The Netherlands is the country with the highest quality of life, according to the most recent Numbeo data, which takes into account a number of variables such as the cost of living, crime rates, access to healthcare, commuting times, and environmental pollution.
Experience the authentic Netherlands and the actual spirit of Dutch culture for yourself. Enjoy award-winning cheese, enjoy a leisurely canal ride around the city, or explore the lovely, level terrain on a bike, just as the locals do. Admire the breathtaking tulip fields, which are bursting with vivid colour.
Explore Netherlands with Woking Travel!
Flights To Netherlands Guide
Many airports exist in the Netherlands to ensure that travelling is convenient and time-saving. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, located southwest of Amsterdam, acts as the country’s main international gateway and one of Europe’s busiest hubs, with a wide array of services. Rotterdam The Hague Airport is another airport that provides easy access to Rotterdam and The Hague, while Eindhoven Airport is best suited for those heading towards southern regions. Meanwhile, smaller airports like Groningen Airport Eelde and Maastricht Aachen Airport cater for regional travel, ensuring connectivity within the country.
Woking Travel stands out with its reliable and efficient transport services from any of the Netherlands’ airports to your hotel. Whether you’ve just landed in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, Groningen, or Maastricht, Woking Travel ensures your seamless transfer, allowing you to start enjoying your trip right from your arrival point. Visit our Transfers page for more details.
Woking Travel prides itself on its diverse range of hotel options in the Netherlands, catering to every budget. Woking Travel Hotels is perfect for luxury, comfort, or affordability. Complete travel packages are also available at Woking Travel Packages.
- Monet Garden Hotel Amsterdam: Located centrally with a delightful atmosphere, this hotel is the perfect base for exploring Amsterdam’s attractions.
- Ambassade Hotel: A splendid hotel offering lavish accommodations with breathtaking canal views in Amsterdam.
- Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Ter Borch: This hotel in Zwolle provides guests with luxurious rooms and attentive service, ensuring an unforgettable stay.
- Met Hotel: A modern hotel close to many of Amsterdam’s best-known sights that offer convenient and comfortable lodgings.
- Eden Hotel Amsterdam: Situated overlooking the Amstel River, this hotel couldn’t be better placed to enjoy all that vibrant Amsterdam offers.
- Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam: Sustainable design meets Indonesian inspirations at Amsterdam’s unique environmentally friendly place of stay.
- Mainport Hotel Rotterdam: This conveniently located establishment is known for its contemporary style and spa offerings. It is situated right in the heart of Rotterdam.
- Pestana Amsterdam Riverside: Offering beautiful views and a peaceful environment on the banks of the Amstel River.
- The Best Van der Valk Hotel in Eindhoven: This hotel offers perfectly cosy accommodations for both business and leisure travellers looking to be near Eindhoven’s city centre.
- Sir Albert: Stylish urban lodging is the perfect setting for tourists who want something fashionable & sophisticated while staying within easy reach of major attractions (Amsterdam).
The Netherlands is famous for its extensive and efficient transportation system that ensures smooth navigation. In terms of transport options, there are many to choose from, including rentals, taxis, buses, trams, and trains. Below is a summary of each type:
- Railways: Dutch railways are very large and well-linked with different places, making it simple to reach any major city or town by train. Trains are comfortable and run as frequently as they should, so you can use them for short or long distances.
- Buses: Buses go where trains do not, namely in rural areas. They are reliable enough because they offer services often using new vehicles, making travel comfortable at an affordable price.
- Trams: These circular railcars are a great way to travel within a city centre such as The Hague or Amsterdam. They stop more regularly than other means of transport and allow people to move from one attraction to another without hassle.
- Metro: This underground rail system could be useful for getting around Amsterdam or Rotterdam quickly without spending too much money. It covers every part near the city centre while being cost-effective, mainly for longer intra-city trips.
- Taxis: One thing that stands out about Dutch cities is their abundance of taxis. Taxis can be hailed down on any street corner or found at specific taxi ranks throughout all major urban areas. Taxis are convenient, especially for shorter journeys involving heavy luggage loads.
- Bike Rentals: Another common sight throughout the Netherlands is bicycle rental establishments, where you can hire a bike. Renting one will enable you to explore cities/towns at your own pace while pedalling through scenic countryside views.
- Car Rentals: If you prefer driving, don’t worry. Car rental services exist at most airports or downtown areas in big towns across Holland. With good quality roads and clear signposting, renting a car allows you to tour conveniently.
- Ferries: Finally, ferries that sail between the mainland and the Wadden Islands, among other coastal destinations, are also available. These watercraft offer more beautiful journeys that are particularly enjoyable during warmer periods.
- Amsterdam: The city has a lot of art and history, with world-famous museums such as the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum; it is also known for its lovely canals, historic buildings, and vibrant culture.
- Keukenhof Gardens: Located in Lisse, this park is filled with millions of tulips during springtime, making it one of Holland’s most beautiful and colourful places.
- Zaanse Schans: This open-air museum near Amsterdam showcases traditional windmills, wooden houses, and workshops that offer visitors a look into the country’s industrial past.
- Rotterdam: Rotterdam is an innovative city characterised by modern architecture and a busy port where you will find eye-catching attractions like Cube Houses or Erasmus Bridge, among others. While here, don’t forget to visit Markthal, which is one-of-a-kind worldwide!
- The Hague: The political capital of the Netherlands, this place hosts Dutch government institutions alongside the International Court Of Justice (ICJ), hence its nickname. What’s more? You can’t miss Madurodam miniature park within its borders, where various stunning landmarks, including the Peace Palace, can be seen!
- Utrecht: With its mediaeval old town, beautiful canals, and the towering Dom Tower, Utrecht offers a charming and less crowded alternative to Amsterdam.
- Giethoorn: This small village is sometimes called the “Venice of the North” because there are no roads, only canals. During your visit, expect a serene environment and the opportunity to take boat rides along them. Also, it’s worth noting that cars aren’t allowed here at all, thus making it peaceful always.
- Haarlem: Located a few kilometres away from Amsterdam (17 km), Haarlem boasts a historical city centre featuring stunning churches such as St Bavo Cathedral, museums such as Frans Hals Museum, and a lively market square found right in the heart of town.
- Maastricht: The southernmost city in the country, Maastricht is known for its vibrant cultural scene and beautiful historic architecture; it’s also home to St. Servaas Bridge, which offers panoramic views of the river Maas below!
- Delft: Delft is famous worldwide for its blue pottery production. It also has charming canals lined by historic buildings and Nieuwe Kerk church, where members of the Dutch royal family are buried.
- Roux: Roux is a popular restaurant that serves good food and wine. It’s small and cosy, with many tasty options. Despite being new, it has already become one of my favourites in the city and an excellent option for a memorable meal—especially with its 93 reviews.
- De Silveren Spiegel: De Silveren Spiegel is an upscale Amsterdam restaurant known for its fine dining options. Their most exquisite dishes include crab, trout, veal, and partridge. The service is great, too; they know how well wine goes with the food here!
- Graham’s Kitchen: Graham’s Kitchen offers customers a relaxed dining experience in Amsterdam. They offer oysters and unique dishes such as Yuzu – Bergamot–and Green Curry-Parsnip, which are not found elsewhere locally. Cuisine-wise, they specialise mainly in creative European cooking methods but have some international flavours thrown into the mix, too!
- Sherpa Restaurant: The Sherpa Restaurant serves Indian and Tibetan cuisine, which is said to be out of this world. The locals love their green chilli salsa so much that people come from all over to try it! Because many options are available here, there’s something for everyone on the menu; even vegetarians can find something they like, too!
- Restaurant Bougainville: Restaurant Bougainville is located inside Hotel 27 in Amsterdam. This luxurious dining experience offers guests an elegant atmosphere with caviar and ice cream menus that will leave your taste buds begging for more!
- The Yeti – Nepali & Indian Restaurant: If you want spicy food, head to The Yeti. This restaurant offers dishes from Nepal and India, such as Lamb Vindaloo or Chicken Saag, sure to make your mouth water. With a warm environment like this, it’s hard not to feel at home when dining here; they’ve got friendly service down pat, too!
- Namche: When it Comes to fish curry, there is no place better than Namche. They specialise in combining Indian and Nepali flavours under one roof, creating an inviting atmosphere where you can enjoy delicious food with friends and family.
- Restaurant Mont Blanc: Restaurant Mont Blanc is a vegetarian restaurant with a six-course tasting menu. Its dishes combine French and European traditions, creating an explosion of flavours that will leave you wanting more!
- Bellezza, Divine Dining: Bellezza is the perfect spot if you’re looking for somewhere fancy but don’t want to break the bank. Their tasting menus offer generous portions of food at affordable prices, so you won’t leave your wallet empty by the night’s end!
- Truffle Boutique: Truffle Boutique is a little slice of heaven for foodies. With dishes like Tuna Tartare, Burrata Salad, and an extensive cheese list, this cosy but sophisticated restaurant will water your mouth from start to finish! European flavours dominate the menu.
- Look at the Cultural Treasures of Amsterdam: The Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, and Van Gogh Museum are places where you can learn about history and enjoy art; they have works by Vermeer and Rembrandt, among others.
- Explore Canals in Amsterdam: Take a walk along the city’s famous canals or go on a boat tour to see beautiful scenery full of small houses with pointed roofs.
- Tulips Everywhere at Keukenhof Gardens: The biggest flower garden in Europe, it is the best place to visit in spring when millions of tulips, daffodils, and other flowers blossom.
- Delft Blue Ceramics: Delft is an old town with canals, bridges, and buildings from the Middle Ages that have survived till now, but what makes it special are the blue ceramics produced here since the 17th century.
- Rotterdam’s innovative architecture: You will find many unique buildings, like Markthal, Erasmus Bridge, or Cube Houses; they are more than just innovative.
- Utrecht Mediaeval City Centre: Walk around this vibrant city with its picturesque canals flowing through mediaeval alleyways until you reach the Dom Tower – the tallest church tower in the Netherlands!
- Giethoorn—Venice of the North: If you want peace, take traditional boats for canal rides through rural farmland views; Giethoorn is called “Venice of the North.”
- The Hague Political Hub & Royal Residences: The Dutch parliament sits here, along with the Peace Palace (home of International Court Justice) and many famous art institutions, including Mauritshuis, where Girl Pearl Earring resides!
- Cycling Holidays across Holland’s Countryside: Ride bicycles like locals do between windmills over tulip fields via pretty villages.
- Try Typical Dutch Cuisine: Wherever you go in this country – try stroopwafels, bitterballen or herring, and of course, some cheese!
Weather conditions may greatly influence the activities that you can do during your trip to the country. Here is a summary:
Summer (June – August)
- Average Temperature: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: Average, with intermittent showers.
- Activities: Suitable for beach visits, cycling around the countryside, and attending open-air festivals.
- Tip: Search for low-cost flights to the Netherlands and have an amazing summer holiday!
Winter (December – February)
- Average Temperature: 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 43°F)
- Rainfall: Frequent; Snows sometimes
- Activities: Best time for visiting indoor attractions like museums and enjoying warm cafes.
- Tip: Since there are no mountainous areas within this nation where skiing can occur, it would be wise to consider visiting ski resorts in neighbouring countries.
Kindly check the local weather guide for accurate and more current weather information.
- GMT to CET: The Netherlands is one hour ahead of GMT.
- BST to CET: The Netherlands is one hour ahead of BST.
Currency :
- Euro(€) is the official currency used in Netherlands. Both cash and card payments are widely accepted.
Language:
- Dutch is the official language. However, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and major cities.
Local Customs:
Cultural Norms: Punctuality and directness are highly valued by Dutch people; hence, this should also apply when communicating with them. Greeting someone with a handshake is also a common courtesy in their culture. Another thing worth noting is that cycling is a significant means of transportation; therefore, bike paths exist throughout the country.
Laws:
- UK Government Travel Advice: UK Government Travel Advice for the Netherlands
- Local Government Advice for Tourists: Netherlands Government Information for Tourists
The Netherlands is a treasure trove of gorgeous towns and cities full of art, canals, windmills, and tulip fields, in addition to brand-new, environmentally friendly urban surroundings and breathtaking natural scenery, islands, and coasts.
Book your flight to Netherlands and enjoy a truly enriching experience!