7-Day Netherlands Itinerary: Amsterdam, Haarlem & Rotterdam

The Netherlands is compact and the trains are excellent: base in Amsterdam, then take easy day trips to windmills, old towns and modern Rotterdam.

Day by day

1. Day 1 · Amsterdam

   Arrive, canal belt walk and an evening canal cruise.

2. Day 2 · Amsterdam

   Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark in between.

3. Day 3 · Amsterdam

   Anne Frank House (book ahead), the Jordaan and its markets.

4. Day 4 · Amsterdam

   Day trip to Zaanse Schans windmills and the harbour at Volendam.

5. Day 5 · Haarlem

   Haarlem's Grote Markt and old hofjes; tulip fields nearby in spring.

6. Day 6 · Rotterdam

   Markthal and the Cube Houses, then the windmills of Kinderdijk.

7. Day 7 · Amsterdam

   Morning in Delft, train back to Amsterdam and fly home.

Vegetarian, Jain & halal food

Vegetarian and vegan food is everywhere; try stroopwafels, poffertjes and Dutch cheese. Indonesian rijsttafel restaurants have many vegetarian dishes, and halal food is easy in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

Travelling with kids or parents

Trains are step-free and frequent, and many museums are free for children. Watch for bikes in the cycle lanes; they have right of way.

Good to know

• Tap in and out with a contactless card on trains and trams.
• Book the Anne Frank House online, weeks ahead.
• Keukenhof tulips bloom only from late March to mid-May.

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