Category: Things to DoRead time: 6 minUpdated: Oct 2026
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DestinationNetherlands
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CategoryThings to Do
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Read time6 min
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UpdatedOct 2026
Why the Netherlands Delivers on Fun
The Netherlands packs more variety into a small country than almost anywhere in Europe. You can cycle past windmills in the morning, explore world-class museums by midday, and cruise canals at sunset — all within a two-hour train ride.
This guide focuses on practical, bookable experiences that deliver real value. We've analyzed ratings, reviews, and current 2026 pricing so you can plan with confidence.
Amsterdam: The Urban Adventure Hub
Amsterdam remains the most popular starting point for fun things to do in the Netherlands. But the city offers more than crowded museums and canal tours. Here's what actually works.
Bike Like a Local
The Amsterdam Highlights Bike Tour gives you a 2.5-hour guided ride through the city's historic core. With 259 reviews and a 4.87 rating, this tour shows you sights most visitors miss on foot.
You'll cycle past the Anne Frank House, the Jordaan district, and along the famous canals. Guides speak English, Spanish, German, Dutch, and more. The pace suits all fitness levels.
Pricing in 2026 ranges from €29 to €34.50 per adult. Book morning slots for quieter streets.
Taste Your Way Through the City
The Amsterdam Food and Cultural Tour with 10 Tastings earned a 4.98 rating from 5,365 reviews — making it one of the highest-rated food tours in Europe. This Viator 5 Stars Experience Award Winner for 2024, 2025, and 2026 takes you through the Jordaan and Nine Streets neighborhoods.
You'll sample classic Dutch options like stroopwafels, herring, cheese, and poffertjes. The guide shares stories about Amsterdam's culinary history and cultural evolution.
Tickets cost approximately €85.60 to €86.50 per person. The tour includes 10 tastings, so skip breakfast.
Art Without the Crowds
The Van Gogh and Rembrandt Immersive Experience Amsterdam offers a different approach to Dutch art. Housed in the historic Noorderkerk, this exhibition uses projection technology to bring masterpieces to life.
Reviews average 3.89 from 18 reviewers. The experience works best for visitors who want a quick, atmospheric introduction to Van Gogh and Rembrandt without spending hours in museum queues.
Adult tickets cost €18 to €18.80. English and Dutch narrations are available. Allow 45-60 minutes.
Day Trips That Show the Real Netherlands
The best fun things to do in the Netherlands often happen outside Amsterdam. These day tours combine multiple destinations into one efficient trip.
Five Destinations in One Day
The Discover The Netherlands Tour takes you to five iconic locations across four provinces. You'll see the Zaanse Schans windmills in the morning, then visit a traditional fishing village, the historic city of Volendam, and the cheese markets of Edam.
This tour earned a perfect 5.0 rating from 17 reviewers. It's ideal for travelers with limited time who want to experience Dutch countryside, culture, and history in a single day.
Private tour pricing starts around $230.26 (approximately €214.30). Group tours may cost less. Check operator details before booking.
Windmills, Tulips, and Cheese
Spring visitors should consider the Amsterdam day trip to Tulip Farm, Keukenhof, and Windmill Cruise. With 300 reviews and a 4.65 rating, this tour combines the world-famous Keukenhof Gardens with a traditional windmill cruise.
Keukenhof opens March 19 to May 10,
Peak tulip bloom typically runs April 10 to May
Adult tickets cost €21 online or €25 at the gate. Children aged 4-17 pay €10.
The alternative Keukenhof, Zaanse Schans Windmills, and Cheese Guided Tour offers a broader experience. It has 1,315 reviews with a 4.47 rating. This option works well if you want both tulips and traditional Dutch crafts in one trip.
Three Cities in One Day
The Rotterdam, Delft, and The Hague Small Group Tour from Amsterdam covers the Netherlands' political capital, modern architectural hub, and historic pottery city.
In The Hague, you'll see the Binnenhof government buildings and the Peace Palace. Delft offers picturesque old town streets and the famous blue pottery factories. Rotterdam showcases cutting-edge architecture and Europe's largest port.
With 718 reviews and a 4.65 rating, this tour costs €69 to €135.68 per person depending on the operator. Small group sizes mean more personal attention.
Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans
The Zaanse Schans, Lego Village, Giethoorn Day Tour with Boat Cruise earned a 4.96 rating from 119 reviews. Giethoorn, often called the "Venice of the Netherlands," features canals instead of roads. You'll explore by boat through this car-free village.
The tour also includes the Zaanse Schans windmill village and a stop at a "Lego village" — a miniature city built from millions of bricks. This combination offers excellent photo opportunities and family-friendly fun.
Museums Worth Your Time
The Netherlands houses some of Europe's finest museums. Here's what you need to know for 2026.
Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum displays Dutch Golden Age masterpieces including Rembrandt's "Night Watch" and Vermeer's "Milkmaid." Open daily 09:00-17:00. Adult tickets cost €27 online or €25 at the cash desk. Visitors under 18 enter free.
Van Gogh Museum
This museum holds the world's largest Van Gogh collection. Open daily 09:00-18:00, with Friday extensions until 21:00. Adult tickets cost €25. Children under 18 are free. Audio guides cost €3.75.
Anne Frank House fits this guide for this trip: book ahead, the museum is small, and the story is the point of the visit. Tickets and rules are in our Anne Frank House tickets guide.
Practical Tips for 2026
Transportation Changes
The OV-chipkaart system is being phased out by end of
In 2026, use OVpay — tap in and out with contactless debit cards, credit cards, or smartphones. The new OV-pas costs €6.
Train fares increased 6.5% in January
Intercity tickets typically cost €10-€20. Booking online saves €1 per ticket.
Amsterdam GVB day passes cost €10. Multi-day passes range €16-€43 for 1-7 days.
ETIAS Requirement
Starting late 2026, visa-exempt travelers need ETIAS authorization to enter the Netherlands. The application costs €20. Apply online before your trip.
Accommodation Costs
VAT on accommodations increased from 9% to 21% in January
Amsterdam adds a 12.5% tourist tax. Budget accordingly.
Seasonal Considerations
Keukenhof operates only March 19 to May
Book time slots in advance. Peak tulip bloom runs mid-April to early May.
Efteling theme park operates year-round. Summer hours extend to 20:00, with select Fridays and Saturdays until 23:00.
Money-Saving Options
The I Amsterdam City Card costs €90 for 72 hours. It includes public transport and entry to over 70 museums. Calculate whether individual tickets or the card works better for your itinerary.
Bike rentals cost €10-€12 per day. This is the cheapest way to explore Amsterdam and many smaller cities.
FAQ
Question: What are the best fun things to do in the Netherlands for first-time visitors?
The Amsterdam Highlights Bike Tour and the Discover The Netherlands Tour provide excellent introductions. Both cover major sights efficiently. For spring visitors, the Keukenhof day trip is essential.
Question: How much does a food tour cost in Amsterdam?
The Amsterdam Food and Cultural Tour with 10 Tastings costs approximately €85.60 to €86.50 per person. This includes all food samples and guide services.
Question: Do I need to book museum tickets in advance for 2026?
Yes. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, and Keukenhof all require advance online booking with specific time slots. Walk-up tickets are not guaranteed.
Question: What's the best way to get around the Netherlands in 2026?
Use trains for intercity travel. Use OVpay with contactless cards for trams, buses, and metros. Bike rentals work well for local exploration. Car rental is not recommended in cities.
Question: When is the best time to see tulips in the Netherlands?
Peak bloom typically occurs between April 10 and May
Keukenhof Gardens open March 19 to May
Book early for the best selection of time slots.
Question: What changed in the Netherlands for travelers in 2026?
ETIAS requirements begin late
VAT on accommodations increased to 21%. Train fares rose 6.5%. The OV-chipkaart is being replaced by OVpay and the OV-pas. Amsterdam introduced zero-emission zones for scooters and mopeds.
