Why I love the Netherlands

“Visionary architecture, vintage-meets-contemporary fashion and interiors, street markets selling rainbows of fresh flowers, haring (raw herring), caramel-filled stroopwafels (caramel-syrup-filled waffles with ice cream) and cheese, and borrel ('drinks') at canal-side cafés are all reasons I love the Netherlands. But what I love about the country above all is its spirit. If something doesn't exist, the Dutch will...” Read More

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Catherine Le Nevez
Writer

Top experiences in The Netherlands

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The vibrant waterfront of Rotterdam

Rising along the vast Nieuwe Maas (a tributary of the Rhine), Rotterdam started life as a medieval fishing village. Its importance skyrocketed in the 17th-century Golden Age following the discovery of the maritime trade route to the East and West Indies, and in the 19th century, the Nieuwe Waterweg (New Waterway) canal created a direct link to the North Sea. Today, the port –  Europe's largest – is the lifeblood of this vibrant Dutch city and the entire waterfront is packed with attractions, from maritime museums to boat tours, cycleways and superb harbourfront dining, along with visionary new developments.

The Rotterdam waterfront at Old Harbour. Photo by Henryk Sadura / Getty.
Catherine Le Nevez
Lonely Planet Writer

24 hours in Den Haag

Den Haag (The Hague) is synonymous with high-profile legal entities (notably the UN's International Court of Justice), embassies and mansions. Yet this palace-filled city is also packed with incredible art, stylish shopping, superb dining and a wealth of drinking, nightlife and entertainment venues. It's an easy train trip from Amsterdam or Rotterdam to hit the highlights on this 24-hour itinerary.

Binnenhof Palace © vladacanon / Getty Images
Catherine Le Nevez
Lonely Planet Writer

Experiencing the public art of Rotterdam

The Dutch port city of Rotterdam is an open-air gallery of modern and contemporary art, set against a backdrop of some of the most adventurous architecture in Europe. More than 1000 artworks and monuments from modern and contemporary masters that fill its public spaces along with  sculptures by under-the-radar artists, vivid street-art murals, pioneering urban landscaping and wildly innovative installations.

Rotterdam's role as a creative hub rose phoenix-like from the ashes of its WWII devastation, which gave architects and artists a blank canvas that continues to evolve today and whose works inspired hope and courage during the city's massive reconstruction. Thanks to Rotterdam’s pedestrian-friendly size, a tour of its public art is one of the great ways to explore this uniquely modern European urban landscape.
Catherine Le Nevez
Lonely Planet Writer
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The Netherlands adventures

$62.88 Sightseeing tours

I amsterdam Card - City Pass for Amsterdam

Simplify your trip to Amsterdam with the I amsterdam City Card, a pass that gives you free admission to museums and public transport throughout the city. Gain free entry to 38 museums including the Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandthuis Museum and Hermitage Amsterdam. Enjoy unlimited free public transport, a free canal cruise and discounts on attractions and restaurants. This pass is the perfect way for independent travelers to make the most of their time in Amsterdam and save money too!
$27.44 Boating & cruises

Amsterdam Canal Bus Hop-On Hop-Off

Getting around Amsterdam is a breeze with a hop-on hop-off Canal Bus Day Pass. The boats operate a regular service along Amsterdam's canals, following tour routes: the Green Line and the Orange Line. While you cruise, an on-board commentary provides interesting information about Amsterdam.
$48.02 Boating & cruises

Amsterdam Canal Bus Hop On Hop Off Day Pass and Heineken Experience

Go for the combo: a 24 or 48-hour Amsterdam Canal Bus Pass and admission to the Heineken Experience. You'll find getting around Amsterdam's a breeze with your hop-on hop-off Canal Bus Day Pass, and your visit to the Heineken Experience will reveal the tradition and craft behind one of the most famous names in brewing history!
$46.88 Sightseeing tours

Skip the Line: Van Gogh Museum and Amsterdam Canal Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Day Pass

Combine admission to the Van Gogh Museum with a 24- or 48-hour Canal Bus hop-on hop-off pass, and you've got the best of Amsterdam covered. Explore the extensive collection of famous works such as ‘Sunflowers’ at the Van Gogh Museum, and see major landmarks including the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House as you cruise Amsterdam’s scenic waterways with your hop-on hop-off Canal Bus day pass. Get off at any of the 7 to 9 stops (depending on the season) to explore further.
$46.88 Sightseeing tours

Amsterdam Shore Excursion: Van Gogh Museum and Amsterdam Canal Hop-On Hop-Off Day Pass

See the best of Amsterdam while you’re in port with a day pass for the city’s hop-on hop-off canal tour, which includes skip-the-line access to one of Amsterdam's top attractions -- the Van Gogh Museum! The perfect do-it-yourself shore excursion in Amsterdam, the hop-on hop-off day pass allows you to travel around the city on a comfortable sightseeing boat, known as a ‘canal bus.’ Stop at Amsterdam’s top attractions like the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House and explore the city at your own pace. Then, jump the long queues at the Van Gogh Museum, always high on the 'must-do list' for visitors to Amsterdam. See the world's largest collection of paintings by Vincent van Gogh, including such famous works as “Sunflowers".
$47.45 Sightseeing tours

Amsterdam Canal Hop-On Hop-Off Pass including Hermitage Museum Admission

Combine a sightseeing tour of Amsterdam with a visit to the impressive Hermitage Museum with this special combo tour! Choose a 24-hour or 48-hour Canal Bus Pass and enjoy a unique sightseeing overview of Amsterdam’s best sites such as the Rembrandt House, the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House. Enjoy informative onboard commentary and get off at any of the 7 to 9 stops (depending on the season) around the city to explore on your own. In addition, visit the Hermitage Museum and admire masterpieces from world-famous painters such as Claude Monet, Camille Pissaro and Eugene Delacroix.
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