A visit to Netherlands is much more than just touring the idyllic waterways of Amsterdam From the bright lights of its Red Light District to the endless fields of tulips, this country has so much more to offer! From the historic Delft with its famous blue and white ceramics, passing through the impressive port of Rotterdam to the golden beaches of The Hague. Not forgetting the museums that take us on a journey through the history of the country, the delicious Dutch cheeses such as the Edam or the iconic windmills that look like they came out of a postcard in Zaanse Schans.
The Netherlands are that perfect blend of history, modernity and nature. So, whether by bike, by boat or on foot, come with us to discover all the secrets that the Netherlands has in store!
Best places to visit in the Netherlands
One of the must-see places on any visit to the Netherlands is its capital, Amsterdam. With its winding canals, houseboats and cobblestone streets, Amsterdam is the ideal place to wander aimlessly and get lost in its streets. From the Van Gogh Museum to the iconic Red Light District Every corner of the city has a story to tell.
But there's more to the Netherlands than just its capital city Rotterdam The city, with its modern architecture and its gigantic harbor, is a city with a style that is very different from the rest of the typical Dutch cities. While cities like Utrecht, Leiden o Delft are quieter cities with a lot of student life and charm.
Of course, another must-have is the tulip fields from Keukenhof which in spring form a colorful spectacle worthy of the best Instagram photo, or the iconic windmills at Kinderdijk that seem to have stopped in time.
If you have a trip to the Netherlands in mind and don't know where to start, take a look at our articles about this beautiful country. We tell you about themessential in each city and the best places to eat or have a drink.
Where to stay in the Netherlands
Not sure where is the best place to stay in the Netherlands? Read on to find out which are, in our experience, the best places to stay in the Netherlands best cities to use as a base for your visit to this country, as there are options for all tastes and budgets, you just have to decide what experience you are looking for!
Ámsterdam is the obvious choice for many. It is full of life, history and culture, although it is true that staying there can be a little more expensive. It is the ideal choice if you are looking to be in the center with museums, stores and an impressive nightlife. In addition, you can make very cool day trips from there, for example to the northern towns: Edam, Volendam y Marken.
For lovers of modern architecture we recommend Rotterdam a city with character and a modern architecture unique. Generally here the pprices are more moderate than in Amsterdam and yet it is a city that is super well connected by public transport to the rest of the country.
On the other hand, small cities such as Utrecht, Leiden o Delft are perfect if you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere but without sacrificing Dutch charm. They offer an ideal combination of photogenic canals and culture, and are often the most popular choices in the Netherlands more economical.
Another very curious option could be the famous village of Giethoorn. It is a unique place, and we would not use it as a base but we do believe that spending a night there can be magical. In high season the prices can be quite high.
Best places to eat in the Netherlands
The Netherlands not only offers breathtaking landscapes, but also a rich gastronomy (although for us it is not among the best in the world). At Amsterdam the areas of Jordaan and De Pijp are full of restaurants and cafes with options for all tastes. At Rotterdam the Markthal is a foodie's paradise, with stalls offering everything from local food to international dishes Utrecht Leiden and Delft have a lot of little terraces next to the canals, ideal to enjoy a sandwich or a beer.
Some of the must-try Dutch specialties to try are the stroopwafels the bitterballen or a good piece of Gouda cheese o Edam in any corner of the country. So don't miss out on our selection of the best restaurants in Holland to try both typical food and modern cuisine which we also loved. Following our articles you will find the best Dutch cheeses the best sweets and cheaper sites where to eat in Holland.
Getting around the Netherlands
Moving between the various cities in the Netherlands is very convenient, as the public transportation of this country works super well. The trenes are one of the best options in our experience: they are fast, efficient and connect practically all major cities.
If you want to make a route that is a little out of the typical, the best option is rent a car. If you do not go in a group, it is probably a more expensive option than public transport and you should also take into account that the center of many cities have pedestrian or restricted access areas, and parking can be expensive.
Once in the city, the bicycle will be your best ally. Cities are designed for it with bicycle lanes everywhere, so renting a bike is a practical and affordable option very cheap. Of course, we have never seen more bike traffic in our lives than in Holland during rush hour, so be careful if you are not used to it.
However, if you don't feel like pedaling, the buses y streetcars are also ideal options. In addition, in these cities the canals also come into play, and getting around in ship/ferry can be a fun and different way to see the city.
How to get to the Netherlands
Getting to the Netherlands is super easy thanks to its efficient transport connections. The most popular and quickest option is to fly directly to the AAmsterdam Schiphol Airport Amsterdam is one of the busiest airports in Europe, offering flights from virtually every corner of the world. Once you land, the center of Amsterdam is only 20 minutes away by train, a super short and comfortable ride if you are staying here.
Now, if you are already touring Europe and want to make a stop in Amsterdam, the train is an excellent choice. The Netherlands has an excellent rail network with excellent connections to other neighboring countries. For example, if you are in Brussels, you can take a direct train to Amsterdam, enjoying picturesque scenery during the journey that takes just over two hours.
Español
English
Français