where everyone rides bikes around the red light district with a joint in hand? Well, not quite – but that sounds cool.

The beloved capital city, Amsterdam, is unarguably one of the coolest cities in the whole world . Endless streams of bikes, tulip-lined canals, and the smell of Mary Jane floating under everyone’s nose. 

But what about the rest of the Netherlands? Ah, yes! You’ll be happy to know, the magic also lies well beyond the canals of the capital! 

There’s something about the Dutch that makes backpacking the Netherlands one of the best travel experiences. Their laidback attitude, vibrant party energy, and efficient approach to modern life is refreshing – to say the least.

But millions of tourists in a tiny country mean one thing: hugely inflated prices. The Dutch aren’t stupid. While backpacking The Netherlands can be done cheaply, you’re really going to have to work for it.

In this backpacking the Netherlands travel guide, you’ll find valuable secrets about travelling in this country. There’s an art to finding the best place to stay in the Netherlands.

Planning a trip to the Netherlands quickly becomes how can I stay longer? Let’s get started!

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Why Go Backpacking in The Netherlands?

Despite popular belief, The Netherlands and Holland aren’t exactly the same thing. Holland is in the Netherlands: it’s a region in the western part. Though, this is also the area with the most exciting places to visit. 

Geography lesson over, it is, unequivocally, one of my favourite European countries to visit . The people are awesome, getting around is super easy, and there are endless good times. There’s always an excuse to fly to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. 

The country is simply poetic. The fields are green and dotted with windmills, and everything just works. Dutch cities are well connected and kinda cute as far as cities go. 

The Netherlands is often reduced to one destination: Amsterdam . While there is a good reason for this – Amsterdam is indeed very charming – there is MUCH more to the country than this one city.

The real reason to visit The Netherlands is the culture. Dutch people are among the most laid back that I’ve met and never take themselves too seriously. Dutch festivals and concerts, some of the best environments to get to know the locals, become special memories.

The Netherlands is not a big country – it does not require months or even weeks to appreciate. For this reason, it is often relegated to a weekend trip or maybe a stopover when backpacking between France and Germany.

But this is also one of its greatest strengths. You don’t need to invest a lot in The Netherlands to have fun. You can just show up, go for a walk, ride a bike, pop into a pub, and fun will follow.

Visiting The Netherlands is always a great idea for your European holiday. 

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking The Netherlands

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Your itinerary for The Netherlands can vary considerably from other travellers. If you arrive at Amsterdam airport, anywhere in Holland is barely further than Amsterdam itself. So actually, you could easily start your backpacking itinerary almost anywhere in the Netherlands. 

Here are a few suggestions for your Dutch travel itinerary. 

5-Day Travel Itinerary for The Netherlands – Holland Highlights

For a 5-day itinerary for visiting The Netherlands, you’ll be pressed for time – even in this small country. 

I recommend you commit at least 2 days to Amsterdam. It’s easy to make a couple of short day trips for the time you have remaining. 

Once you arrive in Holland, either base yourself in Amsterdam or one of the neighbouring cities. If you stay in Amsterdam , you will obviously get to experience more of it. 

If you prefer the latter option (either because it’s cheaper or quieter), I suggest staying in Utrecht or Haarlem and making day trips.

When visiting Amsterdam, be sure to set aside lots of time for just wandering. Whilst there is lots to see and do in Amsterdam, simply getting lost along the canals is good. 

The nightlife in Amsterdam is absolutely top notch. If you’re here for the party, allocate some time for recovery too. 

Take a day for Utrecht – the smaller, quainter version of Amsterdam complete with its own canals. This university city has some of the best vibes in the country and it’s nice to stay in too.

Haarlem is Amsterdam’s closest neighbour. Expect something similar visually but minus some chaos. It’s not got the same magic but a much more chilled vibe. 

Rotterdam and The Hague are also good places to stay in The Netherlands. They’re cool destinations in their own right and make perfect bases. 

Rotterdam is the ultra-contemporary, maybe slightly sterile, version of Holland. It offers cool modern architecture and very laid-back locals. 

The Hague is a good place to see older Gothic-style buildings. It’s also one of the best places in the Netherlands to enjoy the beach.

10-Day Travel Itinerary for the Netherlands – North or South?

This is an expanded version of the previous 5-day Dutch itinerary. Let’s shake it up a bit and start this backpacking the Netherlands itinerary in Rotterdam . 

Staying in Rotterdam , The Hague, or Utrecht instead of Amsterdam are all worthwhile ideas. If you’re stuck choosing between Amsterdam vs Rotterdam , remember that you can spend a couple of days hanging in one of these and still have time to go to the capital.

Check out Rotterdam – the cube houses make an interesting picture at the very least. The harbour is a great place to see the city too. You can take easily some day trips from Rotterdam too. 

You could stretch your legs to Maastricht if you’re feeling adventurous. If you’re going to cross to Belgium, maybe save Maastrict for later.

Make a stopover in Delft , if you have time. This mini-city doesn’t usually make it on travellers’ itineraries but it’s an easy stop to see a different side of The Netherlands. 

Then, head onwards to The Hague . Stroll through the parks and enjoy the best of Dutch city life. In The Hague, you’ll find one of the nicest beach towns in the Netherlands, Scheveningen . 

After some peace, head to Haarlem for a warm-up before the big one, Amsterdam . You’ll want to set aside at least 2 days for Dam because you probably won’t want to leave. 

With more days, you’ll have time for some exhibitions or museums. If I were to choose one that I recommend you should see in Amsterdam, maybe the Anne Frank house because it’s very humbling.

2-Week Travel Itinerary for The Netherlands – Offbeat and Further Afield

Now we’re talking. With 2 weeks backpacking The Netherlands, you’ll see the more authentic sides of the country! You’ve got time for all the top cities in The Netherlands and some off-beat places too.

Get your fill of Amsterdam – 2 or 3 days should be good to discover it’s famous spots and hidden gems . Then, we’re northbound.

Check out the Frisian Islands . Though bring a coat if you’re heading to the beach. Even in summer, it gets chilly!

When you’re on your way south, make a stop in Utrecht . Take your time to find the quaint, hidden bars, cafes, and coffee shops. A bit of all the best of the Netherlands packed into one little stop. 

From here, Hoge Veluwe National Park isn’t too far off the radar. Arnhem is the gateway of Hoge Veluwe. Reach the best corners of the park with a bike and a picnic.

Then take a train or bus down to Rotterdam and The Hague . Check out the previous Holland itineraries for day-trips from there. 

If you’re planning on going to Belgium or Germany afterwards, visiting the border cities of Groningen (in the North) or Maastricht (in the South) makes sense as well. Or maybe just forget about those places and stay a while longer in The Netherlands. 😉

I have to say, I haven’t been disappointed anywhere while backpacking The Netherlands. That’s really saying something.

So pick a place on the map and go and enjoy. There are just some places that are absolute standouts. Here are some top places to visit in The Netherlands.

Visiting Amsterdam

Ah Amsterdam, my love… This city always gives me that sense-of-home feeling. 

What’s the first thing you think of when you think about visiting Amsterdam ? Partying, the Anne Frank House, the red light district, tulips, recreational drug use, Heineken? You’d be absolutely right that they all make this capital city one of the most unique places in the world to visit. 

As “big cities” go in the Netherlands (which is not saying a lot), Amsterdam is the biggest. It’s also – surprisingly – one of the most chill capital cities that I can think of. There’s not a lot of traffic or noise pollution, and it’s really easy to get around. 

But maybe you’re thinking, I’m not into drugs or partying . Well, there’s still plenty to see in Amsterdam that doesn’t involve getting blasted.

Solo travellers, friends, families, couples, ex-couples, come here to delve into this interesting city and experience something unique.

Ultimately, the best way to experience Amsterdam is grab a bike, go for a ride along the canals and parks, and stop when something seems interesting. You’ve no shortage of interesting places to stop.

But the debauchery? Besides it being a stunning place to be, it’s a place you can get away with things you wouldn’t at home. Whilst not everything in Amsterdam is allowed, it is an extremely open place. 

Cheeky little space cake while visiting the Rijksmuseum ? Take magic mushrooms before going to the Van Gough Museum ?

The infamous prostitution area, Red Light District is famous the world over. It’s also the world’s best people-watching spot.

The ONLY downside of this place is that is it no longer a secret. Prices are soaring year after year. Ripping off tourists has never been easier – and they take full advantage. 

So it’s losing a little bit of its spark. Yet I still always find myself back there…

Visiting Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a complete 180 from Amsterdam. After being completely levelled during World War II, the city had to completely rebuild itself. Today, this means towering skyscrapers, ultra-modern architecture, and converted warehouses.

Locals swear down that Rotterdam is better than Amsterdam. For some people, this is definitely the truth.

Rotterdam even has an area officially deemed (no-joke) ‘The Cool District’ complete with a Mobile Suit Gundam Statue. How many other places have a statue of Santa holding a giant butt plug too. (This isn’t a joke either).

Insider tip: one of the coolest coffeeshops in the Netherlands I went to was in Rotterdam – The Reef . If you’re interested, of course.

There are so many weird and funky buildings in this city that some areas feel like open-air modern art museums. Staying in a cool hostel in Rotterdam is also a great way to appreciate this.

The Cube Houses and Market Hall are worth a visit and De Rotterdam hotel is probably the most interesting skyscraper in the city. Photographers will really enjoy visiting the Netherlands Photo Museum as well.

Walk across the iconic Erasmusbrug bridge and then head for Katendrecht . This former industrial area once hosted derelict warehouses; now they’re all been converted into breweries, food halls, and music venues.

Try as it might, Rotterdam doesn’t have the same spark. Business and trade are its primary focuses and the port, once the busiest in the world, is the centre of the city. 

Beyond the architecture, you’ll have to search a bit for things to do in Rotterdam. Though it does make a great base to get off the beaten path in the Netherlands a little. Take a day trip to nearby Delft – or Belgium, if you wanna stretch it a bit further.

Visiting The Hague

The Hague or Den Haag in Dutch (that’s useful to know for the signs) is the administrative and royal capital of The Netherlands. It is the home of the International Court of Justice and the royal family.

It is, altogether, a very quintessentially Dutch city. You’ll find antique royalist buildings lined by streaming canals and plenty of peaceful spaces to soak it all in.

The Mauritshuis (Dutch art) is one of the best places to visit in The Hague. You’ll see famous artwork from Rembrant and cast your eyes on the Girl with the Pearl Earring. 

The Binnenhof is a gorgeous row of buildings set against a man-made lake; photographers will love to shoot this spot. There are lots of excellent museums in The Hague as well, like the Gemeentemuseum (modern art) and the Panorama Mesdag. 

The Madurodam miniature museum, though kitschy and touristy as hell, is also fun. It features a series of historical sites in The Netherlands built at 1:25 scale. If you ever had a Godzilla fantasy, then this would be the place to do it. (Don’t go full Godzilla.)

Another thing that makes Den Haag a fabulous place to visit in the Netherlands is the beach. The beautiful seaside town of Scheveningen can be reached by bike in 20 minutes. Especially in summer, you’ll find huge crowds of people in very high spirits.

It’s a very different experience in the winter and the summer. Stretch your legs in the sand dunes, take an ice cream, and – if you’re feeling brave – go for a dip in the North Sea.

Visiting Utrecht

Utrecht is one of The Netherlands’s best-kept secrets. This university mini-city is like Amsterdam’s cooler, younger sibling. 

You’ll still find the typical dutch setting of postcard buildings, reflecting their image back in the canal waters. But there’s one major difference: there are barely any tourists.  

Locals and backpackers think very fondly of Utrecht. It’s full of hidden gems that you can bounce around.

The central attraction in Utrecht is the imposing Dom Tower . This is a good place to orient yourself. Around this tower are lots of quaint craft stores and cafes to find unique trinkets.

The main canal, Oudegracht, runs right through the heart of the city. Unlike the canals of Amsterdam, this waterway still has its original cellars on the banks, historically, used for storing goods being transported along the river.

Nowadays, the cellars host super charming waterfront restaurants and cafes. If you like live music, head for ‘t Oude Pothuys along the canal.

But the best place in Utrecht has to be the Belgisch Biercafe Olivier. Not only does it have a FANTASTIC beer selection but it also has a fascinating story to go along with it. 

Thanks to the students, the city feels young and vibrant. Nights are usually happening and there is a lot of good energy around. There are quite a few awesome hostels in Utrecht , making it a great spot for budget backpackers too.

Visiting Maastricht

Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in The Netherlands and probably one of the most lowkey. Far fewer tourists and an easygoing local attitude make Maastricht a very easy place to explore.

There’s lots of old, medieval and Roman architecture to see and no sense of urgency. People call Maastricht one of the most beautiful places to visit in The Netherlands. You can get yourself stuck here for more than a couple of days.

The most noteworthy structure in town is the St Servaas Church in the centre of town. The Basilica of Our Lady , with its distinct, monolithic facade, is also worth visiting and can be reached by walking from St Servaas.

Aside from these usual attractions, there are a couple of other things to do in Maastricht. The city is famous for its 13th-century caverns that were used for shelter during bombing runs. Further outside the city, you’ll also find the highest mountain in The Netherlands, Vaalserberg , a staggering 322 meters high.

Visiting Hoge Veluwe National Park

Ah the great outdoors! In The Netherlands! 

Yes, there are things to do in The Netherlands that don’t involve brown bars or getting baked in coffee shops. You can get high here the old fashioned way: in the woods and nature of Holland’s largest national park .

Hoge Veluwe is located smack bang in the middle of the country. It is fairly large and actually features quite a few varied landscapes including forests, sand dunes, and meadows. It isn’t the Alps, by any means, but it is still charming in its own special way.

Most people explore Hoge Veluwe by bike through the extensive system of trails. There are several bike stations throughout the park where you can pick up a set of wheels. The entrance ticket allows you to rent these for free.

One of the coolest parts of Hoge Veluwe is the Kröller-Müller Museum . This museum, located inside the park, hosts one of the largest collections of Van Gogh in the world, including the lauded “Gates of Eternity” piece. Given Van Gogh’s interest in landscapes later in life, a national park seems an appropriate place to preserve his work.

Architecture buffs should also visit the old residence of Jachthuis Sint Hubertus inside the park. The opulent building puts most lakeside mansions to shame.

There are a couple of ways to enter Hoge Veluwe. The most convenient way is via the small town of Arnhem . Arnhem is a cool little spot for accommodation options for those who want to stick around. Also, there’s a great pub called Sugar Hill that makes a bomb burger.

Visiting Groningen

Groningen, the largest Dutch city in the north, is kinda ‘far’ in Netherlands terms. If you only have a shorter time for a backpacking itinerary in the Netherlands, you might not think to go to Groningen. 

It’s about 2 hours north of Amsterdam. For this reason, few tourists actually make it this far. But their loss is our gain.

It’s not actually within Holland either. Aside from feeling much more local, Groningen has a sizable student population and a pretty damn good nightlife as well.

The most prominent landmark in Groningen is the Martini Belltower (like the drink), in Grote Markt . Go and ask for it shaken, not stirred, and try and look original. Spoiler alert: you won’t look original. 

While Gronigen is a pretty city to walk around, complete with all the usual Dutch hallmarks like canals and boathouses, it really stands out after hours. There are some very cool bars in Groningen and Dutch students come here for the weekend to get their kicks.

Check out the best bars in Groningen: Groote Griet, Kleine Griet, and De Drie Gezusters . The holy trinity will bring you to your knees – probably in a bathroom stall, bent over a toilet. They are big, they are rowdy, AND they’re all connected access to one means access to all 3. 

Football fans will also appreciate that Groningen has a team, the launching point of Luis Suarez’s career. (No ear jokes).

If you have the chance, make a day trip to Giethoorn from Groningen. This is a tiny little village with tiny canals and tiny little homes. It’s like if everyone in Hobbiton owned a boat and built a moat.

Getting off the Beaten Path in The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a damn small country. Half an hour in any direction means you’re already travelling off the beaten path . 

Public transport is world-class. Bike lanes are world- leading . There’s really no excuse to not stretch your legs a bit. 

Just about everywhere in The Netherlands is a day trip away from Amsterdam. This is, after all, a very small country in Europe. So make the most of this great opportunity to go where most people don’t bother.

• Haarlem – A beautiful Medieval town, close to Amsterdam. Features a very impressive Gothic Church and square – good for afternoon beers. Saturdays are the local Grote Markt.
• Leiden – Birthplace of Rembrandt. A windmill stands in the middle of a park side canal. Lots of natural history museums. Leiden is a bit further from Amsterdam but makes a good stop on your way to Den Haag.
• Noordwijk – I couldn’t go without a shoutout to this special place. Home to the best hostel in Europe .
• Gouda – I went with no expectations and ended up meeting cool locals who invited me to a party. There’s nothing here – but there are cool people.
• Kinderdijk – Windmills, tulip fields, bicycles, canals; the only thing missing from this postcard Dutch town is a tap dancer in wooden clogs. A good day trip from Amsterdam for travel photos.
• Lisse – Home to the Keukenhof Gardens. You’re going to see tulips everywhere in mid-April, but Keukenhof is la creme de la creme. It’s only open in the spring when the flowers are in bloom. 
• Alkmaar – The so-called “cheese capital of Holland.” Come here if you fancy a bit of cheese mongering and stealth farts.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

When you’re backpacking the Netherlands, you should always encourage yourself out of your comfort zone a bit. By doing so, you’re opening the door to all the best experiences.

Here are some of the best things to do in The Netherlands.

1. Ride a bike

Yes, you have to ride a bike when you visit The Netherlands. You will look a fool at first, but it is mandatory. Fly around the canals of Amsterdam or the great outdoors of Hoge Veluwe National Park.

2. Go to a coffee shop

Stoners – coming to chill – with other stoners. Whether you’re solo travelling in the Netherlands or with companions, these places are magic. There’s nowhere in the world so social, like coffeeshops.

I mean, maybe you’re not into the devil’s lettuce. That’s cool. You can straight pass on this one.

But maybe you’re curious? 😉 Where better than The Netherlands to try it out?

3. Attend a Dutch festival

The Dutch host some of the best festivals in the world . From the national holiday of King’s Day to gay pride, these people know how to celebrate better than anyone else. It’s not just a top thing to do in The Netherlands – but your life.

4. See the tulips

Yes, it’s your typical tourist picture: you go to The Netherlands in April/early May to catch the tulip season. But do you know why it’s so popular? Because it’s amazing!

There are many tulip gardens to see: Keukenhof Gardens are the most famous. You may think it’s a bit touristy for you but, honestly, I was so impressed that I’m recommending it here!

If you’re really on a budget, you can head further afield (this is where the bike is useful, again) and find tulips everywhere.

5. Go on a canal cruise

You can walk or ride around The Netherlands all you like. But you’re guaranteed to see a different perspective from the water! Canal cruises teach you loads about the place you’re in, plus they know how to have a good time in the process.

6. Getaway to Amsterdam’s more authentic neighbour: Utrecht

Yes, Amsterdam is amazing . But it’s also overflowing with tourists.

For a breath of fresh air and a more local experience, head to Dam’s little brother, Utrecht. Complete with its own canals, stunning streets, and even a mini red-light district, it’s one of those places to visit in The Netherlands that just makes you feel glad you went.

7. Kickback in Maastricht

By Dutch standards, Maastricht is on the fringe. Fewer tourists visit, locals are more idiosyncratic, and life moves at a different pace here. For a more alternative adventure in Holland, head to Maastricht and just chillax. Laze about the town, appreciate fine buildings, eat and drink when you want, and be content.

8. Eat Stroopwafel

No Netherlands travel guide is worth a damn if it doesn’t mention the gloriousness that is the stroopwafel.

A confectionery wonder, an afternoon delight, a gift from God; call the caramel waffle sandwich what you will. They are one of the best treats on the entire planet. (I’m in withdrawal from them, obviously.)

9. Visit a (few) museum(s)

Trying to figure out what to do in Amsterdam first? Going to a museum is a good place to start. These exhibitions are certainly impressive.

Learn about artists like Rembrandt at the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gough Museum . See dead bodies preserved for science at Body Worlds . Or, my personal favourite, the NEMO Science Museum (thank me later).

10. Getaway to the Frisian Islands

The Frisians are indeed one of the more offbeat places to visit in The Netherlands. Yet, they really aren’t that hard to get to.

The gateway, Texel, can be reached by public transit from Amsterdam and the outer islands are connected by the ferry. One could conceivably island-hop as well with a good bike and the ferry!

Staying in Amsterdam while backpacking in The Netherlands is going to mean paying more for accommodation. I mean, it’s awesome but a budget trip to The Netherlands means budget backpacker accommodation – or considering staying outside Amsterdam.

I have seen dorms range from around $20 to more than $100 per bed! So as you can see… they’re gonna rip tourists off whenever they can.

Utrecht is one of my favourite places to stay in The Netherlands. It’s more low-key and less expensive than Amsterdam. There are plenty of cool hostels in Utrecht as well.

You could stay in Rotterdam or The Hague. You’ll probably be making day trips out of here to liven up your Holland itinerary though. 

Hostels in The Netherlands are sweet. Really, I can’t stress how much fun is going on in these places.

Amsterdam’s hostel scene is bouncing. Some, like Generator Amsterdam or WOW Amsterdam , are super modern; others, like Strowis Hostel in Utrecht, are more rustic and ooze character. I like my Dutch hostels like my Dutch bars : the browner, the better. The old skool way.

I have to give a shoutout here to a special place – The Flying Pig Beach Hostel in Noordwijk . Although this hostel has been a victim of the pandemic and is no longer the bouncing party hostel it used to be, there is still magic in the walls.

It’s easily the best hostel in Europe that I’ve been to, where I met people who changed my life. This place has become  home for many people and it alone is a reason to visit The Netherlands.

If you have a little extra cash and value more privacy, there is an amazing selection of Airbnbs in The Netherlands ! The problem is – because they’re so awesome – they’re often amazingly expensive too.  

Personally, I’d avoid hotels if possible. Most are sterile, inconveniently located, overpriced, and not really social.

Couchsurfing is also a good option when backpacking in The Netherlands. Dutch people are pretty open when it comes to sharing their personal space with others. There’s sometimes a beer in the fridge too.

The Best Places to Stay in The Netherlands

This is a tough one because there are so many amazing places to stay in The Netherlands! But here are some places to put on your hit list.

Look, no beating around the bush: The Netherlands is expensive. There are a few reasons for this but the main reason is because people love it. Accommodation, food, tours, even just using a toilet can cost you more than it would in most places.

The Netherlands is one of the more expensive European countries, especially Amsterdam can be especially expensive as well. But for those with good spending habits, The Netherlands can still be an affordable place to visit.

A low-medium daily budget is $50 – $70 USD. This will get you a bed in a hostel, a few drinks, cooking at home, some transport, and some sensible tourism activities. By ‘sensible tourism activities’ I mean maybe the odd museum or canal ride – they can cost you around $20+ a pop. 

Everywhere can always be done on a budget – and the Netherlands is no exception. Seasoned broke backpackers can install their usual budget travel tactics . Prepare your own food, volunteer, get a bike instead of using public transport – these are all killer starter moves.

Eating out in The Netherlands is expensive. Cooking at home is too but it’s considerably cheaper. Too Good To Go is one of the best travel apps to get discount food that would otherwise be thrown away.

I love how efficient the trains are but the buses are cheaper. You can get different types of public transport passes in the Netherlands to save money. You could also rent a bike for longer periods – which can be cheaper than renting for a day, starting around $12.

You can find cheaper hostels in the Netherlands, with a keen eye, for around $20. Camping is a cheaper option, and really fun, but you need to prepare for wet weather. Couchsurfing is the ultimate cheapskate hack.

Fun might it be, partying in the Netherlands is pricey . Drinking out is expensive and drugs are more expensive. Get the party started with cheap(er) drinks at the supermarket.

Listen, there are barely any ‘free’ things to do in the Netherlands. You’ll have to really keep your eyes peeled for free things to do because they really are few and far between.

So if you have a tight budget, choose your attractions wisely. You can buy an Amsterdam pass to get unlimited entries.

A Daily Budget in the Netherlands

Here’s a little run down of how a daily budget for travelling The Netherlands can look:

Money in the Netherlands

The Netherlands uses the Euro as currency. It’s perfect to interchange between other Eurozone countries. 

As of June 2022, 1 Euro = $1.05  USD .

So it’s pretty easy to work with. It’s basically 1:1.

ATMs are everywhere, though watch out for the ones that have hidden charges attached. Always extract money in your own currency to avoid conversion rates and make sure you have a good grasp on your travel banking before you go. 

Travelling in the Netherlands can be completely cashless. I have had many trips only carrying my credit card. Almost everywhere accepts Visa and MasterCard now as a minimum. 

You can take cash and exchange it. Though expect to get ripped off at exchange stores.

For all matters of finance and accounting on the road, The Broke Backpacker strongly recommends Wise – The Artist Formerly Known as Transferwise! Our favourite online platform for holding funds, transferring money, and even paying for goods, Wise is a 100% FREE platform with considerably lower fees than Paypal or traditional banks.

But the real question is… is it better than Western Union? Yes, it most certainly is.

Travel Tips – The Netherlands on a Budget

Travelling to the Netherlands on a budget? Here are some ways to cut the costs of a trip with a few handy travel tips:

• Try Couchsurfing – How’s a free bed sound? Finding a place to crash isn’t always easy but when you do score one, it’s a sweet deal. Hosts are friendly and show you a different side of the country.
• Sleep outside of Amsterdam – Amsterdam is fun, but it ain’t cheap. You can find a cheaper stay in neighbouring towns, like Utrecht or Haarlem, and then make day trips to the capital.
• Camping – Camping is a budget backpacker’s best buddy. You’ll just need a good backpacking tent to stand the (terribly) wet climate here. 
• Shop around to rent a bike – Don’t just rent from the first one you go to, ask around a few places and ask for the best deals. When you have your trusty travel companion, The Netherlands is your oyster. 
• Cook your own food – It’s budget backpacking 101. Cooking at home is cheaper than eating out. If you are without a kitchen, invest in a portable camping stove .
• Find cheap flights – A wiseman once said “Only suckers pay full price”. Use apps like Skyscanner to find cheap plane tickets. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of the biggest in Europe so you’re already off to a good start. 
• Volunteer – Volunteering in The Netherlands is a great way to get a free bed and discounted food. Plus, people leave stuff all the time : food, clothes, electronics, weed … Yay for free stuff. 
• Use a refillable water bottle – Is there ever a reason to buy a plastic water bottle in The Netherlands? Dutch tap water is perfectly fine to drink. So bring a good trav el water bottle with you and go nuts.

Why Should You Travel to the Netherlands with a Water Bottle?

I know I’m not alone with my heartbreak of seeing the world covered in single-use plastic. Fortunately, The Netherlands is well equipped to help you reduce your consumption with the right tools.

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you can be part of the solution. With a reusable water bottle, you’re already making a huge difference. It’s one step closer to being a more responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

This is Northern Europe. The Netherlands is not exactly known for its warm weather. The rain is a bit warmer in the summer than the winter.

The winters are pretty dark and grey. It doesn’t really snow much here either, especially on the west side. 

Summers have more consistent warm days. And when you get good days, everyone knows exactly what to do to make the most of it. The days are damn long with around 17 hours of daylight at the summer solstice. 

Although it’s not exactly consistent, especially now with global warming, around June you will start to see more summery weather. On those rare hot days , the beaches and parks stack out with people having a good time. Top Dutch festivals are in full swing and energies are high. 

Though, with this happy-go-lucky period comes skyrocketing prices. So if you’re really on a budget, avoid this time. 

April also gets pretty busy with Tulip Season. Book in advance for tulip gardens to avoid disappointment. 

27th of April is King’s Day : the holiday of Dutch pride. This is also one of the biggest celebrations of the year – particularly in Amsterdam. If you want to experience it, you’ll have a good time – you’ll just have to pay higher prices.

The shoulder months are the best time to travel to the Netherlands, generally. May and September see fewer tourists but have pretty reliably good weather too. 

It’s worth seeing if you can time your trip to the Netherlands with a festival too. Summer and Christmas time see the most activity. 

My favourite festival in the Netherlands the world is Gay Pride at the end of July. The best celebration, not just for the LGBTQIA+ community but for everyone.

What to Pack for the Netherlands

On every adventure, there are six things I always have on my backpacking packing list :

Osprey Aether 70L Backpack

Ya can’t go backpacking anywhere without a blasted backpack! Words cannot describe what a friend the Osprey Aether has been to The Broke Backpacker on the road. It’s had a long and illustrious career; Ospreys don’t go down easily.

Feathered Friends Swift 20 YF

My philosophy is that with an EPIC sleeping bag, you can sleep anywhere. A tent is a nice bonus, but a real sleek sleeping bag means you can roll out anywhere in a and stay warm in a pinch. And the Feathered Friends Swift bag is about as premium as it gets.

Grayl Geopress Filtered Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator – so you can enjoy a cold red bull, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

Every traveller should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. When you’re camping, hiking, or even if the power just went out, a top-quality headlamp is a MUST. The Petzl Actik Core is an awesome piece of kit because it’s USB chargeable—batteries begone!

First Aid Kit

Never go off the beaten track (or even on it) without your first aid kit! Cuts, bruises, scrapes, third-degree sunburn: a first aid kit will be able to handle most of these minor situations.

As a whole, the Netherlands is a really safe country . Crime rates are pretty low and people are generally trustworthy. If you’re following normal travel safety routines , you should have no problem while visiting The Netherlands. 

Your biggest concern is probably bike theft which is extremely common nationwide. Do not leave your bike – even for a minute – unattended and unlocked… unless you want to make it disappear. Bike thieves are professionals in The Netherlands. 

Of course, accidents happen on bikes too. Be careful when using bike lanes, especially close to the roads. Be respectful to other people. 

Staying safe in Amsterdam is easy enough. Though the capital city sees the highest crime rate in the country, they’re mostly petty by nature: pickpocketing, bike thefts, and the likes. I’ve never had a stiff of trouble. 

I have heard reports of people having bad experiences when buying drugs off the streets, though. If you’re walking into dark alleys with a fat stack of cash looking to score, you couldn’t really be more vulnerable. It’s better to ask a friend or one of the hostel staff where the best place to buy is, rather than scouting out yourself. 

Other, larger Dutch cities are not completely immune to crime. Stay vigilant, especially in heavily-trafficked places and on public transport. 

Finally, trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right, feel free to take yourself away from it. With that, you should have a perfectly safe visit to the Netherlands.

Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll in the Netherlands

For many travellers, this is the reason for visiting The Netherlands in the first place. Legends of coffeeshops, red-light districts, and warehouse parties have circulated worldwide.

There is validity to these tall tales. 

Let’s start with the weed: you already know that it’s legal. It’s the biggest seller of drug tourism in The Netherlands. It comes, wonderfully cultivated, with a selection big enough for a full menu. 

Weed is sold in coffeeshops. There are different types of coffeeshops but, generally, it’s a place where you can buy, smoke, drink (sometimes alcoholic but mostly not), and socialise – in a whole manner of ways. 

Some have snooker tables, board games, old arcade games, and some even play films. So as you can tell, Coffeeshops are one of the best ways to meet people or even find a travel buddy . They’re awesome for solo travellers in the Netherlands. 

Most people drink alcohol in the Netherlands. You could spit and hit a bar pretty much anywhere. I’m not gonna delve into more than that.

Truffles and mushrooms are legal in The Netherlands. You can buy them in smartshops . These stores are a fun place to shop around. 

Other drugs are generally accepted in The Netherlands, although still technically illegal. Unless you’re caught with a narco-level amount of drugs, most police will look the other way. 

Pay particular attention to MDMA and pills in The Netherlands. You’ll probably find the strongest ecstasy here than anywhere else in the world, so please be extra careful. You can get drugs tested anonymously at Jellinek or GGD Amsterdam drug testing services if you have any doubts.

Prostitution in The Netherlands

The red light district of Amsterdam ‘s reputation precedes it. Actually, most big cities in The Netherlands have red light districts, though they are much more discreet. The Dutch’s incredibly open-minded attitude towards prostitution makes it arguably the safest country in the world for sex tourism. 

It works because it follows strict rules such as prostitutes must be over 21 years old, attend regular health checks, and pay tax. They are actually pretty well looked after. 

If you’re into it, paying a visit through the doors is one of the most unique things to do in Amsterdam . Though if you have high expectations, you could end up paying an absolute bomb. 

I’ve heard reports of people paying €700 for less than 10 minutes. If you’re a bit of a smooth talker, don’t look like an absolute tourist, or a regular, you’ll likely get a better price.

There are strict rules regarding prostitution in The Netherlands. This is to protect the workers – so BE RESPECTFUL . Notice the caps and bold letters there…

Here are some simple rules to follow whether you’re taking part or just observing. 

• NEVER take photos or videos of the workers. No excuses. 
• You must be at least 18 years old to use the services. 
• You can haggle a bit, but don’t take the piss. 
• No means no. 
• Choose your words carefully. Make sure you know what you’re paying for. 

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting The Netherlands

You can’t plan for everything when you’re travelling. But having good travel insurance is a good start.

I use SafetyWing and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

There are three ways to enter The Netherlands: land, sea, or air. Most will arrive in The Netherlands via the third option.  

Schiphol Airport is the largest airport in the country and it’s technically Amsterdam. The rest of the country is so accessible that most people use this airport, even if they are not going to Amsterdam.

Eindhoven is the second busiest airport in the country and is served mostly by budget carriers like Ryanair and Wizzair. This means you can find some damn good deals if you’re flying to The Netherlands from anywhere else in Europe.

You can travel to the Netherlands overland by bus, train, or car. Buses are the cheapest way of travelling around Europe but not the most reliable. 

Travelling to the Netherlands by train is my favourite way. They are arguably the most sustainable travel option too. If you’re backpacking around Europe, and like the idea of using the train, you can get a European rail pass to save money. 

It is possible to travel to The Netherlands by ferry from several UK ports: Kingston, Newcastle, and Harwich. It’s great to take your car to Europe. Though if you’re just a passenger, it’s probably more convenient to fly.

Entry Requirements for The Netherlands

The Netherlands is a part of the Schengen Zone , which is a part of the European Union. That’s the group of countries that first spring to mind when you’re talking about backpacking Europe: Italy, Spain, France, etc.

Most nationalities can enter the Schengen Zone, visa-free, for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days . You get an entry stamp from the first port you used to enter the Schengen Zone and then an exit stamp from the country you leave the Schengen Zone from. The system is very convenient.

Not every nationality applies for this visa-free regime within the Schengen Zone. If you use a passport from any of these countries, you will need to apply for a visa beforehand to visit The Netherlands.

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The Netherlands is a very small country and, consequently, is very easy to get around. You could travel by train from one end of the country to the other, in around 6 hours. This makes backpacking The Netherlands very convenient to explore as you can stay just about anywhere and not be too far away from anything.

The Netherlands benefits from a very efficient public transport system. Using a combination of buses, trains, and trams, you can travel just about anywhere. If all of those should fail, there’s never a bike to rent too far away.

All the major cities in The Netherlands have a bus and/or tram network. The ticketing system is convenient: you can buy singles or day/weekly passes. Plus, almost everywhere in the country uses the OV-chipkaart . The card itself costs around 7.50 euro and you charge it with funds. Fares vary depending on the route.

Trains are usually used to travel longer distances in The Netherlands. They are very quick and efficient.

Given the small size of the country, you could easily stay in the likes of Amsterdam or anywhere central as a base to see the rest of the country. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s definitetly the fastest. Look into buying a  Eurorail Pass if you plan on using the train often.

If you’re backpacking in The Netherlands and find the train too expensive, the larger, main-liner buses are usually very affordable. They do take longer to arrive at their destination though. Use Flixbus to check for prices.

Prepare to pay an arm and a leg for taxis. Uber is in The Netherlands but, again, it’s still expensive. For travelling between cities, try using Blablacar .

Have you really backpacked the Netherlands if you didn’t ride a bike? Get around the Dutch cities, fly between towns, explore all the natural spaces: having a bike is very convenient.

Rentals usually start at around 10 euro/day but keep your eyes peeled for weekly/monthly deals. If you wanted to visit ALL of The Netherlands by bike, then Al Gore would be very happy with you.

Unless you’re really hell bent on the freedom of the road, I wouldn’t suggest renting a car in Holland. Tolls and parking are high, traffic is bad in the cities, and fuel is expensive. Otherwise, you can usually find good prices on rentalcars.com .

Hitchhiking in the Netherlands

Dutch people are very nice when it comes to lending a ride. They ought to be too: do you know how many Dutch people I’ve seen hitching rides across the globe?! It’s only fair that they return the favour in their own country.

Hitchhiking in The Netherlands is straight out of a textbook. Simply stand in the right place, have a sign, hold out your thumb, and wait. You should score a ride in less than an hour although people usually find success in more like 15 minutes.

When it comes to being a successful hitcher , the key is choosing the right spot to throw out your thumb. Busy town centres and highways are not a good place to find a ride.

Motorway turnpikes and gas stations – now we’re talking. These latter options are a hitchhiker’s prime territory.

Be aware that some gas station managers prefer that you stand in a certain place when hitching so as not to bother the customers too much. On the rare occasion, you may get a dick who tells you to piss off – forget that guy.

Onwards Travel from the Netherlands

Step up and take your pick folks: there are lots of countries to head to next after wrapping your holiday in Holland. The rest of Europe is super accessible.

If you’re heading out of the continent, lucky you! Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of the best places in Europe to do that from.

If you’re looking to stay close by, here are some great choices:

• Travel to Belgium – My guiltiest of pleasure holidays, the place I go to drown my sorrows in endless beer and fried potatoes. Give me a tripel and pot of mussels and I’ll take miserable weather any day. Ghent is my favourite Belgium town.
• Travel to Germany – Similar to The Netherlands though more tight-collared. Direct trains from Amsterdam to major German cities are regular. Go to Hamburg if possible; now that’s an awesome German experience.
• Travel to the UK – English Channel be damned! Getting between the Netherlands and the UK is one of the easiest journeys in the world. Take the Eurostar via the underwater Channel Tunnel or catch a cheap (and very fast) flight. You also have the ferry (perfect for taking your car).

So you want to stay in The Netherlands long-term and maybe work while you’re there. So does everyone else!

The Netherlands offers some of the highest standards of living in the world and a government that is very supportive of the startup culture. Living here could be a dream destination for digital nomads ; you just need to be able to pay for everything.

The Netherlands is not a cheap place to live in, not by a long shot. If you want to have your own apartment, you’ll need to be making quite a bit on your own at least or be employed by a local company.

If you fall into the former category and want to stay longer in The Netherlands, there are ways to acquire residency . Of course, residents of the EU are free to come and go as they please. Non-EU residents will have some loops to jump through.

For most backpackers, the most common way of staying in The Netherlands longer is by volunteering somewhere.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Volunteering in The Netherlands

Backpackers can spend long periods of time volunteering in an awesome place without spending any money. Meaningful life and travel experiences are rooted in stepping out of your comfort zone and into the world of a purposeful project.

Most of the opportunities you’ll find are in hospitality, where you’ll usually receive free accommodation and a meal in return for your time. More unique opportunities include assisting in holistic centres and helping out on eco-projects.

Officially, you can’t volunteer off a tourist visa in the Netherlands. Non-EU/EEA citizens will probably need to apply for the appropriate permit before arriving. 

Volunteering is an amazing way to experience a culture whilst helping your host community. Though be careful as many big companies in the Netherlands also abuse this for cheap or free labour.

If you want to find volunteering opportunities in the Netherlands, I recommend that you Signup for Worldpackers –  a volunteer platform that connects local hosts directly with travelling volunteers. As a Broke Backpacker reader, you’ll also get a special discount of $10 when you sign up. Just use the discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and your membership is discounted from $49 a year to only $39.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers are usually very well-managed. However, whenever you are volunteering, do stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Dutch people are some of my favourites in the world. They’re loyal, good-natured, lovable, hilarious, and sometimes completely lacking in filters.

Almost every hostel has some gorgeous Dutch person doing something strange and totally oblivious to their own behaviour. I think of them fondly.

Physically, the Dutch are often true to their stereotypes. Yes, everyone here is a giant. I’m 5 foot and a bit… I know when I arrived in the Netherlands simply because my neck hurts from looking up at everyone.

Though the Netherlands is one of those amazing places that has a full rainbow of colours, races, and cultures. Don’t be surprised to see a huge range.

The Dutch tend to be pretty lean as well. Maybe that’s thanks to all the bike riding.

When travelling to The Netherlands, I highly recommend speaking with the locals. They’re friendlier than other Europeans and they welcome awkward approaches and conversations. At the end of the day, the Dutch are so nice that most should indulge you, at least a bit.

Useful Travel Phrases for The Netherlands

Dutch can sound funny. I always think they sound like the characters from that computer game the Sims – chatting a series of slurs and nonsense.

Luckily, just about everyone speaks English in the Netherlands. Only in the most remote corners of the countryside will you be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t speak English.

If you wanted to impress the locals though and have a good laugh, knowing a few Dutch phrases might be worthwhile. You may not need to know anything to order a coffee but trying to say “Lientje leerde Lotje lopen langs de lange Lindenlaan” five-times fast in a bar is sure to earn you some friends.

• Tot ziens  – See you later
• Alsjeblieft  – Please
• Dank ja wel  – Thank you
• Lekker – literally translates to ‘tasty’ but used like cool/great/awesome
• Je lult uit je nek  – Stop dicking out your neck (talking bullshit)
• Hallo – hello
• Eet smakelijk – Enjoy your meal
• Goedemorgen – Good Morning
• Klootzak  – Asshole
• Nu komt de aap uit de mouw  – Now the monkey comes out the sleeve

What to Eat in The Netherlands

The Netherlands isn’t exactly a culinary paradise. You can find good food here but you have to look and be willing to pay more.

Traditional Dutch food is hearty and sometimes a little simple. Being a dairy-based culture, cheese and butter are common, especially for breakfast.

Like their German neighbours, rich bread and sausages are also staples of the diet. Rounding everything out is a lot of potato-based dishes and cooked vegetables.

Being so coastal, fish is also very common. You’ll see it fried, smoked, cured, or (their favourite) raw.

One thing that the Dutch excel in is munchies . If you don’t know what munchies are, they’re the type of small, unsubstantial foods you crave more than anything when you’re absolutely baked like a potato. I’m talking biscuits, chocolate, crisps, cereal, little fried things you don’t know the name of… you know, all crap, but all amazing.

Then the king of munchies: the stroopwafel – a waffle sandwich with syrup or jam. You can buy them in the shop or go the real deal and get those freshly made ones you’ll see at food carts.

Of course, there are plenty of international restaurants around. Indonesian food is particularly popular as the country was once a part of the Dutch Empire. The ubiquitous kebab can also be found everywhere.

When eating out, it is customary to split the check evenly among friends. This is called “Going Dutch” on the bill.

Must-Try Dishes in The Netherlands

Here are some other worthwhile Dutch dishes:

• Bitterballen – Deep fried stuffed meatballs
• Stamppot – Mashed potatoes w/ trimmings
• Hollandse Nieuwe – Dutch raw Herring (for the curious souls)
• Gouda – The cheese that goes with everything
• Dutch Pancakes (Poffertjes) – shut up and take my money
• Kroket – Dutch croquettes
• *Hagelslag – Sandwich w/ confectionery sprinkles

*Listen, hagelslag is like chocolate sprinkles that the Dutch love on toast – like breakfast. If you’re not Dutch, it’s weird as. Though when you try it, you can’t say it’s half bad.

A Brief History of the Netherlands

For much of recorded European history, The Netherlands didn’t play an enormous part. From antiquity all the way up until the 16th century, Holland and its people were mostly vassals of other larger, European powers. The Romans, Franks, Holy Roman Empire, and even the Spanish, have occupied current-day Holland and governed it.

It wasn’t until the Eighty Years War, also known as the Dutch Revolt, that The Netherlands shed the yoke of the conquered and became a separate political entity. At the time they, as well as Belgium and Luxembourg, were ruled by the Hapsburgs of Spain.

FUN FACT : Willem van Oranje was the champion of the revolt and founded the first Dutch Royal House. The colour of his original family seal, orange, would go on to become the official colour of the new royal house as well. (See King’s Day.)

Following their independence from Spain, The Netherlands joined the conquer and power phase. During the Age of Exploration they even gave the English a run for their money. At its height, The Dutch Empire had control over Indonesia (then the East Indies), Taiwan, and South Africa, as well as large parts of India, the Carribbean, and New England.

Eventually, The Netherlands would get caught up in the imperial power struggles that gripped Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries. Napoleon came and went, the UK became the world’s superpower, and Prussia became a European juggernaut. The Netherlands managed to avoid the worst of World War I but got beaten badly by the Nazis in World War II.

In the end, The Netherlands managed to survive some of the most tumultuous years of European history. Now, Holland is one of the most prosperous nations in the EU: its economy is advanced, the government quite liberal, and people seemingly happy.

Backpacking The Netherlands is like no other country. You’re treated to a tiny country, with a world of possibilities.

Cycling in The Netherlands

No Netherlands travel guide would be complete without banging on about getting about cycling excessively. That’s because the Netherlands is the best country in the world for cycling .

Actually, cyclists have priority over cars and even pedestrians on the roads. Bike lanes are more common than footpaths and they take incredibly beautiful routes throughout the country.

Plus, of course, it’s almost perfectly flat. So even if you’re not the fittest person, it’s easy to get around.

Marijuana in the Netherlands

The laws about weed in the Netherlands are arguably the most relaxed in the world. Whether you smoke or not, you can’t really miss it: weed is one of the biggest tourist attractions.

Coffeeshops are dotted throughout the country. They’re the place to buy and consume. Go explore down the rabbit hole – I will say no more. 

The rules in coffeeshops are pretty simple: you have to be over 18 and if you’re staying to smoke, you have to buy a drink. The system works and millions of tourists flock to the country every year to enjoy the flower without fear of breaking any rules. 

Technically, it’s illegal to smoke in public spaces. Although people still do, they’re generally respectful of how they do it which is why it’s so highly tolerated. So if you’re wanting a nice joint for the sunset, same rules apply and you shouldn’t have any trouble. 

Many accommodations won’t let you smoke there. Others have a designated smoking area. In the Netherlands, you can sometimes get away with asking for forgiveness rather than permission. 😉

Just be aware, the weed is much stronger than you’ll find in most countries. You’ll see all kinds of variations and strengths. If you go in, all guns blazing, you’ll join the thousands of other billy big bollocks, throwing a whitey before your coffee even arrives. 

Take your time, ask questions when you’re buying, and light it up, bro.

Is the Netherlands expensive to visit?

Yes. It absolutely is. It’s the biggest downside to travelling in the Netherlands now. Although, with all your best broke backpacker travel tips, you can make it as cheap as anywhere else in the world. 

How do I not look like a tourist in Amsterdam?

Good luck – almost everyone you see looks like a tourist in Amsterdam. Have a rough idea of where you’re going. Don’t look at maps every 5 minutes. If you can navigate your way around on a bike you’re onto a real winner. 

What is the best month to go backpacking in the Netherlands?

May or September are good times. In these months, you’ll have pretty good weather and you’ll miss the wave of tourists from tulip, summer, and Christmas seasons.

Is it OK to speak English while travelling the Netherlands?

Absolutely! English is pretty much the business language in The Netherlands. Everyone speaks it. Sometimes you’ll struggle to find someone who speaks Dutch.

What do I need to buy weed in the Netherlands?

You just need to be 18 years old. They will often ask you to prove this too (if you’re lucky). Don’t take offence if they ask you; it’s important that they keep their licence to sell weed.

If you haven’t realised by now in this travel guide, backpacking in the Netherlands is awesome . Free-spiritedness is encouraged, consciousness is high, and you don’t have to take life too seriously. Damn, I love this place. 

Mysterious stories of a mystical place, the reputation of The Netherlands stands proud. But beyond the debauchery, it’s one of the most relaxed and beautiful places to add to a European travel itinerary.

I can’t exaggerate how much backpacking The Netherlands changed my life, several times over. The same could very well happen to you.

There are so many amazing things to do in the Netherlands. But with all this hype, just remember to watch your bank balance while you’re having fun. One night down the red light district could mean the end of your trip – if you’re not careful. 

The Dutch people are always down for a good time. That attitude is contagious. Everyone backpacking through the Netherlands seems down for a ball too. 

Do you know what that means? All-round good times. 

Just make sure you look both ways, at least twice, before you cross the roads. Those bikes pop up out of nowhere.

So book that trip. Don’t even think twice. You won’t regret it for a second. 

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The Cost of Travel in the Netherlands: A 2024 Budget Breakdown

The Netherlands was where I learned how to travel.

When I first decided I wanted to see the world — and potentially on a long-term basis — I decided I needed to have a trial run first. I wanted to stay in a hostel for the first time, see what it was like to explore as a backpacker, and work out if I had the courage to quit my job to travel.

I chose to spend five days in Amsterdam, and those days are what led me to where I am today. Because flying to the Netherlands helped me to fall in love with travel and learn that it wasn’t so terrifying after all. Two months after that trip, I stepped on a plane with a one-way ticket in hand and now, ten years later, I’ve built a career around travel and do this for a living.

The Netherlands, therefore, holds a special place in my heart. I try to return regularly. My brother-in-law even lives in Amsterdam! He’s been based there for over a decade, so I’m often popping over to see him and seeing the country through the eyes of a local.

And so, I’ve now visited this country five times, as a backpacker, as part of a couple on a mid-range budget, and as a solo traveller that’s looking for luxury and value. My I’ve spent six weeks there in total, visiting Amsterdam, Utrecht, Keukenhof, Leiden, Maastricht, and the Hague — and I’ve loved each and every place.

So, let’s talk about travel expenses.

I’ve been recording every single cent I spend in the countries I visit from day one of my travels, because I want to prove that seeing the world is inexpensive and achievable. I want to be able to give a realistic and accurate look at how much you can expect to spend in each country you visit.

Today, it’s the Netherlands’ turn. I averaged  64 EUR per day  while I was there, and the following blog post gets deep into the specifics.

Here’s how much you can expect to spend on a trip to the Netherlands, then, in 2024.

How to Save Money on Accommodation in the Netherlands

As you guys know, I always try to cover all possible budgets in my breakdowns, so I’ll kick things off by focusing on the backpackers among us. If you’re on a tight budget and want to spend as little as possible on travel, these are my accommodation recommendations for keeping costs low.

Couchsurfing  exists in the Netherlands, and allows you to stay with a local for free, sleeping on their couch, and gaining a more authentic look into life in this country. This is probably going to appeal more to my younger readers, as you can imagine it’s not the most comfortable of circumstances, but if you’re willing to sacrifice a little, you’ll be able to keep your travel costs low. You can search for potential hosts in the Netherlands on the Couchsurfing site .

Housesitting  is another option, which is more suitable for those of you who prefer a little more comfort in your life. Through a housesitting website, you’ll be able to apply to take care of somebody’s house for free while they’re away, usually looking after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees, as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you do have that freedom, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts (some of my friends have landed gigs housesitting in castles!), and live like a local for a while.  Trusted Housesitters  is one of the best sites for getting started with housesitting.

And finally, if you’re travelling long-term and don’t mind getting some work done in order to save money, you could have a go at  WWOOFing or  WorkAway . Both sites allow you to work for a local in exchange for accommodation and food — in WWOOFing’s case, it’s working on organic farms, and with WorkAway it can be anything from helping out a local hostel to converting a freighter into a houseboat. It’s not usually the most glamorous of experiences, but getting to live for free in a foreign country is an incredible experience, so if you’re backpacking around Europe, this may be the way forward for you.

I’m suspecting, though, that for most of you, you’re not interested in the free accommodation and just want somewhere clean, safe, and affordable to rest your head each night. If that’s the case, there are several options available for you.

The first of these is, of course,  hostels . In the Netherlands, you’ll come across hostels all over the country, finding them in major cities, in small towns, in houseboats, and even in windmills. They’re one of your best options for saving money. Unfortunately, it’s rare to find ones with consistently amazing reviews, so if you can find anywhere with a rating that’s above a 9, you’re doing well.

Hostels in the Netherlands are still fairly expensive relative to much of the world, eye-wateringly so in summer. You should plan to spend a minimum of €30 a night for a bed in a dorm room in Amsterdam , with prices dropping to around €20 a night for a dorm bed in the rest of the country .

When it comes to private rooms in hostels, you’ll obviously be looking at a little more. For a clean, modern room in a central location, plan to spend around €70 a night , with the price jumping to as much as €100 a night in Amsterdam. If you’re travelling with a friend or partner, you may find it’s a similar price to pay for a private room rather than two dorm beds, which I’d recommend doing if you value your privacy.

But let’s move on from hostels.

The Best Hostels and Guesthouses in the Netherlands

As I mentioned above, I’ve visited the Netherlands during various stages of my travel career, both as a backpacker who was travelling on a shoestring budget and as part of a couple that was looking for all things private and mid-range or luxury. I’ve learned a lot about how to receive good value throughout the country.

I always like to share which accommodation I stayed in on my travels, as well as recommend alternatives when mine sucked. Everywhere I recommend below has excellent reviews and offers great value for money.

Here’s my list of some of the best accommodation options in the Netherlands:

Amsterdam — JamieK’s B&B   (€138 a night) : If you’re looking for somewhere spacious and comfortable, in a great location, and with an incredibly welcoming host, JamieK’s B&B is the place to go for, if you can afford it. With a rating of 9.6 on Booking, this is one of the consistently best reviewed places in the city, so you really can’t go wrong with it. →  Check rates for JamieK’s B&B

Utrecht —  B&B De Klinkende Munt   (€100 a night) : This cosy guesthouse is easily the best value accommodation in the city of Utrecht — receiving an average review of 9.7 and not being outrageously expensive means that this is an excellent option for the city. The B&B gives you access to a large apartment that’s close to the central train station, which is good for those of you who are travelling around the country by train. The staff are lovely, the breakfast’s fantastic, and the heated bathroom floors are a nice touch, too. →  Check rates for B&B De Klinkende Munt

Leiden —  Ibis Leiden Centre   (€98 a night) : I based myself in Leiden while visiting Keukenhof Gardens, and chose to stay at the Ibis Leiden while I did so. It was one of the cheapest options in the city that still received great reviews, and overall, I was really happy with my stay there. There isn’t anywhere else in a similar price range that I’d recommend. Our room was clean and modern, the staff were helpful, it was close to some great restaurants and bars, and there was a delicious breakfast on offer. →  Check rates for Ibis Leiden Centre  

Maastricht — HollaCachet   (€82 a night) : I love Maastricht! It’s such a cool city. When it comes to accommodation, HollaCachet is the cheapest spot in the city that still receives great reviews — which is pretty cool, as this place has an interesting history. It was once an old cow shed that was then converted into a B&B that’s only been open since late-2018. The only downside is that it’s a few miles outside of Maastricht, so you’ll need to catch the bus (the stop is nearby) into the centre of town if you don’t have a car. →  Check rates for HollaCachet  

The Hague —   Veenkade B&B   (€107 a night) : Located just a few minutes walk from the centre of the city, this B&B receives exceptionally good reviews. You’ll be staying in a lovely spacious apartment with friendly owners, and lightning-fast Wi-Fi. It’s close to a supermarket and has a well-equipped kitchen, so if you feel like cooking for yourself one night, that’s definitely possible. →  Check rates for Veenkade B&B

How to Save Money on Transportation in the Netherlands

One of the best ways to get around the Netherlands is by train. When I spent three weeks exploring the country, I travelled everywhere by rail and found it to be comfortable, easy, and inexpensive relative to the prices of other things here. The public transportation system is seriously impressive, too — its infrastructure is ranked fourth in the world — and other countries should take note.

So, how much can you expect to spend on transport in the Netherlands?

The first thing you’ll need to do upon arriving is pick up an  OV – chipkaart , which is an essential for travel in this country. The chipkaart is what you’ll use throughout the Nethelrnads on the trains, metros, trams, and buses — the country no longer issues paper tickets, so you’ll need one of these in order to use public transport.

It costs €7.50  to buy an OV-chipkaart from a machine, which you can find at all train and metro stations, as well as some supermarkets, and you can top it up from these machines, too. Like many transportation systems around the world, you’ll pay for the total distance of your trip, so you’ll definitely want to make sure you swipe out at the end of your journey. If you don’t plan on using it much, you can buy a single-use chipkaart for just €1 . The card works across the entire country.

As I mentioned before, I wholeheartedly recommend travelling by train. Here’s what I paid for my trips across the country:

• Train from Amsterdam to Utrecht: €9
• Train from Utrecht to Leiden: €10
• Train from Leiden to Maastricht: €35
• Train from Maastricht to the Hague: €26
• Train from the Hague to Amsterdam: €13

I’d personally advise against driving in the Netherlands. While renting a car will give you greater flexibility, parking is hard to find and expensive, and navigating streets filled with bicycles, trams, and pedestrians can be stressful. The only exception would be if you want to visit teeny-tiny villages that the trains don’t pass through — given that there are 400-odd train stations in the country, though, this is unlikely to be the case.

Flying is typically expensive and time-consuming, so you’ll want to skip out on that if at all possible. You’ll save money and see a lot more of the country by travelling overland.

The Cost of Food in the Netherlands

Now, if you were to ask me about food in the Netherlands, I would promptly change out of my jeans and into my sweatpants. As you can see from my selection of photos above, this is a cuisine that’s high on carbs and full of sweet treats.

Cooking is always going to be more affordable than eating out, so if you’re willing to sacrifice some meals on your vacation, this is a great way to keep on track with your budget. Hostels will usually give you access to a shared kitchen, and if you’re opting for an Airbnb, you’ll likely be able to use the kitchen, too. If that’s the case, you can head to a local market (a great cultural experience!) and stock up on fish, vegetables, and fruits, and spend far less on your meals than you would at a restaurant.

Many hostels and hotels will offer free breakfasts within their room rate, so if that’s the case, I always recommend eating later in the morning and eating a lot of food, as you may find you’re too full to have lunch. A lot of accommodation I recommended above are B&Bs with fantastic breakfasts, so factor that into the overall cost of your stay. If hotels do charge for buffet breakfasts, you can expect to spend around €15-20 for them.

You’re also going to want to opt for a larger lunch and a smaller dinner. Most restaurants charge less for their lunch menus, even though they’re serving the exact same meal for lunch and dinner. If you can eat a bigger meal for lunch, you can then get by with a much smaller one for dinner and save money through doing so.

In general, you should expect to spend the following per person on each meal:

• Breakfast:  €10 for a cooked breakfast with tea/coffee
• Lunch:  €8  each for a sandwich/slice of pizza from a deli with a soft drink
• Dinner:  €10  each if you’re on a budget,  €20  each for a mid-range restaurant,  €40+  each for something higher-end.

I don’t often have much success with this suggestion, but I do recommend keeping an eye on your drink consumption while travelling in the Netherlands. Alcohol is obviously a big budget buster on the road (and wines can be quite pricey in Dutch restaurants), so if you’re happy to substitute the sodas, juices, and alcohol for tap water, you’ll save a ton of money. And yes, the tap water is safe to drink in the Netherlands, so you really don’t need to worry about buying bottled water.

If you’re determined to jump headfirst into the Dutch food scene and don’t want to spend your vacation cooking, you should look to eat at the ethnic restaurants in town. There’s a huge population of Indonesians and Surinamese in the Netherlands, and their cuisines make for some tasty cheap eats while you’re exploring the country.

You can always ask the locals for food recommendations, too! Ask at your accommodation for recommendations on the best budget eats and they’ll be unlikely to steer you wrong.

Here are some typical prices of food in the Netherlands to help you budget better:

• Combo meal at McDonald’s:  €7.50
• Pint of draught beer:  €2.50
• A glass of house wine in a restaurant:  €5
• A slice of pizza:  €3.50
• Sandwich from a deli with soft drink:  €8
• Litre of milk:  €0.75
• A loaf of bread:  €1.20
• A dozen eggs:  €2.50
• 1 kilogram of tomatoes:  €2.50
• 1 kilogram of potatoes:  €1.60
• A 1.5l bottle of water:  €0.90
• A steak dinner with a glass of wine:  €40
• A serving of bitterbollen: €6.50
• A pack of stroopwafels: €4
• A gyros for lunch with a soft drink:  €4.50
• A three course meal and wine in a high-end restaurant in Amsterdam:  €60 each

How to Save Money on Activities in the Netherlands

We’ve covered accommodation, transportation, and food, but let’s face it: you’re not going to have the trip of a lifetime if you skip out on entrance fees and activities! If I was going to recommend just a couple of experiences to have, I’d suggest checking out the tulips at Keukenhof (if you’re visiting in spring), heading out into the countryside (Giethoorn looks incredible !), and jumping on a food tour.

Here’s a breakdown of the activity costs you’re likely to encounter while travelling around the Netherlands:

• Entrance to Anne Frank House: €10
• Entrance to the Rijksmuseum : €19
• Skip-the-line entrance to Keukenhof Gardens with a transfer from Amsterdam : €43
• Cycling tour of Amsterdam : €32
• Canal cruise in Amsterdam : €25
• Giethoorn day trip from Amsterdam : €95
• Day trip to Bruges, Belgium from Amsterdam : €95
• Amsterdam Jordaan district food tour : €80

There are plenty of free activities to participate in, too, while you’re in the Netherlands, and I know that I had a fantastic time simply wandering through the cities, exploring local markets, admiring the windmills and tulips, and making the most of the museums that don’t charge an entrance fee.

If, like me, you love taking tours to get to know a country better, I recommend heading to  Get Your Guide for inspiration. They have a whole range of activities and tours available, and I book 95% of the tours I take through them.

Miscellaneous Items to Buy for a Trip to the Netherlands

A Netherlands guidebook :  A guidebook will give you an in-depth look into Dutch culture, suggest the perfect itineraries for the amount of time you have, and offer recommendations for where to eat and what’s worth doing. I like Lonely Planet guidebooks, and their  Netherlands offering receives great reviews .

Travel insurance : If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to the Netherlands. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re way cheaper than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

How Much Did I Spend on My Trip to the Netherlands?

I always like to share my own personal expenses when travelling in a country, as I think it helps you figure out what you should be expecting to pay each day while you’re there. A list of expenses is great and helpful, of course, but putting them all together in order to come up with a reasonable estimate can be trickier.

Here’s what I’ve spent on average over my month in the Netherlands:

Accommodation: €25 per day  Transportation: €2.50 per day Food: €34 per day Activities:  €2.25

My average daily cost of travel in the Netherlands was therefore:  €64 per day . Not bad at all!

Related Articles on the Netherlands 🇳🇱 Three Glorious Weeks Spent Traveling the Netherlands 🧳 How to Pack for the Netherlands: My Complete Packing List 🛶 30 Incredible Things to Do in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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Another great budget post from you! Thanks for showing that the Netherlands doesn’t have to be as expensive as I expected.

I’ve read they may not take/ except US credit cards. Did you have any trouble with this. In reference to your recommendation to not have a “money Belt” :)

They’ll work fine! Some places don’t accept AmericanExpress due to the higher fees, but other than that, you’ll be all good.

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• Travel Planning Guide

Netherlands Travel Budget - Visit Netherlands on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Netherlands Costs

• Is the Netherlands Expensive?
• How much does a trip to the Netherlands cost?
• Provincie Friesland
• Netherlands Hotel Prices
• Netherlands Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Adults Only Hotels in the Netherlands
• Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in the Netherlands
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in the Netherlands
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in the Netherlands
• Best Hotels for Skiing in the Netherlands
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in the Netherlands
• Best Cheap Hotels in the Netherlands
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in the Netherlands
• Best Hotels for One Night in the Netherlands
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in the Netherlands
• Best Party Hotels in the Netherlands
• Best Beach Hotels in the Netherlands
• Best Luxury Hotels in the Netherlands
• Best Hotels for One Week in the Netherlands
• Best Business Hotels in the Netherlands
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• Netherlands Activities
• Netherlands Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands
• The Best River Cruises in Netherlands
• The Best River Cruises from Amsterdam
• The Best Bicycle Tours in Netherlands
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Netherlands
• The Best Coach Bus Tours in Netherlands
• The Best Adventure Tours to Netherlands
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands
• The Best Cultural Tours in Netherlands
• The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Netherlands
• The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Netherlands
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands
• The Best Luxury Tours to Netherlands
• The Best Tours for Seniors to Netherlands
• How much does it cost to travel to the Netherlands? (Average Daily Cost)
• The Netherlands trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in the Netherlands?

Is the netherlands expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to the Netherlands?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to the Netherlands?

You should plan to spend around $188 (€175) per day on your vacation in the Netherlands. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $49 (€46) on meals
• $29 (€27) on local transportation
• $199 (€185) on hotels

A one week trip to the Netherlands for two people costs, on average, $2,633 (€2,457) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 188 € 175
• One Week Per person $ 1,316 € 1,228
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 2,633 € 2,457
• One Month Per person $ 5,641 € 5,265
• One Week For a couple $ 2,633 € 2,457
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 5,265 € 4,914
• One Month For a couple $ 11,282 € 10,529

Are You an Experienced Traveler?

Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels. Click here: let's do it!

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to the Netherlands cost?

A one week trip to the Netherlands usually costs around $1,316 (€1,228) for one person and $2,633 (€2,457) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to the Netherlands on average costs around $2,633 (€2,457) for one person and $5,265 (€4,914) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in the Netherlands will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to the Netherlands on average costs around $5,641 (€5,265) for one person and $11,282 (€10,529) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in the Netherlands is $381 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Bruges to Amsterdam, Bike & Barge in Belgium and Holland 8 Days - 8 Destinations $ 1,523
• Around Amsterdam in 5 Days 5 Days - 1 Destinations $ 1,298

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

The Netherlands is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, the Netherlands is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Italy or the UK.

For more details, see Is the Netherlands Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to the Netherlands?

The average Netherlands trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Netherlands travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in the Netherlands

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in the Netherlands is $99 (€93). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in the Netherlands is $199 (€185). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 99 € 93
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 199 € 185

Hotel Prices in the Netherlands

Looking for a hotel in the Netherlands? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in the Netherlands based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $116. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Hotel aan de Dam Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 146
• Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 627

Local Transportation Budget in the Netherlands

The cost of a taxi ride in the Netherlands is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $29 (€27) per person, per day, on local transportation in the Netherlands.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 29 € 27

Recommended Services

• Private Taxi Airport Transfer to or from Schiphol Airport (AMS) Viator $ 53
• Amsterdam local transfers Viator $ 53

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in the Netherlands are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in the Netherlands, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Taxi Ride € 10
• Single Day Transit Pass € 2.60
• Transit Pass to Amsterdam Airport € 3.40
• One Hour Canal Cruise € 10
• Ride on Tram € 3.20
• Renting a Bike € 15

Food Budget in the Netherlands

While meal prices in the Netherlands can vary, the average cost of food in the Netherlands is $49 (€46) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in the Netherlands should cost around $20 (€18) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in the Netherlands is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 49 € 46

Recommended

• Private Walking Food Tour in Amsterdam Viator $ 239
• Vegan Food Tour by bike in Utrecht: get of the beaten track! Viator $ 71

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in the Netherlands are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in the Netherlands, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Afternoon Tea € 6.00

Entertainment Budget in the Netherlands

Entertainment and activities in the Netherlands typically cost an average of $28 (€26) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 28 € 26

Recommended Activities

• Private Boat Tour Amsterdam - 90 Min incl. welcome drink on historic… Viator $ 241
• Humans of Amsterdam - Small group walking tour Viator $ 97

What did other people spend on Entertainment?

Typical prices for Entertainment in the Netherlands are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Entertainment prices in the Netherlands, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Two tickets to the Houseboat Museum € 6.00
• Entry for two to the Anne Frank House € 17

Tips and Handouts Budget in the Netherlands

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in the Netherlands is $4.73 (€4.42) per day. The usual amount for a tip in the Netherlands is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 4.73 € 4.42

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in the Netherlands

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in the Netherlands is $100 (€94), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 100 € 94

Alcohol Budget in the Netherlands

The average person spends about $24 (€22) on alcoholic beverages in the Netherlands per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 24 € 22
• Distillery Tour & Tasting at Spirited Union Viator $ 27
• Small Group Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour in Amsterdam Viator $ 97

Water Budget in the Netherlands

On average, people spend $5.98 (€5.58) on bottled water in the Netherlands per day. The public water in the Netherlands is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 5.98 € 5.58

Related Articles

The netherlands on a budget.

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods, more related articles.

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How to Travel the Netherlands on a Budget: 22 Money Saving Tips

The Netherlands, while a very popular destination in Europe, it certainly isn’t the most cheap destination. Many of the sights in the Netherlands have quite steep entry fees, for both locals and foreigners, add that on top of the cost of your accommodation and food, and you will see that even a budget traveller needs at least €40 – €60 per day to travel around the Netherlands. However, budget travel is not completely impossible, as with any country there is the possibility of minimising your cost to make the most of your budget. As someone who has been born and raised in the Netherlands for the first 21 years of my life (and lived here on a small student budget) I have did my best to compile a list of tips that could help you save as much money as you can during your travels in and around the Netherlands. You don’t have to be a budget traveler though, because any of these tips will help you to cut down cost, and will allow you to leave more room in your budget for delicious food, sights and most of all unforgettable experiences. So without further ado, here are 22 tips for traveling the Netherlands on a budget.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links. This means that purchasing a product or service via these links may earn us a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

The Netherlands on a Budget

Save money on accommodation in the netherlands.

Book in advance.  With Amsterdam being one of the most popular destinations in Europe there is undoubtedly a large amount of accommodation to pick from, however, to find the best deals you should book your hotel a couple of months in advance if you have the option. While last minute bookings will be available, expect to pay premium prices and a lot less hotels to pick from. Nonetheless, we understand that for many people city trips and vacations can be planned last minute, so perhaps the next couple of tips might help you out.

Stay in a dorm room.  Backpacking through Europe? Solo traveler exploring the city of Amsterdam, or perhaps backpacking with friends? Forget about expensive hotels, book a bed in a dorm room instead. During my years of solo travel this has always been my preferred option of accommodation. Not only are dorm rooms a great way to save money, they are also a great way to meet new people. Amsterdam has a large amount of hostels available, from party hostels to more relax hostels, there is something for everyone. Not sure where to start? Check out all the hostels in Amsterdam here on Hostelworld!

Stay outside of Amsterdam.  While Amsterdam is known as the place to be in the Netherlands, there are actually a lot more destinations to discover. From Maastricht and Den Bosch in the South of the Netherlands to Rotterdam, Dordrecht and Kinderdijk in the West of the Netherlands. While all these cities can be visited as part of a day trip from Amsterdam, you could also save money actually staying in these cities for a couple of days as you are already paying for the transport. While still expensive, staying outside of Amsterdam can cut your cost as accommodation in less touristic cities is often a lot more affordable.

Get an Airbnb.  Airbnb is known for offering a large variety of accommodation, suiting (almost) everyone’s budget. This option is great especially if you are visiting with a family or a group of friends and prefer to stay in an apartment over separate hotel rooms. Airbnb is also a great resource for those looking for unique places to stay in Amsterdam , such as houseboats, tiny houses and more.

Avoid the high season.  While Amsterdam can be visited all year round, I would personally recommend to visit Amsterdam in the months of March/April or September/October. In these months you have the best chance on having some decent weather (although the reality is that it rains all year round in the Netherlands) but avoiding the summertime high tourist season. Prices during the summer months will often be a lot higher, for both dorm rooms and private rooms, so avoiding these months could save you a couple of bucks. For example, a dorm bed in the month of August averages about €40 to €50 a night, that same bed goes for an average of €20 – €30 in March.

Visit Amsterdam during the week.  As with most cities in Europe prices of accommodation (especially hostels) in the weekend rise, sometimes even doubling in price compared to week nights. So, if you have the possibility try to visit Amsterdam during the week days, not only will you avoid the larger crowds, it will also save you a whole lot of money on accommodation.

Go for a stroll and admire the view over the Erasmus Bridge

How to get around the Netherlands on a budget

Get an OV Chipkaart.  The OV Chipkaart is the public transport card that will let you easily pay for trains, buses, ferries and any other form of public transportation in the Netherlands. Paying for public transport with the OV Chipkaart is a lot cheaper then by separate tickets, saving you roughly €0.50 to €1 at a time. So if you are planning to use the public transport frequently when traveling the Netherlands then getting an OV Chipkaart might be the right tool for you to stay on a budget. The OV Chipkaart costs €7.50 and can be bought at the yellow/blue ticket machines at the train stations. On top of that it requires a €20 minimum balance if you plan on traveling by train, or a €4 balance for buses and trams in Amsterdam. You can find more info on the OV Chipkaart here .

Or don’t get an OV Chipkaart.   However, if you are not planning on taking public transport, then the OV chipkaart might not be worth the money as you won’t get the €7.50 back in the future. So it all depends on your itinerary for the Netherlands if the OV Chipkaart is worth your money or not.

Walk, walk, walk.  The Netherlands is a great place to explore by foot. Distances are relatively small and when visiting cities you will find that most sights are within walking distance of the central train stations. Besides it being the most affordable option, it is also the greatest way to get lost and to simply explore and discover the cities and different neighbourhoods. Stroll through small alleys and streets to find those cute cafes and the most scenic views.

Rent a bike.  Prefer to bike over walking? No problem! The Netherlands has the highest amount of bikes per citizen in the world, and with bike lanes being available almost everywhere it is one of the best ways to explore the Netherlands. However, don’t forget you are not the only one on the bike lanes and on the road. If you don’t feel comfortable riding a bike, you might want to look at other options instead, but for those who are ready to conquer the road head over to your nearest rental shop to find the perfect bike for you. Bike rental often costs around €8 – 12 a day, but don’t forget to get a sturdy lock with it as getting your bike stolen is definitely a possibility in the Netherlands.

Take the bus . With the rise of Flixbus in Europe it has become cheaper then ever to travel within Europe by bus. Flixbus offers bus tickets from city to city in the Netherlands, but also to destinations out of the Netherlands. You can take the bus to nearby countries such as Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France and Luxembourg. While you can buy tickets at the bus itself, it will cost you a lot more money. Be sure to book a week or two in advance during the high season to make sure you still have a seat for a decent price. Check out Flixbus here to find the most recent prices!

Use day tickets . Planning on sightseeing outside of Amsterdam? See if there are any day tickets available to cut your costs for the train. While the train is the most efficient way to explore the Netherlands, it is definitely not the most affordable. For example, a one way ticket from Amsterdam to Rotterdam costs €16.10, which is just a 41 min train ride. Going back and forth that way for a day trip can get quite expensive. However, quite often different stores such as Kruidvat and Hema offer day tickets (which can be used the whole day except for rush hour times). These tickets often cost a rough ± €15 and will allow you to travel wherever you want to go for the day. The only downside, the websites that sell them are often in Dutch. So ask a Dutch friend or someone working at your accommodation if they can help you out!

Avoid the taxis.  With the access to an extensive public network transport it really is not necessary to get a taxi, unless you of course don’t think the hassle is worth your time and money. Taxis in the Netherlands are expensive, and locals will try to avoid them for as much as they can.

Rotterdam Central Station

Save money on food and drinks in the Netherlands

Go for fast food.  Restaurants can get quite expensive in the Netherlands, so your best bet for getting food on a budget is by getting some fast food. Head over to a Dutch snackbar such as Febo or Smullers to have a delicious kroket, frikandel or perhaps some fries. Of course you will find the world famous fast food chains such as McDonalds, Burger King and Subway in the cities as well. And while perhaps the cheapest, this might not be the healthiest option.

Go shopping at a supermarket.  Nothing will be cheaper then simply cooking your own food at your hostel or airbnb. A simple pasta you can eat for lunch and dinner, sandwiches, scrambled eggs, there are so many affordable foods that will be a lot cheaper and healthier if you cook it yourself. Besides cooking, you can also have a look at the ready to eat section from the supermarkets. You will often find a large amount of salads or snacks such croissants and breads at the supermarkets, cheap and convenient if you are on the go!

Bring a reusable water bottle . The tap water in the Netherlands is safe to drink, so bringing a reusable water bottle could easily save you a couple of euros a day. Fill it up at your accommodation and you’ll be ready for the rest of the day! Check if your ho(s)tel offers free coffee/tea for your daily doses of caffeine, to save you another couple of euros right there.

Have a beer, but not too many. If you are planning on having a drink or going partying, you might want to leave your credit card at home before you break the bank. While wine and beer are often some of the most affordable alcoholic options (especially compared to cocktails and mix drinks), it does add up. So have a beer, enjoy it, just perhaps don’t have too many if you are trying to stick to a budget.

Have breakfast at HEMA . Don’t feel like cooking? Or is the breakfast at your hostel to expensive? Find a HEMA with a restaurant to enjoy their “pick & mix” breakfast . You can pick 5 items for €2 between 9am – 10am, every extra item costs €0.50, so you can be sure you can fill your belly up ready to explore. Choose from coffee or tea (but only one hot drink per breakfast), bread, croissants, boiled eggs, and different kind of bread spreads or even yogurt with granola to create your perfect breakfast. If you are staying in the city centre of Amsterdam you will find a Hema with restaurant located at Nieuwendijk 174 – 176.

Grab a bite to eat at the Market Hall in Rottedam

How to go sightseeing in the Netherlands on a budget

Get an I Amsterdam Card.  If you have many museums and other sights on your Amsterdam bucket list then you might want to consider getting an I Amsterdam Card. This Card offers free entry to many sights, and the price is dependent on the time frame you pick. You can purchase the card and find an overview of what the card exactly offers here . However, if you are not keen on museums, it might save you the most amount of money by simply not purchasing it at all.

Go for a walk.  Instead of spending your time inside, go for a walk, enjoy the park and have a budget picnic with snacks from the supermarket. As long as the weather is good, this is not only the most budget option of sightseeing, it also a great way to explore the city. Admire the architecture, enjoy the view while sitting along a canal in Amsterdam or Utrecht and have your camera ready to take those beautiful shots, what else do you need?

Be selective of the sights you want to see.  If you are planning on sightseeing, perhaps do some research in advance to see which sights are worth your money. If you are a museum lover you might like the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum . But perhaps art isn’t your thing and you prefer to find the best viewpoints over Amsterdam. Everything is possible, but doing them all is expensive. So don’t waste your money on sights that aren’t worth it to you!

Opt for free activities. Not everything has to cost money, there are plenty of free activities to do in and out of the cities. So create a balance of sights that cost money and don’t cost money to stick to your budget. Join a free walking tour to learn more about the city, hang out at the beach, take a stroll at the local market or go and admire the local street art. The options are simply endless!

Go for a walk along the harbour in Dordrecht

Money Saving Tips for the Netherlands

And there you have it, our 22 money saving tips for the Netherlands so you, just like us, can explore the Netherlands on a budget. And while these tips will help you a great deal with staying on a budget, don’t forget to check out our Amsterdam guide for first timers , including 55 things to know before you go to the Netherlands! Do you have any money saving tips for the Netherlands that we haven’t shared yet? Be sure to tell us in the comments down below! And don’t forget to pin it.

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The Ultimate 7-day Netherlands Travel Itinerary

Are you ready for the ultimate Netherlands travel itinerary? As any Dutchman will tell you, the Netherlands is not exactly the most naturally beautiful country in the world. But the Dutch never let lack of natural resources be a barrier to economic growth and expansion.

Over the centuries they built beautiful cities on man made canals and even drained the sea to reclaim thousands of acres of land for a new province. There’s a fascinating history behind this country and you’ll learn all about it on a trip to the Netherlands. 

I spent about four years of my life living in the Netherlands, mostly in Amsterdam and Haarlem . For the most part I loved living and working there. I explored the small country from top to bottom over those years, and while I haven’t been everywhere I have seen a good amount of the country and have prepared the best itinerary for you that I can think of. 

Now it should be said that if you’re an American with limited vacation time coming to Europe for the first time, then I typically recommend three days in Amsterdam – which allows for day trips outside the city – then move on to elsewhere in Europe, like Belgium or Italy .

But for those of you with more vacation time that wish to spend a week in the land of tulips and windmills I’ve got you covered. Read on for the best way to see and experience the Netherlands! 

Netherlands Travel Itinerary – The Basics

Ns train service, day 1: amsterdam, day 2: amsterdam and hoorn, day 3: tulips and windmills, day 4: the hague, day 5: maastricht, day 6: back to amsterdam, day 7: haarlem, night 7: last night of this netherlands travel itinerary, so long netherlands , netherlands travel itinerary faqs.

Note: this article contains affiliate links, which means that should you purchase something or get a quote through them I may make a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps keep the site running with up to date information. I do not represent GetYourGuide, World Nomads, Discovercars.com or Booking.com. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy the product mentioned in this article .

You’ll start and end this itinerary in Amsterdam unless you live in northern Europe. Schiphol airport in Amsterdam is well connected to just about everywhere on the planet and has direct flights to every continent except Australia. If you’re coming from the US, almost all the large cities have a direct flight to Amsterdam these days. KLM even flies to Austin, Texas now!

Lay of the land

The Netherlands is a small country. From the northern tip to the southern tip is barely a 4 hour drive. You will not cover a whole lot of ground on this trip, but it’s densely populated so you will see a lot. 

How to get around

You have the option to either rent your own car or take the train around. Driving in old Dutch cities can be confusing and parking can cost an arm and a leg, so for this itinerary I recommend using the extensive rail network in the Netherlands. More on the train later. 

If you want to rent a car it would be best to do it after your first few days in Amsterdam, as parking in the city is not cheap. To book your rental car from Amsterdam click here .

The currency is the Euro and you’re more likely to need cash than you might think. There are still places that only accept cash in the Netherlands. Also note that grocery stores do not take credit cards so if you don’t have a European bank card you’ll need to pay cash. Overall, the Netherlands is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Though it’s not Switzerland or Norway. It’s cheaper than traveling around the United States, but it’s not Greece.

Dutch is the language of the land, but the Netherlands has one of the highest rates of English proficiency in the world, even when you include English speaking countries. It’s unlikely you’ll come across someone who doesn’t speak English on your trip. Most Dutch people are completely fluent . 

Where to stay

Hotels are affordably priced in most Dutch cities, but way overpriced in Amsterdam. If you want to save money, book something away from the city center like in Sloterdijk or Amsterdam Zuid, both of which are well connected to downtown.

Sloterdijk is very easy to get to since it’s just a 5 minute train ride to Amsterdam Central Station and the train comes every 5 minutes on average. In other cities best to book a hotel as close to the central train station as you can.

In Amsterdam I recommend staying at Mercure Sloterdijk Station . You’ll be a 5 minute train ride from downtown while avoiding the excessive noise. The staff is excellent and the rooms are much more spacious than hotel rooms in the city center. I’ve stayed here over 20 times myself, so you know it’s a legit recommendation.

The Dutch cycle as a form of transportation more than any other people in the world. It’s one of the top things that the Netherlands is known for globally and one of the main reasons that people love living in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.

No trip to the Netherlands is complete without renting a bike at some point. Just be careful when on the bike paths. It’s the main mode of transportation in the country and the paths can get very crowded. Stay to the right and don’t run any red lights and you should be fine. 

Weather in the Netherlands

The Netherlands does not have amazing weather by any stretch of the imagination. It doesn’t get too cold or too hot, but it rains a lot and can be very windy.

The best months for weather are May and June. That might sound odd, but summer often has more cold and rainy days than spring. Though with climate change summers are getting hotter and drier. So let’s add in July and August to the best months to visit for weather.  

Best time of year to visit the Netherlands

The best month in the Netherlands is May. It’s the warmest month on average and the days are long, with sunsets after 9:00 PM. But if you want to see the famous Dutch tulip fields you’ll have to go in April. So let’s assume you’re going in April, which is the most crowded time of year due to tulip season. In April it won’t be warm but won’t be cold either. You can have clear days or horribly rainy days. It’s just luck. 

Summers can be really nice or they can be awfully cold and rainy. It just depends on the year. Summer is also the most crowded time (other than April). Come autumn the days start to get shorter and the wind picks up. Many people visit in winter to avoid the crowds but I really can’t recommend that since Dutch winter weather is just so damn rainy. I highly recommend visiting in May.

I have also dedicated an entire article to the best time of year to visit the Netherlands . That article gives a month by month breakdown of the weather, crowds, and events

Food in the Netherlands

Eating in the Netherlands is a unique experience. The Dutch aren’t exactly known for food, but you can find some excellent restaurants. See my post about eating in the Netherlands for a full rundown of Dutch food culture . 

This is always a culture shock for Americans, but smoking is still very prevalent in the Netherlands. Not as much as France, but you can reasonably expect to get a fair amount of secondhand hand smoke on your trip. It’s not allowed anywhere indoors, but if you’re sitting outside on the terrace at a café or restaurant just be prepared for cigarette smoke coming from all directions. 

Travel Insurance

Before you set out on your journey, just make sure to purchase travel insurance so that you’re protected for the unexpected. We use World Nomads and had a good experience the one time we unfortunately had to actually use it. World Nomads provides coverage to travelers in over 100 countries. You can search for a coverage plan using the link below.

The best way to get around the Netherlands is the NS train , which stands for Nederlandse Spoorwagon (Dutch train). The rail network is extensive and connects just about every city in the country. Smaller villages that don’t have NS stations will at least have a bus stop. 

When you arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport you’ll find the train station within the airport. From the kiosks you should purchase a blue OV Chipkaart. Do not buy individual tickets per journey. The card will cost you 7 Euros but it will make your life a lot easier for the next seven days.

At each station you’ll tag on and tag off. The best part about the OV Chipkaart is that all public transport throughout the entire country runs on it. So it’s not just for trains, but also local buses, trams, and metros in any city. 

You can easily add money to the card from kiosks at any train station with a credit card. Put 100 euros on the card. The cost per ride depends on the destination but is never more than 27.40 euros.

If you follow this itinerary you’ll spend about 100 euros on train and bus fare. If you go over you can always add more at the kiosks in any train station. 

Riding the train in the Netherlands

The train itself is not glamorous but it’s pretty comfortable. Accidently sitting in first class if you didn’t book a first class ticket might get you a fine. And if you’re in a quiet car you better be quiet or someone will tell you off. The quiet cars are labeled so just pay attention.

There are no bars or food stands on the trains, but there is someone who walks down the train aisle selling drinks and snacks. Nothing fancy, just Heineken and Snickers and stuff like that. 

Train stations vary depending on the city. Amsterdam’s central station is massive, with restaurants and shopping malls. While smaller stations might only have a Albert Heijn To-go, which is a convenience store sized version of the Netherlands’ main supermarket. 

Trains are pretty good about being on time, but sometimes do get delayed or even canceled. The info boards at the stations will keep you updated. You can also download the NS Train app while you’re there and use that for live updates and route planning. 

I rode the train a hell of a lot when I lived in the Netherlands and I can say it’s truly a great system. I would kill to have something like it in the northeast United States!

The 7-Day Netherlands Travel Itinerary 

Now it’s time to explore the Netherlands on the best 7-day Netherlands travel itinerary! If you follow this itinerary you’ll see what I consider to be the main highlights in the county. I’ve excluded some places I think are overhyped and not worth it on a short trip, like Rotterdam and Giethoorn , and included some places you might not think of, like Haarlem and Maastricht. 

The map below shows your approximate route, though note that it’s Google driving directions, and the train doesn’t quite follow the highways.

No Netherlands travel itinerary is complete without Amsterdam. Let’s assume you’ve come from the US so you’re there in the morning and have a full day ahead of you. You’ll spend the entire day today exploring Amsterdam, so hopefully the weather is nice!

If your hotel won’t let you check in early or store your bags you can always rent a luggage locker at Amsterdam central train station. Hopefully you’re feeling refreshed because there’s a lot of walking to do today!

I won’t go through everything there is to do in Amsterdam here. For that you can check out my ultimate guide to Amsterdam . It’s not a big city, but it’s vibrant and full of history and beautiful sights to behold. It’s also a great city to visit with children .

Just Walking around is my favorite way to spend an afternoon in the city. Some key spots to hit could be the Anne Frank House (book well in advance), Dam Square, the Royal Palace, the Rijksmuseum, the Jordaan, and the Van Gogh Museum if you’re into art. 

My Amsterdam guide goes through most of the tourist spots but also gives recommendations to live like a local if you want to avoid drunk British 22 year olds for a bit. You can find my restaurant recommendations there as well as how to properly experience the red light district. Spend the night at your hotel in Amsterdam and get ready for a day trip tomorrow. 

If you want to be closer to the action there are literally thousands of hotels in Amsterdam. Check out the listings on booking.com to book something great!

Where to stay in Amsterdam:

In the city center: Amsterdam Marriott Hotel

outside the city center: Mercure Sloterdijk Station

Full accommodation listings: Booking.com link

Start your day off right with a ride on the Pannekokenboot (pancake boat) This all-you-can-eat pancake boat tour will take you down the IJ river in Amsterdam. You’ll take a ferry across the river from central station to get to the boat meeting point. It’s a quick ride and it’s free.

If you’re not up for a boat ride you can have yourself a nice breakfast of traditional Dutch pancakes at Restaurant De Carrousel. Though note that pancakes are also a popular dinner meal in the Netherlands.

After pancakes hop on the train to Hoorn, a beautiful Dutch town on the coast. This afternoon you’ll check out some historic Dutch fishing villages. Hoorn is known for its well preserved Dutch architecture as well as its sinking houses. Due to poor soil many building foundations have settled inconsistently in the Netherlands.

You can see tilted houses in Amsterdam, but none as defined as the ones in Hoorn. Some other sites to stop by are the Hoofdtoren, the Westfriesmuseum, and the Grote Kerk (big church). 

Want to learn more about Dutch cheese and food? Check out my guide to Dutch Food Culture

After walking around Hoorn, hop on the bus to Edam. This little Dutch village is known for its cheese. It’s also a cute little town to walk around. From here you’ll walk to the famous fishing village of Volendam, passing the best spots in Edam on the way. It’s a solid 30-40 minute walk, not including stops.

Volendam is a little Dutch fishing village known for fantastic seafood, especially smoked eel. For the best smoked eel stay for dinner at Smit-Bokkum , one of my favorite restaurants in the Netherlands. The bus runs late so there’s no rush to head back to Amsterdam and spend another night in town. 

No Netherlands travel itinerary is complete without some flowers. So head back to the airport and rent a car. It’s tulip day, and based on my experience you’ll want your own vehicle.

The other option is to take the bus to Keukenhof from the airport. But my honest recommendation is to skip Keukenhof. This is the famous flower garden in Lisse.

It’s definitely nice. But it’s always overcrowded and feels artificial to me. Many people – like me – find the endless fields on tulip farms more beautiful than a manicured garden that charges 18.50 euros. 

So get in the car and head towards Lisse. Instead of going to Keukenhof you’re heading to the flower fields nearby though, mainly near Halfweg. There are tons of fields of tulips and other colorful flowers all around this area, though mostly to the west of Lisse. Some key things to note:

Tips for visiting the flower fields:

• The fields are private farms so technically you’re not supposed to walk through them, though you’ll see many people ignoring the rules. 
• Don’t pick flowers from the fields. If you want some tulips people sell them from the side of the road for a very good price.
• Don’t park on the road. The roads are narrow here and they will be crowded with other people looking for photos of flower fields. There are places to pull off and leave your car every so often. 

When you’ve had enough flower fields for one day it’s time to head to Zaandse Schans, a famous old Dutch village with multiple windmills along the river. It can get pretty crowded here too, but it’s neat to walk along the river and learn all about the history of windmills and cheese making.

Before heading back to the airport, stop by the city of Zandaam to check out one of the craziest hotels in the world, Inner Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam. You’ve probably seen photos of this funky building on Instagram. Since you’ve parked already, grab dinner along the river in Zaandam before returning the car. 

A note about Day 3

If all that sounds a little daunting for one day and you want it to be easier, consider an organized tour. You’ll be going to Keukenhof and not the individual flower fields if you go this route, but it is a lot less stressful. GetYourGuide offers a full day tour to Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans that might be just up your alley. 

Time to check out of your hotel and take the train to The Hague (Den Haag in Dutch when searching on ns.nl). The Hague is famous for having the international criminal court, where multinational court cases are decided and arbitrated. It’s also known for the Hague Convention, which established various international laws.

Domestically, the Hague is the seat of government for the Netherlands, even though technically Amsterdam is the capital. The Binnenhof is the Dutch parliament building and you can go in and walk around for free, though I’ve never done it. 

There are many other things to see and do in the Hague. The city center is easily walkable but you can also take trams all over the city anywhere you want to go.

Some other sites to be sure to check out are The Mauritshuis (if you’re into art), the Noordeinde Palace (the Dutch answer to Buckingham Palace), and Lange Voorhout, one of the most charming streets in the country. 

If you want to get out of the city center for a bit take the tram to the beach. Scheveningen is one of the most popular beaches in the Netherlands, thanks to its location basically in the Hague.

It’s too cold most the year to actually sit on the beach (May – Sep) but it’s neat to walk around and check out the pier, where you can ride the Ferris wheel or grab a beer on the water. Spend the night in The Hague and enjoy a nice dinner in the city of international peace. 

Where to stay in The Hague: Mercure Hotel Den Haag Central

Today you’ll spend the morning on the train heading to Maastricht, a city on the very southern tip of the Netherlands. Notably you’ll pass through Rotterdam, the second most populous Dutch city. We’re going to skip Rotterdam on this itinerary. It was mostly destroyed in WW2 and was rebuilt with a more modern design.

You’ll also skip Kinderdijk , arguably the most famous Dutch windmills, which showcases the history of using the wind to create energy throughout the centuries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’d prefer to see Kinderdijk over Zaanse Shans, you can swap these two windmill sites on Day 3. Kinderdijk, however, is much further from Amsterdam and not well connected on public transport.

One thing you’ll notice as you pull into Maastricht is hills. Topography! The Netherlands is known for a lot of things , and one of those things is that it is almost completely flat. But when you get down here on the border of Belgium and Germany you start to get some rolling hills. In fact, the highest point in the Netherlands is down here where the country borders Belgium and Germany at the same time.

Have extra time? Then maybe you’d like to check out Belgium! Be sure to read my guides to Bruges and Ghent , two of my favorite cities in Europe!

A little medieval city that is neat to walk around and explore, Maastricht is the perfect place to spend a day exploring. Base yourself at the Vrijthof Plaza, which is essentially the central square and go from there.

Some of the top sights to hit are the Basilica of Saint Servatius, Saint Jan’s Church, (where you can go to the top of the tower for a view of the rare Dutch rolling hills), Fort St. Pieter, and the old city walls at Hell Gate among other things.

When you’re done exploring, grab dinner on the main square and take in the sights and sounds of the southern Netherlands before spending the night in Maastricht.

Where to stay in Maastricht: Hotel Monastere

After a nice breakfast in Maastricht take the train back to Amsterdam, about 2.5 hours, where you’ll explore the funky side of the city north of the IJ river. The ferry across the river takes about 5 minutes and leaves every 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station.

Head up to the A’DAM Lookout for a view from about as high as you can get in the city. There’s a bar at the top and on a nice day it’s a good spot to relax and take in the views. If you’re into movies, next door is the Eye Film Museum. If you’re not into movies, just admire the crazy architecture of the building. 

Walk through the modernized industrial neighborhood to Oedipus Brewing for an afternoon beer. For more craft beer, the Walhalla Brewery and Taproom is on the next block.

End your day with a walk (or take the bus) to the NSDM Wharf, a funky old industrial building that’s been turned into a sort-of art market/gallery. As night sets in, stay for dinner at Pllek (booking essential) and watch the sunset over Amsterdam, your new favorite city.  

Last day of the trip. Spend the morning in Haarlem. Haarlem is only about 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central by train. I lived in Haarlem for two years. It’s a beautiful little Dutch city that is easy to walk around in a few hours. The cathedral in the central square is the second largest in the country, and the most beautiful in my opinion.

There are all sorts of little alleyways to get lost in Haarlem. For a cool experience grab lunch at the Jopenkerk, a brewpub located in an old cathedral. 

Spend your final afternoon exploring the beauty of the streets of Amsterdam by bike. There are a ton of bike rental agencies in Amsterdam and I’ve never used any of them so I can’t recommend any particular agency. Check out the Iamsterdam website for more info on bike rental companies.

Note about biking in Amsterdam: don’t bike like a dumb tourist!

As you cruise the bike paths, just be sure to pay attention to the traffic signals. The Dutch bike path system is state-of-the-art and you’ll be cycling on special paths. Just be courteous to the locals and bike at a sufficient pace and don’t stop in the middle of the paths. 

As the evening rolls in, if you haven’t done a canal tour yet might as well do that today. They’re not amazing, but it’s cool to cruise the canals observing the old houses. The basic tours are essentially all the same, so see who is offering specials. Most of them leave from right in front of the train station. 

For your last dinner if you haven’t had an Indonesian feast yet, it’s time for that. While it’s Indonesian food, it’s super Dutch and I’ve never seen an Indonesian rice table restaurant outside the Netherlands. I recommend Aneka Rasa downtown for convenience and price. You’ll leave satisfied! 

Now it’s hard to not associate Amsterdam with the Red Light District . If you haven’t seen it yet might as well on your last night. There’s all sorts of controversy over it these days, but I think it’s truly unique.

You can’t see anything quite like it anywhere else in the world. The main strip is lined with sex shows, peep shows, and of course windows full of beautiful women who are professional prostitutes.

While I don’t have personal experience with them, what I know comes from a friend who saw one when he was in town. And all I’ll say is that it won’t cost you only the 50 Euros they’ll tell you when you knock on the door 🙂 If you’re not looking to get lucky, just walking the canal taking in the sights and sounds should be enough. 

Depending on what time your flight is, you might have some time for more exploration in the morning. Either way you’ve had a lot of cheese and beer by now so time to head home and detox!

One thing to add is that if you’re coming in April, you might want to plan for or around the King’s Day holiday, April 27. It’s a national holiday to celebrate the King’s birthday, but in reality it’s just a giant party. Everyone dresses in orange and rides boats around the canals and gets hammered. It happens all over the country but the biggest party is in Amsterdam.

So if that sounds like your thing you might want to plan your trip to coincide. If being surrounded by hundreds of thousands of drunk people isn’t your idea of fun, best to avoid being in the Netherlands on King’s Day. 

Lastly, should you not come in April, there are plenty of things to substitute into the third day’s morning. If it’s summer, head to the beach at Zandvoort. If you’ve come in winter to avoid the summer crowds I’d use that time to sleep in and watch the rain fall from a café in Amsterdam! Either way you’ll find something lovely to do on this ultimate Netherlands travel itinerary!

How many days is enough for the Netherlands?

If you want a good taste of what the Netherlands has to offer, 7 days is adequate time. If you just want to get a quick fix of the Netherlands, it’s common to do 2-3 days in and around Amsterdam then move on to elsewhere in Europe.

What is the best way to tour the Netherlands?

The best way to get around the Netherlands is by train and public transportation. If you plan on going to small villages and avoiding the cities, however, your trip might be better suited for a rental car.

What is the best time to visit the Netherlands?

The best time to visit the Netherlands is mid-April through the end of September, with the exception of August, which is far too crowded.

Is the Netherlands expensive? 

By European standards the Netherlands is one of the more expensive countries to live and visit. Hotels and restaurants in central Amsterdam are overpriced, though locations outside major urban areas are most modestly priced. Americans, however, will find it quite an affordable country given how expensive life in the US can be.

Is it worth going to Rotterdam?

In the humble opinion of this author, it is not worth going to Rotterdam when visiting the Netherlands unless you have about two weeks to kill. Not that there’s anything wrong with Rotterdam. It’s just not that interesting compared to other European cities.

Chris Heckmann

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Cost of a Trip to the Netherlands & the Cheapest Time to Visit the Netherlands

The average price of a 7-day trip to the Netherlands is $1,035 for a solo traveler, $1,560 for a couple, and $2,190 for a family of 4 . Netherlands hotels range from $51 to $221 per night with an average of $85, while most vacation rentals will cost $180 to $460 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to the Netherlands (from all airports) are between $908 and $1,307 per person for economy flights and $2,851 to $4,104 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $38 to $78 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit the Netherlands

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to the Netherlands and stay in a Netherlands hotel:

• September 10th to December 9th (except the week of October 22nd)
• December 24th to April 1st

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in the Netherlands is usually mid to late September .

Average Netherlands Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit the Netherlands for a week is $1,118-$2,448 ($160-$350 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $38 to $78 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $456 to $1,206 for economy

Lodging : $66 to $85 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $95 to $116 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit the Netherlands for a week is $1,839-$4,199 ($263-$600 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $76 to $156 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $911 to $2,411 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit the Netherlands for a week is $3,677-$8,050 ($525-$1,150 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $151 to $312 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,822 to $4,822 for economy

Lodging : $133 to $171 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $142 to $174 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to the Netherlands

How cheap can you make a vacation to the Netherlands? The cheapest trip to the Netherlands is about $121 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 1% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $20 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $43.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit the Netherlands for a week is $847-$2,240 ($121-$320 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $19 to $38 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $43 to $51 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $97 to $128 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit the Netherlands for a week is $1,435-$3,711 ($205-$530 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $38 to $76 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit the Netherlands for a week is $2,870-$7,037 ($410-$1,005 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $76 to $151 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $86 to $101 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $146 to $193 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very possible to travel to the Netherlands cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Netherlands Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in the Netherlands.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit the Netherlands for a week is $2,288-$9,641 ($327-$1,377 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $76 to $156 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,144 to $3,005 for first class

Lodging : $102 to $221 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $459 to $924 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit the Netherlands for a week is $3,956-$13,732 ($565-$1,962 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $151 to $311 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,287 to $6,011 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit the Netherlands for a week is $7,925-$24,739 ($1,132-$3,534 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $303 to $622 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $4,574 to $12,021 for first class

Lodging : $205 to $443 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $693 to $1,394 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Netherlands Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in the Netherlands is slightly lower than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in the Netherlands due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Netherlands Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Netherlands hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in the Netherlands.

Flight Costs to the Netherlands

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,307 average in early July to a low of $908 in mid to late September. Median flight price is $525. These prices are based on millions of flights. For the Netherlands our data includes thousands of originating airports, and hundreds of airlines. The area has average variance in price compared with other locations.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Wednesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In the Netherlands, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $399, so you can easily save about 44% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around the Netherlands can easily cost $284 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $19 per person. Private tours can cost $567 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Netherlands Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Zeist, the Netherlands
• Amersfoort, the Netherlands
• Soest, the Netherlands
• Leersum, the Netherlands
• Bunnik, the Netherlands
• Hoevelaken, the Netherlands
• Nijkerk, the Netherlands
• Utrecht, the Netherlands
• Hilversum, the Netherlands
• Salland, the Netherlands

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Koh Phangan, Thailand
• Madrid, Spain

The Netherlands Travel Guide

This Netherlands Travel Guide aims to provide you with simple and stress-free travel planning information and inspiration for planning a trip to The Netherlands.

On this regularly updated page you will find links to useful posts on The Trusted Traveller, budget information, details on types of accommodation available, information on getting around the country and more useful links to resources around the web.

Quick Facts

Capital:  Amsterdam

Language:  Dutch

Currency:  € Euro which is made up of 100 cents. Coins come in 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1 and €2 denominations and notes in €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500 denominations.

Electricity:  230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs with two round pins are standard. Outlets for 110 volts for small appliances can be found in most hotels.

Travel Tips

The Netherlands is a small country in Western Europe bordered by Belgium to the south, Germany to the east and the North Sea to the north and west.

The country is one of the flattest in the world with one-fifth of the country being below sea level. Water is everywhere in The Netherlands with it being criss-crossed with canals and rivers and quite a big coastline for such a small country.

The Netherlands has a moderate climate with warm summers and relatively mild winters.  Spring and summer bring longer and warmer days with light sometimes until 10:30pm and day time temperatures up to 30°c. Winter can be quite cold with icy winds from the North Pole, snow common in January and temperatures dropping to -5°c some days.

Best Time to Visit

The Netherlands has its charms all year-round and you should plan your visit based on the types of activities you wish to enjoy.

June to September (summer) sees lots of sunshine and longer days giving you more day light hours to explore. It is a popular time to visit the country so expect the top attractions to be busy and cities like Amsterdam to be a little on the crowded side.

From November to March (winter) the weather is much cooler and days can be quite short around January. Late November, into December is a popular time again because of the festive season with Christmas Markets and festivals going on all over the country.

Another popular time of year to visit The Netherlands is in spring when the country’s iconic tulip fields are in full bloom and putting on a world class display.

It is always recommend to have a mixture of cash and bank/credit card with you when you travel anywhere in the world and this is no exception in The Netherlands.

In The Netherlands you’ll find cashpoints (ATM’s) in all major towns and cities across the country. As well, credit cards are widely accepted although some establishments such as small hotels and shops may only accept cash.

Getting There

Getting to The Netherlands from surrounding European countries is simple, quick and cheap by bus or train. You can find out more about rail travel in Europe, including timetables and purchasing tickets, on the Rail Europe website (for residents of North America  click here  or for the rest of the world  click here ); and about bus travel on the  Eurolines  website.

The Netherlands is also well-connected by air with flights arriving in Amsterdam from all across Europe and the UK and parts of the US, Middle East and Asia.  A flight from London to Amsterdam will take just over an hour and a flight from New York to Amsterdam about seven hours.

I use and recommend  Expedia  for researching and booking flights all around the world.

Getting Around

The Netherlands is a relatively small country so getting around it is pretty simple and cheap.

Europe’s excellent network of trains means that getting around The Netherlands and in fact to/from other European countries is the most prompt and cost-effective way to travel. All the major cities are connected to one another and you will find that most regional areas are well-connected to at least one or two of those major cities.

There are two classes on the trains, 1st and 2nd class, with the only real difference being slightly more leg space and room to move about in 1st class.

Most trains you can just show up at the train station and buy your ticket on the day, while a few (mostly high-speed intercity trains) may require a seat reservation to be made in advance. This can be done either at any train station in the country or online through a ticketing agent in your home country. Here are a few that I recommend depending on where you are from:

• Rail Europe  for residents in USA, Canada & Mexico.
• Rail Europe  for residents in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Europe and other select parts of the world.

Eurolines  run bus services around the country and they are a cheaper alternative to train travel but will take longer to get from a to b.

Because The Netherlands is a small country, it is relatively easy to navigate if driving yourself. Highways are excellent and traffic problems almost unheard of except around the bigger cities in peak hour.

With a green card you can bring your own vehicle from a neighbouring EU country and an international drivers permit is not necessary but recommended if you will be in the country for a while.

You’ll be able to collect a hire car from all major airports and cities with most allowing you to pick up in one location and drop off in another, which makes sense if you’re road tripping around the country.

The roads in The Netherlands are well maintained and easy to navigate because they are well signposted. During the winter months remember that weather conditions can change rapidly. Be sure to obey all signs and drive with care in slippery conditions.

I use and recommend  Expedia  for researching and booking car hire all around the world.

Where to Stay

The Netherlands caters for everyone when it comes to accommodation. Here is a list of the types of accommodation you’ll find:

• Camping  – All the main cities have campsites on the outskirts of town, with good transport links into the centre.
• Hostels –  You’ll find hostels in abundance in The Netherlands bigger cities and one or two in most other regional areas as well. The level of cleanliness in The Netherlands and similar parts of Europe is well above average so you will likely find your room and shared bathroom to be super clean.
• B&B’s/Pensions –  Small family run style accommodation like B&B’s or pensions can be found all over the country in big cities, small towns and popular rural locations. Accommodation is simple yet comfortable and the experience usually comes with friendly hosts and a home cooked breakfast each morning.

Get up to $45.00 AUD credit when you join  Airbnb using this link .

• Hotels/Apartments –  You will find both chain hotel/apartment brands and independent hotel/apartments to be in abundance in cities across the country. The good thing about this type of accommodation is in most cases you know what you are going to get, a clean, comfortable and modern room with a decent array of facilities in the room and on the property. Apartments are great for longer stays as they allow you a bit more space and the option to self cater.
• Luxury Hotels & Resorts –  The Netherlands has its fair share of 5 star properties for those who like a bit of luxury. These will offer you brilliant service and a top location, sometimes with incredible views of the surrounding area.

I use and recommend  Booking.com  for researching and booking hostel, motel, hotel, apartment and resort accommodation around the world.

The Netherlands has a variety of eating options that will suit all budgets and tastes. And because of the country’s international population, you will find a wide range of restaurants and cafes serving local, European and overseas dishes too.

• Supermarkets/Markets   –  Save money and shop in supermarkets and local markets for snacks, picnic lunches and even ingredients to make a whole meal in your self catering accommodation.
• Fast Food / Take-away   –  Chain fast food stores are in all major centres of the country and along highways as well. If you’re looking for a cheap and tasty fast food meal, look to where the locals are, usually getting snacks and light meals from food trucks and stands on the side of the street. A popular street food snack is a frites (hot chips with mayonnaise) and you’ll find stands selling them everywhere.
• Cafes –  For coffee, delicious sweets and tasty sandwiches, you’ll find cafes everywhere and you can choose to sit down or takeaway.
• Restaurants –  The Netherlands is abundant in local resources so you can expect the food you get served in restaurants to be super fresh.  Fish and mussels harvested from its North Sea feature on a lot of menus. As does locally bred pheasant, rabbit, venison, beef and lamb, butter, cream, beer and wine are also used heavily in Dutch cooking.
• Fine Dining –  The Netherlands has it’s fair share of the worlds best restaurants so if it is fine dining experiences you are after then you won’t be disappointed.

Useful Netherlands Posts

Suggested itineraries.

First Timers One Month Europe Itinerary 

Things to Do

Things to Do in Amsterdam

Other Netherlands Travel Planning Resources

Here is a constantly growing collection of resources from around the web to help you plan your dream trip to The Netherlands.

• The official  The Netherlands Tourism  website is a great place to start planning your trip.
• The authority in all things travel,  Lonely Planet  has an extensive section all about The Netherlands. Or why not buy the  The Netherlands   Lonely Planet Guidebook  in hard copy or as an eBook.
• Rachel lives in The Netherlands and not only loves to travel the world, but also loves to explore her home country whenever she can. Check out her blog Rachel’s Ruminations .
• Elizabeth and her family moved from the US to The Netherlands and have written a lot about their family adventures in their new home country on their blog Dutch Dutch Goose .

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What you need to know when you travel to the Netherlands

News item | 20-08-2021 | 10:28

There are certain things you need to know if you’re planning to travel to the Netherlands during the current pandemic. In this article Conrad van Tiggelen, director of strategy and branding at the Netherlands Board of Tourism and Conventions , helps fill you in so you can properly prepare for your trip.

What is the current situation in the Netherlands?

‘The Netherlands has re-opened for the most part. Some basic rules still apply, however: avoid busy places, stay 1.5 metres away from other people, wash your hands often and – if you have symptoms – stay at home and get tested. Face masks are no longer required in most public spaces. Public transport is the only exception: everyone aged 13 or older must still wear a face mask at stations and airports, on trains, buses and ferries, and in taxis.’

Is the Netherlands ready to welcome foreign tourists again?

‘Absolutely. The Netherlands is a welcoming country and is looking forward to receiving tourists in a safe, responsible way. We’ve missed having visitors from abroad and are excited for their return. The Dutch are always happy to put their knowledge of other languages to use to help foreign visitors.’

What do tourists need to bear in mind when travelling to the Netherlands?

‘Exactly what you need to bear in mind when travelling to the Netherlands depends on where you’re travelling from, how you are travelling and whether the country you’re travelling from is on the list of safe countries and regions.’

See the information below and this checklist  for more about travelling to the Netherlands from abroad.

Find out whether you are required to self-quarantine and what documents you need when you travel via the check on reizentijdenscorona.rijksoverheid.nl . It will give you a personal travel overview, based on your travel details.

Travelling from within the EU/Schengen area

See the list of safe countries and regions in the EU/Schengen area .

• You are travelling from a place that is on the list of safe countries/regions: you may travel to the Netherlands. You do not need proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or a negative COVID-19 test result. You do not need to self-quarantine. You are, however, advised to get tested or take a self-test after you arrive.
• You are travelling from a high-risk area: you may travel to the Netherlands. If you are 12 or older you must have a Digital COVID Certificate (proof of vaccination, proof of recovery or negative COVID-19 test result) . You do not need to self-quarantine. You are advised to get tested or take a self-test after you arrive.

Travelling by air

If you are 13 or older and are travelling to the Netherlands by air, you are required to complete a health declaration form.  Download the health declaration form here .

Travelling from outside the EU/Schengen area

See the list of safe countries and regions outside the EU/Schengen area .

• You are travelling from a place that is on the list of safe countries/regions: you may travel to the Netherlands. You must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result. You do not need to self-quarantine. You are, however, advised to get tested or take a self-test after you arrive.
• You are travelling from a high-risk area:  an EU entry ban is in place for people travelling to the EU/Schengen area from places not on the list of safe countries and regions. Generally speaking you may not, therefore, travel to the Netherlands – although certain exceptions do apply. Find out who is exempt from the EU entry ban and may travel to the Netherlands. You must show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result. You do not need to self-quarantine. You are advised to get tested or take a self-test after you arrive.
• You are travelling from a very high-risk area: you are required to show a negative test result and to self-quarantine. When arriving in the Netherlands after a stay in a very high-risk area, you must self-quarantine for 10 days – this applies whether or not there is a virus variant of concern in that area. And it applies even if you have proof of vaccination or proof of recovery. If you get tested on day 5 you can shorten your quarantine period.

If you are 13 or older and are travelling to the Netherlands by air, you are required to complete a health declaration form. Download the health declaration form here.

Type of negative COVID-19 test result required when travelling to the Netherlands

If you need a negative COVID-19 test result to travel to the Netherlands, it must be from either a NAAT (PCR) test conducted no more than 48 hours before your departure or an antigen test conducted no more than 24 hours before your departure. There are additional measures if you are travelling from a high risk area.  Find out more about test result requirements here.

Changing planes in the Netherlands

If you change planes in the Netherlands and you board your connecting flight within 24 hours without leaving the airport in the meantime, you do not need to show a negative COVID-19 test result. If, however, you are travelling from a very high-risk area you must have a completed and signed quarantine declaration form with you, even if you have been vaccinated.   Download the quarantine declaration form here.

If you are 13 or older and travelling to the Netherlands by air you are also required to complete a health declaration form, even if you are only changing planes. Download the health declaration form here .

Please note that in some cases you may require an airport transit visa .

You are travelling through the Netherlands by car/motorcycle and will be in the country for less than 12 hours

If you will be in the Netherlands for less than 12 hours you do not need to show a negative COVID-19 test result. If, however, you are travelling from a high-risk area you must have a completed and signed quarantine declaration form with you.  Download the quarantine declaration form here.

What should tourists bear in mind while they are visiting the Netherlands?

‘You can have a great holiday in the Netherlands. Hotels, camp sites and holiday parks are all open. There may, however, be additional rules in place. Shops, museums, amusement parks and other sights and attractions are also open, but you may need to book tickets in advance. Make sure you find out ahead of time what rules apply at your accommodation and any locations you want to visit.

Restaurants, cafés and bars are open, although guests must be assigned a seat and everyone must keep 1.5 metres apart. Establishments serving food and drink may not stay open past midnight or open before 06.00 in the morning. Nightclubs and similar venues are currently closed.

Multi-day events with overnight stays are not permitted before 20 September. One-day events are permitted subject to certain conditions. Event organisers may request that you show a COVID certificate to enter – for this the Dutch CoronaCheck app is required.’

What should tourists do if they become ill while in the Netherlands?

‘Stay in your accommodation and do not leave except to get tested. You can make an appointment to get tested by calling 0800 1202 (or +31 850 659 063 if you’re calling from a foreign phone) between 08.00 and 20.00. COVID-19 tests are free of charge in the Netherlands at all test locations run by the municipal health services (GGD). If you test positive for COVID-19, follow the instructions given to you by the healthcare professionals. If your symptoms are life-threatening, call the Dutch emergency number 112.’

What should foreign visitors bear in mind before leaving the Netherlands to return home?

‘Many countries consider the Netherlands to be a high-risk area. Your home country may therefore require you to show a negative test result when you return. Before leaving the Netherlands, always check the latest rules for entering your home country.’

Do you have any additional tips for holidaymakers travelling to the Netherlands?

‘There is a lot to explore in the Netherlands within a relatively short distance. Avoid busy places and seek out different adventures. Stray from the beaten path and discover some of our country’s lesser-known spots. Do as the locals do and explore by bike, for example. There are many places in the Netherlands where you can rent bikes (including e-bikes). Visit Holland.com for inspiration.

Another option is to take in Dutch culture in our museums, many of which now offer reduced admission. If you are planning to visit several museums, the Netherlands Museum Pass could be a good option for you – it offers unlimited access to more than 400 museums across the country. Due to the restrictions in place, museums may require you to book tickets. You should therefore plan your visit in good time to be sure you can get in during your stay in the Netherlands.’

Netherlands Travel Guide

Your ultimate netherlands travel guide, with tips, and things to see and things to do in holland. great for first-time and returning travelers..

The Netherlands, or The Kingdom of the Netherlands officially, is a country in northwestern Europe.

Known for its windmills, canals, tulips, and cycling, it makes for a great vacation.

Fans of art will love the Van Gogh Museum, while the tulip gardens and historic canals offer breathtaking views.

Add in vibrant cities like Amsterdam and it has something for everyone. There are many things to see and do here.

This Netherlands travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

Popular City Guides

• Anne Frank House

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about The Netherlands

• Power voltage is 230 V at 50 Hz. Type C and F.
• The official currency is the euro and 1 euro is equal to 1.10 USD.
• The best way to get around is by car.
• To enter, you will need a U.S. passport valid for 3 months after your stay ends. You do not need a visa if your stay is under 90 days.
• KPN, Vodafone Nederland, and T-Mobile (merged with Tele2) are the main mobile provider and a prepaid SIM card can be purchased through any of them by visiting the company’s official stores or local supermarkets.
• The Netherlands has three separate value-added tax (VAT) rates: 0%, 6%, and 21%, with the 9% rate being used for common goods and services.

Things to See and Do in The Netherlands

• Canals of Amsterdam : Amsterdam has 165 beautiful canals, perfect for a great relaxing morning or afternoon. Take a boat tour or walk along the canal banks to enjoy a beautiful city and water views.
• Anne Frank House: Come visit the historic house of Anne Frank. One of the most popular museums in the Netherlands, learn more about the history of Anne Frank by browsing through audio, photos, videos, and artifacts.  
• Van Gogh Museum: Fans of Van Gogh or art will love this museum. Featuring the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh paintings,book a private tour or browse through at your own pace.
• Zaanse Schans: Travel to this open-air museum to explore a village modeled after Holland in the 18 th and 19 th centuries. See the windmills, walk through the shops and houses, go to the interactive exhibit to see chocolate being made, and more.
• Keukenhof: Come smell and see the flowers at this public garden. Open from March to May, the garden features 7 million spring-bulb flowers in bloom, including colorful tulips.

Netherlands Travel Guides

• Where To Stay In Amsterdam
• Anne Frank House, Amsterdam
• Amsterdam with Kids – 7 Attractions You and Your Child Will Love

Accommodation

Budget: You can find prices for hostels in the range of 18-50 euros per night. Enjoy dorm-styled or private rooms, free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, security lockers, and great central locations.

Mid-Range: For mid-range hotels, expect to pay between 70-135 euros. Enjoy private rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, a fitness center, a hotel restaurant and bar, a pool, and good locations to nearby attractions and public transport.

High-End: Upscale hotels can range from 140-275 euros per night. Take in the best with top-of-the-line service, polished private rooms with rainfall showers and whirlpool tubs, indoor and outdoor pools, spas, hotel restaurants with fine dining and chandeliers, and a hotel bar.

Check out our in-depth guide to: Where to Stay in Amsterdam: A Local’s guide to the City

Food : The cuisine of the Netherlands favors vegetables, meat, bread, cheese, and potatoes. Hollandse Nieuwe (raw herring with onions and pickled cucumbers) is one of the most popular dishes.

When out and about, try a stroopwafel, a waffle with syrup filling, or try a kroket, which is a deep-fried roll stuffed with meat ragout.

The Netherlands has many restaurants where you can try more of their cuisine, with a typical meal costing 15 euros.

The Best Ways to Get Around The Netherlands

Getting to the netherlands:.

Getting to the Netherlands: The main airport is Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, located 13.6 miles from Amsterdam’s city center.

Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Groningen, and Maastricht also have their own airports.

Flights: You can check for the best flights to The Netherlands on Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Train: Trains are a good way to go between cities and the Netherlands has 400 stations that travel throughout the day, and sometimes at night. Go from Amsterdam to Rotterdam in 70 minutes for just 18 euros one-way.

Tram: The tram is another excellent way to travel and runs from 6 AM to midnight.

Bus: Buses are a cheap way to get around and bus lines are available in most areas. A typical fare is 3.20 euros for one hour of traveling.

Taxis: Taxis are a good way to get around. Taxis have a starting fee of 7.50 euros and increase up to 2.20 euros per kilometer. A taxi ride from Amsterdam airport to downtown Amsterdam, for example, will cost around 39 euros.

Uber: Uber is available in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Haarlem, and The Gooi.

Bicycle: Bicycling is a very popular form of transportation in the Netherlands, and due to this you can find many cycling paths throughout the country. You can find rentals priced at 10-40 euros per day. 

Rent a car: Renting a car requires you to be at least 19 years old and have a U.S. license that is at least a year old. Prices start at 36 euros per day for drivers 25 and older.

You can also compare prices here

When to go To the Netherlands

• The best time to visit is between March and May and September to November, where you can find better deals on hotels and avoid the peak tourist season of July-August.
• April, in particular, is a great month for those who want to see the flowers after they have bloomed.
• Temperatures average to 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit during these seasons.
• If you are looking for the hottest weather, go in August, where temperatures can increase up to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Rotterdam Marriott Hotel : Check in to this 5-star hotel and stay in the trendy cool district, which features designer boutiques, popular restaurants, and the De Doelen concert hall.

The hotel comes private rooms and suites featuring marble bathrooms and minibars, free breakfast, room service, a cocktail bar, a café in the lobby, and a 24-hour gym.

Carlton BeachClub: When in The Hague, stay at this great beachside hotel. Accessible by tram and just a 6-minute walk from the Scheveningen Pier, the hotel comes with private rooms with balconies and TVs, a hotel restaurant, a bar and grill, a spa with 3 saunas, and an indoor pool.

Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam  – 5 star luxury Amsterdam hotel that is a bit more affordable than the Waldorf.

Amsterdam Accommodation Guides

Where To Stay In Amsterdam – The Best Areas & Neighbourhoods

What to Pack for The Netherlands

• Power Adapter: As the voltage is higher than the US, bring a power adapter to charge your electronics. 
• Walking Shoes: With so many outdoor activities, bring a pair of sturdy walking shoes to keep your feet comfortable.
• Raincoat: Keep yourself dry by bringing a raincoat.
• Check out our Packing for Europe – Tips That Will Make Your Travel Life Easier

See our packing tips: packing tips

Netherlands Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Netherlands Travel Guide: Related Articles

Where To Stay In Amsterdam In 2024: Our Favorite Places and Neighbourhoods

34 Best Things to Do in Amsterdam In 2024

The 21 Best Day Trips from Amsterdam

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How to get a cheap Dutch train ticket: 7 handy tips

Choo choo — all aboard for some fabulous deals! 🚆

We can hear you asking this question from all the way over there: do cheap Dutch train tickets exist? Well , yes! There are plenty of options, you just need to know where to look.

The NS might have a bad reputation for hiking train prices, but there are surefire ways to find great train ticket deals. And the cherry on top? You’ll often know the price of our journey well in advance.

If you’re keen as a been to start saving some serious cash on your rail journeys, this cheap Dutch train ticket guide will have you snatching up those handy deals right away! 🤑

1. Opt for day tickets ( dagkaarten )

Something that I have always done is buy NS day tickets from supermarkets and other high street shops. A few times a year, shops such as Kruidvat, Xenos, Blokker, Hema, and Albert Heijn sell discounted train tickets.

The best thing to do is to check their websites every once in a while, or in the shop window if you happen to be walking past. Found one you like? Hoera , it’s time to buy these tickets in bulk!

However, do remember to read the terms and conditions, as I’ve found that discounted day tickets are often restricted to off-peak hours or on the weekends.

Do you need a bit of extra help sourcing some great deals? This useful website offers an overview of all running discounted train tickets offered by different shops and stores! 🙌

Unfortunately, the information is only offered in Dutch, but if you scroll down you can see the discounted prices per person on the right-hand side.

2. Check out an advantage card (AKA Dal Voordeel)

This is available to people who have an OV chipkaart , which you can get online or at any NS info counter for €7.50.

Tip: Owning an OV chipkaart is cheaper if you use public transport regularly in the Netherlands because you don’t need to pay a euro every time for the print-out tickets.

To get this ‘advantage card’ deal, you can pay €67.20 per year or €5.60 per month for a subscription . In return, you get a generous 40% off train prices to any destination in the Netherlands.

Of course, it’s important to read the fine print, as this deal is only valid at off-peak times, so you cannot travel with the discount between 6:30 AM to 9:00 AM, and 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

If you want a peak-times discount card (20% off during rush hour), you’ll have to pay a little more per month: €26.70. However, it’s still much cheaper than without a discount!

Another great thing with the advantage card is that you can take up to three friends with you. You just load the discount onto their OV chipkaarten and they all get the same discount! How kind of you, NS.

3. Grab a group ticket ( Groepsticket )

For only €7.15 per person, up to seven passengers travelling together to the same destination off-peak can get a ticket to anywhere in the Netherlands.

Basically, the more people that you gather to travel with you (or the more friends you have! 😉), the cheaper it becomes.

Here’s a breakdown of the prices as an example, so you can easily see how cheap it really is:

• Four people = € 9.50 per person
• Five people = €8.40 per person
• Six people = €7.67 per person
• Seven people = €7.15 per person

You can easily order the Groepsticket online , and each person will receive their own personalised ticket. Easy, right?

4. Scour discount websites for cheap Dutch train ticket deals

Another way to get cheap ticket deals is to check the Spoordeelwinkel section of the NS website, which contains new deals every month. These Dutch train ticket deals are linked to specific destinations, such as cities, hotels, or amusement parks.

They also have great tickets for you tourists out there. 🧳

Occasionally, you can get deals for tourist attractions where you can get transport bundled with a hotel, entry fee, or meal fee paid for in one — so remember to keep checking the site!

5. Buy tickets for your kids, pets — and even your bike

Forget about leaving little Fluffy, your 3 screaming children, or your beloved Dutch bike at home. The NS offers special tickets for all three! 👇

Doggy day ticket

You can buy a day dog ticket for just €3.30 but small dogs and other small animals get to travel for free ( wat mooi! ). So it’s probably best not to overfeed your pet if you want a free ride. 😂

You can load this onto your OV chipkaart or with a disposable single-use card.

Children’s ticket

If your kids are tagging along with you, the fab news is that they can travel for free — provided they have their own OV chip cards (€7.50).

Oh, and what if their friends are joining in on the fun? Well, the price stays the same: free!

Of course, some requirements do apply, such as the children involved being between the ages of 4 to 11 and accompanied by someone over the age of 12.

If that sounds like something beneficial for you and your nearest and dearest, don’t forget to purchase the Kids Vrij discount! (You “purchase” it for €0.)

Bike ticket

Ja hoor , you can even take your beloved fiets on the train for €7.50 per day.

This ticket is only valid during off-peak hours, but it doesn’t matter how long your journey is, it’s still the same price. That way you will never have to part with your bike ever again.

READ MORE | Don’t pay full price! Buy train tickets the Dutch way.

Just load this onto your OV chipkaart or buy a disposable single-use card.

6. Snap up some international discount cards

So, maybe you want a change of scenery from the Netherlands and are looking to explore something new for the day. The good news is, if you have an OV chipkaart, you can travel to Germany, Belgium, and beyond with a handy discount. 🗺️

With an Interrail ticket , for example, you can get a discount of up to 25% on European rail travel.

If you’re determined to do a round trip of Europe during the summer, opting for a €185 Global Pass will give you access to a whopping 33 European countries for a flexible time period that you can set.

Meanwhile, the €51 One Country Pass will give you unlimited access to the rail network to a European country of your choice. Prima !

7. Browse the NS site

Admittedly, the NS deals aren’t always as good as some of the other deals out there. However, from time to time, the NS does advertise some pretty cool deals on their site .

These are mainly city trip deals to other countries, but who wouldn’t like a little day trip to Brussels or Paris this summer? ⛲️

In addition to this, buying a ticket at least four days before your trip will score you a generous 20% discount for rail journeys between Monday and Thursday — and a 10% discount on weekends. It really does ‘pay’ to be an early bird! 😉

What’s the best deal you’ve got on Dutch transport? Let us know in the comments!

Liked it? Try these on for size:

Road trips from the netherlands to luxembourg, 13 intriguing things to do in kinderdijk in 2024, wadlopen in 2024: your guide to mudflat walking in the netherlands, what do you think, 12 comments.

[…] Hop on board Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) train service, for direct links all over the country! What’s that? Tickets are far too expensive? Don’t jump the barrier! Find out the tips and tricks to the cheapest train tickets available! […]

[…] deals in the supermarket as a tourist (unlikely for most), you’re faced with paying full price for train tickets. On top of that, for not having an OV Chipcard, you’re paying an extra euro. Have an OV […]

It was very interesting on the wall of the staircase. :))

[…] (If you’re here to look for cheaper train tickets, this is the perfect time to check our train ticket guide […]

The author forgets to mention that most if not all ns train tickets are etickets and can only be paid for using the iDEAL payment option. This is only available for people with a Dutch bank account. The ns is very unfriendly for foreigners without a dutch bank account, and I always feel robbed.

This is indeed true. More than once I paid with my bank card at the ticketmachine on the station for someone’s ticket in exchange for cash as he/she didn’t have a bank card to pay with. Dutch Railroads (NS) is now experimenting with (check-in – check-out) direct payment with bank card at the gates. But you can pay for online ticket orders by credit card (Visa, Amex, Master Card) according to https://www.ns.nl/klantenservice/betalen/problemen-met-online-betalen.html .

You’d need a Dutch bank account for most (if not all) deals indeed. And a Dutch postal code (well, you can solve that one, of course). And if a local buys the ticket for you, they cannot send it to you (for example, by e-mail – you cannot put it in an attachment or forward via WhatsApp). So it only works if you have a local friend travelling with you (unless I missed something important). The local transportation system is really unkind to foreigners, but it’s a lovely country nevertheless 🙂

In #6 you say “The good news is, if you have an advantage card (the card I mentioned at 1.)” The advantage card is in #2, not #1

Thanks for that – all changed! I didn’t notice and you’re the first person to bring it up, so cheers. 😀

hi thank you

this content its great

The bike ticket is only valid off-peak-hours and not as you claim all day. Hence during peak hours (07.30-09.00 and 16.30-18.30 weekdays) you are NOT allowed to take a non-foldable bike (folded completely) with you in the train with this ticket and you risk a fine.

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Best travel packages in the Netherlands

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Top-rated travel packages in the Netherlands

5-Day the Netherlands City Break in Amsterdam

10-Day Road Trip to the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and France

One-Week Relaxed the Netherlands Road Trip from Amsterdam to The Hague

4-Day the Netherlands City Break in Rotterdam

6-Day the Netherlands City Break in Utrecht

3-Day the Netherlands City Break in Maastricht

7-Day the Netherlands City Break in The Hague

9-Day the Netherlands City Break in Leiden

Travel packages starting in all the top destinations in the netherlands.

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Frequently asked questions, what’s the easiest way to plan a holiday in the netherlands, what types of holidays can i go on in the netherlands, how many days do i need for a holiday in the netherlands, what are experiences i can’t miss on vacation in the netherlands, when is the best time to go on a netherland vacation, which cities should i visit if i’m traveling in the netherlands, what is the best 7-day travel package to the netherlands, how far in advance should i book my the netherlands holiday package, how much should i budget for a vacation in the netherlands, how much do vacation packages to the netherlands usually cost, when is the cheapest time to go on a vacation to the netherlands, how do i find cheap vacation packages to the netherlands, what’s included in a typical vacation package to the netherlands, can i visit other countries on a vacation package in the netherlands, what are some popular package holiday destinations in the netherlands, what is a budget-friendly vacation destination in the netherlands, what type of accommodation is typically included in vacation packages to the netherlands, can i add flights to my the netherlands travel package, can i add tours and activities to my the netherlands travel package, can i book a vacation package to the netherlands for a group, can i cancel my the netherlands holiday package if i can’t travel.

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Filter for what you want, trusted and free, price alerts, recent flights found to popular cities in netherlands, find flights to these popular cities in netherlands from your nearest airport., netherlands flights insights and trends, explore insights for your netherlands flight to craft the best travel plan, what is the cheapest flight to netherlands, if you are looking to fly to netherlands for less, look to airlines like easyjet, wizz air, and wizz air malta, with prices starting at $26, $27, and $34 respectively., see prices from:, what are the most popular cities to visit in netherlands, netherlands is full of interesting cities to visit if you’re interested in touring the country. the majority of our users (88%) visit amsterdam more than other cities in the country, but other popular cities in netherlands include schiphol and eindhoven., how long is the flight from united states to netherlands, on average, it takes 10h 15m to fly from united states to netherlands if you fly out of los angeles (the most popular airport in united states) and into amsterdam schiphol (the most popular airport in netherlands). if you’re flying out of san francisco and into amsterdam schiphol, then the flight time is around 10h 10m., what airlines fly to netherlands, of the 28 airlines that fly to netherlands, delta, klm and united airlines happen to be the most favored based on our user data. delta is the most popular among the three airlines, with 40% of users choosing them for their travels to netherlands., cheapest flights to cities in netherlands, click on the cities below to find out when it's cheapest to fly to netherlands from united states, cheap netherlands flight deals and tips, summary info about the netherlands flight prices, duration and airlines, useful information for your flight to netherlands, get up-to-date answers for some of the most frequently asked questions regarding flying to netherlands, what popular landmarks are in netherlands.

Amsterdam RAI is the most popular place of interest in Netherlands. Many travelers make it a point to stop there while traveling to Netherlands. Other popular landmarks and places of interest in Netherlands would be Scheveningen Strand, De Dam, or Vondel Park.

What is the best airport to land at to visit Amsterdam RAI?

Flying into Amsterdam Airport is typically the best way to visit Amsterdam RAI, since it is the closest airport to the area.

What is the most popular airport in Netherlands to fly to?

Amsterdam Schiphol is the most popular airport in Netherlands to fly to, with 79% of all users traveling to Netherlands opting to take a flight into this airport. If you’re interested in staying in Amsterdam, which is the city in Netherlands that is closest to Amsterdam Schiphol, then be sure to check momondo for cheap flight deals.

How much are flights to Netherlands?

Flights to Netherlands can be found for as cheap as $382 per ticket. However our users tend to find airfares to Netherlands for around $2,338 on average. If you’re looking to find a good deal on your flight to Netherlands, then you should consider booking if you find anything for $2,012 or less.

What is the best day of the week to fly to Netherlands?

The best day of the week to fly to Netherlands is Wednesday due to prices being at their lowest. Flying out on a Monday should be a backup plan since this day tends to be less expensive as well. Saturday, on the other hand, is the most expensive day to fly to Netherlands.

When did momondo last update prices for flights to Netherlands?

Prices for flights to Netherlands refresh daily.

How many operators does momondo search for flights to Netherlands?

As of May 2024, there are 89 operators available to choose from for flights to Netherlands.

How old do you have to be to fly to Netherlands?

The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines offering an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their age restrictions, such as regulations concerning flight duration, timing, and layovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel to Netherlands.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Netherlands?

The travel and health documents required for your trip to Netherlands can vary based on your itinerary and personal situation. As a rule, consider having multiple documents such as a national ID card or driver’s license, and a passport valid for six-months after you plan to arrive at Netherlands. We always recommend checking with your airline or a trusted third party such as IATA to get advice.

Why use momondo?

Why should i use momondo to find a flight deal to netherlands.

To find the flight that best suits your needs, momondo gathers a range of flights from a large pool of different airlines and agents; you can then use our insights and filters to find and book the right flight to Netherlands.

Can I find flights to Netherlands with flexible booking policies on momondo?

momondo does allow users to show only those flights to Netherlands which offer a flexible booking policy as well as other useful filters and features.

How can momondo help me find flights to Netherlands?

momondo helps you find the best flight to Netherlands by providing filters to narrow your choice of flights to those matching your criteria. You can select flights based on numerous factors such as price, departure and landing times, airport and airline.

I’m not ready to book a flight to Netherlands right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Yes momondo offers price alerts on flights to Netherlands. After performing a search on this page you should be able to see the price alert set up feature. Simply provide a valid email address and momondo will instantly alert you when prices change.

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Your Netherlands Vacation

Make organizing your next getaway easy with a Netherlands vacation package. Whether it's nature, history or something else entirely that lures you here, our package deals will help you discover the best of it. Your trip to Netherlands wouldn't be complete without visiting some of its best cities, starting with Amsterdam , Hoofddorp and Schiphol . Expedia has hotels, flights, car rentals and more to help you put together your own customized Netherlands vacation today.

Top destinations in Netherlands

The Latest Netherlands Vacation Packages

Huygens Place

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Netherlands Vacation

Famous for its canals, cycling routes and flat landscape dotted with windmills and tulip fields, the Netherlands is a charming country in the northwest of Europe.

Netherlands Hotel + Flights

When it comes to finding a place to stay here, you have plenty of choices. There are 19,164 hotels on offer starting at $128 a night. If you want to keep your expenses down and your wallet happy, why not think about bundling your hotel and flight bookings and creating your own fantastic Netherlands Vacation Package. You can even include extras like car rentals and experiences. Always dreamed about seeing the country’s iconic windmills? Just add a guided tour to your hotel and flight package.

Your Netherlands Vacation Itinerary

Day 1-3: Start your vacation by flying into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Once you’ve settled into your hotel, rent a bike. Cycling is an excellent way of getting around Amsterdam to see attractions like the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.

Day 4: Dubbed the International City of Peace and Justice, The Hague is well worth a visit. Rent a car in Amsterdam and you can be there in around an hour. The Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery and Scheveningen Beach are a couple of must-sees in this beautiful coastal city.

Day 5-6: Hop back in the car and drive south for about 30 minutes to Rotterdam. This architecturally adventurous city is home to landmarks such as Erasmus Bridge, Euromast Tower and the Cube Houses, as well as one of the world’s largest ports.

Netherlands Information

• There are festivals galore in the Netherlands. If you happen to be there April 27, dress in orange and join the locals as they celebrate King’s Day (Koningsdag).
• Museums are a major attraction in the vibrant capital of the Netherlands. If you’re hoping to stay here for a while and visit some of them, be sure to browse through our Amsterdam Vacation Packages .
• Want to treat yourself this vacation? Check out our Netherlands All Inclusive Resorts .

Netherlands Essential Information

Netherlands hotel deals.

Reviewed on May 14, 2024

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

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Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in netherlands, efteling theme park.

Have a fun-filled day at Efteling Theme Park and find out why this is a popular theme park in Kaatsheuvel. While you're in the area, wander around the forests.

Amsterdam’s iconic square, with its cobbled stones and grand historical buildings, is a lively gathering place and venue for protests and celebrations.

Van Gogh Museum

This modern museum houses the world’s largest collection of the legendary Dutch master painter who led a troubled life and never saw his work become famous.

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Find cheap flights from New York to the Netherlands from $171

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from new york to the netherlands departing on 10/8. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to the netherlands.

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Best Netherlands Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking netherlands flights, do you require a visa to fly from new york to the netherlands.

You don’t need a visa for you to fly from New York to Netherlands. Since Netherlands is a party to the Schengen Agreement, US citizens can visit for business or tourist purposes for a period for not more than 90 days without a visa. However, one must have a valid passport.

Which airline should I use when flying to Netherlands from New York with my kids?

American Airlines is one of the airlines flying from New York to Netherlands, with some of the best amenities for kids. Its cabins have spacious seats with extra legroom to ensure you and your kids remain comfortable the entire journey. Additionally, kids are able to enjoy kid-friendly entertainment all journey long with complimentary snacks served.

Are there direct flights from New York to Netherlands?

Yes. You can enjoy non-stop flights from New York to Netherlands. This is particular good for travelers rushing to attend an urgent meeting or event in Amsterdam. American Airlines and British Airways provide these direct flights, all departing from John F. Kennedy and landing at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.

How can I connect to Amsterdam from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol?

Taxis offer the fastest and most reliable means of transport from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to Amsterdam city center. While at the airport, you can conveniently access a taxi from the short-term parking outside the baggage claim area. A taxi ride from the airport to Amsterdam city center takes about 35 minutes.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from New York to the Netherlands?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from New York to the Netherlands.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from New York to the Netherlands?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to the Netherlands from New York is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from New York to the Netherlands?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to the Netherlands with an airline and back to New York with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from New York to the Netherlands?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to the Netherlands from New York up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to the Netherlands

• Morning departure is around 35% cheaper than an evening flight, on average*.
• Among the several airports in New York that serve flights to Netherlands, a majority of travelers prefer departing from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). One of the advantages of JFK is that it has the highest frequency of daily Netherlands-bound flights. Therefore, travelers are certain of getting a flight that best suits their schedule.
• When connecting from New York City center to John F Kennedy Intl Airport, you have several transport options depending on your budget and time. If you are rushing against time, taxis will be the best option. In light traffic, a taxi from New York City center to John F. Kennedy takes about 15 minutes.
• If you want to catch up with the earliest flight from New York to Netherlands, consider spending the night before traveling at JFK INN- Hotel JFK Airport New York. This airport is located 1.7 miles from the airport and offers free airport shuttles to its visitors. Staying will enable you to access the airport with little hassle in the morning.
• Fights from New York to Netherlands arrive at either Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) or Eindhoven Airport (EID). However, a majority of travelers prefer landing at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. This is because the airport is located in the capital city of Netherlands, Amsterdam, from where connecting to other cities is quite easy.
• When planning for your flight from New York to Netherlands, think of some of the cities served by the arrival airport, which you can visit conveniently. For instance, if you are landing at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, you have the opportunity to visit other cities near Amsterdam, including Diemen, Landsmeer, and Amstelveen.

Top 5 airlines serving from New York to the Netherlands

The plane was FREEZING SEATS UNCOMFORTABLE Otherwise smooth Thank you

I'm a larger, athletic guy (6'2", 260lbs powerlifter) and I found the seats incredibly uncomfortable with minimal leg room, especially in a window seat. Now, I full understand that being smaller may change my view but even if I was 80lbs less, my legs would be the same size and I was sandwiched between my seat and the seat in front of me.

Seat back monitors and outlets were dead and not working.

The crew, food, and entertainment were all good. But my screen had some sort of bug where if I turned it off, it would turn back on after 2-5 minutes. At full brightness. It made it very hard to get any shut-eye on the overnight flight. Also, the older Boeing plane, while nicely cared for (and no doors fell off 😅👏) doesn't have the nice air quality of newer planes. So I felt a bit greasy by the time we landed in Sweden.

Service was good for such a short flight. Small plane but smooth flight.

The flight was delayed but we got to our final destination.

Uncomfortable seats on 14 hour flight. Mediocre food. On time and great crew.

The helpful attitude of the staff, and being a wheelchair passenger everyone was helpful and understanding. The trip was made comfortable by the upgraded seat which was given without my request, that was a great surprise. Thank you Delta.

Everything went well with the flight. But one of the flight attendants had on inappropriate pants. She had on an old worn out pair of sweat pants. The back seam was unrivaled and should not have been worn for work. If I had not seen her in the airport with the standard type of luggage, I certainly would not have thought she was working for Delta. Not a good look at all for representation.

Great!! I haven’t had a bad experience with them.

The food from Lagos to Amsterdam was was very poor compared to AMS-YYZ

The flight was again delayed for more then 2 hours with some lousy explanation regarding the reason of the delay. Although the flight was delayed for more than 2 hours, no refreshments were offered (according to EU regulations). Last 4 flights on KLM - always at least 2 hrs late. So be prepared that you cannot plan anything with KLM.

Booked connecting flights with KlM. My serving flight was the furthest part of the airport. On arrival in Zurich. My two cases arrived but only one carry on belong to my son. His three suitcase didn't arrive. After enquiring we discovered they were still in Amsterdam. We landed at 11.12. We eventually left the airport just after one.

Seats are fair enough for medium tall people. Good food all the trip. Fight attendances are warm

I thought KLM was the best airline but the Lima - Amsterdam was 1 hours late, the Brussels - Amsterdam was 2.30 hours late and the Amsterdam - Lima was 30 minutes late

no issues at all... Kudos to the food. This time was really really good

Overall a good experience. We were disappointed when we had to check our carry on due to the plane being full. KLM hadn’t notified us and we had valuable items in the carry on but they still made us check it. Some of the food was great and some was mediocre. Crew is really kind and funny.

One of the vstewardeses wanted to bump me of the plane for absolutely nothing. There is CCTV in the plane ans everything can be verified. Very disappointing , you all will see, o other 5 years and the passangers who does not smile to flight attendent will be bumped off...

I travel frequently. The flight was late again... KLM should really try and be on time

The flight itself it was great nice food the crew were very nice and helpful, Checking in from Birmingham wasn't great long queues for bag dropped, And I had my hand luggage case taken away from me even though I requested to have it with me as I had breakables items. I was told I can not because of the length of the flight with no explanation at all no options was given for me to take my fragile items out of my case it was taken away with hold buggage I find the staff member who was checking me in very unpleasant !! Can we please be advise if the rules have changed about the the carry on hand luggage it will be easier to be advise on booking your tickect if we not allowed to take the hand luggage with me. Overall I had a good flight .

Flight was delayed 2.5 hours - a big deal on an overnight when you plan to sleep.

I feel like they have upgraded the app since I last flew United and I found it to be super helpful. I had stopped flying United unless absolutely necessary and my experience on this trip indicates they have been working hard to improve their services.

flight delays, staff only communicating when pushed, food service lasting a grand total of 7 minutes, stuck in seat from 45mins into flight until landing

Nice flight, nice crew but no cookie or napkin with my seltzer.

The flight was canceled. Got rebooked to Chicago and when we arrived our luggage where to there. They were going to our original destination the day after. They would not deliver them to our house. We had to go pick them up.

EWR terminal C United Club is great. Flight and everything else mediocre

737 Max was leaking water into the cabin through the windows. Overhead bins opened on landing. Bad bad plane.

Very bad , airplain had problem with engines , had to evacuate, had a delay on my trip for almost 4 hours , lost my rental car in london..

Other than the two hour delay, it was fine. Of course they were very professional and kept us informed throughout the whole delay..

Easy boarding in group 2. Landed 1/2 hr early. Delicious cookie snack.

I fly to the USA every 6wks on Ave and 99% of the time I fly Aer Lingus. If I fly BA I’m always disappointed. My only criticism is the food. I’m vegan and over the last year it’s got slightly better these last couple of flights but on the whole it’s not good! Salad and fruit salad for breakfast and that’s also the starter and desert for the lunch/dinner and the main is usually rice with fried veg 😳the pasta is pretty good though. That’s been the last 2 meals…. Everything else is fantastic.

The flight was half full and I presume that the next few days are even less busy not sure why they are still charging a premium to change a flight.

Are Longus was fine. I booked thru Kayak and was unable to get my business class seat early. Sat next to galley. Crew forgot to wake me for breakfast.

I loved how they arrange boarding (starting with people seated in back and moving to the front). Flight crew was very polite and welcoming. Seating was ok, I felt like there was enough leg space however it is noticeable when the passenger in front of you sets their seat back.

Nice to be on a flight that wasn't fully booked so there were only two of us in the three seat row.

The only problem was there are games on the entertaiment system. The guy behind me played poker the entire time and poking the back of my seat. I hope they remove these.

Great travel. Wonderful experience. Hope to do it again in the near future. God willing

Aer Lingus doesn't have plug ins for devices at each seat. They also did not give me a dairy free meal as requested and confirmed by staff. It was as if I had not requested anything. Otherwise, they were great!

The transatlantic flight was wonderful. The regional reminded me of jet blue. Crazy and packed. Not enough overhead space and tough on elderly.

All OK. Food, best bring your own. Even a BigMac will be better.

did not get the seats we had specially paid for

This is a no frills airline. You cant expect much for the price. Low cost flight, clean, nice staff. That's all I need for the price. If you want more, book with another airline and pay more. For Europe trips, PLAY is the ONLY airline I use

Misleading instructions for check in. Although I did virtual check in and was instructed to head to security, once I was at security, they told me to go back to Play ticket counter and get paper tickets. Also, beware that Play doesn’t participate in TSA PreCheck. I didn’t know that, despite entering PreCheck info when I purchased the tickets. I wasted time in the TSA PreCheck line as well. So we had two setbacks at check in.

It's a budget airline, so forewarned is forearmed. Yes, you pay for everything like carry-on, checked baggage, seat selection, but that's becoming the case with major airlines. Bringing your own snacks and entertainment on board is highly recommended. It's no frills, but the crew, the plane and the flight itself was great. If you want pampering go for a larger airline. If you just want to get from A to B in comfort and safety, Play is a great choice.

It is a low cost airline. Staff are courteous. There is no entertainment. Food is purchased.

Upon boarding, the people at the gate were extremely rude, there were no outlets on a 6 hour international flight, there was no entertainment, all food and drink was purchase only (even snacks), and my seat reclining function was fully broken. The only redeeming quality was the flight attendants were extremely nice. This was by far the worst flight I have ever been on in my entire life

I don’t know how international flights can’t have media screens to keep people entertained for the long flight. Ugh.

Typical experience for budget airline. Boarding from KEF required bus transit from the gate to plane, so if you had "priority boarding" it was useless as it was simply a free-for-all when getting off the bus. But still no issues with getting our luggage into overhead bin so not really a problem.

Was very apprehensive about flying Play, but the flight was fine. Nothing special, nothing horrible. Fair price to get from New York to Iceland.

I wasn’t able to check in online the day before or the day of because their web configuration or business model idk. I arrived an hour early and check was closed and there was no one around to speak to and eventually was told there was no possible way to get a digital ticket despite I had no luggage to check and would have easily made it through security to boarding and had to pay for a new ticket for $330 ontop of the $169 I spend for the ticket and then I missed my rental car for $305 because I only arrived at midnight instead of noon that I was originally intended. All booked through kayak. I hope there is some kind of insurance from kayak because this was totally preventable had I not been blocked by play air from getting my check in and plane ticket.

Book cheap flights from New York to the Netherlands

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Cheap flights to the Netherlands from $173

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 10/8. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., flights to netherlands in 2024, find the latest flights to netherlands in 2024, with up-to-date prices and availability. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 2,645,940 searches and data was last updated on may 15, 2024., find flights to netherlands, browse one-way and round-trip flights deals to the netherlands on cheapflights. flight deals are based on user searches and were last updated on may 15, 2024, explore the netherlands, cheap flights to netherlands in may & june 2024, search the best deals to popular netherlands cities recently found by cheapflights users, the lowest-priced flights departing to netherlands in may and june 2024 can be found below. check back soon for alternative prices as deals update often., cheap flights to amsterdam, netherlands 2024 flight deals, explore flight deals for netherlands in 2024, offering the best prices and options to suit your preferences. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 2,645,940 searches and data were last updated on may 15, 2024., the lowest fares on flights traveling to netherlands in may and june 2024. for more flight deals, be sure to check back very soon., one-way flights to netherlands, explore one-way flight options to netherlands for greater flexibility in your travel plans. find up-to-date pricing and availability for one-way flights. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 2,645,940 searches and data was last updated on may 15, 2024., choose from one of these one-way flights departing to netherlands. reserve a round-trip flight to netherlands instead by utilizing the search form above., direct flights to netherlands, find flights to netherlands within your budget, locate flights to netherlands that fit your budget, with regularly updated fares and availability. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 2,645,940 searches and data was last updated on may 15, 2024..

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Average price of flights to Netherlands by month

Plan your trip to netherlands by taking into account the cheapest months to travel. the average price of a one-way flight to netherlands is currently $173 while a round-trip flight costs $450. price data was last updated on may 12, 2024..

Currently, November is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight to Netherlands (average of $597). Flying to Netherlands in June will prove the most costly (average of $1,241). There are multiple factors that influence the price of a flight so comparing airlines, departure airports and times can help keep costs down.

Temperature and rainfall in Netherlands by month

Plan your trip to netherlands by taking into account the average temperature and rainfall totals by month..

If weather is an important factor for your trip to Netherlands, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, July is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 60.8 F. Travelers looking to avoid the cold should look outside of February, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 35.6 F).

When is the best time to book a flight to Netherlands?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight to netherlands. price data was last updated on may 10, 2024., the price you pay for your flight to netherlands may vary depending on when you book. for the best chance of a lower fare, look to book 81 days in advance of your trip. fares are likely to increase a fortnight or so before your departure date., reviews of airlines servicing netherlands, get insights into the airlines that provide service to netherlands. read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to netherlands. reviews last updated may 15, 2024., get a feel of what it's like to fly with play, vueling and ita airways to netherlands by reading reviews from past customers. reviews also offer insight into each airline's entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process..

Entertainment

In the boarding area at La Guardia, there are charging stations for electronics but the electric outlets do not work on many of the stations.

Since the early 1800s, the Netherlands has remained neutral on most of the world’s conflicts. Because of the country’s neutral political position, it’s only logical that the International Court of Justice is headquartered in The Hague. Leave your attitude and impatience on board the Netherlands flight – if there is one thing visitors know about this country is that the Dutch take their time and enjoy the day as it were intended. 

When in the Netherlands, do as the Dutch do: start pedaling. Your flight to the Netherlands might be cramped, but once you’re here you’ll have plenty of time to stretch your legs. The best way to see the country is on bicycle, so grab your helmet and head out into the country. Pedal past the windmills and through the flower fields and you’ll find yourself in the heart of the city enjoying a bit more modern lifestyle. What most travelers enjoy about the Netherlands is the laid-back nature of the country. Hop a flight to the Netherlands for a taste of Dutch culture and Puritan past. 

If you’re looking for a place that can simultaneously rock and relax, book a flight to the Netherlands.

The Netherlands’ climate is fairly temperate. It rains throughout the year and temperatures vary with the seasons. Summer is the best time to visit, even though tourist crowds might scare you away. The country’s famous tulips start blooming in May.

Peak season:

The summer is when most travelers book flights to the Netherlands and when tourists throng the cities, but there is no bad time to see the Netherlands. Spring and autumn are also good times. Go in April for the daffodils and May to see the tulips at their colorful best.

Off season:

The winters are quite cold, but you can often find cheap flights to the Netherlands and discounts on accommodations.

Domestic air services connect Amsterdam Schiphol with Eindhoven, Groningen, Maastricht and Rotterdam airports. The major car-rental companies are represented at the airports. There is a good, efficient and affordable bus and rail network, but for getting around the Netherlands the Dutch way, take to the bicycle. There is an excellent bicycle network.

There are also ferries for “Wad hopping” or island hopping among the Dutch Wadden islands, which lie to the north of the country. It is a popular pastime during the summer months. It is possible to sail from island to island, and you can bring your bike on most ferries.

The following chart gives approximate journey times from Amsterdam (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in The Netherlands.

• Hoge Veluwe National Park is the Netherlands’ largest national park. It boasts marshlands, forests and sand dunes and the Kröller-Müller Museum , which is world-famous for its large collection of paintings by Vincent van Gogh.
• The Keukenhof Gardens , south of Haarlem, is the largest garden in the world. Almost one million people visit it each year. Go for the endless fields of color that appear thanks to the hundreds of thousands of tulips and daffodils in full bloom.
• Even though the Rijksmuseum is undergoing a major renovation program until 2009, it is worth a visit. The “facelift” will restore the building to its original state.
• The Van Gogh Museum has about 200 paintings including The Potato Eaters and The Yellow House in Arles as well as paintings by Monet and Gauguin.
• Visit the Euromast in the port city of Rotterdam. Its observation area offers panoramic views over Rotterdam.
• Hotels in the Netherlands cater to all types of travelers. Amsterdam hotels range from hostels to luxury properties, Maastricht hotels offer travelers a little respite from the city center of Amsterdam, and Rotterdam hotels are frequented by students and parents visiting during the school year.

Can I find cheaper flights to Netherlands if I am willing to have layovers?

Yes, flights with layovers are often cheaper than direct flights. Keep an eye out for flight deals to Netherlands on Cheapflights that require 1 or 2 stops for potential cost savings.

What is the best airline to fly to Netherlands?

Based on reviews from Cheapflights users, Vueling is rated the highest out of the airlines that fly to Netherlands.

What is the cheapest airport to fly to in Netherlands?

Eindhoven Airport is currently the cheapest airport to fly to in Netherlands. One-way flights to Eindhoven Airport typically cost $25, while round-trip flights cost around $28.

How much is a round-trip flight to Netherlands?

A round-trip flight to Netherlands will typically cost around $773, however they can be found for as little as $56.

Where does the fastest flight to Netherlands depart from?

For those looking to save time traveling to Netherlands, Boston offers the quickest one-way flight (6 hours 40 minutes).

Does Amsterdam Schiphol Airport have rental cars?

Yes. Those touching down at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport can take advantage of the rental car services offered upon their arrival.

Are there hotels close to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport?

Yes. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has hotels nearby for those requiring accommodations. YOTELAIR Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the closest property to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (0.0 mi away from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport).

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Here is the cheapest time to travel to Europe’s pricey and popular cities

Come summer, travel to Europe will be top of mind for plenty of Americans with vacation on the brain.

But can we afford it? Summers especially can be crowded, hot and packed with tourists driving up rates as locals flee for the countryside and beaches — not really the best time to be visiting.

Plus, this year, there’s an extra level of expense added, with the 2024 Olympics taking Paris for the months of July and August.

And that won’t just impact Paris, but all the destinations like the French wine regions, the Cote d’Azur and even London and Brussels and Amsterdam — all easily accessible by rail and likely to receive plenty of extra visitors.

So you might still be going — but you might be going before or after the summer, this time around. And according to a new study , that’s totally fine.

For example, did you know that Paris can be a pretty good deal, as long as you’re not insisting on the peak travel periods?

The number crunchers at Radical Storage urge travelers not looking to go into heavy debt to select the shoulder season, when visitors can save a whopping average of 60.3% on their hotel stays, one of biggest budget busters on a Paris itinerary, where peak season nightly rates averaged $866.

Wait until shoulder season and see those same rates plummet to $344, the research revealed. That’s a discount of $522.

Shoulder seasons can vary by destination, but are by definition the times between peak and off-peak. And, most importantly, unlike during low season, the weather isn’t terrible. (If you’ve spent a winter in Paris, you know that’s an issue.)

“Shoulder season is the period before or after peak season but not yet the off-season. For example, many European destinations have a very busy summer (July/August) but May, June, September, and October may be considered shoulder season (it varies per destination), while January could be considered the off-season or low season,” the study stated.

“Visiting destinations in shoulder season usually means lower costs and lower crowds, while still keeping good enough weather for tourism.”

To find the best times to travel to Europe, the study pored over data from Google Flights and prices for thousands of hotels. Besides beaucoup bargain boltholes in Paris, they also found that flights to Budapest in the off-season sank to 56.6% of peak season highs, Thrillist reported .

And while Budapest had the best drop in prices, it was far from the best deal, overall — peak pricing for cities like Stockholm from the States averaged about $778, according to the study, and $537 during shoulder season — a drop of 30.9 percent.

As part of the study’s findings, the authors compiled a list of the best shoulder season month to visit a selection of cities around the world. Here are their picks for many of Europe’s most popular destinations.

• Athens – April
• Barcelona – April
• Brussels – April
• Copenhagen – April
• Florence – April
• Frankfurt – April
• Milan – April
• Munich – April
• Prague – April
• Venice – April
• Vienna – April
• Berlin – May
• Edinburgh – May
• Madrid – September
• Nice – September
• Amsterdam – October
• Budapest – October
• Dublin – October
• Lisbon – October
• London – October
• Paris – October
• Stockholm – October
• Zurich – October
• Rome – November

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The Netherlands Chevron

18 Places to Visit in the Netherlands That Aren't Amsterdam

By Chris Schalkx

Take it from a born-and-raised Dutchman: There are plenty of places to visit in the Netherlands that aren’t Amsterdam . If you stick to just the capital city, you’re only scratching the surface of this small-but-mighty country.

Look beyond Amsterdam’s tourist-thronged canal belt, and you’ll find plenty of villages plucked straight out of a classic painting by one of the Old Masters—windmills, tulips , swirling waterways, and all. There are sprawling national parks brimming with birdlife and criss-crossed with cycling trails , while envelope-pushing cities like Eindhoven and Rotterdam show that the country is a creative powerhouse too.

The best part? The national train network reaches all corners of the country, and its relatively small size puts even the most far-flung places within a day-trip distance from Amsterdam. Below, 18 places to visit in the Netherlands that aren’t Amsterdam—from frozen-in-time villages to museum-packed cities —to consider adding to your itinerary.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Katherine LaGrave and Caitlin Morton.

Wrapped in the Dutch countryside within easy day-trip distance from Amsterdam, Zaandam once stood at the heart of the Dutch milling industry. Remnants of these glory days can be found at Zaanse Schans, a short drive north from downtown, where a stroll through its jumble of windmills and clapboard houses feels like stepping into a real-life version of an Old Masters painting. Downtown, the ubiquitous Zaan-style architecture has gotten a mind-bendingly modern makeover at the landmark Inntel Hotel (an Escher-esque mash-up of traditional Zaanse houses), and the Zaandam City Hall, which reinterprets the shapes of Zaanse houses into minimalist masterpieces.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Zaandam in 15 minutes.

For Dutch standards, the two-hour train ride to this northern city is a nearly impossible schlep, but the picturesque journey through rolling farmlands is well worth it. Criss-crossed with canals and dotted with monumental churches, Renaissance-era gardens, and warehouses dating back to the 16th century, Groningen is packed with history. But as one of the country’s main university towns, the city has a surprisingly forward-thinking nightlife scene too. Most of the action happens around de Grote Markt (Big Market) square, which hosts a lively fish and food market by day, and turns into a party hub after dark.

How to get there : Trains from Amsterdam with a transfer in Utrecht or Almere bring you to Groningen in about two hours.

Thought this place was pancake-flat? Most of it is, yes—but Maastricht and the surrounding Zuid Limburg countryside prove that there’s more to this land than polders and endlessly flat farmland. Start off in Maastricht, the country’s southernmost major city, where you can walk through centuries worth of history in its cathedrals and limestone mines. After, venture into the undulating hills, forests, and meadows of Zuid Limburg via picturesque towns such as Valkenburg and Gulpen, from which miles of walking and cycling trails roll into every direction. The area’s close proximity to Belgium and Germany make it possible to visit all three countries within a single day.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Maastricht in two and a half hours.

This tiny village in the country’s northeast is often referred to as the “ Venice of the Netherlands,”and it’s easy to see why. With its thatched-roof farmhouses and wooden arch bridges, Giethoorn seems to have come straight out of a fairytale. It’s best explored via its network of bike lanes and canals—either by boat, or by ice skating during the frozen winter months. For a lay of the land, make the Museum Giethoorn ’t Olde Maat Uus your first stop. Set in a former farm, this museum walks guests through Giethoorn’s fascinating history via historic artifacts, hand-written letters, and hands-on workshops on old-timey cottage crafts.

How to get there : Trains from Amsterdam bring you to Zwolle in about an hour, from where buses link to central Giethoorn.

Sarah James

Caitlin Morton

Jahnavi Bhatt

Alex Erdekian

This picturesque fishing village is Holland’s best-known for a reason: It’s filled with colorful wooden houses, bobbing fishing boats, and seafood stall after seafood stall dishing up fish and chips, smoked eel, and pickled herring piled high with onions (to be eaten like the Dutch: in a single gulp). Once you’ve had your share of Volendam, hop on a ferry across the Markermeer lake to Marken, another old-timey Dutch village on a small island some 30 minutes away.

How to get there : Bus 316 leaves from Amsterdam Central station and brings you to Volendam in around 30 minutes.

Imagine a scene of the bucolic Dutch countryside, and the village of Kinderdijk is probably what comes to mind. In other words: lots of windmills. The village’s 19 monumental mills were built in the early 18th century to prevent flooding and keep soil dry, and the mill network has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Some of the mills, including Blokweer and Nederwaard, are open to the public and function as fascinating museums that share a peek into the lives of the families that once inhabited them.

How to get there : Buses leave from Rotterdam and bring you to Kinderdijk in about 30 minutes.

Alkmaar has many intriguing museums and lots of medieval architecture worth checking out, but most visitors flock here for one reason: cheese. The town is known for its traditional cheese market, which takes place on Friday mornings from April to early September. There’s plenty to see in other months too, though: There’s a cheese museum located in the 16th-century Waagtoren tower, half a dozen hofjes (almshouses) with gorgeous courtyard gardens, and a handful of ornately decorated churches dating back to the 17th century.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Alkmaar in just over 30 minutes.

Haarlem’s cobbled streets and pretty canals make this northern Dutch city feel like Amsterdam without the tourist crowds. Even its museums are of a similar caliber, with the renowned Frans Hals Museum exhibiting pieces by Dutch Masters such as Frans Hals and Pieter Bruegel, and its ‘Hal’ wing showcasing contemporary works by international artists. There are historic churches, market squares and quaint hofjes to explore, while the miles of dunes rolling along the coast make for a perfect break away from the city.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Haarlem in 15 minutes.

De Hoge Veluwe National Park

This park is one of the largest in the Netherlands, and within its 13,343 acres, counts rare wildlife, some of the most iconic buildings in the country, and the Kröller-Müller Museum , which showcases a collection of nineteenth and twentieth century art in addition to the largest private collection of Van Goghs. Zoom around on a (free) white bike—the park has about 1,700 on loan at central locations.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Apeldoorn in an hour, from where buses link to various points around the park.

Wadden Sea Islands

The five islands in the Wadden Sea, part of an archipelago of about 50 islands that stretches all the way to Denmark , are some of the country’s best places to unplug. Each one has a unique character, but all deliver seaside tranquility in spades—windswept dunes, cheeky seals, frozen-in-time villages and all. Seek out Texel, the largest of the bunch, for its wildlife-rich nature reserves; opt for largely car-free Schiermonnikoog, if it’s beachside hiking you’re after; or plan a trip to Vlieland during its annual Into The Great Wide Open festival around September, which transforms the island into a giant laid-back music and arts exhibition.

How to get there : Ferries from different cities on the mainland (including Harlingen) with a seasonally-changing schedule bring you to each island in about one to one and a half hours.

You can’t visit the Netherlands and not seek out some of its famous technicolor tulips. There are many places around the country to view the beautiful flowers , but the Keukenhof Gardens (open from March to May) and sprawling fields around the town of Lisse are a sure thing. The floral frenzy is at its peak around mid-April, when the annual Bloemencorse Bollenstreek parade of flower-adorned floats will travel from Noordwijk to Haarlem, with a stop at the Keukenhof along the way.

How to get there : The Keukenhof Express bus from various locations around Amsterdam and Schiphol airport brings you to the Keukenhof in about 30 minutes.

Many people flock to Delft for its eponymous blue pottery, but don’t overlook the town’s Renaissance architecture and Vermeer Centre museum (the Dutch painter, famous for such works as Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Milkmaid , was born and died here). The compact size of its historic center make it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls: Stop for coffee along its canals, browse Delftware in its numerous boutiques, and sample cheeses at the cafe-lined Markt square in front of the Nieuwe Kerk, where a lively local market pops up every Thursday.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Delft in an hour.

If you like technology and design, head to Eindhoven, a southern city home to some of the country’s most envelope-pushing museums and design academies. Seek out the Van Abbemuseum for its modern and contemporary art; stop at industrial park-turned culture hub Strijp-S; and hit up the Inkijkmuseum , a micro-museum located in a former washhouse. The city is at its best during the yearly Dutch Design Week (the largest design fair in northern Europe), which takes over Eindhoven’s creative spaces every October .

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Eindhoven in just under one and half hours.

Utrecht’s historic canal houses have two stories, and its centuries-old wharf cellars now serve as spots to enjoy food and drinks at water level—something unique to this city. You can also enjoy the towering churches and cozy cafes of Utrecht by bicycle, as it’s one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. It’s also the perfect place for history buffs, with sites like the Dom Tower and Centraal Museum offering glimpses into the country’s past.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Utrecht in 25 minutes.

Beemster Polder

About thirteen miles north of Amsterdam, the Beemster region is a prime example of a Dutch polder—a flat piece of green farmland formed by draining a body of water. Aside from its cultural significance (it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999), the Beemster Polder is a gorgeous landscape, complete with little canals, windmills, and lush green fields. Make sure to stop by Middenbeemster, which, like most towns in the country, is impossibly charming.

How to get there : Buses from various locations around Amsterdam bring you to the Beemster in about 30 minutes.

Holland’s second-largest city lost most of its heritage buildings during World War II bombings, but now leads the way in envelope-pushing architecture. Its skyline is a highlight reel of works by architecture greats such as Rem Koolhaas, who designed the gravity-defying De Rotterdam tower that soars above the Meuse river. Other standouts include the quirky cube houses ( for rent on Airbnb !) by Dutch architect Piet Blom; the horseshoe-shaped Markthal building by local architecture firm MVRDV; and the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, a bowl-shaped metallic edifice that’s home to the Boijmans Van Beuningen’s 151,000-piece art collection.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Rotterdam in 45 minutes.

Located near the Belgian border in the province of Limburg, Thorn is another one of those postcard-pretty Dutch hamlets with cobblestone roads and ancient churches. What makes Thorn unique, though, is its whitewashed architecture; at the Thorn Museum in the center of town, you’ll learn why this all-white look was an ingenious form of Medieval tax evasion. The other can’t-miss attraction is the 10th-century abbey church, which throughout history grew into a tiny kingdom ruled by noblewomen.

How to get there : From Amsterdam, trains to Weert take about two and a half hours, from where buses connect you to Thorn.

Amsterdam may be the capital, but the Dutch parliament meets in this stunning city on the North Sea. Within its Gothic-style Inner Court lie some of the country’s best museums, including an homage to M.C. Escher and the Mauritshuis (which houses Girl with the Pearl Earring ). Most locals, though, flock to The Hague for its beaches: long stretches of sand lined with lively boulevards, seafood restaurants, and breezy beach clubs.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to The Hague in 50 minutes.

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5 of the best road trips to take in the Netherlands

May 14, 2024 • 7 min read

Explore more of the Netherlands by car (or bike) with these top driving routes © Karl Hendon / Getty Images

Beyond the Netherlands ’ biggest and best-known cities, a patchwork of farmland, fields, villages and towns laced by canals, polders, dykes and windmills unfolds across the flat, low-lying Dutch landscapes.

These road trips will give you a taste of the Netherlands’ exquisite scenery, age-old traditions and ingenious innovations. With state-of-the-art roads, driving is an ideal way to make spontaneous stops and discoveries. The country’s short distances and extensive cycling paths offer the option to hop off or even swap out the car completely and travel these routes by bike.

Ready to explore the Netherlands? Here are the places that should be on your agenda  

1. Through the bulb fields

Best road trip for colorful photo ops Haarlem–Leiden; 64km (40 miles); allow one day

Time it right to travel through a kaleidoscope of color on this glorious route, which takes in the best of the Bollenstreek bulb-growing region. Leaving the cobbled streets and gabled buildings of  Haarlem , you’ll soon pass open fields and flower farms. On the northwestern edge of pretty Lisse, the  Keukenhof Gardens put on showstopping displays of blooms (some 7 million) during spring.

Throughout the year, you can visit Keukenhof’s castle gardens free of charge, and find out more about the Netherlands’ national flower at Lisse’s Museum De Zwarte Tulp (Museum of the Black Tulip). Turning west takes you to coastal Noordwijk, with its white-sand dunes roamed by fallow deer, foxes, speckled green sand lizards and a cacophony of birdlife. From here, it’s a half-hour drive south to historic  Leiden , hometown of Rembrandt as well as the Hortus Botanicus Leiden , the Netherlands’ oldest botanic gardens.

Planning tip: Tulip season runs from around mid-March to mid-May, when the Keukenhof Gardens are open (book tickets in advance). This route is also lovely during the dahlia flowering season from mid-August to mid-October. Check the Bollenstreek’s  flower map to see what’s in bloom, and for flower fields that you can enter (the map also flags production fields, which you can capture from outside instead).

Want to explore the tulip fields by bike? Here's how to do it

2. The Dutch cheese route

Best road trip for cheese lovers Gouda–Alkmaar; 126km (78 miles); allow one to two days

Feast on delectable Dutch cheese along this route linking the Netherlands’ trio of historic cheese towns.

Charming, canal-woven Gouda has been the center of the surrounding valley’s cheese trade since the Middle Ages. A recreated cheese market takes place in front of the historic waag (weighing house) weekly in spring and summer. If you miss it, you can learn about Gouda’s cheese history at its interactive Cheese Experience .

North past lush pastures and the spinning windmills of traditional working village  Zaanse Schans , swing by the former fishing village of Volendam, with cheese producers that you can visit on its southern edge. Endearingly kitschy old-time attractions like traditional Dutch national costume dress-ups line Volendam’s boat-filled waterfront. Just north again, Edam is a treasure with cobbled streets, hand-operated drawbridges, and warehouses (in its 17th-century heyday, there were over three dozen shipyards here). Discover production techniques and taste samples at Edam’s cheese purveyors, and/or catch the town’s engagingly re-enacted weekly summer cheese market .

A half-hour-or-so drive northwest through classic polder landscapes, Alkmaar was awarded weighing rights after repelling occupying Spanish troops in 1573 by opening the locks and flooding the area with seawater. It too holds a recreated cheese market weekly in spring and summer, when porters bring in cheeses for inspection by white-smocked dealers then whisk them off to be weighed. A refreshing place to finish is the Nationaal Biermuseum in the old De Boom brewery, with a canal-side tasting room.

Detour: To sample sheep and goats milk cheeses at producer Kaasboerderij Wezenspyk on the bucolic island of Texel , continue some 40 minutes north of Alkmaar to port town Den Helder and catch a 20-minute car ferry ( prebook in high summer).

Pick the right time for your visit to the Netherlands with our seasonal guide

3. Hanseatic League route

Best road trip for medieval architecture and history Doesburg–Elburg; 138km (86 miles); allow one to two days

Hanseatic history lingers in the medieval streets along the Netherlands’ eastern river, the IJssel. Back when Amsterdam and Rotterdam were still small villages, these nine historically linked cities were part of the powerful league of northern European merchant guilds and market towns, which dominated trade from the 13th to the 15th centuries.

Begin in fortified Doesburg, famed for mustard that’s been produced and traded here since 1457 (mustard soup is a local speciality) and the Netherlands’ oldest public house and one-time weighing house, the 1478 Stadsbierhuys de Waag. Pass through apple orchards and strawberry farms en route to Zutphen (aka Torenstad, the “town of towers”) and on to Deventer, with its striking  Gothic hall-church built between 1450 and 1525. Head to Hattem, then splendid Zwolle, bounded by a star-shaped canal and city walls. Travel through maize fields and dairy pastures to Hasselt and on to Kampen’s ensemble of medieval gates, houses and towers, on the lower reaches of the IJssel.

End your journey in Elburg, with its small, square-shaped historic center. This fortified former fishing town once sat on the shoreline of the Wadden Sea, before the early 20th-century construction of the Netherlands’ longest dyke, the 32km (20 mile) Afsluitdijk, creating the freshwater IJsselmeer lake. Across the water at the lake’s southern end lies the Netherlands’ newest province, Flevoland, reclaimed in the 1950s and ‘60s.

4. On the trail of Van Gogh

Best road trip for art lovers Zundert–Hoge Veluwe National Park; 195km (121 miles); allow one to two days

Once you’ve seen the world’s greatest collection of Vincent Van Gogh’s works at Amsterdam’s  Van Gogh Museum , it’s rewarding to delve deeper into the artist’s early life and works on this pilgrimage through varied and little-visited countryside.

Start in Zundert, where Vincent was born on March 30, 1853 and spent his earliest years. Vincent’s father was a vicar at Zundert’s squat, red-brick Dutch Reformed church – look for the bronze monument of Vincent and his brother Theo out front. Zundert hosts the world’s largest flower parade on the first Sunday of September. A 20-minute drive north through fields ablaze with dahlias in late summer is the town of Etten-Leur, where Vincent had his first studio; the Van Gogh Church here highlights his artistic beginnings and holds a copy of the 1881 document first registering him as an artist.

Approaching Eindhoven ’s rural northeastern edge, amid crop fields of maize, sugar beets and potatoes, is the small village of Nuenen. It’s here that Vincent began producing art in earnest. Appearing in several of his works are the Opwetten Watermill (now a restaurant) and 1884-built De Roosdonck (still a working windmill). Nuenen’s Van Gogh Roosegaarde cycle path twinkles after dark like his iconic starry nights.  

Flower and fruit farms and forested nature reserves skirt the edge of Arnhem to this trip’s showpiece. Within the rambling Hoge Veluwe National Park , amid sculpture-studded gardens, the  Kröller-Müller Museum 's exceptional collection of Van Gogh’s works is second in the world only to his eponymous museum in Amsterdam.

5. Friesland’s Elfstedentocht (Eleven cities tour)

Best road trip for getting off the beaten track Leeuwarden–Leeuwarden; 225km (140 miles); allow two days

Part of Frisian tradition for centuries, the 1909-founded Elfstedentocht ice-skating tour along frozen canals, rivers and lakes is the world’s largest on natural ice. These days it holds near-mythical status, as it’s only able to take place when the ice is thick enough, which is increasingly rare due to the warming climate. The last tour was 1997 but hopes remain high every year. This driving loop traces its route as it takes in all 11 of Friesland ’s historic cities.

From the provincial capital Leeuwarden , with its Roman heritage and herringbone brick streets, travel through green polder grassland grazed by black-and-white Holstein-Friesian cattle to Sneek, guarded by its fairy-tale early 17th-century defensive gate the Waterpoort. Next up is IJlst, followed by the moated, fortified city of Sloten. Continue to windswept Stavoren on the shores of the IJsselmeer lake, then Hindeloupen, with its narrow streets, wooden bridges and sea captains’ houses. Travel to Workkum and onward to Bolsward. From Harlingen on the Wadden Sea, continue past fields of wheat, potatoes and flax to reach Franeker and Dokkum, before wrapping up back in Leeuwarden.

Detour: Along the Friesland coast, across the Wadden Sea’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed intertidal zone of mudflats, the crescent-like chain of  Frisian Islands can be accessed by ferry from Harlingen.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

The reason why Ryanair urges passengers to pack this everyday item in hand luggage

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Squeezing all your travel necessities in your hand luggage can be a struggle but Ryanair wants passengers to remember to pack this specific item.

The airline has a strict hand luggage policy and sometimes, when there are too many cabin bags to load into overhead lockers or under the seats, some passengers may be asked to check their bags into the hold without being charged.

This is why Ryanair encourages all passengers to bring along a small, foldable bag tucked away alongside your valuables in your hand luggage.

In the ‘need to know’ section on its website , the budget-friendly airline tells passengers to pack a ‘lightweight, foldable bag inside your carry-on luggage’.

Bringing a small foldable bag will give you a secure place to stash your phone, money snacks and other valuables and ensure they stay with you during the flight.

This small bag can then be tucked away under the seat in front of you. 

Passengers occasionally arrive at the gate with a cabin bag that exceeds the free hand luggage allowance, and they may be required to check their bag into the hold, unless they paid for an extra cabin bag.

Travellers who do not wish to pay for any extra luggage are permitted one small personal bag measuring 40 x 20 x 25cm and it must fit under the seat in front of you.

There’s also the Priority boarding option, which gives customers an additional cabin bag which can measure up to 55 x 40 x 20cm and weigh up to 6kg. The price of this little luxury depends on the route and selected dates of travel. 

In related travel news, a flight attendant shared an amazing and simple way to stay safe on flights.

When it comes to flying, the pressure can increase the risk of developing a deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot in a vein), particularly on flights that are longer than four hours.

So, the next time you jet off, consider building the ‘alphabet’ hack into your routine to prevent clotting and keep your mind at ease. It’s easy to remember (and if you forget, you can sing along the alphabet song as you practise it).

‘To prevent blood clots during long flights, consider incorporating a few simple strategies,’ TikToker @ciciinthesky, who is a flight attendant and often shares travel tips and inspiration to her account, explains.

‘First, remember the alphabet exercise – trace each letter with your foot to promote circulation,’ CiCi outlines in one video.

‘Second, wear compression socks, which help maintain blood flow and reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

‘Finally, make it a point to stand up and walk around every hour or so if possible. This helps activate your leg muscles, encouraging blood to flow more freely.

‘Combining these techniques not only enhances your comfort but also significantly lowers the risk of developing blood clots during extended periods of inactivity.’

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You can pick up compression socks for a relatively low price in Boots, at £13.68 or you can get them on Amazon for as little as £7.99.

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