DK The Netherlands (Travel Guide)

Full of information as one would expect from a DK guide. Lots of beautiful pictures, itineraries, and even a few Dutch phrases in the back of the book. My only issue is the font size is so small it is hard to read.

Pretty much always go for DK guides now - good amount of images and well informed text. Particularly with the amount of AI slop around, these guides are reliable and accurate.

This is a great guide. As someone who has only been to the Netherlands once and found it really difficult to plan, I feel like I'm learning a lot from this book that I never would have had time to find aimlessly searching the Internet. The maps, pictures and signposted sections make it really easy to visualise and navigate the book in a way that makes journey planning make sense. There are even maps for suggested walking routes. I'd definitely recommend this book and wish I'd had it before my first visit.

This is the third and largest book of this type that I have, and I can say that it's consistent with the smaller versions that focus on a particular city or region within a country, and the top ten series that covers the highlights of a place. It's a comprehensive book, covering all major regions of the Netherlands, including the west Frisian islands. There is a lot here, and I can see how it might quickly become overwhelming. Each region gets its own section in the book, which you can find in the contents page, but there is also an index for quickly finding information about specific places and buildings. As with other books in the series, each place listed is numbered, with a short description, and a summary of public transport routes that go there, opening times, and sometimes a website. Places to eat, drink, and stay are skilfully woven into these pages too, with clear headings. There are frequent area maps throughout the book, and each number corresponds to a location on that map, which is usually at the start of the section. There are also larger maps; on the inside covers there is a colour-coded map of the country divided by region (front), and a standard terrain map with all the major cities, towns and roads labelled (back). The book is supported by an extensive number of images and illustrations throughout which help to give a sense of the place, and a peek into what you can find there. There is a lengthy (but well-illustrated) introduction (68 pages) covering details about the history, culture and customs, and why you might want to visit the Netherlands; but it also includes a really useful itineraries section, with some sample trips you could take ranging from a few hours, up to 7 days. At the back, is a practical section about getting around on various modes of transport; with information regarding emergency contacts, money, health and insurance, typical costs for things, and opening times (i.e. most museums are closed on Mondays). A basic phrasebook with the English, Dutch, and a transliteration, is also included. I've been to the Netherlands twice; once to Oosterbeek and Arnhem, and the other time to Amsterdam. I enjoyed both times; it's a very cosmopolitan place that's exceedingly walkable and cyclable; but as there's a lot of water, boat trips along canals and waterways are also a thing. Dutch is the main language, but many people will speak English to a basically native standard, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting around or asking for help. Signage also frequently includes English, but as always when travelling, it's often better to learn at least the basics of the language and try to use them wherever you can, if not for a sense of cultural immersion, then to show respect to the place and its people. I'm frequently humbled overseas at just how helpful people can be when they see that you're trying, and you may get to have interactions that you'd otherwise miss. This is a big book, expertly researched, and filled with lots of information. If you're headed to the Netherlands, this is one you'll want to have with you at all times.

We thought we'd better update our Dutch guidebook as our other DK was getting quite old. Disappointed as the old one had better information, was better laid out, and I feel this is kind of random information thrown at you. Not as many recommendations for hotels or eateries. DK was really good and we have many for the places we've been. Not sure I'd buy another one for another area based on this new one.

Very very useful travel guide that contains a surprisingly large amount of information. Four stars.