How Long to Stay in Holland

Although people often associate Holland with museums and canals, the country is more than just that. The windmills and wooden houses of Zaanse Schans hark back to the past, while a riot of colors welcomes visitors in Keukenhof, the famous tulip garden, in the months of April and May. Discover a variety of landscapes in Hoge Veluwe National Park and take in the medieval architecture of Delft’s old town on your Holland itinerary. Then sail down the quiet canals of Amsterdam, taking in the sights and sounds of the city famous for its artistic heritage, before catching your flight home.

The Netherlands is one of Western Europe’s smaller-sized countries, but this works in favor of many travelers. It’s a fantastic destination if you only have a few days to spare, and yes, crossing countries in this timeframe is totally doable, too. Pick a base, then enjoy plenty of day trips — with just 4 days in the Netherlands, you don’t want to spend most of your time on the roads/water. Amsterdam is popular for this, venturing to nearby cities like Volendam and Edam, where Dutch traditions are tenfold. Explore scenic Windmill Villages, experience Holland’s famous canals and museums where Dutch Masters shine, or even discover a part of Germany. 

The whole of the Netherlands could fit into New York nearly three times. Yet, despite its small size, a 5-day trip to the Netherlands packs a lot of punch. Five days is just enough to soak its capital, Amsterdam and nearby villages and attractions. But if five days is all you’ve got, you can still hit all the major highlights and cities in the Netherlands and make the most out of the duration. Making Amsterdam your base, you can discover multiple cities, towns and villages—checking out at least two in one day. Cruise the Dam’s canals, sightsee windmill museums and fields of tulips. With 5 days in the Netherlands, you can also touch down in Belgium for Belgian waffles or Germany. 

Thanks to its flat landscapes and small size, traveling across the Netherlands is easily doable in a relatively short time. With just one week in the Netherlands, it is possible to cover its main highlights and get an overview of this Low Country. A couple of days’ stay in Amsterdam allows you to explore the iconic city and take day trips to nearby destinations such as Haarlem, Rotterdam and Zaanse Schans. Meanwhile, the Netherland’s extensive waterways and cycle routes offer epic river cruises and cycling tours. From exploring colorful flower villages like Aalsmeer to learning how to make traditional Dutch cheese in Gouda, from admiring the medieval streets and gabled houses of Haarlem to appreciating the artworks of Vincent Van Gogh in Amsterdam, you can pack in a lot of tours and activities into your 7-day Netherlands trip.

If you have 6 days in the Netherlands, you can visit major cities like Rotterdam and Utrecht, or smaller ones like pretty Bronkhorst. You can also cycle through stunning national parks, go hiking, or laze about on the beach (the seaside town of Zandvoort is just 30 minutes from Amsterdam). Six days may not seem like much, but it is enough to explore the country and partake in various activities. Run through tulip fields (in spring), sample Dutch delicacies like stroopwafels, bitterballen and herring or compare architectural styles, from colorful timber-houses along harbors to Dutch baroque buildings to the ruins of castles and caves in Valkenburg.

You can cover a lot of land (and water) in the Netherlands in 10 days. Whether you wish to explore the entire length and breadth of the country or focus your trip on a handful of destinations of your choice is entirely up to you. But if you ask us, we recommend narrowing down your destinations and allowing yourself to truly relish your vacation. With 10 days in the Netherlands, you can explore the museums and canals in Amsterdam, cycle through the picturesque Green Heart area, enjoy the tours in Haarlem and Rotterdam, and see the sites and attractions in Nijmegen, Maastricht and Utrecht. What’s more, on a well-planned 10-day Netherlands tour, you can venture further afield and see bits of neighboring Belgium as well. 

The Netherlands is quite small compared to other European countries. This means you can cover a lot of ground within a short space of time. With 2 weeks in the Netherlands, you can uncover many parts of the country, including major cities like canal-lined Amsterdam and modern Rotterdam, whimsical towns like Delft and Voldendam, fairytale villages such as Giethoorn, and provinces where an array of colorful flower fields make the most IG-worthy snaps. If you are an art lover, there are more museums than you could count. Lay your eyes on original van Goghs, Rembrandts and Vermeers. The fresh markets are also something not to be missed—try local delicacies, especially cheese and frites, you’ll thank us. During your 14-day Netherlands trip, you can even hop over to neighboring Belgium and Germany.

The Netherlands offers a rich tapestry of culture, history, and vibrant landscapes, making it a perfect destination for a short adventure. You can spend just 8 days in the Netherlands exploring iconic cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht, or venture off the beaten path to discover charming villages and stunning coastlines. Whether you're immersing yourself in local art scenes, cycling through tulip fields, or savoring the delicious Dutch cuisine, the Netherlands promises an unforgettable experience. Get inspired by these 8-day Netherlands tours for your next journey.