The Netherlands is a tiny country with a big heart, perfect for a two-week adventure filled with culture and nature. You’ll find everything from bustling cities to peaceful landscapes, all within easy reach. This itinerary is designed to help you dive into Dutch life, including charming towns, local festivals, and a few surprises along the way. Grab your bike, and let’s go!
Week one: Urban exploration and cultural immersion
Start your journey in Amsterdam, the capital city that never sleeps—or at least, never sleeps sober. Spend three days here soaking up the art, history, and coffee shops. Don’t forget your camera; the canals are Instagram gold.
- Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam - Morning: Land at Schiphol Airport, take the train to Amsterdam Central Station (20 minutes). Check into your hotel. Afternoon: Visit the Anne Frank House (book tickets in advance to avoid the line). Evening: Stroll through the Jordaan neighborhood and grab dinner at a local café.
- Day 2: Museums and markets - Morning: Head to the Rijksmuseum to gaze at Rembrandt’s masterpieces. Afternoon: Explore the Van Gogh Museum. Grab lunch at the Museumplein food trucks. Evening: Visit the famous Albert Cuyp Market for a stroopwafel (it’s not just a snack; it’s a way of life).
- Day 3: A taste of local life - Morning: Bike through Vondelpark. Rent a bike—you’ll see more and fit in like a local. Afternoon: Visit the Heineken Experience for a tour and tasting (you'll need to hydrate). Evening: Check out the nightlife in the Leidseplein area.
On day four, hop on a train to Utrecht (30 minutes). This city is like Amsterdam's slightly less touristy cousin, and it has a charm all its own.
- Day 4: Discover Utrecht - Morning: Visit the Dom Tower for a panoramic view. Climb those 465 steps; your calves will thank you later. Afternoon: Explore the canals and have lunch at a café along the water. Evening: Catch a show at the TivoliVredenburg music venue.
- Day 5: Day trip to Haarlem - Morning: Take a 15-minute train ride to Haarlem. Visit the Frans Hals Museum. Afternoon: Explore the historic streets and visit the Teylers Museum. Evening: Dinner at a traditional Dutch restaurant.
- Day 6: Windmills and tulips - Morning: Rent a bike and head to the Keukenhof Gardens (during tulip season) or Zaanse Schans to see windmills. Afternoon: Enjoy a packed lunch by the windmills. Evening: Return to Amsterdam for a leisurely evening stroll.
Wrap up your week with a visit to The Hague (50 minutes by train). This city is not just for politics; it has some serious cultural offerings.
- Day 7: The Hague - Morning: Visit the Mauritshuis to see Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring.” Afternoon: Explore the seaside at Scheveningen Beach. Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant.
Week two: Nature and hidden gems
Week two focuses on the quieter side of the Netherlands. Start with a trip to the picturesque town of Giethoorn (1.5 hours by train and bus). No cars allowed here, just boats and bikes. So, leave your road rage behind!
- Day 8: Giethoorn - Morning: Rent a “whisper boat” and glide through the canals. Afternoon: Explore the village on foot. Visit the Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus. Evening: Enjoy dinner in a cozy restaurant overlooking the water.
- Day 9: Zwolle - Morning: Head to Zwolle (30 minutes by bus). Visit the Museum de Fundatie. Afternoon: Wander around the historic center and sample local delicacies. Evening: Try the famous Zwolle mustard soup.
- Day 10: Nationaal Park Weerribben-Wieden - Morning: Rent a bike and explore the national park. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including beavers. Afternoon: Pack a picnic and enjoy it by the water. Evening: Return to Giethoorn for the night.
On day 11, travel to the Veluwe region (2 hours by train and bus). Known for its beautiful landscapes and wildlife, it's perfect for getting back to nature.
- Day 11: Veluwe - Morning: Visit the Kröller-Müller Museum, home to a fantastic collection of Van Gogh. Afternoon: Explore the Hoge Veluwe National Park on foot or by bike. Evening: Camp under the stars or find a cozy B&B.
- Day 12: Arnhem - Morning: Travel to Arnhem (30 minutes). Visit the Open Air Museum. Afternoon: Learn about WWII at the Airborne Museum. Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local pannenkoekenhuis (pancake house).
For the final stretch, head to Rotterdam (1 hour by train). This city is all about modern architecture and innovation, plus it’s a great place to get lost—figuratively, of course.
- Day 13: Rotterdam - Morning: Visit the Markthal for breakfast. You’ll never look at a food hall the same way again. Afternoon: Check out the Cube Houses and take a stroll by the harbor. Evening: Enjoy dinner at a trendy rooftop restaurant.
- Day 14: Back to Amsterdam - Morning: Return to Amsterdam (40 minutes by train). Spend your last hours shopping for souvenirs. Afternoon: Take a final walk along the canals. Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a canal-side restaurant.
With two weeks in the Netherlands, you’ll have seen enough windmills and canals to fill your Instagram feed for the year. Each town and city offers unique experiences, so by the end, you might just feel like a local. Get ready to pack your bags and say, “Tot ziens!” because the Netherlands is waiting for you. Who knew a flat country could have so much to offer? Time to start planning your next adventure!
