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Welcome to the Netherlands

A small country that’s big on culture and nature

The Netherlands: fiercely independent, open-minded and full of pleasant surprises. Visit our amazing country and discover all the wonderful things it has to offer. Admire the groundbreaking architecture in our green cities, follow in the footsteps of the Dutch Masters or unwind in one of our many beautiful nature reserves. You’re cordially invited to immerse yourself in Dutch culture and truly feel like a local.

Cycling Lifestyle – How the Dutch spend their lives on bikes

Everyone cycles in the Netherlands – everywhere and all the time. Read our special cycling stories, meet cycling pioneers, and hop on a bike yourself to experience the Netherlands like a local.

Celebrate freedom in the Netherlands

Delve into the story of 80 years of Dutch freedom - from commemoration to celebration.

Vincent van Gogh: shaped by the Dutch countryside

Explore the beautiful Dutch landscape that led Vincent van Gogh to become one of the greatest painters of all time. Follow in his footsteps and experience the natural beauty of Brabant and Drenthe.

Wander around our national parks

Explore the Dutch national parks

With so many national parks, the Netherlands has something for everyone. Here are our top tips.

Explore our cities like a true local

A European Capital of Culture

The small city in the north that packs a big cultural punch.

A forward-looking medieval city

With its medieval city centre, Amersfoort is quite photogenic. Stroll the picturesque streets, enjoy great food at unique restaurants, shop till you drop or go on a cultural treasure hunt.

The most original city in the Netherlands

Rotterdam is a dynamic city with its own unique character. Find out why the city is well worth a visit.

State-of-the-art architecture in our youngest city

The newest city in the Netherlands might just surprise you with all it has to offer. ‘Ally’ is an open-air museum of modern architecture.

An old city that is young at heart

The beautiful city of Groningen brings young and old together and has something to offer for everyone.

Let’s go outside!

The Netherlands will be more colourful than ever in the coming months! Experience our thriving nature, get a breath of fresh air by the peaceful Wadden Sea or experience groundbreaking architecture in our vibrant cities. Wherever we may host you this spring, we will make sure you always feel welcome.

Things to do in spring

Wadden: Every island is unique

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The Netherlands in 7 stories

Dutch Masters

Dutch heritage

Water in the Netherlands

Nature in the Netherlands

Cycling in the Netherlands

Blooming Netherlands

Travel sustainably.

Did you know: The train is a great way to explore the Netherlands. You’ll be guaranteed to have the wind at your back! Read more

Travelling to the Netherlands

Although the Netherlands is a small country, its international connections are great, with several sustainable ways to find your way to our country. We have listed all the options for you so you can decide which mode of transport suits you best.

Transport in the Netherlands

If you come to the Netherlands, there is one thing you can be sure of and that is excellent public transport. Because whether you set off by train, bus, tram or metro, you can get around the whole country in a sustainable and pleasant way. Check out all the available options here.

Practical tips

How do you pack your suitcase as sustainably as possible? How does contactless payment work in the Netherlands? And how do you go about checking in on public transport? You will find the answers to these questions (and many more!) in this overview of practical tips for your holiday to the Netherlands.

How to enjoy a sustainable holiday in the Netherlands!

During your trip, you naturally want to experience all kinds of special things. But how do you keep your carbon emissions limited at the same time? At least these stories make one thing clear: responsible travelling certainly doesn't have to go at the expense of having fun. On the contrary!

17 Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands

Written by Lura Seavey Updated May 13, 2023

The Netherlands is unique in Europe because so much of the land you see today was once ocean. The process of building the land up from the sea has given the Netherlands its most iconic feature: the windmill. Windmills, created to pump water out of areas retained by dikes, are today one of the most popular places to visit in Holland.

The Netherlands are full of iconic sites , with vast fields of brilliant tulips, canals that replace city streets, and dikes that today provide cycling paths. These are all attractions that tourists find fascinating in this little country.

This unique landscape has created an equally distinct culture, one that the Dutch are proud to share with visitors at their many museums and historic towns.

Plan your trip with our list of the best places to visit in the Netherlands.

1. Amsterdam

2. historic haarlem, 3. van gogh village, nuenen, 4. the windmills of kinderdijk, 7. zaanse schanse open-air museum, 8. keukenhof gardens, 9. de haar castle & utrecht, 10. kasteel van breda, 11. arnhem and the netherlands open air museum, 12. zuiderzee museum, enkhuizen, 13. groningen, 14. hoge veluwe national park, 15. oostvaardersplassen nature reserve, 16. volendam, 17. vincent van gogh house museum, zundert, map of places to visit in the netherlands.

The capital city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is one of Europe's best cities for arts, culture, history, dining, and pure scenic delight. Life in Amsterdam has a different pace, with vehicle-filled streets replaced by flower-adorned canals and motor-free avenues for pedestrians and cyclists.

One of the most famous sections of Amsterdam is the Jordaan neighborhood, its canals lined with restaurants and boutiques. It's also home to the open-air Lindengracht market on Saturday mornings, and Westerstraat bazaar-style market on Mondays.

People-watching is another popular thing to do in Amsterdam. One of the best places for this is Dam Square , lined with cafés and filled with popular attractions like the 17th-century Royal Palace (Koninklijk Palace), New Church (Nieuwe Kerk), and the National Memorial Statue. It's easy to spend hours here just enjoying the crowds and street performers.

Amsterdam is known for many things, but its museums are among the top attractions in the Netherlands , and for good reason. Arts and antiquities aficionados will appreciate the Rijksmuseum (National Museum), home to a massive collection that occupies over 250 rooms.

Art lovers will also want to visit the Rembrandt House Museum, located in the artist's former home. And, of course, the remarkable Van Gogh Museum is a must-see for admirers of this legendary painter. In addition to seeing some of his most famous works like Vase with Sunflowers and The Potato Eaters , you can also appreciate the immersive multimedia "Meet Vincent Van Gogh Experience."

No visit to Amsterdam is complete without a visit to the Anne Frank House , the actual home where Anne hid from Nazis during the occupation. Tourists can learn even more at The Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum), which explores the attempts to resist Nazi occupation. The Jewish Historical Museum is also in Amsterdam, with many religious artifacts on display.

Located just a short distance from Amsterdam, Haarlem makes an excellent day trip from the city . The historic heart of Haarlem is centered around the Grote Markt , the main market square. The Old City Hall , constructed in the 13 th century, is one of the most impressive buildings.

Nearby is the 14th-century Gothic church, St. Bavokerk (Grote Kerk). Both buildings have stunning interiors and feature impressive towers. In addition to a stunning interior and ornate furnishings, the basilica is home to the Müller Organ . This impressive instrument has 5,000 pipes and has been played by legendary musicians, including Mozart and Handel.

One of the most famous structures at the Grote Markt is the 1603 Vleeshal (Meat Hall) built in the Northern Renaissance style, now home to part of the Frans Halls Museum . The museum also occupies the ornate Vishal (Fish Hall), featuring the works of the Haarlem Academy artists, as well as examples of contemporary art, sculpture, and textiles by local creators.

Another top place to visit in Haarlem is the Teylers Museum , founded in 1778, which focuses on art and scientific achievements. Among its top exhibits are early scientific instruments, Michelangelo's figure studies from his preparations for the Sistine Chapel, and drawings by the artist Raphael.

If you're looking for areas to stroll during your sightseeing, head to the Bakenessergracht to see some of Haarlem's oldest buildings. When you get to the drawbridge at the River Binnen Spaarne, you will see the Amsterdamse Poort , the last surviving city gate, which was built in the early 15 th century.

Grote Houtstraat is another street filled with historic buildings, and also quite a bit of good shopping.

Just eight kilometers from Eindhoven is the village Nuenen, also known as Van Gogh Village . The artist lived here in a pastor's house from 1883 to 1885, and tourists can explore his former home, which has been lovingly restored. A self-guided tour visits nearly two dozen locations in the village that are connected to his time here.

The newly refurbished Museum Vincentre in Nuenen is an open-air museum that offers both self-guided and docent-led tours, which describe Van Gogh's time here, including his struggle with family relationships and the inspirations for his artwork.

There are numerous other statues and significant sites throughout the country, including the town of Etten-Leur , where his career as an artist officially began, as well as Zundert. Tourists will find informational kiosks with audio presentations at many locations associated with Van Gogh, so keep an eye out for them in your travels.

Near Rotterdam , beside the River Noord, sits the village of Kinderdijk , one of the most photographed places in the Netherlands . Here, visitors will find the country's largest collection of historic windmills, a total of 19, which were built between 1722 and 1761.

Unlike many other surviving windmills that were built to process grain and other materials, these were made as part of a water management system to keep the village from flooding. Each is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site , and tourists can watch the huge sails spin on special "Mill Days."

Two of the mills are open to the public as museums, and the entrance ticket includes both of these, as well as a scenic cruise.

Museummolen Blokweer occupies the oldest of the windmills, built in 1630, and is unique because the entire top section can rotate to meet the wind.

The Museum Windmill Mederwaard was built in 1738, and is still furnished as it would have been when it was occupied by the Hoek family.

Leiden (Leyden) is a beautiful university town that is best known for its tulip farms and abundance of excellent museums.

One of the Netherlands' oldest remaining castles is Leiden Castle (Burcht van Leiden), built as a fortification in the 11 th century. It has been a public park since the 17 th century, but visitors can still see one of the original castle moats. Tourists can also walk the same route sentries once patrolled around the walls while enjoying spectacular views over Leiden.

Sitting atop a hill in Leiden is an imposing seven-story windmill that was originally used as a flour mill. This picturesque landmark was built in 1743 and is now home to the Windmill Museum (Molen de Valk). The museum includes the miller's quarters and the tools he once used, and tourists can learn about how the mill was operated and maintained. The museum also provides an in-depth look at the history and significance of windmills in the Netherlands.

Other top museums in Leiden include the Naturalis Biodiversity Museum (Nederlands Centrum voor Biodiversiteit Naturalis), which features a huge selection of natural history specimens, and Museum Boerhaave , which is associated with the nearby university and dedicated to the history of science and medicine. The National Museum of Antiquities is also located here, featuring artifacts from ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt.

While in the area, visit nearby Duivenvoorde Castle (Kasteel Duivenvoorde), which was built in the 13 th century. This grand palace features stunning grounds and numerous exhibits on the history of the property and the family that lived here for centuries.

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Leiden

The historic city of Delft is best known as the home of Royal Dutch Delftware, a delicate blue-and-white pottery that has been made here since the 1600s. The last manufacturer, De Porceleyne Fles, is open for tours that allow visitors to watch the artists work on the hand-painted porcelain; you can also sign up for workshops to learn the technique yourself.

While in Delft, be sure to take a moment to see the Rose Windmill (Delft Windmill de Roos), a beautifully preserved corn mill that was built in 1679. Adventurous tourists can climb its seven stories via a ladder to get amazing views of the city below, and on Saturdays, you can see the mill in action.

Churches: Delft is also home to two stunning examples of Gothic churches. Oude Kerk (Old Church) was built in 1250 and features a 75-meter Coastal Gothic tower that was added in 1450. It is best known for its slightly tilted tower and a pyramid-shaped roof cornered by four turrets.

Construction on Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) was begun in 1396 and continued through 1486. The church sits overlooking Market Square (Markt), and its 108-meter Gothic tower provides an excellent vantage point for tourists and photographers who can make it up the 376 steps.

Architecture aficionados will also want to see the Delft City Hall (Stadhuis), which is also located on the Markt. Rebuilt in the 17 th century, this Renaissance stone building still has its original 15 th -century tower.

Museums: There are also some very good museums in Delft, including the Prinsenhof Museum, the Medical and Pharmaceutical Museum, the Lambert van Meerten Museum, and the Museum Paul Tetar van Elven.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Delft

The Zaanse Schanse Open-Air Museum is a convenient place to visit for tourists who want to see windmills in excellent condition but are short on time. It offers an excellent overview of the history and significance of windmills in the Netherlands.

The windmills here were relocated to the museum grounds and carefully restored, and many still operate as functioning mills and homes. The most famous windmill in Zaanse is The Cat (De Kat), built in 1646 to process dyes; it is the only one of its kind still in operation.

While in Zaanse, be sure to visit some of its unique museums, including a bakery museum (Gecroonde Duyvelzater), the Zaan Time Museum , and the local heritage museum (Zaans Museum), among others. Tourists can also take a lovely boat tour on the Zaan that provides great views of the windmills.

Address: Schansend 7, 1509 AW Zaandam, Netherlands

Keukenhof Gardens , located near Leiden, is the most visited destination for flower lovers, with more than seven million blooms each year. This is the world's largest public flower garden , covering more than 70 acres and growing over 700 varieties of tulips. Visitors will also find daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinth among the gardens.

The majority of the Netherlands' tulips are grown in the Flevoland Province , and mid-April through May is the best time of year to catch them in full bloom. Commercial flower-producing fields can be found along the northwestern coast of the Netherlands, occupying the swath of land between Alkmaar and The Hague.

Tourists who aren't visiting the Netherlands in the spring will still have an easy time finding tulips and other flowers thanks to indoor growing, and the collections at Keukenhof can be admired year-round.

One of the Netherlands' most famous castles is De Haar Castle (Kasteel de Haar), built in 1822, near Utrecht . Its fame is not due to its age but its size and grandeur—it's infamous for displacing an entire village to make room for its construction. This fairy-tale castle can be toured, and the 135-acre property holds numerous events throughout the year, including a Christmas festival.

While in Utrecht, be sure to stop by St. Martin's Cathedral , also known as Dom Church (Domkerk). Built in 1254, this cathedral features its original Romanesque elements, as well as a 14 th -century choir and transepts from the 15 th century. There is also a 14 th -century cloister and a lovely tea room on-site, and you can get great views by climbing the Domtoren (Dom Tower), which was once part of the cathedral.

Located in the center of Breda is the UNESCO-listed Kasteel van Breda (Breda Castle), an impressive palace that has housed aristocracy and royalty since the 12 th century. The current structure was built in 1530 as a fortified castle and then expanded over the centuries to its present state.

It has been home to the Royal Military Academy for the last two centuries, but prior to that it was the seat of the highly influential Nassau family. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle, which includes a look at its massive library and its twin towers named Blokhuis and Spanjaardsgat (Spaniard's Hole).

Just south of the city, Bouvigne Castle is another beautiful royal palace with ties to the Nassaus. Built in 1554, it is best known for its variety of meticulously tended gardens.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Breda

One of the Netherlands' most popular places to visit is the Netherlands Open Air Museum (Nederlands Openlucht Museum) located just outside the city of Arnhem .

This living history museum was established in 1912 to preserve Dutch history and culture, and it includes a variety of traditional homes, workshops, and windmills for guests to tour. Costumed interpreters demonstrate what daily life looked like in centuries past, including the life of fishermen, farmers, and craftsmen.

In addition to centuries-past experiences, a series of "laborer's houses" demonstrate the daily life of the average family during four distinct time periods from 1870 through 1970. In addition to the fully immersive historic village, tourists can also enjoy multi-media exhibits and ride an antique tram. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year.

Arnhem is home to several other museums, including two dedicated to remembering the struggles and sacrifices of World War II. The Arnhem War Museum and Airborne Museum Hartenstein are both fascinating, offering exhibits and guided tours that reveal what life was like during wartime.

If you're traveling with kids, be sure to leave time to stop at the nearby Royal Burgers' Zoo . This family-favorite is home to pandas, gorillas, chimpanzees, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, and rhinos. They also have a wide variety of birds, as well as a large aquarium.

The Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen gives tourists the opportunity to fully explore an old fishing village as it would have been in 1905. Highlights include participating in traditional cooking, learning about early fishing methods, and exploring the authentic "homes" of the interpreters while they describe daily life in centuries past.

Collections range from everyday items to artwork and local crafts, as well as ships and fishing equipment. There are interactive exhibits to get younger visitors involved, too, with opportunities to dress in period costumes, explore a traditional fishing boat, and play educational games.

The Dutch city of Groningen is a picture-perfect spot located 20 kilometers from the North Sea, connected by two major canals that helped it thrive as a center for trade. It's also known for its rich cultural scene, hosting several art and music festivals throughout the year, and is full of excellent restaurants and lots of shopping.

Historic Buildings: It's also, of course, home to plenty of historic buildings that will please photographers and architecture aficionados. A walking tour of the Old Town district is a great place to start, and you can't miss Martinikerk (Martin's Church) with its Romanesque-Gothic exterior and vaulted Gothic choir. The tower stands 96 meters above Groningen's Grote Markt (Market Square) and can be climbed for excellent views.

Museums: Groningen is also home to an excellent art and history museum, the Groninger Museum , as well as the University Museum , which has exhibits about a wide variety of topics. The Northern Shipping Museum is a must-see for tourists interested in the area's maritime history.

Read More: Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Groningen

The largest nature park in the Netherlands is the Hoge Veluwe National Park, covering 13,750 acres in the center of the country, just eight kilometers from Arnheim . Originally intended as a hunting park, this privately owned nature reserve is a protected home for a wide variety of animals, including wild boar; deer; birds; and the rare mouflon, a breed of wild sheep.

Visitors can easily explore the park's huge system of trails and paths via foot or bicycle. Park routes are well-marked and offer mostly level terrain for easy passage. The park is also home to the Kröller-Müller Museum , which features an art gallery and sculpture park.

Read More: Exploring Hoge Veluwe National Park in The Netherlands: A Visitor's Guide

One of the most photogenic places in the Netherlands, Oostvaardersplassen Nature Reserve is located about 50 kilometers from Amsterdam. It covers an area of around 56 square kilometers along the coast of the Markermeer and is dedicated to encouraging the regrowth of forests and habitats for indigenous wildlife.

Many tourists come to admire the birds that make the wetland area their home, including egrets, black storks, cormorants, geese, white-tailed eagle, and other species that nest and feed in the reeds.

In the drier areas of the park, visitors will find Konik Horses, a wild breed that originated in Poland, as well as Heck cattle and red deer.

Located about 20 kilometers from Amsterdam on the shores of the Markermeer is Volendam, another superb example of a traditional fishing village. This photogenic town offers brightly colored row houses, the small but informative Volendams Museum , and historic ships in the harbor.

Nearby, the smaller but lovely village of Marken sits on a peninsula, offering an even more authentic experience. Both of these villages can easily be visited in a day trip from Amsterdam .

Another popular place to visit for true Van Gogh admirers is Zundert , the village where Vincent Van Gogh was born. Although his family's original home no longer stands, its garden remains, and the Vincent Van Gogh House Museum now occupies the spot.

Visitors will be introduced to the master's life with a multimedia presentation, and then have the opportunity to see many of his original works. The museum also includes collections of work inspired by the prolific artist, much of which is produced by artists-in-residence nearby at the Kosterswoning.

Since Vincent grew up in Zundert, there are several places associated with him, including a statue of the artist in front of the Old Dutch Reformed Church where his father once preached. There is also a cemetery where his older brother, bearing the same name and birthdate as the artist, was laid to rest after death in infancy.

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Home » Travel Guides » The Netherlands » 25 Best Things to Do in The Netherlands

25 Best Things to Do in The Netherlands

The Netherlands is often incorrectly referred to as Holland, and is one of the most vibrant and interesting countries in Europe. Known for its eclectic capital city of Amsterdam, the Netherlands is far more than just canals and museums, and if you venture further afield you will find picture postcard pretty towns as well as dynamic cities like Rotterdam and The Hague.

Due to its relatively small size it is easy to visit the Netherlands fairly quickly and to see a lot of the country in a short space of time. Getting out into the countryside is often one of the highlights of a trip for many, especially if you visit famous areas like the traditional villages that are filled with iconic windmills and tulips. One of the best ways to take in the scenery is by bicycle and fortunately much of the Netherlands is flat which means you can easily navigate the landscape and enjoy the great Dutch outdoors.

Here are the best things to do in the Netherlands :

1. Explore the Canals of Amsterdam

Similar to many other cities that sit over water such as Venice, Amsterdam has a vibrant canal system.

The pretty waterways are one of the best loved attractions in Amsterdam and you can explore the idyllic routes by taking a boat tour or a water taxi that lets you hop around a range of locations.

If you don’t want to take to the water then you can still enjoy the canal sights with a leisurely stroll along the banks.

Book a cruise : Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise

2. Visit Zaanse Schans

Those who wish they could travel back in time and visit the Netherlands of the 17th and 18th centuries have come to the right place.

Zaanse Schans is located around 15 kilometers to the north of Amsterdam and is styled as an open-air museum where you can take a stroll around a traditional Dutch village and find out how ancient craftsmen would have worked.

Just some of the sights include a shipyard, a grocery store, a pewter factory, and a range of dainty green wooden houses.

You will also find some graceful windmills although out of the 600 that would have dotted the area in the days of old, only 5 now remain and can be visited by the public.

These include an iconic saw mill as well as an oil mill and you will find fun live demonstrations like a clog making session.

Recommended tour : Zaanse Schans Windmills Half-Day Tour

3. Stroll around the Garden of Europe

Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is a riot of color with blooms of every hue as far as the eye can see.

Tulips are the signature flowers of this country and the Garden of Europe just outside of Lisse is the largest public garden anywhere in the world.

Covering 70 acres of land, you will find gorgeous flower exhibitions as well as restaurants and a wide variety of flora including daffodils hyacinths, and crocuses.

Book online : Keukenhof Gardens Tour

4. Admire Grote Kerk

Grote Kerk is found in The Hague and is a large church that is built from red brick in Gothic style.

The original building here would have been built in the 13th century although it was razed to the ground in 1539 and rebuilt in the present structure.

The church has an illustrious history as the spot where many members of the Dutch royal family where baptized including King Willem-Alexander who had his christening here.

Things to look out for at the church include the dominating bell tower which is the highest in Holland and contains 51 bells as well as the ornate wooden pulpit and the huge pipe organ.

5. Visit the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the Dutch National Museum located in Amsterdam and is filled with an amazing collection of art and antiques which date from 1809. The building houses over 7 million items and has more than 5,000 paintings that sprawl over 250 rooms.

There is a library here with 35,000 books and you can see some of the most impressive paintings in the world created by the ‘Old Masters’. Much of the museum focuses on traditional Dutch artifacts like ancient handicrafts and sculptures from the medieval period but you will also find exciting modern art.

Make sure you leave ample time to see everything as you can easily spend a full day here exploring every nook and cranny.

Get tickets : Rijksmuseum Entrance Ticket

6. Explore Hoge Veluwe National Park

The Netherlands is often thought of as a small country primarily made up of small towns and cities but actually it has some wonderful national parks.

The largest and most famous of these is the Hoge Veluwe National Park which sits in between Apeldoorn and Arnhem.

It sprawls over an areas of 13,800 acres and is perfect if you are looking for an easy day trip.

The park is covered in woodland and features other quirky exhibits such as a sculpture park, and just some of the residents you will find in the park include red and roe deer.

Other spots include graceful dunes that are covered with heath and if you like bird watching then this is the place to spot a whole range of species.

7. Visit the Anne Frank Museum

The Anne Frank Museum is one of the most famous attractions in Amsterdam and makes for an extremely moving visit.

The building is the former home of Anne Frank who hid from the Nazis here during the Second World War.

Anne Frank died two months before the war ended but her diary that she wrote in the home was found and went on to become one of the most important books in the world.

The home has been restored although the hiding place in which the family lived is much as it would have been when Anne Frank lived here.

This is absolutely not to be missed if you are in Amsterdam and offers a poignant and personal view on this well known story.

Related tour : Life of Anne Frank and World War II Walking Tour

8. Enjoy the village of Marken

The little village of Marken is known for being one of the prettiest spots in the Netherlands, particularly thanks to its strategic location on the Ijsselmeer Lake.

Crowds of visitors flock to the town every year to take in its picture-postcard worthy attractions such as traditional painted wooden houses as well as fishing boats.

In the summer months there are festivals held here where the residents dress in period garb and you can see traditional crafts like clog making taking place.

Included in : Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken Tour

9. Have fun at Efteling

Efteling is the biggest amusement park in the Netherlands and is located at Kaatsheuvel.

The park is divided up into different zones that are known as realms and each one focuses on a different ancient myth or legend.

Efteling has the claim to fame of being one of the oldest themes parks in the world having first opened its doors in 1952 and has been entertaining visitors ever since with its fast rides and lush gardens.

Just some of the highlights here include rides like the Joris en de Draak or the George and the Dragon as well as The Flying Dutchman and the Python.

There are also other areas such as the Raveleijn which is a magical world with a nightly performance that tells the story of 5 siblings who battle and defeat an evil monster.

Book online : Efteling Theme Park Resort Admission Ticket

10. Take a trip to Madurodam

If you want to see the whole of the Netherlands but don’t have time then travel to Madurodam in The Hague.

Here you will find a mini version of the Netherlands on a 1:25 scale and you can see all the county’s top destinations including cute windmills, main landmarks, and decorative features like bridges.

This model city even includes its own harbor as well as a railway system and an airport.

Book online : Madurodam Miniature Park Entrance Ticket

11. Visit the Windmills of Kinderdijk

Enjoying a scenic location on the River Noord and nestled between Rotterdam and Dordrecht is the village of Kinderdijk which means ‘Children’s Dike’ in Dutch.

The main reason to come here is to take in the beautiful windmills that date from the 18th century and this is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are 19 windmills here that date from 1722-1761 and this is the largest group of these structures anywhere in the Netherlands.

You can visit from April to October and there are designated times throughout the year when the sails of the windmills spin and you can see them in all their glory.

12. Take in the art at the Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is an ode to one of the greatest artists ever to have lived.

In addition to that, the Van Gogh Museum is regularly voted one of the best art museums in the world, so art-lovers should make sure not to miss it off the itinerary.

An impressive 1.5 million visitors make their way here each year and the museum has the largest collection of Van Gogh pieces in the world.

To that end you will find 200 beautiful paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters that give you a unique insight into the life of the artist.

Fast Entry : Van Gogh Museum Ticket

13. Have a beer at the Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience in Amsterdam is the place to come if you want to learn all about how this famous beer evolved.

The experience takes place in an old Heineken brewery and you can learn about the Heineken family as well as see the actual brewing process that is used to make the beer.

This starts from the kind of water used all the way through to the bottling process and you can also see classic examples of the iconic Heineken logo and see how it has changed over the years.

As if that wasn’t enough, you can of course also sample this famous brew and end the trip with a tasting session.

14. Explore Mauritshuis

Mauritshuis, located in The Hague, is one of the premium art galleries in the Netherlands and is known for its vast collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings.

The building itself is a work of art and dates from the 17th century and is nestled between Hofvijver Lake and the parliament buildings.

Filled with over 800 works of art, this is one of the smaller museums in terms of size but it has some of the most iconic works in the world such as the Girl with a Pearl Earring which was created by Johannes Vermeer.

15. Visit Historic Valkenburg

If you like history then make sure not to miss Valkenburg which lies in the beautiful Geul Valley.

The town is the proud owner of the only hilltop castle in the Netherlands which dates from the 12th century.

The castle sits atop Dwingelrots or Castle Rock and you can also take in the neighboring 14th century basilica called St. Nicolaaskerk Basilica.

As well as its ancient ruins the town is also famous for its spas and caves as well as its Christmas Market which opens from November to December in the beautifully named Velvet Caves.

16. Meet the animals at Artis Royal Zoo

Artis Royal Zoo in Amsterdam first opened its gates in 1838 making it the oldest zoo in the Netherlands.

It sprawls across more than 35 acres and has 900 different species of animals many of which are housed in ornate and spacious compounds that were designed in the 19th century.

There is also an aquarium section that was built in 1882 that features diverse species like sharks, eel, and colorful tropical fish.

Make sure to look out for the tray bikes that circle the zoo selling traditional Dutch pancakes called bitterballen.

Get tickets : ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo: Entry Ticket

17. Sample some cheese in Edam

Edam cheese is famous the world over for its red hued rind and signature round shape.

Many people won’t realize however that Edam is actually not just the name of the cheese but also the place it comes from which is the pretty town of Edam.

The town is located on the water and dates back to the 12th century and has an array of cheese related sites to enjoy.

Don’t be surprised if Edam cheese looks a little different here, as it is actually sold with a yellow rind rather than a red one.

Some of the signature attractions for cheese lovers here include a large cheese market and a famous cheese-weighing hall.

18. Explore Zeeland’s Dikes

The area of Zeeland sits on the Schlede, Maas, and Rhine rivers and is covered in little islands and coves.

Most of the area sits below sea level, and for this reason needs to use dikes to guard against flooding.

The main dike project here is called Delta Works which is a series of cutting-edge dam systems which control all the water entering the area from the neighboring North Sea.

In case you are having troubling understanding the scale of the dikes here, Delta Works has been described as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

19. Visit Ridderzaal

The Hall of Knights, also known as Ridderzaal in Dutch, is located in The Hague and is part of a court complex that dates from the medieval period.

Dating from the 13th century the hall backs on to a huge courtyard covered in cobbles and this is considered to be one of the centers of Dutch politics in the modern day as this is also the spot where the Opening of Parliament ceremony is conducted every year.

Now you can also visit the Hall of Knights and take a guided tour of one of the most important buildings in Dutch history.

20. Journey to Volendam

Situated in the north of the Netherlands is Volendam which makes a great day trip if you are also visiting neighboring Amsterdam.

A small fishing village, Volendam is full of traditional Dutch delights such as wooden houses, clogs, and scenic landscapes.

Volendam is so pretty that is was painted by greats like Renoir and Picasso and it has a dainty harbor that backs on to fisherman’s houses and more canals.

21. Enjoy the Houseboat Museum

The Houseboat Museum is one of the quirkiest museums in all of Amsterdam and sits on the water on one of its pretty canals.

The boat is called Hendrika Maria and is furnished to give you a glimpse of how people have lived on these houseboats over the years.

There are also displays of how life on houseboats has changed and pictures of the canals as they would have been in the days of old.

22. Visit the Oude Haven in Rotterdam

Oude Haven is the Old Harbor in Rotterdam which happens to be the oldest port in the Netherlands having first started operations in 1350. Here you will find a huge number of attractions such as charming eateries and cafes as well as a selection of ancient sailing ships that give a nod to maritime history of this city.

One of the other iconic structures located on the harbor is Het Witte Huis or the White House which has the claim to fame of having been the first skyscraper in Europe.

23. Travel to the town of Delft

The cute town of Delft is nestled in between The Hague and Rotterdam and makes a great day trip.

Some of the main sights here include the Town Hall as well as the famous Nieuwe Kerk or New Church which has a tall tower that you can climb and look out over Rotterdam and The Hague.

The church also houses a well known royal burial ground where the remains of Prince William of Orange are interred.

Other attractions include the Technology Museum and the Markt which is the main traditional market that opens every Thursday.

24. Enjoy Venustempel Sex Museum

Venustempel Sex Museum in Amsterdam has the claim to fame of having been the first sex museum in the world.

The museum is located in a building that dates from the 17th century and has a wide display of sex related memorabilia.

Just some of this includes an array of erotic art work as well as photographs, sculptures, and other oddities like chastity belts.

The aim of the museum is to tell the story of how sexuality has evolved over the years and is a quirky stop off on a trip to Amsterdam.

25. Explore Kasteel De Haar

Close to the city of Utrecht sits Kasteel De Haar which is actually the largest fortification in the Netherlands.

The big draw here is the stunning castle which sprawls across a 250 acre park and originally would have dated from the 14th century.

The renovated version that now stands was built in 1892 and you will find a wide collection of paintings, textiles, antiques, and furniture.

25 Best Things to Do in The Netherlands:

• Explore the Canals of Amsterdam
• Visit Zaanse Schans
• Stroll around the Garden of Europe
• Admire Grote Kerk
• Visit the Rijksmuseum
• Explore Hoge Veluwe National Park
• Visit the Anne Frank Museum
• Enjoy the village of Marken
• Have fun at Efteling
• Take a trip to Madurodam
• Visit the Windmills of Kinderdijk
• Take in the art at the Van Gogh Museum
• Have a beer at the Heineken Experience
• Explore Mauritshuis
• Visit Historic Valkenburg
• Meet the animals at Artis Royal Zoo
• Sample some cheese in Edam
• Explore Zeeland’s Dikes
• Visit Ridderzaal
• Journey to Volendam
• Enjoy the Houseboat Museum
• Visit the Oude Haven in Rotterdam
• Travel to the town of Delft
• Enjoy Venustempel Sex Museum
• Explore Kasteel De Haar

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• 22 Best Places To Visit In Netherlands: The Perfect Mixture Of Art And Culture

29 Apr 2024

The crown jewel of Europe, the Netherlands is one of the many fascinating holiday destinations across the world that steals away the hearts of all travelers. It’s a treasure trove of rich history, heritage, culture, and art. But where to head to in the Netherlands? Here is a short, crisp glance at some of the best places to visit in Netherlands that will make you pack your bags right away. From endless flower fields and high windmills to beautiful water canals and scenic architecture, Netherlands had got all for you in one place.

Top 22 Best Places To Visit In Netherlands

This list of the best places to visit in Netherlands is all you need for your trip to this beautiful European country that caters to every kind of explorer – the hopeless romantic, the photography fanatic, the history buff, and the nature lover!

• Amsterdam : A Beautiful City
• Delft : Celebrate The Artwork
• Rotterdam : Perfect Blend Of History & Culture
• The Hague : For A Vibrant Nightlife
• Maastricht : With A Medieval-Era Architecture
• Edam : A Tourist’s Personal Favorite
• Eindhoven : Explore The Museums
• Leiden : For A Scenic Experience
• Utrecht : Explore The Incredible Architecture
• Giethoorn : For Super Scenic Waterways
• Leeuwarden : Your Offbeat Destination
• Haarlem : A Medieval City
• Groningen : Experience The Splendid Canals
• Middelburg : An Old Town In Netherlands
• Volendam : Of The Most Charming Places
• Kinderdijk : Discover The Rural Village
• Thorn : A Picture-Perfect Destination
• Alkmaar : Know More About Dutch Architecture
• Breda : A Place With A History
• Gouda : Famous For Its World-Class Cheese
• Arnhem : An Old Settlement
• Texel : Dive Into The Culture

1. Amsterdam: A Beautiful City

Image Source

Undoubtedly, one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands, Amsterdam is renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is an awesome package of stunning scenery and significant history, mixed with a great nightlife and a cosmopolitan culture. This is among the most unique places to visit in Netherlands. Amsterdam is one of the best places to visit in Netherlands with family. 

Location: North Holland Places To Visit In Amsterdam : The Anne Frank House, Bloemenmarkt, Vondelpark, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and more Things To Do In Amsterdam: Catch the ferry to Amsterdam North, Take the canal cruise, Discover the world famous shopping streets.

Must Read: Nightlife In Amsterdam

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2. Delft: Celebrate The Artwork

Featuring many intriguing artworks, Delft is a progressive town working hard on restoring its antiqued appearance. With its extremely charming water canals, numerous museums and fabulous artworks, the downtown of Delft is among the beautiful places in Netherlands other than Amsterdam. Delft is famous for being the birthplace of famous Dutch artist, Johannes Vermeer and also for its blue and white Delftware crockery. The place is counted among the best cities to visit in the Netherlands. 

Location: West Netherlands Places To Visit In Delft: The Old Canal (Oude Delft), The Lambert Van Meerten Museum, The Vermeer Delft Museum, Delft City Hall, The Prince’s Court and Prinsenhof Museum and more. Things To Do In Delft: Climb the bell tower in the New Church for incredible views of miles away, Learn the insights of the Delft Pottery at Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles.

3. Rotterdam: Perfect Blend Of History & Culture

Image Credit: Yorick Groen for wikipedia Given its history and beauty, it is the perfect escape for vacationers of all kinds: families, friends, and couples. Located in the South of the Netherlands, Rotterdam is globally renowned for being the most beautiful city in Netherlands. Its blend of history, culture, rich architecture, and major city attractions allure visitors worldwide.

Location: South Netherlands Places To Visit In Rotterdam: Rotterdam Central Station, The Euromast Tower, De Markthal, Rotterdam Zoo, Climbing Park Fun Forest and more are some prominent places to visit in Rotterdam Netherlands. Things To Do In Rotterdam: Take part in workshops and tastings at Fenix Food Factory, and also witness the ports of the town with the Rotterdam Boat Tour.

Suggested Read: Beaches In Netherlands 

4. The Hague: For A Vibrant Nightlife

The Hague is home to the Dutch government, despite the fact that Amsterdam is the capital of Netherlands. Visitors here love its modern vibe but more than that, they are entranced by its old world charm that can only be felt when you actually visit the city. The city also boasts of its vibrant nightlife with its grounded art and culture.

Location: South Holland Places To Visit In The Hague: Madurodam, Mauritshuis, Binnenhof, Duinrell and Gemeentemuseum Den Haag are some of the most famous places to visit in Hague Netherlands. Things To Do In The Hague: See the sky as a curved surface at the Celestial Vault, Witness some natural wonders at the First Natural Lanzart.

5. Maastricht: With A Medieval-Era Architecture

Image Credit: Turkish414 for Pixabay

If at all there is one thing that you can’t miss on a Netherlands sightseeing vacation, it is a visit to this historic city of Maastricht. Considered to be one of the best places to visit in Netherlands , it is a must for everyone to witness the stunning package of medieval architecture and modern atmosphere that the town offers.

Location: South Netherlands Places To Visit In Maastricht: Bonnefanten Museum, Mount Saint Peter and the St. Pietersberg Caves, The Old Town Walls and Hell Gate, Natural History Museum Things To Do In Maastricht: Walking in Maastricht: Wilhelminabrug and St. Servaasbrug, Visit the Red Church at Sint Janskerk

Suggested Read: Best Places For Bachelor Party 

6. Edam: A Tourist’s Personal Favorite

Image Source What makes it a hot favourite among tourists is the Wednesday cheese market it hosts. Edam owes its fame to the fact that it’s the producer of world famous Edam Cheese which is exported to the world. Also, Edam is an important town historically and that is why it is yet another town in the list of places to visit in Netherlands other than Amsterdam.

Location: North Holland Places To Visit In Edam: Volendam Museum, Paard Van Marken, Edams Museum, Edam Cheese Market and more. Things To Do In Edam: Cheese tasting at the Edams Cheese Market and explore this small historic town with the windmills at the countryside.

7. Eindhoven: Explore The Museums

Image Source It is the numerous and varied types of museums in Eindhoven which makes it one of the most famous places among the top 10 places to visit in Netherlands. Eindhoven boasts of its fair share to creativity, technology, and design. It is undoubtedly a must visit on a trip to Netherlands. It is among the famous places to visit in Netherlands.

Location: South Netherlands Places To Visit In Eindhoven: Van Abbemuseum, Philips Museum, DAF Museum, PSV Museum and more. Things To Do In Eindhoven: Visit Speelpark De Splinter for a wonderful day out at this famous picnic spot, You can also do a two-hour design themed tour of the city and guided cycle tours are also available to know the insights of the Eindhoven.

Suggested Read: Cruises In Netherlands 

8. Leiden: For A Scenic Experience

Image Credit: Csupordezso for Pixabay

Housing various tree lined canals marked with old windmills and numerous museums ranging from science and natural history to Egyptian history, Leiden is among the must see famous places in Netherlands. The scenic canals, abundant wooden bridges and lush covered parks make the city ideal for visiting.

Location: South Holland Places to Visit In Leiden: Museum Boerhaave, National Museum of Antiquities, Hortus Botanicus Leiden, The Molen De Valk Windmill Museum and more. Things To Do In Leiden: Walk on Leiden stones and Visit the world’s second oldest observatory at the Leiden Observatory.

9. Utrecht: Explore The Incredible Architecture

Image Credit: Edwin for Pixabay

Primarily famous for housing the largest college in Holland, the University of Utrecht, it also owes its fame to incredible historic city architecture. An iconic site that has been associated with the medieval period since a very long now and has a plethora of scenic water canals, this one is a must visit attraction for all.

Location: Central Netherlands Places To Visit In Utrecht: The Oude Hortus, Trajectum Lumen, DOMunder, Dom Tower and more Things To Do In Utrecht: Bike tours, Boat excursions

Suggested Read: Castles In Netherlands 

10. Giethoorn: For Super Scenic Waterways

Giethoorn is quite interesting. You ought to love the place anyhow. It allows you spend your vacation among super scenic surroundings of waterways and canals on the village side. The best way to reach Giethoorn is either by a boat or by off roading on a bicycle. It is also called the ‘Village With No Roads’. Set amidst absolute tranquility of nature, Giethoorn is among the best places to see in Netherlands.

Location: Overijssel, Netherlands Places To Visit In Giethoorn: Museum De Oude Aarde, Museum Gloria Maris, The Histomobile and more Things To Do In Giethoorn: Chill and admire the glorious canals and their beauty and spend some quality time with your family.

11. Leeuwarden: Your Offbeat Destination

One of the offbeat places in Netherlands, Leeuwarden is another stunning tourist place in the league of top places to visit in Netherlands. Leeuwarden’s close proximity to Amsterdam makes it an ideal one day getaway from the capital. The place got a good number of places to eat and drink as well as some galleries and museums which showcase precious artworks.

Location: Friesland, Netherlands Places To Visit In Leeuwarden: Aqua Zoo Friesland, Fries Museum, Natuurmuseum and Keramiekmuseum Princessehof Things To Do In Leeuwarden: Discover the 11 fountains and enjoy the nightlife in Leeuwarden

Suggested Read: Honeymoon Destinations

12. Haarlem: A Medieval City

Located merely 15 minutes away from Amsterdam and Schiphol airport, Haarlem is a medieval yet charming city which boasts of numerous intact medieval structures around the town. The city got some excellent dining options, shopping opportunities, and some great beaches in the close vicinity too. What else does one need when deciding upon the best places to visit in Netherlands!

Location: Northwest Netherlands Places To Visit In Haarlem: Grote Kerk, Frans Hals Museum, Teylers Museum, Ten Boom Museum and more. Things To Do In Haarlem: Climb a landmark windmill, Hit the shops, Discover Haarlem’s hidden courtyards, Cycle to the beach, Go beer tasting in a former church.

13. Groningen: Experience The Splendid Canals

Another Netherlands top attraction is Groningen because it is a hub of history, culture, and art backed by splendid beauty of canals and waterways. If you consider yourself as a history buff or a nature lover then a vacation in Groningen is perfect for you. The city also boasts of two famous colleges and a vibrant nightlife as well. Furthermore, it is the cheapest city in Netherlands. 

Location: North Netherlands Places To Visit In Groningen: Groninger Museum, Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum, Nederlands Stripmuseum and more Things To Do In Groningen: Shopping in Groningen, Discover some of the best restaurants in Groningen

Suggested Read: Churches In Netherlands 

14. Middelburg: An Old Town In Netherlands

Image Credit: Djedj for Pixabay

Originally established to withstand Viking attacks, Middelburg is the oldest town which makes it the best tourist places in Netherlands. Middelburg is also one of the best places to visit in Netherlands. You would not want to miss out on this culturally and architecturally rich city on your trip to Netherlands.

Location: South Western Netherlands Places To Visit In Middelburg: Delta Works, Mini Mundi, Zeeuws Museum, Vleeshal Middelburg Things To Do In Middelburg: Bicycle tour, Shopping in Town Hall, Dine in the attractive restaurants in the town.

15. Volendam: Of The Most Charming Places 

Located just 12 kilometers North of Amsterdam, Volendam is a delightful fishing village. This is among the most charming places to visit in the Netherlands other than Amsterdam. Famous for its local delicacies, fish, and cheese, it’s a must-visit for foodies. Leaving Volendam without sampling its tantalizing cuisine would not do justice to your trip.

Location: Northeast of Amsterdam Places To Visit In Volendam: Volendam Museum, Paard Van Marken, Edams Museum, Edam cheese market Things To Do In Volendam: Go fishing and try fishes at various restaurants in Volendam

Suggested Read: Best Places To Spend Christmas In Europe

16. Kinderdijk: Discover The Rural Village

Kinderdijk is an ideal example of a rural village in the Netherlands known for its iconic 18th-century windmills. Enjoy the lush greenery and beautiful countryside scenes that is quintessentially Dutch. The 19 windmills erected in the village, that were used to avoid flooding and keep the soil dry, have been declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site. So, you ought to check them out. For someone who likes the countryside, will fall in love with the criss-cross bike trails, waterways, and footpaths.

Location: Molenwaard, Netherlands Places To Visit: Museummolen Nederwaard, Museummolen Blokweer,Donckse Forest Things To Do: Check out the windmills, go hiking or biking, explore the village

17. Thorn: A Picture-Perfect Destination

Image Credit: ID 12019 for Pixabay

Every instragrammer and photographer ought to check this placeout in the Netherlands because that is how charming and pretty this place in the Netherlands. The place lies near the Belgium border. it is hard to fall in love with the cobbled streets, white-washed brick buildings, and charming scenery. Don’t miss the tenth century abbey church in the town center.

Location: Limburg Places To Visit: Gemeentemuseum Land van Thorn, Abdijkerk Thorn, Begijnhof Things To Do: Guided tours, visit to the museum

Suggested Read: Amsterdam In March

18. Alkmaar: Know More About Dutch Architecture

Alkmaar is a very fascinating destination for visitors who want to know more about Dutch architecture and history as it goes back to 900 AD. Once upon a time, Alkmaar was a very important agricultural hub. The place had a floating auction house and farmers came from far off places to sell their produce here.

Location: Netherlands Places to visit: The Broeker Veiling Museum, Piet Windmill, Weighing house, Cheese Museum, and the national beer museum are a must to have on the itinerary. Things to do: Visit the museum, go strolling through the place, visit the marketplace.

19. Breda: A Place With A History

Breda is an interesting medieval city which is also a must-see attraction for people who want to explore the architecture and history of the place. This was once fortified and has always occupied a very important strategic position. It also has a well preserved historic center till date. There are a lot of storehouses and Gastespoort in Port quarter which is one of the famous Breda’s three medieval gates.

Location: North Brabant Province Places to visit: The Breda Castle, the Grote Kerk which dates back to 1920; the Begijnhof, Spaniard’s hole. Things to do: Visit the Breda Museum which is located in a Meat Hall dating back to the 17th century, go hiking, go cycling in Mastbos which is a beautiful woodland near the Bouvigne castle.

Suggested Read: Shopping In Netherlands

20. Gouda: Famous For Its World-Class Cheese

Gouda is a popular tourist destination for its world-famous cheese which has been produced in the region for centuries. Cheese lovers and foodies alike shouldn’t miss out on the chance to visit the place on a Thursday (in the months of April to August). This is the time when the city comes to life due to its age-old cheese markets for its tourists to enjoy.

Location: Netherlands Places to visit: Historic Center, Cheese Museum Things to do: Visit the cheese market and take part in cheese weighing, auctioning, making and more, Go for wine and beer tastings, go for canal cruises, take a guided walking tour.

21. Arnhem: An Old Settlement

It is a small old town situated on the place of a Roman settlement. This town is an ideal place for discovering the Gelderland province since they have a lot to showcase. When here make sure to explore the old city center which you can easily tour on foot to see a lot of 15th-century style of architecture along with parts of the beautiful old town walls. When preparing the list of things to see in Netherlands, don’t forget to add this amazing destination. 

Location: Netherlands Places to visit: Netherlands Open Air Museum, Airborne Museum Hartenstein, Kroller Muller Museum, Wine Museum. Things to do: Go cycling at the National Park de Hoge Veluwe, go strolling through the old city.

Suggested Read: Beaches In Amsterdam 

22. Texel: Dive Into The Culture

It is the biggest Frisian Island located just off the mainland of northern Holland. It offers travelers a wide range of activities to take part in. This is a great place to take your family for a little vacation since there are a lot of interesting places for dining and shopping here. There are also many museums and other landmarks here which will fascinate the kids and adults alike.

Location: Northern Holland Places to visit: The Whaler’s Cottage, the Shipwreck, and Beachcombing Museum, the Aviation and Wartime Museum, the Local History Museum. Things to do: Get a bicycle and go exploring the 30 km long coastline, visit the beaches during summer months, go kite sailing, enjoy surfing, go swimming, go windsurfing and go catamaran sailing.

Further Read: Most Popular Europe Trips 

The Netherlands is an amazing city to visit for a vacation. It’s fascinating history, couple with its cozy weather and the innumerable activities which visitors can engage in gives anyone lots of options to explore. All these best places to visit in Netherlands await you for the most unforgettable vacation of your lives! Pick your favorite destination and plan your trip to Europe with TravelTriangle NOW!

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here .

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Netherlands

What is Netherlands known for?

Netherlands is known for being a small country but having a rich culture and heritage and for the many amazing places to visit in Netherlands. that’s a wonderful destination and is also known for its great cuisine.

What countries make up the Netherlands?

The constituent of all countries which are Aruba, Curacao, Sint Marteen and the Netherlands.

Is Denmark better than Netherlands?

Both Netherlands and Denmark are special in their own ways. Denmark is home to some majestic castles, captivating landscapes and innovative architecture whereas Netherlands is known for its rich history, culture and art.

What can I shop for in Netherlands?

There are many things that you can shop for in the Netherlands. Some of those things are Blond Amsterdam Breakfast set, handmade wallets, Dutch Licorice, customised clogs and bathrobes.

What is the best time to visit the Netherlands?

The country enjoys a temperate climate with milder summers as compared to the moderate winters. If you enjoy the company of tulips blooming, then, the time period between March and Mid May would be the best time to visit the Netherlands, along with other places to visit in Europe.

What are the top places to visit in the Netherlands in January?

Winters may not be the wisest time to visit The Netherlands weather-wise, but it surely has a huge number of museums and indoor tourist attractions that might save you from the cold outside. We’d recommend places like Groningen, Haarlem, Leiden, Delft, and Utrecht to visit in The Netherlands in January.

What are the places to visit in the Netherlands in May?

The Netherlands comes to life when the sun is shining. The best places to visit in the Netherlands in May include The Hague, Amsterdam, and Scheveningen. The Netherlands in May is something you should not miss. The most important highlight of the summer in the Netherlands is the Canal Festival.

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30 Best Places to Visit in The Netherlands

Are you planning a trip to the Netherlands? Then this list with the most beautiful places to visit is exactly what you are looking for. Find below a map with all the tourist spots of the Netherlands and pick the ones you like for your next trip. The Netherlands has a wide variety of tourist attractions and this extensive list has some off the beaten path destinations that you won't find in any other Netherlands travel guide.

It’s not a surprise that the worldwide Corona crisis has put a stop to all our travels. Some awesome trips abroad got cancelled and had to be rescheduled. In the meantime the Traveltomtom team had time to check out the beautiful tourists attractions in the Netherlands. With some borders being closed, and a negative travel advice for most of the outside world, Traveltomtom started looking into sightseeing in The Netherlands. We found out that Holland, our small little country has so much to offer. For some reason we rather travel as far away as possible. But the Corona crisis made us reconsider to visit some Netherlands tourist attractions.

Holland has 12 provinces and the Traveltomtom Team has traveled to all of them. We visited all the tourist hotspots around our country, some during the recent global Covid pandemic. On top of all that we visited some unique hidden gems which we want you to discover too. Are you ready?

When traveling to the Netherlands stay connected and buy a local sim card for the Netherlands . Flying to Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam? Don't buy your sim card for the Netherlands there. Why? Here is your guide for buying a sim card at Amsterdam Airport and decide yourself!

Join us on a journey along the best things to in the Netherlands. With this list of the most amazing tourist attractions I am sure you make the most out of your Netherlands trip.

Map of the beautiful places to visit in Netherlands

1. Amsterdam

Our capital city! I love Amsterdam, in fact, I think it’s one of the best capital cities in the world. And I assure you, Amsterdam is so much more than the red-light district and legal drugs.

Amsterdam became quiet during the Corona crisis, for months museum, restaurants and bars had to be closed. Residents of Amsterdam loved the peace and quiet in the city. Normally for the best things to do in Amsterdam like the Anne Frank House, it’s almost impossible to get tickets. There are always massive queues lining up alongside the museum. When things started to open up again, but tourists were still not allowed into the Netherlands, we thought this would be the perfect time to visit our capital, and visit all the places we normally don’t get the chance for.

My top recommendation for Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. A very important part of our history, which they turned into an interesting and impressive museum. Find out where she and her family hid, and where she wrote her famous diary.

Explore Amsterdam by foot as much as possible, walk through narrow alleys, discover Amsterdam at its best! Another recommendation I would like to make is a boat tour on the canals of Amsterdam. They usually last for about an hour, and you get to see some pretty nice and new sights of Amsterdam. During the tour commentary will be provided in multiple languages.

Some other must do’s for Amsterdam: rent a bike and explore the Vondelpark, walk through the most expensive shopping street of the Netherlands, the PC Hooftstraat, visit the Rijksmuseum and the famous Nachtwacht painting, take the free ferry-boat behind the Central Station and visit the A’dam Tower (amazing Amsterdam views guaranteed!).

Where to stay around Amsterdam? The Traveltomtom team lately tried out the brand new Van Der Valk Amsterdam Zuidas Hotel , with the most magnificent views over the Amsterdam business district for sure. Want to stay in a more central hotel in Amsterdam then have a look at the Volkshotel in Amsterdam Oost . Their uniquely designed rooms, Canvas rooftop bar bar/restaurant and a hot tub with views over Amsterdam make it a unique hotel in Amsterdm.

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2. Kissing Couple XXL

Located on the North side of Amsterdam, right at the point where you take the ferry to Zaandam, they installed something pretty cool. The Kissing Couple XXL in Delfts blue colors. I stumbled upon it though social media, and immediately thought, I have to add this to my Netherlands sightseeing tour.

It’s very easy to visit by car, as there is a carpark right next to the Kissing Couple. But there is another fun way of getting to the Kissing Couple XXL. You can easily visit it by bike. From Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station just follow the blue dot route to the Hempont Ferry. The Kissing Couple can’t be missed. Need more information on the bike route? Check it out here .

For a unique place to stay in The Netherlands check out the Clock Tower Suite in Weesp . It is near Amsterdam and you get a chance to sleep in the tower of an old church! Click on the link for a complete review of what is called one of the best hotel rooms in The Netherlands.

3. Zaanse Schans

The Zaanse Schans, one of Netherlands top things to do, I had wanted to visit this place for such a long time. But it’s normally crowded with tourists there, a very popular spot. I guess that has always kept me from visiting. After visiting Kinderdijk earlier this trip, where we were pretty much the only one around, I had high hopes for the Zaanse Schans. Often the parking lot tells a lot about how busy the place you’re visiting is. The parking lot at the Zaanse Schans was empty, which made me very enthusiastic.

The Zaanse Schans is an amazing place to visit, full of windmills, handcraft shops and museums. The Zaanse Schans is actually a residential area, keep in mind, people actually live here! The Dutch 18th and 19th centuries are brought alive here. It feels like walking through an open-air museum.

This place is a unique part of the Netherlands. Where else will you find wooden houses, mills, barns and workshops? Every part tells its own story.

Walk around, buy some cheese, clogs as a souvenir or chocolate, visit a windmill and learn about what they still do there. The Zaanse Schans is a fun day out, and super easy to visit from Amsterdam. It’s located right next to Zaandam, a lovely place with a very relaxed city center with some more classic Dutch architecture to discover. De Zaanse Schans definitely is a must visit place in the Netherlands.

A great place to stay near de Zaanse Schans is the Boutique Hotel STAATS in Haarlem . The Traveltomtom team checked it out, read the full review in the link.

4. Volendam

We had been to Volendam before, more than once even. It’s always a great day out and I love the atmosphere is this quaint town, even on busy and crowded days. However, we got curious to what Volendam would be like these days during the Corona pandemic.

I was shocked, as I had never seen Volendam as empty as it was this June. The famous Dijk was completely empty. A few tourists, but mostly locals were around, so nice. But that was of course due to the pandemic.

From Amsterdam you can easily take a daytrip to Volendam. Consider taking the bus, as this popular Netherlands tourist attraction is located just over 30 minutes from the city center of Amsterdam.

Volendam is a classic Dutch charming harbour village. The Dijk is the most famous part of the town full of shops and restaurants, along the water. All located in traditional wooden buildings. Looking for that cheesy photo in Dutch costume? Volendam is your place to be!

Tourists often only visit Amsterdam, or maybe Volendam if they stay longer, but often don’t explore more of the Zaan Region, just above Amsterdam. We knew there was much more to explore in this region than just Volendam and Amsterdam. The Zaanse Schans for example, but also don’t skip the city of Hoorn. A great little Dutch town, with a huge history to it.

Hoorn, the city of the Golden Age. Hoorn is located directly by the water and was very prosperous during the Golden Age. Hoorn turned out to be the perfect location for the trading routes of the Dutch East India Company. This rich history of Hoorn nowadays lives on in monumental buildings, grand architecture and museums full of historical treasures.

Hoorn is one of the overlooked places to visit in Holland, but totally worth visiting.

Best place to stay around Amsterdam

Hotels in Amsterdam can be expensive, especially in the city center. If you’re keen on exploring both the city of Amsterdam, but also the Zaanse Schans, Hoorn and Volendamand many other highlights to visit around Amsterdam, we might just have the perfect place for you.

Our Netherlands tip for this region is Van der Valk Amsterdam-Oostzaan Hotel . This hotel is located just outside of Amsterdam, along the highway, so it’s very easy to get there. It’s located within half an hour max of the tourists attractions such as Amsterdam, Volendam, Hoorn, Zaanse Schans and Muiderslot. Your perfect gateway to this beautiful part of Holland.

Additional benefit is the free parking offered by Van der Valk Oostzaan. Staying that close to Amsterdam, yet being able to park your car for free, that’s a real bonus!

Another benefit this hotel offers its guests is the shuttle service. No hassle, make sure to book a spot for this service, and they bring you to the city of Amsterdam! They drop you at a free ferry, from where you cross the water to the center of Amsterdam. During the holidays this service is offered on a daily basis, with multiple departure times available.

Looking to explore this region by bike? Good idea, the Van Der Valk Oostzaan hotel offers bike rental and some very interesting and fun bike routes. Just ask at reception for more information.

Booking.com

Van der Valk Amsterdam Oostzaan opened its door to the public just a few years ago, a rather new hotel this is. Something new hotels of the Van der Valk Group have in common is the wellness and fitness areas, often located on the top floors of the hotel. The Amsterdam – Oostzaan hotel is no exception. Make sure to check out the pool, gym and sauna. If you want to do so, please keep in mind that a reservation is required nowadays.

6. Muiderslot Castle

Muiderslot Castle is one of the oldest and best-preserved castles of the Netherlands, it was built in 1285. Back then they had just one goal in mind when building this castle, defence!

This famous Dutch castle is located just outside Amsterdam, and therefore really easy to visit. It’s considered one of the must see places in the Netherlands. Reason enough to put it on our itinerary.

Visiting this castle is not free of charge, tickets for Muiderslot Castle are 15,50. This 700-year-old castle is surrounded by water and some beautiful historic gardens. Behind the castle you’ll find the plum orchard of the castles famous resident and writer P.C. Hooft. When the plums were ripe and sweet, he gladly invited his guests to the Muiderslot. He closed his letters with the, now famous phrase ‘Until plum-time!’.

Muiderslot Castle obviously also had to close its doors due to Corona, but they have opened up again, ready to welcome visitors. In fact, they have come up with something really cool and one of my best Netherlands travel tips.

During summer you can camp right next to the castle, how cool is that? You arrive in the afternoon, and have the castle all to yourself. You’ll get a tour through an empty castle, gather around a campfire, and have breakfast delivered to your tent.

If camping is not your thing then I can highly recommend you to check out the Van Der Valk Utrecht Hotel . The Traveltomtom team stayed here, check out the review in the link. Also close by the Muiderslot Castle is the city of Wageningen where you can find the unique Hotel de Wereld where in 1945 the capitulation of Germany troops was signed by Colonel - General Blaskowitz. Here you can relive history, a unique place to stay in The Netherlands!

7. Heeswijk Castle

Heeswijk Castle is located in the South of the Netherlands, just over half an hour from the city of Eindhoven. It is considered the most beautiful castle of the Brabant province and one you won’t often find in a Netherlands travel guide.

The castle is very easily accessible, just follow the signs to the free parking facilities, and walk up to the castle. You can walk all around the castle for free. If you want to visit the castle and see it if from the inside. Tickets for the Heeswijk Castle cost €11 .

The castle is surrounded by woods with plenty of walking tracks around the castle.

Heeswijk Castle has played an important role during World War II. During the massive operation Market Garden, paratroopers were dropped to secure the route of advancing British ground forces. There are multiple information signs around the castle telling you about the history. You can even follow the Liberation Route and learn all about it.

Looking for places to stay around the Heeswijk Castle then try the Hotel Modez in Arnhem . The Traveltomtom team stayed there and came up with 6 reasons why to book this hotel. Read the review in the link. 

8. Fort de Roovere

Fort de Roovere is located in the far west corner of the province of Brabant, close to the border with Zeeland. It is an earthen fort, constructed as part of the Dutch Water Line, the Hollandse Waterlinie, a series of water-based defenses.

In recent years extensive renovations have been done to the fort, as it had fallen into major disrepair.  What got me really curious to visit this place is the Moses Bridge. This bridge appears to divide the water, so we know where it gets its name from. It seems like this bridge crosses through the water, something unique.

Looking for some aerial views? Just recently the Pompejus watchtower was added to the area and opened to the public. Fort de Roovere for sure is an off the beaten path tourist destination in the Netherlands away from the crowds.

9. Kinderdijk

Kinderdijk is probably as Dutch as it gets, this tourist attraction is why people visit the Netherlands, and Kinderdijk is how people think of and see the Netherlands. No wonder this UNESCO World Heritage site is a popular place to visit, that attracts thousands of tourists every year.

The Kinderdijk windmill complex is unique in the world, you won’t find this anywhere else in the world. We Dutch have always struggled with water, these windmills and pumping stations have been keeping the soil dry here for centuries now.

You can actually walk around here for free, no entrance. If you want to visit the museum mills or sail along the windmills, you would need to buy an entrance ticket, which you have to do prior to your arrival to Kinderdijk. This is one of these Dutch tourist hotspots that is crowded in any given normal situation, but due to the corona crisis there were only a handful of people, perfect!

Best place to stay around Kinderdijk

Our recommendation for a place to stay when visiting Kinderdijk is Van der Valk Hotel Dordrecht . It is located at cycling distance from the Biesbosch National Park, and just a short 10-minute drive to the city center of Dordrecht. You can rent bikes from the hotel to discover the highlights in Dordrecht, even cycle to Kinderdijk which is a 19 kilometer bike ride. All easy and flat terrain and the best way to visit Holland anyway. Stay active!

Van der Valk Hotel Dordrecht is conveniently located right next to the A16 highway, which makes this hotel very easily accessible.

Next to that, and because the Netherlands is just a small country, it is also located within reasonable distance of attractions like Kinderdijk, the Deltaworks and the beaches of Scheveningen, all within an hour drive of the hotel.

This hotel has an amazing wellness center right at the top. This wellness center offers a pool, fitness area and sauna. Also located on the top floor of the hotel is the skybar. It’s one of Dordrecht best bars to have a drink. Perfect to enjoy a drink on a summer evening, while enjoying the views from up here.

10. Dordrecht

Dordrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, and with the Biesbosch as its backyard, Dordrecht is a great place to stay and explore.

The city of Dordrecht is full of monuments. The town hall for example was built in the 14th century. One of the biggest highlights of the city is the Grote Kerk. The famous church of Dordrecht is often listed as one of the top places to visit in Netherlands.

From monuments to modern shops, Dordrecht offers it all, yet not too busy like its bustling neighbour Rotterdam for example, which makes it a great day trip when visiting the Netherlands.

11. National Park the Biesbosch

National Park the Biesbosch is one of the many national parks in the Netherlands. It’s spread over two provinces, Zuid Holland and Brabant, however, most of the Biesbosch is located in Brabant. The Biesbosch is the largest fresh water tidal zone in Europe, which means you can find many streams and willow swamps here. Going deep into the Biesbosch the area looks just like a jungle.

Most of these areas are only accessible by boat. The Biesbosch is a paradise for nature lovers, you’re surrounded by nature and wildlife. The possibilities to explore the Biesbosch are endless, by boat, walking or cycling. Go out, explore and experience this National Park a great thing to do in The Netherlands.

There are 2-hour boat tours into the jungle of the Netherlands that cost €15. Boat tours are not every day. Click here for more info about the Biesbosch .

12. Deltaworks Neeltje Jans

The Delta Works are one of the most renowned works in the world, and the largest storm surge barrier in the world. In the Zeeland province they call it the Eighth Wonder of the World, which emphasizes the importance of the Delta Works to the Netherlands.

The Netherlands, and the province of Zeeland in particular, is largely located at or below sea level. The Delta Works were built to prevent a repeat of the 1953 flooding disaster. You can visit and explore these huge storm barriers. Walk across or get toured around. Tickets for Neeltje Jans cost €25 .

But there is much more to see and do here. Have some fun in the waterpark, visit Zeeland’s largest aquarium, visit seals and sea lions or go on a boat trip on the Oosterschelde.

13. Parkstad Limburg

Parkstad Limburg is the fastest growing tourist destination in the Netherlands. It has the largest indoor ski park in Europe, the longest staircase in the Netherlands, the largest home-improvement boulevard in Europe, the most modern and innovative zoo in Europe and the largest world-themed gardens park in the Netherlands. If this is not enough reason to visit this region, then what is? This region is located in the very South of the Netherlands, close to the Heuvelland region, Maastricht, and the borders of Germany and Belgium.

In Parkstad Limburg you will also find Heerlen, the street art capital of the Netherlands . The murals in Heerlen appeal to the imagination internationally.

There are so many cool things to do in Parkstad Limburg and it’s not just the region that is award winning here, how about the award-winning Gaia Zoo? Opened in 2005, ever since its opening this Zoo has won one award after the other. Among many other awards, it’s been awarded Best Zoo of the Netherlands, and for years in a row now it’s also been awarded Best Day Out in the Netherlands.

Want to know more about this region and the street art capital of the Netherlands? Check out our blog about the best things to do in Heerlen . Best place to stay in Parkstad Limburg

The Parkstad region isn’t that large, but still has a lot to offer. So when visiting this region, be sure to visit for more than one day. We did the work for you and found you the best place to stay in Parkstad Limburg.

Van der Valk Hotel Heerlen offers the perfect location in the heart of Parkstad, and close to all the highlights this region has to offer. It’s located along the N281 motorway, so very easily accessible. From this hotel you can explore the Street Art Capital of the Netherlands by foot or by bike. Attractions like Snowworld and the Gaia Zoo are only a very short drive away.

Hotel Heerlen is part of the estate of Terworm. Estate Terworm is a nature reserve offering various possibilities for relaxation. Very suitable for jogging, walking, cycling, with routes from 4 to 7 kilometers. So after a long and active day out, this is the perfect place to enjoy and relax.

Another great place to stay in Zuid - Limburg is the Heuvelland, the only place where Holland is NOT flat! Check out the most beautiful scenery and viewpoints of Holland when staying at the Hotel Klein Zwitserland  in the picturesque little town of Slenaken.

14. Pyramid of Austerlitz

In the weeks before our Netherlands roadtrip I did some research. I knew a lot of places to visit in Netherlands, but I was also looking for some unknown, never heard of spots I wanted to add to our Netherlands itinerary.

One of these places to visit I had never heard of before, is the Pyramid of Austerlitz. I thought pyramids only existed in Egypt, but I know now that we actually have a very cool one in the Netherlands too.

While the Pyramid itself was still closed during our visit, due to the Corona crisis, we could actually get quite close. If you want to climb the pyramid you have to buy a ticket, but like I said, you can get really close, and walk all around it without buying a ticket as well.

The Pyramid of Austerlitz is tucked away in the forests of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Absolutely a great location, hidden away, a short walk through the forest before the pyramid appears.

The Pyramid of Austerlitz was built in 1804 by Napoleon’s soldiers, they chose one of the highest points of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. The Pyramid is a national monument, and a must do when visiting Netherlands. Not classic Dutch, but it will surprise you! This pyramid is located only a short, 25-minute drive from Utrecht.

Not directly nearby but within 45 minute drive you will find another great place to visit in Holland: Den Bosch. In this city you can sleep in an old crane and the coolest thing: it is still working! This old crane is converted into a hotel room and from your bed, you can turn your hotel room 360 degrees if you want. NO JOKE! Check out the complete blog about the Bossche Kraan Hotel , one of the most unique places to stay in the Netherlands.

15. Wadden Islands - Texel

Travelling the Netherlands isn’t complete without visiting one of our Wadden Islands. The Netherlands have five inhabited Wadden Islands: Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland and Schiermonnikoog. With Texel being the largest and most populated of our Dutch Islands, we decided to add Texel to our itinerary along the best places to visit.

It’s very easy to get from the Dutch mainland to Texel. Drive all the way up to Den Helder, which is actually quite an interesting place itself to pay a visit to.

Den Helder is home to the Netherlands main navy base. This all dates back to 1811, when Napoleon Bonaparte visited Den Helder, and was impressed with the towns strategic location. So impressed that he ordered the construction of a fort and naval dockyards. In 1947 Den Helder officially became the Royal Netherlands Navy’s main centre of operations. An interesting museum to visit when in Den Helder is the Dutch Navy Museum.

So, from Den Helder the Royal TESO ferryboat service operates between the city and the nearby Wadden Island Texel. You can see Texel from the mainland when waiting for the ferry.

Insiders Netherlands tip: Travel to Texel on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, if you do so, you’ll receive a 30% discount on the ferry.

When docking in at Texel, they can’t be missed, the Texel sheep. The Texel is a breed of sheep, originally from, yes the Island of Texel. Everything made of wool can be bought in shops across Texel.

The dune landscape on Texel is unique and a great habitat for wildlife. About one third of the island is a protected nature reserve. The best way to explore Texel is by bike, but you have to withstand the sometimes strong winds. You can rent bikes all over the island!

Often seen as the symbol of Texel is the red lighthouse at the northern end of the island. You can also climb the lighthouse.

Views from up there include the North Sea, the Wadden Sea and the next Wadden Island Vlieland. When it’s dark, the light of this lighthouse can be seen from as far as Leeuwarden.

De Koog is the so-called seaside town of Texel. Just a few dunes separate the village from the ocean and the beach. De Koog is a nice place to spend a few hours, it has a great shopping center, some lovely restaurants and some nice beach clubs.

Den Burg is considered the capital of Texel, nearly half of the population of Texel live in Den Burg. This lovely little town has a lot to offer. Great shopping opportunities, plenty of terraces to have a drink, it’s just a great little town to walk through. There is more than enough things to do when visiting Texel, perfect for a day trip, but enjoying a sunset and a sunrise here is even more magical.

16. The Afsluitdijk

After visiting Texel it was time to do something that had been on our so called Netherlands Bucketlist for a very long time. It may sound stupid, because this is often seen as ‘just’ a highway connecting two provinces, but the Afsluitdijk is so much more than that!

The Afsluitdijk is a major dam in the Netherlands and famous place to see, completed in 1932. This means the Afsluitdijk has been protecting the Netherlands from the force of water for nearly 90 years now. The total length of the dike is 32.5 km. The dike is more than just a water barrier. It’s a motorway connecting two Dutch provinces as well. Everyday thousands of people use the A7 motorway to travel between Noord-Holland and Friesland. The Afsluitdijk was the initial demonstration site for a 130km/h speed limit in the Netherlands.

The Afsluitdijk is currently under construction, to make it even more future proof, for many more years to come. Once construction works are done, the Dijk will be stronger, higher and more robust looking. There is so much to see, not just the Afsluitdijk itself. Here is the Afsluitdijk Wikipedia page for even more info.

Enjoy the Wadden Sea, visit the Afsluitdijk Wadden Centre or the monument right in the middle of the Afsluitdijk. Part of the construction works and upgrades to the dike are a new cycle and walking path, imaginable with endless views on the Wadden Sea.

One of the first major cities you’ll come across after crossing the Afsluitdijk into Friesland is the city of Sneek. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to spend as much time in the city as I wanted, one has to make choices while travelling, which means we only had time for a brief stop in Sneek. However, Sneek has an amazing relaxed and laidback atmosphere.

Sneek is one of the Friese Elf Steden (eleven cities). The Elfstedentocht, or eleven cities tour, is a long-distance ice-skating event in the province of Friesland. It’s almost 200 kilometers long and passes all eleven historical towns of the province. The Dutch haven’t had an Elfstedentocht for years, the last one was in 1997. Even King Willem Alexander participated and finished!

Sneek is well known for its canals and of course for the Waterpoort, the symbol of the city. Visiting Sneek in the summer? Try to visit the Sneekweek, Europe’s biggest sailing event.

If you want the best photos of the Waterpoort from the best point of view, don’t go towards the end of the day. The sun sets behind the Waterpoort, which is not ideal for getting the best photos!

18. Groningen

Groningen, both a province and a city in the Netherlands. Both well worth it and great things to do in Netherlands. In this blog we talk about the city of Groningen. It is the largest city in the north of the Netherlands. Even though Groningen isn’t actually the biggest city, it has an important role as the main center of the northern part of the Netherlands. Besides that, Groningen is a real university city, which really contributes to a diverse cultural scene for the city.

Our reason for visiting Groningen was to explore the city everyone always says you just have to visit when traveling to Netherlands, and to see the famous Martinitoren.

Located at the main market square in Groningen, this symbol of the city can’t be missed. The Martinitoren is Groningen’s famous church. It’s one of the main tourist attractions of the city. You can actually climb the tower and enjoy some great views over the city and surrounding areas.

The center of Groningen, surrounding the Martinitoren and the main market square is absolutely worth a visit. There are plenty of shopping opportunities in the nearby streets. Done shopping? Try one of the many restaurants and bars, a great time guaranteed in this bustling city.

19. Vesting Bourtange Fortress

From the city of Groningen, move east towards the German border for a real hidden gem of the Netherlands. This was also one of these things I had never heard of before and never found in a Netherlands travel guide. But when I came across it on the internet, just had to add it to our Netherlands itinerary.

Bourtange fortress is a unique historical defence work. Meet Fortress Bourtange, the fortress that was never taken. Have a look at the Fort Bourtange website , it looks amazing from above.

From the seventies until the nineties last century massive reconstructions took place at the Fortress Bourtange. Digging the canals again, forming the ramparts and reconstructing the many buildings, all in the style of the past. They did this massively with the help of old maps and drawings. Welcome in the year 1742, that’s certainly what it feels like when walking through Bourtange, stepping back in time.

20. Hunebedden

The Hunebeds, prehistoric tombstones, are the oldest monuments in the Netherlands. They were actually transported to Drenthe during the Ice Age, can you imagine?

There are actually 52 Hunebeds to visit in a 30-kilometer radius. So, doing them all might be a bit too much. Thankfully Visit Drenthe has come up with the ‘Big Five’, just for you to discover the best of the prehistoric history in Drenthe in one fell swoop.

Great idea! And that’s why we decided to do the Big Five and discover the best of the Hunebeds. Part of the Big Five is the largest Hunebed (D27) of them all. When visiting the largest Hunebed, you’ll pass the Hunebed Visitor Centre, which is definitely worth a visit! It gives you an idea of how the people who built these Hunebeds used to live.

Visiting the Hunebeds is often listed as one of the top things to do in the Netherlands.

21. Camp Westerbork

Probably the most impressive place we visited on our Netherlands tour was visiting Camp Westerbork. Hidden away in the woods, it makes sense why they chose this location for such a horrible place. Camp Westerbork was known as the foyer of Hell during the Second World War. It was a transit camp to concentration camps like Auschwitz and Sobibor.

When it was built in 1939 it was first used as a refugee camp then turned into a transit camp. A total of 93 trains left from Westerbork, eventually killing 102.000 people.

ssThe camp itself is accessible free of charge. You can’t get to the camp by car. You’ll have to park your car at the museum’s carpark. From there it’s roughly a 2.9km walk to get to the camp. Normally there is a shuttlebus running between the camp and the museum, however due to Corona, that service is currently not running. The museum entrance fee is €10 . But it is well worth a visit, where you will learn a lot about Westerbork’s history.

22. Radio Sterrenwacht

We parked our car at the Camp Westerbork museum and made our way towards the camp. It’s a nice walk, through the woods. All of a sudden, we bumped into 14 huge satellite dishes. Apparently, we ran into the Westerbork Synthese Radio Telescope.

This telescope, built in 1970, is one of the most sensitive telescopes in the world. It consists of 14 satellite dishes, each 25 meters in diameter.

The walk from the Westerbork Museum to Camp Westerbork will guide you along this telescope. In fact, this walkway is called the Milkyway-walk. It’s a very interesting, fun and beautiful walking route on which the fascinating world of the universe and the largest radio telescopes in Europe play a central role and are explained. Both young and old learn about the operation of these enormous satellite dishes.

23. TT Assen Circuit Tour

One of the biggest events of the Netherlands is the MotoGP at the TT Assen. The TT Assen is a circuit mainly used for the MotoGP, but also for numerous other events and activities. You can visit the track on one of the many events taking place each year, or you can book a tour, and get a look behind the scenes.

Into Moto GP? Then this could be very interesting for you. They have the so called ‘Tour de TT’ in Assen. The Tour de TT is 65 kilometers long and takes you to the two old street circuits. Have a taste of what the circuits used to be back in the days as street circuits and enjoy and explore the surrounding areas.

24. Giethoorn

Giethoorn is known for its bridges, waterways and punts, no wonder it is called the ‘Venice of the North’ and one the most famous tourist attractions in the Netherlands.

This idyllic village is located in the Weerribben-Wieden National Park. There are countless thatched farmhouses, built on small islands, connected by more than 170 wooden bridges. The best way to explore Giethoorn is by foot or by boat. There is plenty of time to do both in one day!

Walking along these pretty houses gives you the opportunity to have a look at the many shops and restaurants. You can go on organized cruises on the waters of Giethoorn, where you will be told a lot about the history and the present of Giethoorn.

I would advise to rent a boat yourself and explore the place at your own pace. Boat rents start from 1 hour to a full day. I rented one for an hour, where you cruise through the main canals of Giethoorn and over the Bovenwijde lake.

Giethoorn was one of the top highlights of this Netherlands trip, something I had never seen or done before, unique to the Netherlands. Tourists were still staying away when we visited, keep in mind that this place gets packed any other time!

Where to stay around Giethoorn

Assen and the Drenthe province really surprised me. A lot of nature, forests and national parks, something I really like, the outdoors. As there is so much to do in this region, looking for a centrally and perfectly located hotel was important and a challenge. So I was extremely happy when I found the Van der Valk Hotel in Assen , right in the middle of it all!

It’s the ideal place to stay when discovering the Hunebeds, the TT Assen, Camp Westerbork and Giethoorn, all within short driving distance of the hotel. Drenthe is pre-eminently a walking and biking province. There are so many walking and cycling routes and opportunities.

Hotel Assen warmly welcomes you to have the best time in Drenthe. Hotel Assen has bikes for rent, your start to a thousands of kilometers signposted cycle route network. The hotel has their very own kitchen garden. Herbs, vegetables and fruits fresh from the garden to their restaurant. People working in this kitchen garden are people that are distanced from the labor market and by doing this they gain more relevant work experience.

This hotel is currently working on a new wellness center. Soin the near future you can enjoy a relaxed time at the new wellness after an active day outdoors.

25. Rotterdam - One of World's Biggest Ports

Rotterdam, the 2nd biggest city of the Netherlands and one of the largest ports in the world. It has so many cool places to visit and exciting things to do, I don’t even know where to start really.

From the iconic Erasmus Bridge, the icon of the city, to the cube houses, the market hall and the bustling center, these are some of the best Rotterdam activities.

Even if you only have a short amount of time in the city, make sure the Euromast is part of your visit. The Euromast offers you the best 360 degrees views of the city. Overlooking the Erasmus Bridge, the ss Rotterdam and the famous port of Rotterdam.

When visiting the Euromast, you can combine your visit with a fun 18-hole midget golf course, right next to the Euromast. It’s a very popular thing to do in Rotterdam, and I have to admit, playing some (midget) golf in the center of a city like Rotterdam, that is pretty special.

Another Amazing place to see is the ss Rotterdam. This former ocean liner and cruise ship can be visited nowadays, where you can tour this ship and get to know all about its history and present. Keep reading because I have a great recommendation that has something to do with the ss Rotterdam.

Check out my article on the best things to do in Rotterdam for even more recommendations when traveling to Rotterdam.

Rotterdam is one of the largest ports of the world, how cool would it be to explore this port? Well, you actually can! Spido Rotterdam offers a wide range of port tours and cruises where you get to explore and learn about the importance of the port.

Where to stay in Rotterdam

As second city of the Netherlands Rotterdam obviously offers plenty of accommodation opportunities. However, I have found a unique place to stay, it’s a gem

My top recommendation for places to stay is the ss Rotterdam . You can actually sleep in former cabins of this steamship, and experience how ocean life was like back in the days. Close your eyes and let your imagination run wild, it almost really feels like you’re actually cruising the ocean!

The ss Rotterdam is located in the center of the city, and very easily accessible. You can leave your car at the carpark right next to the ship. You can also arrive by water taxi, as they have special platforms for arrival and departure with these unique taxis.

Looking for the most unique and special place to stay while visiting Rotterdam, stop looking, because it doesn’t get any more special than the ss Rotterdam. Quickly check out their rates and start booking , because a trip to Rotterdam is waiting for you!

26. The Pooping Man & The Batavia

Sometimes you pass some amazing things just by chance. That happened to us when we were travelling the Netherlands and by sheer coincidence passed the amazing sculpture the Exposure, also known as the Crouching Man. Freely translated they also call him the pooping man in the Netherlands, I can see why. This statue is located on a breakwater at the Houtrib locks in Lelystad, overlooking the Markermeer, a shallow lake.

On September 17, 2010 it was unveiled by the artist, and since then it has been a curious sight, but also very popular place to visit in the Netherlands for tourists to take their Instagram shots.

We were actually visiting the Bataviastad Fashion Outlet in Lelystad, when all of a sudden I saw this famous sculpture in the far distance. We jumped back in to our car and drove out to see it closer.

Bataviastad Fashion Outlet is the first ever Outlet Center in the Netherlands, located at the Markermeer in Lelystad. De outlet was named after the Batavia ship from 1628, of which you can find a replica nearby at the Bataviawerf.

The shopping center is an imitation of a fortified town, complete with a heavy city wall, three city gates, pedestrianized cobblestone streets and a series of individual wooden shop buildings with a quasi-authentic architectural appearance. It is partly inspired by the small town of Marken, partly by the West Indian colonies.

As mentioned earlier, right next to this shopping center you’ll find the impressive Batavia, a replica of the Batavia. You can actually visit and explore this ship and discover what life at sea was like in the 17th century. It’s an impressive sight for sure.

27. Tulip Fields in the Bulb Region

The Dutch Bollenstreek (Bulb Region) with its gorgeous flower fields is by far one of the most famous and popular places to visit in the Netherlands. It is located in the Western parts of the Netherlands. The region became famous for its bulb cultivation. Nowadays the flower fields in this part of the Netherlands attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. It’s a fun and diverse region to visit, offering cities, lovely villages, beaches and of course perfect opportunities to take incredible pictures. Therefore the tulip fields are regarded as one of the most Instagrammable places in the Netherlands.

The most famous tourist attraction of the Bollenstreek has to be the Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe. They host a world renowned 8 week tulip display. It’s one of the largest flower gardens in the world.

Another big thing in the Bollenstreek is Bloemencorso, an annual flower parade and flower spectacle. It follows a 42km itinerary from Noordwijk to Haarlem. Along the route you can enjoy some of the most amazing creations and beautifully designed floats, full with narcissi, hyacinths, tulips and other flowers!

When visiting the Bollenstreek simply explore by foot, car, bike, scooter, whatever you choose, go out and explore the many tulip and flower fields this region has to offer. It’s what the Bollenstreek became famous for, and what still attracts many tourists to this part of the Netherlands. Some flower fields actually look like rainbows, very impressive and magical!

Check out our extensive blog post about the Bollenstreek for 9 tips when visiting the Tulip Fields in the Netherlands .

28. Achterhoek

The Dutch Achterhoek is a large area in the east of the country, close to the German border. For some reason it’s an area that isn’t visited that often, and that’s a real shame! Before we visited the Achterhoek I had little expectations, just because I simply didn’t know the area that well and didn’t know what to expect.

Now that I have visited the Achterhoek for 5 days I actually really like the area. I would sum it up as: castles, vast nature, big farms, small quaint and picturesque villages and narrow country roads. Perfect ingredients to add it to this list of best places to visit in The Netherlands.

One of the best places to visit in the Achterhoek is the smallest city in the Netherlands, Bronkhorst. It’s literally a church, a main street, a few houses, some shops and restaurants, that’s it. It takes you less than 5 minutes to see all of Bronkhorst, but it’s on top of our list of things to do in the Achterhoek. It feels like stepping back in time. No cars are allowed in the little village, so make sure to park your car just outside.

Castles really define the Achterhoek. You can easily visit the Achterhoek for a few days and visit multiple castles each day. We selected a few of them to visit as we love visiting these unique places but also tourist attractions. Our top castle recommendations for the Achterhoek are: the Ruurlo Castle and Huis Bergh Castle. Another recommendation is the Eight Castle Route . This one starts from the Vorden Castle, and is a lovely cycling route along eight castles in the area. A great way to explore and experience the area.

The Achterhoek is also well known for its tea gardens. Locals welcome you to their tea garden to enjoy their homemade delicacies. It’s also the place to be to buy regional products. You can also do some lovely shopping in towns like Zutphen or Doetinchem.

Want to know more about the Achterhoek? Check out the website of the local Tourism Board to find more things to see and do and hotspots to visit and places to stay in the Achterhoek. The people at Achterhoek Tourism are happy to help you out with a full itinerary.

29. National Park de Hoge Veluwe

The Veluwe region is a large forest-ridge area in the province of Gelderland. It stretches 60km from North to South and reaches heights of up to 110 meters, which in Holland is high. The Veluwe features many different landscapes including woodland, heath and some small lakes. You can also find Europe’s largest sand drifts in the Veluwe and therefore, definitely worth mentioning in this list of awesome places to visit in The Netherlands.

Within the Veluwe region there are a few National Parks: de Hoge Veluwe National Park and the Veluwezoom National Park. These National Parks are perfect places to truly enjoy the beauty and the nature sites of the Netherlands. You can visit the Hoge Veluwe National Park by car, but the best way to explore them is to go by foot or by bike, as you see much more, and cover areas that are away from the main roads. It’s also the perfect place to spot wildlife, but as always with wildlife, you have to be lucky. If you’re lucky though, you might spot deer, wild boar, mouflon, foxes and highland cattle.

The largest city to visit within the Veluwe region is Apeldoorn. Apeldoorn is probably most famous because of some famous and popular tourist attractions, like Royal Palace 'The Loo', Apenheul Zoo and theme park Koningin Julianatoren. It’s also a good base if you want to visit the Hoge Veluwe National Park. The Veluwe region has a couple other things to do beside visiting the National Park. Here are some of our favorite places to see in the Veluwe.

The Netherlands is a very flat country, but even for a flat country there is a highest waterfall to visit. The Loenense waterfall is the highest waterfall in the Netherlands, and when visiting the Veluwe, absolutely worth a stop. It’s located in the forest, so you can even explore the area a bit more if you like.

Something we didn’t know, but found quite cool once we visited is the exact center of the Netherlands. It is located in Lunteren, in the middle of the forest, so it could be a little search. But once you reach it there is a stone marking the exact center of the country, which I think is quite cool!

Radio Kootwijk is a national monument, and was used as a communication facility between the Netherlands and the colony of Dutch East Indies. Nowadays it is used as a venue for several cultural events and productions, including the American film Mindhunters in 2004. It’s also a popular place to get married in The Netherlands, and for us a must visit for the Veluwe!

Where to stay in the Veluwe?

Van der Valk Apeldoorn is located right next to the A50 highway, and therefor super easily accessible. It’s a lovely and quiet hotel, surrounded by nature, it really feels like being in the middle of the Veluwe already. They have a vegetable garden, chickens and an apiary, they’re really busy with nature and natural products. It’s a great and affordable option when visiting the Veluwe, and easily to combine with a day of shopping in Apeldoorn.

The Traveltomtom recently also stayed in Wageningen at Hotel de Wereld , and fell in love with this place and the story to it. A true icon in the Netherlands where in 1945 the negotiations took place for the liberation of the Netherlands during the second world war. Read more about it in the link.

Last but certainly not least we highly recommend Hotel de Sterrenberg if you’re into the nature and planning on visiting the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Hotel de Sterrenberg is an adult only hotel, and is located only 500 meters from the gates to the Veluwe National Park.

30. Deventer | East Holland

Thinking about doing a city trip in the Netherlands, not many people would come up with Deventer in the East side of the country. But when visiting Veluwe National Park and the Achterhoek region, the city of Deventer is pretty much the perfect city to visit.

It is a small but charming city and visiting Deventer for 1 night is enough. It is worth it though and since it has such a nice and great vibe it might want to make you stay longer. Let’s start with the best place to visit in Deventer to see its skyline. Cross the water by bridge or by ferry and you will have a lovely view of Deventer’s skyline.

Town square the Brink is the bustling center of Deventer. We visited on a weekday, and were surprised how crowded the restaurants and terraces were, very lively and great atmosphere.

The best way to explore Deventer and get to know the city is by doing a city walk. The local tourism office organizes these walks every day and will show you the best of Deventer during a 1.5 hour walk. Pre-registration is required to participate in this tour and the costs are €6 per person.

Deventer is also known for its Deventer Koek (a bit like gingerbread) and something you must try when visiting Deventer. Make sure to take a look at the authentic shop at the town square. This Charles Dickens-esque little shop full of delicacies from grandmother's time will make your mouth water. Of course you will find all original products here. Fresh Deventer Koek is also baked here.

Our top recommendation to stay in Deventer is most definitely Hotel Huis Vermeer . This unique boutique hotel is located in the center of the city which makes it your perfect base to enjoy and explore Deventer. To find out more about this hotel, check our full blog post: Hotel Huis Vermeer Review. 

Netherlands travel blog

Traveling the Netherlands, our own backyard, has been a blast. Especially because it was quiet everywhere due to the Corona pandemic. We visited tourist hotspots, top attractions and must-see places that normally would see hundreds of people a day, and we were actually the only one walking around now. Shooting photos for this Netherlands blog has never been this easy.

This blog was written by travel writer and Traveltomtom team member Ashley . She explored the Netherlands on behalf of Traveltomtom, seeking for the best tourist attractions and some unique off the beaten path destinations and hidden gems. Have a look at her Instagram .

I hope all these Netherlands travel tips were helpful for your next adventure. Safe travels!

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10 Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on March 4, 2024

No visit to Holland is complete without a visit to the capital city, Amsterdam; however, there are so many more thrilling sites to see in the Netherlands. From the classic windmills and magnificent fields of flowers to historic town centers laden with museums and sights, Holland has much to offer visitors. These places to visit in the Netherlands are not to be missed, and most are easily accessible.

10. Gouda [SEE MAP]

Gouda is a typical Dutch city with lots of old buildings and pretty canals, and is a popular destination for a day trip, thanks to its great rail- and highway connections. The city is famous for its cheese, its stroopwafels (syrup waffles), candles and its clay pipes.

Attractions in Gouda include the beautiful 15th century town hall and the amazing glass windows in St. Janskerk. The compact city center is entirely ringed by canals and is a mere five minutes’ walk from the station.

9. Rotterdam [SEE MAP]

Once a mere 13th century fishing village, Rotterdam is the Netherlands most modern city today. Very bike friendly like Amsterdam, Rotterdam boasts several districts for visitors to explore. The popular Delfshaven district is where the pilgrims launched sail from in 1620, and the summertime festivals and carnivals there attract visitors from nearby European countries every year.

Erasmus Bridge is highly unique and imposing, but highly regarded as a work of art, as it soars over Europe’s largest harbor. By far, the most popular visitor stop is at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, where artworks on display span from the Middle Ages to modern times, including masterpieces by Dali, Van Gogh, Bosch, and Rembrandt.

8. Groningen [SEE MAP]

This culturally diverse university city is small but boasts two colleges, making it the main place to visit in the northern part of the Netherlands, especially concerning the arts, business, and education.

Museum lovers never tire in Groningen, as the Groninger Museum is one of the most innovative and modern in all of Holland, and there is additionally a graphical museum, comics museum, maritime museum, and a university museum. Music and theater abound in Groningen, and many street cafes feature live entertainment.

Because of its high student population, nightlife hotspots are a huge attraction, with The Grote Markt, the Peperstraat, and the Vismarkt being the most popular.

7. Haarlem [SEE MAP]

The center of the tulip bulb-growing district, Haarlem is unofficially dubbed Bloemenstad, which means ‘flower city’ and is naturally the home of the Annual Bloemencorso Parade. This quiet bedroom community lies along the shoreline of the Spaarne River and boasts numerous intact medieval structures around town.

Visitors enjoy shopping and perusing the stunning architecture and museums along the Grote Markt city center. Popular museums in Haarlem include the oldest museum in the country, the Teylers Museum, which specializes in natural history, art, and science exhibits. Art aficionados find themselves drawn to the Franz Hals Museum where many Dutch masters’ works rest.

6. Utrecht [SEE MAP]

The rich Middle Age history of Utrecht is very apparent in the city’s architecture, with its most unique feature being the inner canal wharf system that was created to stave off parts of the Rhine River from invading the city center. Utrecht’s claim to fame may be the fact that it boasts the largest college in the Netherlands, the University of Utrecht.

Another notable visitor attraction in Utrecht includes the awe-striking Gothic Cathedral of Saint Martin, a 200-year structural feat that began in 1254. Architecture and museum enthusiasts should not miss the Dom Tower, the Rietveld Schroder House, and the Museum Speelklok, which boasts a vast collection of striking clocks, music boxes, and self-playing musical instruments.

5. Maastricht [SEE MAP]

Best known for its dynamic city square, the Vrijthof, Maastricht in southern Holland is home to the impressive Saint Servatius Church, the Saint Jan’s Cathedral, and the old fortifications, or Vestigingswerkens, are huge draws for visitors here.

Many annual festivals take place at the Vrijthof, with local favorites arriving in autumn and winter, and this bustling town square also boasts amazing cafes, hip bars, and interesting galleries and shops. Other popular attractions in Maastricht include the St. Pietersberg Caves and the Helpoort, the oldest surviving town gate of its kind in the Netherlands.

4. The Hague [SEE MAP]

Best known for the contemporary art exhibits at the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag and the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis, The Hague is arguably one of the most extraordinary places to visit in the Netherlands. Known as the Royal City by the Sea due to its Dutch Royalty citizens, visitors often enjoy spending time along the North Sea in the warmer months at the sea town of Scheveningen.

Several notable monuments and historic districts are easily traversable in The Hague, and travelers can peruse the luxury department stores, cozy shops, and international art galleries with ease. The Binnenhof, the seat of the government of the Netherlands is also located in The Hague even though Amsterdam is the capital. Other attractions in The Hague include the miniature city, Madurodam and a 360 degree panoramic view of the Scheveningen Sea in the 19th century at Panorama Mesdag.

3. Delft [SEE MAP]

From the Renaissance style City Hall building on the Markt Square to the city’s traditional Holland canals, architecture, and vibe, Delft is a progressive town that has worked diligently to restore its antiquated appearance. This unspoiled town is an ideal day trip destination or vacation destination if the busy streets of Amsterdam are undesirable for a long stay.

Popular sites include The Prinsenhof, where the bullet holes still remain from the death of William of Orange. This museum tells the tale of the Eighty Years’ War and also features many intriguing artworks. Those looking for a Johannes Vermeer souvenir or print cannot miss stopping by Vermeer Centrum in Delft.

2. Leiden [SEE MAP]

The picturesque city of Leiden is a great place to visit for its scenic, tree-lined canals that are marked with old windmills, wooden bridges and lush parks. A boat ride down one of these lovely canals makes for an unforgettable experience. Attractions in Leiden include the numerous museums that range from science and natural history to museums dedicated to windmills and Egyptian antiquities.

The Hortus Botanicus offers sprawling botanical gardens and the world’s oldest academical observatory. Visitors can also admire the beautiful architecture of the 16th century Church of St. Peter and check out its association with several historic people, including the American pilgrims.

1. Amsterdam [SEE MAP]

One of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, Amsterdam is widely known for its party atmosphere, cannabis practice and the red light district. However, this capital city of the Netherlands offers so much more for all travelers such as its beautiful canal ring, historical buildings, world-class museums and famous attractions like the Anne Frank House, Vondelpark and Bloemenmarkt, the floating flower market.

Located in the province of North Holland, Amsterdam is a sprawling city with many districts, but getting around is easy with public buses, trams, metro lines and bicycles. At the heart of Amsterdam is the old city center.

See also: Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Surrounded by an elaborate canal system that features dozens of islands and hundreds of bridges, the center is where most tourists spend their time enjoying canal cruises, sightseeing, visiting impressive art museums such as the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, and attending performances at distinguished concert halls like the Concertgebouw.

The city has several street markets, of which Albert Cuyp is the most popular. The Prinsengracht area is one of the best places for shopping, gallery viewing, pub crawling, and checking out the unique coffee shops in Amsterdam. For dining, tourists will find a large diversity of restaurants offering a smorgasbord of cuisines. Dutch cheese, Ossenworst sausage and bitterballen (fried meatball) are tasty local specialties to try.

Map of the Netherlands

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Reader interactions.

March 14, 2018 at 2:04 am

Don’t forget Giethoorn and nearby are the 53 megaliths “hunebedden” built by humans 3000 bc.

May 22, 2017 at 8:16 am

Beautiful pictures! Would love to visit those places with family 🙂 🙂

May 10, 2017 at 8:59 pm

To make it even more correct, Amsterdam is the constitutional capital. The Royal Palace in Amsterdam was built as the city hall during the 17th century and got it’s today’s role as the official Royal Palace in The Netherlands beginning of the 19th century, when The Netherlands became a kingdom in stead of a republic. This to serve as the official place in an otherwise really empty capital indeed. The Hague was originally the place where the count of Holland resided. Before the rebellion against the Spaniards the center of power was most of the time Brussels, today Belgium. But Belgium was seperated from the north once more in 1830.

December 18, 2016 at 1:13 pm

@Tom Perrett. You are incorrect. Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands. The Hague or Den Haag is the seat of Government and where the Royal family reside.

July 24, 2016 at 11:47 pm

Just so you know the hague is the capital of the netherlands not amsterdam.

July 27, 2016 at 1:02 pm

no @Tom, Amsterdam is the capital.

May 24, 2016 at 6:01 pm

Just FYI, Holland is a Provence, not the name of the country. So, for example, Amsterdam is in the Provence of Holland, Maastricht is in Limburg, NOT Holland. The country is the Netherlands. This fact is frustrating to many Dutch who constantly are referred to as from Holland.

May 25, 2016 at 12:11 am

@Anneke, actually Amsterdam is in the province of North Holland, but I get your point.

November 1, 2015 at 2:15 am

Other – Amersfoort, the best by far for friendliness, helpful and fair prices

March 5, 2015 at 5:43 pm

Cool list and Delft is certainly worthy of its spot at 3, and arguably should be 2. While the list is subjective, Leiden is too high at 2. We lived in Amsterdam for 3 and 1/2 years and feel Den Bosch and Alkmaar have a little more to offer visitors then Leiden. A beachside town like Zandvoort Van Zee would be interesting to mix things up. The summer beach scene in the Netherlands is really underrated.

These types of lists are fun because it opens dialogue for debate.

March 10, 2015 at 3:22 am

I agree about the beach scene Alex, though I would go for a beach in Zeeland or Scheveningen for an urban beach experience.

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Your Trip to the Netherlands: The Complete Guide

The Netherlands is a beautiful country with glorious national parks, picturesque windmills, and romantic canals all waiting to be explored. Cyclists will feel right at home in a country where there are more bikes than people while history, art, and architecture lovers will have plenty of sights to pique their interest. Plus, the cannabis is legal, and cheese and beer are celebrated; what’s not to love? This guide will help you plan your trip to the Netherlands from start to finish.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit: Being a Northern European country, the Netherlands doesn’t experience much extreme weather, however rain is common all year round. During the depths of winter, the temperature can drop down to 35 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius), whereas in July it only makes it to 66 degrees Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius) (66 degrees F). On any given day, the weather can quickly switch from sunny to rainy and back to sunny again and, being a flat country, the wind can feel quite strong. For more information, read our complete weather and climate guide for the Netherlands .

Language: Citizens in the Netherlands speak Dutch as their first language, but almost everyone speaks at least some English and many are fluent,   making communicating in the Netherlands easy for English-speaking tourists.

Currency: Euros.

Getting Around : The NS rail system in the Netherlands is fairly clean, modern, and runs on time. If you’re traveling around the country and want to do so on your own time, it’s easy to hire a car from Schiphol (the Netherland’s largest airport) and in Rotterdam. In the country’s big cities everyone tends to travel by bicycle, which are easy and affordable to rent. Uber is available in the Randstad area (covering Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht), as well as Eindhoven, Haarlem and ‘t Gooi. You can see where in the Netherlands that Uber is available on their website .

Travel Tip: The cities of Rotterdam and Amsterdam have the metro, trams, and buses, while The Hague and Utrecht offer buses and trams to get around. In each city, you can buy day tickets that allow you access to all modes of transport. 

Things to Do 

The Netherlands is famous for so many things, from canals and clogs to windmills and tulips, so it can be hard to decide what to do while there. A visit to the country wouldn't be complete without taking a boat tour and winding your way through Amsterdam's waterways. It's also well-worth hiring a bike like a local and heading to Zaanse Schans , a picturesque village with beautiful traditional windmills. 

• If you find yourself in the country in spring, you should take a trip to Keukenhof. The park welcomes over one million visitors each season and you'll be greeted by seven million blooms including the iconic Dutch tulips.  
• Love being by the water? In summer, be sure to check out the beach clubs at Zandvoort or Noordwijk for instant Ibiza vibes.
• A trip to Amsterdam is all about balance. Learn about one of the most famous Dutchman at the Van Gogh Museum , then head to a coffeeshop (a cannabis cafe).

Explore what else this country has to offer with our articles on the best things to do and how to spend a week in the Netherlands .

What to Eat and Drink

Dutch cuisine is tasty and very reminiscent of home cooking. There is bitterballen , a thick stew which is breaded and fried, a perfect partner to a small beer (for which the Netherlands is also known). Stamppot is a traditional comfort food consisting of boiled, mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables and sometimes meat. Stroopwafels, a large caramel-filled wafer cookie, are plentiful and can be bought plain or dipped in melted chocolate and loaded with different toppings like marshmallows or hazelnuts.

Then there are Dutch cheeses, which are typically relatively hard and fairly mild like gouda and edam. You can visit the cheese market in the town of Gouda or head to the cheese market in Alkmaar, the oldest cheese market in the Netherlands.

As for the beers we mentioned, Jopenkerk in Haarlem is an old church that has been converted to a craft beer brewery and restaurant, where you can take a tour, taste the beers, and stop for lunch. Alternatively, head to Amsterdam and hotfoot it to the old Heineken Brewery (now a museum) if you want to see how a household name beer is brewed. More into wine? Take a tour and have a tasting at Amsterdam's own winery.

If you're more interested in gourmet fare, the Netherlands has a variety of Michelin-starred restaurants, including three-Michelin-starred De Librije in Zwolle and Inter Scaldes in Kruiningen. 

Want more in-depth information on Dutch food? Check out our guides to the top foods and dishes to try in the Netherlands , plus the best places for craft beer .

Where to Stay

Most first-time visitors head straight to Amsterdam which is the country's capital and most popular city welcoming 20 million visitors in 2019   (compared to one million residents). From here you can take day trips to Utrecht, Haarlem, The Hague, and Gouda. You can also get to Rotterdam in a day, but this city, known for its contemporary art and architecture, is worth spending a few nights in. Plus, from Rotterdam you can reach Tilburg, Breda, and both the De Biesbosch and Drunen National Parks.

Interior design in the Netherlands is incredibly chic, and there are plenty of luxe hotels to stay in such as The Dylan in Amsterdam and Hotel Pincoffs in Rotterdam. Airbnb is available around the country, in fact you can even find some houseboats on the site, if you’re looking for somewhere different to stay. 

Getting There

From the U.S. you can fly to Schiphol airport on various airlines including American Airlines, British Airways, and KLM. You can also fly into Rotterdam, but flights can be limited and more expensive. It could work out cheaper to fly to Amsterdam and travel by train to Rotterdam, which costs around 18 euros per person.

You can rent a car but parking in the Netherlands, especially in the bigger cities, is incredible expensive. If your hotel doesn’t have free or affordable parking, it’s best to get around on a bike, tram, bus or metro. The country isn’t huge—it’s roughly half the size of South Carolina—so it’s easy to get around on public transportation. 

Culture and Customs

The Netherlands is a safe country where most people speak at least some English.

You generally only tip waiting staff if the service was good or exceptional, at which point you tip around 5 to 10 percent. Otherwise, you can round up the bill or leave the change. 

Typically, Dutch people are quite formal which can come across as being a little standoffish. 

Money-Saving Tips 

• Want to travel the city freely? Get a GVB (in Amsterdam) or RET (in Rotterdam) day pass, which allows you to travel on most buses, trams and the metro, from eight euros.
• Taxis from the airports are expensive but don’t be tempted to hop in an unlicensed cab. Uber operates in the country and costs around 30 euros from Schiphol to Amsterdam. From Rotterdam airport to the city center is around 16 euros.
• Museums are not free in the Netherlands, so if you’re heading to Amsterdam and want to head to some of the cultural sights it’s well worth buying an I amsterdam City Card (starting at 65 euros for 24 hours). It gains you free entrance to the best museums and galleries, free travel within the city limits, and discount on food and a canal cruise. With or without the card, if you want to visit the Van Gogh Museum, be sure to book your slot in advance as it sells out fast. You can only visit the Anne Frank House by booking online beforehand.
• There are 20 National Parks dotted all over the country that are beautiful, free to explore, and rich in various fauna and wildlife. Head to one for a walk or do as the Dutch and cycle.

amsterdam&partners. "Language."

Netherlands Bureau for Tourism and Congresses. "Keukenhof."

Statista. "Inbound Tourism Forecast in the Netherlands 2014-2020 (in millions)."  April 7, 2020.

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The Ultimate 7-day Netherlands Travel Itinerary

Are you ready for the ultimate Netherlands travel itinerary? As any Dutchman will tell you, the Netherlands is not exactly the most naturally beautiful country in the world. But the Dutch never let lack of natural resources be a barrier to economic growth and expansion.

Over the centuries they built beautiful cities on man made canals and even drained the sea to reclaim thousands of acres of land for a new province. There’s a fascinating history behind this country and you’ll learn all about it on a trip to the Netherlands. 

I spent about four years of my life living in the Netherlands, mostly in Amsterdam and Haarlem . For the most part I loved living and working there. I explored the small country from top to bottom over those years, and while I haven’t been everywhere I have seen a good amount of the country and have prepared the best itinerary for you that I can think of. 

Now it should be said that if you’re an American with limited vacation time coming to Europe for the first time, then I typically recommend three days in Amsterdam – which allows for day trips outside the city – then move on to elsewhere in Europe, like Belgium or Italy .

But for those of you with more vacation time that wish to spend a week in the land of tulips and windmills I’ve got you covered. Read on for the best way to see and experience the Netherlands! 

Netherlands Travel Itinerary – The Basics

Ns train service, day 1: amsterdam, day 2: amsterdam and hoorn, day 3: tulips and windmills, day 4: the hague, day 5: maastricht, day 6: back to amsterdam, day 7: haarlem, night 7: last night of this netherlands travel itinerary, so long netherlands , netherlands travel itinerary faqs.

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You’ll start and end this itinerary in Amsterdam unless you live in northern Europe. Schiphol airport in Amsterdam is well connected to just about everywhere on the planet and has direct flights to every continent except Australia. If you’re coming from the US, almost all the large cities have a direct flight to Amsterdam these days. KLM even flies to Austin, Texas now!

Lay of the land

The Netherlands is a small country. From the northern tip to the southern tip is barely a 4 hour drive. You will not cover a whole lot of ground on this trip, but it’s densely populated so you will see a lot. 

How to get around

You have the option to either rent your own car or take the train around. Driving in old Dutch cities can be confusing and parking can cost an arm and a leg, so for this itinerary I recommend using the extensive rail network in the Netherlands. More on the train later. 

If you want to rent a car it would be best to do it after your first few days in Amsterdam, as parking in the city is not cheap. To book your rental car from Amsterdam click here .

The currency is the Euro and you’re more likely to need cash than you might think. There are still places that only accept cash in the Netherlands. Also note that grocery stores do not take credit cards so if you don’t have a European bank card you’ll need to pay cash. Overall, the Netherlands is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Though it’s not Switzerland or Norway. It’s cheaper than traveling around the United States, but it’s not Greece.

Dutch is the language of the land, but the Netherlands has one of the highest rates of English proficiency in the world, even when you include English speaking countries. It’s unlikely you’ll come across someone who doesn’t speak English on your trip. Most Dutch people are completely fluent . 

Where to stay

Hotels are affordably priced in most Dutch cities, but way overpriced in Amsterdam. If you want to save money, book something away from the city center like in Sloterdijk or Amsterdam Zuid, both of which are well connected to downtown.

Sloterdijk is very easy to get to since it’s just a 5 minute train ride to Amsterdam Central Station and the train comes every 5 minutes on average. In other cities best to book a hotel as close to the central train station as you can.

In Amsterdam I recommend staying at Mercure Sloterdijk Station . You’ll be a 5 minute train ride from downtown while avoiding the excessive noise. The staff is excellent and the rooms are much more spacious than hotel rooms in the city center. I’ve stayed here over 20 times myself, so you know it’s a legit recommendation.

The Dutch cycle as a form of transportation more than any other people in the world. It’s one of the top things that the Netherlands is known for globally and one of the main reasons that people love living in Amsterdam and the Netherlands.

No trip to the Netherlands is complete without renting a bike at some point. Just be careful when on the bike paths. It’s the main mode of transportation in the country and the paths can get very crowded. Stay to the right and don’t run any red lights and you should be fine. 

Weather in the Netherlands

The Netherlands does not have amazing weather by any stretch of the imagination. It doesn’t get too cold or too hot, but it rains a lot and can be very windy.

The best months for weather are May and June. That might sound odd, but summer often has more cold and rainy days than spring. Though with climate change summers are getting hotter and drier. So let’s add in July and August to the best months to visit for weather.  

Best time of year to visit the Netherlands

The best month in the Netherlands is May. It’s the warmest month on average and the days are long, with sunsets after 9:00 PM. But if you want to see the famous Dutch tulip fields you’ll have to go in April. So let’s assume you’re going in April, which is the most crowded time of year due to tulip season. In April it won’t be warm but won’t be cold either. You can have clear days or horribly rainy days. It’s just luck. 

Summers can be really nice or they can be awfully cold and rainy. It just depends on the year. Summer is also the most crowded time (other than April). Come autumn the days start to get shorter and the wind picks up. Many people visit in winter to avoid the crowds but I really can’t recommend that since Dutch winter weather is just so damn rainy. I highly recommend visiting in May.

I have also dedicated an entire article to the best time of year to visit the Netherlands . That article gives a month by month breakdown of the weather, crowds, and events

Food in the Netherlands

Eating in the Netherlands is a unique experience. The Dutch aren’t exactly known for food, but you can find some excellent restaurants. See my post about eating in the Netherlands for a full rundown of Dutch food culture . 

This is always a culture shock for Americans, but smoking is still very prevalent in the Netherlands. Not as much as France, but you can reasonably expect to get a fair amount of secondhand hand smoke on your trip. It’s not allowed anywhere indoors, but if you’re sitting outside on the terrace at a café or restaurant just be prepared for cigarette smoke coming from all directions. 

Travel Insurance

Before you set out on your journey, just make sure to purchase travel insurance so that you’re protected for the unexpected. We use World Nomads and had a good experience the one time we unfortunately had to actually use it. World Nomads provides coverage to travelers in over 100 countries. You can search for a coverage plan using the link below.

The best way to get around the Netherlands is the NS train , which stands for Nederlandse Spoorwagon (Dutch train). The rail network is extensive and connects just about every city in the country. Smaller villages that don’t have NS stations will at least have a bus stop. 

When you arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport you’ll find the train station within the airport. From the kiosks you should purchase a blue OV Chipkaart. Do not buy individual tickets per journey. The card will cost you 7 Euros but it will make your life a lot easier for the next seven days.

At each station you’ll tag on and tag off. The best part about the OV Chipkaart is that all public transport throughout the entire country runs on it. So it’s not just for trains, but also local buses, trams, and metros in any city. 

You can easily add money to the card from kiosks at any train station with a credit card. Put 100 euros on the card. The cost per ride depends on the destination but is never more than 27.40 euros.

If you follow this itinerary you’ll spend about 100 euros on train and bus fare. If you go over you can always add more at the kiosks in any train station. 

Riding the train in the Netherlands

The train itself is not glamorous but it’s pretty comfortable. Accidently sitting in first class if you didn’t book a first class ticket might get you a fine. And if you’re in a quiet car you better be quiet or someone will tell you off. The quiet cars are labeled so just pay attention.

There are no bars or food stands on the trains, but there is someone who walks down the train aisle selling drinks and snacks. Nothing fancy, just Heineken and Snickers and stuff like that. 

Train stations vary depending on the city. Amsterdam’s central station is massive, with restaurants and shopping malls. While smaller stations might only have a Albert Heijn To-go, which is a convenience store sized version of the Netherlands’ main supermarket. 

Trains are pretty good about being on time, but sometimes do get delayed or even canceled. The info boards at the stations will keep you updated. You can also download the NS Train app while you’re there and use that for live updates and route planning. 

I rode the train a hell of a lot when I lived in the Netherlands and I can say it’s truly a great system. I would kill to have something like it in the northeast United States!

The 7-Day Netherlands Travel Itinerary 

Now it’s time to explore the Netherlands on the best 7-day Netherlands travel itinerary! If you follow this itinerary you’ll see what I consider to be the main highlights in the county. I’ve excluded some places I think are overhyped and not worth it on a short trip, like Rotterdam and Giethoorn , and included some places you might not think of, like Haarlem and Maastricht. 

The map below shows your approximate route, though note that it’s Google driving directions, and the train doesn’t quite follow the highways.

No Netherlands travel itinerary is complete without Amsterdam. Let’s assume you’ve come from the US so you’re there in the morning and have a full day ahead of you. You’ll spend the entire day today exploring Amsterdam, so hopefully the weather is nice!

If your hotel won’t let you check in early or store your bags you can always rent a luggage locker at Amsterdam central train station. Hopefully you’re feeling refreshed because there’s a lot of walking to do today!

I won’t go through everything there is to do in Amsterdam here. For that you can check out my ultimate guide to Amsterdam . It’s not a big city, but it’s vibrant and full of history and beautiful sights to behold. It’s also a great city to visit with children .

Just Walking around is my favorite way to spend an afternoon in the city. Some key spots to hit could be the Anne Frank House (book well in advance), Dam Square, the Royal Palace, the Rijksmuseum, the Jordaan, and the Van Gogh Museum if you’re into art. 

My Amsterdam guide goes through most of the tourist spots but also gives recommendations to live like a local if you want to avoid drunk British 22 year olds for a bit. You can find my restaurant recommendations there as well as how to properly experience the red light district. Spend the night at your hotel in Amsterdam and get ready for a day trip tomorrow. 

If you want to be closer to the action there are literally thousands of hotels in Amsterdam. Check out the listings on booking.com to book something great!

Where to stay in Amsterdam:

In the city center: Amsterdam Marriott Hotel

outside the city center: Mercure Sloterdijk Station

Full accommodation listings: Booking.com link

Start your day off right with a ride on the Pannekokenboot (pancake boat) This all-you-can-eat pancake boat tour will take you down the IJ river in Amsterdam. You’ll take a ferry across the river from central station to get to the boat meeting point. It’s a quick ride and it’s free.

If you’re not up for a boat ride you can have yourself a nice breakfast of traditional Dutch pancakes at Restaurant De Carrousel. Though note that pancakes are also a popular dinner meal in the Netherlands.

After pancakes hop on the train to Hoorn, a beautiful Dutch town on the coast. This afternoon you’ll check out some historic Dutch fishing villages. Hoorn is known for its well preserved Dutch architecture as well as its sinking houses. Due to poor soil many building foundations have settled inconsistently in the Netherlands.

You can see tilted houses in Amsterdam, but none as defined as the ones in Hoorn. Some other sites to stop by are the Hoofdtoren, the Westfriesmuseum, and the Grote Kerk (big church). 

Want to learn more about Dutch cheese and food? Check out my guide to Dutch Food Culture

After walking around Hoorn, hop on the bus to Edam. This little Dutch village is known for its cheese. It’s also a cute little town to walk around. From here you’ll walk to the famous fishing village of Volendam, passing the best spots in Edam on the way. It’s a solid 30-40 minute walk, not including stops.

Volendam is a little Dutch fishing village known for fantastic seafood, especially smoked eel. For the best smoked eel stay for dinner at Smit-Bokkum , one of my favorite restaurants in the Netherlands. The bus runs late so there’s no rush to head back to Amsterdam and spend another night in town. 

No Netherlands travel itinerary is complete without some flowers. So head back to the airport and rent a car. It’s tulip day, and based on my experience you’ll want your own vehicle.

The other option is to take the bus to Keukenhof from the airport. But my honest recommendation is to skip Keukenhof. This is the famous flower garden in Lisse.

It’s definitely nice. But it’s always overcrowded and feels artificial to me. Many people – like me – find the endless fields on tulip farms more beautiful than a manicured garden that charges 18.50 euros. 

So get in the car and head towards Lisse. Instead of going to Keukenhof you’re heading to the flower fields nearby though, mainly near Halfweg. There are tons of fields of tulips and other colorful flowers all around this area, though mostly to the west of Lisse. Some key things to note:

Tips for visiting the flower fields:

• The fields are private farms so technically you’re not supposed to walk through them, though you’ll see many people ignoring the rules. 
• Don’t pick flowers from the fields. If you want some tulips people sell them from the side of the road for a very good price.
• Don’t park on the road. The roads are narrow here and they will be crowded with other people looking for photos of flower fields. There are places to pull off and leave your car every so often. 

When you’ve had enough flower fields for one day it’s time to head to Zaandse Schans, a famous old Dutch village with multiple windmills along the river. It can get pretty crowded here too, but it’s neat to walk along the river and learn all about the history of windmills and cheese making.

Before heading back to the airport, stop by the city of Zandaam to check out one of the craziest hotels in the world, Inner Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam. You’ve probably seen photos of this funky building on Instagram. Since you’ve parked already, grab dinner along the river in Zaandam before returning the car. 

A note about Day 3

If all that sounds a little daunting for one day and you want it to be easier, consider an organized tour. You’ll be going to Keukenhof and not the individual flower fields if you go this route, but it is a lot less stressful. GetYourGuide offers a full day tour to Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans that might be just up your alley. 

Time to check out of your hotel and take the train to The Hague (Den Haag in Dutch when searching on ns.nl). The Hague is famous for having the international criminal court, where multinational court cases are decided and arbitrated. It’s also known for the Hague Convention, which established various international laws.

Domestically, the Hague is the seat of government for the Netherlands, even though technically Amsterdam is the capital. The Binnenhof is the Dutch parliament building and you can go in and walk around for free, though I’ve never done it. 

There are many other things to see and do in the Hague. The city center is easily walkable but you can also take trams all over the city anywhere you want to go.

Some other sites to be sure to check out are The Mauritshuis (if you’re into art), the Noordeinde Palace (the Dutch answer to Buckingham Palace), and Lange Voorhout, one of the most charming streets in the country. 

If you want to get out of the city center for a bit take the tram to the beach. Scheveningen is one of the most popular beaches in the Netherlands, thanks to its location basically in the Hague.

It’s too cold most the year to actually sit on the beach (May – Sep) but it’s neat to walk around and check out the pier, where you can ride the Ferris wheel or grab a beer on the water. Spend the night in The Hague and enjoy a nice dinner in the city of international peace. 

Where to stay in The Hague: Mercure Hotel Den Haag Central

Today you’ll spend the morning on the train heading to Maastricht, a city on the very southern tip of the Netherlands. Notably you’ll pass through Rotterdam, the second most populous Dutch city. We’re going to skip Rotterdam on this itinerary. It was mostly destroyed in WW2 and was rebuilt with a more modern design.

You’ll also skip Kinderdijk , arguably the most famous Dutch windmills, which showcases the history of using the wind to create energy throughout the centuries and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’d prefer to see Kinderdijk over Zaanse Shans, you can swap these two windmill sites on Day 3. Kinderdijk, however, is much further from Amsterdam and not well connected on public transport.

One thing you’ll notice as you pull into Maastricht is hills. Topography! The Netherlands is known for a lot of things , and one of those things is that it is almost completely flat. But when you get down here on the border of Belgium and Germany you start to get some rolling hills. In fact, the highest point in the Netherlands is down here where the country borders Belgium and Germany at the same time.

Have extra time? Then maybe you’d like to check out Belgium! Be sure to read my guides to Bruges and Ghent , two of my favorite cities in Europe!

A little medieval city that is neat to walk around and explore, Maastricht is the perfect place to spend a day exploring. Base yourself at the Vrijthof Plaza, which is essentially the central square and go from there.

Some of the top sights to hit are the Basilica of Saint Servatius, Saint Jan’s Church, (where you can go to the top of the tower for a view of the rare Dutch rolling hills), Fort St. Pieter, and the old city walls at Hell Gate among other things.

When you’re done exploring, grab dinner on the main square and take in the sights and sounds of the southern Netherlands before spending the night in Maastricht.

Where to stay in Maastricht: Hotel Monastere

After a nice breakfast in Maastricht take the train back to Amsterdam, about 2.5 hours, where you’ll explore the funky side of the city north of the IJ river. The ferry across the river takes about 5 minutes and leaves every 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station.

Head up to the A’DAM Lookout for a view from about as high as you can get in the city. There’s a bar at the top and on a nice day it’s a good spot to relax and take in the views. If you’re into movies, next door is the Eye Film Museum. If you’re not into movies, just admire the crazy architecture of the building. 

Walk through the modernized industrial neighborhood to Oedipus Brewing for an afternoon beer. For more craft beer, the Walhalla Brewery and Taproom is on the next block.

End your day with a walk (or take the bus) to the NSDM Wharf, a funky old industrial building that’s been turned into a sort-of art market/gallery. As night sets in, stay for dinner at Pllek (booking essential) and watch the sunset over Amsterdam, your new favorite city.  

Last day of the trip. Spend the morning in Haarlem. Haarlem is only about 15 minutes from Amsterdam Central by train. I lived in Haarlem for two years. It’s a beautiful little Dutch city that is easy to walk around in a few hours. The cathedral in the central square is the second largest in the country, and the most beautiful in my opinion.

There are all sorts of little alleyways to get lost in Haarlem. For a cool experience grab lunch at the Jopenkerk, a brewpub located in an old cathedral. 

Spend your final afternoon exploring the beauty of the streets of Amsterdam by bike. There are a ton of bike rental agencies in Amsterdam and I’ve never used any of them so I can’t recommend any particular agency. Check out the Iamsterdam website for more info on bike rental companies.

Note about biking in Amsterdam: don’t bike like a dumb tourist!

As you cruise the bike paths, just be sure to pay attention to the traffic signals. The Dutch bike path system is state-of-the-art and you’ll be cycling on special paths. Just be courteous to the locals and bike at a sufficient pace and don’t stop in the middle of the paths. 

As the evening rolls in, if you haven’t done a canal tour yet might as well do that today. They’re not amazing, but it’s cool to cruise the canals observing the old houses. The basic tours are essentially all the same, so see who is offering specials. Most of them leave from right in front of the train station. 

For your last dinner if you haven’t had an Indonesian feast yet, it’s time for that. While it’s Indonesian food, it’s super Dutch and I’ve never seen an Indonesian rice table restaurant outside the Netherlands. I recommend Aneka Rasa downtown for convenience and price. You’ll leave satisfied! 

Now it’s hard to not associate Amsterdam with the Red Light District . If you haven’t seen it yet might as well on your last night. There’s all sorts of controversy over it these days, but I think it’s truly unique.

You can’t see anything quite like it anywhere else in the world. The main strip is lined with sex shows, peep shows, and of course windows full of beautiful women who are professional prostitutes.

While I don’t have personal experience with them, what I know comes from a friend who saw one when he was in town. And all I’ll say is that it won’t cost you only the 50 Euros they’ll tell you when you knock on the door 🙂 If you’re not looking to get lucky, just walking the canal taking in the sights and sounds should be enough. 

Depending on what time your flight is, you might have some time for more exploration in the morning. Either way you’ve had a lot of cheese and beer by now so time to head home and detox!

One thing to add is that if you’re coming in April, you might want to plan for or around the King’s Day holiday, April 27. It’s a national holiday to celebrate the King’s birthday, but in reality it’s just a giant party. Everyone dresses in orange and rides boats around the canals and gets hammered. It happens all over the country but the biggest party is in Amsterdam.

So if that sounds like your thing you might want to plan your trip to coincide. If being surrounded by hundreds of thousands of drunk people isn’t your idea of fun, best to avoid being in the Netherlands on King’s Day. 

Lastly, should you not come in April, there are plenty of things to substitute into the third day’s morning. If it’s summer, head to the beach at Zandvoort. If you’ve come in winter to avoid the summer crowds I’d use that time to sleep in and watch the rain fall from a café in Amsterdam! Either way you’ll find something lovely to do on this ultimate Netherlands travel itinerary!

How many days is enough for the Netherlands?

If you want a good taste of what the Netherlands has to offer, 7 days is adequate time. If you just want to get a quick fix of the Netherlands, it’s common to do 2-3 days in and around Amsterdam then move on to elsewhere in Europe.

What is the best way to tour the Netherlands?

The best way to get around the Netherlands is by train and public transportation. If you plan on going to small villages and avoiding the cities, however, your trip might be better suited for a rental car.

What is the best time to visit the Netherlands?

The best time to visit the Netherlands is mid-April through the end of September, with the exception of August, which is far too crowded.

Is the Netherlands expensive? 

By European standards the Netherlands is one of the more expensive countries to live and visit. Hotels and restaurants in central Amsterdam are overpriced, though locations outside major urban areas are most modestly priced. Americans, however, will find it quite an affordable country given how expensive life in the US can be.

Is it worth going to Rotterdam?

In the humble opinion of this author, it is not worth going to Rotterdam when visiting the Netherlands unless you have about two weeks to kill. Not that there’s anything wrong with Rotterdam. It’s just not that interesting compared to other European cities.

Chris Heckmann

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20+ Netherlands Travel Tips for First Timers & Must Knows Before You Go

Last Updated: June 21, 2023

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There are few countries in this world that inspire whimsy and wonder quite like the Netherlands.

Just mention the name and your brain leaps to sprawling tulip fields, bright wooden clogs, picturesque canals & comically tall cyclists going at the speed of light.

Delightful imagery aside however, there are many simple Netherlands must-knows that elude first time visitors – from what the country’s actually called to all the secret ways to save on transport and attraction tickets.

Luckily, you’re here! And you’ve landed straight in the den of an immovable Netherlands fan who has gone crawling back six or seven times over the years for “research”.

And in this post I’m finally putting that research to use. Keep scrolling for a list of my best Netherlands travel tips and must-knows, sourced over a decade of first-hand experience.

Save this list of Netherlands Travel Tips for later!

You’ll be very glad you did.

1. There is a difference between the Netherlands and Holland

For years, the name Holland has been used interchangeably with the Netherlands to refer to the delightful country we’re talking about today.

… I mean, even the country’s official tourism website is Holland.com.

BUT if we’re being technical, doing so is actually…. incorrect.

The reason is simple: the Netherlands is a country comprised of twelve provinces, only two of which (North Holland and South Holland) make up “Holland”. This means calling the Netherlands “Holland” would be like calling the entirety of the US “New England” or “the Midwest”.

… In other words, it doesn’t really make sense. And also isn’t fair to the rest of the country.

This branding crisis has complicated roots that I won’t get into here, but just know that there has been a movement lately to rebrand and remind people that the country is known as “the Netherlands”, not Holland.

So, keep that one in mind.

2. There’s much more to the Netherlands than just Amsterdam

A big reason why the name “Holland” has stuck is because historically, this has been one of the most visited parts of the country in terms of tourism (with Amsterdam, Rotterdam and the Hague all situated in Holland).

But as we now know, there’s much more to the Netherlands than just Holland, and far more for tourists to see than just Amsterdam.

So be sure to diversify your itinerary a bit during your trip! Given the compact size of the country and the ease of public transport, you really have no excuse.

From Amsterdam, you can reach tons of cool cities like Haarlem, Utrecht, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Delft within an hour, all of which offer a calmer alternative to the crowded chaos of Amsterdam.

And those who dare venture further will find everything from adorable villages like Giethoorn and Valkenburg to picturesque beaches, islands and national parks all over the country.

… So yes, there’s plenty more places to see in the Netherlands than just Amsterdam. Be sure to take advantage.

3. Spring may be the best (though busiest) time to visit the Netherlands

In terms of when to visit, you really can’t beat Spring.

Granted, Dutch weather is notoriously hit and miss, meaning Spring time can yield just as many downpours as it does sunny days, but this time of year is the ideal period to catch those world famous Dutch tulips… and let me tell you, every bit of rain (and crowds) is worth it!

Of course, tulip season varies year to year so it’s tough to predict exactly when it happens, but if you are specifically planning a trip to see tulips, mid April is usually the safest time.

4. Winter or Fall are also great times to visit if you’re looking to avoid crowds

Of course, the major downside of Spring travel in the Netherlands is crowds.

Every year, millions flock to the country for a glimpse of those vibrant bulbs…

So if you value your personal space and sanity over cute photos of flora, my best Netherlands travel tip for you would be to visit during Winter or Fall, while steering clear of July and August, as well as school holidays like Easter because that’s when crowds and prices are at their worst.

5. Use 9292 to plan your journeys on public transport

In terms of getting around, public transport in the Netherlands is honestly a dream.

And one really great Netherlands transport tip I have for you is to check out the website/app known as 9292 .

This magic wizard app shows you all the best connections from Point A to Point B using Dutch trains, buses, and trams. All you need to do is enter your Departure Point and Destination, and it’ll even tell you how much it should cost (giving it a clear edge over Google Maps).

So, be sure to save it for your trip!

7. For ease, use your contactless cards for train travel

If you plan on taking trains in the Netherlands, one good thing to know is that Dutch train prices are fixed based on distance, meaning no difference whether you buy tickets ahead of time or on the day of (apart from a 10% off-peak advance discount if you book early enough, which I’ll discuss later).

All that to say, planning train travel in advance is much less important here than in some other countries.

To make things even easier, as of 2023, you can even use contactless credit and debit cards to pay at the fare gates, which means you can show up at the station without a ticket and go right through by tapping in and out with your card.

The correct amount will then be charged to your card automatically. It genuinely couldn’t be simpler.

8. Learn all the ways to save money on train tickets

As you could probably tell from my feverish rants, I’m a huge fan of train travel in the Netherlands – squeaky clean, easy to use and ultra widespread, with about 400 train stations across the country.

Sadly, there is a downside. Trains in the Netherlands can cost many a penny.

But before you start docking funds from your Stroopwafel fund, here are some easy ways to save money on Dutch train tickets:

• Off-Peak Early Booking: Often you can get a small discount of 10% for booking a digital ticket at least four days in advance for offpeak periods (meaning weekdays before 06:30, between 09:00 and 16:00, and after 18:30, as well as all day during weekends and public holidays).
• Off-Peak Group Tickets: Buying a group ticket for off-peak periods often means lower prices per person.
• Day tickets: Buying a day ticket means you pay one price and get unlimited travel during the day. This kind of ticket would be ideal for big day trips.
• Attraction / special deal tickets: The official NS website here has a page of special deals and offers, usually including admission to attractions with some food and the train tickets all for one set price.

9. Don’t miss the free train WiFi

Okay: last piece of positive Dutch train propaganda – there’s usually WiFi on board – just look for the network WiFi in de trein.

10. Dutch is the official language, but don’t stress about learning beyond the basics

Language-wise, the official language of the Netherlands is Dutch…

But honestly, it’s incredible how well some Dutch people speak English. Especially younger Dutchies living in big cities.

Not only do they have immaculate grammar most of the time – they get the slang, they get the humour… it’d be borderline enraging if it wasn’t so impressive.

So, that said – don’t worry too much about mastering Dutch before your trip, although knowing some basics like greetings and thank you ( dankjewel , pronounced “donk-yeh-vel!”) is advised.

11. Learn to pronounce the places you’ve visiting

Dutch is a tough language, and while you won’t need to learn everything during your visit, one important Netherlands tip I have for you in terms of language is to (at the very least) learn how to pronounce the names of places you’re visiting.

Because while Dutch people can speak phenomenal English, one area where they struggle is understanding mis pronounced versions of Dutch place names, because well, they know how to say everything correctly.

So, if you keep yelling “GEET-HORN” at them when they know it as “hyeet-hoorn” (with plenty of throat action), they may have no idea what place you’re asking about.

So if you need to ask for directions at any point, knowing how to pronounce names can be really helpful.

PS: It would be helpful to learn all the Dutch names of your destinations too, as trains and buses tend to display those rather than English names.

12. Don’t be shocked by Dutch directness

Much like German efficiency, Dutch directness is a stereotype that has a longstanding reputation in Europe. Most say it’s a result of Dutch culture’s emphasis on honesty… but for some first time visitors, this difference in communication may come off as harsh or rude.

Search up “Dutch directness” and you’ll be bombarded with tales from tourists and expats alike – from co-workers commenting that they hate your haircut to customer service professionals asking “what do you want?!”

And while I haven’t quite had this experience, it’s worth noting that Dutch communication styles may vary from where you’re from, so if you feel that someone is being abrupt with you, it could just be that infamous Dutch directness at play… so don’t take anything personally!

13. Visiting for tulip season? Book a photo session at a special farm

If you plan to join the flower-hungry army of tourists that descend upon the Netherlands every Spring, then here’s one important must-know: there are special farms you can visit that are made specifically for photos.

Why would you partake in something that’s so shamelessly vain? Well, it may come as a shock, but regular tulip farmers don’t take too kindly to strangers trampling their fields in search of photos.

… And simply admiring fields from afar isn’t quite the magical bucket list experience many hope for.

Hence, the establishment of photo-forward tulip farms! They really are the perfect solution. You pay a fee and get free reign at the tulip photoshoot of your dreams (filled with cute props and installations), and no innocent ‘made for sale’ tulips need to be sacrificed in the process. It’s a win win.

On my recent trip, I went to the Tulip Barn in Hillegom and had SO much fun. Truth be told, I might have even enjoyed it more than the famous Keukenhof gardens nearby…

On that note…

14. Beware that Keukenhof is a flower garden, not a flower field

Year after year, I hear accounts of disappointment from visitors to the Dutch wonderland known as Keukenhof, AKA Europe’s most famous flower garden.

The reason for their floral despair? The lack of sprawling tulip fields.

And, fair enough, marketing materials for Keukenhof (and 3rd party companies selling tours to Keukenhof) can be deceptive, so let me be clear right now: if your goal is to frolic through dreamy fields of tulip after tulip, Keukenhof is not where you want to be.

You can think of Keukenhof more as a manicured garden/flower show, filled with themed displays and installations. Is it beautiful? Of course! But the only fields you’ll see there are from a distance (or from a very sad little boat ride that circles them, with no possibility to stop or get out).

So before you book that (admittedly) pricey ticket to Keukenhof , know what you’re in for. My full guide to Keukenhof can help with that.

15. Book tickets for big attractions well in advance

The Netherlands is an amazing country to visit for culture lovers, with more museums and galleries than you could ever reasonably visit.

The good news is, there’s plenty of cool attractions to enjoy. The bad news is, you definitely won’t be alone in enjoying them.

So, especially if you’re visiting the Netherlands during peak seasons like Spring and Summer, make sure you book your must-see attractions in advance. For particularly big sights like the Anne Frank House, doing so weeks, if not months in advance, is necessary for avoiding disappointment.

And if you see skip the line tickets – treat yourself to them. Time is money!

16. Know where to find the best attraction deals

Another downside of major Dutch attractions? They can burn some deep holes in your wallet.

Unlike many other countries in Europe, I found the Netherlands to be lacking in age-based discounts unless you’re a literal child (meaning few discounts for students, youth and seniors).

Nonetheless, there are some other ways to save money if you’re crafty! Here are some:

• Sightseeing passes and cards e.g. the I amsterdam Card : Well worth it if you plan to do many attractions because it gives you access to multiple attractions for one set price. Be sure to crunch the numbers first though because the passes themselves are often quite expensive, and not worth it unless you’re doing a LOT of attractions.
• Bundle deals: Great for saving a bit of cash on 2-3 attractions. Be sure to browse sites like GetYourGuide or Tiqets , where there’s often deals that combine two or more attractions for a slight discount e.g. this ticket that combines the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam with a canal cruise.

17. Beware of bike lanes

Alright, now moving onto more practical Netherlands travel tips for when you arrive.

This one may be the most important one on the list. Please, for the love of Gogh, be mindful of bike lanes. They’re everywhere in the Netherlands because everybody and their mom here rides bikes, and it’s VERY easy to accidentally walk on one if you’re not used to them.

So, if you see any red asphalt paths, steer clear. Unless “getting run over by a bike” is on your Netherlands bucket list.

This is what bike lanes will typically look like, although the never-ending parade of bicycles on it will probably also be a good sign:

18. Don’t rent a bike in the Netherlands unless you’re super confident on one

While most tourist guides will recommend renting a bike to “experience the Netherlands like a local”, I’m going to take the opposite approach and say….. don’t. Save yourself.

As I’ve mentioned before, Dutch cyclists are next level. They practically exit the womb on a bike.

And they don’t have much patience for struggling tourists, so unless you’re an excellent cyclist who is familiar with the Dutch rules of the road, don’t rent one just for the experience, unless said experience is making every cyclist in the Netherlands hate you.

19. Bring cash

Another important Netherlands must-know? Make sure you always have a bit of cash.

While card payments are widely accepted in the Netherlands these days, the Dutch tend to prefer using debit over credit.

As such, you might have trouble paying with a credit card in some places, which is why I would recommend having cash on you just in case.

Up until 2023, some places would even only accept Maestro debit cards (which were previously only used in Europe). Luckily, they are now in the process of phasing them out , which means the Netherlands is likely to become a lot more Visa/Mastercard-friendly in the near future.

On my most recent trip, I noticed that my Visa credit card would randomly not work at certain supermarkets and shops, so for ease of mind, I’d recommend always having at least a bit of cash.

20. Bring coins for public toilets… especially if you’re a woman

Like in many other European countries, sadly public toilets in the Netherlands aren’t free, with toilets in train stations costing as much as 70 cents!

So, bring coins with you to make sure you have a way to pay.

While some of the more modern machines will accept card payments, I ran into a faulty machine that refused my card no matter what, so I needed a friend to let me in!

…. and yes, it was embarrassing, so bring coins to avoid being sad like me.

NOTE: Around the Netherlands, there actually are public urinals set up on the street that are free to use, but toilets for my fellow squatters are far less common, and far less free.

21. Bring a jacket with a hood

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from my travels in the Netherlands, it’s this: prepare for rain. Random rain. And lots of it.

Bundled with vicious winds, Dutch rain can be brutal, and the best defence is (in my opinion) a solid jacket with a hood, rather than an umbrella.

After all, the only thing more embarrassing than needing someone to pay for your pee break is the walk of shame when your umbrella flips inside out.

So yes, bring a jacket with a hood. Even in the summer. You just never know.

22. Try all the best Dutch delicacies

Ahh, now onto tastier Dutch travel tips.

The Netherlands may not be particularly known for its cuisine, but there are a few standouts in my mind that are well worth trying for any first time visitor… usually in the calorically dense snack food category. I apologize in advance to your arteries.

Here are a few iconic Dutch foods/experiences to try:

• Hagelslag: Sprinkles usually served on buttered bread for breakfast. SO GOOD!
• Automats: Wall-mounted vending machines that serve hot food in little cubbies. It’s not the best food in the world but it’s a fun novelty that allows you to try some classic Dutch snacks like croquettes and bitterballen with minimal effort.
• Stroopwafel: Two thin cookies pressed together with a caramel filling, and sure to ruin your for other cookies. NOTE: Be sure to try a plain one first. Many places these days do fancy ones coated in chocolate and other toppings, but to me original is best.

Lastly, of course I can’t talk about Dutch food without mentioning the most famous street food – raw herring.

With stalls all across the country selling this unique delicacy, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to try it. Just remember to eat it correctly – hold it by the tail and let it slide into your mouth and throat. Yum!

23. Know the difference between coffee shops, cafes and brown bars

Ahh, now THIS is a must-know for first time visitors to the Netherlands. If you’re drowsy and trying to caffeinate for the day, be very careful where you go, because “coffee shop” here doesn’t mean what you think it means.

… because that’s where marijuana is sold!

Sure, sometimes they sell coffee too, but their main purpose is trading cash for hash.

Further complicating things: don’t forget that there are also ‘brown cafés’ or brown bars, which are like cozy traditional pubs for enjoying a drink or two. Going to one is a must when in the Netherlands!

In summary:

• If you want coffee, go to a cafe
• If you want marijuana, go to a coffee shop
• If you want an alcoholic beverage in a pub-like setting, go to a brown cafe or brown bar

24. Plan around some cool annual events

Alright, are you ready for some insider Netherlands knowledge?

If you’re still in the planning stages of your trip, here are two annual events to have on your radar:

• Museum Week: Happens every Spring, where many museums nationwide offer free entry and special exhibitions/events.
• Open Garden Days: Happens one weekend a year in June, where many canal houses will open their doors to the public so you an admire their hidden gardens. One paid ticket gets you access to 30+ participating gardens! I happened upon this event one year and it was SO cool.

25. Be respectful of Dutch customs that are different to yours

Last but not least, it has to be said: the Netherlands is a unique place, with a lot of rules and customs that may differ from your home country.

For instance, many first time visitors are surprised to see that prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, or that marijuana is decriminalized.

And while surprise is fine, being obnoxious and vocal about these differences is not.

Remember, what seems utterly novel to you is just the normal way for locals, meaning you should be respectful, considerate and… not do things like take photos of women in Red Light Districts because of their perceived novelty.

Tourists (especially in Amsterdam) have developed a pretty nasty reputation among Dutch locals over the years, with multiple campaigns aimed at cracking down on ‘rowdy tourists’.

So, remember to be a polite guest and treat both locals and destinations with utmost respect!

I hope this list of Netherlands travel tips was helpful!

I admit this was a VERY long list of tips for Netherlands travel, but if you have any more questions, let me know in the comments.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

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🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

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✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

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18 Places to Visit in the Netherlands That Aren't Amsterdam

By Chris Schalkx

Take it from a born-and-raised Dutchman: There are plenty of places to visit in the Netherlands that aren’t Amsterdam . If you stick to just the capital city, you’re only scratching the surface of this small-but-mighty country.

Look beyond Amsterdam’s tourist-thronged canal belt, and you’ll find plenty of villages plucked straight out of a classic painting by one of the Old Masters—windmills, tulips , swirling waterways, and all. There are sprawling national parks brimming with birdlife and criss-crossed with cycling trails , while envelope-pushing cities like Eindhoven and Rotterdam show that the country is a creative powerhouse too.

The best part? The national train network reaches all corners of the country, and its relatively small size puts even the most far-flung places within a day-trip distance from Amsterdam. Below, 18 places to visit in the Netherlands that aren’t Amsterdam—from frozen-in-time villages to museum-packed cities —to consider adding to your itinerary.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Katherine LaGrave and Caitlin Morton.

Wrapped in the Dutch countryside within easy day-trip distance from Amsterdam, Zaandam once stood at the heart of the Dutch milling industry. Remnants of these glory days can be found at Zaanse Schans, a short drive north from downtown, where a stroll through its jumble of windmills and clapboard houses feels like stepping into a real-life version of an Old Masters painting. Downtown, the ubiquitous Zaan-style architecture has gotten a mind-bendingly modern makeover at the landmark Inntel Hotel (an Escher-esque mash-up of traditional Zaanse houses), and the Zaandam City Hall, which reinterprets the shapes of Zaanse houses into minimalist masterpieces.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Zaandam in 15 minutes.

For Dutch standards, the two-hour train ride to this northern city is a nearly impossible schlep, but the picturesque journey through rolling farmlands is well worth it. Criss-crossed with canals and dotted with monumental churches, Renaissance-era gardens, and warehouses dating back to the 16th century, Groningen is packed with history. But as one of the country’s main university towns, the city has a surprisingly forward-thinking nightlife scene too. Most of the action happens around de Grote Markt (Big Market) square, which hosts a lively fish and food market by day, and turns into a party hub after dark.

How to get there : Trains from Amsterdam with a transfer in Utrecht or Almere bring you to Groningen in about two hours.

Thought this place was pancake-flat? Most of it is, yes—but Maastricht and the surrounding Zuid Limburg countryside prove that there’s more to this land than polders and endlessly flat farmland. Start off in Maastricht, the country’s southernmost major city, where you can walk through centuries worth of history in its cathedrals and limestone mines. After, venture into the undulating hills, forests, and meadows of Zuid Limburg via picturesque towns such as Valkenburg and Gulpen, from which miles of walking and cycling trails roll into every direction. The area’s close proximity to Belgium and Germany make it possible to visit all three countries within a single day.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Maastricht in two and a half hours.

This tiny village in the country’s northeast is often referred to as the “ Venice of the Netherlands,”and it’s easy to see why. With its thatched-roof farmhouses and wooden arch bridges, Giethoorn seems to have come straight out of a fairytale. It’s best explored via its network of bike lanes and canals—either by boat, or by ice skating during the frozen winter months. For a lay of the land, make the Museum Giethoorn ’t Olde Maat Uus your first stop. Set in a former farm, this museum walks guests through Giethoorn’s fascinating history via historic artifacts, hand-written letters, and hands-on workshops on old-timey cottage crafts.

How to get there : Trains from Amsterdam bring you to Zwolle in about an hour, from where buses link to central Giethoorn.

This picturesque fishing village is Holland’s best-known for a reason: It’s filled with colorful wooden houses, bobbing fishing boats, and seafood stall after seafood stall dishing up fish and chips, smoked eel, and pickled herring piled high with onions (to be eaten like the Dutch: in a single gulp). Once you’ve had your share of Volendam, hop on a ferry across the Markermeer lake to Marken, another old-timey Dutch village on a small island some 30 minutes away.

How to get there : Bus 316 leaves from Amsterdam Central station and brings you to Volendam in around 30 minutes.

Imagine a scene of the bucolic Dutch countryside, and the village of Kinderdijk is probably what comes to mind. In other words: lots of windmills. The village’s 19 monumental mills were built in the early 18th century to prevent flooding and keep soil dry, and the mill network has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Some of the mills, including Blokweer and Nederwaard, are open to the public and function as fascinating museums that share a peek into the lives of the families that once inhabited them.

How to get there : Buses leave from Rotterdam and bring you to Kinderdijk in about 30 minutes.

Alkmaar has many intriguing museums and lots of medieval architecture worth checking out, but most visitors flock here for one reason: cheese. The town is known for its traditional cheese market, which takes place on Friday mornings from April to early September. There’s plenty to see in other months too, though: There’s a cheese museum located in the 16th-century Waagtoren tower, half a dozen hofjes (almshouses) with gorgeous courtyard gardens, and a handful of ornately decorated churches dating back to the 17th century.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Alkmaar in just over 30 minutes.

Haarlem’s cobbled streets and pretty canals make this northern Dutch city feel like Amsterdam without the tourist crowds. Even its museums are of a similar caliber, with the renowned Frans Hals Museum exhibiting pieces by Dutch Masters such as Frans Hals and Pieter Bruegel, and its ‘Hal’ wing showcasing contemporary works by international artists. There are historic churches, market squares and quaint hofjes to explore, while the miles of dunes rolling along the coast make for a perfect break away from the city.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Haarlem in 15 minutes.

De Hoge Veluwe National Park

This park is one of the largest in the Netherlands, and within its 13,343 acres, counts rare wildlife, some of the most iconic buildings in the country, and the Kröller-Müller Museum , which showcases a collection of nineteenth and twentieth century art in addition to the largest private collection of Van Goghs. Zoom around on a (free) white bike—the park has about 1,700 on loan at central locations.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Apeldoorn in an hour, from where buses link to various points around the park.

Wadden Sea Islands

The five islands in the Wadden Sea, part of an archipelago of about 50 islands that stretches all the way to Denmark , are some of the country’s best places to unplug. Each one has a unique character, but all deliver seaside tranquility in spades—windswept dunes, cheeky seals, frozen-in-time villages and all. Seek out Texel, the largest of the bunch, for its wildlife-rich nature reserves; opt for largely car-free Schiermonnikoog, if it’s beachside hiking you’re after; or plan a trip to Vlieland during its annual Into The Great Wide Open festival around September, which transforms the island into a giant laid-back music and arts exhibition.

How to get there : Ferries from different cities on the mainland (including Harlingen) with a seasonally-changing schedule bring you to each island in about one to one and a half hours.

You can’t visit the Netherlands and not seek out some of its famous technicolor tulips. There are many places around the country to view the beautiful flowers , but the Keukenhof Gardens (open from March to May) and sprawling fields around the town of Lisse are a sure thing. The floral frenzy is at its peak around mid-April, when the annual Bloemencorse Bollenstreek parade of flower-adorned floats will travel from Noordwijk to Haarlem, with a stop at the Keukenhof along the way.

How to get there : The Keukenhof Express bus from various locations around Amsterdam and Schiphol airport brings you to the Keukenhof in about 30 minutes.

Many people flock to Delft for its eponymous blue pottery, but don’t overlook the town’s Renaissance architecture and Vermeer Centre museum (the Dutch painter, famous for such works as Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Milkmaid , was born and died here). The compact size of its historic center make it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls: Stop for coffee along its canals, browse Delftware in its numerous boutiques, and sample cheeses at the cafe-lined Markt square in front of the Nieuwe Kerk, where a lively local market pops up every Thursday.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Delft in an hour.

If you like technology and design, head to Eindhoven, a southern city home to some of the country’s most envelope-pushing museums and design academies. Seek out the Van Abbemuseum for its modern and contemporary art; stop at industrial park-turned culture hub Strijp-S; and hit up the Inkijkmuseum , a micro-museum located in a former washhouse. The city is at its best during the yearly Dutch Design Week (the largest design fair in northern Europe), which takes over Eindhoven’s creative spaces every October .

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Eindhoven in just under one and half hours.

Utrecht’s historic canal houses have two stories, and its centuries-old wharf cellars now serve as spots to enjoy food and drinks at water level—something unique to this city. You can also enjoy the towering churches and cozy cafes of Utrecht by bicycle, as it’s one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. It’s also the perfect place for history buffs, with sites like the Dom Tower and Centraal Museum offering glimpses into the country’s past.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Utrecht in 25 minutes.

Beemster Polder

About thirteen miles north of Amsterdam, the Beemster region is a prime example of a Dutch polder—a flat piece of green farmland formed by draining a body of water. Aside from its cultural significance (it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999), the Beemster Polder is a gorgeous landscape, complete with little canals, windmills, and lush green fields. Make sure to stop by Middenbeemster, which, like most towns in the country, is impossibly charming.

How to get there : Buses from various locations around Amsterdam bring you to the Beemster in about 30 minutes.

Holland’s second-largest city lost most of its heritage buildings during World War II bombings, but now leads the way in envelope-pushing architecture. Its skyline is a highlight reel of works by architecture greats such as Rem Koolhaas, who designed the gravity-defying De Rotterdam tower that soars above the Meuse river. Other standouts include the quirky cube houses ( for rent on Airbnb !) by Dutch architect Piet Blom; the horseshoe-shaped Markthal building by local architecture firm MVRDV; and the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, a bowl-shaped metallic edifice that’s home to the Boijmans Van Beuningen’s 151,000-piece art collection.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Rotterdam in 45 minutes.

Located near the Belgian border in the province of Limburg, Thorn is another one of those postcard-pretty Dutch hamlets with cobblestone roads and ancient churches. What makes Thorn unique, though, is its whitewashed architecture; at the Thorn Museum in the center of town, you’ll learn why this all-white look was an ingenious form of Medieval tax evasion. The other can’t-miss attraction is the 10th-century abbey church, which throughout history grew into a tiny kingdom ruled by noblewomen.

How to get there : From Amsterdam, trains to Weert take about two and a half hours, from where buses connect you to Thorn.

Amsterdam may be the capital, but the Dutch parliament meets in this stunning city on the North Sea. Within its Gothic-style Inner Court lie some of the country’s best museums, including an homage to M.C. Escher and the Mauritshuis (which houses Girl with the Pearl Earring ). Most locals, though, flock to The Hague for its beaches: long stretches of sand lined with lively boulevards, seafood restaurants, and breezy beach clubs.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to The Hague in 50 minutes.

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The Netherlands

Rick Steves' Top Destinations When Traveling To The Netherlands

T he Netherlands is a small nation, yet it's packed with delights. And if you've spent your whole life in the U.S., where modern architecture dominates the skylines, then you'll immediately notice a stark contrast when you step into practically any Dutch city. The numerous canals and gabled houses transport you back in time, showing you a completely different side of the world, where bicycles populate the streets instead of cars.

If you're interested in taking a trip to this country, then you're in luck. The Netherlands' special characteristics haven't gone unnoticed, especially by European travel expert Rick Steves . Thanks to his extensive experience and passion, he's got some insider tips to help you look beyond typical touristy activities. If you take his advice, then you'll be able to experience true gems that are off the beaten path.

Whether you're booking a weekend getaway or a weeks-long vacation in Europe, don't skip the Netherlands. As you'll see, it's dotted with cities and towns that offer you glimpses into the Dutch lifestyle. Below are travel expert Rick Steves' top destinations you should jot down.

Read more: 28 Bucket List Destinations That Everyone Needs To Experience At Least Once

Amsterdam is the first Dutch destination anyone thinks about when you say the words "the Netherlands." It's the capital, after all, and millions of people flock to this city every year. It's true that the allure for many people has to do with the decriminalization of marijuana and the legality of sex work, but if you look beyond that, there's more than meets the eye.

For example, as Rick Steves points out, Amsterdam has retained its Golden Age architecture, so you can see the same sights people did centuries ago when they walked down the same streets. Plus, the best museums in Amsterdam  show you beautiful works from artists who are either Dutch or have lived in the Netherlands. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to get a taste of local food and drinks, as well as WWII walking tours .

While Steves encourages tourists to look beyond Amsterdam, he still thinks it's worth spending a day or two there to get a feel for the Netherlands. Plus, it's a good central base for visiting the other cities on his list. Most are around one hour away by train, so you won't have to go far.

Delft is another city that's retained its Golden Age architecture, and you'll see twin towers at the city gate. This city in North Holland has a white drawbridge across a canal moat, which is a remnant of Delft's old fortified days. Rick Steves describes Delft as "an idyllic mini-Amsterdam...urban Holland with training wheels," and it's true. If you don't want to deal with the large and claustrophobic crowds in Amsterdam but still want a similar atmosphere, then this is the place to go.

If you're a fan of the Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, then this city will show you where all his inspiration came from. He's buried in the Oude Kerk (Old Church), which is located in Delft's old town. You can visit the church to view his simple marker on the ground.

In addition, this city is what Delftware is named for. This type of pottery has intricate blue designs painted on white earthenware and is inspired by Chinese porcelain. If you're interested in learning more and want to pick up some souvenirs, then you can tour Royal Delft . This 17th-century factory, which is still producing pieces, is also a museum.

Waterland is a region located north of Amsterdam, and it includes the cities of Edam, Volendam, and Marken. As the name suggests, they're all located by the sea, meaning you can get fresh seafood at the harbors. You can make an afternoon trip to all three, as they're only a 30-minute bus ride away from each other, despite being in the countryside. It's the perfect way to spend a day away from the typical tourists in Amsterdam, although Volendam is the most touristy one of all three. There are lots of souvenir shops that Rick Steves says are filled with "Dutch cliches." However, it's still a fun time, so don't discount Volendam.

Those who love cheese will have a blast in Edam, which is the city where the cheese comes from. Grab a free tour booklet from the tourist office, and make sure to stop off at the Edam Museum . You'll learn all about the history of Edam while also seeing firsthand what a 400-year-old canal house is like.

Next, make your way to Marken, which is a village peninsula. It's known for its quaint and traditional wooden houses, which were built high up on hills to prevent flooding when Marken used to be an island. There are fewer than 2,000 inhabitants here, which means it'll definitely give off a charming vibe.

Haarlem is but a 15-minute train ride west of Amsterdam, and the fact that it's a quieter, slower-paced city makes it an excellent and easy getaway. Rick Steves says that the city "[offers] small-town warmth and quick access to nearby Amsterdam." If the name sounds familiar, it's because New York's Harlem draws its name from this Dutch City. In fact, before the English took over and renamed it, New York used to be called New Amsterdam, which is why the neighborhoods within had Dutch names.

It won't be difficult to get around Haarlem, as 10 streets meet at Grote Markt ("Big Market," or the Market Square). Most of the city's activities happen here, and there are many cafes and restaurants to rest and refuel at. While you're here, check out the Grote Kerk (Big Church), which is a large and imposing building that's hard to miss. You'll find the country's largest pipe organ inside, and if you're in Haarlem during the summer, you can catch a free concert, too.

If you have a thirst for knowledge, then there are several museums where you can spend your time. For example, there's the Museum Haarlem (formerly known as Verwey Museum Haarlem), which educates visitors about what Haarlem used to be like, and the Corrie Ten Boom House , which offers you a look at real hiding places used during WWII. In addition, there's the Teylers Museum , a center for contemporary art and science.

If you love Golden Age towns, then you're in luck. Hoorn is yet another "merchant's town" from this era, per Rick Steves, but with a twist: it's had a relatively new transformation. You'll find it on the IJsselmeer, which is a lake, and it'll take around 30 minutes by train to get to Hoorn from Amsterdam. This makes it ideal for a day trip if you want to head up north.

"All buildings have been restored and many have been given a new function," according to  In Hoorn . As a result, you'll still observe typical Dutch architecture, but with a much newer appearance. In addition, things may not be as they appear. For instance, you'll see restaurants in old cheese warehouses, which adds a delightful and authentic touch to modern.

To really experience the city's history, you should look outside of the city center. More specifically, stroll down to the harbor, where you'll view the Hoofdtoren, the main tower of Hoorn. It was constructed in 1532, though it no longer served its original purpose by 1614. Other historical things you'll notice include ships and houses.

By train, Enkhuizen is an hour north of Amsterdam, so you'll want to leave early to see the sights. It's extremely rich in historic buildings with 366 monuments, to be exact. Whether you walk through the city on your own or book a tour, you'll feel as if you're living and breathing the Golden Age. If you decide to do a self-guided tour through Enkhuizen, then make sure to stop by the VVV Enkhuizen. Here, you can pick up free booklets to soak in the facts of the city and gain a newfound appreciation for it.

The highlight of Enkhuizen is its open-air museum, the Zuiderzeemuseum , the outdoor portion of which is temporarily closed until March 29, 2024. Here, you can learn about lost Zuiderzee culture. The outdoor museum spans 140 historic buildings, allowing you to wander around and experience life as it was centuries ago. According to Rick Steves , "You'll meet people who do a convincing job of role-playing non-nonsense 1905 villagers." And in the indoor museum, you can view old but gorgeous boats, as well as other related collections.

Rick Steves calls Alkmaar "Holland's tasty cheese capital," so cheese lovers can't go wrong here. There's a large cheese market  open every Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in Waagplein, from late March until late September. During July and August, the market is also open from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. In addition, there's a children's cheese market for kids ages 6 through 12 during these months.

In Alkmaar's main square, you'll see countless cheese wheels spread out in neat rows. There are also cheese carriers who go around with traditional barrows, bringing the cheese to the Waaggebouw, where the wheels are weighed. After that, the cheese is sold to traders. You can take plenty of pictures and videos of this spectacle and even get a selfie with the cheese girls, who educate visitors about the cheese market.

Like many other Dutch cities, Alkmaar still has its Golden Age feel, meaning that an amble down Old Town is very cozy. You can stop off at various museums as well, such as the Stedelijk Museum , where you can discover more about the city's history. Considering that it's only a 30-minute train ride north from Amsterdam, Alkmaar is a worthy city to visit, especially if you'd like a taste of authentic Dutch cheese.

Zaandijk is another city that's a half-hour train ride from Amsterdam, making it a fantastic destination for a day trip when combined with the others on this list. Admittedly, it can be touristy at times, but Zaandijk is rural enough for it not to feel stifling. Plus, it's open-air museum, Zaanse Schans, "puts Dutch culture...on a lazy Susan," says Rick Steves . So if you want a quick run-through of Dutchness, this is where you should be.

In the past, this area fulfilled a lot of the world's industrial needs. The many houses of Zaanse Schans showcase craftsmen who demonstrate their skills in things like barrel making and sail cloth manufacturing. Do note that most houses charge admission, so you'll have to pick the ones you go into wisely. To save money, you can get the Zaanse Schans Card , which, according to the site, gives you access to "several museums, two windmills, and crafts" for €29.50 (€20 for children).

Southeast of Amsterdam is Utrecht, which takes half an hour to reach by train. Many visitors consider it a smaller version of Amsterdam, like Delft, so it's one more place to add to the list if you want to avoid huge crowds. It's still very lively though, as it's not only a medieval city but also home to Utrecht University. Plus, it's the fourth-largest city in The Netherlands.

Spend the day walking around town, but put aside some time for the museums here. Rick Steves claims that Utrecht has the "best railway museum," and while that may sound strange or even dull, The Railway Museum isn't at all. According to its site, there's a "real-life station, a theatre, exciting attractions, and a variety of temporary exhibitions and events." If that's still not your cup of tea, then tour the Nijntje Museum , especially if you're with your kids. You probably better know the museum's central focus as Miffy, and did you know she was Dutch, not Japanese?

If you enjoyed a canal tour during your time in Amsterdam, then you're sure to like one in Utrecht too. You'll sail through the wide canals and get a different perspective on the beautiful old buildings. Those who feel adventurous can also go stand-up paddleboarding or canoeing.

Hop on a southbound train for 35 minutes and you'll be in Leiden, a small university city that also hosted English Pilgrims. In 1608, a decent number of the English sought refuge from religious persecution in their own country and made a temporary home in the Netherlands. Eventually, they set sail for North America between 1620 and 1643, and these people are the renowned Pilgrims whom we honor every Thanksgiving. To find out more, visit the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum , which is one of the smallest museums in the Netherlands.

As we've previously said, Leiden is a college town, with the oldest university in the nation. Leiden University was founded in 1575 by William of Orange, and according to its site , is "one of the leading international research universities in Europe." So if you or your kids are thinking of getting an education overseas, this is the perfect time to tour the campus and kill two birds with one stone. In addition, the university owns the Hortus Botanicus Leiden , which is the oldest botanical garden in the country (it's been around since 1590), so it's worth a look around.

The Hague And Scheveningen

Just a 15-minute train ride south of Leiden is The Hague, where you'll find the Binnenhof, or the country's parliament building. It's been in use since 1446, and you may catch a glimpse of Dutch politicians leaving an important meeting while you're in town. Plus, since you're in the heart of the city center, it'll be easier to get to all other points of interest in The Hague.  Rick Steves describes The Hague as "bigger and less cozy than Delft, Leiden, or Haarlem," but he still feels it's worth spending a few hours here. 

If you're vacationing during the summer, then head over to Scheveningen Beach if you have a few hours to spare. It's one of the most popular beaches in the Netherlands since it's large with a roomy boardwalk. There's also a pier with multiple shops, restaurants, and a place outside to zipline and bungee jump. When you get tired, there are many beach bars where you can rest your weary feet and sip on tasty cocktails.

At this point, you might've realized that many Dutch cities retain an old-timey look. That may be fascinating, but what about modern architecture? If that piques your interest, then you'll want to go to Rotterdam, which is 45 minutes away from Amsterdam by train.

You'll notice a stark difference in building appearances as soon as you pull into the station. This is because most are under 100 years old, after much of the city was destroyed in a German bombing during WWII. If you're feeling homesick, then you should feel right at home in this metropolitan city, as the streets are wide and the buildings are tall. In addition, there are unique points of interest, such as the Erasmus Bridge,  the Cube Houses , and the Markthal.

What's also noteworthy is that the Port of Rotterdam is the largest seaport in Europe. Take a moment to appreciate how powerful it is, and watch the ships come in and out. Not only do shipping vessels frequent the Port of Rotterdam, but ferries and cruise ships do as well.

Lisse And Aalsmeer

The Netherlands is known for its tulips, so it's no surprise that Rick Steves recommends visiting Keukenhof , the nation's most treasured flower garden that was established in the 15th century. It may take you a little over an hour to get from Amsterdam to the garden's home in Lisse, but it's totally worth it, especially if you're here at the right time. The garden is only open for about two months every year, and you can view beautiful spring flowers , including tulips. Not only can you take a peaceful stroll through the grounds, but you can take a whisper boat and go cycling too.

If you aren't able to go to Keukenhof during its opening times, then travel to Aalsmeer instead. This trip also takes about an hour from Amsterdam, and places you at the world's largest flower auction. Royal FloraHolland is open all year long, with over 30,000 species of flowers and plants. Not only will you gaze upon a rainbow of colors, but you'll also witness the inner workings of an efficient flower market.

History buffs will love Arnhem, as a significant part of WWII happened here. The Germans won the Battle of Arnhem in 1944, and the city was a ghost town for a while. To find out more about this battle, spend some time at the Airborne Museum Hartenstein  in Villa Hartenstein and the  Airborne Museum at the Bridge in the city center. Both will give you a newfound appreciation for the sacrifices made during wartime.

Plus, if you liked the open-air museum at Zaandijk, then you'll definitely have a positive experience at the Arnhem Open-Air Folk Museum . Rick Steves says , "You'll enjoy a huge park of windmills, old farmhouses, and other buildings,...traditional crafts in action, and a pleasant education-by-immersion in Dutch culture." It's a great family activity, and you can easily spend a whole day here, making it worth the 1.5-hour train journey from Amsterdam.

As for the city itself, Arnhem is known for its fashion and design scene. Check out the Modekwartier and the 7 Straatjes to get some serious shopping done. You're sure to get some special finds at the unique boutique stores.

Our Methodology For Picking These Destinations

Rick Steves is a renowned travel expert who started "Rick Steves' Europe" in 1976. According to his website , he "brings more than 30,000 people to Europe annually." In addition to being a small business owner, Rick Steves is also a "popular public television host" and "a best-selling guidebook author." We based our list of top destinations in the Netherlands on his website recommendations. 

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