Find the best things to do in the Netherlands right here!
The Netherlands, one of the most densely populated countries in Europe, known for its tulips, windmills, canals, and historic bridges. This Netherlands travel guide will help you move through this popular nation by exploring the Netherlands in two, four, and eight days.
Things to know before your trip to the Netherlands:
- The best time to visit the Netherlands is during the spring and autumn as the climate is very pleasant with moderate temperatures.
- Although the Netherlands is a country with a well-connected transportation system it is quite common to tour around on bicycles.
- The average budget for a trip to the Netherlands would be around €550 per person per week. Given the varied prices of the hotels and meals, transportation, and sightseeing the budget can be lower or even higher as per your preferences.
Travel guide for two days:
If you’re visiting the Netherlands only for two days, then Amsterdam is the city you need to visit. It is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and has a lot to offer for tourists. Here are some of the iconic sites you should visit.
Where to stay: a budget hotel near the train station
Transportation: The places you will visit are concentrated in the center of the city. Amsterdam is not a place for cars. It has excellent public transportation and a well-built infrastructure for bicycles. The best way to explore the city is on foot, by bicycle or public transportation.
Day 1:
Anne Frank House
Arrive in the capital city at the Schiphol Airport and take a commuter train to your budget hotel near the train station. Begin your time in Amsterdam by visiting the Anne Frank House. This museum is a must-see attraction in the Netherlands. Spend some time here learning about the lives of the Holocaust victim and her family and friends.
Jordaan
After that heavy visit, take a walk through Jordaan, a vibrant area known for antique stores, shopping centers, exquisite restaurants, and galleries. Stop by in any of the restaurants for a good lunch. Adjacent to the Jordaan is the 9 Streets (De Negen Straatjes). Explore these quaint streets that are filled with lovely shops, cafes, and restaurants. Spend some time admiring the bridges and canals. The last stop for the day would be Dam Square. You can get here by tram, foot or bicycle.
Dam Square
Bikes are quite common in the Netherlands. Dam Square is the main square of the city with some of the notable buildings like the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk), the Royal Palace, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, and Beurs Van Berlage (conference center housed in the former stock exchange). With its iconic buildings, shopping centers, and restaurants, this area has become one of the most popular tourist attractions. You can spend a couple of hours hanging out in the Dam.
Day 2:
Vondelpark
On the second day, start your tour by visiting the Vondelpark. It is one of the most visited places in Amsterdam because of its serene ambiance and natural beauty. Spend a few hours in the 45-hectare urban oasis and then have lunch in one of the nearby restaurants.
Rijksmuseum
After lunch, visit the Rijksmuseum. Spend a half-day exploring the masterpieces of Dutch history. Make sure to book the tickets in advance and reserve the time slots.
Canal cruise
After visiting the museum, take a canal cruise. It is one of the best things to do in Amsterdam. The canal system runs through the heart of the city, so you can get an intricate view of the city.
End your time in the Netherlands at a club or bar near Leidseplein.
Travel guide for 4 days:
If you extend your trip to the Netherlands by two days, then the best thing to do is explore more iconic sites of Amsterdam and spend a day exploring the Hague situated in the southern part of the Netherlands. It is such a beautiful city that you will want to come back again to visit more.
Day 3:
Van Gogh Museum
On the third day, visit the Van Gogh Museum. This museum houses the many works of the revered artist. With almost 1.6 million visitors every year, you must book your ticket in advance.
The Emperor’s Canal
After the Van Gogh Museum, visit The Emperor’s Canal (Keizersgracht). Stroll through the quaint streets to explore the history of this canal and the surroundings. Spend a couple of hours and have lunch in one of the area restaurants. Unfortunately, the Dutch were major colonizers. Because of that cruel past, the former colonies were able to settle in the Netherlands. For dinner, you can enjoy some of the best Surinamese, Indonesian, South African, and Malaysian food outside those lands.
Day 4: The Hague
Where to stay: There are many budget hotels in the center of The Hague.
On your last day in the Netherlands, you’re going to visit The Hague. This charming city is located in the southern part of the Netherlands. You can get here by train in an hour. Start by visiting the Inner Court (Binnenhof). Stroll through this historic site where major events of the Netherlands have occurred. Then hop a tram and then head to the Zeeheldenkwartier. This neighborhood has diverse shops, restaurants, wine stores, and chic cafes. It is also famous for its multicultural activities and events, like the Zeehelden Festival has been the most famous event. Grab lunch at one of the restaurants here in Zeeheldenkwartier.
Mauritshuis
After lunch, visit the Mauritshuis. This famous art museum highlights the works of famous artists like Jan Steen and Johannes Vermeer. It is a small museum so you won’t need more than two hours to explore it.
Hague Tower
After visiting the museum head to The Hague Tower, a skyscraper that holds offices, luxury apartments, and a bar on the 40th floor. This tower is the perfect place to get a panoramic view of the entire city. It is open from noon to late at night, so visiting this tower at the end of the day would be the perfect place to end your trip. You get free access to the balcony if you’re having lunch or drinks at the bar.
The following day, take a train directly from The Hague’s main train station to Schiphol Airport, where you will depart the Netherlands.
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Travel guide for 8 days:
If you choose to stay in the Netherlands a week, extend your trip with visits to Utrecht and Rotterdam.
Day 5 & 6: Rotterdam
Where to stay: Hotels in the Rotterdam city center
Rotterdam is a city known for its modern architecture. A train will bring you from The Hague to Rotterdam.
Art Museum Rotterdam
Your exploration of this city begins at the Art Museum Rotterdam (Kunsthal Rotterdam). This museum is as famous for this modern exterior as it is for its expansive art collection.
Maastoren
Next up visit the Maastoren, the tallest tower not just in Rotterdam but in the Netherlands. From up this tower, you will be able to see the iconic Erasmus Bridge and the entire city. Enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the nearby restaurants.
After spending a few hours exploring the tower, stop by one of the area restaurants for a good lunch. After a filling meal, take a boat trip through the canals in the heart of the city. It is one of the best ways to explore the city.
Castle De Haar
On the second day, visit Castle De Haar, which is the largest castle in the Netherlands. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens spread across a large area. This castle was built in the twentieth century as a private residence. It has been used to host elegant parties for famous icons like Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent.
Delfshaven
After lunch, head to the neighborhood of Delfshaven. Because this area wasn’t bombed during World War II, you can see the history of Rotterdam. It’s also a great place to sip some Dutch beer, a popular Rotterdam pastime.
Cube Houses
On the second day, visit the Cube Houses. These houses have an innovative design — a 45-degree slant. Visitors can walk through one or stay the night. To keep this trip comfortable and affordable, you’re only going to be passing through.
Market Hall
After the Cube House visit, it’s time to go shopping at the famous Market Hall. It is just 3 minutes from the Cube House. Shop and enjoy food at one of the exquisite restaurants and stalls in the Market Hall.
Day 7 & 8: Utrecht
Where to stay: Hotels in Utrecht’s city center.
After spending two days in the city of Rotterdam, head straight to Utrecht by train. You will be there in 45 minutes. Utrecht is a medieval city known for its museums, canals, and the famous Dom Tower. After transferring to your hotel begin your tour by visiting the Dom Tower. It is one of the must-see attractions when you’re visiting Utrecht. This tower is one of the oldest buildings in the Netherlands and also the tallest church tower in the whole nation. Climb to the top of the tower to get a panoramic view of the city. But be aware that you need to walk up 465 steps to see that view! Then, go next door to visit the gothic-style St. Martin’s Cathedral, which is commonly referred to as the Dom. Overall this site is truly a work of art.
Centraal Museum
Have lunch and then visit the Centraal Museum. It is one of the oldest museums in the city and features the artworks of artists like Dick Bruna and Gerrit Rietveld. This museum is said to house the largest collection of artifacts of Gerrit Rietveld.
Trajectum Lumen
In the evening, take part in the Trajectum Lumen. This illuminated route wends its way through Utrecht that allows visitors to see the city in a different way
The next day, you’re going to board the train from the Utrecht main station directly to Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. You will be there in 30 minutes.
This is the end of our 8-day trip to the Netherlands covering all the must see sights and attractions, make sure to also stock up on some delicious Stroopwafels before you leave. Bon voyage!
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