Why Visit The Netherlands?

The Netherlands feels like a masterclass in balance. Modern cities blend seamlessly with centuries-old architecture. Public transport is punctual, but you can also wander aimlessly and find a cozy café around every corner. It’s the kind of place where a deep conversation over cheese and wine is just as likely as a quick chat on a canal bridge.

It’s also refreshingly manageable. You can cross the entire country in a few hours, making it easy to base yourself in one city and take day trips—or hop around and experience it all.

Top Destinations in the Netherlands

Amsterdam
Let’s start with the classic. Amsterdam lives up to the hype—but it’s also deeper than its tourist-heavy center. Yes, visit the Anne Frank House, cruise the canals, and take a selfie at the Rijksmuseum. But also explore the Jordaan neighborhood, pop into De Pijp for eclectic eats, and rent a bike to get around like a local. Don’t skip the Van Gogh Museum—it’s as emotional as it is beautiful.

Rotterdam
If Amsterdam is the charming older sibling, Rotterdam is the cool, artsy one who wears bold glasses and knows all the underground spots. Known for its modern architecture (rebuilt after WWII), it’s full of edgy museums, funky cube houses, incredible street art, and forward-thinking restaurants. Definitely worth at least a night or two.

Keukenhof & Lisse (Spring only)
Tulip season is iconic—and for good reason. From mid-March to mid-May, fields explode in rainbow rows of blooms. Keukenhof Gardens is the centerpiece, with over 7 million bulbs blooming across 80+ acres. Even if you’re not a “flower person,” it’s hard not to be wowed.

Utrecht
This university town feels like a mini-Amsterdam without the crowds. Its tree-lined canals have lower-level cafés and bookstores tucked underneath bridges. Utrecht’s Dom Tower offers views that rival anything in Europe, and the whole town radiates youthful charm.

The Hague (Den Haag)
Seat of the Dutch government and international courts, The Hague has a sophisticated vibe. Walk along the beach at Scheveningen, tour the Peace Palace, and explore the Mauritshuis to see Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring in person.

Gouda, Edam & Alkmaar
Yes, the cheese is worth it. These towns are picture-perfect, especially on market days when locals wear traditional dress and cheese wheels stack like gold. Gouda also has an adorable town square with a fairy-tale city hall.

Giethoorn
Nicknamed “the Venice of the North,” this car-free village is woven with canals and only navigable by foot, bike, or boat. It’s whimsical, peaceful, and totally unique.

Dutch Culture: Chill, Clever, and a Bit Quirky

The Dutch are known for their directness, their love of gezelligheid (a cozy, convivial atmosphere), and their impressive language skills (seriously, nearly everyone speaks English). They value practicality, bike more than they drive, and take their coffee seriously.

Fun quirks? They celebrate birthdays with a full-circle party (everyone sits in a circle and congratulates everyone), eat sprinkles on bread for breakfast (hagelslag), and never say no to a pancake dinner.

What to Eat and Drink

Dutch cuisine is hearty, sweet, and surprisingly satisfying:

• Stroopwafels: Thin waffle cookies with gooey caramel filling (best when warm)

• Poffertjes: Mini fluffy pancakes dusted with powdered sugar

• Bitterballen: Fried, savory meat-filled bites—perfect with beer

• Kibbeling: Fried fish chunks sold at markets and seaside stalls

• Haring: Raw herring eaten with onions and pickles (try it once—it’s tradition!)

• Dutch cheese: Gouda, Edam, and Beemster are just the beginning

For drinks: try a local craft beer (they’re everywhere), or sip on jenever, the juniper-based liquor that inspired gin.

Is the Netherlands Safe?

Absolutely. It’s one of the safest countries in the world. Petty theft can happen in touristy areas (watch your bike, backpack, and wallet), but violent crime is very rare. It’s a great destination for solo travelers, families, and even first-time international adventurers.

The biggest hazard? The bikes. Don’t walk in the bike lane. Just trust me.

Where to Stay: Options for Every Traveler

Luxury:

• Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam: Grand canal-side elegance in the heart of the city

• Mainport Hotel Rotterdam: Sleek and spa-like, with skyline views and waterfront vibes

Boutique:

• The Hoxton Amsterdam: Stylish, social, and perfectly located

• Hotel Beijers (Utrecht): Boutique antiques with fairytale flair

Budget-Friendly:

• Stayokay Hostels (various cities): Clean, social, and surprisingly chic

• The Student Hotel: Modern, hip, and great value in multiple cities

Travel Tips from Your Travel Advisor

Pack layers. Dutch weather is famously unpredictable. Even in summer, you might need a jacket.

Learn the bike rules. Rent a bike, but follow the rules. The Dutch take bike etiquette seriously.

Use the trains. The national rail system is efficient, fast, and scenic. I help clients build seamless itineraries using rail when possible.

Get a local SIM or eSIM. Wi-Fi is great, but staying connected on the go helps with train schedules and restaurant reservations.

Book major attractions ahead. Especially the Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum—they often sell out.

Eco-friendly travel is big. From low-waste hotels to electric trams, the Netherlands is a great destination for travelers who want to tread lightly.

Why the Netherlands?

There’s something quietly magical about the Netherlands. It’s not flashy. It’s not trying to impress you. It just is—authentic, intelligent, lovely in its contradictions. You can be in a medieval village in the morning, and sipping cocktails in a futuristic tower by night.

If you want a European trip that blends culture, charm, and calm—with no language barriers and plenty of pastries—this is your place.

And if you're dreaming of tulips, canal boats, windmills, or just a really good cheese plate, I’d love to help you plan a trip that goes beyond the brochure and into the real heart of the Netherlands.