The capital city of the Netherlands is a unique city altogether. Amsterdam is a blend of old-world charm, manifested in the old houses, cobblestone streets, and many canals, and contemporary vibrancy, manifested in the lively city center and many activities to do in the city. The aspects Amsterdam is most famous for are the canal …
Netherlands
Travel blogs, travel photos and features from the Netherlands
The Netherlands Travel Guide
The ultimate guide to the coolest things to do and see when traveling in The Netherlands
The Netherlands might just be one of the coolest and most modern countries in Europe. With so much incredible history, culture, hipster scene and queer life all compressed into a relatively small and easily accessible country, it’s no surprise it’s a top destination for visitors to Europe. Start here with my basic Netherlands travel tips, or jump down below to read my latest Netherlands travel blogs.
Top Netherlands Travel Guides
Popular Netherlands Travel Blogs
• The Jordaan: A Photographic Journey Through Amsterdam’s Prettiest Neighborhood
• Amsterdam Might Just Have the Most Scenic Gay Pride
• A Different Side to Amsterdam – Looking for Rembrandt
When to Visit
The weather in the Netherlands is pretty unpredictable, and with its proximity to the North Sea, it can rain almost any time of year. In summer days are long and potentially sunny, but don’t count on good weather – bringing a rain jacket will still be a good idea! Fall can be beautiful in the Netherlands, with all the leaves changing color, and winters are pretty mild.
A very popular time to visit the Netherlands is in mid to late spring when the tulips start to bloom. This happens all over the country in April and May, and things certainly get busier at this time of year with all the extra visitors.
The most important day in the Dutch calendar to consider when planning a trip is without a doubt April 27th, or King’s Day when the country turns into a giant street party and everyone wears orange!
Top Cities to Visit
Amsterdam – The largest and most famous city in the Netherlands, Amsterdam is synonymous with debauchery and hedonism, but also has a vast and fascinating art scene, great food from all over the world, cool and unique shopping opportunities and a whole lot of bikes!
Rotterdam – The Netherlands’ second city, Rotterdam is unlike many other Dutch cities in that it is very modern, as it was largely destroyed in the Second World War. As well as some weird and wonderful architecture, Rotterdam is an extremely multicultural city and as hipster as they come.
Eindhoven – Famous for being the design and technology hub of the Netherlands, Eindhoven is surprisingly cool and hip. There are a handful of great places to discover the city’s history of art and design—from the iconic art museums to the small galleries, cafés and hangouts popular with the many young professionals still living here today.
The Netherlands for Expats
The Netherlands is as an ideal European destination for American expats, boasting a seamless immigration process and a welcoming attitude towards foreigners. With a well-established expat community and comprehensive support systems in place, relocating to the Netherlands is relatively straightforward.
The country’s efficient bureaucracy and transparent immigration policies make it easier for expats to navigate the administrative hurdles associated with moving abroad. Moreover, the Dutch are known for their openness and inclusivity, fostering a welcoming environment where expats can quickly feel at home and integrate into society.
Beyond its immigration friendliness, the Netherlands offers expats a rich cultural tapestry to explore and embrace. From the iconic tulip fields and picturesque windmills to the vibrant art scene and world-class museums, there’s no shortage of experiences to indulge in.
Additionally, the widespread proficiency in English further enhances the expat experience, making communication and integration smoother. The Netherlands’ central location in Europe also facilitates easy travel to neighboring countries, allowing expats to explore diverse cultures and landscapes effortlessly.
With excellent infrastructure and efficient public transportation networks, the Netherlands serves as a convenient base for expats looking to explore Europe and beyond while enjoying the comforts of a progressive and cosmopolitan society.
Netherlands Tours
Being such a small and well connected country, it’s easy to get around the Netherlands and many places are within day tripping distance of most of the country meaning going on a tour in another city from where you are based is quite feasible, and having someone else take you to all the best places will certainly save you time.
LGBTQ – Gay Netherlands Guide
As the first country in the whole world to introduce marriage equality in 2001, it’s perhaps no surprise that the Netherlands is one of the most LGBTQ friendly countries on Earth with some of the most progressive attitudes anywhere in Europe and beyond as so traveling there as an LGBTQ person is easy and hassle free. Here are some things to know about.
Go beyond Amsterdam – While Amsterdam is without a doubt the gay capital of the Netherlands with over 150 specifically gay clubs, bars and saunas, the other Dutch cities have cool, though fewer, things to offer in terms of gay life too, especially Rotterdam and the Hague.
Amsterdam Pride – The unusual thing about Amsterdam Pride, the country’s largest gay pride celebration, is that instead of featuring a parade of floats, the parade actually floats – on water. The canals of Amsterdam literally become the runway for the country’s biggest and best outdoor gay party. Don’t miss it!
More gay travel resources here.
Netherlands Hotel Deals
Accommodation is generally rather pricey in the Netherlands, especially in the cities, but if you do your research you can find some bargains.
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Netherlands Travel Blogs
One of Europe’s biggest design events, the Dutch Design Week showcases thousands of unique and innovative designs covering a number of different subjects—from fashion to sustainability, art to robotics. Explore some of the best designs in this beginner’s guide to the festival
Amsterdam’s Noord neighborhood is off-the-beaten path, full of cool restaurants & art projects & a great place for a unique day out
With a long history of LGBTQ equality, Amsterdam is one of the best gay cities with something for everyone. Use the gay Amsterdam travel guide here (including a recommended list of the best gay things to do in Amsterdam) for a fun & safe weekend in one of the most accepting cities.
A surprisingly cool city in the south of Holland, Eindhoven is a fun and friendly destination great for a weekend city break thanks to a culture for creativity and innovation
A round-up of some of Europe’s (and the world’s) best gay destinations for holidays and other adventures
Looking for travel inspiration? Check out these great destinations to visit later in the year when it’s safe to do so!
The indie hotel in Amsterdam’s Oost neighborhood is a trendy, affordable option that’s surprisingly convenient — that is, if you even want to leave the hotel!
Amsterdam Dance Event is an annual music industry conference for electronic music producers — the chance to bring together industry insiders with techno music fans in one of the world’s best cities for electronic music
Booked with the HotelTonight app, the Room Mate Aitana hotel in Amsterdam is a great gay-friendly hotel choice in the city center with great design