An open, inclusive, inventive country
The Netherlands in 2026 promises a unique artistic heritage, contemporary celebrations, and nation-defining openness and innovation. Whether you seek cultural enrichment or inclusive festivities, the Dutch will welcome you with warmth and creativity.
The highlight of 2026 is undoubtedly WorldPride Amsterdam (July 25th to August 8th). For the first time in history, Amsterdam will host this global celebration of LGBTQIA+ visibility, rights, and solidarity. The event marks a poignant milestone: 25 years since the Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.
The WorldPride 2026 theme of UNITY invites the world to Amsterdam for what promises to be an extraordinary celebration of love and freedom. The famous Canal Parade will wind through the heart of the city, while hundreds of cultural events, parties, and activism forums will fill every corner. Amsterdam, home to over 180 nationalities, embodies the spirit of inclusivity that WorldPride represents.
Just a short train ride from Amsterdam, the city of Haarlem offers another unmissable experience. The Frans Hals Museum will present Hals-Rembrandt, a fabulous exhibition running from November 2026 through February 2027. This landmark show brings together works by the two greatest portraitists of the Dutch Golden Age, allowing visitors to compare their distinctive and innovative approaches to capturing human character.
Rotterdam continues to become a cutting-edge cultural destination with the reopening of the Nederlands Fotomuseum. The National Museum of Photography moves into the spectacular nine-story Santos warehouse, a beautifully restored 1902 landmark in the historic Rijnhaven harbor. This state-of-the-art facility will house over 6.5 million photographic images—one of the world’s largest photography collections—across expansive exhibition spaces, complete with a rooftop restaurant offering panoramic views of Rotterdam’s skyline.
The Netherlands: open for business
Beyond tourism, the Netherlands remains a premier European meeting and event destination. Dutch infrastructure provides remarkable accessibility: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol connects to over 300 destinations worldwide, and an efficient rail network links major cities within minutes. World-class venues such as RAI Amsterdam, Rotterdam Ahoy, and MECC Maastricht offer cutting-edge facilities for events of any scale.
The Dutch approach business with the same openness that defines its culture. English is widely spoken, international perspectives are valued, and innovative thinking is encouraged. The compact geography enables attendees to easily explore other cities, experiencing everything from Amsterdam’s artistic treasures to Rotterdam’s architectural innovation.
In 2026, the Netherlands invites you to experience a nation that has spent centuries perfecting the art of welcome, where tradition and progress are apparent, and where every visitor — regardless of who they are or where they come from — truly belongs.
