NORTH HOLLAND
This region, encompassing the capital Amsterdam, is a landscape of reclaimed land, iconic windmills, and stunning coastal beauty. This guide helps you navigate the bustling cosmopolitan center, discover charming historic towns, and explore a legacy of maritime trade and Dutch Golden Age art.
Why Visit North Holland?
World-Class Culture: Explore the magnificent Museum Quarter in Amsterdam, home to works by Dutch Masters like Rembrandt and Van Gogh.
Iconic Dutch Landscapes: Discover postcard-perfect scenery with historic windmills, vast tulip fields, and charming fishing villages.
Coastal & City Life: Enjoy a perfect blend of a vibrant international city with a relaxing coastline of beaches and dunes.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): This is the ideal time to visit. The tulip fields are in bloom (April/May), and the weather is pleasant for sightseeing, with fewer crowds than in summer.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): You will find the best value on accommodation and a peaceful atmosphere. It is the perfect season for exploring the many indoor museums and cozy “brown cafés” in Amsterdam.
Peak Season (June-August): The weather is warm and sunny, making it popular for beachgoers and city tourists. Be prepared for crowds and higher prices, especially in Amsterdam.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Amsterdam
The capital is the region’s vibrant heart, famous for its canals, gabled houses, world-class museums, and diverse culinary scene. It’s a city best explored by foot or bicycle, offering a blend of historic charm and modern cosmopolitan flair.
Your Smart Tip: The major museums (Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh) can have long lines. Book your tickets online and choose a morning time slot to minimize your waiting time and beat the main crowds.
The Coastal & Waterland Region
North Holland’s coastal strip offers vast beaches, nature reserves, and the largest continuous dune area in the Netherlands. To the north, you find charming towns like Haarlem and historic fishing villages such as Volendam and Edam, set against the flat, watery landscape.
Your Smart Tip: Take the ferry across the IJ from Amsterdam Centraal Station to explore the emerging Noord (North) district, a hub for street art, alternative culture, and modern architecture.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is temperate maritime, characterized by mild summers and cool, damp winters. The weather is famously unpredictable and often windy, especially along the coast. It is wise to always pack layers and a rain jacket, regardless of the season.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: Dutch is the official language. However, the level of English is exceptionally high, and almost everyone in the service industry will speak it fluently.
Bicycles: The Netherlands is a bicycle-first country. Always be aware of the bicycle lanes and do not walk in them; cyclists have the right-of-way and will expect you to move.
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service. A small tip of rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is customary in restaurants and for taxi drivers.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($30–$60), mid-range hotels ($100–$180), luxury ($200+). Prices are significantly higher in Amsterdam, especially during peak season and holidays.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu ($15–$25), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($30–$60 per person), fine dining ($80+).
Transport: Day ticket for public transport in Amsterdam ($9), short-distance train ticket (regional).
Activities: Museum entry ($20–$30), canal cruise ($15–$25), bike rental ($15/day).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $80–$130 (hostels, market food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $150–$250 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $270+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Bicycle: In Amsterdam and other smaller cities, a bike is the fastest and most authentic way to get around.
By Train: The NS train network is fast, efficient, and connects all major cities and towns (Amsterdam, Haarlem, Alkmaar) seamlessly.
By Public Transport: Within the cities, trams, metros, and buses are excellent. Use an OV-chipkaart (public transport chip card) or purchase day tickets for convenience.
Must-Try Food
Haring (New Herring): Raw, lightly brined herring, often served with chopped onions and pickles. A true Dutch delicacy.
Frites (Fries): Thick-cut, twice-fried potatoes, typically served in a cone with a variety of sauces, like Fritessaus (Dutch mayo).
Stroopwafel: Two thin waffle layers joined by a caramel syrup filling. Best eaten warm from a market stall.
Kaas (Cheese): Taste varieties like Gouda, Edam, and Maasdammer. Visit a cheese market for a true experience.
Poffertjes: Small, fluffy mini-pancakes dusted with powdered sugar and a knob of butter.
Bitterballen: Deep-fried, crispy meatballs with a ragout filling, usually served with mustard as a bar snack.
Kibbeling: Battered and deep-fried pieces of white fish (often cod), served with a dipping sauce.
Rookworst: A smoked sausage, often served with stamppot (a dish of mashed potatoes and vegetables).
Oliebollen: A deep-fried sweet dough ball, similar to a doughnut, traditionally eaten around New Year’s.
Appeltaart (Apple Pie): A thick, cake-like apple pie with a sweet, crumbly crust.
Must-Try Drinks
Dutch Beer: Sample the vast selection of local craft beers or the internationally known Heineken and Amstel.
Jenever (Genever): The juniper-flavored, malt-wine-based national spirit, often considered the ancestor of gin. Try both the young (Jonge) and aged (Oude) varieties.
Berenburg: A traditional Frisian bitter, a liquor flavored with herbs.
Koffie Verkeerd: A ‘wrong coffee,’ which is essentially a café au lait—coffee with a large amount of steamed milk.
Bols Liqueurs: A vast array of fruit and cream liqueurs made by the world’s oldest distilled spirits brand.
Warm Chocomel: The Dutch love their sweet chocolate milk, served warm in the cooler months.