The Netherlands is one of the most relaxed and popular destinations to visit in Europe with friendly people, world famous cities and lots of attractions and festivals throughout the year. View my Netherlands travel tips today.
Getting to Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the easiest and cheapest countries to go to in Europe. You can fly from European/international destinations, or cross into the country via road, rail or water. Find cheap flights with Skyscanner.
Accommodation
• Get the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
Best Places to Visit
If you are planning a trip to the Netherlands, most travellers tend to just do a city break. There are lots of cities to visit, some are world famous whilst others are lesser known.
Top Things to See and Do in the Netherlands
First time visiting The Netherlands? Here are the top things to do.
Amsterdam nightlife is unique and much more relaxed than that of its European neighbours. The Dutch are a lot more low key and often prefer a canal side pub to a high energy club.
While the city might be known for its red light district, search beyond this tourist hot spot and there are plenty of cocktail bars, relaxed pubs selling local beers and of course a popular hangout, the coffee shops.
Nightclubs are of course dotted around the canals, and the district of Leidseplein is where you will find the majority of live music venues. For something a little different, hop on board a boat and indulge in an Amsterdam cocktail cruise!
Zwolle
Amsterdam is usually on the top of everyone’s list (probably because it’s a great, and cheap, place to have a layover) but Zwolle, the lesser-known hotspot of The Netherlands, is a great getaway for history buffs who aren’t as enamored by the free lifestyle of the Amsterdamians.
Complete with medieval city walls, Dominican monasteries, and great art galleries (give a nod to the Museum de Fundatie, their resident collection and traveling exhibitions are a great way to spend your afternoon), Zwolle is the perfect destination for lovers of sitting back, relaxing, and enjoying the view.
No need to stand in line at the hotspot tourist attractions all trip, the key to taking in all the grace and beauty of this riverside town is in the cute shops, the comfy streetside cafes, and walking to check out the Sassenpoort (it’s the old town city gates, definitely worth an Instagram feature!).
If you’re a fan of the bed and breakfast, Zwolle is the place to grab one of these cozy accommodations. You can park it in a one room garden house at Ada’s Spiekertje, a 2-bedroom townhouse with B&B In de Hoogstraat, or get out of the city and enjoy the quiet farm life just outside Zwolle (a 20 minute bike ride to town) in B&B Theetuin Stadsland.
Other
If you have a flexible schedule and would like to see as much as possible, be sure to try and visit these locations:
• The Hague
• Rotterdam
• Utrecht
• Groningen
• Maastricht
• Leiden
• Eindhoven
Netherlands Money Saving Tips
The Netherlands is on the high side when compared to other European countries, but here are some ways you can visit on a budget and not spend a fortune.
• Limit time in Amsterdam, this is the most expensive destination for accommodation and sightseeing
• Consider visiting outside of summer when tourism is peak and price rocket
• Take advantage of free city sightseeing tours
• Get accommodation with a kitchen and avoid eating out everyday
If you would like to discover more of the region view my guides to Belgium, Germany and France.