Discover Amsterdam & Holland: A Perfect 7-Day Itinerary for the Netherlands

Visit the elegant home of the Dutch National Opera and Ballet.

Get a Dutch take on the performing arts in the home of the Dutch National Opera and Ballet. Both groups rehearse and perform the majority of their works at the venue, housed uniquely in the same building as Amsterdam's City Hall. The institution is celebrated for its diverse repertoire, ranging from classic to contemporary works, attracting talent and audiences from around the globe.

Grow calmer in one of the world's oldest botanical gardens.

Amsterdam’s Hortus Botanicus is located on the eastern side of the city. Established in 1638, it was originally home to an herb garden filled with medicinal plants; today, Hortus Botanicus is home to more than 6,000 different flora. By the time the garden moved to its current location in 1682, it had collected many specimens unknown to Europeans. The Dutch East India Company, the organization that made the Netherlands such a economic powerhouse at the time, often brought exotic plants back that would be housed in the botanical garden, including Europe’s first Coffea Arabica plant and two small oil palms. Some of the original varieties brought here went on to populate Europe.

Visit the animals in this Royal Zoo, one of Europe's oldest .

ARTIS Zoo in Amsterdam, established in 1838, is the Netherlands' oldest zoo and a beloved destination for both locals and tourists. This historic zoo offers an immersive experience into the animal kingdom, housing a diverse collection of species from around the world, including exotic birds, mammals, reptiles, and marine life. Beyond its role as a wildlife sanctuary, ARTIS also emphasizes education and conservation, providing visitors with insights into animal behavior and habitat preservation.

Explore Five Stories of Hands-on Exhibitions in the Largest Science Center in the Netherlands.

Using a variety of exhibitions, the NEMO Science Museum introduces people of all ages to the world of science and technology. The museum is filled with continuously updated and changing exhibitions, theatre performances, films, workshops, and demonstrations. Everything is interactive, so everyone can join in on the fun and learning, especially in NEMO's Laboratory.  When you've exhausted your hypothesis, the Center maintains a lovely cafe on its roof with great views of the city.

Wander through the restored 17th-century house where Rembrandt lived and worked for 20 years.

The famous Dutch painter, Rembrandt, was at the height of his fame when he moved into this house with his beloved wife Saskia. He mingled with the wealthy and powerful and was awarded the most prestigious commissions by merchants, nobles and clergymen. However, it was a turbulent time in the house where bad times followed the good in quick succession. The Night Watch was painted in the house. Saskia gave birth to three children in the home, all of whom died within a few months, before their son Titus, who lived to adulthood, was born. Soon afterward Saskia died in the same bed, probably from tuberculosis, leaving Rembrandt to raise their infant son. In total, Rembrandt owned and lived in this house between 1639 and 1660. A modern annex has been built next to Rembrandt’s house and, together, are a museum of Rembrandt’s life and work. While he was most renown for being a painter, this museum also shows the other sides of Rembrandt. In the museum, you will see him as a teacher, collector of art, entrepreneur and “Amsterdammer.”

Visit the elegant home of the Dutch National Opera and Ballet.

Get a Dutch take on the performing arts in the home of the Dutch National Opera and Ballet. Both groups rehearse and perform the majority of their works at the venue, housed uniquely in the same building as Amsterdam's City Hall. The institution is celebrated for its diverse repertoire, ranging from classic to contemporary works, attracting talent and audiences from around the globe.

Some of the Greatest Works of Western Painting Are on Display Here

Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" rests int the Mauritshuis, as well as 840 other pieces by Dutch Masters like Rembrandt. This 17th-century classicist mansion, filled with inestimably valuable works, politely, but firmly, demands your visit.  

Visit this Working Shrine to Intermational Law and the Desire for Peace

The Peace Palace in The Hague stands as a symbol of international justice and diplomacy, hosting the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and a library renowned for its extensive collection on international law. Constructed in the early 20th century with contributions from countries worldwide, its architecture is a testament to the global desire for peace and legal cooperation. The palace is a significant site for visitors interested in the mechanisms of international law and the history of global diplomacy.

Castle in central Den Hague.

The Binnenhof in The Hague, with its 13th-century origins, is a historic and political landmark housing the Dutch Parliament. This complex, resembling a castle, features the iconic Ridderzaal (Knight's Hall) among other ornate buildings, offering visitors a unique view of the Netherlands' medieval history and their modern government.

Some of the Greatest Works of Western Painting Are on Display Here

Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring" rests int the Mauritshuis, as well as 840 other pieces by Dutch Masters like Rembrandt. This 17th-century classicist mansion, filled with inestimably valuable works, politely, but firmly, demands your visit.  

Enjoy the tower views, from above, or from below.

This bell tower is the tallest in the country and has been standing in the square for over 5 centuries. This 14th-century Gothic tower was constructed with the church of Utrecht was at its height of power and influence. Dom Tower was originally designed as a steeple and was once attached to the cathedral; however, in 1674 the nave of the church was destroyed by a tornado and the rubble was let in the square for over 100 years. This 112m/368ft tower is accessible to the public via 465 steps and offers breath-taking views of the Dutch countryside. On a clear day, Amsterdam and Rotterdam are visible.

Go with the Flow on This Utrecht Canal

Take it easy on Utrecht's main canal, the Oudegracht, which has flowed through the city for 800 years. This canal was constructed in the 12th century to change the course of the Oude Rijn River. This canal originally functioned as a elongated harbor and the large city castle were built upon the canal in the 13th century. Evincing the Dutch trait of practicality, cellars from the structures above the canal had cellars that opened right to the water for easy transport. 

Enjoy the tower views, from above, or from below.

This bell tower is the tallest in the country and has been standing in the square for over 5 centuries. This 14th-century Gothic tower was constructed with the church of Utrecht was at its height of power and influence. Dom Tower was originally designed as a steeple and was once attached to the cathedral; however, in 1674 the nave of the church was destroyed by a tornado and the rubble was let in the square for over 100 years. This 112m/368ft tower is accessible to the public via 465 steps and offers breath-taking views of the Dutch countryside. On a clear day, Amsterdam and Rotterdam are visible.

Go with the Flow on This Utrecht Canal

Take it easy on Utrecht's main canal, the Oudegracht, which has flowed through the city for 800 years. This canal was constructed in the 12th century to change the course of the Oude Rijn River. This canal originally functioned as a elongated harbor and the large city castle were built upon the canal in the 13th century. Evincing the Dutch trait of practicality, cellars from the structures above the canal had cellars that opened right to the water for easy transport.