The Netherlands Travel Guide

This travel guide for the Netherlands features the top places to visit, how to get there, safety, scams, logistics and more to help you plan your trip.

Officially called “the Kingdom of the Netherlands”, this country is full of rich Dutch history, top-notch museums, amazing canals, fascinating architecture, a vibrant nightlife, a culture of tolerance, and one of the world’s largest and most popular flower gardens. There truly is something for everyone here.

Note: All the information in this travel guide and posts on Netherlands have been updated as of March 2026.

Top Attractions In The Netherlands

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the capital and the Netherland’s top destination with over 20 million visitors annually. People come to explore its captivating canals lined with Golden Age architecture, visit world-class museums, experience its culture of tolerance and openness, and learn about the importance of tulips to the Dutch, both historically and in modern times.

Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof, one of the biggest flower gardens in the world, opens annually from late-March to mid-May, with around 7 million hand planted flower bulbs set in stunning English garden style.

Located in Lisse, about 40 km southwest of Amsterdam, it’s an easy day trip. To read more about the best way to get to Keukenhof Gardens and what to expect there, see my updated post on Keukenhof 2026. It really is a place that you should visit at least once in your life. And if you really love tulips, it’s worth it to visit during the Flower Parade and have all the tulip experiences.

The Hague

The Hague is the political heart of the country. It’s south of Amsterdam, on the western coast of the Netherlands. You can visit the seat of Parliament, at Binnenhof, by booking a tour, and admire the King’s working Palace, Noordeinde.

It’s also home to top notch art at museums like the Mauritshuis, known for its Golden Age Dutch masterpieces like The Girl With A Pearl Earring and The Goldfinch. There’s also a museum devoted to M. C. Escher, at former Lange Voorhout Palace, and the world’s largest collection of Mondrian art at Gemeentemuseum.

There’s also easy access to coastal beaches, which are only 3 miles (5 km) from the center of town via tram or bicycle.

Best Time To Visit The Netherlands

If you want to see the gardens at Keukenhof, they’re open late-March to mid-May. The flowers at the gardens are set up to always be amazing, and although weather conditions can shift things, the peak is generally considered to be mid-April.

Many people combine a trip to Amsterdam with a visit to the gardens, so this time of year can be very crowded, as well as more expensive. But early spring is a beautiful time to visit, as Amsterdam feels vibrantly alive with many people out enjoying the canals and cafes lining them. The weather in spring can be a little unpredictable though, so be prepared for what it brings.

Summer is also a peak time to visit, also very busy and also with higher prices.

Languages In The Netherlands

Dutch is the official language in the Netherlands, yet 90% are noted to speak English and 70% German.

Netherlands Travel Guide: Money Matters

Currency: The currency is the Euro. The following conversation rates are from January 1, 2026.

• 1 USD=.85 Euro
• 1 CNY=.12 Euro

Credit Cards: The Dutch typically do not like debit cards, as they are very debt adverse people. In fact, the word for debt here, schuld, also means guilt. Therefore, places that cater to international customers, like hotels, major restaurants, and tourist spots, are likely to accept MasterCard and Visa (and sometimes American Express), but other places may not. Those that do, may add a 2-6% charge to your bill to use them (so ask in advance). This means, be prepared to pay with debit card or cash in some places.

ATM’s: The best place to get cash is at an ATM, which are prevalent and easy to find in larger cities. Most Dutch owned banks do not charge fees, but the screen will alert you to fees above and beyond fees charged by your bank. ATMs at airports, hotels, and near tourist areas usually charge higher fees (convenience), so avoid them unless you have a no fee debit card, like Charles Schwab. When prompted, select the local currency (not your home currency) for the best conversion rate. Dutch ATMs use 4 digit pins, so if yours is longer, change it before you travel.

Money Exchanges: Money exchanges, or Geldwisselkantoor, are the second best place to get cash. Look for exchanges away from airports and touristy areas for the best exchange rates.

Netherlands Travel Guide: Safety

The Netherlands is relatively safe, but pick-pocketing and petty theft do occur. In fact, you may see signs in the airport warning you of this. Be especially cautious in crowded touristy areas, like transportation hubs, the Red Light District in Old Town Amsterdam, and Dam Square.

Take normal precautions, but remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Don’t carry too much cash and keep a close eye on your wallet or purse.

Always check the latest situation on your government website. It’s also a good idea to sign up for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), or similar with your country to be updated if an issue does arise.

Netherlands Travel Guide: Scams

Generally the Netherlands is safe, but there are always a few people trying to take advantage of tourists. Especially in crowded touristy areas. Common scams in the Netherlands include the following.

Fake Taxis

Fake taxi drivers have been known to hang around Schiphol airport, charging outrageous fees to take you to town. Always use official taxis that are in official taxi ranks. Never accept personal taxi solicitations from inside the airport. Uber is available in Amsterdam, so also an excellent option. Even better, use public transportation instead, which is outstanding here and less expensive.

Fake Boat Operators

If someone randomly approaches you and offers you a boat ride, they could be scammers. They may take you out in the boat, then demand an outrageous sum to bring you back. Only book through official sites and offices.

Cheap Used Bikes

With the massive popularity of biking in the Netherlands, and so many bikes, bicycle theft is a huge business here. Some thieves try to pawn stolen bicycles to tourists. You may think this is not a problem, but buying a stolen bike is a criminal offense in the Netherlands. Never buy a bicycle from someone selling it on the street. Alternatively, you may be sold a bike that falls apart soon after your purchase.

Overcharging Tourists

Some eateries are known to overcharge tourists on items not marked with a price in the menu. Never order anything where the price is not listed.

Used Public Transport Tickets

Beware of people trying to sell you transportation tickets at discounted prices. They are likely used. As always, only buy from official ticket sites or locations.

Getting Around The Netherlands

Getting Into The Netherlands

The airport with the most international flights is Amsterdam’s Schiphol International airport. It’s also convenient as it’s only a 15-20 minute ride away from Centraal-Amsterdam station on Dutch Railways, with well over a hundred departures a day (which is also the most cost effective way to get to town). You can also take the NS train to Amsterdam Zuid, then the metro for slightly more. Look for ticket machines in the station hall and by luggage pick up.

The bus takes a little bit longer and is more expensive with the Amsterdam Airport Express Bus 397 going from Schiphol Plaza to Amsterdam Elandsgracht in about 30-minutes.

A taxi, including Uber, which does serve Amsterdam, is the most expensive option, costing up to 4 or 5 times as much as the train, but easier if you don’t want to hassle with your luggage.

Getting around Between Cities

Train is the most convenient, and usually the most economical way, to get between cities in the Netherlands. The train from Amsterdam Centraal to Den Haag Centraal takes about an hour and runs frequently. The city center is about a 10-minute walk, or short taxi ride, from there.

Getting Around In Cities

Both Amsterdam and the Hague have excellent public transportation with trams, the metro and buses. Cash is no longer accepted on most, so you need to buy tickets with debit or credit.

The cities are also very walkable. If you do walk, make sure to stay out of the bicycle lanes. They are very serious!

If Keukenhof Gardens are in your plans, there are many buses and detailed routes from both Amsterdam and Schiphol airport. It’s surprisingly easy to get there on your own, which is great if you’re not a fan of organized tours. To learn more, see my post on Keukenhof 2026.

Visa Info For The Netherlands

The Netherlands is in the Schengen, so operates on the Schengen Visa policy. US citizens can enter visa free for up to 90 days, then can only re-enter after an additional 90 days.

ETIAS, the new requirement to travel to Europe, will start in 2026. More detailed information will be provided soon.

Chinese citizens need to apply for a Schengen Visa. See the Schengen Visa Policy to learn more.

Netherlands Travel Guide: Top Destination Blogs

Click the icons below for more detailed information on the key sites in the Netherlands.

If this travel guide has been useful in planning, or just dreaming about visiting the Netherlands add a comment below.

Safe Travels!

Julie