Netherlands Itinerary

Considering heading to the Netherlands but not sure where to visit, and how to configure your itinerary? Read on for a suggested 7-day Netherlands itinerary to kickstart your vacation plans, along with a rewarding way to combine a trio of destinations (The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany) during a single diversely rewarding trip. 

Recommended itineraries for The Netherlands

Netherlands itinerary 7 days

Ideal for first-timers, this balanced Netherlands itinerary blends cities, culture and canals with the countryside snd coast, adding up to a rewardingly well-rounded experience that includes many of the best things to do in the Netherlands.

Day 1: Arrive in Amsterdam, soak up the city on a cruise

Your adventure begins in Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands. 

After checking into your accommodation (you’ll find tips in our guide to the best area to stay in Amsterdam), head out to hit the canal belt, visit Dam Square, and explore the Jordaan neighborhood, which is loaded with local shops and cafés.

Come dusk, take a sunset canal cruise — the perfect way to round off your first night in the city, and to get your bearings.

Day 2: Explore Amsterdam’s museums and parks

Day 2 is devoted to discovering some of Amsterdam’s top museums, among them the Rijksmuseum (home to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh), and the Van Gogh Museum. 

If you want to visit Anne Frank House, be sure to book in advance.

Traveling to the Netherlands with kids? Consider including NEMO Science Museum in your itinerary. This innovative interactive space invites kids to learn through playful science experiments.

Come the afternoon, relax in Vondelpark or enjoy pancakes at a waterside café. 

Day 3: Day trip to Zaanse Schans or Utrecht

Depending on your interests, we’ve suggested two day-trip options for day three. Firstly, a visit to Zaanse Schans — a charming open-air museum village located just 30 minutes from Amsterdam.

From Zaandijk Zaanse Schans station, walk ten minutes to reach the site, where working windmills and cute wooden houses showcase traditional Dutch life. You can also watch cheese-making demos and clog workshops, and stroll scenic paths in nature.

Alternatively, take 30-40-minute train to Utrecht — a charming Dutch city that’s known for its canals, historic architecture, and lively youthful vibe. 

With their unique sunken wharves and cafés, Utrecht’s canals invite relaxed sightseeing, with the beautiful Dom Tower — the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, no less — another must-see sight around these parts.

Traveling to the Netherlands with younger kids? Consider visiting Utrecht’s Miffy Museum, which boasts interactive rooms themed around the beloved children's book bunny. 

Day 4: Travel to Giethoorn — Venice of the North

Often called the “Venice of the North”, Giethoorn is a peaceful, car-free village of (you guessed it!) charming canals, thatched-roof cottages, and wooden bridges. 

It’s also your home for a one-night stay on day four of this itinerary.

To get here, take a train from Amsterdam Centraal to Steenwijk (around 2 hours, with one change at Zwolle), then take bus 70 to Giethoorn village (about 20 minutes).

On arrival, take your pick from renting a whisper boat or kayak, or joining a canal cruise to glide the scenic waterways. 

Alternatively, you could walk or cycle the paths that wind through the village, with the nearby Weerribben-Wieden National Park offering excellent birdwatching.

Day 5: Head to The Hague for culture on the coast

On day five, it’s time to head to the Hague (2 hours). A fun first stop is to visit the Madurodam to see the Netherlands in miniature before exploring the Hague’s historic heart.

Into art? Don’t miss the visiting the Mauritshuis Museum to see masterpieces like Girl with a Pearl Earring ahead of stopping to snack on pancakes or broodjes (sandwiches).

We also recommend check out Binnenhof, the waterside Dutch parliamentary complex, and Noordeinde Palace.

Come the afternoon, relax around Scheveningen — the Hague’s seaside district. Here you can hit the beach and ride the SkyView Ferris wheel ahead of enjoying seafood at a beachside restaurant.

Day 6: Day trip to Delft or Rotterdam

On day 6, take your pick from a couple of easy day trips. First up, you could devote the day to exploring Delft, which is known for its blue pottery, historic canals and Vermeer heritage. 

Alternatively, head to Rotterdam for a more modern city experience. From enjoying a river cruise through Europe’s largest port, to taking in innovative architecture, outdoor art, and enjoying its creative night-life scene, there are plenty of reasons to visit the Netherland’s second city.

Day 7: Return to Amsterdam ready to depart

On day 7, it’s time to travel back to Amsterdam ready for your homeward flight. If you have time, make a stop at Bloemenmarkt (the floating flower market), or enjoy brunch in a canal-side café. 

Combined itineraries

Thanks to its central location and excellent rail links, the Netherlands is ideal for a multi-country European trip. 

For example, on a 2-week itinerary, you can easily combine visiting the Netherlands with Belgium (think medieval towns, waffles, chocolate, and history), Germany (for castles, culture, and impressive cities), France (Paris is just 3.5 hours from Amsterdam by high-speed train), and Switzerland.

The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany: 10-day itinerary

This suggested 2-week itinerary covering the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany follows the above Netherlands itinerary for the first three days, before moving to Belgium. Read on for day-by-day detail.

Day 1: Arrive in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Explore the canal belt, Dam Square, and Jordaan before rounding off your day with a scenic evening canal cruise.

Day 2: Explore Amsterdam’s museums and markets

Don’t miss the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. When you need a break, hit Albert Cuyp Market and picnic in Vondelpark.

Day 3: Day trip to Zaanse Schans or Utrecht

Take your pick from enjoying traditional Dutch life at the scenic immersive Zaanse Schans, or else explore Utrecht’s charming canals and adorable Miffy Museum.

Day 4: Train to Brussels, Belgium 

It takes just two hours to travel by train from Amsterdam to Brussels, capital of Belgium. After arriving, check into your accommodation (after checking out the best area to stay in Brussels), and head out to see the city’s top sights, starting at the Grand Place.

One of Europe’s most beautiful squares, this sure lives up to its name. Sitting in a maze of cobbled lanes in the heart of the Lower Town, the Gothic glory of the Hôtel de Ville is something else.

Don’t miss the legendary Manneken Pis statue, and be sure to make a stop for waffles and frites.

Into art? Visit the Magritte Museum to see stacks of surrealist masterpieces, with the Royal Museums of Fine Arts showcasing classical and modern works. 

Day 5: Day Trip to Bruges, Belgium

Day 5 will see you enjoy a rewarding day trip to Bruges. Hop on a direct train from Brussels Central Station and you’ll be enjoying its charms in under an hour.

Start out in the city’s fairy-tale-esque historic center, which happens to have esteemed UNESCO World Heritage Site status.  If you have a head for heights climb the Belfry on Markt Square for sweeping views, or else visit the beautiful Basilica of the Holy Blood. 

Ahead of lunch, take relaxing canal boat tour before tucking into waffles or fries in a local café. 

Into art and creative endeavours? Check out the Groeningemuseum, and be sure to visit a few local lace and artisanal chocolate shops before taking an evening train back to Brussels.

Day 6: Explore Ghent, Belgium

Another change in scenery is in store on day six, when you’ll enjoy a day trip to Ghent in Flanders.

Just a 30–40-minute train ride from Brussels Central Station, Ghent is less touristy than Bruges, and offers a rich mix of history, canals and culture. 

Start out at Gravensteen Castle — a medieval fortress of towers and dungeons — and be sure to stroll the picturesque Graslei and Korenlei waterfronts, which are lined with adorable historic guild houses.

Meanwhile, art lovers will want to head to St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see the Mystic Lamb painting. 

Come the afternoon, wander through Ghent’s cobbled streets to shop for chocolates or lace before returning to Brussels.

Day 7: Train to Cologne, Germany 

Day 7 will see you switch countries to Cologne in Germany. Wondering why we’ve included it? Well, there are plenty of reasons Cologne could be Germany’s coolest city!

To get here, take a high-speed train (around 1 hour and 50 minutes) to Cologne Hauptbahnhof, which happens to be located right near the city’s most iconic landmark — the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom). 

Meander the Altstadt (a bedazzlement of bright cobbled lanes), stroll the riverside promenade, visit the Ludwig Museum for modern art, while  the Roman-Germanic Museum showcasing ancient artefacts. 

Then, round off your day with a glass of Kölsch beer in a traditional brewhouse — setting the tone well for the last leg of this multi-country itinerary. 

Day 8: Travel to Munich, Germany

On day 8, take a train to Munich, capital of Bavaria. It takes 3.5-4 hours, so the earlier you leave, the more time you’ll have to explore Munich that very same day. 

Depending on your interests, either spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Nymphenburg Palace, or else the visit the interactive Deutsches Museum.

Whatever you decide to do, be sure dine in a local beer hall that evening. The legendary Hofbräuhaus is popular for very good reason.

Day 9: Day trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

Day 10: Depart Munich

After enjoying a relaxed morning in Munich (maybe doing some last minute shopping), head to the airport for your homeward flight.

How to plan your travel itinerary for The Netherlands

How many days do you need in The Netherlands?

As revealed above, it’s perfectly possible to enjoy a rich range of the Netherlands in only a week. 

If you have more time, you could spend longer discovering Amsterdam, Utrecht, Rotterdam and the coast, or consider a trip more focussed on outdoor activities.

For example, you could go on guided wadlopen (mudflat) walks in the between the north coast and Frisian islands of the Wadden Sea, or enjoy a boat-based vacation on the lakes and waterways of Friesland.

In addition — also as shown above — longer timeframes invite travelers to see more of Europe on immersive multi-country vacations, with efficient, frequent train services connecting stacks of cities. 

Best places to add to your trip

From vibrant history-rich cities and cute villages, to islands and coastal gems, here’s an overview of some of the best places to visit in the Netherlands. 

• Amsterdam: famous for its canals, museums, and unique architecture, the vibrant capital of the Netherlands is ideal for city breaks, history and nightlife.
• The Hague (Den Haag): the political heart of the Netherlands is home to grand palaces, with Scheveningen Beach offering a fun seaside break.
• Utrecht: less touristy than Amsterdam, this lively, student-filled canal-side city is loaded with charm.
• Rotterdam: known for its bold, modern architecture, thriving arts scene and for having Europe’s busiest port.
• Keukenhof: visit in spring to see fields of blooming tulips in the glorious Keukenhof Gardens, best visited between mid-March and mid-May.
• Giethoorn: a peaceful, car-free village of thatched cottages. Its scenic boat tours are a joy.
• Texel, Wadden Islands: this nature-rich island is perfect for cycling, beaches, wildlife spotting, and family-friendly adventure.
• Kinderdijk: boasting 19 iconic windmills, this UNESCO-listed site is ideal for exploring by bike or boat.

When's the best time to visit The Netherlands?

Do you need a visa to enter The Netherlands?

Travelers from many nations don’t need a visa to enter the Netherlands for tourism purposes.

For example, US citizens can enter the Netherlands for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Entry is allowed for tourism, business or transit. 

Just check your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure.

Also note that from mid-2025, UK and US citizens (and lots of other nations, for that matter) will need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorisation before entering any Schengen country, including the Netherlands. This is a simple online pre-screening process, rather than a visa.

As always, check the latest requirements with your country’s foreign office, or the official Dutch immigration website before traveling

Inspired by these suggested Netherlands itineraries? Contact our local Netherlands travel experts to have them curate your perfect vacation for any duration.