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The Netherlands is much more than its famous clichés. It is a land shaped by the hand of man in his constant battle and coexistence with water, which has given rise to a unique landscape of polders, dikes and canals. It is a country where the history of the Golden Age coexists with the most avant-garde architecture, and where the bicycle is the undisputed queen of the streets. From the cosmopolitan energy of Amsterdam and the modernity of Rotterdam, to the tranquility of its fishing villages and the explosion of color of its flower fields, the Netherlands offers a journey full of contrasts. Get ready to discover an innovative and open culture, a surprisingly comforting gastronomy and a charm that lies in its human scale and its 'gezellig' atmosphere.
Capital
Amsterdam
Population
17.929.342
Langue
Holandés
Sites du patrimoine de l'UNESCO
13
Scores basés sur des données réelles de 0 à 100
Seeing Amsterdam from the water is an essential experience. A boat tour of its 17th-century canal belt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a unique perspective on the elegant merchants' houses, drawbridges and city life. It is the best way to understand why it is known as the 'Venice of the North'.
If you visit in spring, the Keukenhof Flower Park is a must-see. Known as the 'Garden of Europe', it is a spectacular display of millions of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other bulbous flowers, arranged in magnificent designs. It is an explosion of color and aroma that celebrates the country's most iconic flower.
Rent a bike and pedal through the polder landscapes to feel like a real Dutchman. Places like Kinderdijk (UNESCO Heritage) or Zaanse Schans offer the perfect picture, with a concentration of historic windmills that were used to drain water. It is the most authentic way to connect with the history and nature of the country.
Attend the spectacle of a traditional cheese market in cities like Alkmaar or Gouda. You'll see 'kaasdragers' (cheese carriers), dressed in traditional costumes, transport the huge wheels of cheese in a ceremony that has been going on for centuries. It is a colorful and folkloric experience that culminates with the tasting of delicious cheeses.
Immerse yourself in the Dutch Golden Age at Amsterdam's world-class museums. Marvel at Rembrandt's 'The Night Watch' at the Rijksmuseum, explore the evolution of Vincent van Gogh's work in his own museum, and discover the masterpieces of Vermeer and other artists who defined a golden age of art.
Bombed during World War II, Rotterdam has reinvented itself as a showcase for modern architecture and innovation. Explore its bold designs, such as the famous Cube Houses, the spectacular covered market (Markthal) and the elegant Erasmus Bridge. It is a city that looks decisively towards the future.
Dutch cuisine is practical, hearty and surprisingly tasty. Historically based on the products that the land and the sea could offer, it is a gastronomy without great pretensions but with comforting dishes and delicacies that have become national icons. From its famous cheeses to raw fish and fried sweets, Dutch food invites you to discover.
The 'borrel' is an essential part of Dutch social life. It's an informal after-work gathering with drinks (usually beer or wine) and a selection of hot and cold snacks called 'borrelhapjes', such as bitterballen or cheese wedges. It is the equivalent of 'happy hour' or aperitif.
The Dutch are fans of fast and convenient food. It is common to find street stalls selling raw herring or French fries. A unique curiosity are the 'automatiek', wall-mounted vending machines from which you can get hot food such as croquettes or frikandellen at any time.
A truly Dutch culinary experience. Raw herring is lightly cured in salt and served with chopped onion and pickles. The traditional way to eat it is by holding it by the tail, lifting it over your head and taking a bite.
The national dish par excellence, especially in winter. It is mashed potatoes mixed with one or more vegetables, such as kale (boerenkool), endive or sauerkraut (zuurkool). It is traditionally served with a smoked sausage (rookworst).
The most popular appetizer ('borrelhapje'). They are crispy, fried balls, filled with a creamy meat ragout. They are served hot with mustard and are the perfect accompaniment to a beer.
A very thick and hearty split pea soup, so thick that it is said that the spoon must be able to stand in it. It is made with celery, leek and pieces of smoked sausage, and is a complete dish in itself.
French fries are a national obsession. They are thicker than French ones and are served in a paper cone. The most popular way to eat them is with mayonnaise, but the 'patatje oorlog' (warring potatoes) option with peanut sauce, mayonnaise and raw onion is a classic.
Similar to bitterballen but with a cylindrical shape. It is a fried croquette, crispy on the outside and with a creamy filling of beef or beef ragout. It is often eaten as a snack ('broodje kroket') on a soft roll with mustard.
The precursor of English gin, it is the national liquor of the Netherlands. It is distilled from malt alcohol and flavored with juniper berries ('jeneverbes'). There are two main types: 'jonge' (young) and 'oude' (old), with different flavor profiles.
Beer is the most popular alcoholic beverage. In addition to big, world-famous lager brands such as Heineken, Amstel or Grolsch, there is a thriving craft brewery ('brouwerij') scene, especially those producing Belgian-style abbey beers.
A very popular hot drink in cafes. It is simply a glass of hot water with a large bunch of fresh mint leaves, often served with a slice of lemon and honey. It is refreshing and comforting.
A traditional drink for cold winter nights. It is hot milk flavored with star anise or anise pills. It is said to help you fall asleep.
The most famous Dutch cookie. It consists of two thin waffle cookies joined by a caramel syrup ('stroop'). The correct way to eat it is to place it over a cup of hot coffee or tea so that the steam softens the caramel.
Some fluffy mini pancakes, made in a special pan with indentations. They are served hot with a piece of butter and a generous amount of icing sugar. They are a very popular sweet in markets and fairs.
Dutch apple pie is robust and deep, with a thick pastry covering not only the base but also the sides and often the lattice-like top. The filling is apple pieces with cinnamon and raisins.
Literally 'oil balls', they are fried fritters that are traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve. They are balls of yeast dough, often with raisins or apple pieces, that are fried and sprinkled with icing sugar.
The wealth of the Netherlands lies in its striking diversity, combining vibrant urban centres, iconic landscapes and a rich cultural heritage.
Amsterdam is the star, but other cities offer similar charm with fewer crowds. Utrecht has a unique canal system with water-level quays filled with terraces. Delft is famous for its blue pottery and its connection with Vermeer. And Leiden is a charming university city with a rich history and beautiful canals.
To understand the essence of the country, you have to explore its landscapes shaped by water. The Kinderdijk area, with its 19 mills, is a World Heritage Site. Zaanse Schans is a reconstruction of an 18th century village, with working mills, clog workshops and cheese factories. The province of Zeeland, with its impressive Delta Plan, is a testament to the Dutch fight against the sea.
Escape the cities to discover towns that seem frozen in time. Volendam and Marken are former fishing villages in the former Zuiderzee, with wooden houses and traditional costumes. Giethoorn, known as the 'Venice of the Netherlands', is an idyllic town where transportation is done by boats through its canals.
In spring, the 'Bollenstreek' region between Haarlem and Leiden is transformed into a carpet of brilliant colours. In addition to visiting Keukenhof, renting a bicycle to tour the fields of blooming tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils is a visually stunning experience.
The Netherlands has an astonishing density of world-class museums. In Amsterdam, the Museum Triangle is home to the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk (modern art). The Hague is home to the Royal Gallery Mauritshuis, with Vermeer's 'Girl with a Pearl Earring'. And the Hoge Veluwe National Park is home to the Kröller-Müller Museum, with the second largest collection of Van Goghs.
With a safe and extensive network of cycle paths covering the entire country, exploring by bike is one of the best ways to travel. There are routes for all levels, from city walks to long runs along the coast or through the countryside, following an easy-to-use node system.
The train network (NS) is extremely efficient and connects the entire country. To use trains, trams, subways and buses, it is useful to purchase an anonymous 'OV-chipkaart', a rechargeable card used for check-in and check-out on each journey.
Renting a bike is highly recommended, but remember that local cyclists go fast and expect you to know the rules. Respect bike lanes (fietspad), use hand signals to turn and yield when necessary. Be careful with trams in cities.
The official language is Dutch. However, the vast majority of the population, especially in cities and among young people, speaks excellent English, so communication is very easy.
The service is included in the bill in restaurants and bars, so tipping is not mandatory. However, if the service has been very good, it is common to round up the bill or leave between 5% and 10% as a gesture of gratitude.
This guide is just the starting point for your adventure in the Netherlands. Each province and city has its own character and charm. We encourage you to hop on a train or a bike and explore beyond the well-known destinations to discover the true essence of this fascinating country. Goede reis (Have a good trip)!
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