The Netherlands, a country with colour, classical art, history of human civilization and the Dutch culture, this is the Netherlands is all about. The Netherlands is a country located in Northwestern Europe. It is known for its flat landscape, canals, tulip fields, windmills, and cycling routes. It is known for its rich cultural history with a vibrant art scene and is home to many famous artists. A bike-friendly country with an extensive network of cycling paths and routes, the Netherlands consists of a beautiful canal system. From sandy North Sea beaches to enchanting forests, the Netherlands boasts diverse landscapes waiting to be explored.
CURRENCY | Euro (EUR) |
CAPITAL | Amsterdam |
TIME ZONE | (GMT+2) – India is 3 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Netherlands |
POWER PLUG | Voltage: 230 Volts, Frequency: 50 Hz, Power sockets: type C and F |
INTERNATIONAL CALLING CODE | +31 |
TRAVEL SEASONS | MIN/MAX TEMPERATURE | SEASON |
March to May | 5°C and 19°C | Spring |
July- August | 13°C and 22°C | Summer |
September- November | 8°C to 14°C | Autumn |
December to February | −1 °C to 7°C | Winter |
AVERAGE MONTHLY RAINFALL | ||||||||||||
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Rainfall (inches) | 2.1″ | 1.6″ | 1.5″ | 1.5″ | 1.6″ | 1.8″ | 2.0″ | 2.1″ | 2.3″ | 2.3″ | 2.3″ | 2.3″ |
The best time to visit the Netherlands is during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). The country experiences a temperate climate, with relatively mild summers and moderately cold winters. Spring is the most famous time to visit the Netherlands, especially from mid-March to mid-May. The famous tulip fields are in full bloom, with Keukenhof Gardens being a must-visit attraction during this period. It’s a great time for outdoor activities, cycling, and exploring the country’s picturesque landscapes.
Dutch Cuisine is relatively straightforward and simple involving lots of vegetables and a small portion of meat. For breakfast and lunch, the Dutch have bread with cheese whereas, for dinner, meat and potatoes are complemented with seasonal vegetables. Their diet also contains numerous dairy products, high in carbs and fats. However, with outside influence, more international and cosmopolitan cuisines find representation in the country. Some main dishes: Raw herring, Mosselpan, Pea soup, Kroket and Dutch pancakes.
Shopping in the Netherlands is not like shopping in France or, say, Italy. Instead of flashy boutiques, you’ll find picturesque souvenir shops, bustling flea markets, and quaint artisan neighbourhoods full of charming trinkets that will delight you and your loved ones in moments of longing.
Typical souvenirs: Stroopwafels, Dutch cheese, Ajax attires, Delftware pottery, clogs, miniature windmills, Jenever
The official and main language of the Netherlands is Dutch, and it’s spoken by almost everybody in the Netherlands.
1. AMSTERDAM
Amsterdam is located in the western part of the Netherlands. The city is built around a network of canals and is known for its rich history, charming canals, artistic heritage, and liberal culture. Amsterdam offers a unique and memorable experience for every visitor.
Amsterdam is renowned for its iconic canal system, which earned it the nickname “Venice of the North.” Take a leisurely stroll along the canal ring, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and admire the elegant canal houses that line the waterways.
Places to visit in Amsterdam: Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh museum, Vondelpark, Blomenmarkt, Madame Tussauds
2. ROTTERDAM
The second largest city of Netherlands and the largest port in all of Europe, Rotterdam is one of the most progressed cities of recent times. This city on the river Meuse with its impressive skyline is perhaps the most dynamic city in the Netherlands. Flattened by bombs during World War II, today it is one of the most modern, innovative and unique cities in the Netherlands. Complete with its brilliant attractions and iconic modern buildings, Rotterdam is a must have on your Dutch itinerary.
Places to visit in Rotterdam: Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Erasmus Bridge, Rotterdam Zoo, Markthal
3. EINDHOVEN
A great symbol of progress and modernity of the Netherlands, Eindhoven is a beautiful city full of museums and great cultural diversity.
The city mostly known globally for being the home of electrical giant Philips and football giants PSV Eindhoven, there’s a lot more to Eindhoven than just that. The city is a great blend of different cultures, as is with a lot of Dutch cities, and also full of attractions to keep you wonderfully occupied.
Places to visit in Eindhoven: Van Abbemuseum, Philips Museum, DAF Museum, St. Catharine’s Church (Sint-Catharinakerk), PSV Museum, Speelpark de Splinter, De Blob
4. THE HAGUE
Known for its distinctive international flavour owing to the multiple embassies, international offices and courts here, The Hague is the more conservative and solemn brother of Amsterdam. The Hague is perfect for those looking for some respite from the tourist infested common cities in Netherlands.
Places to visit in The Hague: Madurodam, Peace Palace, Escher Museum, Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk, Panorama Mesdag
5. DELFT
Delft is a picturesque town renowned for its artistic heritage and monumental buildings. It is also home to some of the most beautiful, intersecting canals and residential squares. Known to be one of the most scenic cities in Northern Europe, Delft will greet you with gorgeous, unexpected views at every corner.
From fantastic shopping streets and bouquets to art galleries and cathedrals, there is no shortage of splendid attractions in Delft. You can visit Nieuwe Kerk, a six hundred-year-old church, and take a tour of the Museum Het Prinsenhof that displays the Netherlands’ history.
You can also try some of the best activities in Delft for the feeling of ultimate joy and excitement. If you’re a shopping enthusiast, you can stroll through Beestenmarkt that has cafes and street-style stores. To know about the city’s rich heritage, you can head to Oostport, which is the only surviving gated tower.
Places to visit in Delft: Nieuwe Church, Prinsenhof Museum, Old Church, Vermeer Centrum, Market Square
6. UTRECHT
Utrecht is the religious centre of the Netherlands. It is home to the Utrecht University and also many art museums giving it a very cool hipster vibe alongside its ancient religious background. One of the most diverse places in the Netherlands, Utrecht is fast becoming a top list in every traveller’s itinerary.
Known as student capital, Utrecht is home to many cheap places to eat, drink and party making it popular fast with the tourists arriving in the Netherlands. Various festivals are organised in the city as well throughout the year. People flock here for the bars, for the open markets and the amazing young ambience. Art buffs and architecture buffs find this to suit their taste too. Needless to say there is something for everyone in this city if you spend enough time here.
Places to visit in Utrecht: Dom tower, Museum Speelklok, National Railway Museum, Centraal Museum, St. Catherine’s Convent Museum, Market Vredenburg, Kaiser’s House, Explore Janskerkhof Flower Market, Historic City Centre