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Holidays to the Netherlands mean canal cruises, easy bike rides and laidback seaside days
A well-rounded trip
The Netherlands packs a lot into a small space, which makes it a practical choice whether you’re away for just a few days or a bit longer. Amsterdam is the main attraction for most visitors, but it’s not the whole story. Kinderdijk is known for its windmills and open landscapes, while Nijmegen offers a quieter setting with a long history that stretches back to Roman times. Journeys between places are short, so it’s easy to see a few places in one trip.
Dutch Seaside Escapes
The Dutch coastline is often overlooked, but it offers something a little different to traditional European beach breaks. Long stretches of sand run along the shore, broken up by seaside towns that are easy to reach from the main cities. Scheveningen is one of the most popular, with a wide beach, promenade and plenty of places to eat and drink. Zandvoort is another easy option by train from Amsterdam, while towns like Zierikzee combine coastal access with a more historic feel.
Canals and cycle routes
Getting around is part of the experience here. The Netherlands is set up for cycling, with more than 35,000 kilometres of relatively flat bike paths linking cities, countryside and national parks. Routes pass through places like Hoge Veluwe, where you might spot wildlife as you ride. If you prefer something more relaxed, canal cruises in cities such as Amsterdam and Utrecht are easy to join, with hop-on and hop-off options that let you glide to the main sights with ease.
Best places to stay in the Netherlands
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is usually the starting point for Netherlands holidays, and it’s easy to see why. The city is compact, well-connected and packed with things to do, from canals and museums to neighbourhood food spots.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam offers a different feel, with modern architecture and a more local atmosphere. It’s a strong choice if you want something a bit more contemporary, with highlights from architecture tours to a growing food and arts scene. Hotels here are often better value than Amsterdam, which can help keep overall costs down.
Utrecht
Utrecht is a quieter, more easy-going option that still gives you the classic canal setting. It’s another good choice for weekend breaks, with a compact centre, waterside cafés and a more relaxed pace than the bigger cities.
Why we love the Netherlands
Here are some top tips from our team
Expert recommendation
"If you love brunch and a rooftop bar, then Amsterdam's Zoku is the place you need to go. It's actually a hotel, but it has an amazing restaurant up on the top floor – there's an indoor seating area with a beautiful open kitchen, but the star of the show is its outdoor terrace. On the menu you'll find a mix of brunch classics like pancakes with maple syrup and honeycomb pieces, as well as unique seasonal dishes with a Mediterranean theme". – Rachel Coppenhall
Non-touristy activities
For a quieter side of the Netherlands, look beyond central Amsterdam and explore places with a bit more local flavour. Cycle or walk through De Hoge Veluwe National Park for forests, heathland and open landscapes, or head to Amsterdam Noord’s NDSM Wharf for street art, waterside cafés and creative spaces. For a slower city day, try Haarlem for pretty streets and independent shops or Dordrecht for canals, historic harbours and a more under-the-radar feel.
Free things to do
Some of the best free things to do in the Netherlands focus on scenic spots. In Amsterdam, take the free ferry over to Noord, explore NDSM’s street art or stroll through Vondelpark and along the canals. Outside the capital, wander the streets of Haarlem, walk around the windmill landscape at Kinderdijk, or spend time on Dutch beaches at places like Scheveningen or Zandvoort.
Netherlands FAQs
Direct flights from several UK regional airports take around 45 to 60 minutes. You could also opt to travel on the Eurostar, although it takes longer. Direct trains depart from London St Pancras International, arriving in Rotterdam in just over three hours and Amsterdam in under four hours.
If you want to see the famous tulip blooms at Keukenhof Gardens, you need to visit between late March and mid-May. However, for a quieter, luxury city break, September and October are highly recommended. The autumn leaves beautifully frame the canals, and the major museums are far less crowded than during the peak summer months.
Unless you’re planning an extended stay in remote countryside areas, hiring a car is generally not recommended. The Netherlands possesses one of the most efficient, clean and punctual public transport networks in the world. The intercity trains are the fastest and most comfortable way to travel between major destinations.
While the Netherlands is famously the cycling capital of the world, it’s entirely optional for visitors. The cities are highly walkable, and trams provide an excellent alternative for covering longer distances. If you do want to cycle, you can visit one of the many hire shops in Amsterdam and bike sharing apps like Donkey Republic are also available in Amsterdam. This makes it easy to locate available bikes, unlock them via your smartphone and drop them off in designated zones when you’re done.
When you click through to book your holiday, we’ll supply the exact travel requirements for your chosen destination through our partner, Passolution. In the meantime, check the FCDO for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements and health and safety information.