Why visit
The Netherlands is more than Amsterdam. Rotterdam for modern architecture, Utrecht for canals without crowds, the Hoge Veluwe for nature, and tulip fields April–May.
Country · Europe
Netherlands
cityculturefoodhistory
At a glance
Location
52.5°, 5.8°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
41,850 km²
16,158 mi²
Country population
17.6 million
421/km²
Subregion
Western Europe
Currency
Euro (€)
EUR
Dial
+31
Language
Dutch
Demonym
Dutch
Internet
.nl
UN
Member state
ISO code
NL / NLD
Where in the world
52.5° · 5.8°
Netherlands
Open in Google Maps ↗
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world · CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- The Netherlands has more bicycles than people (22M vs 17M).
- About 26% of the country is below sea level: protected by dikes and dunes.
- Amsterdam has more canals than Venice (165 vs ~150) and more bridges (1,281 vs 400).
- Dutch is the only language in which "y" is usually replaced by "ij": a ligature treated as a single letter.
Bordering Netherlands
Traveler notes
- Cycling is the default transport; rent for the whole trip
- Schengen visa
- Keukenhof tulip gardens open late-March to mid-May
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Amsterdam, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Signature travel cities in Netherlands
Rotterdam
Rotterdam was leveled in WWII and rebuilt as a modern-architecture showcase. Cube Houses, Erasmus Bridge, Markthal, and an ever-shifting skyline.
Utrecht
Utrecht is Amsterdam 30 minutes south, without the crowds. Oudegracht canals with wharf-level cafés, Dom Tower, and a more Dutch-feeling old center.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Netherlands
What is the capital of Netherlands?
Amsterdam is the capital of Netherlands.
What currency does Netherlands use?
Netherlands uses the Euro (€), ISO code EUR.
What languages are spoken in Netherlands?
The primary language is Dutch.
Is Netherlands landlocked?
No, Netherlands has a coastline.
What countries border Netherlands?
Netherlands borders Belgium, Germany.
What is the international calling code for Netherlands?
The calling code is +31.
When is the best time to visit Netherlands?
Apr–Sep. Check current weather and local events before booking.
Other Europe destinations
Estonia
Estonia is a destination in Europe known for its cultural identity: local traditions, music, crafts, and a distinctive regional character that differs from its neighbors.
Finland
Finland is a destination in Europe where the landscape is the point. National parks, coastlines, forests, or mountain travel anchor most itineraries.
France
France is the most-visited country on earth for good reason. Paris's museums, Loire châteaux, Provence lavender, Alpine skiing, Normandy beaches, and the Riviera, all linked by the TGV.
Germany
Germany mixes Berlin's history and counter-culture, Bavaria's Alps and beer halls, the Rhine Valley's castles, and Hamburg's harbor. ICE trains link everything.
Greece
Greece pairs Athens's Acropolis with island-hopping. Santorini's caldera, Crete's gorges, Mykonos nightlife, Naxos beaches, and Corfu's Ionian green.
Hungary
Hungary is Budapest's Danube panorama, thermal baths, ruin bars, and the most underrated food scene in Central Europe. Countryside wine regions add a Tokaj detour.