Holland (as the country is alternatively referred to) is also a deeply cosmopolitan place where museums overflow with paintings from its Golden Age, and a cavalcade of festivals showcase performing artists from within and beyond its borders.

Areas reclaimed from the sea, known as polders, are extremely fertile. The landscape is broken by the forest of Arnhem, the bulb fields in the west, the lakes of the central and northern areas, and coastal dunes that are among the most impressive in Europe.

Currency

Euro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.

Electricity

230 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin European-style plugs are in use.

General business opening hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1700.

2020

Nieuwjaarsdag (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2020
Goede Vrijdag (Good Friday): 10 April 2020
Paasen (Easter): 12 and 13 April 2020
Koningsdag (King’s Day): 27 April 2020
Bevrijdingsdag (Liberation Day): 5 May 2020
Hemelvaartsdag (Ascension Day): 21 May 2020
Pinksteren (Whitsun): 31 May and 1 June 2020
Eerste Kerstdag (Christmas Day): 25 December 2020
Tweede Kerstdag (Boxing Day): 26 December 2020

All information subject to change.

Filmmakers compete for prestigious Tiger Awards in this 12-day festival. The awards recognise first or second feature films, with a separate contest for shorts. Movie fans can enjoy plenty of out-of-competition screenings too, along with parties, kids’ activities, exhibitions and director discussions.

With its impressive line-up of top-tier international tennis players, this is one of the most popular tournaments on the ATP World Tour. Arthur Ashe, Jimmy Connors, Bjorn Borg and Boris Becker are all former winners.

This epic bike race has been attracting cyclists for over 60 years, with riders zipping around central Rotterdam in pro races, fixed-gear bike contests and kids’ competitions. Whether you’re battling round the course in a bid for the finishing line or sipping beer on the sidelines, it’s terrific fun.

World-famous poets land on Rotterdam every year for the city’s poetry festival, which has been going strong for over 40 years. Expect a lively programme of readings, debates, lectures, interviews and book signings, as well as an exploration of poetry reflected in art, music and film.

Fast approaching its 70th anniversary, this international equestrian event features extraordinary displays of showjumping and dressage. Aside from a packed programme of nail-biting competitions, visitors can enjoy outstanding horse demonstrations, fantastic kids’ activities and live concerts performed by world-famous artists.

This three-day jazz extravaganza is a formidable force, with a truly stellar line-up that’s previously included the likes of The Buena Vista Social Club, Stevie Wonder and Natalie Cole. Around 1,000 musicians perform on a variety of stages within the Ahoy Rotterdam arena.

Rotterdam is party central for five days in July, boasting a jam-packed roster covering everything from street dance shows and acoustic guitar performances to contemporary poetry readings and striking art installations. The highlight is the kaleidoscopic summer carnival with its drum battle, flamboyant street parade and crowning of the queen.

Small boats jostle bow to stern in pretty Veerhaven harbour, while crowds pack the shore for the late-summer open-air concert performed by Sinfonia Rotterdam. Audiences are treated to a programme crammed with favourite classical tunes. If you can’t make the Sunday night, the Saturday afternoon rehearsal is also free.

Hundreds of film fans gather beneath the stars each night in the second half of August for the annual Pleinbioscoop open-air cinema festival. The majority of films are in English, but check the website first, as a few are in Dutch or other languages with Dutch subtitles.

Rotterdam celebrates all things maritime at this three-day festival in and around the city’s port. From spectacular nautical demonstrations and exhibitions to ship visits and excursions to local companies, the event is packed with fun festivities. Don’t miss the magnificent fireworks display on the Saturday night.