Turkey vs Netherlands: Where Should I Travel?

Turkey is a transcontinental nation bridging Southeast Europe and Western Asia. It is surrounded by eight countries, including Greece and Bulgaria to the northwest, and Syria and Iraq to the southeast. With coastlines along the Black, Aegean, and Mediterranean Seas, Turkey’s geography presents an array of maritime experiences. Dip your toes into these on our private luxury sailing tour to uncover Turkey.

Turkey's landscapes are varied. The sunny Mediterranean coasts contrast with the arid Anatolian plains, while the Pontic Mountains create a barrier along the Black Sea. As the Taurus Mountains rise majestically in the south, Central Anatolia reveals vast steppes dotted with ancient ruins like Hittite Capital. The property includes the Hittite city area, the rock sanctuary of Yazılıkaya, the ruins of Kayalı Boğaz, and the İbikçam Forest. This geographical diversity molds Turkey's regional identities, from the modern cosmopolitanism of Istanbul to the traditional lifestyles of rural villages.

The Netherlands in northwestern Europe is renowned for its flat landscape crisscrossed with canals, tulip fields, windmills, and cycling routes. Bordered by Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and the North Sea to the north and west, its strategic position has made it a vital center for trade and culture.

The Dutch landscape is filled with waterways and meticulously cultivated land that you can discover on our introduction to Europe tour: Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and France. The coastline is defined by dunes and dikes, while inland, reclaimed land showcases the nation's ingenuity. Canals lace through cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht. From the Wadden Islands to the south of the country, the Netherlands displays a unique charm.

Both nations function as historical hubs, where traditions meet modern life. Their respective societies value hospitality, with both treating guests with warmth and generosity. Turkey and the Netherlands share a dedication to preserving their heritage, from Ottoman-era sites like the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul to 17th-century canals in Amsterdam.

The nations embrace a similar appreciation for leisure, where time spent enjoying life's pleasures is esteemed. Both cultures celebrate outdoor activities like hiking, sailing, and cycling, and maintain strong connections to their pasts.

Turkey embraces a mix of Middle Eastern and European cultures, with customs rooted in Islamic traditions like the call to prayer. The Netherlands embodies a more secular European lifestyle, evidenced by a decline in religious adherence since the late 20th century.

Historical and architectural heritage follow different paths in each nation. Turkey's Ottoman mosques and Byzantine structures like the Basilica Cistern show the blend of empires and faiths. Renaissance buildings like the Breda Castle and modern designs like Rotterdam’s Cube Houses showcase the Netherlands’ innovative spirit.

Turkish art is woven from the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the region throughout history. It encompasses a wide range of artistic expressions, including architecture, calligraphy, painting, ceramics, textiles, and more. This art reflects the historical transitions from ancient civilizations through the Byzantine and Ottoman periods to contemporary practices. Dutch art spans from Old Masters like Johannes Vermeer to contemporary movements that embrace the works of artists like Marlene Dumas.

Each country presents outstanding museums that cater to different interests. Turkey's museums overflow with artifacts from ancient civilizations, Ottoman treasures, and religious relics. The Topkapi Palace in Istanbul gives a glimpse into the lives of sultans, while the Hagia Sophia blends Christian and Islamic art. The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum displays carpets, ceramics, and manuscripts that reveal the artistic achievements of the Islamic world.

Netherlands museums honor art, history, and innovation. The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam boasts masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer, while the Van Gogh Museum houses the world's largest collection of the artist’s work. The Anne Frank House provides a chilling reminder of World War II, while the Zaanse Schans windmill museum demonstrates the country's historical industrial ingenuity.

If you are a history enthusiast, Turkey’s museums present an unparalleled journey through empires and cultures that you can dive into on our glories of Turkey itinerary. Art lovers may find Netherlands museums more engaging, with their focus on Dutch masters and modern art. The "better" museum destination relies on whether you prioritize ancient civilizations or the European art you will find on our Europe city-hopper tour.

Turkey overflows with history and custom that you can explore on our highlights of Turkey tour. Wander through Istanbul's Spice Bazaar before marveling at the Blue Mosque. Feel the soothing warmth of a Turkish bath in a traditional hamam. Explore Ephesus, an ancient Roman city that was once a vital trading center.

Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscape of fairy chimneys invites you to take a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise, while yachting adventures and hidden coves on the Turquoise Coast will tempt you into sparkling waters.

Sample Turkish cuisine, from savory kebabs to sweet baklava. Witness the whirling dervishes ceremony in Konya, a spiritual experience that embodies Sufi mysticism. Pamukkale's cascading white terraces provide surreal natural beauty, while Antalya's old city reveals Roman ruins like Hadrian's Gate, a triumphal arch built in 130 AD to commemorate Emperor Hadrian's visit.

The Netherlands’ progressive atmosphere and cultural gems are sure to thrill you. Cycle along Amsterdam's canals, admiring the gabled houses and houseboats. The Hague is the country’s political center and showcases the Binnenhof and International Court of Justice.

For a vibrant display of Dutch horticulture, tour the Keukenhof Gardens’ fields of tulips and daffodils. Visit the windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that demonstrates the country's engineering prowess. Sample Dutch cheeses like gouda and edam in local markets.

Discover the street art in Rotterdam, a city known for modern architecture that can be witnessed when visiting the Cube Houses and Rotterdam Central Station. The Hoge Veluwe National Park offers landscapes that include drift sands and dunes, dense woodland areas, and open heathlands that turn purple when heather blooms in late summer.

The Netherlands provides more direct flights from major US cities to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Turkey's Istanbul Airport has fewer direct connections, but service is growing. Both countries maintain efficient internal transportation networks, with the Netherlands' train system offering convenient connections between major tourist sites.

• Ancient historical sites and Ottoman heritage
• Exotic bazaars and bustling city life
• Diverse regional cuisines and tea culture
• Breathtaking landscapes and coastlines
• Unique cultural traditions and hospitality

Turkey will provide you with an intoxicating combination of history, nature, culture, and hospitality. It is an exceptional place for exploration and sensory delights that you can experience on our Turkey vacations and tours.

• World-class art museums and galleries
• Pioneering design and innovation
• Progressive society and open-mindedness
• Picturesque canals and cycling routes
• Charming villages and tulip fields
• High quality of life and modern amenities

The Netherlands’ artistic achievements, forward-thinking culture, and scenic landscapes can be enjoyed on a wonders of Europe tour.

Whether you select Turkey's ancient history and flavorful cuisine or the Netherlands' artistic heritage and modern innovation, both countries promise unforgettable adventures. Your decision might depend on whether you prefer Turkey's energetic atmosphere and historical sites or the Netherlands' progressive values and scenic beauty. Either way, prepare for extraordinary moments, world-class experiences, and immersion in two of Europe's most captivating destinations.

For more information, see our Turkey travel guide or find the Netherlands among our guide to the 15 best places to visit in Europe.