7-Day Itinerary & Budget for Your Netherlands Adventure

Thinking about a summer getaway to the Netherlands? You might be surprised by the endless exciting experiences awaiting you in this beautiful land of tulips.

From the stunning tulip gardens to iconic windmills, and even the chance to try on traditional wooden clogs, these unique attractions make Holland and its cities unforgettable for visitors.

Best of all, you won’t need to break the bank. Public transport, dining, and accommodations can be quite affordable. Here’s your comprehensive Itinerary & Budget for 7 Days in the Netherlands.

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Day 1: Arrival in Amsterdam

The journey from Melbourne to Amsterdam is quite lengthy, taking about 30 hours. Opt for an overnight flight so that you can head directly to your accommodation to recharge before starting your adventure in the morning.

Upon arriving at Schiphol International Airport, you can head straight to your lodging. Hostel Cosmos Amsterdam is a great choice due to its affordability and convenient location near various tourist attractions. You can also enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi during your stay.

Day 2: Exploring Amsterdam

Amsterdam is brimming with charm. This major city in the Netherlands has become one of the most sought-after tourist spots. Begin your day at the Albert Cuyp Markt to experience the authentic vibe of Amsterdam.

As the largest street market in the city, you'll find a diverse range of products and encounter visitors from all over the world. Nearby, you can visit the Stadsarchief, Amsterdam's vital document center, where you can discover unique artifacts, including a map of the city from 1625.

Next, take a leisurely stroll along the Canal Ring. You can explore on foot, by bicycle, or via boat for a small fee. Afterward, treat yourself to delicious cuisine at one of the many cafes lining the canals of Amsterdam.

In the late afternoon, you can join a complimentary walking tour starting from Dam Square. During the tour, you'll see various attractions, including Anne Frank's house and the OBA Central Library, which is the second-largest library in Europe.

The library is open until 10 PM, allowing you to unwind with books and magazines in the café while enjoying dinner. Alternatively, you can visit the observation deck on the top floor to take in breathtaking views of Amsterdam at night. Isn’t that amazing?

Day 3: Tulip Exploration

You haven't truly experienced the Netherlands until you've searched for tulips. Head to Bloemenmarkt, the famous flower market located on Singel, nestled between Muntplein and Koningsplein. Here, you'll find tulips, daffodils, lilies, and a variety of other flowers.

Your next stop could be the Amsterdam Tulip Museum, where you can explore the fascinating history of tulips in the Netherlands along with various intriguing facts.

Following that, enjoy lunch break concerts at various venues, which take place only from September to May or June. For classical music enthusiasts, there's the Concertgebouw; opera aficionados can head to the Muziektheater, while jazz lovers should check out the Dutch Philharmonic and Bimhuis. Note that the latter two venues offer free concerts every Tuesday, while the Concertgebouw has performances every Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:00 PM.

Before continuing your adventure, consider grabbing lunch. De Pizzabakkers, conveniently located near the three concert venues, offers delicious meals at a reasonable price, with a medium pizza costing around 9 euros.

After lunch, take a free ferry from behind Centraal Station to NDSM-Werf to explore remarkable artworks. You'll find everything from sculptures made from recycled materials to vibrant graffiti and murals. Don’t miss ARCAM, a hub for urban design art that is equally impressive.

Day 4: Exploring De Rijp, Edam, and Zaanse Schans

You haven’t truly experienced Holland until you’ve witnessed its iconic tulips and windmills. Fortunately, these three locations showcase both of these quintessential Dutch symbols. You can reach De Rijp in just 20 minutes by bus or other modes of transportation.

De Rijp is a picturesque village in North Holland, offering a glimpse into the quintessential Dutch countryside. After soaking in the scenery, head over to Edam Village, renowned for being the center of the world’s most famous cheese-making. It’s a delightful experience, and you can sample various cheese types while you’re there. Yum!

For those eager to see windmills, make your way to Zaanse Schans, a charming village located just outside Amsterdam. Capture stunning photos with the windmills as your backdrop, and discover how these fascinating structures operate. After your adventure, return to Amsterdam to gear up for an exciting fourth day in Rotterdam.

Day 5: Greetings from Rotterdam

If you catch the earliest morning train from Amsterdam to Rotterdam, you can arrive in just under an hour for a ticket price of 18 euros. The Rotterdam Central Station itself is a striking blend of art and architecture.

Take some time to snap photos or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere of the bustling crowd. Afterwards, head to your accommodation. Opting for a hostel remains the best choice for budget travelers. Spark Hostel is a great pick, offering affordable rates and a kitchen for cooking, helping you save on meal expenses.

Next, enrich your Dutch experience in Rotterdam with a free walking tour. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the city, sharing its fascinating history along the way.

Enjoy lunch at Markthal, where stunning architecture meets a vibrant hub of activity for both locals and visitors, perfect for satisfying your appetite.

Another must-visit spot showcasing architectural brilliance is the Cube Houses, known for their distinctive hexagonal shape. This photo-worthy landmark is a great place to snap a picture that confirms your presence in Rotterdam.

Before heading back to your accommodation, take a moment to admire the iconic Erasmusbrug, a magnificent bridge that symbolizes Rotterdam. You can also stroll along the harbor and the Maas River for an unforgettable experience, with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars lining the waterfront.

Day 6: Exploring the City

Start your day with a city tour by renting a bicycle after breakfast. Experiencing the morning hustle and bustle of Rotterdam while engaging with the locals is truly exhilarating.

Next, make sure to visit Blaak Markt, Rotterdam's largest market, which operates only on Thursdays and Saturdays. Here, you'll find a wide variety of items at budget-friendly prices.

You can also immerse yourself in the local life by visiting several parks scattered throughout Rotterdam. The top recommendation is Het Park, located near Euromast. This park offers a refreshing green environment with wildlife roaming freely.

Once you've enjoyed some relaxation in the park, check out the free concerts at the ROOMs Vocalsz event, organized by Hostel ROOM. Featuring a variety of music genres, this concert promises to leave a lasting impression as you wrap up your time in Rotterdam before continuing your journey or heading back home.

Day 7 Farewell, Netherlands!

On your final day in the Netherlands, it’s time to get ready for your journey home. You can relax until check-out at 11:00 and then head straight to the airport for your 13:00 flight.

This wraps up your Itinerary & Budget for 7 Days in the Netherlands, with costs ranging from approximately €2,086 to €3,000. With Mytour, you can enjoy a seamless travel experience to the Netherlands right away.

From booking flight tickets and hotels to handling many other arrangements, everything is conveniently available in one application. Exciting, right? Let's get your vacation in the Netherlands planned with Mytour!