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Netherlands Travel Guide

A tapestry of art, horticulture, and innovation
Towering windmills in an open landscape speckled with colourful little – few places remind you more of ‘Europe’ than the quintessential Dutch panorama. The Netherlands is the perfect destination for anyone keen on exploring cities, beaches, and country sides at one go. The Netherlands has been recognised by a landscape that is the subject of some of the world’s most famous artists in history– Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer.Book a Netherlands tour package to discover this beautiful country of prevalent tradition balanced with its bustling city lives. There’s also the rite of passage of visiting a Dutch coffee shop during your visit, making your Netherlands group travel a trip to remember.
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Towering windmills in an open landscape speckled with colourful little – few places remind you more of ‘Europe’ than the quintessential Dutch panorama. The Netherlands is the perfect destination for anyone keen on exploring cities, beaches, and country sides at one go. The Netherlands has been recognised by a landscape that is the subject of some of the world’s most famous artists in history– Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Vermeer.
Book a Netherlands tour package to discover this beautiful country of prevalent tradition balanced with its bustling city lives. There’s also the rite of passage of visiting a Dutch coffee shop during your visit, making your Netherlands group travel a trip to remember.

Location

The Netherlands is located in North-western Europe and is made up of 12 provinces. Bordered by Germany in the East and Belgium in the South, the northern and western parts of the country are open to the North Sea. A direct flight from India to the Netherlands takes approximately 9 hours.

When to go

The best time to visit the Netherlands is between May and September. Most people tend to go during July and August when the weather is warmest, and their sightseeing is not marred by the wind and rain. If your focus lies on the tulips, the best time to plan your trip would be during the spring when the flowers have begun to bloom.
 
Where to go

Most popular Netherlands tour packages include a visit to major cities such as Amsterdam and the Hague. Amongst other places to visit in the Netherlands are the Schoorl Dunes. Many other small Dutch cities may be hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
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At a glance

Currency

The national currency used is the Euro. The Netherlands currency to INR conversion at this time is 1 EUR = 79.61 INR.

Language

The Netherlands language is officially Dutch, but you might find some German speakers towards the border. Unlike some parts of Europe, English is widely spoken across the country.

Temperature

The Netherlands temperature went as high up as 35ºC in the more recent summers and can go down to a chilly -10ºC in the winter.

Weather

Thanks to its long shoreline to the North and West, the Netherlands weather is of a usually temperate maritime climate. It doesn’t tend to be extremely hot or cold, but there is often a high chance of wind and rain. So make sure to pack the right clothes for the Netherlands holidays that you have planned.

Expert travel advice

Travel tips and insider advice that have made the most difference to us, sourced from our
community of like-minded travellers and global experts.

Go around Amsterdam’s canals   

Recommended by Road Affair

“Amsterdam is famous for both its distinctive architecture and its canals, and let’s be honest here – a city is generally best seen from the water. Being on the water tops the list of the best things to do in Amsterdam, and you can check out the canals for yourself via a standard, run-of-the-mill boat tour OR you can hire a pedal boat and ferry yourself around the waterways.”

This popular travel blog by thrill-seeking couple Jazzy and Ben offers readers tips and tricks on how to travel the world on a budget.

Explore the quirky neighbourhood of Jordaan   

Recommended by Bruised Passports

“Jordaan, Amsterdam’s bohemian neighbourhood is one of our favourite areas in the city. It’s perfect for an aimless gander – make sure you make a pit stop at De Kaaskamer. The legendary cheese shop has some insanely scrumptious locally-sourced cheeses. Nom!”

Award-winning Indian travel bloggers Vidit Taneja and Savi Munjal have been to over 80 countries in 6 continents, and share their experiences through a mélange of impactful writing, and captivating photography.

Visit the Anne Frank Museum   

Recommended by The Crazy Tourist

“The Anne Frank Museum is one of the most famous attractions in Amsterdam and makes for an extremely moving visit.The building is the former home of Anne Frank who hid from the Nazis here during the Second World War.”

The Crazy Tourist is a travel resource that covers destinations all around the world.

See Van Gogh’s famous art   

Recommended by Nomadic Matt

“Open since 1973, this museum is host to over 500 original works by Vincent Van Gogh, in addition to several works by some of his contemporaries and beloved friends. The exhibits chronicle his life span, showing the progress and development of his work, alongside Gaugain, Monet, and Toulouse-Lautrec.”

Matt Kepnes, aka Nomadic Matt, has travelled to nearly 100 countries. He shares proven tips and advice on his website which has been featured on major media sites including the New York Times, the BBC, Lonely Planet, National Geographic, The Independent, The Huffington Post, The Guardian, and TIME magazine.

Take a selfie at the Kinderdijk’s Windmills   

Recommended by Hand Luggage only

“I mean, windmills are synonymous with anything Dutch, let’s be totally honest! Thankfully, around 20 km east of Rotterdam is the tiny (and totally charming) village of Kinderdjik. With some gorgeous canals, lined by 19 impressive windmills (that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites), this is a sight you’ll certainly want to see.”

Yaya and Lloyd share travel stories and photos with others like-minded travellers on the internet.

Incredible places to visit in Netherlands

Utrecht

Utrecht is a university town with a lively character and tons of young people. It is best known for its wharf cellars along the canals and charming cafés by the water. From whimsical museums to unique concert venues, your stay in Utrecht will be filled to the brim with a vast assortment of activities.

Miffy Museum

Miffy is a beloved Dutch cartoon rabbit designed by Dick Bruna, a local artist. Aimed at captivating young children, this museum displays miniature worlds that are free to touch and play with. These rooms include Miffy’s house and allows kids to enact familiar everyday experiences such as going to the doctor. There are only basic explanations available, leaving the rest to the imagination.

The Dom Tower

The Dom Tower is an icon of Utrecht's cityscape and carries a unique story. At 112 metres and 465 steps, it is the highest church tower in the Netherlands and can only be visited with a guided tour. Originally a part of a cathedral complex in the 14th to 15th century, the church’s centre was blown away during a storm in 1674. Surrounding the Dom Tower is the old monastery Pandhof garden. It is one of the most intricately designed courtyards in the country and is free to visit.

Go to a concert at TivoliVredenburg

The TivoliVredenburg is a cultural venue run by a non-profit organisation in Utrecht. It invites musicians of various genres to perform in its five halls, all of which are acoustically designed for a specific genre. From children’s concerts to techno music raves, the TivoliVredenburg sees it all in a day. If you and your friends can’t agree on a type of music, fret not– there are often multiple concerts held on a single day! Regardless of your musical aptitude, everyone is welcome to tinker with an instrument on the amateur stage.

De Haar Castle

13km away from Utrecht lies the Haar Castle, the most luxurious castle in the Netherlands. This important part of history will surprise you with its opulence, giving you a peek into the splendour that surrounded the rich and famous in the past. The Haar Castle is the quintessential image of a fairytale fortress with towers, moats, and drawbridges. It might just take you back to your childhood.

“The Letters ” of Utrecht

“The Letters” is a remarkable public art project introduced in Utrecht in 2012. Every week, a letter of the alphabet is added to the stone path starting on the Oudegracht. Mayor Aleid Wolfsen placed the highest bid for the first letter when it began, making it a part of history forever. The line of letters shapes up into a poem which is now around 100 m long but still growing. The Utrecht Poetry Guild creates the content of the poem, keeping unpublished parts under wraps until they come into action. Nobody knows where the poem is going, and it is a never-ending work of art that is well worth a visit.

Amsterdam

The city most well-known for its uninhibited nightlife and scenic canals has much more to offer. Each of Amsterdam’s neighbourhoods carries its own character. The dynamic Pijp area, on the outskirts of town, embraces street markets and restaurants beloved by the locals. Further south, however, you’ll find more architecturally innovative buildings in the Nieuwmarkt en Lastage district.
Amsterdam comes most alive on King’s Day– a national holiday celebrating King Willem-Alexander’s birthday. Each April 27th, the streets of Amsterdam are flooded with a sea of people all dressed in orange. The celebrations last the entire day and involve various parties and events held around the city.

Rijksmuseum

The historic Rijksmuseum is one of the country’s most impressive museums. Its collection is a plethora of diverse items spanning eight centuries of national and international history. The museum also displays art from across the world and is home to the enormous Cuypers library, making it a haven for art and book lovers alike. One of the Rijksmuseum’s best masterpieces is The Nightwatch, by Rembrandt.
Surrounding the museum is a garden filled with playful installations and elaborate topiaries. During the summer, the exhibitions extend out into the garden, making a usually stuffy museum visit an airy outdoor experience.

Anne Frank Museum

At Prinsengracht 263, lies the house in which Anne Frank lived in hiding with her family for more than two years. The museum of Anne Frank, inside the house, displays her original diary and various personal items. Additionally, you will find a treasure trove of information surrounding the persecution of Jews during the Second World War. Although the building is now uninhabited, the atmosphere of this dark period is ever-present.
Tickets to the Anne Frank museum are often sold out and should be booked well in advance.

Red Light District

Chances are, you’ve already heard a whole lot about the famous Red Light District. Also known as the Wallen, this is the oldest part of Amsterdam and features lanes of intriguing sex shops, brothels and a sex museum. Being one of the few areas in the world in which prostitution is legal, the Red Light district in Amsterdam is “the” place to learn about an otherwise widely condemned profession. On the other hand, this is also the location of the city’s oldest, most well-preserved Catholic church, a treat for architecture fans. The Red Light District is best visited with a group of friends since there’s always something new to discover.

Bloemenmarkt

The best time to visit the Netherlands is when Bloemenmarkt becomes Amsterdam’s most visually striking area. You’ll find tulips in all colours and a diverse range of other flora in the spring time. The market is open every day, making it an integral part of the cityscape. In winter, the stalls are filled with Christmas trees and greenhouse plants. After perusing the plentiful souvenir shops in the Bloemenmarkt area, stop by at a cheese store to try some of Netherlands’ finest cheeses.

Volendam

If you’ve had enough of the city for a while, head to the charming fishing village, Volendam, for a day trip. The Volendam Museum displays traditional clothing and life-sized dioramas, immersing you into the Netherlands of the 19th century. It also exhibits paintings and drawings by the many artists that visited the town in that era. Travellers craving cheesy delicacies can enjoy these at the Cheese Factory with interactive installations and tastings. In the summer, Volendam is an excellent spot for water sports.

Canal Cruise

For a more memorable trip, experience the sights using Amsterdam’s Hop On - Hop Off Boat tour. It uses Amsterdam’s expansive canal system to unveil hidden gems, some that may be inaccessible by foot. Pedal boats are a leisurely way to get around in the city when you’re ready to brace the aquatic lanes on your own. Although canal systems are widespread throughout the country, the Canal Ring (or Grachtengordel) in Amsterdam carries four centuries-worth of history and is a part of the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The Hague

“The City, the Beach, the Hague.” Having earned its title as the international city of peace and justice, the Hague plays a vital role in world diplomacy and foreign affairs. It is where cultures intersect and blend to create an air of tolerance and warmth. Experience each part of the city for its own essence– from royal walks past palaces and monuments, to your fix of authentic Asian food in the China Town area.
The Hague is just a stone’s throw away from the Scheveningen beach, a marvellous day trip spot. Recharge yourself at the North Sea with a stroll along the shore, some souvenir shopping, or by trying out the various Herring based delicacies.

Binnenhof

The Binnenhof consists of several buildings and is the location of the Dutch Parliament. Many government buildings have remained in the Hague even after it lost its status as a capital. Although you may not be able to scout the entire complex of Binnenhof, a guided tour allows you to see the Knight’s Hall and parts of the chambers of Parliament. The buildings are free to see from the inner court, which is a perfect spot to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Peace Palace

One of the most famous buildings in the Hague is the Peace Palace, where the International Court of Justice is housed. The palace was built in the early 20th century and inaugurated in 1913. It was designed in an international architecture competition won by the French architect, Louis Cordonnier. Although the complex is generally closed to the public except for a couple of weeks in summer and certain weekends throughout the year. If you’re lucky during one of your trips to the Netherlands, you may explore the prominent palace on a guided tour.

Escher in the Palace

Maurits Cornelis Escher was a Dutch graphic artist, who lived between 1898 and 1972. He is known to be the master of optical illusions using mathematically inspired woodcuts and lithographs. “Escher in the Palace’ is a permanent exhibition in a former palace plumb in the centre of The Hague. Take time to peruse the surreal works of the brilliant artist and mathematician to gain insight into some of the most thought-provoking images. There is also an opportunity for you to create your own optical illusion in the museum.

Mauritshuis Museum

The Mauritshuis had initially been home to count Johan Maurits van Nassau-Siegen in the 17th century. It went through various other uses following that, but has been used as a museum since 1822. Its interiors still carry an antique, homely atmosphere, with small rooms in which extraordinary paintings stand on display. Amongst the most famous pieces exhibited is the ‘Girl with the Pearl Earring’ by the Dutch artist Vermeer, and ‘The Goldfinch’ by Fabritius. The Mauritshuis collection covers art primarily from the Golden Age, and should definitely be ticked off your Netherlands travel guide.

Knight’s Hall

The Knight’s Hall is the oldest and easily the most eye-catching part of the Binnenhof. Built using a gothic architecture style, the building’s interior features tall arched ceilings and impressive chandeliers. Initially a reception hall, it now hosts ceremonies such as Prinsjesdag, an annual occasion on which the monarch addresses members of Parliament.

Dordrecht

A large but quieter town, Dordrecht is different from the other cities mentioned. It is the oldest Dutch city, having established in 1220 and is said to be the Venice of Holland. This is primarily due to its location along five rivers, enabling it to grow as a commercially successful port city. Its romantic allure makes Dordrecht a perfect part of a Netherlands honeymoon package. Dordrecht has plenty of noteworthy monuments, charming streets and of course, canals. Its best feature, however, is the famous Christmas market. If you plan a trip in December, this should be at the top of your list of things to do in The Netherlands.

Great Church

The Great Church in Dordrecht is a fantastic find for anyone interested in medieval architecture. Look carefully at the stained glass windows in the church, to discover unfolding stories of the history of Dordrecht. The church was initially meant to be a hundred-meter high octagonal tower. Halfway through the construction, however, it was noticed that the tower had begun to slant significantly, similar to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This meant the tower would never really be finished.

Dordrechts Museum

The Dordrechts Museum consists of two floors filled with magnificent paintings of landscapes in this part of the Netherlands and detailed portraits of public figures. The most notable pieces are those by the Dutch artists Aelbert Cuyp, Jan van Goyen, and an international favourite, Vincent Van Gogh.  Anyone even remotely interested in the arts must make a visit the Dordrechts Museum.

National Park De Biesbosch

National Park De Biesbosch is one of the few freshwater tidal areas in the world. It’s a fantastic place to walk, cycle or canoe through a labyrinth of rivers and creeks with crystal clear water. It’s also a special treat for enthusiastic bird watchers. The National Park De Biesbosch is a spot where you can fulfil all your adventure needs on this trip. Activities such as birdwatching trips, sailing, cycling, and hikes can also be organised through Netherlands tour packages from India.

Wijnbrug and the Visbrug

Wijnbrug and Visbrug are two inconspicuous bridges that are known to be some of the best viewpoints in the city and will allow you to be immersed in the local crowd. Now a busy, narrow walkway for pedestrians, the Wijnbrug was renovated not long ago after a history of being structurally unsound. Cycling is technically not allowed on the bridges, but most of the locals seem to ignore this rule. There have been many ditties and folklores about the fall of the Wijnbrug bridge in the 17th century, making it an essential part of Dordrecht’s delightful personality.

Leiden

Renowned for being the birthplace of Rembrandt, Leiden is a large city adorned with particularly delightful canals and old buildings. The "Leiden University" is the oldest university in the country and has notably had Albert Einstein as a part of its teaching staff.

Haarlem

Just a short train ride from Amsterdam lays the cobblestoned city of Haarlem. Filled with historic churches, museums, quirky bars and cafes, it is one of the most photogenic cities in the Netherlands.

Gouda

The city, most famous for its cheese, lies between Rotterdam and Utrecht, making it a perfect stopover during your travel. Apart from its seasonal cheese market, Gouda is of great historical value to the architecture in the country.

Delft

Delft is another pleasant city with its own canal system. It is most famous for its production of Delftware, also known as Delft Blue, the traditional Dutch hand-painted pottery. The blue and white miniature ceramic houses or clogs make great souvenirs for friends and family at home.

Giethoorn

Giethoorn is a serene water village in which the loudest sound to be heard is that of birds chirping. While many cities aren't solely dependent on their canal system, Giethoorn still has areas that can only be reached by boat. Although this quaint spot may not always be found on regular Netherlands tours, do consider adding it to your itinerary.

Top things to do & experience in Netherlands

Nobody wants to be a tourist. Here are curated experiences in art, music, food, culture and communities
to help you have an authentic and memorable trip.

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