Netherlands, the Land of Windmills and Canals – Complete Travel Guide to the Netherlands – 2024

Netherlands at a Glance

The Netherlands which is also called Holland is one of the smallest but most densely populated countries in the world located in Northwestern Europe and famous for windmills, canals, tulips, and great cities as Amsterdam and Rotterdam. The Dutch are known for their free spiritedness, their rich and diverse tradition in arts and architecture, rich sea traditions and engineering discoveries. Whether one is biking through the green fields; visiting old cities or touring through the contemporary cities of the Netherlands, they are bound to be spoilt for choice when it comes to history, art, and indeed, natural scenery.

Why Visit the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is an attractive destination for all kinds of travelers, offering cultural treasures, outdoor adventures, and modern urban experiences. Here’s why you should consider visiting:

• Charming Cities and Historical Sites
  • Amsterdam: The capital city is a must-visit for its unique blend of history, art, and laid-back atmosphere. Key attractions include:
    • Rijksmuseum: The national museum, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch masters.
    • Anne Frank House: A poignant museum dedicated to the Jewish diarist Anne Frank, located in the building where she and her family hid during WWII.
    • Van Gogh Museum: A celebration of the life and work of Vincent van Gogh, showcasing over 200 of his paintings.
    • The Canals: Amsterdam’s network of 17th-century canals, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offer picturesque boat rides and scenic walks.
  • Rotterdam: A hub for modern architecture and Europe’s largest port, Rotterdam boasts innovative designs and a vibrant cultural scene. Highlights include:
    • Erasmus Bridge: An iconic modern structure that spans the River Maas.
    • Markthal: A striking indoor market offering a wide array of food options under a ceiling covered in colorful artwork.
  • The Hague: Home to the Dutch royal family and numerous international organizations, including the International Court of Justice. Visitors should explore:
    • Binnenhof: A medieval government complex that has been the center of Dutch politics for centuries.
    • Peace Palace: A beautiful building that houses the International Court of Justice.
  • Utrecht: A historic city with medieval architecture and canals, known for:
    • Dom Tower: The tallest church tower in the Netherlands, offering stunning views of the city.
    • Canal District: Unique two-level canals where the water level and quay are used for storage or restaurants.
• Dutch Art, Culture, and Innovation
  • The Netherlands has a rich artistic heritage and is the birthplace of famous artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. It is also known for its contributions to modern architecture and design.
    • The Dutch Masters: The 17th century was the Dutch Golden Age of painting, with works of art that reflect the nation’s wealth, maritime prowess, and intellectual culture. The Rijksmuseum and Mauritshuis in The Hague house some of these masterpieces.
    • Contemporary Art and Architecture: In cities like Rotterdam, visitors can enjoy modern art galleries and architectural marvels, such as the Cube Houses and Kunsthal museum.
    • Dutch Design: The Dutch are known for their minimalist and innovative designs in furniture, fashion, and everyday objects, which can be explored at Design Museum Den Bosch.
• Iconic Dutch Landscapes
  • The Dutch countryside is famous for its flat landscapes, fields of vibrant tulips, charming windmills, and a vast network of canals:
    • Keukenhof Gardens: Often referred to as the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof is one of the largest flower gardens in the world, known for its spectacular displays of tulips and other spring flowers.
    • Zaanse Schans: This open-air museum offers a glimpse into traditional Dutch life with historic windmills, wooden houses, and workshops where visitors can see how cheese and clogs are made.
    • Kinderdijk: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Kinderdijk is home to a group of 19 well-preserved windmills that have been used for centuries to manage water levels.
    • The Wadden Sea: Located in the north, this UNESCO-listed coastal wetland area is rich in wildlife and offers opportunities for mudflat hiking and birdwatching.
• Cycling and Outdoor Adventures
  • The Netherlands is a paradise for cyclists, with over 35,000 kilometers of bike paths. It’s the ideal way to explore the country’s cities and countryside. Top cycling routes include:
    • The Tulip Route: A scenic ride through the famous tulip fields in spring.
    • The LF Kustroute (Coastal Route): A long-distance cycling route that follows the Dutch coastline, offering stunning views of the North Sea.
  • The Hoge Veluwe National Park: A vast nature reserve with forests, heathlands, and sand dunes. Visitors can cycle or hike through the park and visit the Kröller-Müller Museum, which houses a large collection of Van Gogh’s work.
  • The Delta Works: One of the seven wonders of the modern world, this system of dams, sluices, locks, and storm surge barriers protects the Netherlands from flooding and is a testament to Dutch engineering prowess.
• Dutch Cuisine
  • Dutch cuisine is simple yet hearty, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Some must-try dishes include:
    • Stroopwafels: Thin waffle cookies filled with caramel syrup, a beloved Dutch snack.
    • Haring: Raw herring served with onions and pickles, a traditional street food.
    • Bitterballen: Deep-fried meatballs typically served with mustard, perfect for snacking with a beer.
    • Poffertjes: Mini fluffy pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar.
    • Dutch Cheese: The Netherlands is famous for its cheeses, especially Gouda and Edam, which can be sampled at markets across the country.

How to Visit the Netherlands (Flight Options and Airports)

The Netherlands is easily accessible via major international airports, with Amsterdam being the main gateway:

• Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS): The ninth largest airport in the Europe volume, and one of the busiest airport providing flights to many destinations around the world.
• Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM): A local type airport convenient for reaching other regional cities in Europe mainly in the southern part of the country.
• Eindhoven Airport (EIN): An evolving airport, known for cheap carriers and flights between cities and countries in Europe.

Best Time to Travel to the Netherlands

The best time to visit the Netherlands depends on what you want to experience:

• Spring (March to May): The perfect time for travelers to visit the country as well as enjoy the famous tulip fields in their blooming period with relatively good climate. During this time one cannot afford to miss Keukenhof Gardens.
• Summer (June to August): This is the busiest tourists season with favorable weather to undertake most activities such as sporting events, fairs and festivals. Take pleasant boat tours through the canals, bike trips, and swimming trips on the North Sea coast.
• Autumn (September to November): With less hustle and bustle of tourists making it an excellent time for city tours and visiting art galleries and museums. Autumn is beautiful for the trees in parks as well as countryside provides perfect background.
• Winter (December to February): Ideal to come and celebrate Christmas, and maybe ice-skate on frozen canals if the temperature reaches this point, and take part in festive food-consuming. Amsterdam also hosts Light Festival which is winter event as well.

Visas and Entry Requirements for the Netherlands

• Schengen Visa: The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, so travelers from many countries, including EU member states, the United States, Canada, and Australia, can enter without a visa for short stays.
• ETIAS: From 2024, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to apply for the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) before entering the Netherlands.

Budgeting Your Trip to the Netherlands

• Accommodation: As to the expenses on accommodation, it is necessary to mention that it may greatly depend on the geographical location and the type of the places people choose. For budget travelers, accommodations are in the $60 to $120 range for the hotels and hostels; however, the luxury accommodations include; hotels such as the ones in Amsterdam may go for over $300 per night.
• Food & Dining: It was found that fast foods from vendor markets and…and cultural foods cost between $5- $15 for meals. Eating out could be between $25 and $50 per head The prices depend on what is offered in the restaurant as well as the location.
• Transportation: There are frequent buses, trains and other means of transport in the public domain so people are usually able to commute easily to their desired destinations. It is a type of smart card used in buses, trams and trains. Traveling by bike is probably one of the most effective ways of exploring cities.

Must-See Attractions in the Netherlands

• Keukenhof Gardens: It is a very popular place for visiting during spring as tulips as well as other flowers are grown here in large quantity.
• The Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam): It is one of the best museum to visit for lovers of history and art from Holland.
• Zaanse Schans: Dutch windmills, original homes and much local crafts is an open- air display at this museum.
• The Anne Frank House (Amsterdam): A very touching museum about Anne Frank’s life during the holocaust….
• The Delta Works: An architectural wonder of the 20th century created to fend off flood disasters in the country.

Practical Information for Your Trip to the Netherlands

• Money Matters: The official currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but some smaller shops may prefer cash or Dutch debit cards.
• Language: Dutch is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas.
• Transportation: Public transport is excellent and includes trains, trams, and buses. The OV-chipkaart allows seamless travel across different modes of transport.
• Staying Connected: Wi-Fi is widely available in cities and hotels. Mobile coverage is strong throughout the country.

Conclusion

The Netherlands as a country with the incredibly long history, containing both classical European traditions and progressive megalopolises along with the breathtaking nature on the most part. If you find yourself a pedestrian walking through the fields of tulips, cycling through the canals, visiting some of the best art museums in the world or even enjoying the fine Dutch cuisine then Netherlands has a lot to offer.