🇳🇱 Netherlands Travel Guide
We moved to the Netherlands in 2022 and have been exploring ever since. Living here has given us time to see a lot but there’s still so much left on our list. Between the big cities, small towns and local spots we’ve found along the way, there’s always something new to see.
This guide brings together some of our favorite places so far with the highlights we keep going back to. From museums and canals to markets, breweries and quiet neighborhoods, the Netherlands has more to discover than you’d expect from such a small country.
Amsterdam:
Canals, Museums, Markets and More
Amsterdam has so much packed into one city that every visit feels different. We’ve done canal tours, visited the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, explored the Anne Frank House and even swung over the city at A’DAM Lookout. There are endless museums, small local spots like Tony’s Chocolonely and breweries we keep going back to.
Read our full Amsterdam guide →
Haarlem:
Markets, Museums and Local Life
Haarlem is close to Amsterdam but has a calmer feel with plenty to see. The Grote Markt is at the center of the old town, surrounded by restaurants, shops and cafes, and the Frans Hals Museum is worth a stop if you like art. In warmer months, we like pairing a day here with a quick trip to the nearby beaches.
Read our full Haarlem guide →
Rotterdam:
Modern Architecture and Food Culture
Rotterdam feels nothing like the rest of the Netherlands and that’s what makes it interesting. Between the Cube Houses, the Markthal and the Erasmus Bridge, the city has a modern feel with great food and a growing art scene. Since we live here, we’ve had time to explore local markets, parks and breweries and we’re still finding new favorites.
Read our full Rotterdam guide →
Delft:
Blue Ceramics and Historic Streets
Delft is one of the prettiest small cities in the Netherlands, known for its blue-and-white ceramics and canal-lined streets. The Royal Delft factory shows how the pottery is made and the Nieuwe Kerk has some of the best city views if you climb to the top. Delft is easy to explore in a single day but there’s plenty to enjoy if you stay longer.
Read our full Delft guide →
Know Before You Go
Best Time to Visit
April and May for tulips, September and October for fewer crowds
Currency
Euro (€)
Language
Dutch but most people speak English
Getting Around
Trains, trams and buses are simple to use and bike rentals are everywhere
Local Tip
Get an OV-chipkaart for trains, trams and buses to make travel easier and cheaper