THE NETHERLANDS

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The best time to visit the Netherlands depends on your preferences and what you’d like to experience. Here are some recommendations based on different factors:

Spring (March to May): Ideal for tulip fields in bloom and outdoor activities.
Autumn (September to November): Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and festive foods.
Summer (June to August): Long days, warm weather, but high tourist crowds.
Winter (November to February): Budget-friendly, indoor activities, and chilly temperatures.

do

Here are some of the must-do attractions in the Netherlands:

Jordaan and Amsterdam’s Canals: Explore Amsterdam’s charming canals and historic neighborhoods by boat or on foot. Don’t miss the picturesque Jordaan neighborhood and its hidden courtyards.

Keukenhof, Lisse: Visit the famous Keukenhof Gardens, known for its stunning tulip displays.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam: Immerse yourself in Dutch art and history at the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Historic Binnenhof, The Hague: Discover the political heart of the Netherlands at the Binnenhof, a medieval castle complex.

Anne Frank House, Amsterdam: Visit the poignant Anne Frank House, where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary during World War II.

Volendams Museum: Immerse yourself in Dutch culture and history at this museum located on Zeestraat. Learn about the town’s maritime heritage and traditional customs.

Marker Museum (Marken): Take a short trip to the nearby island of Marken and visit the Marker Museum. Explore its exhibits and discover the island’s unique history and architecture.

eat

Here are 10 must-try Dutch foods you should consider during your visit:

Bitterballen: These croquette-like snacks are popular in Dutch bars. They consist of a thickened meat stew rolled in breadcrumbs and deep-fried. You can find different flavors at places like Amsterdam’s De BallenBar.

Apple Pie: A classic Dutch dessert, apple pie is made with apples, cinnamon, currants, and topped with whipped cream. Café Papeneiland serves some of the best apple pie in the country, using a recipe passed down through generations.

Stroopwafel: These irresistible treats are baked batter “sandwiches” filled with caramel. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee, and some people even place the stroopwafel on top of their coffee to warm it up for an oozy experience. Head to Gouda, where they’re thought to have originated, for freshly made stroopwafels.

Dutch Pancakes (Pannekoeken): Similar to large French crepes, Dutch pancakes come in sweet and savory varieties. Try them at Oudt Leyden in Leiden, known as the best pancake house in the Netherlands.

Herring (Haring): Raw herring is a Dutch delicacy. It’s often served with onions and pickles. You can find herring stands throughout the country.

Cheese: The Netherlands is famous for its cheese. Gouda and Edam are two popular varieties. Visit a local cheese market or shop to sample different types.

Poffertjes: These mini, fluffy pancakes are typically served with powdered sugar and butter. They’re a delightful street food.

Kroket: Another croquette-like snack, kroket is filled with a creamy ragout and coated in breadcrumbs before frying.

Erwtensoep (Pea Soup): Especially popular during colder months, this thick pea soup contains split peas, smoked sausage, and vegetables.

Speculaas: Spiced shortcrust cookies, often shaped like windmills or Sinterklaas (Santa Claus), are a festive treat.

tips

Here are some useful tips for visiting the Netherlands:

Know the Difference: The Netherlands is often mistakenly referred to as “Holland.” However, Holland comprises only two of the country’s twelve provinces. So, remember to call it “the Netherlands” to be accurate and fair to the entire country.

Explore Beyond Amsterdam: While Amsterdam is popular, there’s much more to see. Visit cities like Haarlem, Utrecht, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Delft. The compact size and efficient public transport make it easy to explore other areas.

Book Attractions in Advance: Especially during peak seasons, book must-see attractions ahead of time. For places like the Anne Frank House, booking weeks or months in advance is essential to avoid disappointment.

Download Useful Apps: Get the 9292 app for transportation schedules and Google Translate for reading menus in Dutch. If you have food allergies or preferences, learn those terms in Dutch.

Carry a Raincoat or Jacket: The weather can change quickly, so be prepared with rain gear.

Consider a Local SIM Card: Having a local SIM card can be helpful for communication and navigation.

Book Museum Tickets Early: Many museums require advance booking. Look into city or attraction passes for convenience.

Budget for Public Toilets: Some public toilets charge a fee, so keep some change handy.