Netherlands
Tulips, Canals & Cool Culture in Europe’s Most Charming Corner
Where Bikes Outnumber Cars and Art Fills the Air
Welcome to the land of painters, polders, and pancakes. The Netherlands offers a delightful mix of postcard-perfect villages, world-class art, golden age architecture, and a famously forward-thinking spirit. Explore canal-laced cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht, cycle through tulip fields in spring, or discover cutting-edge design in Rotterdam.
From the peaceful countryside to buzzing urban hubs, this is a country that’s easy to explore and impossible not to love. Whether you're cruising a canal, marvelling at Rembrandts, or enjoying a stroopwafel by the water, The Netherlands invites you to slow down, look closer, and cycle farther.
Visa Requirements
UK citizens do not need a visa to enter The Netherlands for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, as part of the Schengen Area. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date.
Key Airports
- Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) – One of Europe’s busiest and most efficient hubs; ideal for exploring the entire country.
- Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) – Great for shorter city breaks or quick access to the south.
- Eindhoven Airport (EIN) – Popular with low-cost airlines and a good base for southern Netherlands or cross-border trips.
Spoken Languages
Dutch is the official language, but the Dutch are among the best English speakers in Europe. You’ll have no trouble communicating, especially in cities.
Still, try a few Dutch phrases:
- Hallo! – Hello
- Dank je wel – Thank you
- Alsjeblieft – Please / Here you go
- Hoe gaat het? – How are you?
- Gezellig – Cozy, fun, warm atmosphere (untranslatable but essential!)
The Dutch will smile at your effort, and maybe even teach you more.
Holidays to The Netherlands
During the Summer
From June to August, expect mild and pleasant weather (around 20–25°C), perfect for cycling, café hopping, and boat rides. There may be light rain, so pack a light jacket and don’t forget your umbrella.
During the Winter
From December to February, it's chilly and grey (around 2–6°C) but wonderfully festive. Ice skating rinks pop up, canal cruises turn cosy, and cities twinkle with fairy lights. It rarely snows heavily, but when it does - it’s magical.
Top Netherlands Hot Spots
Cycle like a local through tulip fields, windmills, and charming towns. Get your culture fix at the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, or Anne Frank House. And cruise the canals of Amsterdam at dusk, when the bridges light up and the city glows.
Amsterdam – The Iconic Capital of Cool
World-class museums, charming canals, vibrant neighbourhoods, and more bikes than people. Amsterdam blends old-world charm with modern creativity.
Keukenhof & The Tulip Fields – Springtime Magic
Open from March to May, Keukenhof Gardens is a kaleidoscope of colour. Surrounding fields in Lisse and Noordwijk burst into bloom, perfect for a day trip.
Giethoorn – The Venice of the North
A peaceful, car-free village where boats glide down tree-lined canals and thatched cottages look straight out of a fairy tale. Rent a whisper boat and drift.
Rotterdam – Futuristic and Fascinating
Bold architecture, an edgy arts scene, and Europe’s biggest port make Rotterdam The Netherlands' modern face. Don’t miss the Cube Houses or the Markthal.
Top Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Holiday
- Embrace the Bike Life - Cycling is the best way to see the Netherlands. Rent a bike—even for a few hours—and feel like a local as you pedal along canals, dykes, and tulip-lined paths.
- Try Dutch Treats Beyond Stroopwafels - Sample bitterballen (crispy meatballs), poffertjes (mini pancakes), and raw herring if you’re feeling adventurous. Dutch snacks are addictive and best enjoyed with a cold beer.
- Use Trains for Easy Day Trips - The train network is fast, clean and efficient. Cities like Utrecht, The Hague, and Haarlem are under an hour from Amsterdam - perfect for exploring without the hassle.
- Don’t Misjudge ‘Gezelligheid’ - The Dutch concept of gezelligheid is the secret to their way of life. It’s all about cosy togetherness. Whether you're in a brown café, a candlelit boat, or a lively terrace - if it’s gezellig, you’re doing it right.
Why You Should Go (And Go with Marhaban Travel)
he Netherlands is compact but bursting with beauty and personality. Perfect for couples, art lovers, families, solo wanderers, and foodies, it’s a place where you can see and do a lot without ever feeling rushed.
With Marhaban Travel, you’ll enjoy a curated experience - from hidden canal-side boutiques to tulip field bike tours, cultural gems to delicious eats. We make every moment smooth, stylish, and tailored to your taste.
Cheerful, cultured, and endlessly charming - The Netherlands is ready for you.
