The Netherlands is a place of spacious farmland, historic brick homes dating back centuries, a network of connected canals (you can cross most of the country by water), and even some really good beaches. It ranks among my favourite countries in the world. Its tiny size makes it simple to visit in a short period of time. The people are beautiful, and there are numerous small towns to discover.
Most of the travelers come here just to see Amsterdam for a few days before moving to the next country. Don’t do that. Spend time exploring outside of Amsterdam and you can discover some amazing places. Whether you are backpacking, solo or just traveling on a budget, this Netherlands travel blog can help you plan your trip, save money, and ensure that you make the most out of your time there.
- Best time to visit
- What to expect
- Where to stay
- How to get around
- Things to see and do in Netherlands
- Travel Cost
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Best time to visit Netherlands
The Netherlands’ peak months are April through August and mid-December through early January but the real peak season is July and August. Tulips bloom everywhere in the spring, while the summer brings a thriving outdoor café scene. Hotels are harder to locate, and queues for popular attractions like the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House are endless.
Christmas markets, ice skating, and parades all take place throughout December. And the weather tends to be cooler, grayer, and rainier from January to March and from September to the end of November. But, this means fewer tourists and lower prices! The Anne Frank House and other well-known tourist destinations are among the best to visit at this time of year.
The weather is never particularly severe, though, and going in the off- or shoulder-season is equally worthwhile. In addition, prices are significantly lower off-season.
Although it can reach much hotter than that in the months of July and August, the average daily summer temperature is roughly 19°C (67°F). In the winter, the typical daily temperature is 2°C (35°F). Even yet, visiting during the Christmas season is always enjoyable because the towns come alive with markets and celebrations.
No matter when you go, you may anticipate a few days of fog or rain because the Netherlands lies below sea level. Moreover, the winters can be wet. If you’re travelling in the fall or winter, make sure to bring some warm clothing and a waterproof jacket.
What to expect
Language: The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch.
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Credit Cards & ATMs: The Netherlands accepts most major credit cards and debit cards, though some small shops may charge a fee of 2–6% if used. Having cash on hand is highly advised because many Dutch supermarkets do not accept cards. ATMs are widely available and often used by residents. Since Dutch banks don’t charge a fee to use their ATMs, that is the best option for you. The drawback is that you won’t know the exchange rate until after the transaction is over because they won’t tell you.
Plugs: The standard voltage and frequency in the Netherlands are 230 V and 50 Hz, respectively, and the power plugs are type C and type F. I advise using a universal adapter that has surge protection for hairdryers and other hot tools.
Safety: In comparison to other countries in Europe, the Netherlands has exceptionally low crime rates. It is really considered to be the 16th safest nation in the world. Your overall risk is low, even for minor things like pickpocketing!
But, there are a few common scams out there, such as people offering to sell you used public transit tickets or stolen bikes. You can stay away from them and everything will be alright.
Where to stay in Netherlands
There are so many options when it comes to places to places to stay in Netherlands. The options range from luxurious stays to mid range to budget stays. Here are a few that I would recommend in:
Amsterdam:
- The Flying Pig
- St. Christopher’s
- Old Centrum
Rotterdam:
- Hostel Room
- Best Western,
- Main Port Hotel in the city
- Citizen M Hotel
- Stayokay Rotterdam Cube Hostel
The Hague:
- Grand Hotel Amrath Kurhaus
- Pink Flamingo Hostel
- Kingkool
- Hotel Des Indes
How to get around in Netherlands
Public Transport – Using public transit to go about the cities of the Netherlands is simple. In large cities, one-way rates begin at 4 EUR. An OV-chipkaart is used for all forms of public transit, and it can be loaded with money. A day permit for travel is also available (starting cost is 7-9.50 EUR).
Bus – Although inexpensive, buses aren’t as quick or effective as trains for getting about the Netherlands. The cheapest bus company is FlixBus. As little as three euros can be spent to go from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, which takes just over an hour, and from Amsterdam to The Hague, which takes 40 to 50 minutes at the same price.
Train: Because the Netherlands is so compact, it is possible to travel from Amsterdam to any of the main tourist spots there in just 2.5 hours by rail. Nederlandse Spoorwegen operates the country’s clean and effective train system. The Netherlands has beautiful train travel!
You may look up schedules and ticket costs on the official rail website. The price of intercity railway tickets in Holland ranges from 10 to 20 euros, while they can be as low as 5 euros for extremely short distances. Rotterdam to Amsterdam costs 11 euros and takes 40 minutes, whereas The Hague to Amsterdam costs the same and takes 50 minutes.
The national rail service offers unique tour options for customers. This allows you unrestricted travel for a string of days (such as 3-8 days of unlimited travel in a 30-day period). There is also the Benelux Pass, which grants you access to buses and trams for a predetermined period of time. Depending on the number of days you desire, prices start at roughly 109 EUR and can reach 206 €. (maximum is 8 days in a month).
Ridesharing – For a modest cost, you can share trips with verified local drivers through the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar. You only ask for a seat, they grant it, and you proceed. It’s ideal for medium- and long-distance travels and is more affordable and exciting than taking the bus or train.
Bike rentals – These are affordable in The Netherlands, one of the world’s top cycling destinations. Bikes are available for rent beginning at about 10-15 € per day (sometimes as little as 5 EUR).
Car rental – Rental cars are available for as little as 25 EUR per day, but you really don’t need one because the Netherlands’ bus and train systems are so good and reasonably priced. Use Explore Cars to get the lowest rates on car rentals.
Things to see and do in Netherlands
Explore Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the nation’s capital and tourism hub, is both stunning and insane. Apart from the iconic Red Light District and its raucous nightlife, there are well-known canals, stunning and historic homes, numerous parks, a gastronomic scene, art galleries, and coffee shops. With exhibits on everything from Anne Frank to van Gough, it’s ideal for bicycling exploration and every museum lover’s paradise. To truly get a sense of the city, join a free walking tour.
Visit Rotterdam
One of the busiest shipping ports in the world is in Rotterdam. This city is an excellent spot to visit if you want good parks and modern architecture (much of the ancient buildings were devastated in World War II), including some futuristic cube dwellings, even though it may not receive the same attention as Amsterdam. The port features a fascinating harbor to explore as well as a few respectable museums. It is a frequently ignored city that is worthwhile of several days of exploration.
Take a canal tour
Take a canal tour to view the famed country’s canals, whether you’re in Amsterdam or another city. You can’t fully grasp the country until you spend time sailing on the canals because they are such a vital component of daily life. You can go on a tour with a big group (there are many different canal tours available, such as pizza cruises, wine and cheese cruises, and booze cruises with unlimited drinks), but if you have the option, I recommend renting your own boat because it’s much more affordable (prices start at 50 EUR) and will give you a more personal experience.
Tour Leiden
Visit this tiny town to witness where the Pilgrims resided prior to their voyage to America. It is a historic city with lovely parks and structures from the 17th century. This tiny city is home to more than a dozen museums, including the National Museum of Ethnology and the Museum of Antiquities. Moreover, it features one of the major flower-growing regions in the Netherlands. Visit in May to experience the height of tulip season.
Explore The Hague
The International Criminal Court is located in the cosmopolitan city of The Hague. Here, you may view some of the royal residences in addition to some lovely old structures from the 13th and 14th centuries. Although The Hague is situated on the coast and has several excellent museums (such as the Museum de Gevangenpoort and the Kunstmuseum Den Haag), you can also just relax on the beach when the weather is pleasant.
Visit Zaanse Schans
At the village of Zaanse Schans, there are real wooden houses, windmills, a cheese factory, a wooden shoe business, and other crafts that accurately depict life in the Netherlands in the 18th and 19th centuries. A day trip from Amsterdam can easily be taken to see the picturesque windmills at Zaanse Schans in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands Travel Cost
Accommodation – A bed in a dormitory with 6–8 beds normally costs between 15–35 EUR per night at hostels. If you’re on a tight budget, avoid visiting Amsterdam during the summer when the most popular hostels might cost closer to 50 EUR (and book early if you do). In hostels, a private room with space for two people costs at least 65 EUR per night (closer to 115 EUR in Amsterdam). Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi and self-catering options are available in many hostels. Hostels in certain cities close during the winter.
The cost of a basic plot without power at a campground ranges from 10-15 EUR per night throughout the country.
Affordable hotels with free Wi-Fi, TV, and air conditioning cost between 55 and 85 EUR per night. In Amsterdam and The Hague, budget an additional 10 to 20 EUR.
Additionally, there is Airbnb, where private rooms often cost around 50 EUR per night (in Amsterdam, this is more like 80 EUR), and complete homes (including studio apartments) typically cost around 100 EUR per night (but again, much higher in Amsterdam). Plan ahead or prices could soar.
Food – Although not being known for its cuisine, the Netherlands nonetheless has some excellent options. Common ingredients in Dutch food include a lot of vegetables, bread, and cheeses (gouda originated here). Although historically not as prevalent, meat is a common ingredient in supper menus. Open-faced sandwiches, frequently with cheeses and cold meats, are a common part of breakfast and lunch. Dinners typically consist of “meat and potatoes,” with smoked sausage and stewed meat being two popular options. The stroopwafel, a waffle cookie with syrup filling, is the go-to treat for people with a sweet tooth, however apple tarts and pies are also regional favourites.
Poffertjes (fluffy mini-pancakes served with powdered sugar), gouda and edam cheeses, and patat are further items to try (thick-cut fries with toppings).
Fast food restaurants and eateries like Maoz and Walk to Wok offer affordable lunches for about 10–15 EUR. A three-course lunch at a midrange restaurant runs about 30-35 EUR, whereas casual restaurant meals typically cost around 15-20 EUR for a main dish.
A large pizza costs about the same as Chinese dinner, which costs between 10-15 EUR. Whereas a coffee or cappuccino costs 3 EUR, beer costs 5 EUR. Water in bottles costs about 2 euros.
Expect to spend between 40 and 65 EUR a week on groceries if you cook your meals. You will receive some meat, rice, seasonal vegetables, and basic basics like pasta.
Additional Information: I will be writing a detailed blog on all the cities I visited in The Netherlands and a few travels tips for Netherlands as well!
All about the Netherlands!
A nation that possesses an exceptional fusion of modernity and lovely old-world charm. Explore historic homes and churches that are next to cutting-edge structures, contemporary cafes, and vintage stores. The Netherlands is frequently overlooked as a tourism destination despite having so much wow-factor. The nation has stunningly long, sandy coastlines and dunes, as well as a strong north wind. It is therefore perfect for a variety of aquatic sports.
The Netherlands, however, is most known for Amsterdam’s stunning Dutch Renaissance architecture. Learn about the cobbled streets that are surrounded by lovely rickety buildings and the calm canal flow. Spend days here cycling through this iconic part of Dutch culture. But, the heart will be captured by more than just Amsterdam. There are plenty other captivating cities, such as Utrecht’s tree-lined canals or Rotterdam’s inventive and modern skyline. Because of its small size, it is really simple to tour and visitors may visit a lot of lovely places quickly. The Netherlands is a stunning country just waiting to be explored!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many days in Netherlands is enough?
While five days is sufficient to see many of the country’s top attractions—most of which are in and around the capital—a few extra days give you the chance to venture off the beaten path. With the superb public transportation system in the Netherlands, you may travel a lot in a week.
2. What time of year is best to go to the Netherlands?
When the leaves change and the foods and beverages of the holiday season start to appear, June or the months of September through November are the greatest times to visit the Netherlands. During these periods, you’ll find the best balance of price, peace, and activities. Also, the temperatures, which range from 48 to 66°F, are nice.
3. What is the cheapest month to go to Amsterdam?
The winter, usually from November to March, is the least expensive season to visit Amsterdam.
4. What Netherland is famous for?
Although being a small nation, The Netherlands (or Holland) is home to many well-known figures from around the world. Explore our bulb fields, windmills, cheese markets, wooden shoes, Amsterdam canals, Old Master masterpieces, Delft Blue ceramics, cutting-edge water management, and millions of bicycles.
5. Do people speak English in Amsterdam?
Almost all people speak English, even though Dutch is the official language. Hence, it is not a problem if you don’t speak Dutch. Because the Dutch are so eager to speak English, learning Dutch can be challenging. There is no language barrier, which makes life easier for visitors from various countries.
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