Netherlands holiday
Travel tips, best time to visit & highlights for your Netherlands holiday in Europe
The land of canals, tulips, and windmills captivates with its vibrant cities, cycling culture, and world-class museums. Amsterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague offer culture, while the North Sea coast and Friesland entice with nature and tranquility.
Capital
Amsterdam
Language
Dutch
Currency
Euro (€)
Time zone
UTC+1
Flight time from DE
approx. 1 hour (or 3-4h by train)
Entry requirements
EU identity card
Top hotels & accommodations in Netherlands
Selected hotels and holiday accommodations in Netherlands — with images, reviews, and direct booking links with our partners.
Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Niederlande
Grand Hotel Amrâth Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Niederlande
Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Niederlande
NH Collection Barbizon Palace
Amsterdam, Niederlande
Hotel Château St. Gerlach
Valkenburg, Niederlande
Hotel InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Niederlande
Hotel Pulitzer
Amsterdam, Niederlande
Rotterdam Marriott Hotel
Rotterdam, Niederlande
Top 5 highlights in Netherlands
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Amsterdam
Canals, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Jordaan district, and Vondelpark.
Keukenhof
The world's largest flower garden with 7 million tulips – only open from mid-March to mid-May.
Rotterdam
Futuristic architecture, Markthal, and the largest port in Europe.
Giethoorn
The Venice of the North: A car-free village, accessible only by boat.
Texel
The largest Wadden Sea island with dunes, seals, and fantastic beaches.
Hotels in Netherlands
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reise-SIM für Netherlands
Prepaid-SIM mit Datenvolumen für Netherlands. Einfach einlegen und sofort lossurfen – keine Roaming-Gebühren.
* Weiterleitung zu travSIM.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reiseversicherung abschließen
Rundum-Schutz ab 9,90 € auf TravelSecure.de
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to visit Netherlands
Recommended travel time
April–September
Summer
18–24°C
Winter
2–7°C
How much does a holiday in Netherlands cost?
Average cost per person per day (excluding flight)
Budget
60–90€
Hostel, street food, public transport
Mid-range
90–160€
Hotel, restaurant, excursions
Luxury
160–300€
Boutique hotel, fine dining
5 travel tips for Netherlands
Insider knowledge to make your holiday better.
Renting a bike is the best way to explore Amsterdam
Get an OV-Chipkaart for public transport
Keukenhof is only open in spring – definitely book in advance
Museumkaart is worth it after the 4th museum visit
Dutch fries with mayo are a must
Food & drink in Netherlands
These dishes you must try!
Discover Netherlands
8 regions, cities and highlights in Netherlands
Cities
Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a city of contrasts and freedom. The 165 canals that weave through the city like a spider's web are a UNESCO World Heritage site and give it a distinctive atmosphere. The Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum with Rembrandt's Night Watch are among the most significant art collections in the world. The Anne Frank House is one of the most moving memorials in Europe. At the same time, Amsterdam pulses with life: The Albert Cuyp Market, the Foodhallen, and countless cafés reflect an open-minded, multicultural society. The city is a bicycle paradise — over 800,000 bikes flood the streets. From the trendy boutiques in Jordaan to the street art in Amsterdam-Noord to the innovative Floating Houses, Amsterdam showcases itself as a city that effortlessly combines tradition and avant-garde.
Delft
Delft is one of the most charming small towns in the Netherlands and a vibrant monument of the Golden Age. The city between The Hague and Rotterdam is world-famous for its iconic blue-and-white porcelain, Delft Blue, and as the birthplace of the painter Johannes Vermeer, whose painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring" is among the most famous works in art history. However, Delft is much more than a museum – it is a lively university town with one of the most renowned technical universities in Europe. The old town of Delft is a perfectly preserved ensemble from the 17th century, crisscrossed by canals, lined with linden trees and brick buildings. The market square forms the heart of the city, flanked by the Nieuwe Kerk with its 109-meter high tower, which houses the tombs of the House of Orange, and the Renaissance town hall. The Oude Kerk, diagonally opposite, contains Vermeer’s grave and impresses with its notably crooked tower. The Royal Porcelain Factory De Porseleyne Fles, founded in 1653, is the last remaining Delft Blue factory and opens its workshops to visitors. Here, one can watch the artists painting the characteristic vases, plates, and tiles and admire the centuries-old technique of tin glazing. At the Vermeer Centrum, the life and work of the great master of light are brought to life in a multimedia exhibition. Delft can be perfectly explored on foot or by bicycle. The canals invite boat tours, while antique shops and small galleries beckon for browsing. Every Thursday, the market square transforms into a colorful flower and cheese market. From Germany, Delft is excellently reachable by train: The Hague and Rotterdam are only 15 minutes away, and Amsterdam is just under an hour. The compact size of the city makes it ideal for a day trip or a romantic weekend.
The Hague
The Hague is the royal residence city of the Netherlands and a fascinating mix of power, art, and sea air. Here resides King Willem-Alexander, here the parliament meets in the historic Binnenhof, and here the International Court of Justice adjudicates on the nations of the world. But The Hague is much more than politics and diplomacy – the city surprises with one of the best art collections in Europe, a vibrant city center, and a real seaside resort right at its doorstep. The Mauritshuis, an elegant city palace from the 17th century, houses Vermeer’s world-famous "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and Rembrandt’s "The Anatomy of Dr. Tulp." Just a few minutes' walk away is the enormous Gemeentemuseum (now Kunstmuseum Den Haag), which has the largest collection of Mondrian's works in the world. For history enthusiasts, the Binnenhof with its Gothic Hall of Knights offers one of the oldest still-used parliamentary seats in the world. What’s special about The Hague is Scheveningen – a full-fledged seaside resort with a wide sandy beach, historic Kurhaus, and lively promenade, which is officially a district. In summer, the boulevard transforms into a Mediterranean promenade with beach clubs, fish stalls, and surfers. For German tourists, The Hague is easily accessible: with the ICE from Cologne in just under three hours, even faster from Düsseldorf or the Ruhr area. The city can be perfectly combined with Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Delft for a Holland city trip, with The Hague often being the highlight due to its mix of culture, beach, and royal flair.
Groningen
Groningen is the liveliest student city in the Netherlands and an underrated gem in the far north of the country, surprising visitors with a youthful energy that one does not expect in a city of this size. Of the 230,000 inhabitants, around 60,000 are students – making Groningen the youngest city in the Netherlands and creating a café, bar, and cultural scene that rivals Amsterdam, at a fraction of the prices. The Martinitoren, the 97-meter-high tower of the Martinikerk, is the city's landmark and offers a view over the flat Groninger landscape to the Wadden Sea after 260 steps. The Grote Markt and Vismarkt together form one of the largest marketplaces in the Netherlands and are the vibrant heart of the city. Here, students, market visitors, and café guests meet outdoors. The Groninger Museum, a postmodern building of colorful geometric shapes on an island in the city canal, is architecturally so bold that it polarizes – but this very audacity fits Groningen perfectly. Groningen is the bicycle capital of the world. Over 60 percent of the journeys in the city center are made by bike, and the cycling infrastructure is so well developed that driving in the center is practically impossible and unnecessary. For German visitors, Groningen is the closest Dutch city: less than two hours from the North Sea coast and East Frisia, about three hours from Hamburg. The city is an excellent starting point for the UNESCO-protected Wadden Islands of Schiermonnikoog and Borkum, the Bourtange fortress, and the endless expanses of the Groninger land. In December, the Noorderzon Festival takes place, one of the best performing arts festivals in Europe.
Leiden
Leiden is the quintessential university city of the Netherlands and one of the culturally richest small towns in Europe. The birthplace of Rembrandt houses the oldest university in the country, founded in 1575 by William of Orange as a reward for the brave resistance against the Spanish siege. Today, Leiden combines a student atmosphere, first-class museums, and a picturesque canal landscape that can compete with Amsterdam – just without the mass tourism. The 28 kilometers of canals, lined with over 2,900 protected buildings, make Leiden one of the most canal-rich cities in the Netherlands. At the confluence of the Old and New Rhine stands the Burcht, a circular fortress from the 11th century that offers a 360-degree view over the entire city. The bridges, boathouses, and cobblestone streets give Leiden a charm reminiscent of the Golden Age. Leiden's museums are world-class: The Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Archaeological Museum) houses an Egyptian temple, Naturalis is one of the most modern natural history museums in Europe, and CORPUS offers a walkable body as an interactive journey through the human organism. The Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, was founded in 1590 and is a green oasis in the middle of the city. Rembrandt was born in Leiden in 1606 and spent his formative years here. The Young Rembrandt Route leads to the sites of his youth, from the Latin school to the reconstructed studio. On October 3rd, the entire city celebrates Leidens Ontzet – the liberation from the Spanish siege in 1574 – with herring meals, hutspot, and a lively public festival. From Germany, Leiden is excellently connected: The ICE stops in Amsterdam, from where it is only a 35-minute regional train ride. The city is also reachable by car from the Ruhr area in three hours. Leiden is perfect for a day trip or as a quiet base for explorations in South Holland, with The Hague and the beach of Katwijk only 15 minutes away.
Maastricht
Maastricht is the least Dutch city in the Netherlands – and that is exactly what makes it so enchanting. Nestled between Belgium and Germany, located in the far south of the province of Limburg, Maastricht has developed a Burgundian lifestyle that resembles France or Belgium more than Amsterdam. Here, people enjoy good food, drink extensively, and savor life with a casualness that is found nowhere else in the Netherlands. The Vrijthof, the magnificent main square of the city, framed by the Romanesque Sint-Servaasbasiliek and the Theater aan het Vrijthof, is one of the most beautiful squares in the Benelux countries. The Dominicanen bookstore, located in a former Gothic church from the 13th century, was chosen by the BBC as the most beautiful bookstore in the world – and rightly so. Browsing among the Gothic arches between bookshelves and the café in the former choir chapel is an almost spiritual experience. Equally impressive are the caves at Sint Pietersberg, a more than 200-kilometer-long underground labyrinth of tunnels that have been used as marl quarries since Roman times. During World War II, the people of Maastricht hid Rembrandt's Night Watch here from the German occupiers. For German visitors, Maastricht is a nearby destination in the truest sense: it is just 35 kilometers from Aachen, and it takes just over an hour to reach the city from Cologne. This makes Maastricht the perfect weekend trip for the Rhineland and West Germany. The shopping streets around the Stokstraatkwartier offer luxury boutiques, while the market at Vrijthof offers local products three times a week. In February, Carnival transforms the city into a vibrant festival – Maastricht Carnival is even wilder and more authentic than that of Cologne.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is Europe's largest port and the architecturally most exciting city in the Netherlands. After being almost completely destroyed in World War II, Rotterdam was rebuilt from the ground up — taking the opportunity to create a city of the future. Here, there are no historic canal houses, but the boldest architectural experiments in Europe. The Cube Houses — yellow cubes tilted at 45 degrees on concrete stilts — are the most iconic landmark and a livable art installation. The Markthal (Market Hall) combines apartments, an indoor food market, and an 11,000 m² ceiling mural under a massive horseshoe arch. The Erasmus Bridge — the 'Swan' — connects the north and south over the Nieuwe Maas. The Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen (the depot is the first fully accessible art depot in the world) and the Kunsthal showcase Rotterdam as a cultural city. The port — 40 km long — can be explored by Spido boat tour: container ships, cranes, and the sheer size of global logistics are impressive. Fenix Food Factory and Katendrecht — once a red-light district, now a trendy foodie hotspot — demonstrate Rotterdam's talent for transformation. Witte de Withstraat is the nightlife and cultural street with galleries, bars, and restaurants.
Utrecht
Utrecht is the best-kept secret of the Netherlands – a medieval university city that has everything that made Amsterdam famous, just without the tourist crowds and with significantly more charm. The unique wharf cellars along the canals, known as Wharf Cellars, are one of a kind in the world: While in Amsterdam you look down at the canals, in Utrecht you descend to water level, where restaurants, cafés, and terraces hide in the medieval vaults. Sitting on one of these wharf terraces on a summer evening, with the water just an arm's length away, is one of the most beautiful urban experiences in Europe. The Dom Tower, at 112 meters the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, dominates the skyline and offers a panoramic view after 465 steps that, on clear days, reaches as far as Amsterdam. The special thing: The church nave between the tower and the choir was destroyed by a hurricane in 1674 and was never rebuilt – the tower and choir remain separated to this day, connected only by the Dom Square, Utrecht's pulsating heart. Utrecht is a young, vibrant city: Around 70,000 students shape the nightlife, café culture, and creative scene. The Voorstraat and the streets around the Neude are full of independent boutiques, vintage shops, and record stores. The Rietveld-Schröder House, a UNESCO World Heritage site and masterpiece of the De Stijl movement, is located on the outskirts and is a must for architecture fans. For German travelers, Utrecht is the perfect stopover: Just 50 minutes from Amsterdam, located directly at the main train station, and reachable from the Ruhr area in under three hours by ICE.
Complete guide for Netherlands
Regions, attractions, food, routes, costs & practical tips — all in one digital guide.
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Plan a holiday in Netherlands
Netherlands is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe, offering City, Culture, Bicycle and much more. The best time to visit Netherlands is April–September, when the weather is ideal for exploration and relaxation. With a daily budget starting from 60–90€ (Budget) to 160–300€ (Luxury), Netherlands is suitable for various travel budgets.
From the capital Amsterdam, Netherlands can be excellently explored. The official language is Dutch, and the currency is Euro (€). From Germany, you can reach Netherlands in approx. 1 hour (or 3-4h by train). Whether you want to try culinary highlights like Bitterballen, Stamppot, Stroopwafels, visit top attractions, or simply enjoy the atmosphere: Netherlands has something for every type of traveller.
Use our free travel tools to prepare your Netherlands holiday perfectly. With the holiday finder, you can discover if Netherlands is the right destination for you. The budget calculator helps you plan costs realistically, and with the packing list, you won't forget anything.
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