Netherlands.
Flight from TLV
4h 44m
Best season
אפר–ספט
Avg temp
14°
Currency
€ EUR · 1=₪3.52
Time zone
שעה אחת פחות מת״א
Language
הולנדית, אנגלית מדוברת היטב
Plug
C / F · 230V
Visa
אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה באזור שנגן, בכפוף לכללי הכניסה העדכניים
Safety
בטוח בדרך כלל; באמסטרדם מומלץ להיזהר מכייסים באזורים עמוסים ולשים לב במיוחד לאופניים ולנתיבי רכיבה
Overview
🇳🇱Netherlands
🇳🇱Netherlands
The Netherlands is far more than an Amsterdam weekend: it combines canals and gabled houses with green villages, colorful fields and world-class museums. Israeli travelers begin at Dam Square, cruise the canals and visit the Rijksmuseum, then shop on Kalverstraat or at Batavia Stad and spend the evening around Leidseplein or De Pijp. Spring brings Keukenhof, while summer is ideal for family road trips to Zaanse Schans, Giethoorn, Efteling and The Hague. Direct flights from Tel Aviv, excellent public transport, kosher options and Chabad in Amsterdam make the country especially easy for couples, friends and families.
Places
Islands & sub-destinations in Netherlands
What are you looking for?
Everything for Netherlands, in one place
Pick a category and dive into its dedicated page.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Netherlands
Each area and who it suits best.
Amsterdam, Jordaan and the Nine Streets
Jordaan’s canals, the cafés along Westerstraat and the boutiques of De 9 Straatjes deliver Amsterdam at its most photogenic, within walking distance of the Anne Frank House and Dam Square. Hotels such as Pulitzer Amsterdam and Mr. Jordaan put you in the heart of it. Rates are high, rooms are often small, and weekend bar noise can be noticeable.
Amsterdam, De Pijp
Around Albert Cuyp Market, Gerard Doustraat and Marie Heinekenplein, cafés, bars and a young crowd keep the area lively until late. Sir Albert Hotel is a convenient base, and the metro reaches the center in minutes. It is denser and noisier than Jordaan and less romantic, but usually offers better value.
Amsterdam-Zuid and Oud-Zuid
Staying near Museumplein, luxury shopping street P.C. Hooftstraat or Stadionweg combines the Van Gogh Museum, Vondelpark and convenient access to the kosher restaurants and shops of southern Amsterdam. Conservatorium Hotel suits luxury stays, while Olympic Hotel can offer families more space. Evenings are calmer than downtown, but Dam Square is about 15 to 25 minutes away by tram or metro.
Rotterdam, City Center and Kop van Zuid
Around Witte de Withstraat, Markthal and the Cube Houses, Rotterdam offers a modern city of bars and shopping, with hotels that are often cheaper than Amsterdam; Mainport Hotel near Leuvehaven is an upscale choice. In Kop van Zuid, Hotel New York and Erasmus Bridge create a striking nighttime skyline. This is not historic canal-side Amsterdam, and reaching the capital’s sights takes roughly 40 to 50 minutes by train.
The Hague and Scheveningen
On the Scheveningen promenade, you wake up facing the sea, pier and Ferris wheel, with the Kurhaus, Inntel hotel and Holland Casino nearby. Central The Hague adds the Binnenhof, Mauritshuis and shopping on Noordeinde, with a tram linking downtown to the beach. July and August are crowded and expensive, while off-season winds are strong and some beach clubs close.
Giethoorn and De Weerribben
Along Binnenpad, small bridges, thatched cottages and quiet boats create the classic Giethoorn scene, with Weerribben-Wieden National Park nearby. De Dames Van De Jonge is a pleasant base once day-trippers leave. The village is highly touristy during the day, public transport is cumbersome, and staying here places you roughly 90 minutes from Amsterdam.
Year-round weather
Year-round weather in Netherlands
Temperature averages
Real climate dataינו
7°
2°
Cool
פבר
9°
3°
Cool
מרץ
11°
4°
Cool
אפר
14°
6°
Cool
מאי
18°
10°
Recommended
יונ
21°
13°
Recommended
יול
21°
15°
Recommended
אוג
22°
14°
Excellent
ספט
20°
13°
Recommended
אוק
15°
10°
Cool
נוב
10°
5°
Cool
דצמ
8°
4°
Cool
Most pleasant weather: אוג
Peak season for Israelis (when everyone goes): אפר · מאי · יונ · יול · אוג · ספט. April and May bring tulip season and Keukenhof, while July and August are the main peak for Israeli families because of the school holidays, Efteling and countryside trips. June and September are pleasant, relatively calmer and often better value.
Based on a 3-year average · measured in Netherlands · Open-Meteo
This week in Netherlands
Measured in Netherlands
17°
Cloudy
Next 7 days
Tap a day for hourly detail
Seasonal averages · loading live forecast…
Things to do
Things to do in Netherlands
On the map
Netherlands on one map
Every spot travelers love — tap a pin for photos, opening hours, navigation and booking.
Suggested plan
A perfect Netherlands itinerary
Day by day, so you can picture the whole trip.
- 1
Day 1
Amsterdam’s canals and historic heart
Start at Dam Square before 09:00, then continue through Begijnhof and Spui to De 9 Straatjes while the shops and bridges are still quiet. Have lunch in Jordaan or bring kosher food from southern Amsterdam, then visit the Anne Frank House using a strictly prebooked ticket. Around sunset, take a one-hour canal cruise departing from Prinsengracht. In the evening, stroll around Noordermarkt and Westerstraat, or head to Leidseplein for bars and clubs.
- 2
Day 2
Museums, park and shopping
Book the first morning slot at either the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum, and do not try to force both back-to-back with young children. At midday, walk through Vondelpark and continue to the luxury boutiques of P.C. Hooftstraat or the chain stores along Kalverstraat. Kosher-observant visitors can travel to Gelderlandplein for shopping and a meal at La Biss or Meatingplace. In the evening, take the free ferry behind Centraal to A'DAM Lookout for views over the illuminated city.
- 3
Day 3
Windmills and fishing villages
Reach Zaanse Schans by 09:00, before the tour coaches, and visit a working windmill and the wooden-shoe workshop. Continue to Volendam, walk along Haven and eat a packed lunch or a suitable dish after checking ingredients, as reliable kosher options are not available here. From April to October, take the Marken Express to Marken and explore its wooden houses and lighthouse; outside the season, choose Edam instead. Return to Amsterdam for a relaxed evening in Jordaan.
- 4
Day 4
The Hague, Madurodam and Scheveningen
Take the train to The Hague and begin at the Mauritshuis when it opens, opposite the Binnenhof and Hofvijver. Families can continue to Madurodam for two to three hours, while couples may prefer Noordeinde and the Peace Palace area. In the afternoon, take a tram to Scheveningen, ride the Ferris wheel on the pier and watch sunset from the promenade or a seasonal beach club. In the evening, visit Holland Casino Scheveningen with a passport and smart attire, or return to Amsterdam by train.
- 5
Day 5
Rotterdam and Delft
Begin at Rotterdam Centraal and walk via Lijnbaan to Markthal, the Cube Houses and the Old Harbour. Cross Erasmus Bridge or ride the Waterbus for a different skyline perspective, then have lunch around Kop van Zuid; kosher-observant visitors should bring food from Amsterdam. In the afternoon, take the 15-minute train to Delft and explore Markt, Nieuwe Kerk and the Oude Delft canal. Return after sunset, when Delft’s canals are illuminated and less crowded.
- 6
Day 6
Giethoorn by boat or Efteling for families
With a car, leave for Giethoorn by 07:30 and reserve a two-hour electric boat in advance to enter the canals before crowds build; include Binnenpad and Lake Bovenwijde. Without a car, the journey involves a train and bus, so depart early and allow extra connection time. Families who prefer rides can devote the day to Efteling, arrive for opening and begin with Symbolica, Droomvlucht and Baron 1898 before queues grow. For either option, bring kosher food and drinks from Amsterdam and return to the city in the evening.
Quick game
Not sure yet? Find your travel type
30 fun seconds, then personal picks of the best spots for you here.
Quick game
What's your Netherlands travel type?
Question 1 of 5
Your perfect vacation morning?
Budget
How much does Netherlands cost?
Real ILS price ranges, so you know what to expect.
Round-trip flight from TLV
₪900-1,900 (summer: ₪2,400+)
4-5-night package
₪2,700-5,200 per person
Mid-range hotel nightly
₪650-1,150 (per room)
5★ hotel nightly
₪1,350-2,700 (per room)
Restaurant meal
₪80-160 per person
Local beer
₪24-35
Coffee
₪14-22
Short taxi ride
₪45-90
Rental car daily
₪180-350 (before parking)
Major attraction
₪55-110 per person
Daily budget per person
₪450-850 (with lodging)
Family, 5 nights
₪12,000-21,000 (family of 4)
Good to know
Good to know before Netherlands
Getting around
From the airport
From Schiphol, an NS train reaches Amsterdam Centraal in about 15 to 18 minutes for roughly ₪25 per person; direct trains also serve Rotterdam in around 30 minutes and The Hague in 30 to 40 minutes, sometimes with an Intercity Direct supplement. Bus 397 reaches Museumplein and Leidseplein in about 30 to 40 minutes and costs approximately ₪25. An official taxi or Uber/Bolt to central Amsterdam usually takes 25 to 40 minutes and costs ₪160-260, while a private family shuttle generally costs ₪250-450. During rush hour, the train is almost always faster and more predictable than a car.
Need a car?
You do not need a car for Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht or day trips to Zaanse Schans, Haarlem and Delft: trains are frequent, and central Amsterdam parking can exceed ₪30-45 per day. Families planning Giethoorn, Efteling, De Hoge Veluwe National Park or northern villages benefit from renting for two or three days, avoiding multiple transfers and gaining flexibility. Couples and younger visitors staying in the cities are better off using trains and trams.
Tips
For public transport, you can tap a contactless card or phone when entering and leaving, but each passenger needs a separate payment method; remember to check out. Uber and Bolt operate in major cities, though taxis surge on busy nights and trams are often easier. Rent a bicycle only if you ride confidently: never walk in the red bike lane, secure the bicycle with two locks, and use Amsterdam’s outer P+R facilities if arriving by car.
Kosher & Jewish
Chabad / community
Chabad in central Amsterdam operates around Nieuwe Herengracht near the Jewish Cultural Quarter, assisting with services and advance-reservation Shabbat meals; confirm the exact venue and schedule before arrival. In the south, around Buitenveldert and Amstelveen, you will find the country’s most active Jewish community, with synagogues, minyanim, an eruv and a mikveh. Options outside Amsterdam are considerably more limited, so many Shabbat-observant visitors stay in southern Amsterdam.
Kosher food
In Buitenveldert, kosher options include meat restaurant Meatingplace on A.J. Ernststraat and La Biss in the Gelderlandplein complex, alongside the Jumbo supermarket on Kastelenstraat with a relatively extensive kosher section. Mouwes Kosher Delicatessen, also on Kastelenstraat, is useful for bread, cheese, Shabbat supplies and prepared food. Kosher-observant Israelis usually stock up in southern Amsterdam before day trips, since Rotterdam, Giethoorn and tourist villages should not be relied upon for readily available kosher dining; verify certification and opening hours close to travel.
eSIM · VAYULOR
eSIM for Netherlands 🇳🇱
Data abroad without swapping SIMs
7 days
15 days
30 days
Travel insurance
Travel insurance for Netherlands 🇳🇱
A hospital day in Netherlands can cost thousands. Full coverage with Hebrew support.
- Medical + hospital 24/7
- Trip cancellation
- Baggage
- Gadgets & pre-existing conditions
Currency & rates
Live rateCurrency & rates
Quick conversion at today's rate
Convert
You get
351.8
1 EUR
₪3.52
100 EUR
₪351.8
1,000 EUR
₪3,518
Source: exchangerate-api · updated Sep 14 · refreshes daily
Visa & documents
Visa & documents for Netherlands 🇳🇱
What you need before you fly
- אין צורך בוויזה לישראלים לשהייה קצרה באזור שנגן, בכפוף לכללי הכניסה העדכניים
- Passport valid 6 months
- Travel insurance, leave details for a quote
Local tips
Good to know about Netherlands
- 💳The Netherlands is nearly cashless, but American Express is less widely accepted, so bring a physical Visa or Mastercard and enable contactless payments before flying.
- 🚆Amsterdam transit and NS trains support OVpay by tapping the same bank card in and out, and you must not switch between your phone and the physical card during one journey.
- 🎟Anne Frank House tickets are sold through the official website for fixed time slots and disappear quickly, so check sales about six weeks ahead rather than relying on a spontaneous visit.
- 🏨For couples I prefer the Jordaan or De Pijp, while families do better in Plantage or Oud-Zuid; a cheap Damrak hotel can mean noise, steep stairs, and a room much smaller than its photos suggest.
- 🌷If Keukenhof is the reason for your trip, travel from late March to mid-May and reserve both entry and transport, with mid-April usually offering the strongest chance of peak blooms.
- 🎰Holland Casino Amsterdam Centrum at Max Euweplein is for guests aged 18 and over and requires original identification, so bring your passport and dress neatly despite the city's casual atmosphere.
- ✡For a kosher meal, reserve HaCarmel on Amstelveenseweg, and for Shabbat arrangements or groceries look to Chabad and the kosher selection around Buitenveldert before Friday closing.
- 🚲Never stand in a cycle lane for a photo: Amsterdam's red lanes are fast transport routes, so cross only after looking both ways and never while focused on your phone.
- 🌧Even in July, carry a light hooded rain jacket rather than a large umbrella, as wind along the canals and at Scheveningen beach can make umbrellas useless within minutes.
- 📱A European eSIM works well across most of the country, but download the NS and 9292 apps in advance for real-time track works, platforms, and service changes, including routes to smaller towns.
מאיה רוזן
Senior agent · Greece for 12 years
"The Netherlands feels like a holiday where everything simply works: trains are efficient, cities are compact, and within twenty minutes you can move from a quiet canal to a street full of bars. Israelis fall for that first view outside Amsterdam Centraal, but also for sunset over the IJ from A'DAM Lookout and a hot cone of fries from Vlaams Friteshuis Vleminckx. Beyond Amsterdam, cities such as Utrecht, Rotterdam, and The Hague offer completely different experiences without long journeys. My secret is not to race between attractions, but to leave room for a market, a free ferry, and coffee by the water."
Loves
I love taking the free ferry behind Amsterdam Centraal to NDSM, exploring the murals at STRAAT Museum, and finishing with a drink by the water at Pllek. Go on Friday or Saturday about two hours before sunset, especially from May through September, when the terrace is lively but there is still a chance of finding a table.
Skip
The floating Bloemenmarkt has largely become a row of souvenir shops, so I would not build a day around it. For real tulips, visit Keukenhof in spring or browse the flower stalls at Albert Cuyp Market.
Boutique pick
My day begins at 08:00 in the Jordaan, while the canals are still quiet, with a walk along Brouwersgracht and breakfast near Noordermarkt; at 10:00 there is a prebooked Anne Frank House visit, followed by Albert Cuyp Market and hot fries in De Pijp at 12:30. The afternoon brings a small-boat canal cruise, then at 18:00 the ferry to NDSM for sunset over the IJ, finishing with a bar on Reguliersdwarsstraat or a gaming table at Holland Casino Amsterdam Centrum, passport in hand.
Client stories
What returning travelers say about Netherlands
"We started the day among the tulips at Keukenhof and ended it on an illuminated Amsterdam canal cruise, a combination that felt romantic without being overly sentimental. The Netherlands gave us exactly the pace we wanted, with short train rides and plenty of time beside the water in the Jordaan."
Noa and Ido, Tel Aviv
Couple · 5 nights · April
"The kids could not stop talking about the Baron 1898 roller coaster at Efteling, and the next day they built dams and experimented with water at NEMO. The Netherlands surprised us as an easy, enjoyable family destination, even with three children and a suitcase full of snacks from Israel."
Michal and Uri, Modi'in
Family with children · 7 nights · August
"We did the Heineken Experience in the afternoon and danced late into the night at Shelter beneath the A'DAM Tower. The Netherlands was ideal for a friends’ getaway, although Amsterdam accommodation should be booked early because weekend prices rise sharply."
Daniel, Roi and Shahar, Rishon LeZion
Friends · 4 nights · June
"We booked the Anne Frank House months ahead and later had a kosher dinner at HaCarmel in Amsterdam-Zuid. The Netherlands gave us a moving and comfortable trip, with excellent museums and trains that made a relaxed day in Utrecht effortless."
Ruti and Aryeh, Haifa
Older couple · 6 nights · September
FAQ
Common questions about Netherlands
Do Israelis need a visa for the Netherlands?
Israeli biometric passport holders can visit the Netherlands visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day Schengen period. Before flying, check whether ETIAS has taken effect and carry proof of accommodation, a return ticket and a valid passport.
Are there direct flights from Israel to the Netherlands, and how long is the flight?
Direct flights from Tel Aviv to Amsterdam Schiphol generally take about 5 to 5.5 hours, with schedules varying by season and aviation conditions. Schiphol is the most convenient gateway to the Netherlands, with direct trains reaching central Amsterdam in roughly 15 to 20 minutes.
When is the best time to visit the Netherlands, and when is peak season?
April is the prime month for tulips and Keukenhof, while July and August are peak summer in the Netherlands, bringing long days, larger crowds and higher hotel prices. May, June and September usually offer the best balance of pleasant weather, lighter crowds and more reasonable rates.
How many days are needed for the Netherlands, and what can be combined with it?
For a first trip to the Netherlands, allow 5 to 7 nights: about three in Amsterdam and the rest for Zaanse Schans, Utrecht, Rotterdam, Giethoorn or The Hague. On a longer itinerary, Antwerp and Brussels are easy rail additions, while Cologne and Düsseldorf also combine well.
What is the easiest way to get around the Netherlands?
NS trains and local public transport make it easy to explore almost all of the Netherlands without a car, and contactless bank cards work through OVpay. A rental car is useful for families visiting Giethoorn, small villages or holiday parks, but it is expensive and inconvenient in Amsterdam.
How much does a trip to the Netherlands cost for Israeli travelers?
A 5-to-7-night trip to the Netherlands typically costs around ₪5,500 to ₪9,500 per person sharing a room, including flights, a good hotel, transport, meals and attractions but excluding shopping. A family of four will usually spend about ₪18,000 to ₪30,000, particularly in July and August or when staying centrally in Amsterdam.
Is the Netherlands safe for Israelis?
The Netherlands is generally easy to navigate safely, though pickpocketing is a concern around Dam Square, Amsterdam Centraal and the Red Light District. Israelis should monitor official travel advisories, avoid political demonstrations and use discretion with visible Israeli symbols in tense areas.
What are the must-see attractions in the Netherlands, and who is the destination best suited to?
A first visit to the Netherlands should include an Amsterdam canal cruise, the Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House booked well ahead, and Zaanse Schans; Israeli families commonly add Efteling, NEMO or Madurodam. Couples tend to enjoy the Jordaan, Utrecht and Zandvoort, while families also favor Giethoorn and Center Parcs resorts.
What is nightlife like in the Netherlands, and are there casinos?
Nightlife in the Netherlands is strongest in Amsterdam, with bars in De Pijp and Leidseplein and clubs such as Shelter and Thuishaven, while Rotterdam has a younger scene around Witte de Withstraat. Legal Holland Casino venues operate in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Scheveningen, with entry from age 18 and valid identification required.
Where can travelers find kosher food and Chabad in the Netherlands, and what should they pack?
Most kosher options in the Netherlands are concentrated in Amsterdam-Zuid, including HaCarmel, Sal Meijer and kosher grocery shops, with Chabad centers assisting with prayers, Shabbat and holidays when arranged in advance. Even in summer, pack a light rain jacket, layers and comfortable walking shoes; in winter, add windproof clothing and a sturdy umbrella.