The Netherlands may be small in size, but it’s big on charm. Known for its iconic windmills, colourful tulip fields, and postcard-perfect canals, this low-lying country is packed with character and cultural cool. Beyond the clichés (which are still very much worth seeing, by the way), you’ll find buzzing cities, stylish cafés, world-class museums, and more bikes than people.
Whether you’re gliding through Amsterdam’s canals, exploring the medieval lanes of Utrecht, or hopping between quirky coastal towns, The Netherlands is effortlessly easy to explore and even easier to fall in love with. With English widely spoken, reliable public transport, and a famously laid-back vibe, it’s a stress-free option for both first-time visitors and seasoned travellers.
Thanks to its flat landscape and cycling-friendly infrastructure, it’s one of the best countries in Europe to explore on two wheels. And while Amsterdam often steals the spotlight, don’t overlook Rotterdam’s modern architecture, The Hague’s royal flair, or the storybook villages of Giethoorn and Volendam.
Just a short trip from the UK (by flight or Eurostar), The Netherlands is ideal for a long weekend or an extended Eurotrip stop.
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📍 Top Places to Visit:
- Amsterdam – canals, culture, and chaos in the best possible way.
- Keukenhof Gardens – visit in spring for jaw-dropping tulip displays.
- Zaanse Schans – classic windmills and Dutch charm just outside the city.
- Rotterdam – edgy architecture and a totally different vibe from Amsterdam.
- The Hague – political heart, royal roots, and beachside charm.
- Giethoorn – the “Venice of the North”, with no roads and lots of boats.
- Utrecht – a bit quieter but equally beautiful, with canals and cozy cafés.
📅 Best Time to Visit:
- Spring (March–May): Tulip season! Keukenhof and flower fields are in full bloom.
- Summer (June–August): Warm weather, outdoor terraces, and lots of festivals.
- Autumn (Sept–Nov): Pretty foliage and fewer crowds.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold but magical – Christmas markets and canal lights.
💰 Currency & Budget Tips:
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
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Amsterdam can be pricey, especially in tourist-heavy areas. That said, there are plenty of budget eats and free things to do.
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Book attractions like Anne Frank’s House and Van Gogh Museum in advance to avoid inflated third-party prices.
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Public transport is excellent and affordable – consider getting a day travel pass.
🧳Good For:
- Solo travellers
- Couples
- Foodies
- Art & culture lovers
- Weekend breaks
- First-time travellers
🍽️ Local Dishes to Try:
- Stroopwafel – thin waffle cookies with caramel inside (eat one warm from a market stall!).
- Dutch pancakes (Pannenkoeken) – sweet or savoury, always delicious.
- Patatje Oorlog – fries topped with mayo, peanut satay sauce, and onions.
- Bitterballen – deep-fried meatballs served with mustard.
- Appeltaart – thick-crust Dutch apple pie.
✈️ How to Get There:
By air: Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) is one of Europe’s busiest hubs.
By train: The Eurostar runs direct from London to Amsterdam in under 4 hours.
By ferry: Overnight ferries from Newcastle or Hull to Dutch ports
🚍 Getting Around:
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Public transport is excellent – trains, trams, and buses are all reliable.
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Get an OV-chipkaart or GVB day pass for easy access across networks.
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Cycling is popular, but you don’t have to join the biking masses – unless you fancy it!
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Walking is easy in most cities – Amsterdam in particular is very walkable.
🌍 Language & Local Etiquette
Dutch is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
Locals are generally friendly, direct, and appreciate politeness.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory – 5–10% is fine for good service.
My Netherland Highlights
I visited The Netherlands in December, and while it was absolutely freezing, the charm of Amsterdam more than made up for it. The city felt incredibly safe and walkable, with a relaxed atmosphere that I immediately loved. I’d 1000% go back again, and next time I’d love to visit in spring to catch the famous tulip fields in bloom.
Getting around was easy – though a word of warning: the bikes are no joke! You really do need to keep your eyes peeled when crossing streets, but once you get used to the rhythm of the city, it’s a breeze to explore. I spent my time soaking up a mix of culture, food, and cosy cafés – the kind of trip that leaves you feeling full in every sense.
One of my favourite experiences was taking a canal cruise, which is such a peaceful way to see the city’s architecture from a different angle. I also visited Anne Frank’s House, which was incredibly moving and definitely worth booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Food-wise, Amsterdam did not let me down. I joined the queue at Fabel Friet and was rewarded with a generous portion of their famous garlic and parmesan fries – completely worth the wait. I also made it my mission to try the best apple pie in the city (in my opinion) at Winkel 43 – the biggest slice i’ve ever seen!
I also visited a few unique and quirky places that gave the trip some extra flavour. The Moco Museum was fantastic for modern art lovers, and the Cat Cabinet Museum is a fun stop if you’re a feline fan. I explored local parks like Oosterpark and Vondelpark, popped into the Amsterdam Cheese Museum, wandered the Red Light District, and discovered beautiful spots like the Rijksmuseum Gardens and Artisplein.
For food and drinks, there were plenty of gems: Van Stapele Koekmakerij makes the best cookies you’ll ever eat! Cafe de Jaren is a lovely spot by the water to grab coffee or brunch, and Nando Italian Restaurant served up a great plate of pasta when I was craving carbs. I also loved Hans Egstorf Bakery, The Pancake Club, and Rudi’s Waffles for sweet treats.
To round out the trip, I joined a small group tour to Zaanse Schans, where we saw the iconic windmills, green-painted houses and visited a cheese farm and clog-making workshop to learn about traditional dutch crafts.
All in all, Amsterdam was the perfect winter city break: compact, vibrant, full of character and culture, and the kind of place that leaves you wanting more.
You’ll find a curated selection of the best activities and tours in The Netherlands below – from canal cruises and cycling tours to food tastings and day trips.
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