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Introducing The Netherlands

The Netherlands is so much more than just windmills and tulips! From top to bottom, its rich history can be experienced through the well-preserved architecture of its picturesque villages, churches, and canals. If nature is more your speed, the Netherlands boasts beautiful beaches and national parks to explore. It may be a small country, but there is something here for everyone! 

When is the best time to visit Holland?
The Netherlands is a country that can really be visited year-round. Even in the chilly winter months, you are still able to enjoy a stroll through the park or a cup of mulled wine at a local market. Situated on the coast of the North Sea, the Netherlands experiences moderate marine temperatures during Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November), colder temperatures in the winter (December- February) and warm, but manageable temperatures during the summer months (June-August). Spontaneous rainfalls can occur year-round, with the heaviest rains falling in October and November. 

Where should you go?
In the Netherlands, you really can have it all! Since the country is relatively small, you are able to see all its corners without having to travel long distances. This means that it is quite easy to visit the tulips fields in the Bollenstreek (Dutch bulb region), go cycling along the dunes near Bergen and Schoorl, wander through charming cobblestone streets of 17th-century villages such as Haarlem or Leiden, or go hiking in the Veluwe National Park, all while traveling from point A to B in only 1.5 hours on average.

How many days do you need?
In 5 days, you can experience all of the highlights of the west such as Amsterdam and its many art museums which boast works from the great Dutch Masters, the tulip fields in bloom around Haarlem, traditional Dutch windmills at the Zaanse Schans, and a cheese market in Alkmaar or Gouda. If you have 7 to 10 days to spend, you can visit more off-the-beaten-track places like the picturesque fishing villages of Monnickendam, Marken, and Volendam, take a boat tour or canoe excursion through Biesbosch National Park, or head south to Limburg to visit castles and go hiking in the only hills in the Netherlands. You can even enjoy some mudflat waking and the beach in the Wadden Islands.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 7 days · 10 days · 14 days

The Netherlands Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Lievebrug Bridge in Ghent
Grand Tour of the Netherlands & Belgium - 14 Days

Castles, cathedrals, windmills, canals: this two-week itinerary takes you through highlights of the Netherlands and Belgium. Starting in the vibrant Dutch capital of Amsterdam and ending in the cosmopolitan Belgian capital of Brussels, the adventure offers a mix of cultural sightseeing and outdoor excursions. Learn about architecture in Rotterdam, see medieval Ghent from a boat, sample Belgian waffles in their place of origin, view original paintings by Vincent van Gogh, and experience natural landscapes with a ride through a national park on an e-bike. This grand tour has something for everyone!

The National Monument on Dam Square, Amsterdam
Map of World War II in the Netherlands - 5 Days
World War II in the Netherlands - 5 Days

History buffs won't want to miss this five-day tour of World War II sites and monuments in the Netherlands. From the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam to the Camp Westerbork detention camp, and from refugee hideaways in the woods to military cemeteries and memorials, there's so much to see and learn. Spend the night at the site where the Netherlands was liberated from the Nazis, walk with a veteran across a landmark bridge at sunset in Nijmegen, and wrap up the itinerary with a visit to the National Monument in Amsterdam.

A picturesque canal in Amsterdam
Best of Amsterdam & Haarlem - 5 Days

This enlightening 5-day journey will take you to the highlights of Amsterdam and its surrounding region. Start at the Anne Frank House, then enjoy a private boat tour along the city's canals before visiting two world-class art museums, the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. On a day trip to the countryside, you'll see historic windmills, wander around a quaint fishing village, and sample traditional Dutch cheese in Edam. Spend the last part of the trip in the charming city of Haarlem, an easy side trip from the capital, where you'll visit the oldest museum in the Netherlands.

Historic monuments on a tour of Holland and Flanders
Map of Highlights of Holland & Flanders - 7 Days
Highlights of Holland & Flanders - 7 Days

There's no need to choose between Holland and Flanders (the Dutch-speaking half of Belgium). This weeklong itinerary takes you to the highlights of both, including sightseeing in Amsterdam, an architecture tour in Rotterdam, a gourmet food tour in Antwerp, and a boat tour past medieval castles in Ghent. You'll sample cheeses where they're produced, spot windmills in the Dutch countryside, and relax with a Belgian crowd on a river beach. This whirlwind itinerary has something for everyone!

Bicycle in the Dutch Countryside
Map of Flower Tour of Holland - 5 Days
Flower Tour of Holland - 5 Days

This itinerary is all about flowers! In just five days, you will cycle through Dutch tulip fields on an e-bike, learn how tulips are grown, and see how they're sold at auction and at floating flower markets. View magnificent tulips on display at the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens, the largest flower park in the world, and learn all about the rich history of tulips and their value in Dutch culture at the Tulip Museum. The best time to plan this trip is March through May, with the tulips at their best in mid-April.

Church
Map of Highlights of Holland - 10 Days
Highlights of Holland - 10 Days

Experience the best of Holland along with some of its hidden gems on this 10-day trip! From big cities to charming small villages, you’ll experience a perfect cross-section of what the Netherlands has to offer. You’ll have the opportunity to admire all of the traditional Dutch characteristics: cheese markets, famous painters, typical canals, rich history, churches with stained-glass windows, windmills, lovely squares, and ancient cobbled alleys. In addition to exploring picturesque smaller cities such as Gouda, Leiden, and Delft, you will also visit Amsterdam, home to the country’s most famous museums, the vibrant, modern harbor city of Rotterdam, and even get some beach time!

Make the Most of Your Time in the Netherlands

Have a fixed number of days? Maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Traditional windmills throughout the Alblasserwaard polder of Kinderdijk
How Many Days to Spend in the Netherlands

With five days in the Netherlands, travelers can explore Amsterdam's highlights and use the capital as a hub for nearby popular sites, including The Hague, Rotterdam, and...

The Netherlands Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest The Netherlands Content

Traditional windmills throughout the Alblasserwaard polder of Kinderdijk
How Many Days to Spend in the Netherlands

With five days in the Netherlands, travelers can explore Amsterdam's highlights and use the capital as a hub for nearby popular sites, including The Hague, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. Seven days, however, is the right amount of time to cover main interests and discover more of the country than the average visitor with places like Marken, Edam, and Biebosch National Park. If you have 10 days, you can go farther afield to the northern province of Groningen or visit a second country and cross the border into Belgium.

An Amsterdam canal in spring
Best Time of Year to Visit the Netherlands

A country that can be visited any time of year, the Netherlands is best explored in the spring. The weather is brighter and warmer, and those iconic tulip bulbs are blooming. Yet with more than 400 museums showcasing renowned artworks, there’s something to see in every season. Not to mention, a coastal holiday in the summer, a cycling excursion in the fall, or, if you're lucky, an ice-skating outing on a frozen canal in the winter.

On the carousel at Efteling theme park
Family Adventure in the Netherlands & Belgium - 14 Days

Bring the whole family along on this kid-friendly journey around the Netherlands and Belgium! Start with a cruise along the canals of Amsterdam and a visit to a futuristic science museum. Then ride an old steam train to Medemblik, where you'll board an antique ship to Enkhuizen, known for its cheese markets. Cycle through the sand dunes to the North Sea, spot colorful tulip fields, and feast on traditional stroopwafels before spending three days at a popular Dutch theme park. Then cross the border to Belgium, where you'll go on a food tour of Antwerp, stay at a real Belgian farm, and relax at the beach resort of De Panne. Offering a great mix of outdoor adventure and cultural education, this itinerary is a hit with travelers of all ages.

The Netherlands Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
The Netherlands map: 7 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
7 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
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The Netherlands map: 10 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
10 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
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The Netherlands map: 5 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
5 Days in the Netherlands - 5 Unique Itineraries
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for The Netherlands
Travel specialist Mieke Arendsen
active 20 hours ago

Mieke Arendsen

Born and raised in the province of Gelderland in the east-central part of the Netherlands, I have traveled to most corners of the world, especially to Asia. But deep down, I will always remain a...

read more...
Travel specialist Bas Naus
active 20 hours ago

Bas Naus

Like any person in the Netherlands, I started riding my bike soon after I learned how to walk and I ate cheese almost every day. But during my childhood, we would always drive straight to the...

read more...
Travel specialist Hanne Verhaak

Hanne Verhaak

Born and raised in The Netherlands and always enjoyed living here. It wasn't until Covid-times (when I could no go anywhere else) that I really started to see all the beauty my own country holds....

read more...

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Trip Reviews for The Netherlands

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Mother/Daughter art Tour of the Netherlands
The Netherlands | May 20 - May 27, 2023

Patti
Patti S.
Rock Hill, SC | Reviewed on May 29, 2023

My daughter and I did an art tour of the Netherlands. Bas from Beat The Dutch did such a great job matching expectations to our budget. I didn't know what to expect, having never used KimKim before, but overall, it was really great - we were comfortable, safe, and were able to move between cities and sites with ease on public transport, thanks to pre-loaded OV chip cards Beat The Dutch provided. Everybody involved did a wonderful job. read more

My daughter and I did an art tour of the Netherlands. Bas from Beat The Dutch did such a great job matching expectations to our budget. I didn't know what to expect, having never used KimKim before, but overall, it was really great - we were comfortable, safe, and were able to move between cities and sites with ease on public transport, thanks to pre-loaded OV chip cards Beat The Dutch provided. Everybody involved did a wonderful job.

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Light
Rotterdam

Super Budget Hotel Friendly and helpful staff, good a/c, good breakfast, very basic amenities, easy access to public transport Make sure you have all your toiletries on hand, as none are provided except for hand soap.

Authenticity & Character
very basic accommodations with no other amenities except hand soap
Location
Staff
Very helpful, ordered an early morning taxi the previous night to bring us to the train station
Cleanliness & Comfort
Room and bathroom were clean
Steenhof Suites
Leiden

Beautiful hotel and rooms/ very helpful staff

Authenticity & Character
beautifully appointed, great old restored building
Location
right in the center of Leiden, public transport, walking distance to town center
Staff
very kind and accommodating
Cleanliness & Comfort
beds were super comfortable, spacious room and bathroom nicely appointed, had all the amenities and toiletries . Great overall stay
Hotel ML
Haarlem

Beautiful room and hotel, terrific breakfast

Authenticity & Character
in a beautifully restored old building
Location
Right in the heart of the center of old Haarlem across the street from the GroteKerk; within walking distance of everything.
Staff
Very accommodating and friendly/helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
no real heat or a/c due to the age of the building. Open the windows, ask for a floor fan, fall asleep listening to the bells of the Grote Kerk
Hotel des Arts
Amsterdam-Centrum

Restored old building, lots of flights of narrow stairs, rooms clean and comfortable

Authenticity & Character
beautifully restored building-
Location
close to all public transport
Staff
very accommodating and helpful with any questions you may have. Lisa was so kind and helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms were clean, modern and comfy. Make sure you have all your toiletries as only hand soap and shampoo are provided
Local specialist: Bas Naus
Bas
Bas Naus
Local specialist in Nijmegen, Netherlands | Replied on May 30, 2023

Dear Patti,
It was a great pleasure for us to host your trip, and we are delighted to hear that you had an enjoyable holiday! Glad to hear our services made your trip comfortable and safe. Thanks for choosing kimkim and Beat the Dutch Travel!
Kind regards,
Bas.

everything was amazing and worked out so perf...
The Netherlands | Apr 30 - May 6, 2023

Brad
Brad R.
Springfield, MA | Reviewed on May 13, 2023

everything was amazing and worked out so perfectly. the timing of all activities, tours, adventures worked great with plenty of free time to explore. all recommendations could not have been better! can not thank you guys enough! min need to worry to get anywhere as the drivers and guides are so professional yet social and friendly! i can’t wait to use kimkim again for my next adventure!!!! read more

everything was amazing and worked out so perfectly. the timing of all activities, tours, adventures worked great with plenty of free time to explore. all recommendations could not have been better! can not thank you guys enough! min need to worry to get anywhere as the drivers and guides are so professional yet social and friendly! i can’t wait to use kimkim again for my next adventure!!!!

Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on May 26, 2023

Hi Brad
Thank you for your kind words. I am delighted to hear you and your parents have enjoyed this special visit to the lowlands! It was a pleasure organizing it for you and custom it to fit your travel wishes further.
Wishing you all the best,
Mieke

Trip planner/co-ordinator, Mieke, has been ve...
The Netherlands | Apr 24 - May 3, 2023

Jasmine
Jasmine O.
Singapore | Reviewed on May 12, 2023

Trip planner/co-ordinator, Mieke, has been very professional and patience in putting the trip plan together over more than 2 years, due to multiple disruptions such as COVID-19 locked down. She is always responsive, obliging and accommodating to our requests and made changes swiftly.

We are also very happy and grateful for having Mr Maarten Ablij as our private diver to Zaanse Schans, Edam and Keukenhof. He is very gentle, polite and punctual in picking us from accommodation in the... read more

Trip planner/co-ordinator, Mieke, has been very professional and patience in putting the trip plan together over more than 2 years, due to multiple disruptions such as COVID-19 locked down. She is always responsive, obliging and accommodating to our requests and made changes swiftly.

We are also very happy and grateful for having Mr Maarten Ablij as our private diver to Zaanse Schans, Edam and Keukenhof. He is very gentle, polite and punctual in picking us from accommodation in the morning.

In summary, we had an enjoyable and wonderful time in The Netherlands, especially the visits to Anne Frank House, Naturalis, Boerhaave, Windmill de Valk, Madurodam and Keukenhof. We also loved the Dutch food such as bitterballen and stroopwafel.

Thank you Beat the Dutch Travel and Mieke for the good job well done.

Hotel Reviews
Dutch Golden / Velvet Lodge
The Hague

Hotel staffs are friendly and checking in/out was easy and fast. Room is of a good size, clean and comfortable.

Authenticity & Character
Refurnished old building with a nice welcoming vibe
Location
Within 10mins walk from The Hague Central railway station.
Staff
Both Oscar and his staff are super friendly.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Was not told test the clean would not be cleaned and no towels changed on Koningsdag!
Inntel Zaandam
Zaandam

Disappointed with the check in experience and scare we had. We arrived at 11.30am but was too early as room was not ready. Returned to check in at 7.30pm and being assigned a room on 5th level. However, when we opened the door, we were astonished to see coats hanging on the coats hooks and a big luggage on the luggage rack. Went back to front desk and was told that staff from previous shift had failed to update hotel records when the customer made a room change. Although a new room was cleaned and assigned to us with a complimentary buffet breakfast for the next morning, but we were still very shaken that security and privacy are breached.

Authenticity & Character
Pretty architecture and colors like lego blocks stacked together
Location
3mins walk from Zaadam railway station
Staff
Not competent and did not honor promise.
Cleanliness & Comfort
House keeping did not empty out garbage and replaced clean disposal cups. However, room is big like a small studio with kitchenette.
Activity Reviews
Museum Card Netherlands
The Netherlands

Very convenient and budget friendly to have museum card if planning to visit many museums.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Public Transport Pass Amsterdam
The Netherlands

OV card is handy and can be used on almost all kinds of transportation.

Quality of Experience
Transport
Daytrip to Cheese Farm, Edam and Zaanse Schans
The Netherlands

Not worth going to the cheese farm. A very short brief about the history of the farm and various cheeses, then being led to shop. Too commercialise! There is nothing much to do and see at Edam. Zaanse Schans is too crowded within tourists. Walking paths are narrow and hard to pass through when people were standing around to snap pictures of the windmills. Too commercialise and need to pay entrance fee to almost every sights inside the windmills.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private driver Mr Maarten Ablij is very nice and patience
Keukenhof & tulips fields by private transport
The Netherlands

The botanical garden is very well organised with many different types of tulips, other floral, trees and water features.

Quality of Experience
Need more than 2hours to enjoy the garden
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Mieke Arendsen
Mieke
Mieke Arendsen
Local specialist in The Netherlands | Replied on May 24, 2023

Thank you for your wonderful review, Jasmine, and your feedback. This is very valuable to us.
It was a pleasure hosting you here, and thank you again so much for the lovely gift and note you left me. That is so sweet!
Wishing you and your family all the best in the future,
Mieke