NETHERLANDS

Halal-friendly holidays

There is a growing Muslim population throughout the Netherlands, mainly in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Eindhoven, especially from Morocco, Türkiye and Indonesia, creating a blend of diverse cultures and traditions from Muslim communities. As a result, there are many mosques, as well as restaurants and hotels serving halal food. There are also some hotels that are completely alcohol-free.

The Netherlands offers a diverse culinary scene that includes a wide range of halal food options. You can easily find traditional Turkish, Middle Eastern cuisine and other international dishes, with plenty of halal-friendly restaurants and food establishments to choose from. Vegetarian and vegan options are available all over the country as well.

It is very easy to find hotels in the Netherlands which serve some halal food or which have halal food available nearby. It is also possible to find some alcohol-free hotels.

The Netherlands has so much to see with many places to visit. Some of the most popular tourist destinations include:

Amsterdam - The country’s biggest city is well known for its many canals, cycling and its laid back vibe. It is one of Europe’s most visited cities and is compact enough to walk around without the need for a car, as many tourist attractions, including its popular art galleries and museums, are in close proximity.

Rotterdam - Located in the south-west region of the country, Rotterdam has plenty of culture and modern architecture to see. The city attracts many visitors for its many cultural and arts events held throughout the year.

The Hague - The nation’s capital is well worth a visit and is where the Dutch government and International Courts of Justice are based. The Hague is particularly known for its art galleries and museums which show a mixture of more traditional and newer contemporary works.

Maastricht - This city is well known for its mediaeval architecture, which creates a charming authentic atmosphere. Take one of Maastrict’s city walks to familiarise yourself with the place.

There are many mosques in the Netherlands that can be found in cities throughout the country. Here are some of the most prominent:

Westermoskee - Located in Amsterdam, this is the largest mosque in the Netherlands, which has a capacity of 1700 people. The impressive design was inspired by the Ottoman style.

Al-Tawheed Mosque - Another popular mosque in Amsterdam, open for daily prayers, which gives Arabic lessons.

Aqsa Mosque - Aqsa Mosque in The Hague is a former synagogue, which became a mosque in 1981 and is mostly popular with the Turkish-Dutch community.

Mevlana Mosque - Built in 2001, with its 42-metre-high minarets and attractive dome, this attractive mosque in Rotterdam mostly serves the Turkish-Dutch community.