Netherlands Visa

Famous for its windmills, clogs and tulips. The Netherlands ('Holland') is a beautiful place in Europe! Because of the open minded people, the Netherlands has been one of the most progressive countries in the world. You will, without a doubt, feel very welcome in the country with more cheeses than you can possibly imagine.

The country once was a lot bigger with Belgium making up about half of it. Since 1830 the countries got divided, and you'll notice that both countries couldn't be more different. Arrival by air usually sees travelers entering the country through the capital city of Amsterdam. This is a great place to begin, with plenty to see and do, from simply biking along the canals and enjoying the cafes, to sightseeing and gazing at the works of the Old Masters. Some of the main attractions are the Royal Palace, the Van Gogh Museum, the Dutch National Museum, or just outside the city, the Keukenhof, a lovely park which is particularly beautiful during the spring bloom. Although Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, The Hague is home to the Dutch Government and the residence of the Royal Family. Many people find themselves here on business due to the city's large number of international offices. The early 17th C mansion of Mauritshuis is today one the principle tourist attractions, along with the Binnenhof, Grote Kerk, Peace Palace, and the Dutch National Dance Theater. During the summer months the nearby resort community of Scheveningen is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, with a long stretch of beach. Other popular cities in the Netherlands are Rotterdam and Utrecht, showcasing the contrast between old and new. Rotterdam is a vibrant port city with a modern metropolitan atmosphere, while Utrecht features a lovely historic center. In Rotterdam art lovers will want to stop by the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen (Boymans-van Beuningen Museum), one of the best museum's in the Netherlands. Outside of the city, at Kinderdijk, are a number of traditional 18th C windmills, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Utrecht, spend some time wandering through the old town and see the Cathedral of St Martin. For an excursion, visit the town of Doorn, with the former medieval castle of Huis Doorn.

For an escape from the cities there are plenty of areas to relax and enjoy a little nature. The West Frisian Islands along the north and northwest coast are home to long stretches of beautiful sandy beaches and dunes. Large numbers of seabirds also nest or spend the winter in the islands. With its international airport Schiphol and its advanced network of motorways and international high speed train lines, The Netherlands is easy to reach from anywhere in the world. Its small size, welcoming attitude and interesting sights make it a unique and easy to discover destination and a great addition to any European trip!

Places to visit in the Netherlands

1. Amsterdam

Amsterdam (capital city) is one of the most visited cities all over the world. With its beautiful canal ring and impressive architecture it’s sure to amaze. Amsterdam is also the starting point of many tourists as the largest airport of the country, Schiphol Airport, is located here. Explore one of the many museums, take a canal cruise, shop in The Nine Streets, stroll through the Red Light District, enjoy the nightlife or relax in one of the coffee shops. Whatever holiday you like, Amsterdam can deliver!

2. Leiden

Leiden is a picturesque city in the South Holland province and the birthplace of master painter Rembrandt van Rijn. Walk through the historic city center, visit the botanical gardens of Hortus Botanicus, enjoy the city from the canals and visit one of the many museums the city has to offer.

3. Delft

Traditional canals, mind blowing architecture (like the renaissance style City Hall and the ancient churches), Science Center Delft, world famous Delft Blue earthenware. Delft is a city with a rich history and often booked as a day trip from Amsterdam.

4. The Hague

The Hague is the political center of the Netherlands and also important on the global political landscape (International city of peace and justice). A dynamical city with 30 theaters, 45 museums and almost 4000 shops. And let’s not forget the popular beaches in the Kijkduin and Scheveningen districts!

5. Utrecht

Utrecht is the capital city of the province Utrecht (yes province and city have the same name). The city is located in the center of the Netherlands. Small enough to go by foot and discover the medieval inner city but large enough to spend days discovering and enjoying the museums, architecture, shops and festivals.

6. Maastricht

Maastricht is the capital city of the province of Limburg and located on the Meuse river. Enjoy the Burgundian lifestyle in the vibrant inner city and visit one of the culinary highlights. Be sure to taste some ‘Limburgse Vlaai’ (pie).

7. Groningen

Grongingen is the capital city of the province of Groningen. In the north of the Netherlands it is often referred to as ‘Stad’ which just means ‘City’. Groningen is a student city which makes it a vibrant, young and active city.

8. Rotterdam

Rotterdam is a harbor city in the west of the country in the province of South Holland. The city was recently recommended by Rough Guides as one of the must visit cities and ended up on the 10th spot of the 52 places to go of the New York Times. If you’re into photography you don’t want to miss the Erasmusbrug bridge.

9. Gouda

Gouda is most famous for its cheese market, cheese farms and of course Gouda Cheese, a perfect city for a day trip with some really nice city walks available at the local tourism office.

10. Amersfoort

A true historic city with many monuments, little streets and canals that boasts a medieval vibe. Enter through the Koppelpoort gate of the city walls and enjoy art, shopping and the many terraces. There are some beautiful nature reserves in the area as well.

11. Nijmegen

Nijmegen, known as oldest city in the Netherlands, has rich history and is located in the close to some awesome nature to explore. Be sure to take one of the city walks by the guided tours of the VVV office (tourism office) of the city. It’s located close to Germany, so it’s easy to take a side trip over the border.

12. Alkmaar

Alkmaar is known as the cheese city and is famous for its cheese market. The historic city has 399 national heritage sites and 700 municipal monuments. Great for a day trip! And don’t forget that Alkmaar is known as one of the best shopping cities of the Netherlands.

13. Lisse

Lisse is a small place and municipality in South-Holland and home to the world-famous Keukenhof flower park. The Keukenhof attracts over 900.000 visitors each year!

14. Volendam

Volendam is an old fishing village that’s famous for its traditional clothing, music and of course… fish! It’s a beautiful town to walk around and explore and of course have your picture taken while wearing the funny traditional costume. This village is also known for the many Dutch musicians and singers that originate from it.

15. Marken

Also in Marken the traditional costumes are typical for the village. Marken used to be an island but since 1957 it is connected to the mainland through a dike. One of the most famous landmarks is its lighthouse.

16. Zaandam

Zaandam is a city in the province of North Holland and most famous for the Zaanse Schans, a neighborhood located on the eastern banks of the Zaan and an open air attraction that’s visited by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year!

17. Giethoorn

Giethoorn is a village in the north-west of the Overijssel province and lies centrally located in a national park called Weerribben-Wieden. It’s ideal to put up base to explore the area. What’s special about Giethoorn is that you can’t access the town center by car, which is why it is internationally known as the ‘Village without roads’.

18. The Wadden Islands

Relax on one of the 5 islands referred to as the Wadden Islands. Enjoy the beautiful nature, the beaches, the little villages and get the real island feeling. Ideal for hiking, cycling and mudflatwalking! In the summer the island of Terschelling is very popular as a party destination for young folks in Holland.

19. Kinderdijk

Kinderdijk in South Holland is world famous because of its mills. These 19 mills are on the UNESCO World Heritage List and are one of the most important tourist attractions of the Netherlands.