Let’s set the record straight, shall we? Many people mix up ‘The Netherlands’ and ‘Holland.’ Basically, the Netherlands has 12 provinces and Holland refers only to two of these — North and South Holland.
Historically, Holland was the economic powerhouse, leading to the name confusion, however, since January 2020, the Dutch government officially rebranded the country as the Netherlands to clear up the confusion!
Despite that, it’s still a major tourist attraction and on many people’s bucket lists, but before you go hunting for windmills with a local Netherlands tour guide, or sample some of the smoothest chocolate in the world, you need some facts! So let’s savor some interesting statistics and travel information about this stunning country!
Lowlands With High Numbers: Key Tourism Statistics for the Netherlands in 2025
Travel Q&A: What percentage of Netherlands GDP is tourism, and does the Netherlands rely on tourism?
In 2023, the travel and tourism sector contributed €99 billion to the Netherlands' GDP, slightly down from €102.9 billion in 2019, supporting 1.5 million jobs. Domestic visitors dominated spending, accounting for 77.5% of the total, compared to 76.1% in 2019.
Interesting, but how many tourists visit the Netherlands annually?
As for how many tourists visit the Netherlands each year, tourist numbers in 2023 reached 20,304,000, surpassing pre-COVID levels. For the years before, keep reading:
- 2017: 17,924,000
- 2018: 18,780,000
- 2019: 20,129,000
- 2020: 7,265,000
- 2021: 6,247,000
- 2022: 16,582,000
- 2023: 20,304,000
It’s great to see the trend in tourism in the Netherlands is picking up again! So, who visits the Netherlands the most?
Tourist countries of origin in 2023 were:
- Germany: 34% (up from 31% in 2019)
- Belgium: 13% (12% in 2019)
- UK: 10% (down from 12% in 2019)
- USA: 8% (unchanged)
- France: 5% (unchanged)
- Rest of the world: 30% (down from 32% in 2019)
These top 5 countries were the same in 2023 compared to 2019, although the UK was leading inbound tourists in 2024. Outbound trips by Dutch residents totaled 34.07 million in 2023.
Netherlands Tourism Quick Facts
- 20.3 million - The number of international arrivals to the Netherlands in 2023
- €99 billion - The contribution that the travel and tourism industry added to the Netherlands GDP
- Germany - The country that visited the Netherlands most in 2023
- 1.5 million - The number of jobs that the Netherlands tourism industry supports.
The Netherlands recorded 17,722,333 million residents — a 0.29% increase on the year before — with the largest age group being 50–55 years old. Gender distribution was nearly equal across age groups until older ages, where women outnumbered men significantly. For instance, among those 100 years and older, there were approximately 2,200 women compared to 400 men.
The Future of Tourism in the Netherlands: Projections and Predictions
The tourism sector in the Netherlands is set for exciting growth. By the end of 2024, travel and tourism reached €104.6 billion to the nation's GSP, which is expected to rise to €134.6 billion by 2034. This industry will also support around 1.75 million jobs by 2034!
The Dutch Travel & Tourism market is projected to generate US$11,010.00m by 2025, with an annual growth rate of 3.53%, reaching S$12,650m by 2029. The Package Holidays market is set to dominate and were expected to hit a market volume of US$4,724 million in 2024 and attract 8 million users by 2029, with an average revenue per user of US$860.
What is the Netherlands tourism strategy?
The Netherlands is also prioritizing sustainable tourism with its Perspective 2030 plan, which focuses on balancing benefits and burdens, promoting lesser-known destinations, ensuring accessibility and reducing waste and pollution.
Top Tourist Destinations in the Netherlands
So, why is the Netherlands a tourist destination? The Netherlands is a gem of art-filled cities, canals, windmills and tulip fields. Despite its small size, it has a variety of attractions, from historical cities to beautiful natural landscapes and modern urban environments, all waiting for you to explore. Let’s go over some of them!
- Amsterdam: The capital is known for its 17th-century canals, museums like the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank's House. Explore less-crowded areas like Amsterdam Noord for its film museum, street art and eco-friendly cafés.
- Rotterdam: Renowned for its contemporary architecture and public art, highlights include the cube houses, Markthal and Euromast tower. Experience the city from a water taxi or even abseil down the Euromast.
- Texel: This island offers white-sand beaches, cycling trails and watersports. Visit the lighthouse and spot seals on boat trips or at Ecomare’s seal sanctuary. Ferries connect Texel with the mainland and other islands.
- Delft: Famous for its medieval Markt square, Oude Kerk, Nieuwe Kerk and Royal Delft pottery. Climb the church towers for panoramic views and learn about Vermeer at the Vermeer Centrum Delft.
- Den Haag (The Hague): The seat of government and royalty, with landmarks like the Binnenhof, Mauritshuis and Lange Voorhout Palace. Enjoy performances at the Amare complex or relax at the beach bars in Scheveningen.
- Maastricht: Located in the hilly southeast, it offers a rich history, Roman bridges and vibrant squares like Markt and Vrijthof. The city is known for its food, wine and Carnival celebrations.
- Utrecht: A vibrant student city with unique double-decker canals and historic landmarks like the Domtoren. Explore underground archaeological sites and visit the canal-level cafés.
- Haarlem: Known for its Grote Markt square, historic churches and museums like Frans Hals and Teylers. It's also a gateway to nearby beaches and the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park.
- Broek in Waterland: A preserved village near Amsterdam, known for its quaint Dutch houses. Easily accessible from Amsterdam, it's perfect for a short visit.
- Harlingen: A historic fishing city with a seafaring legacy. Visit the port, St. Michaelskerk, and take a ferry to the Wadden islands.
- Leiden: With over 1,000 years of history, visit the Hortus Botanicus, National Museum of Antiquities and Museum De Valk. Enjoy dining at local restaurants like Just Meet.
- Naarden: A well-preserved fortified town with sights like St. Vitus Church and Muiderslot Castle. Explore the old town hall and dine at local restaurants like Lan Tin.
- Thorn: Known for its whitewashed brick houses and cobbled streets, this village started as an abbey settlement in the 10th century. Visit Abdijkerk Thorn and enjoy the unique architecture.
- Giethoorn: Often called the ‘Venice of the Netherlands,’ this village features thatched-roof farmhouses and wooden bridges. Explore by boat or ice skate in winter and visit the Museum Giethoorn ’t Olde Maat Uus.
- Kinderdijk: Famous for its 19 windmills, built in the 18th century to prevent flooding. Some mills are open to the public as museums, offering insights into historical Dutch life.
Further Reading: Top 5 Destinations in the Netherlands with Private Tours
Local Experiences: Embracing Dutch Traditions and Festivals
If you’re interested in the types of tourism in the Netherlands, have you ever thought about heading there for festivals?
- Dutch Carnival: In February, cities in the east and south of the Netherlands, like Breda, Den Bosch and Maastricht, host one of Europe's liveliest Carnivals with parades and street parties.
- King’s Day: On April 27, the Netherlands turns orange for King’s Day, celebrating King Willem-Alexander’s birthday with flea markets, games, street parties and music festivals, especially in Amsterdam.
- Liberation Day: On May 5, Liberation Day celebrates the end of WWII occupation with parades, flea markets, street parties and music festivals across the Netherlands.
- Oerol Festival: In June, the island of Terschelling hosts Oerol, a unique 10-day arts festival with performances, art installations and cultural events set in nature.
- Kwaku Summer Festival: Held every summer in Amsterdam’s southeast, Kwaku celebrates Afro-Caribbean culture with music, food stalls and activities, featuring Malukan Day on July 27.
- Solar Weekend Festival: Solar Weekend in Roermond, held each August, is known for its creativity, offering art installations, alternative sports and music from live acts and top DJs. The festival includes camping, a Silent Disco and a massive water pistol fight.
- Rolling Kitchens: Every spring, Amsterdam’s Westergasfabriek hosts Rolling Kitchens, a free-entry food festival with diverse food trucks, global flavors and live performances.
Gastronomy in the Netherlands: A Food Lover’s Guide
You really cannot visit the Netherlands without gorging yourself on all the delicious regional foods and snacks, and aren’t you lucky, we’ve compiled a list for you to try! When visiting the Netherlands, be sure to try these local favorites:
Dessert/Snacks
- Appeltaart: A delicious apple pie spiced with cinnamon, often served warm with whipped cream.
- Hagelslag: Chocolate sprinkles enjoyed on buttered toast.
- Oliebollen: Sugary donuts popular during New Year's.
- Pannenkoeken: Thin crêpes with sweet or savory toppings.
- Pepernoten: Spiced cookies, a winter holiday treat.
- Poffertjes: Mini pancakes dusted with sugar.
- Stroopwafel: Thin waffles filled with caramel.
- Frietjes: Thick fries topped with mayonnaise, peanut satay sauce, or curry ketchup.
- Ontbijtkoek: Ginger cake spread with butter.
- Black Liquorice: Strong, herbal and slightly salty Dutch candy.
Food/Drink
- Bamischijf: A deep-fried snack of stir-fried noodles coated in breadcrumbs.
- Jenever: Traditional Dutch gin with a juniper flavor.
- Bitterballen: Deep-fried, bite-sized balls filled with meaty gravy.
- Erwtensoep/Snert: Thick pea soup with root vegetables and smoked pork.
- Frikandel: A deep-fried sausage made of mixed meats and spices.
- Kroketten: Croquettes stuffed with meat, seafood, or cheese.
- Pickled Herring: Raw herring pickled and served fresh.
- Stamppot: Mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables and smoked sausage.
These dishes are a must-try for anyone interested in Dutch cuisine and culture. If you need more food ideas, read our article on the top 5 most popular foods in Amsterdam!
The Best Time to Visit the Netherlands: A Seasonal Guide
The Netherlands has a maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters, experiencing frequent rainfall and often unpredictable weather.
Summer (June to mid-September)
The best time to visit, with mild temperatures around 20–22°C (68-72°F) during the day and cool nights at 12°C (54°F). This period is also the sunniest, averaging six hours of sunshine per day, though the weather can still be quite changeable. June is the wettest month, but overall, rain is frequent but moderate.
Autumn (August to November)
Early autumn can be pleasant, but temperatures drop quickly from 19°C (66°F) in September to 9°C (48°F) in November. Nights get progressively colder, down to 3°C (37°F) by November, and daylight decreases to about two hours of sunshine per day.
Winter (December to mid-March)
Winters are mild, with average highs around 5°C (41°F) and lows from 1°C (34°F) to 0°C (32°F). Frosts are short and snow is rare, but occasionally it gets cold enough for ice skating on canals and lakes. Sunshine is minimal, with about one hour per day.
Spring (mid-March to May)
The driest season, with light but frequent rain. Temperatures rise from under 10°C (50°F) in March to 17°C (63°F) in May. Nights start cold, but warm to 8°C (46°F) by May. Morning fog is common, but the sun usually appears by midday.
So, when is the best time to visit the Netherlands?
Mid to late summer is the best time to visit the Netherlands for its milder weather and longer daylight hours, however, the country's attractions, like Amsterdam's canals, The Hague's museums and Rotterdam's architecture, are enjoyable year-round regardless of the weather.
Navigating the Netherlands: Public Transport and Accessibility
The Netherlands has one of the best transportation infrastructures in the world, prioritizing safety and sustainability. Here’s a quick guide to getting around:
Bicycles
The Netherlands is the ultimate cycling country. With its flat landscape, mild climate, and over 32,000 kilometers of cycling routes, biking is a safe, easy, and relaxing way to travel. Bikes can be rented from most NS train stations for €7.50 a day, plus a deposit. You can also take your bike on NS trains with a €6 per day ticket.
Public Transport
Public transport is reliable and convenient, and includes:
- Trains: Efficient network connecting cities and villages.
- Buses: Extensive network covering cities and countryside.
- Trams: Operate in Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Rotterdam.
- Metro: Available in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, connecting to suburbs.
- Ferries: Available in some cities across rivers or canals.
OV-Chipkaart
A public transport smart card (OV-chipkaart) is needed for all public transport. Options include:
- Personalized Card: Buy online, valid for five years.
- Anonymous Card: Available at ticket offices, valid for five years.
- Disposable Card: Single or multi-day tickets from vending machines or trams.
Cars
Non-Dutch driving licenses are valid for 185 days. After that, a Dutch license is required.
Taxis
Useful for airport transfers, late-night travel or when in a hurry, but public transport is often quicker and cheaper during peak times.
The Treintaxi scheme ensures taxi service to/from around thirty train stations. The fare is €4.80 per person, and you may share the ride with others. Book in advance by calling 0900 873 4682 or book at the station.
Uber is also available in big cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
Discount Tickets and Deals
NS (Dutch railways) offers various discount tickets, such as:
- Dagkaart (Day Travel Card): Unlimited travel on any train for €47 in second class.
- Weekendretour (Weekend Return): Travel from Friday evening to Monday morning for the price of a day return.
- Railrunner: €2.50 per journey for children aged 4–11 traveling with an adult.
Travel Tips for Visiting the Netherlands
Traveling the world is such a thrilling experience, but it can also be daunting as you don’t know if there are any rules you must follow. Here are some tips to help you travel through the Netherlands with ease.
Do’s
- Respecting Personal Space: Dutch people value their physical and personal privacy, so try to keep things at a comfortable distance.
- Engaging in Conversations: The Dutch enjoy deep and rational discussions on various topics, and use humor while you’re at it; the Dutch appreciate a good joke.
- Self-Service in Shops and Restaurants: Help yourself as much as possible before asking for assistance. Self-service is big here. When you need help, show the expected respect to service providers.
- Attempting Dutch Language: Trying to speak Dutch is appreciated, even if you make mistakes.
Don'ts
- Treating Other Cities Like Amsterdam: The Dutch may like to party and have a good time, but not all cities are as fast-paced as Amsterdam. Embrace slower living and calmer atmospheres across the country,
- Being Shy: Don’t hesitate to speak up if something bothers you. The Dutch appreciate directness.
- Feeding The Cats: Outdoor cats are usually pets and don’t need feeding. They are quite cute though.
- Blocking The Bicycle Lanes: Bicycle lanes are typically red and for cyclists only. Walking on them is highly discouraged and will annoy cyclists.
Conclusion
Overall, is the Netherlands good for tourists? Most definitely, and after reading over the Netherlands statistics above, it’s easy to see what is so special about this western gem. If you’re busy planning for your trip to the country, how about considering hiring a private Netherlands tour guide?
From vibrant cities and towns to stunning nature, medieval architecture and windmills, there’s so much to see here, and there’s no better way to capture the heart of the Netherlands than with a local who knows the way.
