The Netherlands has always been a particularly special place to me, having lived and travelled there many times. One of the overriding things I love so dearly about the Netherlands is their dedication to living a greener, and more sustainable life. Cycling is a huge part of daily life here, so much so that the bicycle has really become a symbol of the country. If you search up images of the famous canals, you’re likely to see them lined with hundreds of bikes in all sizes, shapes and colours. In fact, there are more than 881,000 bikes in Amsterdam alone, that’s over 95% of the population of the city. Other green initiatives include their huge emphasis on wind farms, their dedication to recycling, and, of course, their huge vegan scene.
Every supermarket here has a dedicated plant-based section with an array of options for just about everything you could wish for. Most restaurants here cater to their vegan customers, and you can always find dedicated and 100% vegan cafes & restaurants in all major cities. Seriously, some of the best vegan food I have ever tried has come from the Netherlands.
In each city, you will be seriously spoilt for choice. But if you’re planning a trip there soon, my recommendation is to do a round trip, visiting the major cities – Amsterdam, Utrecht, The Hague & Rotterdam. Along this route you will be able to sample an array of the best the Netherlands has to offer in the vegan world. The great thing about the country is it is relatively small with a great nationalised train service that makes travelling from city to city, not only easy & affordable, but also quite comfortable and enjoyable.
Stop number 1 – Amsterdam
Fly to Schipol, Amsterdam. From here you can easily get a train directly out of the airport into Amsterdam central, where you will be awash with cute and quirky accommodation choices. I’m a hostel kind of gal, but you’ll also find plenty of hotels and Airbnbs here if that’s your preference. I would recommend around 4 nights here. Plenty of time to see the world-renowned attractions. Make sure not to miss Anne Frank’s house, the Van Gogh museum, a visit to the Red Light District at nightfall, a stroll (or two!) along the picturesque canals and a visit to the Heineken museum – safe in the knowledge that Heineken is a vegan brand.
Amongst visiting the attractions, be sure to make the most of Amsterdam’s array of vegan cafes, restaurants and fast food options. First up – Karma Kebab. This place is truly an experience, from deliciously loaded pitas, to drag music bingo nights, this place really has it all. Karma Kebab came to Amsterdam following their roaring success in Utrecht. So if you can’t squeeze in a visit here, fear not! You’ll have another opportunity once you reach Utrecht.
Koffie end Koeck is a fully vegan cosy daytime cafe where you’ll find an array of pastries, sandwiches, and even afternoon tea. It’s located next to Westerpark (another beautiful location for a stroll or picnic). For Asian fusion dining, be sure to check out Veganees – a very highly rated and picturesque fully vegan restaurant nestled in the heart of Amsterdam. Finally, for that fine dining experience – try Bonboon in the Jordaan neighbourhood for good (vegan) food and good wine.
And for my sushi lovers, no trip to Amsterdam would be complete without a trip to the Vegan Sushi Bar. I honestly think this might be the best sushi I’ve ever had – I wish I could have ordered the whole menu! If you do visit, I highly recommend the Bao “tje” Kroket Bao Bun. It is essentially a deep fried roll of vegetable sushi in a bao bun (a take on the traditional Dutch kroket). And yes I can confirm – it is as incredible as it sounds!
Stop 2 – Utrecht
Now Utrecht really is my favourite Dutch city; I’ve always thought of it as the heart of the Netherlands, as it is located centrally in the country with trains to almost all other cities just a 20-minute train ride away (yep, including Amsterdam!) It’s a truly vibrant and picturesque place known for its sunken canals. From the high street, you can descend stone steps to the waterside, where you can sit at one of the many bars or restaurants watching the kayaks and ducks float by.
Now one of my all time favourite places to eat when staying in Utrecht, is a little restaurant called Vegitalian. This quaint little restaurant and takeaway offers a range of vegan & vegetarian pizzas, pasta, sandwiches, and desserts. When having pizza here you can choose between pizza and a pizzetta (small pizza), depending on how hungry you’re feeling. Their menu often changes with the seasons, but the four cheese is a staple you must try. I’ve spent many days dreaming about this pizza, and even to this day, if I’m in the Netherlands, I will take a train out of my way to taste it again. They also offer the option to make most of their pizzas and pastas gluten-free. And fear not! If you don’t have the time to visit while you’re here, or maybe you visited and loved it so much you just HAVE to go back; you’ll also find this chain in both Amsterdam & Rotterdam.
Now moving onto another highly recommended spot – and staying on the Italian theme – you must visit Life’s A Peach located down a side street off the main canal. This is a 100% vegan focacceria offering fresh focaccia’s, pastries and more, every day. If you try anything here – make it the vegan pastel de nata! There’s a really lovely community feel here, with a rustic and enticing interior that is the perfect backdrop for that insta pic.
My final food recommendation for Utrecht, is Kluts bakery, a 100% vegan bakery that provides a cosy little spot for tea, cake and people-watching. It’s centrally located, just a stone’s throw away from the Dom tower – a symbol of Utrecht. The Dom tower is the tallest Church tower in the Netherlands, built in the 1300s. If you’re feeling brave (and fit!), you can take the 465 steps to the top, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
Stop 3 – Rotterdam
From Utrecht to Rotterdam, you’re looking at about a 30-40 minute train.
Rotterdam first and foremost, is a port city – meaning there’s a heavy maritime theme to be spotted here. You can learn more about the history and importance of Rotterdam’s port in the Maritime Museum in Leuvehaven. Rotterdam is known for being a city of bold & modern architecture due to being heavily bombed in WW2. This meant that vast reconstruction commenced in the 1950s. As a result of this, many people think of the city of Rotterdam as one of less beauty, with stark differences to the well-known cosy Dutch streets and architecture. I think Rotterdam is beautiful in its own way, something you’ll really get to appreciate by strolling around the city somewhat aimlessly. This is when you stumble upon the secret treasures of the city and bask in the excitement of finding those hidden gems yourself.
Be sure to visit Markthal – a huge arched building in Stadsdriehoek with an abundance of food vendors, shops, and sprawling artwork. It’s a great place to sample lots of different foods, or find something that everyone in your group will enjoy. Markthal is really a landmark of the city, so this isn’t one you’ll want to miss. And if you’re lucky enough to line your visit up with a public holiday, you may be surprised with live music and interactive workshops. Check out their website here to learn more. After a tasty lunch, make your way over to the iconic ‘Kijk Kubus’ or ‘cube houses’. They’re easy enough to spot as they’re bright yellow! You can even enter one for a small fee of 3 euros.
Another absolute must (in my opinion) is the Dutch Pinball Museum in historic Delfshaven. For just €16 entry, you get a 2-hour slot to go mad on over 130 pinball machines dating from the 1930s to modern day. Put your skills to the test and release your inner child for a fun-filled afternoon. Once you’ve had enough, be sure to stick around for a stroll along the canals of Voorhaven (the street on which the museum is located), which is one of the few areas of the city untouched by the Rotterdam Blitz. You’ll notice immediately the stark difference in architecture and atmosphere compared to the rest of the city. It feels like a portal into the past.
So, let’s talk food! Firstly, you absolutely must visit Vegan Junk Food Bar. It was in Rotterdam I first sampled the VJFB goodness; however, you will also find it in Amsterdam (and Barcelona, Spain!). If you do visit here, be sure to bring your appetite because the menu is jam-packed with incredible options that will leave you spoilt for choice. I highly recommend indulging in a milkshake – my personal favourite is the banana.
If you’re staying in an Airbnb or hostel, or somewhere you have access to a kitchen to cook, I absolutely recommend you visit Veggie Garden Supermarket at Goudsesingel 75. Here you’ll find the most incredible array of vegan ingredients. I was particularly in awe at their plant-based cheese selection that spanned an impressive three fridges. You’ll also find frozen vegan meats, fish, desserts, cupboard staples, chocolates, sauces and more. One of my favourite things about this place is their €1 basket of goodies that are just past their sell-by date but still perfectly good to eat. We love a food waste reduction initiative!
Now back to sushi – my sushi lovers who enjoyed the Vegan Sushi Bar in Amsterdam are in for another treat. Head to Pannekoekstraat (yep – that does indeed translate to Pancake Street!) to a cosy little spot called Nori where you can once again sample some fine vegan sushi. Now, make sure you really take some time to take in the menu because it is extensive to say the least. I would recommend gathering up some friends to go here together so that you can go crazy with the menu and order a whole spread to share. I especially loved the fried rolls here, so make sure not to skip those!
Stop 4 – The Hague
From Rotterdam Central to Den Haag Central, you can get a train in around 20-30 minutes.
Now one of my favourite places to eat in The Hague is Beesechurgers, an all-vegan fast food joint with burgers, fries and shakes. It’s a must-visit in the centre of The Hague. Speaking of must-visits, I also highly recommend visits to FOAM and Plenty. FOAM is an acronym for ‘Fresh, Organic and Meat-Free’; and it’s a popular breakfast and lunch spot with a focus on healthy, whole foods. You’ll find it on Frederikstraat. Now Plenty, is a coffee house and plant-based kitchen, known for their sandwiches and cakes. Head to Piet Heinstraat to sample these goodies.
There are some great museums here, check out The Prison Gate Museum (based in what was once the oldest prison in Holland), and Museum Mauritishuis – a collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings. Here you’ll find some of the works of Remembrandt and Vermeer, including the world-famous ‘Girl with the Pearl Earring’ portrait. The Hague is also home to the Dutch Parliamentary buildings (Binnenhof), as well as the U.N.’s International Court of Justice and Peace Palace – making it a city of great importance.
For a lighter and more silly afternoon, head to Madurodam – a huge model village complete with all the famous Dutch landmarks and attractions in miniature size. Madurodam, you’ll find nestled in Scheveningen – which is also a great place for a beach day if you visit in summer.
Finally, be sure to check out the Grote Markt – a square bustling with pubs, clubs, and restaurants in what used to be the city’s old market square. Here you’ll often find live music and performances. It’s incredibly atmospheric, and many of the restaurants here provide great vegan options.
Stop 5 – Back to Schiphol, Amsterdam
Flying to and from the same airport usually makes financial sense. Using the route outlined in this article, you get to visit lots of amazing Dutch cities, while making your way around the Netherlands in a big loop so you finish up where you started, ready to fly home from Schiphol (which also happens to be the biggest airport in the country). A train from The Hague to Amsterdam should take about an hour.
However, if you’re enjoying your trip so much that you would like to see more, I have a few honourable mentions. On your way back to Schiphol from The Hague, and if you have time, I would recommend a quick stop in Leiden. Leiden is a historic city with architecture dating back to the 1500’s. Being a smaller city, it has a much more intimate feel than the other cities I’ve mentioned. There’s also a great range of shops, restaurants and museums here. Sadly, you won’t find such an array of vegan restaurants here, but you can certainly find some nice vegetarian spots that offer vegan options.
And of course, if you visit in springtime (late March – mid May) you absolutely must make a stop to see the world-famous Dutch Tulips. Now, there are a few places you can do this. You can either stop by Keukenhof park in Lisse (between Leiden & Amsterdam), better known as The Garden of Europe. Alternatively, try the Bollenstreek region along the coast between Leiden and Haarlem.
A few bonus tips…
Too Good to Go is very popular in The Netherlands with many supermarkets, restuarants and cafes offering up their unsold items to combat food waste. Be sure to check this out, especially in the big cities where you may even be lucky enough to find a bag from some of those vegan spots!
There are also a few chains you can find in several cities that also are worth a visit if you happen upon them along your travels. Firstly there’s Vegan Pizza Bar – you’ll find this in The Hague, Rotterdam & Utrecht. Next up FLFL a 100% vegan falafel bar that offers up a seriously good falafel wrap (amongst other things). You’ll find this in Utrecht, The Hague & Haarlem. Now for my Canadian friend’s – you may recognise this next one. Coppers Branch is another vegan chain you will find in Utrecht, Rotterdam and the smaller cities Woerden and Almere. Finally, you’ll see many ‘frietwinkle’ where you’ll be able to sample Dutch fries in the iconic cone. One of my favourite chains is Manneken Pis, which you’ll spot in several cities. But truly, it’s hard to find bad fries, so go wild and try them all!
Not to mention there are dedicated vegan walking & cycling tours in the three major cities – Amsterdam, Utrecht & Rotterdam. I was lucky enough to indulge in the Utrecht walking tour and truly cannot recommend this enough. It’s not only a great way to sample local food and learn about the city from a local, but it’s an amazing way to connect with like-minded people. Read more about their tours here.
Well, that’s all from me. I hope I provided at least some nuggets of wisdom. As always, please feel free to share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below.