Netherlands holidays

Since the 1600s, canals have been used here to transport goods and protect cities. They remain a symbol of the Dutch Golden Age, when the country became a global power in art, science and trade. Experience them on a classic canal cruise or houseboat stay. Or see the waterways come to life with music during Amsterdam’s Grachtenfestival in August.

Admiring the flowers is a top thing to do in the Netherlands. From March to May, crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths tulips turn gardens, squares and the countryside into multicoloured wonders. The ‘Bollenstreek’ (Bulb Region) is maybe the best place to witness the spectacle, as it’s home to the Keukenhof Gardens, tulip-picking farms and the Bloemencorso Flower Parade.

The Netherlands is famous for its tulips — visit the tulip farms in the Bollenstreek region or Keukenhof gardens for a colourful show like no other. Set aside a full afternoon to explore the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and see masterpieces by Dutch artists, from Vermeer to Van Gogh. In the heart of the Hague, don’t miss the stately medieval buildings of the Binnenhof, home of the Dutch Parliament.

You’ll find some of the best beaches in the Netherlands on the North Sea coastline, with several under an hour’s drive from Amsterdam. Zandvoort is known for its great surfing conditions. For a classic seaside experience, visit Scheveningen, with its buzzing promenade and old-fashioned pier. Or relax along wide, tranquil stretches of dune-backed shoreline at Duindamseslag and Langevelderslag.

In the northern provinces, the windswept Wadden Islands hold some of the country’s most breathtaking nature. This region of intertidal mudflats, salt marshes and sandy plains teems with wildlife. Visit the islands’ protected areas, like the Dunes of Texel National Park and Schiermonnikoog National Park. Or head to Weerribben-Wieden National Park in Giethoorn for boating and canoeing around a serene wetland.

The most famous museums in the Netherlands showcase iconic works of art. In Amsterdam, check out the Van Gogh Museum and the Old Masters collection at the Rijksmuseum. But there’s more to see here than pretty paintings. Tour the more than 1,200 windmills — historical symbols of industry and engineering. You’ll discover 19 examples from the 1700s in the UNESCO-listed village of Kinderdijk.

Check out traditional restaurants in the Netherlands for dishes like ‘bitterballen’ (deep-fried meatballs) and ‘stamppot’ (mashed potato and vegetable stew with smoked sausage). The Dutch are serious about their cheese — creamy gouda and semi-hard edam are staples. You can try them at Rotterdam’s ‘Markthal’ (market hall) and Alkmaar’s Friday cheese market. And the go-to sweet treat is the ‘stroopwafel’, a waffle-like biscuit with caramel syrup.