Commonly called "Holland," the thriving northern European nation of the Netherlands features vast stretches of greenery, unspoiled nature, and wilder areas such as the Wadden Islands and the beautiful Noordwijk Beach. The country’s landscapes are a major asset, from the globally exported tulip fields and iconic windmills to breathtaking coastal views.
Art and culture are present around every corner. Beautiful cities like medieval Utrecht, the royal The Hague, and Delft, famous for traditional craftsmanship, make the country a dream destination.
From the Fishermen’s Museums to the spectacular Kinderdijk windmills in the heart of the countryside, the experiences the Netherlands offers visitors are endless.
This is also the country of Vincent Van Gogh, who masterfully captured beauty and human fragility in his paintings. Amsterdam, the capital, hosts the Van Gogh Museum, a must-visit for art lovers.
Other symbols of Dutch culture include the Rijksmuseum, the center of Flemish art; the Stedelijk Museum, showcasing contemporary art; and NEMO, perfect for science enthusiasts. For those wishing to visit all these sites, the Amsterdam City Card offers good savings on entrance fees.
In Amsterdam, wandering among picturesque canals and bridges is a joy. With some time, visitors can explore the city via a short and charming canal cruise.
Flower lovers will be amazed by the variety and colors at places like FloraHolland and Amsterdam’s floating market, Bloemenmarkt.
The Netherlands also boasts historic and royal residences worth visiting, such as De Haar Castle, Palais Het Loo, Muiderslot, and the Royal Palace.
Nature enthusiasts will be enchanted by the beauty and care of parks and reserves like De Biesbosch National Park, Zuid-Kennemerland, and the Drunense Duinen.
Rotterdam offers unique sights with its distinctive architecture, including the Cube Houses by Piet Blom and the famous Erasmus Bridge, nicknamed "The Swan."
For children, there are iconic places like Madurodam (miniature Holland), Efteling, and Toverland, a magical theme park.
RELIGION: Most of the population is agnostic, while the rest are divided among Catholicism, Protestantism, and Islam.
LANGUAGE: The main language is Dutch, but German and English are widely spoken.
TIME ZONE: Same as Italy.
DOCUMENTS: Entry requires a valid passport. Since 2009, minors must have their own passports. A visa is required for stays longer than three months.
VACCINATIONS: None required. For healthcare services, carry your European Health Insurance Card. Pets must have rabies vaccination and a microchip.
CURRENCY: Euro (€)
Curiosity
The Dutch are famously passionate about flowers, especially tulips, available in countless varieties and colors. Flowers, bulbs, and seeds can be purchased everywhere, including supermarkets. Shops and kiosks selling flowers display the signs “Bollen te koop” (bulbs for sale) or “Bloemen te koop” (flowers for sale).
Our advices
TO READ: Books set in the Netherlands can offer insight into the culture. We recommend “Amsterdam: A History of the City” by Geert Mak to explore the city’s nuances and lifestyle.
TO LISTEN TO: The Netherlands has produced iconic music acts like Within Temptation and Focus. Folk music enthusiasts should check out Folkcorn, known for traditional Dutch music.
TO SEE:
Explore Amsterdam, enjoying cycling through its traffic and visiting iconic spots.
Visit Kinderdijk, famous for windmills, and Utrecht, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Netherlands.
TO EAT: Dutch cuisine is influenced by Nordic traditions. Notable dishes include:
