A wonderland full of museums, quirky hotels, a buzzing food scene, photogenic spots at every corner, hipster coffee shops, and historical sites, the Netherlands is a country full of gems of all kinds. While its most well-known city is Amsterdam, there are plenty of other beautiful cities that should be explored.

Take a boat down Amsterdam’s canals, witness the largest flower parade in the world in Zundert, surf at Scheveningen Beach in Den Haag, or visit an authentic cheese market in Woerden. No matter where you choose to go, there are many different experiences for you to enjoy.

Best Time To Visit

Peak season in the Netherlands is from April to August and mid-December to early January. In the spring, tulips are blooming everywhere, and summer brings an vibrant outdoor cafe scene.

Popular attractions like the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum have lines wrapped around, and hotels are harder to find. The Christmas season brings markets, ice skating, and parades.

January to March and September to end of November can be cold and gray with a lot of rain. But this means lighter crowds and cheaper rates. This is one of the best times to visit the Anne Frank House and other popular tourist sites.

What To Expect

Language: The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch.

Currency: The currency of the Netherlands is the Euro (EUR). 1 USD is equivalent to 0.88 EUR.

Plugs: In the Netherlands, the power plugs are type C and F, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

Safety: The Netherlands is a very safe country and crime rates are very low compared to other parts of Europe. In fact, it’s ranked as the 16th safest country in the world. Your overall risk, for even the smallest stuff like pickpocketing, is low !

Stopovers: Many travelers have layovers and stopovers in Amsterdam when connecting to other European destinations. It’s just a 15-minute train ride from the Schiphol Airport to Amsterdam’s Central Station.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Europe. The city is well-known for its past, the elaborate canal system and the architecture of their iconic, narrow houses. Amsterdam offers way more than just cheap thrills ! You can wander the sidewalks and explore the Old Centre, Red Light, Dam Square, and Museum districts.

Getting Around in Amsterdam

Amsterdam has impressive public transportation and offers travelers bicycles, metros, buses, ferries and trains to help you get around the city and beyond. Getting around Amsterdam is also very cheap, just a Euro or two per ride, so you have plenty of options !

Bicycle: Most locals use bikes to get around. There are a lot of bicycles, so be prepared for lots of bike traffic, but you can easily rent one for your time there.

Walking: Most places you’ll want to visit in Amsterdam are relatively close together. Obviously a bus or metro will get you around much quicker though.

Public Transport: You’ll find that getting around quickest can take a combination of bus, metro and tram rides. Luckily, you can pick up a daily transportation passes, available for 1 to 7 days, with prices starting from €7.50 Euros, and are valid for use on all three types of transport. This is definitely your best best if you’re in the city for a few days.

Where To Stay

Banks Mansion

The Banks Mansion is an all-inclusive hotel that offers a great location (right on a canal), with breakfast, 24-hour complimentary drinks and snacks, and stunning, old world charm and design.

The Dylan Amsterdam

The Dylan is a charming and luxurious boutique hotel in Amsterdam. Situated slightly west of city center, it’s in a stunning location, and offers fantastic staff, gorgeous rooms, and great food.

BackStage Hotel Amsterdam

The BackStage Hotel Amsterdam is a music concept budget hotel right in the city center. They have a full bar, complimentary Wi-Fi and a funky, modern design!

Hotel Hermitage Amsterdam

The Hotel Hermitage Amsterdam offers 22 modern designed rooms and overlooks both a beautiful garden or a canal! The building was originally a 18th-century canal house, so it feels like a true Amsterdam experience. They also offer a daily continental breakfast, and if you’re traveling with friends, they offer rooms with multiple beds.

Flying Pig Downtown Hostel

The Flying Pig offers dorm and private rooms, plus free Wi-Fi, a kitchen, and a bar. Prices start at €49 per night. The vibe and atmosphere is awesome. There’s also a second location near the Vondelpark. I stayed at this hostel when i took my younger brother to Amsterdam for his birthday. They offer a daily continental breakfast, and if you’re traveling alone this is a great place to meet new peeople and to follow the crowd on a bar crawl.

Where To Eat

De Kas

De Kas is one of my favorite, and most unique restaurants, in Amsterdam. The restaurant is located in a set of greenhouses which date back to the 1920s and used to belong to the Amsterdam Municipal Nursery. Food is prepared with the freshest local ingredients and they grow their own herbs and vegetables. It would be rude not to return to this restaurant on my next visit.

Rob Wigboldus Vishandel

This gem is a small spot with just a few tables, and just a 5-minute walk from Dam square. It’s old-school offering traditional Dutch fish sandwiches—perfect for a quick bite or easy lunch! Plus, a meal will only set you back about €3.

Restaurant Vlaming

This is a cozy restaurant, located in the Joordan district, offering a modern twist on a Netherlands-inspired menu. If you want a local experience, this is the place to go. Reservations are recommended!

PIQNIQ

At PIQNIQ you’ll find a variety of small dishes, yummy bites, and the charm of old Amsterdam. This spot is great for hanging out and people watching!

Cafe de Dam, Louis Bar (Pub)

The cutest little pub you can find in Amsterdam! It has an old-fashioned feel, with a bit of quirk, and offers great music and cold drinks for cheap !

What To Do

iAMSTERDAM Sign

This famous landmark sits right in the center of the city. It is typically crowded with tourists, but it’s a great stop for the view and a picture.

Canal Cruise

Get a feel for the history and layout of Amsterdam’s canals by boat. Take a tour of the canals, and travel through the canals of the city.

Coffee Houses & The Red Light District

This side of Amsterdam has transformed into an art and coffee shop scene, although prostitution is still legal. While it isn’t exactly my thing, that’s not to say your shouldn’t at least see what it’s all about.

Anne Frank House

This is where Anne Frank was hidden during World War II, and it is one of the most iconic places to visit in Amsterdam. Taking this tour is a very deep and moving experience. You have to purchase tickets far in advance as tours fill up very fast.

Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience tour lasts nearly 2 hours with tons of activities, two free beers, plus a free souvenir. Be sure to buy your ticket online before you go to skip the line !

Museums

Amsterdam is a town of art. There are many famous artists that have come out of Amsterdam including Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gough. You can see their pieces in some of the museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gough Museum, or Hermitage Museum. If you are more of a modern art lover, check out the Moco Museum.

Albert Cuyp Market

It’s the largest market in all of The Netherlands and has been around since 1905. Come hungry and try some local cheeses and dutch Stroopwafels. You can also score some great souvenirs here. It is open from 9:00 am to about 5 pm, on Mondays through Saturdays.