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the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a country of beautiful cities, historic canals, and easy adventures. While Amsterdam is the obvious starting point, there’s so much more to explore — from the bold architecture of Rotterdam to storybook towns like Haarlem and Gouda.

It’s a great pick for families who enjoy walkable cities, museums that are actually fun for kids, and the kind of travel where everything feels close together.

Whether you’re watching windmills turn at Zaanse Schans, hopping between cities by train, or biking through a quiet park, the Netherlands is full of simple, memorable moments that make for a great family trip.

A thatched-roof windmill with bright orange blades towers over two children standing near its base. Surrounded by green trim and bushes, the windmill stands out vividly against the clear sky.
Zaanse Schans
Tilted yellow cube-shaped houses with slanted roofs and geometric windows, set against a bright blue sky. The bold modern architecture stands out with angular lines and contrasting materials.
Cube Houses in Rotterdam

Language

The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, but English is widely spoken throughout the country.
Some common phrases are:
Here are a few useful phrases to know:
Hello – Hallo (HAH-loh)
Thank you – Dank je (DANK yuh)
Please – Alsjeblieft (AHL-sheh-bleeft)
Do you speak English? – Spreekt u Engels? (SPRAYKT oo EN-ghuls?)

currency

The Netherlands uses the Euro (EUR, €) as its official currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry a bit of cash, especially for smaller shops or local markets.

Best Time to Visit

Spring is popular for tulip season, while summer offers long days and lots of outdoor events.
We visited in September, and it was perfect, with thinner crowds and mild weather.
In winter, cities like Amsterdam take on a cozy feel — and if you’re visiting between late November and January, the Amsterdam Light Festival is worth seeing, with creative light installations displayed along the canals.

A charming brick canal bridge in Amsterdam covered with parked bikes and flower baskets under sunny skies. A red bike adorned with white flowers leans against the rail near a tree-lined street with classic brick houses.
At a glance

Our experience in the Netherlands

The Netherlands instantly won us over. It’s easy to travel, full of charm, and incredibly family‑friendly. Everywhere we went, there were canals to wander, playgrounds to stumble across, and plenty of chances to slow down and enjoy the day.

We loved walking along the canals in Amsterdam, checking out the cool architecture in Rotterdam, and exploring Den Haag — a city known for international peace, but also surprisingly fun for kids. Smaller towns like Haarlem had a more local feel and were perfect for exploring at our own pace.

Some spots can feel a bit touristy, but they’re still worth visiting. Seeing the windmills in action at Zaanse Schans was incredibly cools, and learning how they actually worked made it even more memorable. Gouda was the same: known for its cheese and busy market, but with plenty of other things to see and do once you step beyond the main square.

It’s the kind of place that feels easy but still full of discovery — and we’re already planning what to do next time.

  • Transportation Tip: The Netherlands is one of the easiest countries in Europe to explore by train. The network is fast, reliable, and connects cities, towns, and even some smaller attractions. We got around entirely by train and tram, and it made getting from place to place simple and stress-free.
    If you’re hoping to visit castles or more off-the-beaten-path spots, having a car could be useful — but for most trips, public transit is all you’ll need. If you do decide to rent a car for part of your trip, we recommend booking through Discover Cars for a smooth experience.

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