North Holland · 28 Places · Best April-May (tulip season), September
North Holland is the most visited province in the Netherlands, home to the vibrant capital Amsterdam, historic Haarlem, and the iconic cheese markets of Alkmaar. The region blends world-class museums, golden tulip fields, windmills, and pristine North Sea beaches into an unforgettable travel destination.
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.
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The 28 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
The Netherlands' most important museum and one of the greatest art museums in the world. Home to over 8,000 objects on display including masterpieces by Rembrandt (The Night Watch), Vermeer (The Milkmaid), and Jan Steen. The vast 19th-century building was designed by Pierre Cuypers and reopened after a decade-long renovation in 2013.
The world's largest collection of Van Gogh's work, with more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters by the artist. Housed in a building designed by Gerrit Rietveld (1973) on Amsterdam's Museumplein, with an annexe by Kisho Kurokawa. Traces Van Gogh's entire artistic development from dark Dutch realism to vivid Provençal colour.
The secret annex where Anne Frank hid with her family for two years during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. After the war, Anne's father Otto published her diary, which became one of the world's most-read books. The house on the Prinsengracht canal is now one of the most visited and moving museums in the world.
A beautifully preserved open-air museum village on the banks of the Zaan River in Zaandam. Features six working windmills, traditional green-painted wooden houses, artisan workshops (clog-making, cheese, chocolate), and a windmill museum. The site was assembled from the 1960s onwards to preserve the region's 18th-century character.
The world's largest flower garden, open only during spring (late March to mid-May), covering 32 hectares near Lisse on the southern edge of North Holland. Over 7 million bulbs are planted annually, creating an extraordinary tapestry of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and other spring flowers. One of the most visited gardens in the world.
Amsterdam's premier contemporary and modern art museum, with one of the world's finest collections of 20th and 21st-century art and design. The collection spans Mondrian, Malevich, Cézanne, Matisse, Picasso, Jeff Koons, and Marlene Dumas. The striking 'bathtub' extension opened in 2012.
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
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 Booking.comAmsterdam'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 Booking.comA 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 Booking.comTwenty-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 Booking.comCafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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 Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Netherlands.
Watch for pickpockets in Amsterdam tourist areas
Be aware of cyclists when walking
Always lock bicycles with two locks
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.
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.
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.
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.
