Discover
Netherlands
Iconic canals, fields of tulips, and a progressive, bicycle-driven culture.
Top Destinations
Explore our curated selection of landmarks and cities you must visit.
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is the national museum of the Netherlands, dedicated to Dutch arts and history. Located at the Museum Square in Amsterdam, it houses a vast collection of masterpieces spanning centuries, including iconic works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Frans Hals. The building itself is an architectural marvel, blending Gothic and Renaissance styles into a stunning cultural sanctuary. Visitors can spend hours marveling at the meticulously curated galleries that tell the rich story of Dutch heritage.
Best Time
Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the largest crowds.
Insider Tip
Download the free Rijksmuseum app...
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum holds the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh in the world. It provides a chronological journey through the artist's turbulent life, showcasing his evolving style and emotional depth. The modern architecture of the museum perfectly complements the vibrant, expressive canvases displayed within its walls. Here, visitors can intimately connect with masterpieces like "Sunflowers", "Almond Blossom", and "The Potato Eaters".
Best Time
Friday evenings for a relaxed atmosphere, or first thing in the morning.
Insider Tip
Book your tickets well in...
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is the actual building where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis during World War II. It is a deeply moving museum that preserves the secret annex exactly as it was during those harrowing years. The exhibitions thoughtfully present the context of the Holocaust alongside extracts from Anne's world-famous diary. This historic site stands as a poignant reminder of human resilience and the devastating impact of prejudice.
Best Time
Early morning or late evening slots often provide a more contemplative experience.
Insider Tip
Tickets are released on the...
Keukenhof Gardens
Known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof is one of the world's largest and most spectacular flower gardens. Every spring, over seven million spring-flowering bulbs, including countless varieties of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, bloom across its sprawling 32-hectare park. The meticulously landscaped gardens feature themed pavilions, serene water features, and picturesque winding paths. It offers an explosion of vibrant colors and fragrances that celebrate the renowned Dutch floriculture.
Best Time
Mid-April when the tulips are typically at their peak bloom. (Open only from late March to mid-May).
Insider Tip
Rent a bicycle outside the...
Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is a remarkably preserved historic neighborhood that transports visitors back to the 18th and 19th centuries. It features a stunning collection of traditional green wooden houses, operational windmills, and artisanal workshops relocated to this picturesque riverside setting. Visitors can witness traditional Dutch crafts in action, from wooden shoe carving to artisan cheese making. The scenic landscape along the river Zaan perfectly encapsulates the idyllic charm of old Holland.
Best Time
Arrive before 10:00 AM to enjoy the village in peaceful morning light before the tour groups arrive.
Insider Tip
Purchase the Zaanse Schans Card...
Vondelpark
Vondelpark is Amsterdam's most famous and beloved urban park, serving as a green oasis in the heart of the bustling city. Spanning 120 acres, it features winding pathways, serene lakes, elegant footbridges, and lush, meticulously maintained lawns. The park is a hub of local culture, hosting free open-air theater performances, concerts, and art installations during the summer months. It is the perfect place to experience the relaxed, outdoorsy lifestyle of the Dutch capital.
Best Time
Late spring and summer afternoons for a vibrant atmosphere, or early mornings for a tranquil jog.
Insider Tip
Visit the Blauwe Theehuis (Blue...
Giethoorn
Giethoorn is a globally renowned, enchanting village often referred to as the "Venice of the North" due to its complete lack of conventional roads. Instead, locals and visitors navigate a network of peaceful canals lined with impeccably kept thatched-roof farmhouses and vibrant gardens. More than 170 small wooden footbridges connect the small peat islands that make up the village. The atmosphere is incredibly serene, with the only sounds often being the quacking of ducks and the gentle hum of electric boat motors.
Best Time
May, June, or September on a weekday to enjoy pleasant weather while avoiding the peak summer weekend crowds.
Insider Tip
Rent your own electric whisper...
Kinderdijk Windmills
The windmill network at Kinderdijk is a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing 19 monumental windmills built in the 18th century. These iconic structures were ingeniously designed to pump water out of the low-lying polder to prevent flooding, representing a masterpiece of Dutch water management. Set against a dramatic landscape of intersecting canals and vast reed beds, the windmills create a striking and timeless silhouette. The site includes museum mills that allow visitors to see the intricate wooden machinery in action.
Best Time
Late afternoon or during the "Golden Hour" for spectacular photography and fewer crowds.
Insider Tip
Take a scenic boat tour...
Efteling Theme Park
Efteling is a world-class, fantasy-themed amusement park deeply rooted in European folklore, myths, and fairy tales. It masterfully combines nostalgic, intricately detailed animatronic attractions like the Fairytale Forest with cutting-edge, thrilling roller coasters and dark rides. The park's immense grounds are set within a lush, natural forest, ensuring a magical and immersive atmosphere at every turn. Known for its exceptional storytelling and premium design, Efteling easily rivals the world's most famous theme parks.
Best Time
Weekdays in the spring or autumn to enjoy shorter queues and pleasant weather.
Insider Tip
Don't miss the spectacular "Aquanura"...
Mauritshuis
The Mauritshuis is an exquisite, intimate art museum housed in a stunning 17th-century classical palace situated next to the Dutch parliament. It is home to a world-renowned collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings, presenting masterpieces in an incredibly luxurious and refined setting. The museum's crown jewel is Johannes Vermeer's mesmerizing "Girl with a Pearl Earring," alongside significant works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Carel Fabritius. The silken wall coverings and sparkling chandeliers elevate the viewing experience to one of sheer elegance.
Best Time
Mid-morning on weekdays for a quiet and highly personal viewing experience.
Insider Tip
Download the Mauritshuis app for...
Delft Canals
The historic center of Delft is a masterpiece of quintessential Dutch urban planning, famous for its tree-lined canals, arched stone bridges, and beautiful patrician houses. This remarkably preserved city is the birthplace of the renowned painter Johannes Vermeer and the world-famous Delft Blue pottery. Wandering along the Oude Delft, the city's oldest canal, feels like stepping directly into a 17th-century painting. The tranquil waterways are complemented by towering church spires and vibrant, cozy market squares.
Best Time
Spring or summer days when the trees are in full leaf and outdoor terraces are bustling.
Insider Tip
Take a private, guided canal...
Dam Square
Dam Square is the bustling, historic heart of Amsterdam, built on the site of the original dam across the river Amstel. It is surrounded by magnificent architecture, most notably the majestic Royal Palace and the stunning 15th-century Nieuwe Kerk. The square is a vibrant focal point of the city, frequently hosting street performers, events, and a constant stream of locals and tourists. In its center stands the National Monument, a towering white stone pillar dedicated to the victims of World War II.
Best Time
Early evening when the buildings are beautifully illuminated, or early morning to see it without the crowds.
Insider Tip
After exploring the square, head...
Euromast (Rotterdam)
The Euromast is an iconic observation tower that dominates the modern, innovative skyline of Rotterdam. Standing at 185 meters tall, it offers spectacular, 360-degree panoramic views of Europe's largest port and the city's cutting-edge architecture. Visitors can ascend to the top via a rotating glass elevator, the Euroscoop, which provides an exhilarating perspective of the sprawling urban and maritime landscape below. The tower also features a premium brasserie allowing guests to dine at great heights.
Best Time
Just before sunset to experience both the daytime views and the city lighting up at dusk.
Insider Tip
For adventurous luxury travelers, you...
Hoge Veluwe National Park
De Hoge Veluwe is the largest and most diverse national park in the Netherlands, spanning 5,400 hectares of dense woodlands, expansive heathlands, and shifting sand dunes. The park is renowned for its unique combination of pristine nature and world-class art, as it houses the renowned Kröller-Müller Museum with its vast Van Gogh collection and immense sculpture garden. Visitors can explore the vast, serene landscapes using the park's iconic free white bicycles. It is a vital sanctuary for red deer, wild boar, and an array of bird species.
Best Time
August for the stunning purple blooming heather, or autumn for dramatic foliage and deer rutting season.
Insider Tip
Grab one of the 1,800...
De Haar Castle
Castle De Haar is the largest and most luxurious castle in the Netherlands, looking like a perfect fairytale fortress with its towers, moats, and drawbridges. Originally a medieval fortress, it was spectacularly rebuilt in the late 19th century in a neo-Gothic style by the wealthy Rothschild family. The interior is breathtakingly opulent, featuring lavish wood carvings, priceless tapestries, and a level of luxury that hosted international jet-setters in the 20th century. The castle is surrounded by magnificent, meticulously manicured parklands and formal rose gardens.
Best Time
Spring or summer to fully appreciate the extensive, blooming gardens and parklands.
Insider Tip
Take a guided tour to...
Scheveningen Pier
The Scheveningen Pier is an iconic, multi-level promenade extending far out into the dramatic North Sea from the shores of The Hague. It is a modern hub of leisure featuring boutique shops, quality eateries, and outdoor sun terraces with sweeping ocean views. The pier's most distinctive feature is the massive Ferris wheel constructed over the water, offering climate-controlled gondolas for unparalleled coastal panoramas. The energetic beach vibe below perfectly complements the refined amenities situated on the pier itself.
Best Time
Summer evenings for spectacular sunsets and lively beach club atmospheres.
Insider Tip
For thrill-seekers, the pier features...
Alkmaar Cheese Market
The Alkmaar Cheese Market is a spectacular, historical tradition dating back to 1365, held on the city's beautiful Waagplein square. Every Friday morning from spring to early autumn, the square is covered in thousands of wheels of Gouda and Edam cheese. Visitors can watch the guild of cheese carriers, dressed in traditional white uniforms and colored straw hats, vigorously haul heavy wooden barrows loaded with cheese to the historic weighing house. The vibrant, theatrical atmosphere is accompanied by the shouting of traders bargaining over prices in the traditional way.
Best Time
Arrive by 9:30 AM on a Friday (April to September) to secure a good viewing spot before the market officially opens at 10:00 AM.
Insider Tip
After watching the market, take...
Marken
Marken is a remarkably picturesque former island in the Markermeer, renowned for its distinct, dark-green wooden houses built on wooden stilts. Separated from the mainland by a 13th-century storm, it developed a deeply isolated, unique culture and distinct traditional costumes that are still honored today. Now connected by a narrow causeway, it remains a tranquil, wind-swept village with a beautiful historic harbor and a striking lighthouse, the Paard van Marken. The village feels completely frozen in time, offering a stark contrast to modern city life.
Best Time
Late spring or summer mornings when the weather is clear and the harbor is peacefully quiet.
Insider Tip
Take the scenic 'Marken Express'...
Royal Palace of Amsterdam
Situated prominently on Dam Square, the Royal Palace of Amsterdam is a magnificent structure originally built in the 17th century as the city's town hall during the Dutch Golden Age. It was later transformed into a palace by King Louis Napoleon and remains one of three palaces actively used by the Dutch monarch for official state visits and royal receptions. The interior is a masterpiece of classical architecture, featuring spectacular marble galleries, opulent chandeliers, and stunning ceiling paintings. The grand Citizen's Hall (Burgerzaal) at its center is designed to represent the universe, reflecting the immense power and wealth of Amsterdam at the time.
Best Time
Weekday mornings for a quieter visit; always check in advance as it closes to the public during royal events.
Insider Tip
The free audio guide is...
Binnenhof (The Hague)
The Binnenhof is a stunning, historic complex of buildings situated beautifully alongside the Hofvijver lake, serving as the political heart of the Netherlands. Built primarily in the 13th century, it is the oldest parliament building in the world still in use. The complex features an impressive central courtyard flanked by magnificent gothic architecture, most notably the Ridderzaal (Knight's Hall) with its majestic towers. The blend of medieval structures, calm waters, and modern political activity creates an atmosphere of dignified prestige.
Best Time
Late afternoon or evening to see the buildings beautifully illuminated across the lake.
Insider Tip
Book a guided tour with...
Travel Tips for Netherlands
- 1.
Rent a bicycle in Amsterdam
- 2.
Visit Keukenhof in spring
- 3.
Try fresh stroopwafels