Netherlands
Our Rating:
The Netherlands: a land of canals, cycle paths & café terraces
Forget the clichés—The Netherlands is far more than tulips and windmills. With charming canal towns, endless cycling routes, and a café terrace seemingly on every square. Hop between buzzing cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam, or spend the day exploring the countryside by bike. Whether you’re watching boats drift by from a waterside bench or feeling the sea breeze on the North Sea coast, The Netherlands offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.
Best time of year to visit
Best weather conditions between end of June and end of August (summer)
City
Amsterdam: canals, cafés, and city swims
Charming, vibrant, and endlessly walkable, Amsterdam is a city that blends centuries of history with a laid-back, modern vibe. Between its iconic canals, thriving food scene, and waterside terraces, it’s a place best enjoyed at an easy pace—ideally with a bike nearby and the scent of fresh herring in the air.
Stay at Basecamp Amsterdam
For a quirky, eco-friendly base, Basecamp Amsterdam offers stylish tiny houses just outside the city bustle, perfect for those who like a bit of nature with their city break.
Stay at Hotel Jakarta
If you’d rather stay central, Hotel Jakarta is a stunner—light-filled, full of plants, and with a spa and pool overlooking the water. It’s one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful hotels, with a location that makes exploring the city a breeze.
Where to eat
Kras Haring – start with a local classic where you can try fresh herring the traditional way.
Sonny Falafel – a tiny, always-busy spot serving some of the best falafel in the city, freshly fried and packed with flavor.
Thaise Snackbar Bird – for Thai food with plenty of flavor, this snackbar is a local favorite that’s always busy for a reason.
Bersama – If you’re in the mood for Indonesian, this restaurant (3 locations) serves a refined take on rijsttafel.
Thuis aan de Amstel – a relaxed lunch spot right on the river.
De Vergulden Eenhoorn – combines a historic farmhouse setting with modern Dutch cooking.
Where to drink
Hannekes Boom – this isone of the best waterside terraces in the city, with colorful furniture, casual vibes, and plenty of space to linger. Waterkant – another favorite, a Surinamese-inspired bar by the canal where the roti is as much of a draw as the drinks.
Free things to do
Marine Terrein – A former naval base turned creative hub. Locals flock here to sunbathe on the steps and swim in the open water—a rare urban swimming spot.
Walk along the Amstel – One of the city’s most scenic routes, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a jog along the river.
Train to Zandvoort Beach (almost free) – Take a quick train from Amsterdam Central to Zandvoort and enjoy the sandy beach and North Sea coast.
What to do
Rijksmuseum – Amsterdam’s most famous museum, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch Golden Age painters.
Van Gogh Museum – Dedicated to the life and works of Vincent van Gogh, this museum showcases the world’s largest collection of his paintings.
Stedelijk Museum – For modern and contemporary art lovers, the Stedelijk offers thought-provoking exhibitions in a striking building.
Festivals
Amsterdam is lively year-round, but summer brings a string of festivals that showcase music, food, and local culture. Don’t miss Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) in October if you love electronic music.
City
Arnhem: a city of contrasts and colour
Arnhem surprises visitors with a lively mix of history, modernity, and green spaces. It’s a city where cultural landmarks sit alongside parks and vibrant neighborhoods, offering a weekend or longer getaway full of variety.
Stay at Holiday Inn Express Arnhem
For a convenient and comfortable base, Holiday Inn Express Arnhem is a great choice. Located close to the city center, it offers modern rooms, friendly service, and easy access to Arnhem’s main attractions.
Where to eat
Ketelhuis Sonsbeek – Set in the lush Sonsbeek Park, this café is perfect for lunch. Enjoy light bites and fresh ingredients while overlooking the greenery of the park.
Konijnenvoer – Widely regarded as one of the best vegan restaurants in the Netherlands, this spot serves inventive, flavorful plant-based dishes that even non-vegans rave about.
Caspar – A stylish bistro bar where you can relax with a drink or enjoy a casual meal. Great for a cozy evening out.
Salathai – Arguably the best Thai restaurant in Arnhem, offering bold flavors and authentic dishes in a modern setting.
Kumpulan Bronbeek – For Indonesian cuisine lovers, this is the place to experience rich and aromatic flavors.
What to do
The Postbank & Kröller-Müller Museum – A must for art lovers. Take a (free) bike through the Postbank to reach this impressive museum, which houses an extraordinary collection of Van Gogh works, sculptures, and modern art.
Openluchtmuseum – Perfect for families with kids, this open-air museum showcases Dutch history, crafts, and traditional houses in a lively, interactive setting.
Sonsbeek Park – Walking through this park is a highlight. Its greenery and ponds provide a relaxing escape in the middle of the city.
City
Rotterdam: architecture, waterfronts, and a different Dutch Vibe
Bold, modern, and full of energy, Rotterdam is unlike any other Dutch city. Known for its striking skyline, innovative architecture, and lively cultural scene, it’s a place that blends maritime heritage with a fresh, forward-looking attitude. With its open spaces, buzzing nightlife, and plenty to explore by land and water, Rotterdam offers a city break that feels refreshingly different.
Stay on the Water with Wikkelboats at Wijnhaven
For something truly unique, book a night on a Wikkelboat—compact, sustainable floating houses moored in the city’s harbors. They’re cosy, well-designed, and put you right in the middle of Rotterdam’s waterside life.
Where to eat
Hung Kee – a long-standing favorite Chinese restaurant, serving generous portions in a casual setting.
Picnic in front of Hotel New York – where you can sit by the river and enjoy sweeping views of the skyline as boats pass by.
Fenix Food Factory – another great spot, with a lively terrace overlooking the water and a collection of small vendors selling everything from fresh bread to local craft beer.
Where to drink
Biergarten – a buzzing outdoor spot perfect for sunny afternoons, with craft beers and street food-style bites.
What to do
Watertaxi – Rotterdam’s architecture is best seen from the water. The city’s Watertaxi service makes it easy to hop between stops, taking in landmarks like the Erasmus Bridge, the Cube Houses, and the glass towers of Kop van Zuid.
Poing – A retro game hall where you can challenge friends at pinball, air hockey, and classic arcade machines. A fun, lighthearted way to spend an afternoon or evening.
Ahoy – The city’s main venue for live music, big-name gigs, and events. Check the schedule to see if anything lines up with your visit—it’s where Rotterdam comes alive at night.
Watch a football match
Rotterdam is home to not one but three football clubs—Feyenoord, Sparta Rotterdam, and Excelsior—so there’s often a match to catch. Check the official club websites for tickets, or use P1 Travel if you can’t book directly.
