Rijksmuseum
World-class art museum with Dutch Masters including Rembrandt and Vermeer
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About North Holland
North Holland stretches from the bustling streets of Amsterdam to the peaceful polders and North Sea coast. The province is home to the Keukenhof tulip gardens, the Zaan windmills at Zaanse Schans, and charming historic towns like Volendam, Edam, and Hoorn. Its extensive canal network, cycling paths, and world-class cultural institutions make it one of Europe's most diverse travel destinations.
- Capital
- Haarlem
- Largest city
- Amsterdam
- Population
- 2.9 million
- Languages
- Dutch, English widely spoken
- Currency
- Euro
- Time zone
- Europe/Amsterdam (CET/CEST)
Explore North Holland by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in North Holland
The 5 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Keukenhof Gardens
World's largest flower garden, open spring only (late March–mid May)
Zaanse Schans
Open-air museum with working windmills, wooden houses and artisan workshops
Anne Frank House
The hiding place of Anne Frank during WWII, now a moving museum
Alkmaar Cheese Market
Traditional Friday cheese market April–September, a centuries-old tradition
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day North Holland Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in North Holland, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic North Holland
- Days 1-2North Holland city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate North Holland
- Days 1-3North Holland comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to North Holland, departure
Where to stay in North Holland
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget €60
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range €150
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury €400+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Six meticulously restored 17th-century canal houses on Amsterdam's most prestigious 'Golden Bend' Herengracht combine to form this ultra-luxury Waldorf Astoria. Stunning interiors blend original Dutch Golden Age architecture with contemporary luxury. Features the Michelin-starred Spectrum restaurant, La Vie spa, and a canal-side terrace.
Check rates on waldorfastoria.comHotel De L'Europe Amsterdam
Amsterdam's grande dame, opened in 1896, occupying a prime corner position where the Amstel River meets the Kloveniersburgwal. The belle époque building has been a city landmark for over a century. Features Bord'Eau restaurant (Michelin star), a spa, and an indoor pool. Rooms overlook the Amstel River.
Check rates on deleurope.comConservatorium Hotel Amsterdam
A stunning conversion of Amsterdam's 1884 Conservatorium of Music into a contemporary luxury hotel by Milanese architect Piero Lissoni. The dramatic glass-roofed atrium is the centrepiece of the building. Located steps from Museumplein, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum.
Check rates on conservatoriumhotel.comPulitzer Amsterdam
Twenty-five beautifully restored 17th and 18th-century canal houses on the Prinsengracht have been linked together to create this distinctive luxury hotel. Each house retains its individual character while offering modern comforts. The hotel has its own canal boat and is centrally located in the Jordaan.
Check rates on pulitzeramsterdam.comWhere to eat in North Holland
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Ciel Bleu
Two Michelin-star restaurant on the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura with breathtaking panoramic views of Amsterdam. Chef Arjan Speelman creates extraordinarily refined contemporary Dutch cuisine with classical French technique, using the finest seasonal Dutch ingredients. One of the Netherlands' most celebrated restaurants.
De Kas
A celebrated farm-to-table restaurant housed in a stunning 1926 municipal greenhouse in Amsterdam's Frankendael Park. Chef Bas Wiegel grows herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers on-site and on the nearby farm in Beemster, creating a daily-changing menu that reflects whatever is at peak ripeness. A singular Amsterdam experience.
Rijks Restaurant
One Michelin-star restaurant inside the Rijksmuseum, with a menu that uses Dutch culinary traditions as a starting point for beautifully crafted contemporary dishes. The elegant space looks out into the museum's garden courtyard. An exceptional lunch before or after visiting the museum's collections.
Restaurant Vermeer
Two Michelin-star restaurant in the NH Collection Barbizon Palace hotel near Centraal Station. Chef Chris Naylor creates outstanding contemporary Dutch tasting menus with exceptional attention to detail. The intimate dining room has a historic feel with exposed timber beams and antique Dutch paintings.
Moshik
The flagship restaurant of Israeli-Dutch chef Moshik Roth, with two Michelin stars. A creative, artistic tasting experience that blends bold flavours with precise technique. The minimalist space in De Pijp neighbourhood lets the food speak for itself.
BREDA
A relaxed fine-dining restaurant on the Singel canal with a rotating seasonal menu of contemporary Dutch cuisine. The open kitchen creates a convivial atmosphere. Known for its exceptional Dutch cheese board and its commitment to local and sustainable sourcing.
Getting around North Holland
North Holland has one of the world's finest public transport networks. Amsterdam's GVB tram and metro system, combined with the national NS rail network, makes every major destination in the province accessible without a car. The province is also famous for its cycling infrastructure — thousands of kilometres of dedicated cycle paths link cities, villages, and nature reserves.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25 | €90 | €250 |
| Food (per day) | €15 | €35 | €100 |
| Transportation | €10 | €15 | €30 |
| Activities | €10 | €20 | €50 |
| Daily total | €60 | €150 | €400+ |
Best time to visit North Holland
Essential travel tips
- Buy an OV-chipkaart for public transit
- Book museums well in advance online
- Rent a bike to explore like a local
- Visit Keukenhof only in spring (late March–mid May)
Safety information
Watch for pickpockets in Amsterdam tourist areas
Be aware of cyclists when walking
Always lock bicycles with two locks
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit North Holland?
Entry requirements follow Netherlands/Schengen rules. EU/EEA citizens enter with ID card; most others need a Schengen visa or ETIAS (from 2025) for stays up to 90 days. Requirements vary by nationality, so check with your nearest embassy or the official immigration website before traveling.
What currency is used in North Holland?
The currency in North Holland is the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but carry cash for markets and smaller establishments.
What language is spoken in North Holland?
The main language(s) spoken in North Holland: Dutch, English widely spoken. In tourist areas, English is generally understood. Learning a few basic phrases in the local language is appreciated by locals.