Netherlands vacations

The Dutch capital gives you everything you need for a memorable getaway, from world-class museums and inventive restaurants to lush gardens and endless hiking and biking paths.

The Netherlands’ second city makes for a perfect urban destination thanks to its cutting-edge museums, architectural wonders and impressively diverse food scene.

The Netherlands’ design capital is a hotspot for cultural institutions and futuristic architecture. But don’t miss its artisan food halls and thriving craft beer scene.

Since the 1600s, canals have been used here to transport goods and protect cities. They remain a symbol of the Dutch Golden Age, when the country became a global power in art, science and trade. Experience them on a classic canal cruise or houseboat stay. Or see the waterways come to life with music during Amsterdam’s Grachtenfestival in August.

Admiring the flowers is a top thing to do in the Netherlands. From March to May, crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths and tulips turn gardens, squares and the countryside into multicolored wonders. The ‘Bollenstreek’ (Bulb Region) is maybe the best place to witness the spectacle, as it’s home to the Keukenhof Gardens, tulip-picking farms and the Bloemencorso Flower Parade.

With around 22,000 miles of mostly flat bikeways, the Netherlands is the ultimate cycling destination. From children to commuters, everyone travels on two wheels. Whether exploring urban streets or enjoying the countryside, it’s the easiest way to feel like a local. The Dutch are so dedicated to cycling that they’ve created intercity bike highways and an illuminated path inspired by Van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night.’

You’ll find some of the best beaches in the Netherlands on the North Sea coastline, with several under an hour’s drive from Amsterdam. Zandvoort is known for its great surfing conditions. For a classic seaside experience, visit Scheveningen, with its buzzing promenade and old-fashioned pier. Or relax along wide, tranquil stretches of dune-backed shoreline at Duindamseslag and Langevelderslag.

In the northern provinces, the windswept Wadden Islands hold some of the country’s most breathtaking nature. This region of intertidal mudflats, salt marshes and sandy plains teems with wildlife. Visit the islands’ protected areas, like the Dunes of Texel National Park and Schiermonnikoog National Park. Or head to Weerribben-Wieden National Park in Giethoorn for boating and canoeing around a serene wetland.

Check out traditional restaurants in the Netherlands for dishes like ‘bitterballen’ (deep-fried meatballs) and ‘stamppot’ (mashed potato and vegetable stew with smoked sausage). The Dutch are serious about their cheese — creamy gouda and semi-hard edam are staples. You can try them at Rotterdam’s ‘Markthal’ (market hall) and Alkmaar’s Friday cheese market. And the go-to sweet treat is the ‘stroopwafel,’ a waffle-like cookie with caramel syrup.

The most famous museums in the Netherlands showcase iconic works of art. In Amsterdam, check out the Van Gogh Museum and the Old Masters collection at the Rijksmuseum. But there’s more to see here than pretty paintings. Tour the more than 1,200 windmills — historical symbols of industry and engineering. You’ll discover 19 examples from the 1700s in the UNESCO-listed village of Kinderdijk.

Spring is the best time to visit the Netherlands for blooming flower gardens and the King’s Day celebrations. Long days and balmy temperatures between June and August are perfect for hitting the beach, going on countryside bike rides and touring the Wadden Islands. Christmas markets and February’s nationwide Carnaval events draw travelers in winter.

It’s possible to have a cheap trip to the Netherlands. Expect to pay around 18 euros (€) for an inexpensive meal and €5 for a beer. The average short taxi ride costs about €12, but getting around on a bike is cheaper. The ‘I amsterdam City Card’ offers discounts on city-wide attractions and public transportation.