South Holland, Netherlands Travel Guide

Discover the blend of modern cities, historic towns, and scenic countryside in South Holland, Netherlands. From Rotterdam's skyline to The Hague's political heart, explore it all.

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South Holland, a province in the Netherlands, offers a delightful blend of vibrant cities, serene countryside, and rich cultural heritage. From the bustling urban life of Rotterdam and The Hague to the tranquil landscapes of tulip fields and windmills, South Holland is a region that promises a diverse and enriching experience for every visitor. Explore Rotterdam, a city known for its modern architecture, lively arts scene, and bustling port. Don't miss the iconic Erasmus Bridge and the stunning Markthal, where you can indulge in local Dutch delicacies. The city's museums, such as the Boijmans Van Beuningen and the Maritime Museum, offer insights into art and history. The Hague, the political heart of the Netherlands, is home to the Dutch government and the International Court of Justice. Stroll through the historic Binnenhof, admire the masterpieces in the Mauritshuis, and relax on the sandy shores of Scheveningen Beach. The city's blend of historic charm and modern attractions make it a must-visit. For a taste of traditional Dutch life, visit the picturesque town of Gouda, famous for its cheese markets, or Kinderdijk, where you can see 19 well-preserved windmills that are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. The vibrant tulip fields in spring, particularly around Lisse, are a sight to behold and perfect for photography. South Holland's culinary scene is diverse and delicious, offering everything from fresh seafood to traditional Dutch pancakes. Be sure to try stroopwafels, a sweet treat that originated in the Netherlands. With its rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning landscapes, South Holland is a destination that captivates and inspires.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring South Holland.

Buy a Museumkaart for unlimited access to museums across South Holland.
Visit the tulip fields in Lisse during spring for vibrant photo opportunities.
Use the efficient public transportation system to easily travel between cities.
Try local cheeses at the Gouda cheese market, held every Thursday.
Pack layers, as the weather can be unpredictable, especially near the coast.

Top City Travel Guides in South Holland

The cities of South Holland, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Amsterdam

Rotterdam

The Hague

Delft

Utrecht

Destinations in South Holland

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Keukenhof Gardens

Zaanse Schans

Scheveningen Beach

Kinderdijk

Dutch Coast

Explore South Holland: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in South Holland

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

De Pier

Explore De Pier in Scheveningen: A breathtaking seaside destination combining dining, shopping, and adventure for an unforgettable experience.

4.4

Kijk-Kubus Museum-house

Discover the architectural wonder of Kijk-Kubus Museum-house in Rotterdam, a unique fusion of art and innovative living design.

4.4

Feyenoord Stadium

Explore the legendary Feyenoord Stadium in Rotterdam, home to thrilling soccer matches and a vibrant sporting culture that captivates fans and tourists alike.

4.5

Mauritshuis

Explore the grandeur of Dutch art at Mauritshuis, home to Vermeer and Rembrandt's masterpieces in the heart of The Hague.

4.7

Best landmarks in South Holland

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

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All Landmarks

Keukenhof

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Keukenhof, a floral paradise in the Netherlands, showcasing millions of vibrant blooms each spring.

4.7

Madurodam

Discover Madurodam: A miniature wonderland showcasing the iconic landmarks and rich culture of the Netherlands in The Hague.

4.5

Castle De Haar

Explore the majestic Castle De Haar, a stunning historical landmark with enchanting gardens and rich cultural heritage in the heart of Utrecht.

4.6

Kijk-Kubus Museum-house

Discover the innovative cube architecture of the Kijk-Kubus Museum-house in Rotterdam, a unique blend of history and modern design.

4.4

Best restaurants in South Holland

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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All Restaurants

Lake House Rotterdam

Discover Lake House Rotterdam: A scenic dining destination offering exquisite cuisine and stunning lakeside views perfect for any occasion.

4.1

MY Bathhouse

Discover culinary delights and vibrant events at MY Bathhouse in Hook of Holland - where relaxation meets exceptional service.

4.3

Stadsbrouwerij De Pelgrim

Discover Stadsbrouwerij De Pelgrim in Rotterdam: A premier brewpub serving exquisite craft beers and delectable dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.

4.4

PLSTK Café

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of PLSTK Café in Hook of Holland—a culinary gem offering exquisite dining, drinks, and breathtaking views.

4.7

Best bars in South Holland

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

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All Bars

The Fiddler

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at The Fiddler, a lively pub and sports bar in the heart of The Hague, perfect for drinks and entertainment.

4.3

Lost in Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Amsterdam at Lost in Amsterdam Lounge Cafe & Cocktail Bar, where cocktails and live music create unforgettable moments.

4.3

Paddy Murphy's Irish Pub

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Paddy Murphy's Irish Pub, where authentic Irish hospitality meets the heart of Rotterdam's nightlife.

4.5

Hollywood Event Center

Discover the ultimate leisure experience at Hollywood Event Center, your go-to destination for dining, entertainment, and sports in Rotterdam.

3.9

Best nightclubs in South Holland

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

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All Nightclubs

Munch

Discover the vibrant nightlife at Munch, Rotterdam's premier disco club, where stunning river views and electrifying music create unforgettable nights.

4.3

Cultuurpodium Perron

Dive into Rotterdam's vibrant nightlife at Cultuurpodium Perron, where electrifying music and an energetic crowd create unforgettable nights.

4.2

NEXT Leiden

Discover the energetic nightlife at NEXT Leiden, where music, dance, and vibrant social scenes come together for an unforgettable experience.

3.5

HOME Noordwijk

Unleash your nights at HOME Noordwijk, the ultimate disco club where electrifying music meets vibrant nightlife.

3.7

Best shops in South Holland

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

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All Shops

Designer Outlet Roermond

Experience the allure of Designer Outlet Roermond, where top brands meet unbeatable prices in a vibrant shopping atmosphere.

4.3

Markthal

Explore Markthal, Rotterdam's architectural gem, combining a vibrant food court and diverse shopping in a unique urban experience.

4.4

Westfield Mall of the Netherlands

Explore Westfield Mall of the Netherlands: a shopping haven with diverse stores, exquisite dining, and entertainment for all ages.

4.3

Alexandrium Shopping Center

Explore Alexandrium Shopping Center in Rotterdam – your ultimate destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, all under one roof.

4.2

Explore South Holland on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in South Holland, mapped for you.

South Holland Essentials

South Holland is well-connected by air, road, and rail. The main international gateway is Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), located around 40-60 minutes from major cities like Rotterdam and The Hague by train. Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM) also offers flights from various European destinations. From the airports, travelers can take trains, buses, or taxis to reach their destinations in South Holland. The Netherlands has an efficient and extensive rail network, making train travel a convenient option for reaching South Holland from other parts of the country and neighboring countries.
Public transportation in South Holland is highly efficient, with an extensive network of trains, trams, buses, and ferries. The OV-chipkaart is a contactless smart card used for travel on public transport. Alternatively, single-use tickets are available. Biking is a popular mode of transport, and bike rental services are widely available. For more flexibility, car rental services are also an option. Major cities like Rotterdam and The Hague are well-served by public transport, making it easy to navigate without a car.
The official currency of the Netherlands is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa and MasterCard. Contactless payment methods are also popular. ATMs are readily available in urban and suburban areas. It is advisable to carry some cash, particularly for small purchases or in rural areas where card usage may be limited.
South Holland is generally a safe destination for tourists, but standard safety precautions should be taken. Be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas and tourist attractions. High-crime areas are rare, but certain neighborhoods in larger cities like Rotterdam and The Hague may have higher crime rates. Avoid isolated areas at night and keep your belongings secure. Always stay aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Hospitals and medical facilities are well-equipped and accessible throughout South Holland. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available, and many provide over-the-counter medications. Keep the contact information of your country's embassy or consulate handy.
Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can be unpredictable. Casual and comfortable attire is common. Don’t wear overly revealing clothing, particularly in religious or formal settings. Religion: Do respect religious sites and practices. Remove hats and do not take photos where prohibited. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before travel and adhere to the rules. Don’t talk loudly or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly handshake. Don’t use overly familiar gestures unless you know the person well. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be open to new flavors. Don’t refuse food or drink offerings, as it can be considered impolite.
To experience South Holland like a local, consider visiting local markets such as the Markthal in Rotterdam or the Haagse Markt in The Hague. Rent a bike and explore the scenic countryside and coastal areas. Take a canal tour in Delft or Leiden for a unique perspective of the cities. Engage with locals at cafes and try traditional Dutch treats like stroopwafels and poffertjes. For a cultural experience, attend local events and festivals, such as King's Day or the North Sea Jazz Festival.

When is the best time to visit South Holland?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for South Holland

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in South Holland. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHallo
  [hahl-loh]
- GoodbyeTot ziens
  [toht zeens]
- YesJa
  [yah]
- NoNee
  [nay]
- Please/You're welcomeAlstublieft
  [ahl-stu-bleeft]
- Thank youDank u
  [dahnk oo]
- Excuse me/SorrySorry
  [soh-ree]
- How are you?Hoe gaat het?
  [hoo gaat het]
- Fine. And you?Goed. En jij?
  [khoot. en yay]
- Do you speak English?Spreekt u Engels?
  [spreekt oo eng-els]
- I don't understandIk begrijp het niet
  [ik be-khrai-ft het neet]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIk zou graag de menukaart willen zien, alstublieft
  [ik zow khraakh deh meh-nu-kaart wil-len zeen, ahl-stu-bleeft]
- I don't eat meatIk eet geen vlees
  [ik eet ghen vlays]
- Cheers!Proost!
  [prohst]
- I would like to pay, pleaseIk zou graag willen betalen, alstublieft
  [ik zow khraakh wil-len beh-ta-len, ahl-stu-bleeft]
- Help!Help!
  [help]
- Go away!Ga weg!
  [gah vek]
- Call the Police!Bel de politie!
  [bel deh poh-leet-see]
- Call a doctor!Bel een dokter!
  [bel ayn dok-ter]
- I'm lostIk ben verdwaald
  [ik ben fer-dwaald]
- I'm illIk ben ziek
  [ik ben zeek]
- I'd like to buy...Ik zou graag ... willen kopen
  [ik zow khraakh ... wil-len koh-pen]
- I'm just lookingIk kijk alleen maar rond
  [ik kyk ah-layn mahr rond]
- How much is it?Hoeveel kost het?
  [hoo-veel kost het]
- That's too expensiveDat is te duur
  [daht is tuh dur]
- Can you lower the price?Kunt u de prijs verlagen?
  [kunt oo deh prays fer-lah-ghen]
- What time is it?Hoe laat is het?
  [hoo laht is het]
- It's one o'clockHet is één uur
  [het is ayn oor]
- Half past (10)Half elf
  [half elf]
- MorningOchtend
  [okh-tend]
- AfternoonMiddag
  [mid-dakh]
- EveningAvond
  [ah-vond]
- YesterdayGisteren
  [ghis-teh-ren]
- TodayVandaag
  [vahn-dahkh]
- TomorrowMorgen
  [mor-ghen]
- 11
  [eyn]
- 22
  [twee]
- 33
  [drie]
- 44
  [vier]
- 55
  [vijf]
- 66
  [zes]
- 77
  [zeven]
- 88
  [acht]
- 99
  [negen]
- 1010
  [tien]
- Where's a/the...?Waar is een/de...?
  [vahr is ayn/deh...?]
- What's the address?Wat is het adres?
  [vaht is het ah-dres]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Kunt u me (op de kaart) laten zien?
  [kunt oo meh (op deh kaart) lah-ten zeen?]
- When's the next (bus)?Wanneer komt de volgende (bus)?
  [vah-neer komt deh vol-ghen-deh (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)Een ticket (naar ...)
  [ayn ti-ket (naar ...)]

History of South Holland

The region now known as South Holland began to take shape during the Middle Ages. It was originally part of the County of Holland, which itself was established around the 10th century. Early settlers took advantage of the fertile land and abundant waterways to develop agriculture and trade.
South Holland played a pivotal role during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century. Cities like Delft, Leiden, and The Hague became significant centers of trade, art, and science. The region was instrumental in the Dutch East India Company’s global trade network, which brought immense wealth and cultural exchange to the area.
The Hague, the administrative capital of the Netherlands, has been the seat of the Dutch government since the 16th century. It was in The Hague that important political figures like Johan van Oldenbarnevelt and Hugo Grotius laid the foundations of modern international law and Dutch political thought.
Founded in 1575, Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands. It became a bastion of intellectual freedom and was instrumental in the Enlightenment. The university attracted scholars from all over Europe and produced numerous notable alumni, including René Descartes and Albert Einstein.
During the 19th century, South Holland underwent significant industrialization. The Port of Rotterdam, which is now the largest port in Europe, became a crucial hub for trade and industry. This period saw the development of extensive railway networks, factories, and modern infrastructure.
South Holland was heavily impacted during World War II, particularly the city of Rotterdam, which was devastated by bombings in 1940. The post-war period focused on reconstruction and modernization. Rotterdam's innovative architecture and urban planning became symbols of resilience and renewal.
Today, South Holland offers a rich blend of historical and modern attractions. The Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, the windmills of Kinderdijk, and the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague are just a few examples of the region's cultural treasures. The area continues to celebrate its historical roots while embracing contemporary innovations.