Destination guide

There's more to the Netherlands than the cliches

There's more beyond the cliched image of old windmills, tulip-strewn fields and wood-clog wearing locals. This is a country with a long and fascinating history, where the past and present intertwine through the art, architecture and culture. The pretty canal-laden capital Amsterdam is home to a treasure trove of museums and art galleries, which highlight works from the masters of the 17th-century Dutch Golden Age through to contemporary works. Outside the cities, there's a beautiful, albeit flat, landscape best explored on the back of a bicycle and interesting wildlife to spot, particularly for birdwatchers.

Things to do

Amsterdam's a good place to start in Netherlands

If you're a Netherlands newbie, the capital is undoubtedly the best place to start and with more galleries that you can shake your paintbrush at, this is ground zero for art lovers. One of the biggest art repositories is the ever-popular Rijksmuseum, which houses a vast collection within its early 19th-century walls. Afterwards, you should make a beeline for the Van Gogh Museum, which is home to 100s of paintings, drawings and letters from the celebrated Dutch master or the Rembrandt House Museum. The Anne Frank Museum serves as a fascinating look into Jewish lives during WWII and a poignant reminder of the horrors of war.

Activities

Cycling, cycling and more cycling in Netherlands

Outside the cities, there's a long list of outdoor adventures to be had on this pancake-flat country. However, you couldn't truly say you've been to the Netherlands unless you've seen it on the back of 2 wheels. Cycling has always been an important part of Dutch life, with more than a quarter of journeys made on the saddle. It matters little if you're staying in a city-based or countryside Netherlands vacation rental, the 32,000 kilometers of biking pathways that criss-cross the nation just beg to be ridden. Ditch the car and hop on your bicycle to see the Netherlands at its best.

Weather

No season disappoints in the Netherlands

The weather is very much dependent on where you go. The summertime peak season sees the biggest numbers of travelers bagging Netherlands vacation rentals, both in the capital and beyond. While it's true that the driest and sunniest weather is between June and August, you shouldn't discount the rest of the year. Both spring and fall see cooler and, arguably, more agreeable climes and with fewer travelers to contend with, the queues for attractions are considerably shorter, as are the numbers cycling or walking along the country trails. You'll also likely pick up a steal on Netherlands vacation rentals around this time.

Natural features

Beyond the cities, wildlife thrives in Netherlands

While the Netherlands may be one of Earth's flattest countries, the wildlife is anything but. However, bar the odd city critter, you're not going to find much in the cities, but amongst the marshy forests, grasslands and national parks there are actually rather a lot. In certain areas there are some thriving beaver populations and in the valleys of Hoge Veluwe National Park you'll likely spot wild boar and red deer. Some of the country's last remaining black grouse live in the Sallandse Heuvelrug National Park, while woodpeckers are quite at home in the Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park.

Can I find a vacation rental around Netherlands?

Yes, our 2019 property listings offer a large selection of 12,350 vacation rentals near Netherlands. From 6,022 Houses to 1,168 Bungalows, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Netherlands for a holiday or a weekend are on HomeAway.

What are the most popular destinations to visit in Netherlands?

There are many lovely places to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Netherlands. From HomeAway travelers, the most popular destinations to visit are:

  • Amsterdam: 1,784 vacation rentals
  • Amsterdam-Centrum: 634 vacation rentals
  • Rotterdam: 232 vacation rentals
  • Hague: 292 vacation rentals
  • Jordaan: 485 vacation rentals

And HomeAway offers you the chance to discover many other popular destinations in Netherlands! Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available in other popular destinations.

What are the main cities to discover in Netherlands?

Whether you're traveling with family or friends, here are the cities with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Netherlands:

  • Amsterdam: 1,784 rentals
  • Rotterdam: 232 rentals
  • Hague: 292 rentals
  • Utrecht: 2,271 rentals
  • Sint Maarten: 1,200 rentals

For other cities, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

Can I find easy-access vacation rentals when traveling by plane to Netherlands?

Yes of course. Our owners offer a large selection of vacation rentals near airports. The airports with a large selection of vacation rentals in Netherlands are:

  • Schiphol Airport (AMS): 2,500 vacation rentals
  • Breda (GLZ-Gilze-Rijen Air Base): 356 vacation rentals
  • Arnhem (QAR-Arnhem Bus Station): 1,332 vacation rentals

For other airports, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

Near which points of interest can I spend my holidays in Netherlands?

HomeAway offers a large selection of rentals near lovely places in Netherlands. From HomeAway travelers, the most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:

  • Amsterdam Central Station: 2,221 rentals
  • Amsterdam Museum: 2,448 rentals
  • Leiden Central Station: 1,307 rentals
  • Keukenhof Gardens: 2,390 rentals
  • Haarlem Station: 2,897 rentals

But there are many other points of interest around Netherlands listed on HomeAway where you can find your place to stay. Just write your wanted destination in our search bar and have a look at our selection.

Explore destinations around Netherlands

Amsterdam
1,784 vacation rentals
Rotterdam
232 vacation rentals
Hague
292 vacation rentals
Utrecht
2,271 vacation rentals
Sint Maarten
1,200 vacation rentals
De Pijp
317 vacation rentals
Giethoorn
222 vacation rentals
Nederland
238 vacation rentals
Zaandam
1,502 vacation rentals
Alkmaar
1,141 vacation rentals
Hoorn
274 vacation rentals
Volendam
276 vacation rentals
Municipality of Maastricht
696 vacation rentals
IJmuiden
685 vacation rentals
Bloemendaal
851 vacation rentals
Egmond aan Zee
918 vacation rentals
Noordwijkerhout
933 vacation rentals
Bergen
1,058 vacation rentals
Hoofddorp
2,079 vacation rentals
Schoorl
1,111 vacation rentals