About North Holland
North Holland stretches from the bustling streets of Amsterdam to the peaceful polders and North Sea coast. The province is home to the Keukenhof tulip gardens, the Zaan windmills at Zaanse Schans, and charming historic towns like Volendam, Edam, and Hoorn. Its extensive canal network, cycling paths, and world-class cultural institutions make it one of Europe's most diverse travel destinations.
Quick Overview
Capital: Haarlem
Largest City: Amsterdam
Population: 2.9 million
Languages: Dutch, English widely spoken
Currency: Euro
Time Zone: Europe/Amsterdam (CET/CEST)
Explore North Holland by Topic
Best Places to Visit in North Holland
Discover the top 5 must-see destinations in North Holland, from iconic landmarks to off-the-beaten-path treasures.
Rijksmuseum
World-class art museum with Dutch Masters including Rembrandt and Vermeer
Keukenhof Gardens
World's largest flower garden, open spring only (late March–mid May)
Zaanse Schans
Open-air museum with working windmills, wooden houses and artisan workshops
Anne Frank House
The hiding place of Anne Frank during WWII, now a moving museum
Alkmaar Cheese Market
Traditional Friday cheese market April–September, a centuries-old tradition
Recommended Itineraries for North Holland
Plan your perfect North Holland trip with our expertly crafted itineraries for every travel style and duration.
5-Day North Holland Explorer
- Day 1: Arrive in North Holland, explore city center
- Day 2: Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3: Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4: Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5: Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic North Holland
- Days 1-2: North Holland city highlights
- Days 3-4: Regional exploration
- Days 5-6: Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7: Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate North Holland
- Days 1-3: North Holland comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6: Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9: Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12: Southern attractions
- Days 13-14: Return to North Holland, departure
Where to Stay in North Holland
From luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, North Holland offers accommodations for every traveler.
Budget Options (€60)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-Range (€150)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury (€400+)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Six meticulously restored 17th-century canal houses on Amsterdam's most prestigious 'Golden Bend' Herengracht combine to form this ultra-luxury Waldorf Astoria. Stunning interiors blend original Dutch Golden Age architecture with contemporary luxury. Features the Michelin-starred Spectrum restaurant, La Vie spa, and a canal-side terrace.
Hotel De L'Europe Amsterdam
Amsterdam's grande dame, opened in 1896, occupying a prime corner position where the Amstel River meets the Kloveniersburgwal. The belle époque building has been a city landmark for over a century. Features Bord'Eau restaurant (Michelin star), a spa, and an indoor pool. Rooms overlook the Amstel River.
Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam
A stunning conversion of Amsterdam's 1884 Conservatorium of Music into a contemporary luxury hotel by Milanese architect Piero Lissoni. The dramatic glass-roofed atrium is the centrepiece of the building. Located steps from Museumplein, the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum.
Pulitzer Amsterdam
Twenty-five beautifully restored 17th and 18th-century canal houses on the Prinsengracht have been linked together to create this distinctive luxury hotel. Each house retains its individual character while offering modern comforts. The hotel has its own canal boat and is centrally located in the Jordaan.
Where to Eat in North Holland
Discover the culinary delights of North Holland, from local street food to fine dining experiences.
Ciel Bleu
Two Michelin-star restaurant on the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura with breathtaking panoramic views of Amsterdam. Chef Arjan Speelman creates extraordinarily refined contemporary Dutch cuisine with classical French technique, using the finest seasonal Dutch ingredients. One of the Netherlands' most celebrated restaurants.
De Kas
A celebrated farm-to-table restaurant housed in a stunning 1926 municipal greenhouse in Amsterdam's Frankendael Park. Chef Bas Wiegel grows herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers on-site and on the nearby farm in Beemster, creating a daily-changing menu that reflects whatever is at peak ripeness. A singular Amsterdam experience.
Rijks Restaurant
One Michelin-star restaurant inside the Rijksmuseum, with a menu that uses Dutch culinary traditions as a starting point for beautifully crafted contemporary dishes. The elegant space looks out into the museum's garden courtyard. An exceptional lunch before or after visiting the museum's collections.
Restaurant Vermeer
Two Michelin-star restaurant in the NH Collection Barbizon Palace hotel near Centraal Station. Chef Chris Naylor creates outstanding contemporary Dutch tasting menus with exceptional attention to detail. The intimate dining room has a historic feel with exposed timber beams and antique Dutch paintings.
Moshik
The flagship restaurant of Israeli-Dutch chef Moshik Roth, with two Michelin stars. A creative, artistic tasting experience that blends bold flavours with precise technique. The minimalist space in De Pijp neighbourhood lets the food speak for itself.
BREDA
A relaxed fine-dining restaurant on the Singel canal with a rotating seasonal menu of contemporary Dutch cuisine. The open kitchen creates a convivial atmosphere. Known for its exceptional Dutch cheese board and its commitment to local and sustainable sourcing.
Getting Around North Holland
North Holland has one of the world's finest public transport networks. Amsterdam's GVB tram and metro system, combined with the national NS rail network, makes every major destination in the province accessible without a car. The province is also famous for its cycling infrastructure — thousands of kilometres of dedicated cycle paths link cities, villages, and nature reserves.
Budget Breakdown for North Holland
Plan your spending with our comprehensive cost guide. Currency: EUR.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25 | €90 | €250 |
| Food (per day) | €15 | €35 | €100 |
| Transportation | €10 | €15 | €30 |
| Activities | €10 | €20 | €50 |
| Daily Total | €60 | €150 | €400+ |
Best Time to Visit North Holland
Best Season: April-May (tulip season), September
Peak Season: June-August
Avoid: November-February (cold, wet, grey)
Essential Travel Tips for North Holland
- Buy an OV-chipkaart for public transit
- Book museums well in advance online
- Rent a bike to explore like a local
- Visit Keukenhof only in spring (late March–mid May)
Safety Information
Travel Advisory
Very safe destination; normal urban precautions apply in Amsterdam city centre
Watch for pickpockets in Amsterdam tourist areas
Be aware of cyclists when walking
Always lock bicycles with two locks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit North Holland?
The best time to visit North Holland is April-May (tulip season), September. November-February (cold, wet, grey) may have less favorable conditions.
Do I need a visa for North Holland?
Visa requirements vary by nationality. Check with your nearest embassy or consulate for North Holland for current requirements before travel.
How many days do I need in North Holland?
For a comprehensive North Holland experience, we recommend 7-10 days. However, you can have a great trip in 5 days focusing on highlights.
Is North Holland expensive to visit?
Budget travelers can expect €60 per day, mid-range €150, and luxury €400+.