Home to tulip fields, canal-laced cities, fleets of cyclists and a vibrant artistic legacy, the Netherlands offers a chance to explore a small country that’s easy to navigate and overflowing with things to see and do. Our specialists have explored the country extensively and can offer expert help to craft a trip that suits your interests, whether that’s enjoying Dutch food on a cycling tour of Rotterdam, exploring the windmills of Kinderdijk or visiting Anne Frank’s house in Amsterdam.
We can also arrange for you to visit some of the Netherlands’ lesser-trodden cities, such as Maastricht, with its strong culinary tradition, or Utrecht, which combines a well-preserved core with a lively university population. Whether you want to discover the Golden Age glories of Delft and learn to paint your own tile at the Delft Royal factory, see an extensive collection of artworks by Van Gogh at the Kröller-Müller Museum or explore the medieval town of Amersfoort, we’ll tailor your vacation to the Netherlands to your interests.
Suggested tours for the Netherlands
These tours give you a starting point for what your vacation to the Netherlands could entail. Treat them as inspiration, as each trip is created uniquely for you.
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![Amsterdam canal in the autumn]()
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![Canal bridges in Amsterdam]()
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![Canal of Delft, Netherlands]()
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![Canal cruise in Amsterdam, Netherlands]()
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![Riesling vineyards]()
Cruising the Rhine: vineyards & villages
Switzerland, Netherlands, Germany and FranceView this tour
Suggested activities for the Netherlands
Whatever your interests, our specialists will build activities into your trip that connect to how you want to experience the Netherlands.
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Amersfoort Kröller-Müller Museum ![The grounds of the Kr枚ller-M眉ller Museum]()
Amersfoort Kr枚ller-M眉ller Museum
UtrechtAmersfoort Kr枚ller-M眉ller Museum
You鈥檒l spend the day wandering the cobblestone streets of Amersfoort, then visit the museum containing the world鈥檚 second-largest Van Gogh collection on this day trip. See the Netherlands鈥� tallest church tower, visit a 17th-century pub and walk in a sculpture garden within a diverse national parkland.
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Windmills of Kinderdijk ![Windmills and tulips of Kinderdijk]()
Windmills of Kinderdijk
RotterdamWindmills of Kinderdijk
You鈥檒l visit the Dutch village of Kinderdijk, where 19 wood and stone windmills stand sentinel along the canals, keeping the town from being lost to the water. Learn the history of these 18th-century structures and go inside one to see how it works.
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Volendam, Edam and Marken day trip ![Marina of Volendam]()
Volendam, Edam and Marken day trip
AmsterdamVolendam, Edam and Marken day trip
Head out of the city with your local guide and see the traditional towns of Edam, Marken and Volendam. See how they built houses on low land in the 17th century, sample Edam cheese and try local fish delicacies on this day-long tour.
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Why travel with Audley?
- 100% tailor-made tours
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- 98% of our clients would recommend us
Best time to visit
Our specialists advise on the best months to visit the Netherlands, including information about climate, events and festivals.
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Useful information for planning your vacation in the Netherlands
What language is spoken in the Netherlands?
The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, which has numerous dialects and regional differences. English is widely understood and spoken throughout the country, making communication easy.
What's the currency of the Netherlands?
The currency of the Netherlands is the euro (€). ATMs are widely available and credit cards with a chip are accepted by all hotels, restaurants, and major retailers. However, credit or debit cards without a chip may not be accepted.
What food and drink should I try in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands you should try erwtensoep (a thick pea and ham soup), stamppot (mashed potatoes with kale and bacon), or bitterballen (deep fried, breaded balls with a chicken, veal, or mushroom filling).
Fish is also popular, and herring, eel, and codfish pulled from the North Sea are eaten salted, smoked, pickled, or fried. You’ll also see oysters, mussels, and sole on menus from September through March. Soused herring is a traditional snack of pickled raw herring served with chopped raw onions and sliced gherkins on a bread bun.
Dutch cheese such as Edam and Gouda are also worth seeking out, and for a sweet treat, look for speculaas (thin, crispy cookies spiced with cinnamon, clove, and ginger).
Beer and genever, a juniper-infused liquor, are the two most common alcoholic drinks.
How much should I tip in the Netherlands?
Tipping in restaurants is not expected, though a 10% tip is appreciated for good service. For taxis, porters, or housekeeping a small amount is appreciated, but entirely optional. Tipping is common for tour guides, but again, is always at your discretion. Your specialist can advise on appropriate amounts closer to your trip.
Where can I find the latest travel advice for the Netherlands?
For the latest travel advice for the Netherlands, including entry requirements, health information, and the safety and security situation, please refer to the鈥�.
What can I experience in the Netherlands?
Boat trips along canals set between gabled townhouses, museums full of Old Masters, and fields blanketed in rows of tulips are just some of the things you can expect in the Netherlands. History and culture play a large part in the Netherlands’ appeal, from its medieval cities to its museums showcasing the work of local artists Van Gogh and Rembrandt.
You can also explore the legacy of war here with a visit to the Anne Frank House or a tour of Amsterdam’s Jewish Quarter. You can cycle over canals or take a boat trip along them, visit 15th-century windmills, or decorate your own Delft tile. Alternatively, you could cycle around Rotterdam learning about its food scene and contemporary architecture or visit markets and cheesemongers to learn about Dutch food traditions.
Where can I stay in the Netherlands?
From former convents turned into luxurious hotels to restored canal houses and historic mansions, the Netherlands offers a wide range of places to stay.
In Amsterdam, you could stay in a 15th-century mansion with stylish, contemporary decor or a converted medieval guard tower on the riverside. You might prefer a historic urban palace filled with antiques, a chic, modern hotel set in a Gothic church, or a contemporary design hotel with a nautical theme.
To start planning your trip, take a look at our collection of places to stay in the Netherlands.
Where should I go in the Netherlands?
Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam are some of the Netherlands’ most popular destinations. The star attraction is Amsterdam, a city riven by canals lined with historic townhouses and renowned for its free spirit and world-class museums. Here, you can see Dutch Masters at the Rijksmuseum, cycle down leafy lanes, or take a boat trip along the canals.
In contrast, Rotterdam is a largely modern city best explored by boat and on foot and known for its avant-garde architecture and its extensive collection of contemporary art at the Kunsthal. Art and culture are a draw in The Hague too, a city renowned for its political and historical sights, and close enough for a day-trip to Delft to see the production of its renowned blue-and-white porcelain.
Other destinations worth visiting include Utrecht to see its split-level, gabled canal houses and huge cathedral tower, and Maastricht to explore its medieval tunnels and caves.
How long does it take to fly to the Netherlands from Canada?
It takes around seven and a half hours to fly from Toronto, Canada to the Netherlands, and around nine and a half hours from Vancouver.
What's the time zone in the Netherlands?
The time zone in the Netherlands is UTC+1 hour. Daylight Savings Time is observed from the end of March through the end of October.
What's the best way of getting around in the Netherlands?
The best way to get around in the Netherlands is by train. The train network is extensive, affordable, and reliable. If you’d prefer, we can also arrange a private vehicle with a driver-guide to take you between destinations.
Do I need a visa to visit the Netherlands, and what do I need to check with my passport?
Use our travel tool to find up-to-date visa and passport requirements for the Netherlands. Enter where you’re traveling to and from (including any stopover destinations en route or flight layovers), along with your intended travel dates and passport details, for a full list of requirements.
Do I need vaccinations to visit the Netherlands?
Check with your doctor for up-to-date advice about immunizations for the Netherlands and ensure you’re up to date with routine vaccinations at home. You can also check the recommended vaccinations by visiting the鈥�.