The Netherlands is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Full of rich history, culture, art, and heritage, there is so much to love about this country in the heart of Europe.
Even though it’s one of the smaller countries on the continent, many places are worth visiting in the Netherlands.
The Best Time to Visit the Netherlands
Before planning your trip, you must know the best time to visit the Netherlands. However, the best time to visit will depend on what you hope to get out of your holiday.
Good weather
If you want to visit the Netherlands when the weather is sunny and the temperatures are high, the best time is between June and August.
During this time, the prices are high, and most tourist attractions are always full of crowds. However, the plus side is that everything is open, and you can soak up the sun and enjoy people-watching on a cafe terrace.
Lower prices
The best time to visit the Netherlands if you’re hoping to get great deals on accommodation and activities is between April to May and September to October.
These months are known as the shoulder season, meaning fewer crowds and most sights remain open.
The weather during these months can be uncertain, so pack a range of summer and winter clothes.
Avoid the crowds
The best time to visit the Netherlands if you hope to avoid crowds is between November and March. In fact, Amsterdam is one of the best places to visit in Europe in winter!
During the winter and low season, it wouldn’t be surprising if you were the only one marveling at a masterpiece in a famous museum.
You won’t have to line up in big cities like Amsterdam to get into popular sights. However, in the smaller cities and towns, most places close down.
From November to March, the weather can get very cold and/or snow, so pack plenty of clothes to keep you warm.
Now that you know the best times of year to visit, here are eight incredible places to visit in the Netherlands.
1. Amsterdam
You can’t take a trip to the Netherlands without visiting the charming capital of Amsterdam.
As one of the most visited cities in Europe, attracting over 20 million tourists each year, it’s easy to see why a few days in Amsterdam has to be on your Netherlands itinerary.
Home to beautiful buildings lining the magical canals, there are so many things to do in Amsterdam, including
- Wander through the Jordaan neighbourhood
- Marvel at the artworks in the Van Gogh Museum
- Stop and enjoy a bite to eat at a Coffee Shop
- Step back in time at the Anne Frank Haus
- Enjoy a picnic in Vondelpark
2. Giethoorn
One of the most beautiful hidden gems in the country, Giethoorn, is worth adding to your Netherlands bucket list.
Dubbed the Venice of the Netherlands, Giethoorn is a beautiful town full of thatched roof farmhouses and wooden arch bridges. There are no cars in the town, so the best way to get around is by bike or boat.
The best time to visit Giethoorn is during winter and spring, when you can ice skate along the canals or cruise along the canals watching the flowers bloom.
3. Rotterdam
What used to be a 13th-century fishing village, Rotterdam, is now the most modern city in the Netherlands.
Much like Amsterdam, Rotterdam is bike-friendly and boasts several districts for tourists to explore.
Some of the best things to do in Rotterdam include
- See the Cube Houses
- Wander through Markthal Rotterdam
- Take in the view atop the Euromast Tower
- Visit Kinderdijk’s Windmills
4. The Hague
Although Amsterdam may be the capital of the Netherlands, The Hague is home to the Dutch government.
Situated on the North Sea, The Hague is loved by visitors for its modern vibe and old-world charm.
Boasting stunning museums, grand architecture, and vibrant nightlife, there is so much to love about The Hague.
5. Maastricht
Whether it’s your first or fifth time in the Netherlands, if there’s one city you can’t miss while traveling the country, it’s the historical city of Maastricht.
This incredible city can trace its history back to 50BC and boasts medieval architecture and a modern atmosphere.
Some of the most popular reasons visitors make their way to Maastricht are to walk along the spectacular Wilhelminaburg and Sint Servaasbrug bridges, see remnants of the medieval town walls, and see the oldest church in the Netherlands, St. Servaaskerk.
6. Utrecht
Famous for being the home of the largest college in Holland, the University of Utrecht, the city is also worth seeing for its incredible architecture.
What makes Utrecht unique is that the canals have two storey pathways. The top story is where you can walk along the streets, past houses and businesses. And the bottom storey is where centuries-old wharf cellars now serve as cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal at water level.
Some of the best things to do in Utrecht include cycling to lesser-known parts of the city, wandering through the charming Old Town area and seeing the spectacular St. Martin’s Cathedral.
7. Groningen
Located in the northern part of the country, Groningen is another incredible city to visit in the Netherlands because it’s a hub of history, culture, and art, surrounded by beautiful canals and waterways.
Home to two famous colleges, it’s expected that the city has a vibrant night scene and great bars and restaurants to choose from.
Some of the best things to do in Groningen include climbing the Martinitoren, wandering through the Vis Markt, and having a picnic in Noorderplantsoen.
8. Lisse
Finally, one of the most incredible places to visit in the Netherlands is Lisse.
You can’t take a trip to the country of the tulip without seeing the Keukenhof Gardens. Located in the beautiful town of Lisse, the 70-acre Keukenhof Gardens are open from March to May and are worth a visit to see sprawling fields of color.
As the flowers spring into bloom, the locals celebrate their annual flower parade, Bollentreek, which winds through the town, making it another reason to visit.
Conclusion:
Whether it’s your first or fifth time in the country, there are many incredible places to visit in the Netherlands. From the vibrant capital of Amsterdam to the tulip-filled town of Lisse, these are eight places you can’t miss while visiting the Netherlands.
