The Netherlands
Last Updated: February 5, 2026
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Backpacking The Netherlands in 2026
From the sex-crazed Red Light District of Amsterdam to the outlandish yellow-cubed houses of Rotterdam, backpacking the Netherlands is an experience unlike any other in Europe.
Over the flat landscapes, canals crisscross the country and windmills stand proud over colourful rows upon rows of tulips dancing in the spring breeze.
Backpacking the Netherlands is a whacky, intriguing and occasionally surprising experience, where you'll often find yourself, mouth open, and thinking, what?
Alongside its progressive outlook on sex and drugs, the country is awash with history, sport and art. Likewise, the Netherlands is teeming with tasty delights such as the stroopwaffle, pannenkoeken and bitterballen.
Backpacking the Netherlands is chaotic, but you'll find a lot of fun to be had as you cycle across this unique and mad country.
This is the fun zone you've heard so much about.
Why The Netherlands
Backpacking the Netherlands is an eye-opening adventure traversing cities, beaches, canals and countryside where the weird and wonderful strike you daily. But, that's why we travel and explore new places, isn't it?
As alluded to above, there are many sides to the Netherlands, and each day will bring a new, intriguing and exciting event, making your trip particularly memorable.
In parts, the Netherlands can be expensive, but outside the larger cities, you'll find fantastic deals on accommodation, food and drink. Thus, you will find it easy to stretch your budget.
Likewise, the Netherlands is such a small country, it is cheap and easy to manoeuvre, meaning you can explore more for less. Plus, the Dutch are so friendly, if you need a lift, I'm sure they will help you out.
Overall, there are many reasons why you should visit the Netherlands, including its rich culture, stunning scenery and romantic architecture. Nevertheless, for me, the best thing is the people. I've found every Dutch person to be friendly, kind, warming and slightly crazy, but in a good way. They brighten up any day and make you feel welcome.
Quick Stats
Currency
Euro
Religion
Atheist 57%
Population
18.35 million
Language
Official: Dutch
Also: English
When to Go
High Season: April - Sept
Low Season: Oct - March
Price of Beer
£4.20 a Pint
Our Dutch Stories
Travel Guide Amsterdam: Canals, Van Gogh, Anne Frank and More
Will the city of sin take you? Come and have a go if you think you’re hard enough.
Rotterdam, The Netherlands – A Travel Guide
The world of the bold and the whacky… There’s nowhere like Rotterdam.
Den Bosch, The Netherlands – A Travel Guide
The quaint historic city with a thirst for culture and top beers on tap.
Where to Visit
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and home to the country's sinful side.
Weed, sex shows and the Red Light District take centre stage in this often dirty and wild city. Nevertheless, Amsterdam is also home to romantic architecture, peaceful canals, history and the arts.
Anne Frank, Van Gough and the Heineken experience are some of the highlights of Amsterdam.
Yet, as you'll discover there's far more to these gorgeous cobbled streets than first meets the eye.
For our complete guide to backpacking Amsterdam, click here.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam relies on the fast-paced New Meuse River which feeds Rotterdam port (the largest in Europe).
Between them, they bring much-needed trade, employment and tourism to the city.
Away from the port, Rotterdam is a modern city with creative and innovative architecture. Big, bold and in your face is the name of the game, with skyscrapers, unique cubed houses and the massively impressive Markthal.
In keeping with the city's vibe, modern art rules the roost in Rotterdam making for a very different experience of the Netherlands.
For our complete guide to backpacking Lima, click here.
Den Bosch ('s-Hertogenbosch)
With a name like 's-Hertogenbosch, it's no wonder the locals use Den Bosch.
Den Bosch is a quaint, historic city in the south of the Netherlands and like Amsterdam has numerous canals running through it.
Despite being small, there are many beautiful buildings and museums to visit, none more so than Sint Janskathedraal (St John's Cathedral).
Overall, Den Bosch is a pristine, tranquil and green city with a quench for good food and plenty of beer.
For those backpacking the Netherlands, I'd highly recommend a stop here in Den Bosch.
For our complete guide to backpacking Lima, click here.
The Hague
Many of us will have heard that The Hague (The Netherlands' third largest city), is home to the judicial and administration buildings of the Netherlands as well as housing the International Criminal Court.
However, there's much more to The Hague, including miles of glistening beaches, bustling shopping streets and a fantastic architectural blend of old and new.
Furthermore, The Hague is known as one of the greenest cities with many parks and tree-lined streets. Similarly, it is forward-thinking, vegan-friendly and, like Amsterdam, is home to canals and numerous statues.
Eindhoven
Eindhoven is the centre of Dutch technology and is known as the Netherlands' city of innovation and design.
Like The Hague, Eindhoven is a green city with numerous parks and green spaces. Similarly, there are countless museums and attractions and plenty of bold architecture.
Furthermore, Eindhoven is teeming with modern architecture, that combines with historic elements and the city is loaded with cool cafés, shops, and galleries.
Utrecht
Much like Amsterdam, Utrecht is interspersed with canals, tree-lined streets and multiple statues.
Utrecht is also home to some of the Netherlands' most beautiful buildings and age-old architecture including the magical Dom Tower and the vast and imposing Castle De Haar.
Other things to expect when visiting Utrecht include a fantastic cafe and bar culture, endless shopping and great Dutch foods, such as the stroopwafel.
These combine to create what has been voted as one of the happiest cities to live in the world.
Come and get your slice of happiness.