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Travel in the Netherlands: the complete practical guide

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Colourful canal houses on the water in Amsterdam at blue hour
Contents

In short: Amsterdam is a 14-minute train ride from Schiphol airport. Book the most popular museums ahead, especially the Anne Frank House, sold only online. And get out of Amsterdam: Utrecht, Haarlem, the windmills and, in spring, the tulip fields.

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When to go to the Netherlands

  • April and May: tulip season (Keukenhof opens in spring), very popular.
  • Summer: mild and lively, ideal for canals and terraces.
  • Autumn and winter: cool and rainy, but perfect for museums, with fewer crowds.

Entry requirements

The Netherlands is part of the European Union and the Schengen area. EU citizens travel with a valid ID card or passport. Other travellers need a passport and, depending on nationality, a visa; the EES has registered non-EU travellers since April 2026, and the ETIAS authorisation is announced for late 2026.

Arriving in Amsterdam

  • By plane: direct trains link Schiphol to Centraal station in about 14 minutes; contactless payment is accepted at the gates.
  • By train from Paris or Brussels: Amsterdam Centraal is in the heart of the city.

Getting around

  • On foot and by tram: central Amsterdam is compact.
  • By bike: the main way to get around; bike traffic is dense, and pedestrians must not walk on bike lanes.
  • By train: an excellent network for Haarlem, Utrecht, Rotterdam, The Hague or Delft, with contactless payment.

Booking museums

  • The Anne Frank House: tickets only online, released every Tuesday for visits six weeks later.
  • The Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum: entry with a booked time slot.

Money, internet and practicalities

  • Currency: the euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere; some places even refuse cash.
  • Tourist tax: in Amsterdam, 12.5% of the room price (excluding VAT) in 2026.
  • Internet: EU mobile plans usually work at no extra cost. Outside the EU, a travel eSIM is the simplest option.

What to see in the Netherlands

  • Amsterdam: the canals, the Jordaan, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House.
  • Around Amsterdam: the Zaanse Schans windmills, the villages of Volendam and Marken, Haarlem.
  • In spring: Keukenhof and the tulip fields.
  • And also: Utrecht, Rotterdam and its architecture, The Hague, Delft.

Where to stay

Central Amsterdam accommodation is in high demand: book early. Our Amsterdam page presents the best areas for your travel style. Staying in Haarlem or Utrecht, a few minutes away by train, is an alternative.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Schiphol airport to Amsterdam?

Direct trains link the airport to Amsterdam Centraal in about 14 minutes, with very frequent departures. Contactless card payment is accepted at the gates.

How do I get tickets for the Anne Frank House?

Tickets are sold only online, on the official website, with no sales on site. They are released every Tuesday for visits six weeks later and sell out fast.

What is the tourist tax in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam charges a tourist tax of 12.5% of the room price (excluding VAT) in 2026, one of the highest in Europe. It is usually included or shown when booking.

Should I rent a bike in Amsterdam?

It is the main way to get around, but bike traffic is dense and fast. If you are not comfortable, trams and walking are enough for the centre. On foot, never walk on bike lanes.

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