SOUTH HOLLAND
A dynamic region blending historic cities, modern architecture, and iconic Dutch landscapes. Discover the political heart of the Netherlands, Europe’s largest port, famous cheese markets, and historic Delft Blue pottery.
Why Visit South Holland?
Architectural Contrast: Explore Rotterdam’s modern skyline and The Hague’s stately governmental buildings.
Classic Dutch Icons: Visit the historic windmills of Kinderdijk and the world-famous Keukenhof tulip gardens.
Art and History: Immerse yourself in the canals and museums of Leiden, Delft, and the Gouda cheese region.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): The ideal time to visit for tulip season (April-mid May) or to enjoy pleasant weather for cycling and city trips with fewer crowds than summer.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): You will find the best value on accommodation and a peaceful atmosphere. A perfect time for museums and cozy cafés.
Peak Season (June-August): The warmest months, perfect for beach trips and summer festivals. Expect higher prices and crowds, especially in major cities.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
The Hague & Scheveningen
The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and home to many international courts. Explore the stately Binnenhof, the Royal Palace, and world-class museums like the Mauritshuis. Nearby, Scheveningen offers a lively North Sea beach resort.
Your Smart Tip: To experience the seaside without the major summer crowds, visit Scheveningen in September. The weather is still pleasant, and the beach is far less busy.
Rotterdam & Kinderdijk
Rotterdam is famous for its futuristic architecture, the largest port in Europe, and vibrant cultural scene. Contrast the city’s modernity with the classic Dutch landscape of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO site with 19 historic windmills.
Your Smart Tip: Use the Waterbus to travel from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk. It’s a scenic, classic Dutch experience and helps you avoid city traffic.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The climate is temperate maritime, meaning mild summers and cool winters. Rain is possible year-round, so always pack a waterproof jacket. Summer temperatures average around 19ºC (66ºF)
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: Dutch is the official language. Almost everyone speaks excellent English, especially in the cities.
Transport: Bicycles are king. Be aware of cycling lanes and give way to bikes. It’s often faster to cycle than drive in cities.
Payment: Cash is rarely used. Debit and credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, including at small markets.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($30–$50), mid-range hotels ($90–$140), luxury ($180+). Prices are generally higher in The Hague.
Food: Street food/snack bar ($5–$10), dinner at a casual restaurant ($25–$45 per person), fine dining ($70+).
Transport: Bike rental ($10–$15/day), Tourist Day Ticket for unlimited public transport in the region ($16).
Activities: Museum entry ($15–$25), Keukenhof entry (seasonal, $20+).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $70–$100 (hostels, street food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $120–$200 (hotels, casual restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $220+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Public Transport: A superb network of trains, trams, buses, and metro connects all major cities and towns. Use a contactless bank card or an OV-chipkaart.
By Bike: Renting a bicycle is the quintessential way to experience the region. Dedicated, safe bike paths are everywhere.
By Car: A car is less convenient for city travel due to traffic and expensive parking, but useful for visiting rural spots like Kinderdijk.
Must-Try Food
Haring (New Herring): Raw, lightly brined herring, often served with chopped onions and pickles.
Kibbeling: Deep-fried chunks of white fish (usually cod), served with a dipping sauce.
Gouda Cheese: The world-famous cheese that originated in the city of Gouda, sold in varying ages.
Bitterballen: Deep-fried, crispy balls with a savory, meaty ragout filling, usually served with mustard.
Kroketten: Fried, cylindrical croquettes with a meat filling, often served on bread (Broodje Kroket).
Kapsalon: A Rotterdam invention—fries, topped with shawarma meat, Gouda cheese, and salad.
Stroopwafel: Two thin, crispy waffles glued together with a layer of caramel syrup (try a warm one!).
Poffertjes: Small, fluffy mini-pancakes, dusted with powdered sugar and a knob of butter.
Appeltaart: Dutch apple pie, with a cake-like crust and a deep, spiced apple filling, often served with whipped cream.
Oliebollen: Deep-fried dough balls, like a doughnut, traditionally eaten during the winter and New Year’s Eve.
Must-Try Drinks
Jenever: The juniper-flavored, traditional Dutch spirit from which gin evolved. Try ‘Oude’ (old) or ‘Jonge’ (young).
Dutch Beer: A wide range of excellent beers, from pilsners to locally brewed craft beers.
Bockbier: A dark, often seasonal beer, particularly popular in the autumn and winter.
Advocaat: A thick, creamy liqueur made from egg yolks, sugar, and alcohol.
Brandewijn: A type of Dutch brandy, sometimes used to make other liqueurs.
Koffie Verkeerd: Literally “wrong coffee,” similar to a latte—coffee with a lot of warm milk.
Fristi: A popular, sweet dairy drink with a red fruit flavor.
Chocomel: A renowned brand of Dutch chocolate milk, often served hot in winter.
Fresh Mint Tea (Verse Munt Thee): Hot water poured over a generous bunch of fresh mint leaves.
Grolsch (or similar Dutch pilsner): A common, refreshing beer available everywhere.