The Netherlands is more than tulips, canals, and windmills — it’s one of Europe’s most iconic destinations.
Ranking among the top 15 most visited countries in the world, the Netherlands hosted 51.7 million guests in 2024, including 21.3 million international visitors and 30.3 million domestic tourists.
Amsterdam alone accounts for nearly half of all overnight stays, but destinations like Rotterdam, Utrecht, and the countryside are seeing growth.
From the Van Gogh Museum to the tulip fields of Keukenhof, Dutch tourism is a blend of culture, history, and lifestyle.
How Many Tourists Visit the Netherlands Each Day?
With 21.3 million international arrivals in 2024, the Netherlands welcomed an average of ~58,000 foreign tourists per day. Including domestic visitors, that number rises to nearly 142,000 daily guests across hotels, holiday parks, and campsites.
[June 2025] figures were the highest we’ve seen since the coronavirus pandemic.
How Many Tourists Visit the Netherlands Each Year?
- 2019 (pre-pandemic): 20.1 million international visitors.
- 2022: ~12 million arrivals.
- 2023: ~17.8 million international visitors.
- 2024: 21.3 million international guests and 30.3 million domestic guests, totaling 51.7 million holiday travelers (a 5% rise from 2023).
- Overnight stays increased by ~4% year-on-year in 2024, with domestic nights up 5% and international nights up 3%.
The continued growth in inbound and domestic visits shows we must create space for recreation and tourism. Doing nothing is no longer an option.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in the Netherlands?
- In 2024, total tourism spending in the Netherlands reached €111.2 billion.
- Of this, €38.2 billion came from international tourists.
- The average daily spend per foreign visitor is estimated at €200–€210.
- Tourism contributes ~4.5% of Dutch GDP and supports ~800,000 jobs.
Which Countries Visit the Netherlands the Most?
Germany and Belgium are the dominant source markets, but the US, UK, and China play a growing role.
| Country | Share of Visitors |
|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 25% |
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | 15% |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 13% |
| 🇺🇸 United States | 8% |
| 🇫🇷 France | 6% |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 4% |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 3% |
| 🇨🇳 China | 2% |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 2% |
| 🇵🇱 Poland | 2% |
What Are the Most Visited Cities in the Netherlands?
Amsterdam is the undisputed leader of Dutch tourism, accounting for almost half of all international overnight stays.
But other cities are steadily gaining popularity, from Rotterdam with its modern skyline and cultural festivals, to The Hague with its beach resorts and international institutions.
Utrecht, Eindhoven, and Maastricht also stand out as regional hubs that are diversifying the country’s tourism landscape.
| City | International Visitors / Overnight Stays (2024) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam | ~9.5M overnight stays (foreign guests) | Accounts for nearly half of all international tourism in NL. |
| Rotterdam | ~1.3M overnight stays | Popular for modern architecture, Erasmus Bridge, and festivals. |
| The Hague (Den Haag) | ~1.2M overnight stays | Seat of government, Peace Palace, Scheveningen beach. |
| Utrecht | ~0.9M overnight stays | Historic canals and university city charm. |
| Eindhoven | ~0.7M overnight stays | Tech hub and design capital, home of Dutch Design Week. |
| Maastricht | ~0.6M overnight stays | Known for its historic old town and international events. |
| Haarlem | ~0.5M overnight stays | Close to Amsterdam, famous for museums and tulips. |
| Groningen | ~0.4M overnight stays | Vibrant student city in the north. |
| Leiden | ~0.4M overnight stays | University city, Rembrandt’s birthplace. |
| Delft | ~0.3M overnight stays | Famous for Delft Blue ceramics and Vermeer heritage. |
We’re not a quality police… everybody is welcome to the city if you add something to the livability or the quality of life of residents.
What Are the Netherlands’ Most Visited Attractions?
| Attraction | Annual Visitors |
|---|---|
| Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam) | ~2.7M |
| Van Gogh Museum (Amsterdam) | ~2.2M |
| Anne Frank House (Amsterdam) | ~1.2M |
| Keukenhof Gardens (Lisse, seasonal) | ~1.4M |
| Zaanse Schans (heritage village) | ~1.0M |
| Madurodam (The Hague) | ~0.7M |
| Efteling Theme Park | ~5.4M |
| Artis Royal Zoo (Amsterdam) | ~1.5M |
| Kinderdijk Windmills | ~0.6M |
| Amsterdam Canal Cruises | ~3.5M (combined) |
We can look back on a fantastic year… We are grateful that visitors keep finding us.
Visitors from all over the world are overwhelmed by the park’s floral splendour…
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Netherlands? (Seasonality)
Tourism peaks in spring (April–May) for tulip season and in summer (June–August) for festivals and city tourism.
| Month | Visitors (Trend 2024) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | Low | Winter city breaks |
| February | Moderate | Carnival in southern Netherlands |
| March | Rising | Tulip season begins |
| April | High | Keukenhof & King’s Day |
| May | Very High | Peak tulip season |
| June | High | Start of summer |
| July | Very High | Peak summer |
| August | Very High | Summer festivals |
| September | Moderate | Cultural season |
| October | Moderate | Amsterdam Dance Event |
| November | Low | Off-season |
| December | High | Christmas markets & lights |
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to the Netherlands?
| Event | Annual Visitors | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| King’s Day (Koningsdag) | ~1M (nationwide) | April 27 |
| Amsterdam Pride | ~500K | August |
| Keukenhof Tulip Festival | ~1.4M | March–May |
| Amsterdam Dance Event | ~400K | October |
| Rotterdam International Film Festival | ~300K | January |
| Dutch Grand Prix (Formula 1, Zandvoort) | ~300K | September |
| Amsterdam Light Festival | ~250K | Dec–Jan |
| North Sea Jazz Festival (Rotterdam) | ~75K | July |
| Lowlands Festival | ~60K | August |
| Pinkpop Festival | ~70K | June |
How Does Tourism Impact the Netherlands’ Economy?
- Tourism generated €111.2 billion in 2024, with €38.2 billion from international visitors.
- It accounts for ~4.5% of GDP.
- Around 800,000 jobs are directly or indirectly linked to the sector.
- Policymakers are encouraging regional tourism, to spread demand beyond Amsterdam and reduce pressure on the capital.
FAQ – Netherlands Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit the Netherlands each year?
In 2024, 51.7 million guests, including 21.3 million international visitors and 30.3 million domestic travelers.
What is the most visited attraction in the Netherlands?
The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are top cultural draws, while Efteling Theme Park is the biggest single-site attraction.
Which Dutch city gets the most tourists?
Amsterdam, with about 9.5 million foreign overnight stays in 2024, followed by Rotterdam and The Hague.
Why is the Netherlands popular with tourists?
Its mix of Amsterdam’s canals, tulips, windmills, cycling culture, and world-class museums.
When is the best time to visit?
April–May (tulip season, King’s Day) and July–August (festivals and summer holidays).
Is the Netherlands expensive for tourists?
Yes, especially Amsterdam — though smaller cities and rural areas are more affordable.
Is the Netherlands English-friendly?
Very much so — the Dutch rank among the highest in English proficiency worldwide.
Sources
- CBS – Statistics Netherlands — Over 50 million holiday guests in 2024
- CBS – Statistics Netherlands — Spending by tourists rose to over €111 billion in 2024
- CBRE Research — Tourism breaks records: scarcity in hotels & opportunities for investors (Netherlands 2024)
- NBTC – Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions — Growth of Dutch stay tourism in 2024 (quote by Jos Vranken)
- IAmExpat.nl — Significant increase in tourism in the Netherlands (quote by Luuk Hovius, CBS)
- The Guardian — Amsterdam tourism rules: quote by Geerte Udo (Amsterdam & Partners)
- Efteling (Official) — Visitor numbers & CEO statements (quote by Fons Jurgens)
- Keukenhof (Official) — Facts & press releases (quote by Sandra Bechtholt)
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