top dutch cities to visit

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The best cities to visit in the Netherlands (that aren’t Amsterdam)

We all love 'Dam, but there are plenty of other Dutch cities to explore. From Rotterdam to Utrecht, these are some of the best

When I tell people that I’m from the Netherlands , the first thing they mention is Amsterdam . I get it, Amsterdam is a wonderful city to visit, with plenty to keep you entertained all day and night. However, it’s also becoming far too crowded and disorderly. It seems like a week doesn’t go by without news coming out about overtourism in the Dutch capital , and Amsterdam is now  actively trying to deter tourists .

So why not turn our attention elsewhere? From Ameland to Rotterdam, this country has plenty of other incredible cities to explore. In any case, next time you hear that someone is from the Netherlands, you’ll at least have something else to talk about. 

Fleurine Tideman is a freelance writer who splits her time between Rotterdam and London.  At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines  and check out our latest  travel guides  written by local experts.

RECOMMENDED: 🛤 The best day trips from Amsterdam 🇪🇺 The most underrated destinations in Europe 🌆 The best European city breaks to try this year

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The best Dutch cities to visit

1.  Rotterdam

Let me immediately state my bias: I’m a proud resident of Rotterdam . Aside from its thriving art scene, Rotterdam is a foodie’s dream destination, with buzzy food markets like the Markthal and Fenix Food Factory. As a large part of the city was destroyed in WW2, Rotterdam is also home to unique architecture. Many local architects were given free rein when it came to rebuilding the city, which has made Rotterdam the vibrant and unique city it is today, with an aesthetic that seamlessly blends new and old.

2.  Haarlem

If you’re looking to stay close to Amsterdam, Haarlem is your best choice. This quaint city is a 16-minute train ride from the capital, and far cheaper to stay in – many Amsterdam residents end up moving here to commute to the capital, although Haarlem itself has plenty to offer. You can easily spend an afternoon in the Frans Hals Museum learning more about this legendary Dutch painter. Outside of the city, you’ll find endless tulip fields to serve as a backdrop for your holiday photos – just be sure to ask the farmers for permission first!

3.  's-Hertogenbosch

Don’t worry, nobody’s expecting you to be able to pronounce that! Even the Dutch find it too tiresome to say, so we usually shorten it to Den Bosch. The perfect city break for those looking to soak up some history and culture, Den Bosch is known for its great museums, including the North Brabant Museum and Design Museum Den Bosch, as well as its medieval architecture and fortified city walls. People from across the region flock here for the markets on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Be sure to sample a traditional Bossche bol, which is essentially a huge profiterole covered in chocolate –  lekker !

4.  Maastricht

This list wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the south of the Netherlands. Maastricht, with its Gothic spires and cobbled streets, feels like it was plucked straight from the pages of a fairytale. Bordering Belgium, the city offers a unique blend of Dutch and Belgian culture and architecture. My perfect afternoon? Visit Boekhandel Dominicanen to shop for books in a converted medieval church, then head to Bosch Brewery for a tour and classic beer tasting.

5.  Arnhem

Visiting Arnhem will allow you to combine your city break with a touch of nature, as the city is surrounded by countryside and situated beside the Veluwe, one of the Netherlands’ largest national parks. Look out for w ildlife like deer, foxes and Scottish Highland cattle, which were brought here to maintain the heathland. The city itself is known  for its vibrant art scene: Arnhem’s Museum of Modern Art is a must-visit, as is the Netherlands Open Air Museum, which showcases traditional Dutch farmhouses and windmills. Get to know the city by wandering its  shopping streets or joining a guided street art tour. 

6.  Utrecht

Instead of visiting Amsterdam, why not head to ‘Little Amsterdam’ instead? With its rows of cute Dutch houses and terraces perched along the canals,  Utrecht feels like a shrunk-down version of Amsterdam without the crowds of tourists.  The best way to explore Utrecht is through a canal boat tour. During my student years there, I loved taking visitors along the canals and introducing them to traditional Dutch pancakes at Theehuis Rhijnauwen. Visit Olivier for a pint with a twist –  this Belgian beer pub sits within an old church (we do love a church conversion in the Netherlands)!

7.  Ameland

Technically a municipality, Ameland is my favourite of the Dutch Wadden Islands. This tiny stretch of paradise, home to four villages and two nature reserves, feels like it was plucked from the past. Visiting Ameland always makes me feel like I’m the main character in a movie, pensively strolling along sand dunes, marshes and forests. The best part? It couldn’t feel further away from Amsterdam’s overcrowded streets. 

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15 Best Cities to Visit in the Netherlands

With canals galore, beautiful gabled houses, world-class museums and more, Dutch cities are certainly home to some fine sights. Wandering around their cobbled streets or taking a canal boat along the waterways is magical, and there is a welcoming and friendly air about the country in general.

Laidback, but with a sense of fun, exploring all that the bet cities in the Netherlands have to offer will provide you with lasting memories. Before you know it, you may find yourself returning time and time again to the Netherlands .

A laidback place with a pretty center, Breda´s main square has an impressive Gothic cathedral that towers over the cafes and shops down below. Not far from the border, there´s a lively feel to the city, with bustling bars and cheap restaurants mixed between the old buildings.

With some nice nature spots in the surrounding area and the lovely Valkenburg park to stroll around, Breda is a peaceful place to spend some time.

14. Eindhoven

Until recently a tiny village, Eindhoven´s population grew drastically after the electrical firm Philips moved here; now, almost everything in the city revolves around the company – even the main train station was moved to better accommodate their needs!

Although there is not much to see, a lot of research in the technological and industrial fields goes on here and it is the capital of design for the Netherlands. If you´re not working here, there are few reasons to visit, with most people simply overnighting in Eindhoven before getting an early flight.

13. Alkmaar

Although it is a pleasant place, one thing and one thing only attracts tourists to the city – its famous cheese market. Every Friday morning between April and September, an elaborate ceremony takes place whereby buyers smell, taste and feel the texture of cheese before haggling over a price.

Once the transaction has been concluded, the impressive looking cheeses are carried away by porters from the guild to be weighed. Entertaining and bizarre, get here early for a good view.

Formerly a wealthy resort, Arnhem´s city center is a slightly drab place despite being rebuilt after the Second World War. Due to the number of troops who died here, many British people still visit Arnhem for its battle sites.

There are lots of interesting attractions surrounding the city, such as Burger´s Zoo and the airborne museum. An important fashion city in the Netherlands, there are some top notch restaurants and bars scattered throughout the city.

11. Den Bosch

The capital of North Brabant, Den Bosch´s streets and markets teem with life every Wednesday and Saturday, as traders descend upon the town to sell their wares. Its two main highlights are undoubtedly the awe-inspiring cathedral and the museum dedicated to the artist Hieronymous Bosch, who once resided here in the 15th Century. With a lovely canal system, beautiful townhouses, and cute old bridges, Den Bosch is well worth exploring.

10. Nijmegen

Lying on the banks of the River Waal, Nijmegen may be one of the oldest towns in the country, although many of its old buildings were unfortunately destroyed in the Second World War. Many of them were reconstructed, however, and some nice buildings still dot the center.

With the large student population breathing life into this ancient place, one of the best things to do here is to walk along the lovely riverside promenade and watch the world go by.

A picturesque place that is quintessentially Dutch in appearance, Haarlem lies just fifteen minutes from Amsterdam by train and is definitely worth a visit. With its lovely old buildings, twisting canals and cobbled streets, Haarlem is certainly charming, and there are many great artworks on display in its galleries and museums. At the center of the flower-growing region, when in bloom, Haarlem is a great base from which to visit the colorful fields.

Due to its proximity to Amsterdam, Leiden is a great day trip option , as it has a host of things to see and do. The historic center of the city is a joy to explore. Its plethora of canals, 17th Century buildings and narrow alleys give Leiden a charming feel to it, and there are lots of great museums to visit.

With the oldest university in the country and a huge student population, there is a youthful ambiance to its old streets. There are also innumerable bars and cafes worth checking out. The birthplace of the famous Rembrandt, from Leiden, you can easily visit the nearby colorful tulip fields.

7. Groningen

Located in a rural and quiet part in the north of the country, venturing into Groningen´s city center can be quite a shock – it is a trendy, lively place brimming with energy and is completely pedestrianized.

An eclectic range of architectural styles can be found in the center, due to the rapid rebuilding of the city after it was almost completely destroyed in the Second World War. With a large student body, there is a vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as cheap restaurants and a lot of good bars to choose from.

6. Maastricht

Lying on the banks of the Meuse River, Maastricht´s proximity to Belgium and Germany makes it a popular destination for citizens of both nations, as well as the Dutch themselves. A vibrant place, its streets thrum with life. Maastricht is home to a multilingual and multicultural population, as exemplified by its large student body hailing from all around Europe. As such, it is a mix of cultures and very different from other Dutch cities. This is demonstrated by its diverse and excellent culinary scene.

With contemporary architecture lying next to beautiful old buildings, towering cathedrals and trendy boutiques, wandering along its bustling cobbled streets is exhilarating – the festive Carnival being the highlight of the year.

5. Rotterdam

The second largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is home to one of the biggest and busiest port on earth, with numerous waterways and canals crisscrossing the city. Having sustained considerable damage during the Second World War, the city is now characterized by futuristic and innovative architecture, although there is still an underlying grittiness to the place.

Rotterdam is a lively and diverse place, with great museums, cultural attractions, and of course, fantastic dining and drinking options befitting of such a large metropolis.

A popular day trip destination, it is easy to see what makes Delft such an attractive option. With its lovely medieval center and picturesque canals crossed by brick bridges and lined with trees, the city is quaint and peaceful.

Its most famous son, the painter Johannes Vermeer, is just one of many who has sung its praises over the ages. Famous for the distinctive blue and white tiles and ceramics that are produced here, visiting the Delftware factories is popular among tourists.

But, despite its wealth of beautiful old buildings, it is the atmosphere rather than any particular attraction that makes it worth visiting. Try and stay for the evening; once the day-trippers have left. the city´s canals shimmer delightfully in the lamp light.

One of the oldest cities in the country, Utrecht´s winding canals twist their way around its delightful medieval center, which has the arrestingly beautiful Domkerk cathedral towering above it. Although the sprawling suburbs do not make the best impression as you enter the city, its ugly tangled web of roads are soon forgotten once you get a feel for this lively place with its fun atmosphere.

Thanks in part to its huge student population, Utrecht has loads of cheap and cheerful bars and cafes, as well as lots of great eating options. Although there are not really many sights to visit , it is the ambiance of Utrecht that makes it a pleasure to visit.

2. The Hague

With the seat of government and the royal family residing within its confines, it seems slightly strange that The Hague is not the capital of the country. More appropriately, this large city has a stately air about it.

Grand mansions and canal houses line leafy boulevards, while embassies and government buildings surround its fine parks. Due to the international bodies such as the UN and EU, the city is very multicultural. It is much more laid back than edgy Amsterdam, and has a number of fine dining options and interesting museums on offer. Lying on the North Sea, it is home to Scheveningen – a very popular seaside resort in the country.

1. Amsterdam

Wandering along the cobbled streets that line the iconic canals, it is easy to see why attractive Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Beautiful gabled buildings and charming old bridges are everywhere you look. There are a number of world class museums on offer, such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Anne Frank House.

See also: Where to Stay in Amsterdam

Easily navigable on foot, one of the city´s main draws is simply wandering alongside its canals or taking a boat trip along their peaceful waters. With a youthful vibe and welcoming population, this liberal and cosmopolitan city has some atmospheric cafes and restaurants. It also has a lively nightlife in the form of clubs, bars and coffee shops – while the red-light district is never too far away.

A fantastic capital city with so much to see and do, just watch out for the bikes when crossing the road!

Map of cities in the Netherlands

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Reader interactions.

December 15, 2019 at 10:56 am

Overall Netherlands us a beautiful place with awesome places to visit, a variety of cuisines to try & people from different countries. There are many places which are worth visiting and have not been mentioned, I’ve visited Netherlands 5 times and still haven’t covered all of them. Just an awesome place with awesome people, awesome food and awesome infrastructure.

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Top cities to visit in The Netherlands

Top 15 cities in The Netherlands

Which cities are worth visiting in The Netherlands? Now, let me see. Are you into historic canals, ancient courtyards, works by world-famous masters, the seaside, cutting edge architecture, street art and amazing gastronomy? Yes? Good, because there are plenty of cities in The Netherlands worth visiting. Please, look beyond Amsterdam. Most cities in The Netherlands are easy to reach by train or car, most are just a short ride from Amsterdam. You won’t be disappointed..

Cities in The Netherlands: plan your visit

• If arriving by plane, you’ll probably arrive at Amsterdam Airport . Though it’s also possible to fly to Rotterdam/ The Hague International Airport or Eindhoven Airport .
• If you’re keen on travelling by train , it’s easy enough to catch a train from the UK, France, Germany, Austria and Belgium to The Netherlands. Book your tickets 3 months in advance to get the best deals. 
• There are some amazing hotels in The Netherlands . Below I will list which hotel to stay in per city.
• You can simply catch a train to visit several cities in The Netherlands, you can buy your ticket online or at the station. 
• If you’d like to see more of the country, simply rent a car to easily get everywhere.
• Read more about planning your trip to The Netherlands .

The magnificent Koppelpoort is probably the most beautiful old city gate in The Netherlands, and without a doubt the most photographed icon of Amersfoort . Its location is also pretty special, perched between the train station, the historical city centre and the cutting edge gentrified industrial area of Amersfoort, De Nieuwe Stad. Amersfoort has it all: cobbled historical streets, excellent museum (make sure to visit the birthplace of Piet Mondriaan), quaint canals, a beautiful old town and a lively café scene.

Plan your trip to Amersfoort

• Take the train from Amsterdam to Amersfoort, the trip takes about half an hour.
• Stay at Hotel De Tabaksplant in a stunning historical warehouse.
• Don’t forget to visit Flehite Museum and Piet Mondriaan’s Birth Place Mondriaanhuis .
• Discover all top things to do in Amersfoort .

A visit to  Amsterdam is on everybody’s list. Even if you’ve been to The Netherlands a couple of times, the city never seems to lose it’s charm. The historical canals, amazing museums, Golden Age buildings,  vibrant atmosphere, quirky street art, fun neighbourhoods and attractive hidden gems (for those that look hard enough) don’t disappoint.

Plan your trip to Amsterdam

• You can choose from many lovely  hotels in Amsterdam . Mr. Jordaan  and  Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht  are really nice to stay at, for example.  Look at more stunning  boutique hotels in Amsterdam .
• Take  an   I Amsterdam City Card   to visit most op the top sights and museums in Amsterdam and use all public transport for free. The I Amsterdam City Card is a great investment, for sure.
• Don’t fortget to visit the  Rijksmuseum , Van Gogh Museum and   Anne Frank house .
• Read more about street art in Amsterdam and visit the most beautiful Dutch villages near Amsterdam .
• Look up all the top things to do in Amsterdam and plan your trip.

Delft is easily reached from Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague and therefore is absolutely one of the top cities in The Netherlands to visit. Delft was once the home of famous Dutch master Johannes Vermeer and he made the skies over Delft world-famous forever. But there is more: the city plays a pivotal role in Dutch history and William of Nassau and all the Dutch royals have been buried in Delft. Enjoy Delft by bike, water or foot and explore the ancient cobbled streets, taking in the gorgeous historical buildings and squares.

Plan your trip to Delft

• Take the train to Delft . From Rotterdam and The Hague, the journey takes about 20 minutes, from Amsterdam you’ll reach delft within the hour.
• Stay at the beautiful Hotel de Koophandel .
• Join a bike tour in Delft . to  discover the city like the Dutch would.
• Take a look at all the top things to do in Delft .

Den Bosch is the capital of southern Dutch province Brabant and worth the title. It’s one of my favourite cities in The Netherlands. It was the posting of dukes and bishops but is most famous as it was once the home of painter Jheronimus (Jeroen) Bosch who used the city as inspiration for the hellish scenes in his works. To this day parts from Bosch’s painting can be recognised in the city, though Den Bosch is also known for some excellent museums, an outstanding café and dining scene and unique tunnel canals.

Visit Den Bosch, The Netherlands

• The  train journey from to Den Bosch  only takes one hour.
• Stay at Boutique Hotel The Duke .
• Take a look at the stunning St. Jan’s Cathedral and meet Van Gogh at Noord-Brabants Museum .
• All top things to do in Den Bosch .

I absolutely adore Deventer and I really think you should go and visit this colourful, vibrant and romantic small city in the east of The Netherlands. Deventer is one of the beautiful Dutch Hansa Towns and the old city centre seems to have walked straight out of a fairytale book. Take a ferry across the IJssel river for a perfect view over the Deventer skyline as well as a visit to the sprawling gentrified area and go to Piknik and Fooddock.

Plan your visit to Deventer

• It’s easy to travel to Deventer: the  train journey  from Amsterdam only takes an hour.
• One of the coolest hotels in The Netherlands can be found in Deventer. Hotel FINCH is a beautiful boutique hotel in a lovely historical building.
• Take a look at all top things to do in Deventer .

When you hear Gouda , cheese immediately springs to mind. And that’s because it originates from the Dutch city of Gouda. In summer you will have the opportunity to visit the traditional cheese market, though the historical cheese weighing house and brand new Cheese Experience are open year-round. But don’t linger on the cheese, please. Because Gouda main church has amazing stained glass panels and the city has cute canals, cobbled streets and beautiful courtyards.

Plan your trip to Gouda

• There’s a direct train from Amsterdam to Gouda , which runs regularly. The journey takes about 45 minutes. 
• Find a hotel in Gouda , for example   Relais & Châteaux Weeshuis Gouda .
• Don’t forget to visit the stunning St. Janskerk  and Museum Gouda .
• View all top things to do in Gouda .

Groningen has to be the most interesting city in the north of The Netherlands. Personally, I think it’s due to the historical university still being one of The Netherands’ most popular places to study, luring tons of new students to Groningen every year. This has lead to a relaxed atmosphere and super cool café scene. Groningen is also home to some great museums and cutting edge architecture. The city also serves as a perfect basecamp to discover the other sights in the north of The Netherlands

Visit Groningen, The Netherlands

• Take a direct train from Amsterdam to Groningen , the trip takes around two hours.
• It’s not that hard to find a super cool, yet affordable, hotel in Groningen . I especially like The Social Hub for its trendy vibe.
• Don’t forget to join a canal cruise in Groningen and visit the cutting edge Groninger Museum .
• See all top things to do in Groningen .

Haarlem has to be one of the most beautiful city in The Netherlands. To me, I feel this is the ultimate Dutch city. Haarlem has everything you would expect from a Dutch city. Gabled golden-aged buildings and streets, museums filled with work by top Dutch masters, a thriving café and restaurant scene and the opportunity to explore the city from the water. Haarlem is really close to Amsterdam, but feels a lot more unique due to very little crowds. If accommodation turns out to be too expensive for you in Amsterdam, Haarlem is the perfect aletrantive.

Travel to Haarlem, The Netherlands

• Simply take the train from Amsterdam to Haarlem . It takes about 15 minutes to get to Haarlem.
• I love several hotels in Haarlem ,  for example Boutique Hotel Staats .
• Discover Haatlem by bike like a true Dutchman
• Check out all top things to do in Haarlem .

Leeuwarden , capital of the province of Friesland and European cultural capital of 2018, is an unexpected pleasure to visit. The flanks of the canals are flanked by cosy cafés and are a joy to cycle along, but also discover the city’s museums and cultural scene and go hunting for street art. 

Travel to Leeuwarden

• Travel by train from Amsterdam to Leeuwarden in two hours.
• Stay at the amazing Post Plaza Hotel in Leeuwarden.
• Take a self-guided walking tour in Leeuwarden .
• Check out all top things to do in Leeuwarden .

I always like to call Maastricht the most foreign city in The Netherlands. With a Roman history, Burgundian influences dating back to the French occupation and a free and fun atmosphere. Maastricht is where you go to feel like your properly on holiday, with sophisticated shopping and dining, stunning boutique hotels and excellent cultural options. Yes, Maastricht definitely has joie de vivre .

Visit Maastricht, The Netherlands

• Travel from Amsterdam to Maastricht in 2.5 hours from Amsterdam, by train.
• Stay at stunning design hotels like Townhouse Hotel or The Social Hub Maastricht .
• Read about all top things to do in Maastricht .

• Stay at Boutique Hotel The Roosevelt , a place the Dutch royals love to stay at as well (I loved it there, too!).
• Visit Zeeuws Museum , a really good museum located in a stunning historical building.
• Read about all top things to do in Middelburg .

Rotterdam is The Netherland’s contemporary answer to more classic cities, like Amsterdam, delft or The Hague. The heart of the city was completely destroyed by bombers in the second world war, but rose like a Phoenix from the ashes with the most amazing cotenporary architecture and cutting edge museums. A city break in Rotterdam will keep you entertained, full stop.

Travel to Rotterdam

• From many European cities, you can find flights to Rotterdam .
• Or travel directly from Amsterdam to Rotterdam by train .
• Having an amazing stay at old steamer SS Rotterdam .
• Top sights are, without a doubt,  Markthal , Museum Boijmans van Beuningen and Kunsthal .
• Read about all top things to do in Rotterdam .

The Hague , Den Haag in Dutch, is not only home to the government of The Netherlands, but also of Vermeer’s heart-moving The Girl with the Pearl Earing . Visit one of the many top museums in The Hague, find some cutting edge street art or take the tram to spend an afternoon at Scheveningen, The Hague Beach .

• Take a direct train from Amsterdam to The Hague .
• Stay the night at Marriott Hotel The Hague .
• Don’t leave Den Haag without visiting Mauritshuis , Escher in het Paleis and Gevangenpoort .
• Check out all top things to do in The Hague .

Utrecht is considered the cheaper, quieter and cosier alternative to Amsterdam, with a adorable historical city centre, canals, parks, great museums, lively cafés and one of the prettiest church towers in The Netherlands. And Holland’s largest fairytale castle De Haar is just a stone’s throw away.

• A train trip from Amsterdam to Utrecht only takes 25 minutes.
• Stay at beautiful Mother Goose Hotel or Hotel The Nox .
• Join a bike tour in Utrecht to see all the top sights and beautiful parks.
• Don’t forget to visit Centraal Museum and UNESCO listed Rietveld-Schröder Huis .
• Discover all top things to do in The Netherlands .

If you’d like to get to know the Hanseatic cities in The Netherlands , Zwolle is a lovely introduction. The city has an iconic city centre, but with a modern dynamic and top gastronomical scene. Take the opportunity to have dinner in a three Michel star restaurant or buy some books in an amazingly renovated church. Zwolle will surprise you. 

• Travel from Amsterdam to Zwolle by train in a little over an hour.
• Definitely stay the night at beautiful Pillows Boutique Hotel .
• Discover the highlights of Zwolle during a bike tour.
• Highlights in Zwolle are Museum de Fundatie and bookshop Van der Velde in de Broeren .
• Read about all top things to do in Zwolle .

Read more about The Netherlands

• How to spend 3 days in The Netherlands
• Road trip in The Netherlands
• Center Parcs Holland
• Zeeland, The Netherlands: top things to do
• Texel, The Netherlands: top things to do
• Ameland, The Netherlands: top things do to
• The most beautiful villages near Amsterdam

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10 best cities to visit in the Netherlands

Written by Maartje

The best cities to visit in the Netherlands include the Capital of Cheese, Amsterdam-like canal cities, off-the-beaten-track towns and hidden gems. Many travelers just think of Amsterdam when visiting the Netherlands. Some might even make it to other big cities like The Hague, Rotterdam , Utrecht, Groningen or Maastricht . But there’s so much more to see in the Netherlands and as Dutchies we will help you visit the most unique places in our home country. We created a list with some of the best cities to visit in the Netherlands and most of them aren’t even on the tourist radar. Learn more about our 10 favorite off-the-beaten-track cities to visit in the Netherlands beyond Amsterdam!

The best cities to visit in the Netherlands

#1 amersfoort.

Amersfoort is the perfect place for a surprising city trip! Amersfoort is built as a classical fortified city with a walled city center. There are canals surrounding that old city, making it very easy to navigate in the center. And that city wall? It is partly made out of houses! These ‘Muurhuizen’ (Wall Houses) are super cute. You can find them along almost the entire edge of the old center.

But don’t skip the ‘new’ Amersfoort. Along the river Eem and just north of the old center, ‘De Nieuwe Stad’ (The New City) was created. It has hip shops and concept stores, museums, a private beach and some nice places to grab a bite. Especially the restaurant Kroast right on the water is a must. Kroast is located in an old industrial buidling and you can see see very well that it used to be a factory.

And the best shops? Coffee bars and lunch spots? We also made you a hotspot guide for Amersfoort. Check the pins on the map below. Our recommendation for a place to sleep? The monumental Hotel de Tabaksplant !

The Amsterdam canals, but without the tourists? Go to Leiden! This beautiful historic city is one of our favourites. Sebastiaan even lived there for three years on one of the canals. Maartje has been coming to Leiden for the best museums since she was a kid. Because Leiden has the best museums! You can spot mummies in the Archeology Museum, dinos in Naturalis, world treasures in the Museum Volkenkunde and the human body at Corpus. Also don’t miss the botanical gardens and the observatory!

Tip: rent a small boat for a cruise through the canals of Leiden!

And where to go for food or drinks? At Chummy they serve the best coffee, Roast and Toast serves delicious sandwiches, ROOS has the most instagrammable breakfast, De Waag is a beautiful location, Lot & De Walvis has a wonderful living room atmosphere and Logica is a must for vegetarians and vegans. Leiden is also the perfect place for vintage shopping and getting some interior items at beautiful concept stores. Check our hotspot map below for the best places!

Near big brother Amsterdam, is historic Haarlem. The entire city is concentrated around the central church. The weekly market on the ‘Grote Markt’ (central square) near the ‘Grote Kerk’ (central church) is on Saturdays and Mondays. The church itself is also worth a visit. The famous Haarlem artist Frans Hans is buried here. Where to get another glimpse into the history of the city? Go to the medieval courtyards. We have pinned a few of these historic, green oases for you on our city map. Via this link , you can find a nice free city walk along many of these courtyards.

In the narrow streets and authentic lanes of Haarlem, you will find the best museums and shops. We especially recommend the Teylers Museum for historical science (fossils!) and the Frans Hals museum for work by the old master Frans Hals. You can find the best shops in the ‘Gouden Straatjes’ (Golden Streets) around the central market and the church. Recommended are the concept stores DPRTMNT, Trendrecipe, Sjakies, and NYHVN. Men should go to Jan Heidema Meesterbarbier for a traditional shave.

For the tastiest beers, we’ll send you to Sebastian’s favourite brewers Jopen (Jopenkerk or their own beer room) or Uiltje Craft Beer (the brewery or bar). Other hotspots are coffee bars Mica and Wolkers, vegan hotspot and coffee bar Native, restaurants Fortuyn and Table 24, lunch spot By Lima and Dutch pancake restaurant Meneertje Pannekoek. More spots? Check our map below!

Delft is within cycling distance of our hometown Rotterdam, so we come here super often. Sebastiaan knows everything about this city as he spent his student days in Delft. Tourists have discovered historic Delft. But the Dutch themselves don’t come to Vermeer’s town that often.

What attracts so many tourists? The Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles ( Royal Delft ), the only Delft Blue producer left since the seventeenth century! Other cultural highlights are the Prinsenhof where Father of the Nation William of Orange was murdered, the Old and New Church where our royal house is buried and the Vermeer Museum .

We mainly come for the great coffee and lunch spots. Our favourites are Galerie uit de Kunst, ‘t Postkantoor, Pleck, Hummus, Kek and Wildgroei. The best stores are the green oasis Groene Vingers and concept stores Loco Lama, Instore Conceptstore and LU-ST. Lost your way between all these names? We pinned them all on this hotspot map.

#5 Middelburg

The capital city of the province of Zeeland is also a fantastic place for a city trip! The picturesque streets, historical monument and location near the beach can easily entertain you for a whole weekend – or longer. Historical highlights are the characteristic Abbey and the impressive City Hall. In the gothic building of the Vleeshal, you can find changing exhibitions of mostly modern art.

Another tip is the Kloveniersdoelen, a national monument from the seventeenth century. In addition to a cafe, terrace and garden room, this beautiful building also has a cinema with arthouse films. Other tips for food or drinks are ‘t Vliegendt Hert, lunch spot Honeypie, fish restaurant Basalt, sourdough bread from Luuks and coffee bar RØST. Craving for some cake? Then you should go to De Juf or Honeypie! Of course you’ll need a nice place to sleep for your weekend trip. How about boutique hotel The Roosevelt ? Or bed and breakfast Nr. 19 Bed & Bubbles ?

#6 Den Bosch

Den Bosch – or in full: ‘s-Hertogenbosch – is one of the most dynamic cities in Brabant. The most famous resident of the city was the artist Hieronymus Bosch, so many activities are dedicated to him. You can view replicas of his work at the Jheronimus Bosch Art Center. Another way to experience the historical part of the city is during a boat tour through the narrow canals of the city! You need to be at the Noordbrabants Museum for the work of that other Brabant celebrity artist Van Gogh. The Design Museum also offers modern art.

Tip: the best ‘Bossche bollen’ – a local cake with cream and chocolate – are sold at the Jan de Groot pastry shop!

And what are the must-see hotspots in Den Bosch? La Folie for antiques, Tum Tum for old Dutch sweets, Oak for Scandinavian design or Vintage Room for interior items. For theater, film, food and drinks you can go to Verkadefabriek, the old cookie factory on the outskirts of the city. You can drink coffee at CoffeeLab, eco-friendly cocktails at The Green Bar and beers at local favourite Café In de Kleine Werelt. Oerwoud is a great concept store with lots of plants and smoothies (bowls).

For one of the most surprising city trips in the Netherlands, you should go to the small village of Zutphen. This small town is – just like Arnhem – located in the middle of the beautiful Veluwe. On your city trip to Zutphen, a visit to Dutch nature is therefore a must.

Tip: need more tips for the Veluwe? Read this blog!

And the city itself? The old center has beautiful historical building, atmospheric streets and squares and great shops and places to eat. Recommended are BroodCafé, Hibou, Living and Giving, Mooi, Uffie’s, Su & Jill, Bij D’n Open Haard, Radijs, the Broederenkerk with a bookstore, Van Rossum’s coffee and vegan hotspot Safa.

The place where the most famous cheese in the Netherlands comes from! Every Thursday morning in the summer, there’s a traditional cheese market on the central square. But there is so much more than cheese in Gouda. This small town in South Holland has perhaps the most beautiful town hall in the country. You can admire the most beautiful rooms for a small fee! A city walk is also a must to discover the historic center. At the local tourist office, you can buy a good walking map for a small price, but you can also find a free option via this link.

Tip: download the Xplore Gouda app for the best tips for your city trip!

You can find the best hotspots in Gouda close together. In only one street, are the concept stores Karakter and Heb ik Via. For the best games, you have to be just a few meters further for the Speeldoos or Goudse Spellenwinkel. For food, you have to go to vegan hotspot Curcuma. Other tips are Miss Nice Banana, Kruim, Koffiefabriek and Barista Café.

Breda is the city where Maartje lived for the first nineteen years of her life! When the sun’s out, you can find all locals enjoying the weather on the terraces in the city centre. But Breda is also a good option in a winter atmosphere: the Christmas market and the city decorations will bring you the perfect holiday vibe. For some culture, a visit to the Gothic church is a must. The architecture is beautiful and from the top, you have a fantastic view.

More culture? The coolest graffiti art is all over the city! You will spot this Blind Wall Gallery pretty much everywhere, but you can also actively search for it. Download the app or check out the map on the site. You can find both via this link.

Breda is a also great place for some shopping and some hotspot hopping. We have more tips than we can list here. How about having lunch at In Kannen & Kruiken, Yirga, Vermut, Sowieso or Kamu? Fine dining at The boys of Zand en Klei, Liefdesgesticht or Pampelonne? Or coffee at Teun, cupcakes at Aunt Betsie and drinks at wine bar Petit Bardot? For shopping, we recommend the concept stores De Nieuwe Winkel, Swan Store Breda, Brandpunt and Noos31. We have of course pinned all these tips and more on the hotspot map below.

Few cities bring you as much different sights as Arnhem. The nature of the Veluwe is within reach and the city itself is beautifully historic. And it’s bursting with fun hotspots!

Recommended for a drink and a snack are wine bar Iveau and restaurant Stan & Co. The Bos & Heij concept store/breakfast and lunch spot is also worth a visit. After your coffee, breakfast or lunch you can browse through vintage items and designs from new or lessser known designers here. Not much further down the same street, is cooking mecca Pollmann. The beautiful crockery makes you want to bring everything home. Other recommendations? Humanoid (in an old church), Lost in Wonderland, Loft, Heaven, Brew2Cup, Babo Café and Froufrous.

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25 Best Towns and Cities in the Netherlands to Visit in Your Lifetime

If you’re looking for the best towns and cities in the Netherlands to visit in your lifetime, you’ve come to the right place.

The first things that come to mind when you think about this country are probably canals, windmills, tulips, museums, and stroopwafel, but it is so much more than that.

It’s also where I found kind locals, a welcoming atmosphere, and an abundance of charm I cannot explain in words. So if you’re ready to learn more about this incredible destination, here’s a must-save bucket list.

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

Table of Contents

Towns and Cities to Visit in the Netherlands’ Western Provinces

Starting with the obvious, a trip to the Netherlands has to include at least a couple of days in Amsterdam.

Beyond its picturesque canals, internationally famous museums, and historical landmarks, people fall in love with its laid-back vibe and inviting atmosphere.

The highlights of this beautiful city include the Royal Palace, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Rembrandt House Museum, and Oude Kerk (a 13th-century church/art center and the oldest building in Amsterdam), but you’ll literally find dozens of museums in Amsterdam and other fun things to do and see.

Amsterdam also offers a fantastic food scene and buzzing nightlife (there are literally dozens of pubs, clubs, and rooftop bars in Amsterdam ), and it’s a great base for exploring other towns and cities in the Netherlands.

Last but not least, it might seem like it’s only a popular destination for groups of friends, but you can also visit Amsterdam with kids .

By Kat from Wandering Bird

Volendam is a tiny but popular village built on the shores of Markermeer Lake and is one of the most charming places in the Netherlands. 

It’s famous for the colorful wooden houses along the lakefront and the cute shops. There’s a museum – home to paintings, sculptures, and pottery from the past 200 years, as well as a mosaic made from millions of cigar bands!

It’s also known for the local cheese – be sure to try some from one of the stores which make and sell it. 

You can get to Volendam by public transport or tour on a day trip from Amsterdam, but the best way to visit is with your own vehicle.

This will allow you to stay longer and enjoy the evening atmosphere once the crowds have gone, as well as watch the beautiful sunset from the beach by the lake.

If you’re  motorhoming in the Netherlands , there’s a wonderful campsite right on the beach. There are also several hotels and BnBs to choose from.

By Sam from  My Flying Lea p

When you think of the Netherlands, tulips and windmills are the iconic images that come to mind.

The best place to see windmills is Zaandijk, a village in the Dutch countryside that’s just a short train ride north of Amsterdam.

Zaandijk is known for its specialty museum, Zaanse Schans. It’s a recreated Dutch village with picturesque windmills and brightly painted wooden homes. In Zaanse Schans, you can step back in time to the 17th and 18th centuries and tour the windmills. 

Go on a canal cruise, learn how to make the famous Dutch wooden shoes, tour a bakery and cheese shop, and try a freshly-made stroopwafel with coffee. One taste of the melted caramel, and you’ll wonder how you ever did without them.

Though there’s much more to the town of Gouda than just cheese, if you decide to visit this charming place, you have to immerse yourself in some cheese-related activities.

These include learning about it at the Gouda Cheese Experience, visiting the De Goudse Waag (the weighting house), and witnessing the rituals of the traditional Cheese Market (taking place in front of the old City Hall on Thursday mornings from April to August).

Other visit-worthy places in Gouda are the Sint-Jan Church, Syrup Waffle Factory (perfect for stroopwafel addicts like me), and Museumhaven – an open-air museum preserving old Dutch ships (located in one of the city’s canals).

By Samantha from  Sam Sees World

Haarlem is one of the best city breaks in the Netherlands for its beauty and unmistakable charm.

It has been dubbed a “mini Amsterdam,” and it offers a welcome escape from the busy streets of the Dutch capital. The less-touristy environment makes Haarlem the perfect place to visit if you want to see a real and vibrant Dutch city.

One of the top things to do in Haarlem is to visit the famous Grote Markt. It is located in the center of the city and is full of great restaurants, charming cafes, and stunning landmarks.

After this, you can walk to Molen de Adriaan, which is an iconic Dutch windmill in the city center. As one of Haarlem’s most famous landmarks (that has been around since the 18th century), it is a must-visit!

By Emma from Emma Jane Explores

Kinderdijk  is a UNESCO-listed village in Molenlanden, located near the city of Rotterdam. This gorgeous area is famous for the rows and rows of windmills that pump water and essentially stop the region from flooding.  

The windmills here are also home to the village residents and have been on the land at Kinderdijk since the 1700s.

There are many walking and cycling trails that make the town easy to explore at your own pace, and for those wanting to take a peek inside, there is even a museum in a preserved windmill that gives a sense of what life is like here.

Here, you’ll see glimpses of real Dutch life, from millers working hard with wooden clogs on their feet to farm animals and livestock in the fields, all against the backdrop of the remarkable windmills. It’s hard to imagine a more quintessentially Dutch scene.

By Nicole from Bucket List Lists

One of the best towns to visit in the Netherlands is Lisse! Visiting this town is something you can easily add to your  Amsterdam bucket list  because of how close it is, about 16 miles (25.5 km) away.

Getting to Lisse is quite easy if you are based in Amsterdam. You can take the bus, and the ride is just under an hour, or take a car for about 30 minutes, traffic dependent.

Lisse is notable as the most beautiful place to see tulips in the springtime . There are millions of tulips to see here in the famous Keukenhof Flower Garden, usually from the end of March to the middle of May.

Other places to visit in Lisse include Castle Keukenhof and Sint-Agathakerk.

By Nichola from Globalmouse Travels

Rotterdam is a great city to visit at any time of the year. Extensively bombed during WWII, Rotterdam can’t rely on picturesque beauty like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and so many other Dutch towns.

So it has imaginatively reinvented itself, and everywhere you go, there are interesting buildings and quirky architecture to delight in.

There’s plenty to see here from Mini World to the Maritime Museum, and if you’re visiting  the Netherlands with kids , don’t miss the wonderful Plaswijckpark, which is huge and full of fun activities and play equipment to enjoy.

There’s a great emerging foodie scene in Rotterdam too, making it the perfect place to linger over meals and try different food. It’s somewhere very different from the usual offerings in the Netherlands, and there’s so much to enjoy here.

You can easily get from Amsterdam to Rotterdam by train.

By Jennifer of  Family Trip Guide s

The town of Wassenaar is just 14 miles (22.5 km) from The Hague and 33.5 miles (54 km) from Amsterdam, but it feels like a world away.

In the spring, you can drive and walk around the beautiful flower and tulip fields that are protected from the ocean by the dunes surrounding Wassenaar.

The main attraction in the town is the delightful Duinrell Holiday Park. It was opened in 1935 but has been modernly updated. It is located in a beautiful forest near the dunes, a kilometer from town.

There is an endless supply of fun for all ages at Duinrell. It has the largest waterpark in the Benelux with 21 slides. Also, the amusement park includes over 40 different attractions.

On your way back, make sure to drive through the most expensive street in the Netherlands, Groot Haesebroekseweg, just south of Duinrell.

By Constance from The Adventures of Panda Bear

Leiden is a quaint college town, located approximately 40 minutes away from Amsterdam by train. Home to Leiden University, it is famous for being Rembrandt van Rijn’s birthplace, as well as its plethora of museums. 

As Rembrandt’s hometown, you’ll find Rembrandtpark in Leiden, which includes a statue and a mural commemorating the life and work of the great Dutch artist. It is a relaxing spot for a short stroll and is the perfect place to eat lunch or take in the views of the nearby windmill, Molen de Put. 

You’ll also find a few interesting museums in Leiden, including the National Museum of Antiquities, Naturalist Biodiversity Center, Leiden American Pilgrim Museum, and Museum of Ethnology.

The National Museum of Antiquities has an especially large collection of antiquities from Ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome. It is well worth the visit if you’re a history buff. 

You’ll definitely want to add  Leiden to your Netherlands itinerary ! 

Although it’s the third-largest city in the country, the Hague might not come to mind when thinking about beautiful places to visit in the Netherlands. But, in fact, it can be a wonderful day trip from Amsterdam.

First of all, the city is home to must-visit art museums like Mauritshuis, Kunstmuseum Den Haag, and Escher in Het Paleis.

It’s also where you’ll find unique museums like the Children’s Book Museum, Prison Gate Museum (Museum de Gevangenpoort), and my favorite – Madurodam – an impressive open-air miniature park.

In the Hague, you can also wander the streets of the city center and visit places like the old town hall, Peace Palace, and Noordeinde Palace.

Best Cities to Visit in the Netherlands’ Central Provinces

Thanks to a compact yet utterly enchanting historic city center, Amersfoort is a must-visit on a trip to the Netherlands.

Some of its highlights include the Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren (the third-tallest church tower in the Netherlands), Koppelpoort (a picturesque medieval watergate), St George’s Church, and Mondriaan House.

To enjoy Amersfoort’s true charm, take your time and roam its maze of streets, alleys, and canals, which will make you want to move there. Don’t miss out on the circular street of Muurhuizen, which is where the city walls used to stand.

By Nichola from Family Hotel Expert

The picturesque city of Utrecht is just a forty-minute drive south of Amsterdam, and here you will find an incredible selection of activities to entertain everyone.

Start at the Nijntje Museum (or Miffy Museum), which celebrates the work of illustrator Dick Bruna who created the bright and colorful rabbit Miffy, perfect if you’re on a  family holiday to Holland .

Take a stroll along the canals and over the bridges of Utrecht to take in the city’s uniquely sedate way of life before climbing the Dom Tower in the heart of the old town (where you can get spectacular views of Utrecht’s historic architecture).

Seek out the Museum Speelklok, where ancient mechanical musical machines sit alongside Dutch street organs, before grabbing a pancake or two at De Muntkelder, one of the finest local pancake houses.

End your day with a peaceful pedalo ride along the canals for a unique view of this endearing city.

Best Cities in the Netherlands to Visit in Its Southern Provinces

By Daniela from Exploring the Netherlands

They call Maastricht “the pearl of the South,” and indeed, Maastricht is one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands. It’s also a popular day-trip destination among the locals.

One of the  most famous attractions in Maastricht  is the Dominicanen Bookstore, located in a former Gothic church. For the best views of the city, climb the tower of St John’s Church.

Afterward, relax at one of the cafés on the famous Vrijthof Square. In the winter, the most magical Christmas market in the Netherlands takes place in this square, and in the summer, the world-famous conductor André Rieu and his orchestra are having performances.

Stroll along the cobbled streets and discover the small squares scattered around the old town. Take a look at the ramparts, and walk along the oldest bridge in the city – St Servatius Bridge. If you love modern art, visit the lovely Bonnefanten Museum.

Super scenic and rich in history, Middelburg has to be on your Netherlands bucket list.

It’s one of the oldest cities in the country and home to countless landmarks, including the Long John Abbey Tower, Town Hall, and Middelburg Abbey.

You’ll also fall in love with its picture-perfect old harbor, historic center packed with restaurants and shops, and weekly market, taking place on Thursdays.

On paper, it might seem similar to other cities in the Netherlands, but Middelburg has its own charm, and visiting it is a great way to explore the country off the beaten path.

Located in the province of North Brabant near the border with Belgium, Breda is one of the top cities in the Netherlands. From the city center’s bustling streets to museums to historical buildings, there’s plenty to do and see here.

Visit landmarks like the Breda Castle, Bouvigne Castle, and Great Church, explore the quirky Bierreclame Museum (Beer Advertising Museum), and have a cup of coffee or a beer at one of Breda’s many restaurants and cafes.

Located about half an hour by car and less than 45 minutes by public transport from Breda, you should also visit the incredible Efteling theme park. It’s where beloved fairytales come to life in the most majestic way, and even as an adult, I guarantee you’ll get excited like a kid!

By Frans from Ask the Dutch Guy

Eindhoven  is the fifth biggest city in the Netherlands. Besides the Philips Museum, which is one of the most renowned attractions in the city, it’s also a vibrant center of creative design.

There are a lot of museums and modern architecture worth seeing when you’re in this part of the Netherlands, and Eindhoven was even named as the world’s most innovative city by Forbes. 

Eindhoven is also a foodie paradise! There are many places to eat here, and you can find almost anything here, whether you fancy Dutch food or you’re looking for some Asian fusion. 

While you’re here, make sure you stop by at the Strijp-S, a former warehouse turned into a creative area filled with independent shops and quirky architecture to enjoy. Indeed, there’s something here for everyone, and you should definitely experience it!

Do you love city escapes? Here are the best European winter breaks , the perfect travel sneakers roundup, and the best cities to visit in Poland , Hungary , Portugal , Germany , and Austria !

Prettiest Towns and Cities in the Netherlands’ Northern Provinces

By Lotte from Eschbach Consulting

Leeuwarden is the capital of the province of Friesland, found in the north of the Netherlands. As the European Cultural Capital of 2018, it should come as no surprise that Leeuwarden has plenty to offer!  

The historic city center is very walkable, and there are several worthwhile attractions to be found here. Climb to the top of ‘de Oldehove,’ Leeuwarden’s very own tilted tower.

Families with young kids are advised to park their strollers at the bottom of the tower and carry their children up. While there is an elevator to the first floor, you’ll have to climb some stairs to get to the next level, which has the best views.  

Follow the Miniature People Route and discover little puppets hidden all around the city center. Or visit the Natural Museum of Fryslân where you can learn more about the history of the area and the surrounding nature.

By Victoria from  Guide Your Travel

Groningen is a mid-sized Dutch city located in the north of the Netherlands.

This is a popular student city with vibrant nightlife and plenty of things to do (and surprisingly, even some expats choose to live in Groningen ). You should come here for beautiful architecture, a laid-back atmosphere, and great bars and restaurants.

Definitely stop by the Groninger Museum, which has an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures.

For an experience closer to nature, head to the Lauwersmeer National Park, which lies just outside the city. This is a beautiful spot to watch wildlife and enjoy hiking or bike rides.

You’ll also love the city’s many landmarks like the Aa-Kerk, the Groningen Synagogue, the Martinikerk, and the impressive Martinitoren.

You should spend at least a weekend in Groningen if not more to see all the important sights. Don’t forget to pack your camera!

Most Beautiful Towns and Cities in the Netherlands’ Eastern Provinces

By Paulina from Paulina on the Road

The protected city of Nijmegen is the oldest in the Netherlands and will remind you of Roman times. It is a great place to visit as it is full of magnificent historic buildings and plazas that are centuries old.

Plus, it is the home to the country’s oldest shopping street, the Lange Hezelstraat. It also offers a bunch of things to do and see. 

Start with visiting the Museum De Bastei to discover the nature and the phenomenal history of the river region, from ice-age animals to water management. Followed by it, soak up centuries of historical stories at the Wijchen Castle.

Apart from the popular landmarks, the city also has exciting nightlife offers from cozy pubs to hip clubs. Don’t miss out on shopping for  hemp clothing brands  from the city’s oldest shopping streets. Surround yourself with lively parks, squares, and cafes.

By Dymphe from  Dym Abroad

One of the best cities to see in the Netherlands is Zwolle. It is a wonderful place to visit with its historic center and the interesting buildings within it. Its houses have a beautiful architectural style, and the city’s history goes back almost 1200 years!

What’s also fun is that Zwolle is a smaller city that is not visited by many tourists. That means that you can better experience what local life in a Dutch city is like here.

There are some great things to do and see in the city, including the Grote Kerk, the Sassenpoort Gatehouse, and Museum de Fundatie. Besides that, Zwolle is home to many restaurants serving delicious food!

Also known as the Dutch Venice, Giethoorn is what dreams are made of. Seriously, I would pack my bags and move to this picture-perfect village if it hadn’t become such a popular touristic place.

Packed with adorable houses, narrow canals, and colorful boats, Giethoorn’s beauty is best enjoyed in spring and summer, but if you’re looking for tourist-free spots in the country, this is not it.

By Cosette from KarsTravels

Deventer is an old city situated in the Northeastern of the Netherlands. Being one of the oldest cities in the country and one of the most important cities in the Hanseatic League, Deventer has a rich history.

You can discover it at Museum de Waag, a monumental building from the Middle Ages that now functions as a museum.

On a city walk, you can admire other historical buildings, like the oldest park (Worpplantsoen), the oldest stone house, and the oldest scientific library (the Athenaeumbibliotheek).

Other things you shouldn’t miss in Deventer are the Speelgoedmuseum Deventer (Toys museum) and a visit to the famous Deventer Koekwinkel, where they sell Deventer koek – a cookie made with a recipe from the Middle Ages.

When visiting in December, don’t miss the  Dickens Festival , when Deventer turns into a village from a Dickens story.

By Frans from Badass2go

As a born citizen of Steenwijk, I know every ins and outs of the city. It lays down in the middle of the Weerribben National Park with the beautiful villages of Giethoorn and Kalenberg next door.

The biggest attractions in Steenwijk include the square market with all its restaurants and shops, the Hildo Krop Museum, and of course, our own Sint Clemens Church.

This church is 87 meters high, and you definitely need to climb this one because from up there, you have a superb view over Steenwijk and its surrounding. The entrance fee is €2,50.

An insider tip is to rent an electric scooter by  Badass2go  to explore the city and its surrounding. This electric scooter looks like a Harley Davidson, and riding a bike like this is an experience on its own.

By Shobna from Just Go Places

Arnhem has to be one of the most beautiful towns in the Netherlands. Right when you come into the Arnhem train station directly from Amsterdam, you can admire the station itself, which is an award-winning architectural marvel.

Many sites in the town center are within walking distance. Make sure you see the Eusebius Church, which has recently been rebuilt after heavy bombing during WWII. There is a glass elevator that whisks you up to the top of the church tower, which has fabulous views over the surrounding countryside.

Much of the medieval town center was destroyed during WWII because the Allies launched an attack on the Nazi forces in this town. Called Operation Market Garden, the attack failed because the Nazis heavily defended the town since  Arnhem  is located at the border near Germany.

The story of Operation Market Garden is told in two war museums, including a small one near the John Frost Bridge, which was the primary objective of the attack.

Click here to access the My Maps interactive map that includes all of these places in the Netherlands.

Tip: After accessing the map, you can also open it on your Google Maps app. Simply open your app, tap the ‘saved’ icon at the bottom, scroll down and tap the ‘maps’ icon, and choose the MyMaps map you want to see (you can do the same on your computer).

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I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

15 Best Cities in Netherlands: Canals, windmills & more!

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When you think of the best cities in Netherlands , the first image that probably comes to mind is Amsterdam. But, what about all the remaining 287 cities and towns? And no, Amsterdam isn’t representative of the entire country. 

There are tons of lesser-known places like Delft or Haarlem, which are worthy of adding to the Netherlands bucket list. And these cities, with many others, have just as much to offer as the larger ones!

From countryside farmhouses to ancient castle ruins – the Netherlands has many exciting destinations. 

Each city is extremely unique, as they have different cultures, cuisines, and personal histories. Read below for travel tips throughout the beautiful country as well as our absolute favorite cities (big and small). 

Post Contents

Best Cities in Netherlands: A Tale of canals, windmills & more!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The official name of the country is the Kingdom of the Netherlands and comprises Aruba, Curacao, St Maarten, and of course ( European ) Netherlands.

Although the Netherlands only covers 16 000 square miles, it’s still able to maintain 12 diverse provinces. It’s even the world’s 4th-most densely populated country! So, you’ll never be short of new cultural, architectural, and social experiences here.

Small-Group Tours – Best cities to visit in Netherlands 

Before we share the list of cities in the Netherlands, here is a quick note about small group tours. We enjoy local tours, as it enhances our cultural experience and learning. And if you are traveling by yourself or if you wish to experience the Tulips festival or something local, then consider booking a small group tour. 

Small group tours are for 10-15 participants, and they do take good care of you – from transportation to guided sightseeing. Free time to explore on your own is also possible. Many 7-8 day tours in the Netherlands average $1000 USD (not including flights), but it includes sightseeing, accommodation, and some meals. 

Recommended Tours

• Tulips Tour – Amsterdam to Amsterdam: This is a small group tour (14 participants), starting and ending in Amsterdam. The best part about this tour is that you can explore on a bike! Find out more about this tour!
• Best of Netherlands city tours : This is a tour of the best cities in the Netherlands. Although not a small group tour, this one is offered by Trafalgar/Cosmos, who is a well-known name in escorted tours. We took a tour with them years ago, and we were quite happy with their service. As the mode of transportation is bus/coach, these packaged tours are best for budget travelers. Read about the Netherlands City tour here.  

Amsterdam – the most recognizable city in Netherlands 

The unrivaled capital city with a glorious reputation – Amsterdam is the city on everyone’s bucket list. It’s one of the continent’s most touristy cities, and understandably so. It combines a progressive and innovative spirit with medieval architecture. 

And the reason you always think of Amsterdam is that it’s all over social media with its innovative creations. It has a picturesque setting, as well as ‘insta-famous’ museums and foodie, havens. On our 2-day Amsterdam trip , we made sure to include eating the famous fries (from Manneken Pis) – the perfect bite while sitting along the canals.

And speaking of, Amsterdam actually has more canals than Venice. This is pretty visible since the canals make up one-quarter of the city’s area. The canals offer a retreat from the bustling city and each one is prettier than the next! 

The city also has a rich history that you should explore. We suggest visiting the Rijksmuseum and The Anne Frank House. Book from Amsterdam: World War II and Anne Frank Tour

Utrecht – Cozy cafe culture, and the 4th largest city in the Netherlands 

If you admire Amsterdam but aren’t a fan of the masses of tourists, then you’ll absolutely love Utrecht. It also features clusters of canals along with brick-facade buildings just as Amsterdam does, but with a more Dutch ambiance. 

It’s the country’s 4th-largest city and is actually one of the oldest cities too. A testament to this is the striking St. Martin’s Cathedral. It has existed since the late 16th century and dominates the city’s skyline with its Dom Tower. 

We’ve also noticed an increase in other modern highrise buildings in the city’s skyline. And that’s what we loved about Utrecht – it’s multi-faceted in terms of architecture. 

Its population is made up of a mixed demographic as it is home to many students, both local and international. Although it’s one of the closest cities near Amsterdam (25 minutes by train), the two cities have totally different atmospheres.

Utrecht is much more laidback and boasts a cozy cafe culture. And we have to admit, there are some really impressive ones here. Some top picks include Karibu and Broei.

Delft – another canal city in the Netherlands, with a piece of royalty and heritage 

This is yet another brimming canal city in the Netherlands but is situated in the south of the country. Delft isn’t just any city, it actually holds strong historical and landmark value for Dutch heritage. That’s because it is the burial grounds of the Royal Family. 

You’ll find extravagant, medieval architecture here with high-reaching spires. One of the most exquisite buildings in the city is undoubtedly the Gothic New Church. This is the largest of the city and actually where the tombs of the Royal Family are stored.

Delft is situated between The Hague and Rotterdam and offers visitors a very quaint Dutch experience. You’ll find striking churches, cobblestoned alleyways, and medieval structures that have been maintained until today. The city center is a car-free zone so you can really enjoy a peaceful walk around the historic buildings.

It’s also home to the last remaining Royal Delft Factory, where the world-renowned blue and white pottery is made . You can buy tickets for the Delft blue Factory and Museum here.

Volendam – A city of lovely promenades and colorful houses in the Netherlands 

Volendam is another one of the cities near Amsterdam that could be done as a day trip. There’s actually a direct bus from Amsterdam Central Station that takes just under 30 minutes. It’s a lakeside fishing town with a harbor and a maze of colorful houses. 

It’s got a lovely promenade walk along Lake IJsselmeer, the country’s largest lake (it spans 425 miles squared). It also feeds into the North Sea, so the fishing trade is flourishing in this village. There’s a more religious and Catholic community that lives here, in comparison to Amsterdam. 

Volendam is also infamous for its fun and entertaining photo opportunities at Foto de Boer. Here, you’ll be styled by professionals and fitted into Dutch outfits that were worn centuries ago. You’ll wear items such as Klompen, which are the wooden clog shoes that the Dutch used to wear in the medieval era. 

This experience is both entertaining and informative, and it’s great for those who still love playing dress-up . Purchase your ticket for the Volendam photo opportunity in traditional Dutch costumes.

Maastricht – of history, Roman Ruins in the Netherlands 

Geographically, we’re quite fascinated by Maastricht’s positioning in the country. Take a moment to scope a map of the Netherlands cities – you’ll notice how removed it is from the rest of the country, plus it’s extremely close to Belgium. 

Maastricht is located in the province of Limburg – one of the lesser-visited provinces in the country. But Maastricht’s positioning actually led it to be part of Spain from the late 16th to mid-17th centuries. And it was even under French ruling three different times! This ended in the early 19th century.

So, it’s safe to say that there are many international influences here. And this is noticeable in the different accents you’ll hear in Limburg in comparison to the rest of the country. But other than accents, Limburg has its own cuisine that you just have to try when visiting Maastricht. We recommend the Cherry Pie which is locally known as the Limburgse Kersenvlaai.  

Another really cool activity to do in Maastricht is exploring the Caves of St. Pieter. These were established as far back as the Roman era and consist of more than 20 000 tunnels.

The Hague (Den Haag) – the well known UN city in the Netherlands 

The Hague is a coastal city on the banks of the North Sea. It’s one of the only major cities that boasts more than 6 miles of shoreline, so you can have the perfect beach retreat here. The white-sand beaches in Scheveningen are a must-see.  

It serves an important political function for the country because it’s the government’s operating city. It’s also one of the most international places in the Netherlands, with many overseas companies and over 100 embassies located here. The United Nations International Court of Justice is located here.

What’s interesting is that the city dates as far back as the 1200s, when it actually began as a royal hunting residence. Fast forward 400 years and the Spaniards settled here, too. And you can imagine with such an eventful history, that there are countless museums and historical landmarks. And you’re right. 

The marvelous and very impressive Binnenhof complex is a landmark that will undoubtedly catch your eye. This is where the Dutch parliament is located and is the world’s longest-running parliamentary building .  Book a spot on The Hague Walking Tour to see this and more attractions.

Groningen – A city in Northern Netherlands with a picturesque town center

Groningen is in Northern Netherlands and has a medieval, picturesque town square. Here, you’ll find a Gothic Church that is adorned with an ancient clocktower. But, this isn’t the only tower you’ll be wanting to visit in Groningen.

Did you know that this city in the Netherlands is only 15 minutes away from Europe’s most leaning tower ? And we don’t mean the Tower of Pisa, contrary to popular belief. That’s because Dutch experts have now claimed that the St. Walfridus Church’s tower, for its height, leans more. 

Groningen has a huge student presence, so you’ll find it has an energetic and youthful atmosphere. Find out more cool facts about Groningen on a private tour with a local.

Haarlem – a place for retail therapy – shopping in the Netherlands 

Haarlem has some of the best shopping opportunities in the country as well as cute cafes and hidden bars. A top-pick is De DAKKAS. It’s a sort-of hidden rooftop bar that sometimes has live music performances. But you didn’t hear this from us.

If you find yourself looking for places to visit in the Netherlands in May, then you need to diarize the 5th. This is a historically important day for the entire country as it marks the day the Netherlands was liberated and freed from WWII in 1945. In celebration of this, many local Dutch DJs (some of the best in the world) play at a huge festival here. And, it’s free!

Nijmegen – One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands 

We’ve been mentioning how in some cities you’ll find some of the earliest structures in the country. But, the oldest city of significance today is Nijmegen. This is a really enjoyable and exciting place to visit. 

It emerged as the largest Roman military camp in the 1st century due to its positioning on the Waal River. So you can expect to find the ancient ruins here that have been well-preserved. You can experience Roman traditions as they have been passed down through the generations. 

The wider Nijmegen area boasts some impressive natural features like the unique 10-mile N70 Walking Route. It trails through forested hills that could be some of the highest you’ll see in the country.

Giethoorn – a postcard-worthy Dutch village 

If you feel like Netherlands cities lack a bit of greenery, Giethoorn will certainly impress you. It’s a postcard-worthy Dutch village that actually has no cars, so it’s extremely peaceful. You’ll either be walking on the many wooden bridges here or cruising on a boat. Your choice.  

It still sticks to the waterway tradition, having 4 miles worth of canals. The houses you’ll find here are thatch-roofed, which gives it a rural, remote feel.

And we’re sure you’ll appreciate the fresh air and spacious green gardens. This small village transports you right back to nature as you’ll find forests, lakes, and other bodies of water here.

We strongly suggest you do the Giethoorn Walking Route, which spans more than 2 miles. It trails pass the farmhouses and waterways that are brimming with boats. It even takes you over several scenic wooden bridges. But, that’s not the only walking you can do here, because you can visit the Netherlands countryside too. 

The countryside quite literally borders the village because of the Weerribben-Wieden National Park neighboring it. And this isn’t just any National Park, it’s one of Europe’s largest fens (a type of wetland) . Book a Giethoorn Sightseeing Tour from Amsterdam.

Rotterdam – One of the most unique cities in the Netherlands, and a resilient one! 

Although we say that every Netherlands city is unique, we think that Rotterdam is the most unique. That’s because it’s the country’s most multicultural city. Rotterdam is and has been the melting pot of many different cultures and nationalities, with more than 170 ethnicities.

As we’ve mentioned, each city in the Netherlands serves a different purpose for the country. But the city that serves a very important function for the entire continent is the port city of Rotterdam. This is the country’s second-largest city as well as the largest and busiest port in Europe. 

Rotterdam is often criticized for being too modern and industrial, but we find this to be somewhat untrue. You can still find plenty of traditional Dutch elements throughout the city, like the harbor area of Delfshaven. Here, you’ll find canals and brick-facade buildings, just like other Dutch cities. 

But, as modern as Rotterdam feels, its modernity is tied to a sad history of destruction. During the Second World War, almost all of the city center was destroyed. So, be kind – it’s been through the most.

Rotterdam is home to one of the ten UNESCO sites in the Netherlands . Van Nelle Factory was built in the 1920s and is an example of constructivist architecture in the country. 

Some highlights of Rotterdam are the Erasmus Bridge (for skyline views of the city) and catching a water taxi to SS Rotterdam (a hotel on a ship with restaurants and terraces) . Book a Private Architecture Tour of Rotterdam here.

Leiden – City with the oldest university in the country (and close to the tulip fields)

If you want to find a few of the oldest places in the Netherlands, then a trip to Leiden is necessary. This includes the country’s first theatre (built in the 1700s), the first botanical gardens (opened since the 1500s), and the oldest university in the country (since 1575).  

So, we can assure you that Leiden will keep you busy with its fortunes of monuments and attractions. One of the city’s major attractions is the Rhine River, which cuts through the city. 

Here, you’ll find important landmarks, such as the Burcht van Leiden which lies on the confluence of the Rhine and the Nieuwe Rijn Rivers. This is a fascinating historical structure that acted as a military base and residence. It dates back as far as the 1100s! 

What’s particularly exciting about Leiden is its close and convenient positioning near ‘The Garden of Europe’ – the world-renowned Tulip Fields. Also known as Keukenhof, you’ll only need to drive 25 minutes from Leiden to arrive at the Tulips . Book a tour of the Keukenhof Gardens with skip-the-line tickets and roundtrip transfers from Leiden.

Valkenburg – Visit the only castle built on a hill in the Netherlands 

Valkenburg is one of the lesser-known Dutch cities – and this really should be the contrary. But, we’ll leave it to be a hidden gem for you to discover when you’re deciding where to go in the Netherlands. It’s got ruins of an ancient castle, marl caves, and rich history. 

The population is under 20 000 people and the city was founded thanks to the development of a railway line at the end of the 19th century. And while the municipality may be fairly new, its castle was built as far back as the 12th century. It’s celebrated for still being preserved today. 

And did you know that Valkenburg Castle is the only one in the country that’s built on a hill? Surely you’ve noticed that the country as a whole, as well as almost every city in the Netherlands, is very flat.

In fact, more than half of the country sits below sea level, and the name ‘Netherlands’ translates to ‘low-lying land’. This explains why cycling here is so widespread… there aren’t any steep inclines. But Valkenburg is one of the places where you can escape from the flat landscape in the Netherlands.

Alkmaar – a ‘mini-Amsterdam’, one of the best cities in the Netherlands 

In 2018, almost 2 million pounds of cheese were produced in volume by the Netherlands. They seriously love dairy products, from cheese to milk – they indulge in every form. Cheese museums are scattered throughout the country, but the city that has the oldest cheese trade history is Alkmaar. 

The city is very close to Amsterdam and is known to be the cheese capital of the Netherlands. And that’s saying a lot, trust us. 

Alkmaar is also said by some to be a ‘mini-Amsterdam’, although a bit more traditionally Dutch. It’s a great city to visit if you want exciting nightlife. And from a wide selection of trendy bars, we’d suggest you visit Mojo’s. The area of Waagplein as well as around the Platte Stenenbrug has some really cool bars, so definitely check them out.

If you’re a dairy-fanatic like the Dutch, then book a small group Alkmaar cheese market and city tour.

Zaanse Schans – of windmills and more cheese – best cities in Netherlands 

When we visited the Netherlands, we felt it was very necessary to see the windmills. So, we decided to do a day trip to Zaanse Schans because it’s very close to Amsterdam. But also because Windmills are part of Dutch cultural heritage and act as important symbols for the nation. 

And just 10 miles north of Amsterdam lies Zaandam, a village that contains 6 operating windmills, but has a total of 13. They are all lined up along the picturesque Zaan River, and each specializes in different resources. 

The windmills aren’t all that will entertain you here, as there are museums, walking and hiking trails, as well as sailing opportunities here . Book the Zaanse Schans Windmills Half-day Tour From Amsterdam Tour here.

How to Travel in the Netherlands Cities

When traveling to the different towns in the Netherlands by train, you’ll have 400 different stations nationally. And thanks to the Netherlands being a small country, the longest travel time you can expect from Amsterdam to the furthest ends of the country is around 2 hours. From Amsterdam to Utrecht is only half an hour! 

What’s also really cool about the Dutch public transport is that from Amsterdam Schipol Airport, you can catch a direct train to many of the cities. From our list, you can travel to Maastricht, Nijmegen, Leiden, Utrecht, Rotterdam and The Hague! 

If you plan to travel to many cities in the Netherlands, then we’d advise you to invest in a Holland Pass, which grants you access to over 100 attractions across the country .  Buy a Holland Pass here (includes skip-the-line tickets).

The Best Netherlands Traveling Options

Public transport in the country is comprehensive, efficient, and secure. To travel nationally, you can buy an anonymous OV-Chipkaart which lets you top up as much as you’d like. 

You just check it in before you get on the train, and can top up at the NS ticket machines at every station. Please remember that you have to have a minimum of 20 Euros on the card in order to travel nationally.

The Dutch national railway is called Nederlandse Spoorwegen . NS is the biggest train system in the country, but not the only one. In certain parts of the country, you’ll also find Arriva Netherlands’ secondary trains scattered throughout. These are multinational lines that run through 14 countries in Europe. 

Through NS, you can also invest in the Holland Travel Ticket, which gives you unlimited access to all public transport mediums for one day only. You just buy one ticket and check it in and out wherever you go. So, now you really have no excuse for not doing a day trip! 

But, if you feel like skipping the crowds, Uber operates in the Netherlands too. You should use it instead of taxis, which overcharge tourists. Oh, and don’t forget to cycle and save money while traveling in the cities – you’ll need that cash for the national trains. We suggest you rent a bike from Swapfiets .

Is it “the Netherlands” or “Netherlands” or Holland?

The use of “The Netherlands” or “Netherlands” is a matter of preference. Conventionally, in written English, the use of “The Netherlands” is the correct way to refer to the country.

Officially, Netherlands is called the “Kingdom of the Netherlands” (use of “the” in a running text. But the Dutch call it “ Nederland “and not “ De Nederlanden ” . The only two countries in the world with the “the” article in their names are The Gambia and The Bahamas).

Anyhow, we did some research, and it looks like there are no official records to show that “the Netherlands” is correct vs “Netherlands”. Source – JurisInfluence

In terms of usage of the  Netherlands or Holland , Holland refers to the two large provinces of the country – Noord-Holland (north) and Zuid-Holland (south). The Netherlands is the name of the country as a whole.

Final Thoughts on Where to Go in the Netherlands

There’s far much more to this multifaceted than just the tourist hub (Amsterdam). And while every city may be unique and different, one characteristic that remains throughout the country is the inclusive atmosphere. 

Oh, and that they’re all pretty flat and probably have canals. Except for Valkenburg, which is why we suggested it. But, the world’s 4th-most densely populated country is bustling with unique and diverse cities that await your exploring. 

And thanks to the country’s efficient and extensive public transport, you’ll be able to travel swiftly between all these beautiful cities.

Essential Travel Tips for Europe 

• Planning your trip to Europe – If this is your first-ever trip to Europe, consider reading our Europe 101 guide.
• Schengen Visa – If you require a visa to travel to Europe, most likely it is the Schengen Visa (for those belonging to the Euro Zone or EU, doesn’t include the UK). Read our guide to applying for Schengen Visa.
• Packing List – Read our in-depth guide to packing for Europe for all seasons and regions.
• Europe Itinerary Samples – Read our itineraries from Europe

Pin: 15 Best Cities in the Netherlands

Mayuri is the founder & editor of ToSomePlaceNew. An Indian-Canadian globetrotter, she has traveled to over 100 cities and 35+ countries. Mayuri has a graduate degree in History and is an MBA. She loves traveling the world, capturing historical nuances, and discussing that over a cup of coffee with her husband, Salil. She currently resides in Edmonton, Canada, and plots travel plans to Europe, the Americas, and beyond. 

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16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Netherlands

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated May 11, 2023

The Netherlands is known everywhere as a land of windmills, canals, and tulips, and today's visitors certainly will find these among its many tourist attractions.

But along with the country's many breathtaking gardens and picturesque villages, those sightseeing here will also find the vibrant cities, like Amsterdam, filled with museums showcasing a rich heritage of artists (think Rembrandt and Van Gogh). Other places to visit include numerous medieval castles and cityscapes, along with a 13,800-acre national park, and a tide control system that's been named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World .

Given the relatively small size of The Netherlands, all these attractions and fun things to do are within a relatively compact area, and the landscape is quite flat (the highest elevation is barely a thousand feet above sea level).

Consequently, it's extremely easy to do at least a little of your sightseeing the Dutch way: by bicycle. Many of the top travel destinations and major cities in the Netherlands actively encourage the use of pedal-power and provide free bikes to explore the sights. However you choose to see the Netherlands, you're guaranteed a great time in one of the friendliest and most liberal cultures in Europe.

Be sure to plan your travel itinerary with our list of the top tourist attractions in The Netherlands.

1. Jordaan and Amsterdam's Canals

2. keukenhof, lisse, 3. rijksmuseum, amsterdam, 4. historic binnenhof, the hague, 5. anne frank house, amsterdam, 6. oude haven, rotterdam, 7. van gogh museum, amsterdam, 8. the windmills of kinderdijk, 9. de hoge veluwe national park, otterlo, 10. cathedral square, utrecht, 11. the ijsselmeer (zuiderzee), enkhuizen, 12. delta works: zeeland's spectacular dikes, 13. historic valkenburg, 14. royal delft, delft, 15. de haar castle, 16. the netherlands open air museum, best time to visit the netherlands.

Highlight : Explore Amsterdam's canals and historic neighborhoods by boat and on foot

Canals are as important a part of Amsterdam's cityscape as they are to the city of Venice, and some of the most enduring memories for any visitor are the time spent exploring the city's wonderful waterways.

While many of Amsterdam's best tourist attractions can easily be accessed by boat tour or water taxi — including most of the major museums and art galleries — nothing beats strolling along the smaller, quieter streets that line the waterways.

Particularly charming is the Jordaan, a neighborhood built in the early 1600s to house workers and immigrants drawn here for the city's religious tolerance. Along with its small canal-side houses, look for the neighborhood's many "hofjes," the quaint inner courtyards hidden behind the buildings.

Another photo-worthy neighborhood is the Grachtengordel , with its many small bridges and quaint 17th-century homes. You'll be rewarded as you explore these 400-year-old streets with examples of beautiful architecture, small boutique shops, cafés, and gardens. Be sure to look out for the many houseboats moored along the canals.

Just a 10-minute stroll away is Dam Square, a must-visit when in Amsterdam. In addition to its numerous restaurants, cafés, and shops this vast public square is home to some of the city's most-visited tourist attractions. These include the spectacular Royal Palace (Koninklijk Palace); the attractive New Church (Nieuwe Kerk); and the country's most important war memorial, the National Memorial Statue .

Highlight : Europe's largest collection of tulips with miles of walking trails and hot houses

Think of the Netherlands, and you'll inevitably think of tulips, the country's most popular flower. And one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Netherlands showcases these and other spring bulbs in spectacular abundance. Given its handy location relative to Amsterdam — it's a 45-minute drive away, or just under an hour by public transit — it makes for a fun and easy day trip from the country's largest city.

Keukenhof, otherwise known as the "Garden of Europe," is located on the outskirts of the town of Lisse in what's widely considered the "bulb belt" of the Netherlands. The largest public garden in the world, it boasts more than 70 acres of what was once the former kitchen (or "keuken") garden of a large country estate, Keukenhof displays more than 700 varieties of tulips, which are at their height in April and May.

But thanks to its massive commercial hot houses, the display continues almost year-round. In these, you'll see endless rows of flowering tulips, along with thousands of hyacinths, crocuses, and daffodils.

Address: Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse, Netherlands

Highlight : A vast collection of famous artworks by artists including Rembrandt and Van Gogh

The spectacular Rijksmuseum , aka the National Museum, in Amsterdam's Museumplein (Museum Square) has been collecting rare art and antiquities since 1809. Not surprisingly, its extensive collection today amounts to nearly seven million works of art, including 5,000 paintings in more than 250 rooms, as well as a vast library with some 35,000 books.

Apart from its unique collection of old masters, this spectacular museum offers an exhaustive account of the development of art and culture in The Netherlands and is especially rich in traditional Dutch handicrafts, medieval sculpture, and modern art. Be prepared to spend the best part of a day — or longer — exploring this museum's endless treasures.

If you've time to squeeze a little more Rembrandt into your Amsterdam travel itinerary, here's a must-visit for you: the Rembrandt House Museum , located in the city's historic Jewish Quarter. Many of his best-known works were painted during the 20 years the great artist spent here, with some still recognizable scenes from the neighborhood.

The house remains much as it would have been during Rembrandt's life (guided tours are available). You can enhance your experience by booking a stay close by at Luxury Suites Amsterdam , located just steps away from the museum and one of the best places to stay in Amsterdam for those who enjoy luxury accommodations.

Address: Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX Amsterdam, Netherlands

Highlights : Historic capital of the Netherlands with well-preserved architecture and parliament

Known the world over as the location of the International Court of Justice, The Hague (Den Haag) is also the political center of The Netherlands. It's here the country's government does their work, and where you'll find the home of the Dutch Royal Family in Noordeinde Palace.

The Hague also makes for an excellent travel destination for visitors wanting to get a taste of the country's rich history. Whether you're staying here for a few days or visiting as a day trip from Amsterdam , start your exploration in the city's historic Binnenhof district. Literally translated as the "Inner Court," the Binnenhof dates back as far as 1250 CE. It's the oldest part of the city and a delight to explore on foot.

Set around a central courtyard, the attractive older buildings here once housed the country's ruling classes and have been remarkably well-preserved. The crown jewel here is the Knights' Hall (Ridderzaal). Built in the 13th century, this imposing castle-like building with its twin towers is still in use for government events, including the opening of parliament every September. Highlights include the Gothic hall with its stained-glass windows and wood-beamed ceiling.

Address: 2513 AA Den Haag, Netherlands

Highlight : Hiding place of Anne Frank where she wrote her famous diary during WWII

The Anne Frank House is a must-see when in Amsterdam. On Prinsengracht , in the home where Anne's family hid for much of WWII (they were Jewish refugees from Frankfurt), is where this remarkable girl wrote her famous diary. Although she died just two months before the war ended, her legacy lives on through her words, which have since been translated into 51 languages.

The back of the fully-restored house where the Frank family had their hiding place has been kept in its original state as much as possible and is a poignant monument to a tragic slice of world history and a brave young woman who continues to inspire people around the globe.

A word of caution: tickets for this must-see attraction do sell out, so be sure to reserve yours online well ahead of time. And if you're visiting in warmer weather — spring and summer are widely considered some of the best times to visit Amsterdam — be sure to allow time to explore the surrounding area with its charming old canals on foot.

Address: Prinsengracht 263-267, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Highlights : Europe's largest port with a historic harbor area, vessels, and museums

Located an easy one-hour train ride from Amsterdam, the port city of Rotterdam is well worth visiting for its well-preserved Old Harbour, or Oude Haven. The city has a long and rich maritime history thanks largely to its location on the Nieuwe Maas, an arm of the Rhine River, and its proximity to the English Channel.

Part of Rotterdam's superb Maritime District, Oude Haven is ideal for those who enjoy seeing the sights on foot. The harbor is chock-full of old houseboats and sailing ships, many of them on display at the Maritime Museum Rotterdam .

In addition to the 20 or so historic vessels on display in the water, a variety of indoor displays can also be enjoyed, including a replica of a vessel dating back over 2,000 years.

Address: Leuvehaven 1, 3011 EA Rotterdam, Netherlands

Highlights : One of the world's top art museums focusing on the work of Vincent Van Gogh

As befits one of the world's greatest artists, the spectacular Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is ranked an impressive #2 in a leading list of the top art museums globally, attracting almost 1.5 million visitors each year.

Home to the world's largest collection of Van Gogh paintings — many donated by the artist's family — this impressive gallery and museum was specially built to showcase the more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters in its vast collection.

Works by his contemporaries are also on display. A highlight is participating in the museum's new "Meet Vincent Van Gogh Experience," which offers a fascinating, high-tech, interactive look at the artist's life and times, as well as his best-known work.

If the city's excellent museums are your priority, you may in fact want to consider visiting them off-season during the quieter, cooler times of year. Given that both these popular attractions are things to do indoors and easy to get to via the city's excellent public transit, it's easy to keep warm, and the city's climate is relatively mild, even in winter.

Address: Museumplein 6, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Highlight : The largest collection of preserved historic windmills in the Netherlands

On the River Noord between Rotterdam and Dordrecht is the famous village of Kinderdijk ("Children's Dike"), which takes its name from an incident during the St. Elizabeth's Day flood of 1421 after a child's cradle had been stranded on the dike.

The big draw these days are the fantastically preserved 18th-century windmills. Now UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the 19 Kinderdijk windmills, built between 1722 and 1761, are the largest surviving concentration of windmills in the Netherlands.

Originally used to drain the fenlands, these majestic buildings with their impressive 92-foot sails are open to the public from April to October, including special Mill Days when the sails are set in motion. These picturesque windmills make for a fun excursion for those based in Rotterdam during their Netherlands stay.

• Read More: Top Tourist Attractions in Rotterdam & Easy Day Trips

Highlights : Vast national park with hiking, biking, wildlife, horseback riding, and camping

You may be surprised to learn that the Netherlands, a relatively small country, boasts one of the world's most diverse national park programs. The largest is De Hoge Veluwe National Park (Nationaal Park De Hoge Veluwe), between Arnhem and Apeldoorn, rightly considered one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands for outdoor enthusiasts .

Covering nearly 13,800 acres, this national park is the largest continuous nature reserve in the country, as well as being one of the most popular day trip destinations for locals and visitors alike. Featuring dense woodlands in the north, as well as a fascinating sculpture park, the area was once a country estate and hunting reserve, and to this day is home to many red and roe deer.

The best-preserved part of the park encompasses an area of dramatic dunes interspersed with heath and woodland and interrupted in the south and east by moraines up to 100 meters high. It's also a popular area for bird-watching, as well as hiking and biking (use of bikes is free to visitors).

The highlight of this beautiful park for many — and the reason many people choose to come here — is the outstanding Kröller-Müller Museum (Rijksmuseum Kröller-Müller), housing the world's second-largest collection of works by Van Gogh. In addition, the collections include Impressionist and Expressionist paintings by Cézanne, Manet, Monet, and Renoir. Outdoors, one of Europe's largest sculpture gardens shows works by Rodin, Hepworth, Dubuffet, and others.

Address: Houtkampweg 6, Otterlo, Netherlands

• Read More: Exploring De Hoge Veluwe National Park: A Visitor's Guide

Highlights : Pedestrian-friendly old city center, cathedral tower with views, and museums

A popular tourist destination for its many fine historic buildings, the Dutch city of Utrecht should definitely be included on your Netherlands travel itinerary.

Start your exploration of this pedestrian-friendly city in Cathedral Square. The Domplein, as it's known locally, is the site of St. Martin's Cathedral, or Dom Church (Domkerk). Although founded in 1254, much of what you see dates from the 14th and 15th centuries.

You'll also want to visit the Domtoren , a surviving stand-alone church tower built in the 1300s that rises high above the surrounding buildings. Be sure to make the climb up to the viewing platforms for its superb views over Utrecht. Although there are 465 steps to climb, the guided tour that comes with the climb is an excellent introduction to the city's rich history.

Address: Achter de Dom 1, 3512 JN Utrecht, Netherlands

Highlights : Beautiful lake region with historic waterways, quaint villages, and cultural attractions

Among the most beautiful villages in the Netherlands are the small hamlets along the Ijsselmeer (Lake Ijssel), the freshwater lake that resulted from the closing of the sea entrance to the Zuider Zee. These towns flourished during Amsterdam's Golden Age, when they had access to the Atlantic and prospered as fishing and trade centers, but lost importance as the harbors silted up.

Today, they're among the most photographed tourist attractions in the country. Time seems to have stood still for the fishing village of Marken and the seaports of Volendam and Enkhuizen , where many of the colorful houses have become museums and shops.

Enkhuizen has preserved many of its buildings and seafaring industries in the open-air Zuiderzee Museum , where the cultural heritage and maritime history of the old Zuiderzee region is preserved. Here, you can see craftsmen at work learning old maritime skills. In Volendam's harbor, you can see a collection of colorful old wooden boats.

Address: Wierdijk 12 - 22, Enkhuizen, Netherlands

Highlights : Modern dike system with dams, canals, and visitor center

Incorporating the deltas of the Rhine, the Maas, and the Schelde Rivers, Zeeland includes the numerous islands and peninsulas of the southwestern section of the Netherlands. Much of this area of recently formed land is below sea level and therefore reliant upon impressive dikes, as well as modern flood prevention techniques.

As you travel the area, you'll see evidence of the mega-engineering project known as the Delta Works . These massive structures — basically hi-tech dams — can control how much water enters the area's key estuaries from the North Sea.

Consisting of dams, sluices, locks, dikes, and storm-surge barriers, this awe-inspiring US$7 billion project has been declared one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Highlights : Medieval village with preserved buildings, castle ruins, and large spa complex

For those looking for a little ancient history, the Netherlands is not without its own medieval (and earlier) attractions. Romantic little Valkenburg, in the picturesque Geul Valley, boasts the country's only hilltop castle,. Long a popular holiday resort, the town's other big draws are its many caves and the spa facilities at Thermae 2000 , one of the largest such establishments in the Netherlands.

In addition to the ruins of the 12th-century castle on Dwingelrots (Castle Rock), there's also the interesting 14th-century St. Nicolaaskerk Basilica . Another highlight is the town's famous Christmas Market (mid-November to December 23rd) held in the Velvet Caves, the maze of old passageways leading to and from the castle.

Highlight : Home of the famous Royal Delft pottery with factory tours and shopping

Located between the cities of The Hague and Rotterdam (and therefore easy to get to), Delft is known the world over for its famous blue and white porcelain products. Delftware, as it's usually known, has adorned shelves and dining rooms the world over since the 1600s, and remains as popular today as it was back then.

Known in English as Royal Delft , the original manufacturer, Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles N.V., has been around since 1653 and offers a variety of fun experiences for visitors.

In addition to informative tours of the factory, including a chance to see talented artisans hand painting pottery, you can visit the factory's vast collection of Delftware, and even finish up with a posh afternoon tea experience in the on-site tea room.

Address: Rotterdamseweg 196, 2628 AR Delft, Netherlands

Highlights : Fairytale castle with huge grounds, hiking trails, and guided tours

Near the lovely old city of Utrecht, the fourth largest in the Netherlands, De Haar Castle (Kasteel De Haar) is the largest fortification in the country.

This spectacular castle, built by the famous Dutch architect PJH Cuypers, required so much land (it sits on a spectacular 250-acre park) that the entire village of Haarzuilens had to be relocated to accommodate it. While the original castle site was established in the 14th century, this newer structure dates from 1892 and is well worth taking the time to explore.

Inside, you'll be rewarded with impressive collections of antiques, furniture, paintings, and tapestries, but it's the gardens that really draw the crowds — along with the castle's fairy-tale looks.

Highlights : Living history museum with costumed interpreters, cultural events, and interactive workshops

The city of Arnhem is well worth including on your Netherlands travel itinerary. Famous for its location on a branch of the Rhine River and the battles that ensued here during WWII, it's here you'll find the Netherlands Open Air Museum (Nederlands Openluchtmuseum).

This family-friendly attraction has provided visitors with a fascinating look at traditional Dutch lifestyles for well over 100 years, with costumed guides offering unique insights into cultural, farming, and manufacturing aspects of life up to the mechanization of the 1900s.

Authentic period homes, workshops, and businesses offer hands-on opportunities to learn about and appreciate once-common practices, from fishing to baking and even clog making. Other highlights include a still-operating vintage tram, cultural events and concerts, and fun kids' programs.

Address: Hoeferlaan 4, 6816 SG Arnhem, Netherlands

As one of the most visited countries in Europe, the Netherlands can get pretty busy during the peak summer months, especially in July when the schools break up.

The spring shoulder months of April and May are a great time to visit Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands, with many of the country's best parks and gardens bursting into life with an abundance of greenery and flowers (tulips are everywhere in the Netherlands!).

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Best Places to visit in the Netherlands in 2024

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What are the Prettiest Parts of The Netherlands , the Best Cities to Visit in The Netherlands in 2024 ?

Discover the 11 Places to Visit in The Netherlands on your Next Trip, some of the Most Visited Cities in The Netherlands but also the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Netherlands , the 11 Cities & Towns your Must Visit in The Netherlands .

From Amsterdam to Zaanse Schanse discover the Ultimate Guide of the 11 Best Places and Attractions to Visit in The Netherlands .

Book your flights , your accommodation in the Netherlands as well as your Activities and Tours in The Netherlands and visit the Best Dutch Cities . 

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Secret Spots in The Netherlands , the Most Famous Dutch Castles , the Best Sandy Beaches in The Netherlands as well as the Best Things to do in The Netherlands .

1. Amsterdam

We all agree that you cannot travel to the Netherlands without discovering its capital, the Most Beautiful Place to Visit in The Netherlands :   Amsterdam .

Amsterdam is both what you imagine and so much more. Amsterdam is above all a cultural destination with museums such as the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum.

Amsterdam is obviously a perfect destination for shopping with its Magna Plaza shopping center, one of the most beautiful shopping centers in Europe , as well as incredible shopping streets such as "Kalverstraat", "Nieuwendijk" and "PC Hoofstraat" which are among the biggest shopping streets in Europe. 

Never mind the clichés and discover Amsterdam by bike, a gentle and ecological way to explore the Most Visited City in the Netherlands .

Book your flights to Amsterdam and your accommodation at the best price and your tours in Amsterdam such as a Canal boat cruise .

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and reach the city center in 20 minutes by train.

  Where to stay:  " Eden Hotel Amsterdam " situated in the heart of the city center.

2. Keukenhof

Located just 45 minutes from Amsterdam (by car or train), the city of Lisse, one of the Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the Netherlands , has managed to make itself known to the world through a unique event. From mid-March to mid-May you can discover hundreds of thousands of tulips in the Keukenhof Park.

You will find an incredible number of different varieties and colours of tulips. Each year, the best tulip makers in the Netherlands come to plant the bulbs of their most beautiful varieties in the park to show the public as well as buyers, their know-how and their catalog of tulips. 

Book your flights to Amsterdam as well as your accommodation at the best price and activities in the Netherlands , such as a " From Amsterdam: Keukenhof entry ticket and transfers ".

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Amsterdam and your transfer to Keukenhof.

  Where to stay:  " NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen ". Get pampered like a star in this mythical 5-star hotel.

3. Maastricht

Surrounded by Belgium and Germany , Maastricht is a pleasant cosmopolitan city, one of the Most Beautiful Cities in the Netherlands .

Maastricht is a perfect destination for shopping with friends or family. For an unforgettable trip, visit the Christmas Market in Maastricht , one of the Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in The Netherlands .

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Maastricht Airport (15 minutes from downtown by car, 40 minutes by public transport). 

  Where to stay:  " Dutch Maastricht ". We love its decor and location in the Wyck neighbourhood.

4. Nijmegen

Nijmegen is the oldest city of the Netherlands with a city center full of important historical locations. And it’s not just a rich cultural history that Nijmegen has to offer. A large number of students, numerous events and festivals, unique hot spots and cozy restaurants all add up to an unprecedented liveliness in this city among the Top-Rated Places to Visit in The Netherlands .

Just put your feet in the sand at the city beach next to the river Waal, or relax at one of the numerous sidewalk cafes.

A large array of both chain stores and small and unique specialty stores will complete your Nijmegen experience, whether you’re here for a day or for the entire weekend. And don’t forget to have a drink and a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes.

Book your flights to Eindhoven or Amsterdam Airport (1h30 by public transport) as well as your accommodation at the best price in Nijmegen and discover one of the Prettiest Places to Visit in The Netherlands .

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Eindhoven or Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and reach the city center in 1h30 minutes by train.

  Where to stay:  " Hotel Credible " Situated in the best rated area in Nijmegen.

5. Giethoorn

Steenwijkerland

Located 1h30 from Amsterdam by car (2h by train) Giethoorn is not only one of the Best Tourist Places to Visit in The Netherlands , it is also one of the best hidden gems in the Netherlands .

This pretty little town is so romantic with its thatched roofs, canals and flower gardens. The canals were dug by men to extract peat.

The name "Giethoorn" comes from the Dutch "Geitenhoorns" in Dutch and refers to the goats’ horn which were found in the fields.

If you come by train from Amsterdam Central Station, take the first train to Amersfoort and a second train to Steenwijk (then take bus number 70). It is longer than a car drive but more ecological.

You can also book online your tours in the Netherlands , such as a " From Amsterdam: Day trip to Giethoorn by bus and boat " to discover one of the Best Duch Places to Visit .

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Amsterdam and book your day trip to Giethoorn by bus and boat. 

  Where to stay:  " Bed & Breakfast Giethoorn " features river views. 

6. Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is certainly the Most Beautiful Village in the Netherlands . Located 20 minutes from the historic centre of Amsterdam you can reach this village from the station Sloterdijk Amsterdam.

Walk, take a boat or go by bike in this little corner of paradise ranked among the 10   Places you Need to See in the Netherlands . A perfect destination for a getaway out of town.

Book your flights to Amsterdam as well as your accommodation at the best price and your tours in Amsterdam , such as the " Half Day Tour of Zaanse Schans from Amsterdam ". 

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Amsterdam and reach Zaanse Schans by train or car (20 min). 

  Where to stay: " Zaanhof Luxurious Amsterdam Zaanse Schans Loft Apartment ". It offers an outdoor fitness and a hot tub.

Located only 1 hour from Amsterdam , Utrecht is the 4th largest city in the Netherlands  and one of the Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands .

Utrecht is known worldwide for the De Haar Castle ranked among the most beautiful castles in the Netherlands . You will fall in love with the romantic canals, botanical gardens and cathedral. 

Book your flights  to Amsterdam as well as your hotel, apartments, or B&B at the best price in Utrecht. 

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and travel to Utrecht by public transport (30 min) or by car (50 min). 

  Where to stay:  " Grand Hotel Karel V " located in the historic heart of Utrecht.

You will fall in love with Delft, one of the Most Beautiful Cities in the Netherlands . With romantic canals like Amsterdam , Delft is known worldwide for its ‘faience’ tiles and objects in white and blue, the symbol of this city.

You know more than you think about Delft. Have you seen the movie "The Girl with the Pearl Earring"? It was inspired by an oil painting by Dutch Golden Age painter Johannes Vermeer,

What are you waiting for? Delft is only 15 minutes away by car or bus from the airport.

Book your flights to Rotterdam airport as well as your accommodation at the best price in Rotterdam or Delft and your tours and activities in Delft , such as a " Guided walking tour in Delft ".

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Rotterdam-The Hague Airport (15 min by car or bus).

  Where to stay:  " Hotel Johannes Vermeer Delft " situated in the city centre of Delft. 

9. The Hague

The Netherlands offer a great diversity of landscapes and truly unique cities.

The Hague , known worldwide for its International Tribunal, is one of the Best Dutch Cities to Visit .

If you are visiting with your family, make sure you visit the " Madurodam " park with its miniature versions of the most beautiful cities and the most beautiful monuments of The Netherlands.

Art lovers will want to visit the "Mauritshuis" to view some of the greatest 17th century masterpieces such as the Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer’s paintings. At the end of the day, hop aboard the big-wheel located on the seaside in the district of Scheveningen. 

Book your flights to Rotterdam-The Hague Airport as well as your accommodation at the best price and your tours in The Hague , such as your entrance ticket for Madurodam Mini World .

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Rotterdam-The Hague Airport and travel to the city centre by car (30 min) or by public transport (1h).

  Where to stay:   " Hotel Indigo The Hague – Palace Noordeinde ", a four-star boutique hotel located in a bank building.

10. Rotterdam

Rotterdam is one of the most important port cities in Europe but also one of the most amazing and beautiful cities in the Netherlands .

Its port, still very much active, has become one of the favourite attractions for travellers to Rotterdam.

You can also treat yourself to a "Port of Rotterdam 2-hour bike tour ".  For architecture enthusiasts, book today your " Rotterdam Architecture Walking tour ". 

Book your flights to Rotterdam now, as well as your accommodation at the best price and your tours and activities in Rotterdam. 

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Rotterdam-The Hague Airport and travel to the city centre by car (15 min) or public transport (20 min). 

  Where to stay:  " Stayokay Rotterdam " situated in the heart of Rotterdam.

Located only 30 minutes by public transport from Amsterdam , Leiden is one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands .

Leiden is a perfect destination for families: you can hike, walk along the canals or discover the beautiful Leiden Botanical Garden.

Leiden is a car-free city, so one more reason to go! You can park in one of the car parks surrounding the city and reach the city center by bus. 

Book your flights to Amsterdam as well as your  accommodation at the best price and your tours and activities in the Netherlands , such as a " Leiden 2-hour walking tour ". 

  How to get there:   Book your flights  to Amsterdam and get to Leiden by car (20 min) or by train (15 min).

  Where to stay:  " Boutique Hotel Steenhof Suites " for its spacious rooms and excellent location.

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19 Best Cities to Visit in the Netherlands Besides Amsterdam by residents

February 13, 2020 by Karen Turner 46 Comments

As a Dutch resident, I’ve been lucky enough to see many of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands that aren’t as well known to tourists as well as the Dutch countryside.

Although you’ve probably heard why you should visit Amsterdam, the prettiest Dutch cities to visit are often peaceful, less crowded, and more memorable.  Keep reading for the 19 most atmospheric and beautiful cities/towns in the Netherlands that will help you discover more of the Netherlands.

I have lived in Amsterdam ( click for insider tips !) and the Hague.  One of my favorite hobbies to take a train to a new Dutch city or town or village (dorp) that I haven’t been before.

Although Amsterdam is a lovely city, its centre is full of touristy shops and if you simply take the train, you’ll discover some beautiful small Dutch towns and large cities in the Netherlands that are full of incredible architecture and history.

As much as I love Amsterdam, the Netherlands is so much bigger and people joke that Amsterdam is like Dutch Disneyworld, so if you’re wondering where to go in the Netherlands…any of these cities might be a good idea to experience the real Netherlands.  It should be noted that some of the cities are near Amsterdam while others are quite far, so depending on your time, make time to visit somewhere else.

Baarle-Nassau

Schiermonnikoog.

• 1 Best Places to Visit in Noord Holland
• 2.0.1 Click for my complete guide to Haarlem.
• 3 Muiden: The perfect day trip from Amsterdam
• 5 Best cities to visit in South Holland (Includes best cities to visit in Zuid Holland, Brabant, and Limburg)
• 7 ‘s-Hertogenbosch / Den Bosch:
• 8 Den Haag / The Hague
• 10 Baarle-Nassau
• 12 Rotterdam
• 13 Maastricht
• 15 Central cities to visit in the Netherlands
• 17 Northern & Eastern Cities (from Amsterdam) to visit in the Netherlands
• 20 Giethoorn
• 21 Schiermonnikoog
• 22 Groningen
• 23 Leeuwarden
• 24 Have you been to the Netherlands? What was your favorite city besides Amsterdam?
• 25 Enjoyed this? Share it!

Best Places to Visit in Noord Holland

You might be wondering: Is Holland the same as the Netherlands? Well, Holland is part of the Netherlands. It refers to one specific part of the Netherlands on the west coast (aka Noord Holland/South Holland).

Noord Holland is where most of the population lives, so people generally tend to call the Netherlands Holland as a result…however, you’re better off not describing the whole of the Netherlands as Holland since there are LOTS of other regions in the Netherlands worth visiting.

Noord Holland is where Amsterdam is located, so you’ll find many cities close to Amsterdam to visit.  The fantastic train system in the Netherlands means that the towns near Amsterdam (in Holland) are at most about one hour from Amsterdam, which makes these cities the perfect one day trip from Amsterdam (or longer!) . Click for a complete list of the 20 best day trips from Amsterdam

Haarlem: An easy day trip from Amsterdam

Haarlem is often overlooked due to its close proximity to Amsterdam. People assume because they’ve visited Amsterdam that there’s nothing of worth in Haarlem, however, Haarlem is older than Amsterdam. (Similarly, you can easily find cheap accommodations in Haarlem and take the train to Amsterdam.)

Haarlem’s town center is dominated by the imposing St. Bavokerk (also known as Grote Kerk, Big Church). Built on the spot of a burned down 12th-century church, it became an official cathedral in 1557. It’s beautiful inside and out, with stunning stained glass windows and an organ on which a young Mozart—among other musicians of yore—played many a tune.

Beyond the cathedral, Haarlem has some great museums such as the eccentric Teyler’s Museum and De Hallen, a tiny contemporary art museum. If relaxation is in order, check out the Jopenkerk, a hip craft beer bar and restaurant in a converted church, and be sure to follow up with the city’s best fries (and mayonnaise) at De Friethoes.

In short, Haarlem is a great day trip from Amsterdam for people who want to escape the hustle and bustle (and the tourist traps!) for a day. (Thanks to Alex .)

Click for my complete guide to Haarlem.

Muiden: the perfect day trip from amsterdam.

This beautiful and historic Dutch town close to Amsterdam (only 40 minutes by bus) is the home of one of my favorite Dutch castles (Muiderslot) .   Muiden minimizes cars and you’ll often see large ships passing through the town.  Be sure to stop into one of the historic brown bars for a drink or a meal after visiting Muiderslot castle.  You’ll feel like you stepped back in time.  Click for more information about visiting castles in the Netherlands.

This atmospheric star-shaped fortress city in the Netherlands is widely considered one of the best Dutch cities to explore due to its well-preserved walls/moat and beautiful houses.

It is an easy train ride from Amsterdam to Naarden and you’ll find that there’s plenty of things to do outside of Amsterdam if you discover this beautiful Dutch city at your own pace.

Although there’s so many cute towns in the area, experiencing Naarden means that you’ll also get a glimpse into Dutch history as it has one of the oldest churches in the Netherlands (dating back to 1572!).  Perfect for a half-day trip from Amsterdam or a day trip combined with visiting Muiden.

Best cities to visit in South Holland (Includes best cities to visit in Zuid Holland, Brabant, and Limburg)

A bit further from Amsterdam, you’ll find the cities of South Holland, Brabant, and Limburg. This area is about 1-3 hours from Amsterdam, but these towns/cities are rich in culture, history, and beauty. (Sometimes less!)

This charming university town only thirty minutes from Amsterdam is full of charm, stunning canals, beautiful Dutch canal houses, and so few crowds that you’ll be wondering where everyone is.  Leiden can be mistaken for Amsterdam if you show the right photo although once you visit the historic Pieterskwartier, you won’t want to return to the crowds in the Red Light District.

Click for a complete guide to Leiden

‘s-Hertogenbosch / Den Bosch:

‘s-Hertogensbosch, or Den Bosch for short, is the capital city of North Brabant, famous for its hospitality, good food and people who know how to enjoy life.

Den Bosch is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands with city rights dating back to 1185. One of the most remarkable sights is the Gothic St. John’s Cathedral, built between 1380 and 1530. During a recent renovation on one of the flying buttresses, there was added a statue of an angel holding a cell phone.

Those who love art can visit the Jheronimus Bosch Art Centre to learn about Den Bosch’s most famous painter (Hieronymus Bosch). From the tower of the Centre, you will have a breathtaking view of the city. A different way to see Den Bosch is to take a boat tour on the Binnendieze through the city’s canals, including under many of the buildings.

There are also markets on the main square on Wednesdays and Saturdays.  Many restaurants are located at the Markt, De Parade and Vismarkt squares and on the streets: Korenbrugstraat and Korte Putstraat.

The specialty of Den Bosch is the  Bossche bol – a gigantic profiterole covered with dark chocolate and filled with whipped cream. Den Bosch is a perfect destination for a one-day trip, however, my advice is to stay a few days extra so that you can thoroughly enjoy the city.  During Carnaval, the city changes names and turns into a giant party in the streets.

(Thanks to Daniela from Ipanema Travels To.. .)

Den Haag / The Hague

Den Haag is often overshadowed by Amsterdam, but it is full of fantastic museums as well as historic architecture. Although Amsterdam is the capital, the Hague is the third-largest city in the Netherlands and the home of Dutch Parliament.

For history geeks, it’s also the home of the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court in addition to hosting many of the main governing bodies of the Netherlands. One of the ones not to miss is the beautiful Binnenhof, which was a castle originally built in the 13th century to house counts. It is now used for meetings of the cabinets. (The Hague is about 1 hour from Amsterdam.)

Den Haag is also full of hofjes (historic courtyards that used to be almshouses), fantastic museums, and a lively Chinatown. For math and art geeks, you can visit the Escher Museum, which is housed in a former palace. The building is beautiful, but the art is even more fascinating.

Even more famous is the Mauritshuis, which houses  Girl with the Pearl Earring  and The   Goldfinch . If you’re an art geek with a love for the Dutch Golden age, this beautiful museum in a palatial setting is a must-see during your trip.

If you’re in Den Haag, don’t miss the Netherlands’ most famous boardwalk along the beach:  Scheveningen . The pier is a day in itself with tons of activities for couples and families alike!

Click for an insider’s guide to what to do in the Hague with 30+ things to do in the Hague!

Click for a one day guide to the Hague

Heusden is a small fortified town on the River Maas. A bird view of the town is pretty amazing, as it looks like a star from the air. Heusden is the perfect destination for slow travel in the Netherlands as you can walk along the old city walls, get lost in the narrow streets, or sit at café Havenzicht to watch the yachts passing by.

The town was built in the early 13th century to replace a castle destroyed by the Duke of Brabant. The stronghold played a significant role in the Eighty Years’ War (1568-1648) against Spanish dominance. In the 70’s the town has been completely restored based on a map from 1649.

There are many places to eat in Heusden, but you should try the Dutch pancakes at De Pannekoekenbakker.  When walking around in Heusden, there are many art galleries, including the shop of famous Dutch footwear designer Jan Jansen.

(Thanks to Daniela from  Ipanema Travels To.. .)

Baarle-Nassau is one of those bizarre oddities you need to see to believe. Its misshapen borders are tightly entwined with the Flemish enclave of Baarle-Haartog, thanks to a handful of fickle treaties in medieval days of yore.

The task of figuring out which country a building resides in is so confusing that the town had to create a rule: country of residence is determined by which country the front door opens into. Since taxes in Belgium are lower, that led to a rush to renovate houses to have doors opening to the Belgian side!

The queer little town(s) merits a day trip at the very least. A scenic cycle, drive, or bus ride from nearby Tilburg will bring you to its wacky borders, marked on the ground with small crosses.

You can pick up a pannenkoek (pancake) at De Pannenkoekenbakker on the Dutch side, then hop over to Belgium to sample a Flemish brew or three at De Lantaern. No passport necessary! (Thanks to Alex, Lost with Purpose .)

Gouda is known for its world-famous cheese, but the city has so much more.  It is only 55 minutes by train and compact, so you can easily make it one of your day trips from Amsterdam and it is a must-see for the Netherlands if you’re a cheese lover.  Thanks to Maartje!

The impressive Town Hall on the central market square is a unique monument not to miss! Courtyards: the oldest yard dates back to even 1449!  St Jan church is the tallest church in the Netherlands and has huge stained glass windows. Look up and admire the facades of the Gouda houses with special ‘gevelstenen’, some even date back to 1609.

Stroopwafels are traditional Dutch syrup waffles. Try the waffles at Van Vliet bakery, where thousands are freshly baked daily on Lange Groenendaal street.

The Gouda cheese market occurs from April to the end of August. On Thursday mornings you can witness cheese making, cheese trading and weighing cheese in de Waag.

Click for a complete guide to Gouda 

Rotterdam is one of the largest cities in the Netherlands with a population only second in size to Amsterdam.  If you’re looking for another city to visit, Rotterdam is where to go in the Netherlands besides Amsterdam due to its dramatically different cityscape.

Most of Rotterdam was destroyed in World War II, so they’ve had to rebuild everything. For modern architectural buffs, Rotterdam is a great place to explore for its architecture, including the famous Blaak cube houses and the Rotterdam Market Hall. You can go up the Euroscope and take in the panoramic view of Rotterdam.

There are a number of good restaurants in Rotterdam, including Guliano (Italian) and Takumi (Japanese ramen). Rotterdam has the largest Asian population in the whole Netherlands, so Chinatown is where to go for Asian food. Rotterdam is a great city for nightlife.

The Witte de Withstraat street is Rotterdam’s bar street. I personally loved Wunderbar, which is a bar that is below ground but allows you to order through a window on the street level.  (Thanks to Tendelle .)

Click for a complete guide to Rotterdam

Maastricht is one of the most charming cities in the Netherlands and it can be easily explored in a weekend. The city is perfect for a slow, romantic weekend spent exploring a beautiful cathedral bookstore, strolling the tangled streets, touring historic caves, and eating/drinking delicious regional cuisine at affordable prices.

It’s a scenic 2.5-hour train ride each way south to Maastricht from Amsterdam and it costs about 25 euros per way. Its proximity makes it easy to hop over to Aachen, Germany for only 5 euros.

Recommended for a weekend trip from Amsterdam or a 1-2 day stopover between the Netherlands and Germany if you’re Eurorailing!

Read more about Maastricht here .

Delft is a quaint medieval town close to Rotterdam. about 1 hour from Amsterdam It’s well-known for being home to the Delft University of Technology, so it’s a vibrant and international university town.

The “Delft blue pottery” is famous from here, and many collectors flock to Delft to buy this special pottery as a Dutch souvenir. Don’t miss the Nieuwe Kerk’s impressive view over the city (and sizeable climb). Click to see how you can visit a Delft factory for free.

The city center of Delft is very beautiful. One of the hidden gems is that below street level and at the canal-level, there are tucked away benches for people to sit on. These benches are hidden from plain sight, perfect for a romantic date spot.

You can read a complete guide to Delft here as I routinely visit this beautiful Dutch city!

Central cities to visit in the Netherlands

Utrecht is the 4th largest city in the Netherlands and it’s the major Dutch city south of Amsterdam (only 40 minutes!). Utrecht is also a very old city that dates back to 1122 and it is the kind of city that you can get (happily) lost in.

I highly recommend exploring the beautiful and compact city center on foot, there are beautiful old houses, pretty canals and lots of cozy cafes (some with cellars opening up to the canals).  Its canals are two stories, unlike Amsterdam’s canals.

One must-visit is the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands (112 meter high). Other interesting places to visit are the Railway Museum and Neude. For kids, there’s the Miffy museum.

If you’re planning a trip around the Netherlands and you’re looking for a good base in the Netherlands, Utrecht is perfect as it is exactly in the center of the Netherlands and it has reasonable accommodations.   (Thanks to Lotte ) 

You’ll hear Dutchies raving that it is one of the best Dutch cities to visit and I’m apt to agree that it is one of the top places to visit in the Netherlands outside of Amsterdam.

Click for my guide to a day trip to Utrecht .

Northern & Eastern Cities (from Amsterdam) to visit in the Netherlands

Just an hour by train from Amsterdam is a charming little city called Zwolle. In the centre, you will find beautiful Medieval buildings that make you feel like a princess! The streets are intimate but also have a broad range of shops and restaurants to explore. One of the most unique sites you will come upon in Zwolle is Waanders The Broeren, a beautiful bookstore situated in a 15th century church.

Designer BK Architecten elegantly designed the store without altering any of the church’s original structure. The best part is that you can enjoy the beautiful ambiance of the church over delicious food and drinks in the brasserie, nestled in the heart of the cathedral. It’s about 1.5 hours to Zwolle from Amsterdam. (Thanks to Melissa )

You can read a complete guide to things to do in Zwolle here.

Ommen is a historical city located on the banks of the Vecht River. Though it’s home to less than 9,000 residents, Ommen has been called a city since 1248, when it was granted stadsrechten (city rights) in order to protect itself from pillaging.

Today, Ommen is the ideal balance between a fun tourist spot and a serene country escape. Due to its small size and “remote” location (for the Netherlands, anyway), it remains a bit of a secret in the larger international community.

Notable spots around Ommen include the Reformed Church, the city’s oldest building (originally constructed in the 12th century), and three old-fashioned windmills – two of which are still in regular operation.

After wandering through the charming city square and narrow side streets, you can relax by the river, linger at a waterside café, or cycle through the picturesque Dutch countryside. The area is probably best known for the Bissingh – a festival that takes place every July, made up of markets, live music, and other events. The Bissingh now spans several weeks. (Thanks to Emily for this contribution).

You may have seen photos of Giethoorn although few people know it by name (or can pronounce it correctly). It really is one of the prettiest dutch towns that I’ve seen. The small village of Giethoorn is in Overijssel and it is a bus ride away from Zwolle. This little town has no streets; only bridges, canals, and bike lanes.

You can rent a boat for 15 euros (per hour) to enjoy its picturesque canals although you should bring your own drinks/food as food in the town commands tourist prices (although it is possible to stop off for some frites!).

Tip: Go late in the afternoon to avoid large groups and stay overnight to enjoy the quiet small town feel. I consider boating around Giethoorn one of my favorite experiences in any one of the Dutch cities to visit in the Netherlands.

Click for information on visiting Giethoorn from Amsterdam.

Schiermonnikoog is part of a Dutch group of islands called the Waddeneilanden (Wadden islands). The island is also the Netherlands’ first National Park, and the perfect getaway for nature lovers and bike enthusiasts.

What makes this, and other islands like it, so special, is that it’s virtually car free.  Permanent residents of the island, of which there are only about 900, need a special permit to keep a car. Due to the small size and flat landscape, very few choose to do so, making Schiermonnikoog a car-free cycling paradise.

Nature lovers have plenty to look forward to on the island. Schiermonnikoog hosts the widest beach in Europe, has plenty of hiking trails, offers great bird watching opportunities, and is great for spotting sunbathing seal families.

It’s the perfect place to see the surprising variety of Dutch nature up close. If you tire of hedonism and history, head north to Schiermonnikoog to recharge your batteries, and immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful parts of the Netherlands.  (Thanks to Alex, Lost with Purpose.) [If this appealed to you, you also might love the idea of Texel , which is about 2 hours north of Amsterdam.]

This lively student city in the north of the Netherlands is full of charm and friendly folks. It’s also home of the world’s tallest climbing wall, the Excalibur . (I can proudly say that I’ve climbed it!)  

We got happily lost in the beautiful historic centre with many cute shops, art galleries, and brown bars serving up delicious local beers.  We enjoyed the incredible architecture of the University of Groningen, which was established in 1614. The campus is absolutely stunning and worth visiting. The Grote Markt has many food stands, including some amazing Venezuelan food (the best I’ve had!)

Click to read my guide to climbing Excalibur & a complete guide to Groningen written by a local.

The capital of Friesland, Leeuwarden, was named the 2018 European Capital of Culture and you can discover its rich history while walking around the city center.

Fryslân (Friesland) as a region has a unique culture and language (Frisian).  The unfinished church is one of Leeuwarden’s most famous landmarks although you’ll also find beautiful parks. Leeuwarden is one of Fryslân’s eleven historic cities with beautiful architecture and a rich history.   (To read more about Friesland or Leeuwarden, click here!)

Have you been to the Netherlands? What was your favorite city besides Amsterdam?

If you have a favorite that is not included yet, please comment below!

Enjoyed this? Share it!

About Karen Turner

New Yorker–born and raised. Currently living in the Hague, the Netherlands after stints in Paris and Amsterdam. Lover of travel, adventure, nature, city, dresses, and cats.

Reader Interactions

May 13, 2017 at 8:37 pm

Wow! This is such a comprehensive post that opened my mind to other places outside of Amsterdam. I’d heard of a few (think Utrecht and Gouda, plus Holland) but had no idea about the others. I LOVE that first picture of Haarlem too. For someone who’s from the UK it’s kinda shameful I haven’t been yet, but this will definitely come in handy if I ever do!

May 13, 2017 at 8:45 pm

Such a nice list about Netherlands! I visited Amsterdam and Utrecht before, and had great time there 🙂 So many other cities to explore!

May 13, 2017 at 8:53 pm

Pinned this interesting read! We were just discussing yesterday about how we could spend a week in Netherlands and I knew of only Rotterdam and Amsterdam!… Thanks for your inputs, now I have too much to fit in a week.. lol..

May 13, 2017 at 9:07 pm

It´s been ages since I was in Amsterdam and the coast – but never was to many of these towns on your list! Looks awesome and since I´m not all that far from NL, a road trip has to happen next year! Giethoorn looks like out of a fairytale, x

May 13, 2017 at 9:16 pm

I fell in love with the Netherlands upon my first visit, but now I absolutely can’t wait to get back!

May 13, 2017 at 9:48 pm

They really are picturesque! I have only been to Amsterdam, so your post gives me inspiration to explore more for sure. Pinned for later.

May 13, 2017 at 9:49 pm

I really like Utrecht and I was lucky to be there on the Queen’s Day some years ago. Thanks for all the suggestions about other places to visit, Baarle-Nassau in particular sounds intriguing. I’ve just clicked through to your Amsterdam post as we’re going in October!

May 13, 2017 at 10:15 pm

I live very close to Naarden and it is a beautiful city. It’s also a great area for cycling through the forest. It’s nice to see an article about other places than Amsterdam. There is so much to see in the Netherlands.

May 14, 2017 at 12:18 am

Omg I cannot believe there is a TOWN called GOUDA and its actually all about CHEESE. These cities are the perfect excuse to come back to the Netherlands for more Stroopwafel 😛

May 14, 2017 at 12:36 am

I didn’t know the Netherlands have so many beautiful cities and towns. I’ve only been to Rotterdam and Maastricht but I should definitely visit some more – especially because I’m a neighbour haha.

May 14, 2017 at 9:05 am

I have only been to Amsterdam, but I’d love to see more of the Netherlands! This post was very inspiring. I’m pinning it for when I plan a return trip 🙂

May 14, 2017 at 6:29 pm

I smiled throughout this post as i have been to many of them. So much more to explore though. Thank you for this comprehensive list!

May 14, 2017 at 10:19 pm

Love this list! I’ve only ever been to Amsterdam (guilty as charged), but I’d love to see the countryside and smaller towns and maybe do a bicycle trip around the country one day!

May 14, 2017 at 11:17 pm

I have to admit that I am one of those people who has only been to Amsterdam and really haven’t had any urge to venture outside of it. This post has definitely inspired me to head back to the Netherlands though! Giethoorn looks amazing!

May 15, 2017 at 10:31 am

Explore Friesland too. There are lots of small villages like Makkum (the fishers village) a village just close by Afsluitdijk or drop by in Aldfaerserf Openluchtmuseum in Allingawier. You can visit Leeuwarden too and some other big cities in Friesland.

May 15, 2017 at 11:13 am

Hi May, Thanks for commenting. I actually just visited Friesland this weekend (for the first time) to visit Leeuwarden as well as Franeker. Super charming and I’ll be adding about 5 more cities to this list very soon, including at least one in Friesland. Driving the Afsluitdijk was really incredible. Thank you for commenting and I will include more regions soon!

May 15, 2017 at 12:16 pm

Here is an interesting one.I was once accepted for a Masters in Maastricht. Life happened, but now it’s now super high on my list! I love seeing places beyond Amsterdam, so this list is really good!

May 15, 2017 at 6:05 pm

This post has definitely inspired me to visit the Netherlands ! I’d love to see the countryside, small towns and do a bicycle trip around the country 🙂 I’ve only visited Amsterdam few years ago… but there are so many places to explore outside of Amsterdam !

May 15, 2017 at 8:05 pm

Karen, lovely article. However, as an American living in Den Haag, and having to answer the question quite often about the Holland/Netherlands question, I thought I might give you a bit of info. Noord Holland and Zuid Holland are the two most populated provinces, and where the largest cities are located, thus the overarching term for the country as Holland. Although you do mention Zuid Holland far into your post, at the top you only mention Noord Holland. You might want to edit to include both provinces. Bedankt!

May 15, 2017 at 11:07 pm

Dear Suzanne, You are very correct. I wasn’t necessarily clear with my wording in the original copy, but I’ve updated to reflect the reality of the Randstad. Thank you for your comment. Thank you for reading. 🙂

July 30, 2017 at 1:51 am

Leiden in South Holland is also worth a visit. It’s a very old university town and it’s my husband’s hometown, incidentally. I have visited it many times and love the waterways that flow through it including the Oude Rijn.

May 15, 2017 at 8:14 pm

LOL I was reading this article and wishing you would mention my city Groningen. x

May 15, 2017 at 11:06 pm

JUST updated with Groningen. I actually intended to include it originally, but ran out of time prior to publication. I really enjoyed it, especially the lovely brown bars and the Excalibur climbing wall! Adding 4 more now to round it out at 20!

May 15, 2017 at 8:49 pm

Hello Karen, Oh wow! I’m sure you’ve visited the oldest planetarium in the world- Planetarium Eise Eisinga. I’m excited to read your next blog 🙂

May 19, 2017 at 3:14 am

Wow, this is a wonderful post! The first and last time I went to Netherlands, was when I was 16… That’s very long ago. Being from Germany, I definitely missed out on visiting the surrounding countries. You pictures are gorgeous and inspire to visit even smaller cities! It seems there are little gems everywhere!

May 19, 2017 at 8:27 am

Nice blog! Maybe you could add a fee words about the forts that were built to protect the cities from marauding armies, the Hollandse Waterlinie. The forts are converted for many different purposes. Gorinchem, where I live, has four or five of them. The city is surrounded by complete ramparts and fortifications as well, and you can visit Woudrichem/Loevestein castle plus fort Vuren by foot ferry.

May 20, 2017 at 3:01 pm

Love this! We went to Amsterdam last year and checked out Utrecht which I loved. Our next destination in the Netherlands is Rotterdam so excited that it made the list as well. 🙂

May 21, 2017 at 5:56 pm

I went to Amsterdam almost two years ago and absolutely loved it! This is such a great post to explore more of the Netherlands besides the big city. I will be saving this for my travel planning!

May 24, 2017 at 10:30 am

OH MY GOSH! This is amazing. Beautiful photos, amazing experience. I envy you. 🙂

June 18, 2017 at 3:53 pm

Thanks for this post! I want to explore other parts of the Netherlands but didn’t know where to start. These towns sound awesome and I’ve actually heard of some of them. Giethoorn looks so sweet and beautiful!

June 29, 2017 at 2:10 pm

Oh my God nice pictures thanks for shear it.

July 15, 2017 at 1:19 pm

I love how you also listed some lesser known places, like Zwolle and Leeuwarden. Personally, I also really love Breda and Middelburg 🙂 Oh… and Deventer.

July 17, 2017 at 11:40 am

Muiden is a very beautiful place to be.Muiden is a city and former municipality in the Netherlands, in the province of North Holland. It lies at the mouth of the Vecht and is in an area called the Vechtstreek

July 30, 2017 at 2:39 am

Hi Daphne, I was recently there and loved it. I need to update this post with the new places I’ve been recently!

August 21, 2017 at 11:45 am

I live in Amsterdam but in this kinda posts i never read anything About my home town Breda in the south. City famous for its old beautiful centre, Forrest at the south, beer, candies, carnaval, jazz festival And last but not least the Netherlands most famous DJ (Tiësto) is from this place. Good to combine with Rotterdam as there is a highspeed train from Amsterdam via Rotterdam to Breda.

November 3, 2017 at 2:58 pm

I live here for a 4 years already (in Gouda – totally agree on its appearance on your list!). I cannot really say I love Amsterdam, it is waaaaay to crowded for me… But other small cities like Haarlem, Dordrecht, Delft, Leiden….mmmm…. small and cozy :)))) For those who said they never knew Netherlands has so many beautiful places to visit – there are even more!

July 13, 2018 at 5:27 pm

Nice compilation. Disappointed that the nice Zeelandic towns like Middelburg and Vlissingen are missing. Maybe you are yet to explore those

July 13, 2018 at 5:28 pm

Hi Raj, I was in Middelburg about 2-3 weeks ago. I’ll definitely be updating it to include it. 🙂

Watch for a guide this month!

Best, Karen

September 19, 2018 at 1:06 am

Nice list,but Amersfoort deserves to be on it as well,my hometown. Mooie lijst,maar Amersfoort verdient on we ook op te staan,mijn stad One of the oldest medieval towns in the Netherlands 20 km. from Utrecht. From Amersfoort you can go anywhere in The Netherlands,it is Railroad hub.

September 15, 2019 at 10:12 pm

Hi, my favourite towns are Marken (I love lighthouses) and Elburg – you wont forget either in a hurry.

October 23, 2019 at 9:54 pm

I’m just wrapping up a 3.5 week trip the the Netherlands, ending in Amsterdam. I started in Delft, with side trips to The Hague and Leiden; then Rotterdam, Utrecht, Maastricht and finally Amsterdam, heading to Haarlem tomorrow (which is how I found your blog). I’ve loved each place in its own way but, so far, Leiden is my favorite.

October 24, 2019 at 11:37 am

Hi Eileen, Thank you for this lovely comment. It makes me so happy to read this as there are so many charming cities in the Netherlands to see! Curious if Leiden takes the crown for you after seeing Haarlem! I regularly visit Delft and Leiden myself. 🙂

August 16, 2020 at 11:12 pm

Please mention Arnhem, a beautiful city and take the side trip to the POSTBANK!!!

[…] of the heather landscapes in Texel… I’m currently based in The Netherlands where weekend getaways are much easier than in the US, but the short weekend trip is possible. […]

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Best cities to visit in the Netherlands

Netherlands

The Netherlands is the country of peaceful countryside, historic towns, windmills, traditional canals and tulips. Although the Netherlands is one of Europe´s smallest nations it has a lot to offer.

The first stop for most travelers is Amsterdam, just like everyone flocks to Paris in France, however there is much more than that and you can find many beautiful Dutch cities which are worth visiting.

In this post, I will introduce you the best cities to visit in the Netherlands which are easily reachable by train from the main city hub.

Some of the cities are perfect for a day trip from Amsterdam and some are located a bit further from the capital so it would be better to stay over the weekend. It’s such a gorgeous country, who knows you may even end up moving to the Netherlands .

Here is the list to get you started.

***Disclaimer: Affiliate links are used on this site. If you see a link assume I probably get a kickback from it. It won’t cost you any extra, in fact, at times it will get you a discount. I hugely appreciate you using my links.***

Utrecht | The Hague (Den Haag) | Alkmaar | Haarlem |  Lisse (Keukenhof) | Rotterdam | Amsterdam | Leiden |  Den Bosch | Gouda | Giethoorn | Delft | Maastricht

Located just 30min from Amsterdam , Utrecht is a perfect city for a day trip.

Utrecht is a city of canals, cafes and fairy-tale like architecture which is totally worth visiting. The charming old town makes exploring this city on foot a pleasurable experience.

Most residents are Dutch students so you will find here many lively clubs, cafes and a great vibe.

One must-visit is the Dom Tower , which is the tallest church in the Netherlands. The Dom Tower has a long history and the tower stands where the city Utrecht was originated 2000 years ago.

Another must-see attraction is the Centraal Museum where you can find the city´s collections of art and artefacts.

Getting there : There is a regular Intercity rail service (up to 4x hourly) from Schiphol Airport to Utrecht Central which first makes stops at Amsterdam Zuid and Amsterdam Bijlmer. The ticket will cost you 9.40 EUR/one way.

If you want to get to Utrecht from Amsterdam, you can take any Intercity service (direction Heerlen, Maastricht and Nijmegen)from Amsterdam Centraal which run every 10 minutes and you will arrive in Utrecht Central approx in 30min.

The Hague (Den Haag)

The Hague is the third-largest city in the Netherlands, home of the Dutch Parliament and Dutch Royal family.

The Hague offers many fine-dining options and interesting museums to visit. One of them is the Prison Gate Museum which brings alive tales of crime and punishment.

Another popular attraction is Mauritshuis , which houses Girl with the Pearl Earring  and  The   Goldfinch .

And the M.C. Escher permanent exhibition at The Palace Museum. Perfect to check out if you like graphic design.

The Hague is also a popular place thanks to its closeness to the sea. If you are in The Hague, you should not miss Scheveningen boardwalk along the beach.

Getting there : The Hague is easily accessible by air, train or road. Rotterdam is less than 30 kilometres from The Hague and Amsterdam approximately 60 kilometres. The train ticket from Amsterdam to The Hague will cost you around 13 EUR/one way. Major cities close to The Hague include Brussels, London and Paris so you can easily take a flight to the international airport in Amsterdam or Rotterdam-The Hague.

You can also take a train to The Hague from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Belgium, France or Germany.

Alkmaar is a very popular day trip from Amsterdam due to its traditional cheese market. Every Friday morning between April and September you can see a unique ceremony where buyers can smell, taste and feel the texture of the cheese before discussing the price.

It is very entertaining so I would recommend getting there early for a good view.

If you want to explore in a more organized fashion you can do a combined 2-hour city and cheese market tour all in one.

Getting there: Alkmaar is located about 30km from Amsterdam so it takes an average of 44min to travel from Amsterdam-Centraal to Alkmaar by train.

There are over 90 trains travelling between Amsterdam and Alkmaar and the ticket cost around 9 EUR one way.

Sometimes called ´ Little Amsterdam ´, Haarlem is a perfect place when you want to escape the hustle of busy Amsterdam.

You should not miss the town centre with its dominating St. Bavokerk which became its official cathedral in 1557. Beyond the cathedral also make sure to see the 14th century Town Hall and amazing art collection inside the Frans Hals Museum.

For beer lovers, check out the Jopenkerk which is a bar and restaurant in a converted church.

Getting there: Trains from Amsterdam Central Station to Haarlem’s station run numerous times an hour and the journey takes around 20 minutes. The cost of the train ticket is approx.5.60EUR/one way.

If you are travelling to Haarlem from Amsterdam’s Schiphol airport, then you need to change trains at Amsterdam Sloterdijk station.

Or for a more direct route take Bus 300 called the Zuidtangent which runs every 10-15 minutes between Schiphol airport and Haarlem Central Station. The trip takes about 30-40 minutes.

Lisse (Keukenhof)

Lisse is mainly famous for Keukenhof Gardens which is located about 1h from Amsterdam.

Keukenhof is known as the “ Garden of Europe ,” and it is considered as one of the world’s largest public gardens.

Make sure you come in spring as the garden is opened only from March to May.

Getting there: The most popular option is to take the Keukenhof Express Bus to the gardens. Ideally you purchase the special combi ticket so you can save a lot of money on your transport and access to the park. Entrance.

When you travel from Amsterdam the cost for entrance + return bus ticket is 32,50EUR. The combi ticket cost 27,50 EUR if you travel from Schiphol, Hoofddorp, Leiden or Haarlem.

You can also reach Keukenhof Gardens by car via the A4 (exit Nieuw-Vennep) and the A44 (exit 3 Lisse). At the entrance, you will find a large parking lot where you can park your car for only € 6.00 a day.

Rotterdam is a perfect place for architecture lovers. The city was completed destroyed in World War 2 and rebuilt from scratch.

The city was rebuilt with innovative and futuristic architecture with modern skyscrapers and interesting design.

When you visit Rotterdam, you should not miss the impressive Markthal  for the ultimate foodie experience, the Cube Houses and the Nieuwe Luxor Theatre.

Getting there: The easiest way to travel to Rotterdam is by car or by train. The train takes you right to the city centre and if you come by car there are numerous car parks available.

If you are travelling from The Hague you can take the Randstad rail to the Central Station of Rotterdam and the ticket cost approx 6 EUR/one way. Also from Dordrecht or Kinderdijk, you can take the waterbus as an alternative way to travel to Rotterdam.

From abroad, you can easily fly to Rotterdam. The Hague airport is just a few kilometres from the centre of Rotterdam or you can land at Amsterdam Schiphol which is located about 50km from Rotterdam.

The largest city in the Netherlands and probably the most visited in the whole country.

When you visit Amsterdam for the first time, make sure you visit the most popular attractions like Rijksmuseum , Anne Frank House and Van Gogh Museum .

Check this 2 days travel itinerary in Amsterdam and explore all must-see sites in this amazing city.

Getting there: Amsterdam has a number of direct international rail services which can connect you to Belgium, France, Germany, UK and others. High-speed rail travel in Europe is a good alternative to flying and it is a popular transport among travellers.

Using a train could be a good option for example for London-Amsterdam Eurostar service where the total journey takes about 4 hours and the ticket starts at 40 EUR.

Dutch people sometimes refer to Leiden  as ´ Museum City ´ because of its many museums.

Leiden is also home to lovely canals, traditional brick homes and the oldest university in Holland.

Every Wednesday you can visit an amazing street market  which offers a variety of local produce, like Dutch cheese and meat, flowers or craft goods.

Getting there: Most travellers going to Leiden by air will arrive at Schiphol airport in Amsterdam. If you are travelling to Leiden from Schiphol then the easiest way is to get the train. The journey usually takes about 20 minutes.

Getting to Leiden from Amsterdam will take about 30 to 40 minutes by train and the ticket cost starts at 10 EUR/one way.

Den Bosch (‘s-Hertogenbosch) is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands with many remarkable city sights. One of them is St. John’s Cathedral which was built between 1380 and 1530.

You can explore the city in a different way and take a boat tour through the city canals.

On Wednesday and Saturdays, visit the local street market where you can taste the Bossche bol , a big profiterole covered with dark chocolate and filled with whipped cream.

The famous Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch  was from Den Bosch and his weird and wonderful work is on display in a permanent exhibition at the Jheronimus Bosch Art Center (there’s more than one way to spell his name).

If you’ve never seen his art before make sure you don’t miss it. His most famous piece is a triptych of Heaven, Hell and Earth. The detail of it is incredible, as are the creatures he thinks up. I was fangirling all over the shop on my visit.

Getting There: Den Bosch as is actually closer to Eindhoven airport than Amsterdam if you’re going to the Netherlands just to visit there. Flights to Eindhoven, from the UK at least, are also cheaper than to Amsterdam (I think my return flight cost me about £40).

To get to Den Bosch from Eindhoven airport it’s a quick 20-minute bus ride from the airport to the train station (I bought my train ticket at the airport and that included the bus fare).

From the train station, it’s another 20 minutes to Den Bosch on the high-speed trains, 40 minutes on the slower ones. Personally, I find the high-speed train rides fun in Europe as they have the double-decker trains and for me, that’s still something of a novelty. Trains leave frequently even on Sundays.

Gouda is mainly popular for its cheese but the city offers much more. The city is also famous for its pottery and stroopwafels, the traditional Dutch syrup waffles.

Gouda is located about 1h from Amsterdam and it is a perfect place for a day trip.

If you miss the cheese market in Alkmaar, you have a chance to visit the market in Gouda . Every Thursday morning from April to August, you can witness cheese making and cheese trading.

And don’t forget to buy some Gouda cheese, it is delicious!

Getting there : The easiest way to get to Gouda from Amsterdam is by train which usually takes around 40min. There are more than 100 trains per day from Amsterdam and the ticket starts from 13 EUR/one way.

Sometimes referred to as ´ The Venice of the Netherlands ´ Giethoorn  is probably one of the prettiest cities in the country and it definitely should be included on your list of best cities to visit in the Netherlands.

The beautiful city of Giethoorn is home to many canals and small stone bridges. The interesting part about Giethhoorn is that is completely car-free!

Ideally, you will explore Giethoorn on a boat to enjoy its picturesque canals and beautiful scenery. To do this you can find a boat tour once in Giethoorn or go there on a bus and boat tour from Amsterdam.

Getting there : If you are travelling from Amsterdam, take a train to Steenwijk. It will take around 90 minutes for a one-way journey.

When you reach Steenwijk, take the bus no. 70 and get down at Giethoorn village bus stop. This journey from Steenwijk to Giethoorn will take about 30 minutes and a one-way bus ticket will cost you €4.

Delft is located close to The Haag and about 1 hour from Amsterdam. The city is well-known for its beautifully-crafted Delftware pottery which was produced since the 16th century.

In your day trip in Delft, you can include the tour of the pottery factories where you can learn more about its history. Or take a tour of a Delft blue factory, see the craftsmen at work and learn how to paint your own tile.

Make sure you also visit the city centre as it is a perfect place to wander and to enjoy a nice cup of coffee in water-side cafes.

Getting there: Delft is located between Rotterdam and The Hague, which means both can be reached by train in under 20 minutes. Trains depart roughly every 10 minutes to these two major cities.

From Amsterdam, you can get to Delft under 50 minutes on a direct train and the ticket will cost approx 15 EUR. Groningen and Maastricht are around a three-hour journey away.

Maastricht is recommended for a weekend trip as the journey is about 2.5h by train from Amsterdam.

The city has excellent cultural attractions, a vibrant university-town spirit and it is a perfect place for a slow and romantic weekend in the Netherlands.

Getting there : The cheapest way to travel from Amsterdam to Maastricht is by bus. Flixbus buses start at 12 euros for a one-way trip and the journey takes about 3 hours.

The fastest way to travel from Amsterdam is by train and you can easily get to Maastricht in two and a half hours.

If you can choose when to visit Europe in autumn is beautiful and not too touristy or you could go in March to May to catch the tulip season.

What is your favourite of these best cities to visit in the Netherlands? Or do you disagree they’re the best? Let me know in the comments below .

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Top 5 cities to visit in the Netherlands

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With lively nightlife, beautiful scenery, and liberal values, the Netherlands is always a fail-safe holiday choice. As a world superpower in the 16th and 17th centuries, it gave rise many spectacular towns and cities, yet nowadays Amsterdam takes all the glory. If you travel a bit further afield (not that far, the Netherlands is small) you'll find plenty of other charming places to visit, and possibly a more authentic experience. To steer you in the right direction, here's our pick of the top five cities to visit in the Netherlands.

1. Rotterdam

2. the hague, 5. amsterdam, tailor-made travel itineraries for netherlands, created by local experts.

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The best of the Netherlands and Belgium

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Explore the path of the World War II Liberation Route through Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Visit important landmarks and museums on the way with this self drive itinerary, with enough time to explore cities such as Brussels and Rotterdam on the way.

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You might visit Amsterdam for its history, but Rotterdam is the place to go for architecture aficionados. The city didn't fare well in the Second World War, and when it was rebuilt, the city council decided that instead of resurrecting the city as it was, it would be rebuilt with the future in mind.

The resulting post-war architecture and modernist skyscrapers make Rotterdam a treasure trove for design fans. Make sure you check out the Cube Houses, Nieuwe Luxor Theatre and the Van Nelle Factory. For more insight into the artistic movements that inspired these buildings head to the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen to see its exhibition on De Stijl and the Bauhaus, plus several centuries of Dutch and European art.

Rotterdam is also the largest port in Europe, from where hopeful Dutch families once emigrated to New York, or New Amsterdam as it was once known. You can learn more about Rotterdam’s nautical past at the Maritime Museum.

Thinking of visiting the Netherlands? We can help! Try our new tailor-made trip service and enjoy a fully personalised trip planned just for you!

One of the grandest cities in the Netherlands, The Hague is the polar opposite of Rotterdam. The Dutch royal family lives here and the city is full of large, beautiful mansions, pretty parks and leafy streets. What it lacks in edginess it makes up for in casual, laid-back elegance, and it's a great city to visit for fine dining.

There are plenty of good museums to choose from too, like Museum Beelden an Zee – hidden in the sand dunes of the Scheveningen beach resort – which focuses on contemporary sculpture, to the Prison Gate Museum that brings alive tales of crime and punishment in years gone by (a great one for kids and adults alike). Before you leave make sure you see Vermeer's masterpiece Girl with a Pearl Earring at the Mauritshuis .

The grand buildings of the Binnenhof in The Hague © Tom Goossens/Shutterstock

If you're interested in military history, you'll be interested in Arnhem. The infamous Battle of Arnhem took place here in September 1944. Allied Forces tried, and failed, to capture what is now known as the John Frost Bridge in their plan to advance into Germany. Almost 2,000 Allied troops died in the battle (mainly British and Polish forces) along with some 1,300 German soldiers and close to 500 Dutch civilians.

Most of the Allied soldiers are buried at the Oosterbeek War Cemetery , a visit to which is a sobering yet worthwhile experience. To find out more about Arnhem’s role during the war, you can also visit the Arnhem War Museum. The city is also featured in our new book Travel the Liberation Route Europe which commemorates the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Europe.

Windmills at the Open Air Museum in Arnhem © Wunigard/Shutterstock

Gouda is a cheese-lover’s paradise, of course, but did you also know the city is also famous for its pottery and waffles? Apparently the now ubiquitous-in-Starbucks stroopwafel was invented here in the 19th century.

But back to cheese for a moment… If you're in town on a Thursday make sure you head to the cheese market held in the beautiful town square from 10:00am-12:30pm from April to August. The market is a full-on celebration of things Dutch – national costumes, clogs, huge wheels of cheese and traditional crafts, plus merchants and farmers clapping hands in the traditional way each time they agree on a deal.

If you haven’t had your fill of cheese after that, you can also visit the Cheese and Crafts Museum in Goudse Waag building, where you can watch how cheese is made.

For a souvenir that won't make you put on weight, you can buy some of your very own traditional Gouda pottery at shops in the town, or at the annual ceramics market held at the end of May.

A cheese shop displays its wares in Gouda © symbiot/Shutterstock

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The draw of Amsterdam is clear to see: the city is an Instagrammer's dream, with gorgeous 17th-century architecture and quaint cobbled streets. If you haven't been before, make sure you see the most obvious sights – the Rijksmuseum , Anne Frank’s House , and Van Gogh Museum all worth your time and money. The city also boasts a solid list of free entertainment .

After this, take the time to soak in the laid-back vibes, wandering along the canals and sampling a craft coffee or craft beer at one of the many excellent cafe bars.

Amsterdam's nightlife is a wholly unique experience – running the gamut from hardcore Club NYX (which even has a DJ booth in the toilet), or Progress Bar, which mixes socially progressive talks and events with epic club nights.

Amsterdam is packed with classic and charming canal views © S.Borisov/Shutterstock

Find more holiday ideas in the Netherlands with our guide to the best things to do in the Netherlands .

For more information on these cities and the rest of the country, purchase the newly updated Rough Guide to the Netherlands .

Top image: Goudas cheeses in the window © Jose Luis Carrascosa/Shutterstock

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17 unforgettable things to do in Leiden in 2024

Albeit small and charming, there are loads of things to do in Leiden. As one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands, it never fails to amaze! 😍 

From windmills to secret courtyards, you can easily fill a week with things to do in this gorgeous, old, university town. Here are my 17 top tips!

1. Delve into history at the Burcht van Leiden

2. stop to smell the flowers at hortus botanicus, 3. experience real dutchness at molen de valk windmill museum, 4. get lost at wereld museum leiden, 5. take a refreshing boat tour on leiden’s canals, 6. explore the human body at the corpus museum, 7. be inspired by leiden’s many wall poems, 8. stroll among the stalls at the saturday market in leiden, 9. admire leiden’s beautiful pieterskerk, 10. explore secret courtyards in leiden, 11. enjoy a drink on the water in leiden, 12. embark on leiden’s rembrandt-themed walking route, 13. get starstruck at the heineken star bar in leiden, 14. watch the stars at leiden’s old observatory , 15. take a green break at het plantsoen park , 16. let your history geek loose at the bibliotheca thysiana in leiden, 17. admire the beautiful leiden’s marekerk.

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It’s quite unique to come across a hill in the Netherlands , so enjoy the steep climb while you can. 😅

This medieval fortification gives you the best view of the stunning Hooglandse Kerk, and of Leiden in general!

The 11th-century construction was once a medieval fort and is now an adorable park open to the public. It’s also seen as a national symbol signalling the Dutch defeat of the Spanish in 1574. 💪

READ MORE | Why is the Netherlands so flat? The complete explanation

Climb the hill, but don’t stop there! You can also walk on top of the walls themselves if you take the stairs inside the Burcht .

💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 8 AM to 8 PM 📍 Location: Van der Sterrepad 5, 2312 EK Leiden

The oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands is definitely worth a visit during your trip to Leiden.

Beautiful, romantic, and packed with interesting plants, Hortus Botanicus is a favourite for locals and tourists alike. 🌺

The garden has several greenhouses and is open for anything from casual strolls to event rentals. There’s also an adorable café for when the rain (inevitably) sets in . 

READ MORE | Penis plant comes to bloom for first time in 24 years — smells like ‘rotting flesh’

Here’s a hot tip; if you study at Leiden University, it’s totally free to enter! But watch out, you’re going to want to buy everything they have in the gift shop. 💸

💰 Price: €8.50 for adults, €3.50 for children ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 9 AM to 6 PM (summer), 10 AM until 5 PM (winter). 📍 Location: Rapenburg 73, 2311 GJ Leiden

You simply cannot visit the Netherlands without seeing a windmill , and if you’re going to Leiden, you’re in luck — there’s one hanging out right in the centre! 

De Valk is the only windmill left of the 19 that once stood within the city walls of Leiden. Originating in the 1600s, the windmill offers great insight into 300 years of milling history. 

READ MORE | Best windmill site in the Netherlands: Kinderdijk or Zaanse Schans?

You can enjoy the windmill museum or simply admire the construction from the outside — believe us, you won’t want to miss it. 

💰 Price: €6.00 for adults, €3 for children ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM, Sunday 1 PM to 5 PM 📍 Location: 2e Binnenvestgracht 1, 2312 BZ Leiden

The first museum of Ethnography in Europe is hard to miss if you’re visiting Leiden.

The museum is one of the oldest of its kind in the world, and it’s a crown jewel in the university city’s long and proud research tradition. 🦸‍♀️

Book a guided tour, or just admire the museum at your own pace — but be warned that you can easily lose yourself in the many exhibitions for hours and hours! 

READ MORE | Something for the whole family! Let your kids run wild at Wereld Museum Leiden’s Animal Academy

If you have some extra time on your hands, why not check out some of the fascinating exhibits on show?

You can currently wander through eye-opening installations on maps and enjoy contemporary African art .

If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, how about enrolling in traditional New Zealand Haka war dance workshops and checking out Buddhist and Islamic creative drawing workshops?

💰 Price: €16 for adults, €8 for children, €10 for students ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 AM until 5 PM  📍 Location: Steenstraat 1, 2312 BS Leiden

With its 28km of canals, a boat tour in Leiden should be on every visitor’s bucket list. There are tons of companies to choose from, offering a range of options.

Private or group, morning, midday, or evening, open-air or protected from the rain — there’s something for every taste! ⛵

READ MORE | Renting a boat in the Netherlands: all you need to know

Being less infested with tourists than bigger cities (*cough* Amsterdam *cough*), a boat tour in Leiden is a peaceful and tranquil experience. 

If you’re sure the weather is going to be good, it’s definitely worth it to book an open-air boat — you see way more than if you have a roof! 

💰 Price: from €12.50 for adults, from €8.50 for children (depending on the company) ⏰ Opening hours: Daily 📍 Location: All over the city centre!

The world’s first-ever museum dedicated to exploring the human body is located in Leiden!

What happens with your body when you listen to music or get a splinter? This museum is super interactive and suits all age groups (although kids find it especially fun). 

On your visit, you’ll literally be walking around ‘inside’ a massive human body, whilst being inside a 35 metres tall building that looks like — you guessed it — a human body.  🧍‍♀️

READ MORE | Living in Leiden: 5 things to do when you move to Leiden

However, reservations are almost a must because this museum fills up quickly! Also, make sure you book your tickets online , for a small discount.

Please note: children under the age of six are not permitted in the museum. 

💰 Price: €23.95 (all ages, online price) ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 9:30 AM to 3 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9:30 AM to 5 PM 📍 Location: Willem Einthovenstraat 1, 2342 BH Oegstgeest

Leiden is full of beautiful poetry, simply painted onto the walls of its houses. More than 100 poems written by local poets have given the city a lovely creative vibe for over 30 years! 🧾

The poems are written in several different languages, so it might be an idea to check out their translations for maximum enjoyment. 

READ MORE | 7 of the best free things to do in Leiden

If you want some deets to complement your art experience, and you’re down to test your Dutch skills, most bookstores in Leiden sell a handy book called Dicht op the Muur , containing information about the first 101 wall poems. 

Or even better, you can try out one of these pre-made routes completely for free! 

💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: All day, every day 📍 Location: Throughout the city

Every Saturday, you can enjoy lovely Dutch treats in Leiden’s weekly street market . There’s no better way to be introduced to Dutch delicacies, crafts, or just Dutchies in general! 

Prices tend to be lower than other shops in the Netherlands, so it’s really an opportunity to let loose and secure all those souvenirs and travel gifts! 🎁

READ MORE | Eating out in Leiden in 2024: the top hotspots to check out!

If you can’t find enough food and drinks to satisfy your tourist belly at the market itself — fear not! There are tons of cafés and restaurants surrounding the market too. 

💰 Price: Free entrance  ⏰ Opening hours: Saturday 8 AM to 5 PM 📍 Location: Aalmarkt, 2312 JC Leiden

With 900 years of history, there are few better ways to explore the city of Leiden than through a visit to the Pieterskerk . 

What used to be Leiden’s main Catholic church has its roots all the way back to the 1300s. Today it serves as a museum and event venue, but the impressive building is still worth a visit. ⛪

READ MORE | The pilgrims in Leiden: Where were the pilgrims before they sailed to America?

Enjoy a concert, ponder the historical exhibitions, or simply admire the building.

💰 Price: €5 for adults, free for children up to 12 years ⏰ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM  📍 Location: Kloksteeg 16, 2311 SL Leiden

A poorly kept secret is that most Dutch cities are full of gorgeous hidden courtyards. These romantic gems are also all over Leiden if you know where to look. 🧐

The courtyards are enclosed by so-called hofjes — 13th- to 19th-century shelters for elderly, poor, and homeless people.

Today, the houses surrounding the inner courtyards look like real fairytale castles, and most constructions are open to the public. 

READ MORE | Hidden gems in the Netherlands: unique places you wouldn’t think to visit

Some are even open without any entrance requirements! To find the best ones yourself, all you need is on a hofjes map that’s easily purchased for €3.50 at the tourist information office. 

However, the easiest and most rewarding (albeit not too private and romantic) way to explore Leiden’s 35 hofjes is with a tour , so you get the most out of the local history knowledge.

💰 Price: from €0, depending on the tour company  ⏰ Opening hours: Daily, depending on the hofje  📍 Location: Leiden city centre  

Leiden is full of canals, and the canals are both framed and covered with cute little restaurants, bars, and cafés as far as the eye can see. 

If you’re visiting the Netherlands, you might have heard of the quintessentially Dutch concept of the borrel (if not, educate yourself here ). An afternoon on a floating terrace in Leiden is the perfect way to really blend in with the locals. 🍻

READ MORE | A local’s guide to Leiden – the best places to eat, drink, and shop

If drinking on the water makes you nauseous, don’t stress: there are tons of borrel -worthy bars on more steady ground as well. The centre is packed with places to satisfy all tastes (and budgets). 

The area with the most options is along the canal De Rijn and Nieuwe Rijn, although areas outside of the immediate city centre are less crowded.

💰 Price: a small biertje is typically €3 – €5 ⏰ Opening hours: All day, every day (depending on the specific location) 📍 Location: Leiden city centre

Famous Dutch painter Rembrandt spent several years of his life in Leiden , so you can easily learn about loads more than just his pictures by taking the Rembrandt Route.

As part of the tour, you’ll explore Rembrandt’s first years as an artist in the studio of his first teacher, Jacob van Swanenburgh (the so-called Young Rembrandt Studio). 👟

READ MORE | Rembrandt masterpiece reconstructed and expanded with AI: see it like never before

The route is accessible via a purchasable booklet, and the tour also can be downloaded via the Rembrandt Route App !

💰 Price: €6.95 for the route booklet ⏰ Opening hours: The Rembrandt route is accessible at all times, but the Young Rembrandt Studio is open Tuesday to Sunday 12 PM until 5 PM 📍 Location: Langebrug 89, 2311 TJ Leiden (Young Rembrandt Studio)

Ever wondered where the famous Dutch beer brand Heineken got its logo? I’ll tell you anyways! One of the oldest brown pubs in Leiden, De Vergulde Kruik, allegedly sold their red-star logo to Heineken for about €400 in today’s money. 😎

The pub is centrally located and really feels like a time machine when you step inside.

With its 19th-century stained glass, original silver taps, and cosy atmosphere, De Vergulde Kruik is a favourite among locals, students, and occasionally a tourist or two. 

If you’ve had enough of the endless supply of Dutch beer (like a crazy person), you might be happy to hear that the pub also serves delicious food! 

💰 Price: a small biertje is typically €3 – €5 ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Friday 3 PM to 12 AM, Saturday and Sunday 12 PM to 10 PM 📍 Location: Haarlemmerstraat 22, 2312 GA Leiden

As the oldest of its kind, the Observatory in Hortus Botanicus is one of the things to do in Leiden that is well worth a visit. It’s frequently used as a university building, but it’s also open to visitors. 

FUN BONUS FACT BOX: Another academic hotspot that’s open for visitors is a sink once used by Albert Einstein ! 

Check out the visitors’ centre, book a private tour, or join one of the monthly open evenings of one of Leiden’s astronomy societies. ✨

Enjoy an astronomy lecture and try out a telescope at the open evenings — the perfect date idea if you ask me!

💰 Price: from €10 for entry, €95 for a private tour, €4 for an open evening ticket  ⏰ Opening hours visitors center: Tuesday to Friday 1 PM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday 11 AM to 5 PM  📍 Location: Sterrenwachtlaan 11, 2311 GP Leiden, Nederland

This 19th-century city park of Leiden is a popular spot for weekend strolls along the water.

In addition to fresh air, green grass, and beautiful flowers, there are also other interesting sights in Het Plantsoen, such as the old aviary, the fountain, and the 350-year anniversary monument of the relief of Leiden . 🌳

READ MORE | The Singelpark in Leiden: how citizens created one of the best parks in the Netherlands

The park was designed by architect Salomon van der Paauw in English style. In its time, the project was funded by the municipality of Leiden, which hired several unemployed people for the construction. 

Stay up to date on the activities in the park and its surroundings via the Het Plantsoen newsletter , produced by the Het Plantsoen Association. 

💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: all day, every day 📍 Location: Plantsoen, 2311 NT Leiden

Founded in 1653 in honour of the Dutch legal expert Johannes Thysius, this old library contains over 2500 books and several thousand pamphlets. 

The building is the only surviving 17th-century construction in the Netherlands that was built for the purpose of being a library — an interesting piece of history if ever there was one!

READ MORE | Photo report! An ode to the lovely city of Leiden

Not only is the library a great source of legal reading material, but you can also book meeting rooms or join a guided tour of the building (albeit for quite a fee).

💰 Price: €125 for a guided tour ⏰ Opening hours: By appointment 📍 Location: Rapenburg 25, 2311 GG Leiden

The round dome of the Marekerk is quite striking and impossible to miss if you visit Leiden.

The reformed Protestant church was the first of its kind in Leiden and keeps lots of history and beauty between its walls. 😍

There are usually lots of concerts taking place in this historical building, but if you’re just in the mood to sit and relax, you can also enjoy a coffee at the Marekerk café.

READ MORE | Organ concerts and vaulted ceilings: 15 churches to visit in the Netherlands

The church is still very much active, so make sure you check the schedule if you’re just popping by for a look. 

💰 Price: Free ⏰ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday  📍 Location: Lange Mare 48, 2312 GS Leiden

There’s no shortage of things to do in the beautiful city of Leiden, so get your walking shoes and cameras ready! It’s the perfect blend of exciting and calm and should be on any traveller’s bucket list.

Which attractions will you visit in Leiden? Do you have any suggestions to add to the list? Tell us in the comments below!

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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

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

By Caitlin Morton and Katherine LaGrave

Amsterdam is probably the first stop on anyone's trip to the Netherlands—and for good reason. But there is so much more to this small country (about one-third the size of Pennsylvania) than its capital city. Think rows of windmills, fields of tulips , and cities bursting with culture and charm. Luckily for you, it's all just a short drive or train ride away from that main city hub. Here's a list to get you started.

This piece was originally published in May 2018. It has been updated with new information.

Affectionately referred to as the "Venice of the Netherlands," this village's thatched roof farmhouses and wooden arch bridges can be explored via bike lanes or canals—either by boat, or by ice skating during the frozen winter months.

Beemster Polder

About thirteen miles north of Amsterdam, the Beemster region is an 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), 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.

The canals of Utrecht have two stories, where 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 via cycling, 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.

De Hoge Veluwe National Park

This park is one of the largest in Holland, and within its 13,343 acres, counts rare wildlife, some of the most iconic buildings in the Netherlands, 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 1,800 available for rent.

Jessica Chapel

Alex Erdekian

Diana Oates

Jessica Puckett

Many people flock to Delft for its eponymous blue pottery, but don't overlook the unspoiled 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).

Texel Island

Texel is the largest and most populated of the West Frisian Islands, also known as the Wadden Islands, due to their location in the Wadden Sea. The island offers landscapes unlike anything else on the mainland, including sweeping sand dunes, salt marshes filled with lavender , and beaches lined with bungalows.

Beloved by photographers and available to rent on Airbnb, the Piet Blom-designed cube houses are reason enough to visit the country's second-largest city. But so are the bars and restaurants, soaring Erasmus Bridge, and LED-lit Market Hall.

The village of Kinderdijk is probably what comes to mind when you imagine a bucolic Dutch countryside—in other words, lots of windmills. The 19 monumental mills were built in the early eighteenth century to prevent flooding and keep soil dry, and the mill network has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997.

Located in the province of Limburg (near the Belgian border), Thorn is postcard-pretty with cobblestone roads and white-washed brick buildings. Its can't-miss attraction is the tenth-century abbey church in the town center.

Zaanse Schans

If you're looking for a snapshot of Dutch history, head to Zaanse Schans: Here, in this collection of windmills and houses, the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries are brought to life. Don't miss the cheese factory .

Amsterdam may be the capital, but the Dutch parliament meets in this stunning city on the North Sea. Within its Gothic 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 ).

Alkmaar has many intriguing museums and lots of medieval architecture worth checking out, but most travelers 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.

Often dubbed "Little Amsterdam," Haarlem has all the appeal of the capital city with none of the crowds. Make a point to visit Jopenkerk , a brewery housed in a converted fourteenth-century cathedral.

You can't visit Holland and not expect to see some 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.

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.

This coastal wetland—a UNESCO World Heritage site , and the "largest unbroken system of intertidal sand and mud flats in the world"—is home to a number of animal species including the harbor seal, grey seal, and harbor porpoise. There are some 50 islands here; the Netherlands "owns" five of them.

If you like technology and design, head to Eindhoven. Don't miss the Van Abbemuseum (modern and contemporary art), Strijp-S (a creative and cultural center housed in an industrial park), and the Inkijkmuseum (a micro museum located in a former washhouse). Looks can be deceiving: Cutting-edge Eindhoven is one of the oldest cities in Holland.

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

23 Mar 2023

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 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.

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: Sizzling 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 one of the most beautiful places 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: 10 Best 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: 27 Best Places For Bachelor Party In The World 

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: 5 Bizarre 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: 10 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: 20 Kickass 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 attractions is Groningen because it is a hub of history, culture, and art backed by splendid beauty of canals and waterways. If you take yourself as 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.

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

Suggested Read: 10 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: 35 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: 7 Spectacular 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: 10 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 book for your trip to Netherlands  with TravelTriangle NOW!

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Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Netherlands

What is the Netherlands known for?

The 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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Best Netherlands Views – 33 Beautiful Places to Visit

Gerrit Vandenberg

Gerrit shares his love for the Netherlands from his home near Amsterdam, helping thousands plan unforgettable trips to the lowlands. Discover his inspiring journey "From a critical health scare to celebrating Holland's charms" . If you want to send Gerrit a quick message, you can contact him here .

Disclosure: This article has affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It costs nothing extra, but you'll help keep my content free. It's a win-win!

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Hi, I'm Gerrit

I enjoy sharing useful tips about the beauty of this county.

Most people, when they travel to the Netherlands, just visit the capital city Amsterdam and take a boat tour on the Amsterdam canals (A Unesco World Heritage site).

As everyone should. Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities in the world after all.

People might take a short trip to the Zaanse Schans and see some windmills (touristy, but fun to do).

But why not switch it up a little and enjoy Amsterdam and the rest of the Netherlands from above?

If you like that idea, then I’ve got you covered with this post, chockful with the best views in the Netherlands .

From the classics in the major cities like the ADAM Lookout tower in Amsterdam and the Euromast in Rotterdam to lesser-known spots across the Netherlands. The post is not without reason titled “Best Views Netherlands”, because they truly are.

You’ll find dozens of lookout towers that dot the landscape in the Netherlands, many of which are also architectural feats in their own right. These are the best places to see the Netherlands from above.

I can’t wait to tell you about them. There is something in here for everyone .

You might have to climb a few stairs (not always), but then the reward will be great .

Enjoy exploring the Netherlands!

Table of Contents

Best views in amsterdam.

Library Amsterdam (Openbare Bibliotheek Amsterdam): I also listed this spot as one of my favorite cafes in Amsterdam.

The top-floor restaurant with an outdoor terrace that presents a great view of the old city center of Amsterdam. It’s completely free to access.

NEMO Science Museum Roof Terrace: This is a free-to-visit terrace on top of the NEMO Science Museum. You get to see the eastern part of the city

Visiting the museum itself is also fun ( especially with kids ). You can get your NEMO tickets here .

SkyLounge Amsterdam (Now called LuminAir): A favorite of many is the cocktail lounge on the 11th floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel near Central Station.

Not far from the library and NEMO. This chic lounge offers a glamorous view of the city skyline. Great for a sunset cocktail!

Kalvertoren Shopping Center: There’s a café at the top that few talk about, but it’s a great spot to watch the hustle and bustle of the Kalverstraat and beyond from the rooftop cafe and restaurant.

It may not be the best idea on a busy Saturday. But it’s a great view if they have a spot for you.

A’DAM Lookout: An observation deck and tourist attraction on top of the former Shell Headoffice, now turned hotel, club, and thus viewing tower.

You’ll be treated to a panoramic view of the city. It even has a thrilling swing that goes over the edge for the daring ones among us (extra fee).

The A’DAM Lookout is located right across the IJ River from Central Station. You can take a 5-minute free ferry across.

It’s right next to the striking Eye Film Museum and “This is Holland,” an attraction I’m a huge fan of ( This is Holland tickets ).

The ADAM Lookout tower is included with both the I Amsterdam City Pass and the Go City Pass .

PS: if you’ve read somewhere that you can also climb the Westertoren , I have to disappoint you. Due to renovation works, the tower is currently not accessible.

Views to See in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and is home to modern architecture and skyscrapers. It’s a great antidote to Amsterdam’s cobblestone streets and other old Dutch cities.

I’ve written an article great for a first-time visit to Rotterdam .

You have to go up the Euromast for the best view in town.

Standing over 185 meters tall , the Euromast offers the best panoramic views of Rotterdam and beyond.

There is also a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal with a view or step into the Euroscoop, a rotating glass elevator that takes you to the highest viewpoint.

Did you know there are two hotel suites at the viewing platform level? If you’re looking to celebrate something special, this might be what you’re looking for.

You can get your Euromast tickets right here .

Laurenskerk: Maybe less expected, but this old medieval church still standing among all the modern buildings offers an amazing view from the top. But it takes some effort, it’s only open twice a week and accessible with a guide only.

Erasmus Bridge: Not exactly a viewing tower, but I wanted to include it. Every time I walk across this iconic bridge , I say wow to myself, with the spectacular skyline and river sights.

Nhow Hotel: Located in the modern De Rotterdam building, the Nhow Hotel bar offers e xcellent views of the Erasmus Bridge and the river. 

The hotel’s terrace is a fantastic place to see the Rotterdam skyline .

The view over the Maas is astonishing , especially in the morning at sunrise and in the evening at sunset. It’s reason enough to visit this oh-so-different Dutch city.

If you are looking to stay at the nHow Rotterdam Hotel, you can book it here .

Other Beautiful Places in the Netherlands

There are many more great viewing platforms in the Netherlands , both in other cities and in the countryside.

I’m going to highlight another 24 of them sorted by province, all are great to add to your itinerary when you want to enjoy unique places to visit in the Netherlands that are off the beaten track.

North Holland

Amsterdam is located in the province of North Holland (one of the two provinces that together form Holland , the other is South Holland). 

At the start of this article, I already covered the best views in Amsterdam, but there’s another great view and a true hidden gem. 

Castricum: The Papenberg viewing tower in Castricum is often shown in local magazines for its special shape and beautiful views across spreading dunes.

It’s perched atop a dune and only 7 meters high, but it grants sweeping views over the dune reserve and even the sea (in the far distance).

It’s easy to get to. Get off the train at Castricum, north of Amsterdam, on your way to Alkmaar or further up north (for example, to the beautiful island of Texel via Den Helder).

From Castricum train station, it’s a short walk to the viewing point , but you’ll have to climb a steep stair. This is a paid nature reserve.

There is a sign at the entrance about how to buy tickets, it’s a few euros. You need a mobile connection to complete the transaction on your phone.

South Holland

Of course, the center point of South Holland is Rotterdam. So scroll to the top for my tips in Rotterdam.

But South Holland is so much more than just Rotterdam.

What about a year-round Ferris Wheel (tickets) at the end of a pier at the beach in Scheveningen (part of The Hague), a city well worth a visit on its own?

Or the beautiful old town of Delft, a place I love to visit . Even if you don’t have much time, you should carve out at least half a day to visit.

Delft is a charming typical Dutch city located about an hour south of Amsterdam. And just 10 minutes from either Rotterdam or The Hague. It’s easily accessible by train.

It’s one of the best places to explore 17th-century Holland . It’s the birthplace of the famous painter Johannes Vermeer and still looks the same as when he lived in Delft.

One of the most beautiful views in the Netherlands can be found in Delft on top of the New Church (tickets) on the main square. New is relative, by the way. The Church was built in 1584. But yup, there is an even older church: the Old Church.

The crooked old church tower is very photogenetic but can’t be climbed. You can climb the New Church tower, though.

And it’s quite a climb . It’s the 2nd highest church tower in the country and almost 400 steps to the top. 

This is not for the faint of heart (or those claustrophobic), but your reward will be large for those who aren’t. 

I regularly visit this church tower with customers on a private tour. Every time I get up there, it takes my breath away. 

The cuteness of this town goes up by a factor of 10. It’s so gorgeous, and everything downstairs becomes miniature.

I know Amsterdam is why most people visit the Netherlands, but I would like to make the case that Delft is one of the best places to visit too, and it is such an easy day trip from Amsterdam.

Bergschenhoek: Looking to escape the city? I’ve got another unique spot up my sleeve: Hoge Bergse Bos.

This watchtower rises 22 meters, offering a beautiful view over the Rotterdam skyline in the distance and nearby towns and cities like The Hague, Zoetermeer, Delft, and natural reserves like the Rottemeren.

It’s a bit of a trek to get here, though. The nearest metro station is Romeynshof, from where it’s a 40-minute walk. Or cycle there in 30 minutes from Rotterdam Central Station. Or in 15 minutes from Rotterdam Alexander train station.

Without a doubt, one of the most famous viewing points in the city has to be the Dom Tower. 

Currently ongoing extended renovations the tower is still accessible on foot (221 steps to the top), or you can ride the elevator.

Once at the top, you have an unparalleled view of the city and far beyond.

You can get your ticket for the Domtoren here .

Another interesting viewpoint and great piece of art is the Observatorium Tower .

It’s just a mere 15 meters tall, but things aren’t what they seem. Due to its structure, the c limb to the top feels endless .

It’s out of the way but worth the effort. 

Take a train to the “Utrecht Terwijde” train station to get there. From there, it’s a 25-minute walk. Make sure to have a phone with a good data allowance to use Google Maps to find it.

Stop searching for WI-FI; get an affordable eSIM for all of Europe. Whether you travel to The Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium or any other EU country.

From just $5 for 1GB, but I recommend at least 10GB . TIP: Get the App for easy top-up.

Amersfoort: Is Utrecht city still to touristy for you? Then you will love Amersfoort, one of the most charming places in the Netherlands. And undiscovered. Its compact, picture-perfect medieval city center makes the city ideal to visit.

Amersfoort was crowned in 2023 as the best European City by the British non-profit Academy of Urbanism, Amersfoort is a beautiful city just 30 minutes from Amsterdam.

Its compact city center is easy to explore on a half-day trip from the capital. A highlight is climbing the “Onze Lieve Vrouwe Toren,” or, as the locals call it, “Lange Jan” (Long John). 

The view from the top is breathtaking. But note you can’t just climb it freely. You need to book a guided tour upfront. Tickets are usually available on a daily basis, and the starting time depends on the season. Also, note tours are in Dutch only. But you can always ask for a translation.

PS: a local tip : all tourists head out to the former fishing village of Volendam , but that is almost a tourist circus. Right next to Amersfoort is Spakenburg, a much less discovered fishing village by foreign visitors, and it also offers a glimpse into the past. Make sure to see the museum harbor.

Doorn: Utrecht province is beautiful (and home to the National Park the Utrechtse Heuvelrug ). 

Only a f ew visitors venture out of Utrecht city, but you’ll be rewarded for your effort if you do.

And one of the places you can visit is the Doorn Forest —a special natural area inside the National Park.

The crown here is, for sure, the free-to-enter viewing tower . Towering high above the treetops. From there, you have a stunning view over the National Park. 

It’s beautiful year-round, but autumn is a great time to visit when the leaves change color. It’s magical—the best time to visit.

Herman and I were there just a few weeks ago (I’m writing this in November 2023), and it was so pretty. It’s a week too early, but still incredible.

PS: Around the base of this tower, you do some awesome mushroom spotting .

Gelderland offers quite a few special lookouts in nature .

Stokkum: Let’s start with the Hulzenberg. A tower on the German border in the heart of a nature reserve. It’s a steep climb but with a fantastic view . I love this tower a lot.

The tower is in the Netherlands, but the nearest parking is at the Star Gas Station in Germany. 

Just take the A12 motorway , and take the very first exit in Germany. Go right at the end of the exit and you’ll see the gas station from there.

Putten: Very close to where I live is the Bostoren in Putten . What makes this tower unique is the fact that it has a forest growing at its top !

It offers unique views at different times of the year towards Amersfoort, Hilversum, and the forests of “de Hoge Veluwe” National Park. You can easily get to the tower by bus. It’s on “Landgoed Schovenhorst”.

Note this tower requires admission . It’s a few euros to enter. You need to stand inside the turnstile, then pay contactless with a debit or credit card (no American Express). Once green, you can push the turnstile.

The tower is also super interesting, there is a lot to experience on your way to the top , from birdhouses in the sky to an open playground in the air for kids.

PS: This is on the Schovenhorst Estate and has a restaurant for a lunch or coffee break.

Rheden: Right amid the national park “Veluwse Zoom” in the Netherlands is the Posbank, a natural elevation overlooking the surrounding heaths landscape. It’s hugely popular with Dutch hikers. 

Different walks lead past it. There is even one from a train station to another train station. You can find it here (but it’s in Dutch), so you must sit down with the translation software.

Flevoland 

Zeewolde: Flevoland’s Tuurtoren might be challenging to get to, but if you have time and are looking for silence, this is the place to go. The tower is only 12 meters, but since this is the flattest part of the Netherlands, it’s high enough (and think about all the steps you’re saving…).

The tower is in Horsterwold’s Stille Kern (silent core), with paths that meander among wild Konik horses. It’s the most silent area in this reserve.

Overijssel’s Weusthag, a funnel-shaped tower , offers a 360-degree view of Hengelo from its 22.5-meter-high vantage point.

Not an attraction worth making the journey from Amsterdam. But it’s a fun stop if you’re passing it on your way to Germany . It’s right next to the A1 motorway.

Drenthe is one of my favorite provinces in the country. Nature is beautiful, it feels remote from the busy western part of the country.

There are many things to explore here if you’re a Vincent van Gogh fan (I’ve written a post about Vincent van Gogh in Drenthe because there is so much more to explore than the Van Gogh Museum alone), and there are also great views to be found.

One of the best-known is Drenthe’s Boomkroonpad which consists of nine interconnected towers—leading you through the treetops to a vista point 22.5 meters above the forest floor.

A great outing with the kids (but also fun for adults).

Leeuwarden: The Oldehove is the grand dame of the city. The tilted tower is an unfinished church tower from 1529. 

It’s temporarily closed for renovation work but will open again on April 1, 2024 . Once open again, you can climb this iconic tower (it’s 180 steps to the top, but worth it once you get there, I promise.

Appelscha: The Bosbergtoren is spectacular. That is no overstatement. This architectural piece of art stands tall at 33 meters right in the heart of the National Park Drents-Friese Wold.

It’s the region’s highest point and offers panoramic views that stretch to Leeuwarden, Assen and Groningen.

Groningen 

Martinitower: The classic viewing tower in Groningen has to be the Martini Tower. This beautiful church tower is in the country’s top 10 highest church towers (#6).

At almost 100 meters, it’s a lot taller than the tower of Leeuwarden. Meaning it’s a 300-step climb to get to the top. But then you’ll have magnificent views.

You can get your tickets for the Martini Tower Groningen here.

Forum: Does 300 steps sound like a bit of overkill?

If you are okay missing the Martini church and tower interior details like the bells inside, you can also opt for the Forum building next to the Martini tower .

This multi-functional building (with a library, cafes, restaurants, workshop places, and more) also features a stunning viewing platform at the top. For free . And with elevators and escalators. 

Kiekkaaste: But I’m Hidden Holland, right? So here is a little secret you won’t find in a guidebook: Groningen’s Kiekkaaste is an extraordinary birdwatching outpost where fresh and salt waters meet, fostering a unique ecosystem.

But bring your boots , because you’ll go into nature.

North Brabant

In North Brabant, the most famous view has to be that of St Jans Cathedral in Den Bosch . This is another tower you can only visit with a guide.

You book tickets here (this is another Dutch tour only).

PS: Here is my post on things to do in Den Bosch , it’s a beautiful city.

Are you looking for something completely different? Then you might want to check out the Pompejus tower in the far west of the province. Close to the A4 Motorway. 

This contemporary lookout is built atop a historical fort called Fort de Roovere. Pretty cool, right?

From the top, you have a great view over the West-Brabant Waterline , a defense network dating back to the 17th century.

The Krammer locks are part of the ambitious Delta Plan and they’ve added a viewing tower above. It tells a tale of water, earth, and air through its design.

The best way to discover this area is by car . There are buses to the area and one train line but it’s not convenient. You really need a car to go see it all, but if you do it’s on the N257 road.

Zeeland is a great province to visit . It has the most beautiful beaches in the country, cute villages, and cities like Middelburg.

And then it’s already time for our last province: Limburg located in the Southern Netherlands where history and natural beauty meet. 

There is something special about Limburg . Something very Undutch. It’s the place to enjoy the beautiful rolling hills.

Yes, you’ve read that right . Not exactly what the Netherlands is known for. The Netherlands isn’t as flat as pancake after all. 

It’s a beautiful area to go in the Netherlands.

One of the best places to enjoy this view is at the Wilhelmina Tower in Vaals, close to the Three Country Points (Drielandenpunt) where the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany meet.

There is also a tower at the Three Country Point in Belgium called the Boudewijn Tower but that one is older and more expensive. 

I think you’ll enjoy the experience at the Wilhelmina Tower more . I did when I went up there in the summer of 2023.

The tower boasts both a sheltered platform and a glass skywalk , and it’s standing 34 meters tall. You can look far into Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands and take in the beauty of the rolling hills.

You can buy your access token inside the restaurant. I can recommend trying the local specialty: Limburgse Vlaai (cake) . It’s such a famous dish I have an entire post about Limburgse Vlaai. 

PS: If you’re sitting down here and the weather is nice, my tip is to walk towards the back and take a seat on the terrace there. For reasons unknown to me most people plock down immediately at the entrance but the view is 100 times better in the back.

PS: Maastricht is a beautiful city just minutes from these view points. Here is my article about Maastricht for more inspiration.

Find A Place To Stay In Amsterdam

Find accommodation in Amsterdam for the lowest prices on your favorite platform. What's great about this map is that it shows both Hotels , as VRBO rentals (AirBNB but then cheaper).

Update your (intended) travel dates for accurate prices . TIP: Zoom out on the map (-) in the bottom right corner. This will show more options and availability.

Final Thoughts

One final tip is to plan your trip well if you want to visit more remote viewing towers and areas: consider renting a car .

It gives you a lot more freedom to move around. I tend to find the best prices with Rental cars when I need to rent a car, but Discover Cars is another company I would check to compare.

I wish you Safe travels! 

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8 Best Places To Visit In The Netherlands and Why

These Are the Best Places to Go and Things to Do in the Netherlands in 2023/2024

Known for its quaint towns, scenic views, and hosting one of the party capitals of the world, there’s a lot to love about the Netherlands. Sometimes referred to as Holland, the Netherlands is one of the most interesting countries in Europe. And although most people’s minds pan to Amsterdam when they think of the country, there are many other places in the Netherlands worth visiting.

Book Tickets for Things to Do & Activities in Amsterdam

Whether you’re looking for great nightlife, unique sights, or historical attractions, the Netherlands offers all of that and more. What’s more, due to its proximity to various other European countries, it’s a perfect spot for anyone taking a trip around Europe. Here are 8 of the best places to visit in the Netherlands.

Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands This Year

It’s no surprise that Amsterdam tops this list. Although some people might see the city as overrated and expensive, it’s the perfect place to visit if you want a lively time in the Netherlands. Tourists from all over the world flock to this city for parties, culture, and the best food and drink that the country has to offer.

Many people stay in De Wallen , the area known for its cannabis coffee shops, bars, hostels, and strip clubs. With that said, staying here might be a little too chaotic if you’re coming here for a relaxing vacation. Fortunately, you can also find tons of museums, canals, and artsy neighborhoods like Jordaan .

Top Things To Do in Amsterdam

There are a variety of ways to immerse yourself in the culture, cuisine and history of Amsterdam. Below, we recommend 5 of our favorite activities that can be scheduled ahead of time online through our trusted tour operator partners.

See Amsterdam on a canal cruise on a classic riverboat , complete with drinks and delicious dutch cheese.

Feeling artsy? Skip the line and go on a private Van Gogh Museum tour .

Take a small-group walking tour through the Jordaan district sampling food like the locals do, all while learning about the history of the area.

Visit the Dutch countryside and get out of Amsterdam on a guided day trip through Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam, and Marken . Transportation, food, and a professional guide included.

One of the best ways to experience Amsterdam is by E-Bike. Rent one and traverse the city , stopping at any number of attractions and restaurants. Or rent an E-Chopper and get outside of Amsterdam to take in the relaxing countryside.

For the Winetraveler, there are a number of luxury hotels, wine bars and restaurants that offer great wine lists. For a truly opulent hotel experience, consider staying at the stunning Waldorf Astoria located right on the canal. Our readers frequently rave about the hospitality and stunning ambiance both inside and outside this luxe property. Another team favorite is undoubtedly Hotel TwentySeven , best known for its ambiance, exclusivity, and cuisine. You really can’t go wrong. Just book it and see for yourself.

In terms of restaurants and bars, for some of the best presentations, flavors and wine pairings that are on-point, no visit to Amsterdam is complete without a stop at Beulings restaurant. Be sure to stop in for dinner. When it comes to breakfast or lunch, visit New Dutch Amsterdam for outdoor dining, friendly and fast service, and a wonderful international wine list.

RELATED: 45 Best Things to Do Visiting Paris This Year

Giethoorn is another destination that tops many people’s lists of things to see in the Netherlands, albeit for completely different reasons than Amsterdam. Giethoorn is a tiny village known for being completely car-free. Instead, people get by via bicycle trails, footpaths, and waterways.

If you want to float down a Dutch canal enjoying beautiful views, you’ll love it in Giethoorn. Walking around the village is exceptionally calming and will make you feel like you’ve been transported to another place in time. You can also find museums, national parks, and delicious Dutch food. With that said, there’s not a ton to do here compared to bigger cities and you might want to visit it as a day trip. Consider using Amsterdam as your home base and schedule a guided day trip that includes a boat ride as well.

The Hague is known as the governmental center of the Netherlands. You’ll find plenty of parliament buildings and foreign embassies here as it’s the city where many important international decisions are made. However, it’s also a highly underrated spot for tourists with a lot to do.

You can find many interesting museums, art galleries and events here. You can also visit the Madurodam Model City which gives you a taste of the best parts of the Netherlands at a 1:25 scale. The Hague is also home to the Scheveningen seaside resort. While you might not associate the Netherlands with beaches, this is a beautiful spot to chill in the summer. This is another great destination to explore by bicycle .

RELATED: 25 Best Things To Do in Vienna Austria This Year

Some people prefer visiting old-fashioned Dutch towns and villages to get a taste of the traditional Netherlands. However, if you’d rather visit a busy, high-tech hub full of technology and attractions, then Eindhoven is the perfect Dutch travel destination for you.

Eindhoven is known as “the city of light” and the best time to visit is during the breathtaking GLOW Eindhoven Light show in November where the entire city turns into a giant light art festival. You can also get a taste of the past at the Eindhoven Museum or a glimpse into the future at the Evoluon building . You should also check out the Philips Museum as this city is the home of the electronics giant.

If you’re looking for a modern metropolitan city that’s not quite as touristy as Amsterdam, Rotterdam is ideal for you. You can find some of the most unique and quirky accommodations here, as well as plenty of friendly people and more than enough things to fill up your itinerary for weeks.

This city is incredibly artistic and creative, as you’ll notice from the unique modern architecture and incredible museums and galleries around the city. It’s also an excellent place for foodies, and everyone should visit spots such as the Markthal indoor market and the famous Bazar . You can also find plenty of clubs and bars for an awesome night out.

Utrecht is another underrated spot in the Netherlands that’s well worth visiting. The city is full of cool sights, such as the Dom Tower (the tallest tower in the Netherlands), the amazing Castle de Haar , and the Railway Museum that’s built in a former railway station from the early 1900s, not to mention its unique canals and wharves.

You can have a relaxing time here traveling down the canals, checking out the terrace cafés, and getting some retail therapy at the Hoog Catharijne . It’s also the biggest student city in the Netherlands, so the city has a youthful vibe and you can find plenty of bars and clubs if you want to liven things up.

If you’ve ever seen pictures of fields in the Netherlands covered by tulips and other colorful flowers and want to experience it for yourself, visit Lisse. This town is known as the home of the Keukenhof Garden , a 32-hectare park with over 7 million flower bulbs planted annually. It’s known as the Garden of Europe and is one of the best things to see in the Netherlands.

However, flowers aren’t all you can see here. You can also check out Keukenhof Castle , see cool museums and art galleries, or try the delicious food and coffee that the town has to offer. What’s more, Lisse is less than an hour away from both Amsterdam and the Hague, meaning you can either use it as a hub or visit it on a day trip . We highly recommend hiring private transportation from Amsterdam to explore the tulip fields , saving you tons of time.

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If you want to try something different, take a ferry from Den Helder to Texel. Texel is an island off the Dutch coast that’s covered in stunning beaches, breathtaking dunes, and plenty of scenic trails to explore. It’s also small enough to traverse by foot, especially since footpaths are widely available.

You can stay near the beach and spend days exploring the island via car, bicycle, or simply by walking. You can also find a zoo, aquarium, and even farms that allow you to get up close to the animals. As such, this is a perfect destination for animal and nature lovers to relax and unwind. Private guided day trips are also available from Amsterdam.

Take The Trip

Start browsing for flights to the Netherlands ! There’s much more to see in the Netherlands than just Amsterdam. All of these places can make for an amazing trip. Plus, since the Netherlands is so small and easy to traverse, you might even want to fit a few of these places into your Netherlands travel itinerary.

Of course, you can also find other spots worth exploring. You might also want to check out Groningen, Haarlem, Leiden, Maastricht, and Gouda . Don’t forget that you could also diversify your trip by visiting other European hotspots. Germany and Belgium are just a short train ride away, and you can even take a ferry to England if you’re feeling adventurous. Take a look at some of our other European travel guides and itineraries right here.

Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit in the Netherlands

What are the must-visit cities in the netherlands.

Four of the top cities to explore include Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht , and The Hague . Amsterdam , the capital city, is famous for its picturesque canals, historic architecture, and vibrant art scene. Key attractions include the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and the bustling Dam Square. The city is also known for its friendly atmosphere and unique charm, making it a favorite among tourists. Rotterdam is a dynamic and modern city, boasting innovative architecture and design. It is home to the iconic Erasmus Bridge and the impressive Markthal, a modern market hall. The vibrant cultural scene and bustling nightlife make Rotterdam a must-visit destination for those seeking a contemporary urban experience. Utrecht , one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, offers a unique blend of history and modernity. Its well-preserved medieval center, with the stunning Dom Tower and picturesque canals, creates an enchanting atmosphere. The city also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, catering to diverse interests. Lastly, The Hague , the seat of the Dutch government and the International Court of Justice, is a city of immense historical and political significance. Visitors can explore the Binnenhof, Mauritshuis museum, and the beautiful Peace Palace. The city also offers lovely parks, excellent shopping opportunities, and a vibrant culinary scene.

When is the best time of year to see the tulips in bloom in the Netherlands?

The best time to see the tulips in bloom in the Netherlands is during the spring season, typically from late March to early May. The peak blooming period usually falls around mid-April, but this can vary slightly depending on the weather conditions each year. During this time, the Dutch countryside transforms into a colorful tapestry of vibrant tulip fields, making it an ideal time for visitors to experience the beauty of this iconic Dutch symbol. The Keukenhof Gardens , located near Lisse , is one of the most popular destinations to witness the stunning tulip displays, showcasing over 7 million bulbs of various flower varieties. You can actually purchase tickets and transport to the gardens from Amsterdam .

Are there any unique or off-the-beaten-path destinations to explore in the Netherlands?

The Netherlands offers numerous unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations that are well worth exploring. One such location is Giethoorn, known as the “Dutch Venice.” This picturesque village is characterized by its thatched-roof cottages, beautiful canals, and absence of cars. Visitors can rent a boat or walk along the footpaths to explore this charming destination, immersing themselves in the idyllic atmosphere. Another noteworthy location is Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage site that features 19 well-preserved windmills. These windmills showcase Dutch engineering and water management, providing a fascinating glimpse into the country’s history and culture. These lesser-known destinations offer unique experiences and are perfect for travelers looking to venture beyond the typical tourist hotspots in the Netherlands.

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15 Cities Near Amsterdam: The Best Dutch Cities to Visit

There are so many cities near amsterdam worth visiting here are some of my favorites.

After visiting Amsterdam several times, I realized that the train transportation makes it so easy to visit other cities in the Netherlands. We’re talking like- some cities I’ve visited are within a 15-minute train ride from Centraal Station!

Plus, while traveling through the Netherlands, I have found the locals to be so friendly and welcoming. And the Dutch speak English so well , making it so incredibly easy to visit cities nearby Amsterdam.

Sometimes, you just need to get outside the city of Amsterdam and visit a few locations that are less popular! Based on my time traveling in the Netherlands, I’ve put together this list of the cities close to Amsterdam that are worth visiting, from charming small towns like Volendam to larger cities like Rotterdam. I’ve also included how to get there and the best things to do in each area .

My Picks: Top 3 Amsterdam to Germany Day Trips!

# 1 Pick: Haarlem (Little Amsterdam and WWII History!) #2 Pick: Volendam (Adorable Character & Great Seafood!) #3 Pick: Ghent (In Belgium- the Cutest, Most-Walkable CIty!)

Cities Close to Amsterdam

The following are the best cities near Amsterdam to visit. These are all reachable with a direct train from Amsterdam and take less than a 1.5-hour journey. Perfect for a weekend getaway !

Haarlem is the closest city to Amsterdam, and it is only a 20-minute train ride to get there. The city of Haarlem has a rich history and was once an important port city along the North Sea.

Today, the city has a village-like feel to it and still has much of its medieval architecture including cobblestone streets and gabled houses. I honestly love just walking around Haarlem- it feels like a tiny Amsterdam.

It is also famous for being a central point of the tulip bulb growing trade, and for the many tulip fields that surround the city. It is also well-known for being the location of the “Hiding Place” where Corrie Ten Boom and her family hid during the Holocaust.

Some of the best things to do when visiting Haarlem include taking a canal boat ride , wandering through the Grote Market Square, and visiting the historic Windmill De Adriaan .

Utrecht is the 4th largest city in the Netherlands. It is located south of Amsterdam, and it takes around 30 minutes to get there by train.

Historically, Utrecht was once the most important city in the Netherlands- until it was surpassed by Amsterdam in the Dutch Golden Age. Now, it is known for being a university town and is home to Utrecht University. 

Similar to Amsterdam, Utrecht has a series of canals that run through the city. It also has a historic city center that features one of the most famous landmarks in the Netherlands : the well-preserved Dom Tower, a 14th-century bell tower.

In addition to exploring Utrecht’s historic center, another popular place to visit is Castle De Haar which is the largest castle in the Netherlands.

3. The Hague

The Hague is the capital of the province of South Holland and is the official seat of the government of the Netherlands- even though it isn’t the official capital of the Netherlands. The Hague is easy to reach by train from Amsterdam, and the journey takes 45 minutes.

The Hague has gained the nickname of “City of International Peace and Justice” because it is also where the United Nations International Court of Justice is located.

Some of the best things to do in The Hague include visiting one of the many museums, such as the Mauritshuis or the Escher in Het Paleis.

As The Hague is located on the North Sea, there is also an 11km sandy beach that is perfect for visiting in the summer months.

4. Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the 2nd largest city in the Netherlands and is an important port city. Rotterdam is close to Amsterdam, about a 40-minute train ride away.

Unlike some of the other cities in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is much more modern. This is because the city was basically flattened during WWII and has been completely rebuilt. 

Rotterdam is definitely a popular Dutch city, and it is famous for its innovative modern architecture like the  Erasmusbrug bridge.

Some of the best things to do include taking a boat tour around the famous harbor, visiting the Maritime Museum Rotterdam, or going up the Euromast observation tower for panoramic views.

5. Arnhem (Feels like a smaller, adorable city near Amsterdam)

Arnhem is a smaller city, located on the eastern side of the Netherlands near the German border . It takes around 1 hour to get there from Amsterdam by train, but it is such a worthwhile trip!

Arnhem became famous during WWII as the site of the 1944 Battle of Arnhem, which was one of the largest airborne operations in history.

One of the best things to do here is visit the Arnhem War Museum or the Airbornemuseum , which both focus on WWII and the Battle of Arnhem.  These museums are extremely unique, and one even has an immersive experience in the basement; I enjoyed them a lot! There’s also plenty to do in Arnhem as far as walking around and exploring the city goes. We had a lovely little visit here a few years back, and I would absolutely go again.

⭐ If you’re a history buff, I 10/10 recommend this private WWII walking Tour in Arnhem!

6. Eindhoven

Eindhoven is a city in the southern part of the Netherlands, about a 1 hour and 20-minute train ride from Amsterdam.

The city is a modern technology and design hub and is where Phillips Electronics originated. 

Don’t leave Eindhoven without catching a game at the Phillips Stadium, or walking around the Strijp-S neighborhood which has transformed old Philips factories into trendy bars, restaurants, and shops.

Delft is a city in the South Holland province and is around a 1-hour train ride from Amsterdam.

Delft is famous for its ceramic Delft Blue pottery which dates back to the 16th century. Today, Delft Blue pottery is a popular souvenir and one of the things the Netherlands is known for .

The city of Delft is surrounded by canals, medieval architecture, and historic monuments. Some of the best things to do include visiting Market Square, Old Church, New Church, and the City Hall. Another must-do is to visit the Royal Delft Museum and Factory.

Cities Further From Amsterdam, the Netherlands

These cities are a bit further away, but still close enough to travel to from Amsterdam in less than 2.5 hours.

8. Groningen

Groningen is such an adorable city near Amsterdam. It is the largest city in the northern part of the Netherlands and is around a 2-hour train ride from Amsterdam. 

The city has a great cultural scene with several museums worth visiting such as the Groninger Museum and Northern Maritime Museum. Another must-see location is the Martinitoren, which is the tallest church steeple in the country.

Throughout the year, there are many events and festivals held in the city, at places like the MartiniPlaza arena.

9. Maastricht

Maastricht is a city near Amsterdam that is located in the southeastern region of the country, just on the border of Belgium. It takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach by train from Amsterdam.

 Maastricht is mostly a university city, so there is plenty to do. In addition to its nightlife scene , it has medieval architecture and cobblestone streets that are in line with the old Dutch character.

Things to do here include visiting the 18th-century Sint Pieter Fort, walking through the Maastricht Underground Caves (so cool!), or, my personal favorite, tasting some Dutch beer at Bosch Brewery .

Smaller Cities or Towns Near Amsterdam Worth Visiting

The places below are smaller towns near Amsterdam (technically not cities) that have a lot of Dutch charm and are worth visiting.

10. Volendam

Ugh- I just love Volendam. Volendam is a small town located on Markermeer Lake. It is about a 45-minute journey by bus from Amsterdam, which makes it a great day trip. A trip to Volendam is often tacked on to guided tours of Zaanse Schans or Marken because it is nearby. But it is so different than the other places in the Netherlands you might have experienced.

The town is known for its colorful houses and harbor filled with old fishing boats. Some must-do activities when visiting include taking a walk around the harbor, trying some fresh seafood (it’s everywhere!), and visiting the Volendam Museum.

⭐ This tour is my personal favorite (have done it more than once!) and visits Zaanse Schans, Volendam, Edam, and Marken in just a half day!

Gouda is a town famous for its delicious Gouda Cheese, which is sold around the world. Located south of Amsterdam, Gouda is easy to reach by train in about 1 hour.

Do I even need to say that when visiting Gouda, trying the Gouda cheese is an absolute must-do? Obviously. One of the best places to do this is at the Gouda Cheese Experience , which is a tour that will take you through the history and process of cheese making, as well as a cheese tasting. Gouda also has the world-famous Gouda Cheese Market (just what you wanted- more cheese!). It is such a unique experience to walk through this market- highly recommend!

Leiden is a university town, which is home to the oldest university in the Netherlands. It is an easy day trip from Amsterdam and takes only 35 minutes by train. Leiden is a great option for getting away from some of the hustle and bustle in Amsterdam, but still seeing a town that has so much of the old canal feeling that Amsterdma has.

Leiden was the birthplace of Rembrandt, a famous Dutch Golden Age painter. For those interested in art history, you can even visit the Young Rembrandt Studio Museum.

Other things to do include exploring the canals on a boat ride, visiting the Museum de Lakenhal, or checking out the Hortus Botanicus Leiden, which is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands.

Cities Near Amsterdam: Countries Other Than the Netherlands

Amsterdam is also located relatively close to other countries such as Belgium. Below, you will find 3 Belgian cities that can be visited as a day trip from Amsterdam.

13. Antwerp

Antwerp is a city in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is located around 1 hour and 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam, making it an easy day trip option.

The city is known for its Diamond District, which houses thousands of diamond traders and has been around for centuries. For those interested in diamonds checking out the DIVA Diamond Museum is a must-do.

Other things to do in Antwerp include seeing the Flemish-style architecture at the Grote Market and visiting the famous Ruben House to check out the Flemish artwork.

14. Brussels

Spoiler Alert: I don’t love Brussels (eek- I said it!) But, nonetheless, Brussels is the capital city of Belgium, so many people want to visit it. There is a direct train to Brussels from Amsterdam, which takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

A must-do when visiting Brussels is to visit some of the famous landmarks like the Grand Place, which is the central square. It is surrounded by 17th-century guild houses and the City Hall, and it really is just a magnificent place to take in. It feels epic to stand there. 

Other things to do include visiting the Royal Palace of Brussels or the Parc du Cinquantenaire, and tasting some delicious Belgian food such as Belgium Waffles or Frites. Seriously- eat all of the Belgian waffles you can- ha! But whatever you do, don’t leave Brussels without popping into one of the many chocolatiers around the Grand Place. Chocolate is truly like an art form here, and, look…I’m not even a “chocolate” person…and it was still delicious.

Ghent is one of the cities I most under-estimated in Europe. It is only 2.5 hours by train from Amsterdam, and it is so incredible.  During medieval times, Ghent was an important city-state and today is a university town that has a well-preserved historic center. It was the perfect day trip for me, and we walked around the old streets, visiting random stores and restaurants all day long.

A few of the best things to do are visit the 12th-century Gravensteen Castle (so amazing! There’s tons to see), take a canal tour, or try some of the famous Belgian beers. I also definitely recommend you enter St. Bavos Cathedral and try the Virtual Reality (VR) tour in the basement- it was so informative and a really unique experience that we will remember forever!

FAQ: Cities Near Amsterdam

What cities is amsterdam close to.

Amsterdam is in the western part of the Netherlands, in the Randstad region. Several other cities in this region are near Amsterdam, including Utrecht, The Hague, Haarlem, Leiden, Delft, and Rotterdam.

What countries are close to Amsterdam by train?

Amsterdam is close to several other countries, and it is easy to reach these places by train. The Netherlands borders Belgium and Germany, but France and Luxembourg are also close to Amsterdam by train. From Amsterdam, it takes about 2 hours by train to reach Brussels, hours to reach Cologne, and 3.5 hours to reach Paris.

What town is 20 minutes from Amsterdam?

Haarlem is located only 20 minutes from Amsterdam by train. Haarlem was once a major North Sea trading port, and today it retains its historic, village-like atmosphere. It is also known for its flower-bulb-growing district and for the tulip fields that surround the town.

Wrapping Up: Best Cities Near Amsterdam to Visit

There are so many great cities near Amsterdam that are worth visiting, whether you are looking to experience a modern Dutch city or a quaint historic town. 

Since there are so many cities close to Amsterdam, you can easily base yourself there and take day trips or spend a few nights in one of these other Dutch cities. In fact, I totally recommend you do this to make the most out of your Amsterdam itinerary !

Either way, it is a great idea to head outside of Amsterdam to explore one of these other places to get a better feel for Dutch culture.

Taylor Beal, owner and author of Traverse With Taylor, has been traveling in Europe for more than a decade and helps others explore Europe easily through amazing guides and itineraries. She has adventured through more than 20 countries, searching for the best experiences, must-try foods, and delicious beers! She spends a lot of time in Scotland and Amsterdam, two of her favorite places! Taylor is also a Holocaust educator focused on raising awareness around WWII historical sites.

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Discover Dutch Culture and History: 11 Best Places To Visit In The Netherlands (Holland) With Kids

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The Netherlands is a great place to visit with kids! With its iconic windmills, lush countryside, charming cities, and delicious food scene, this small country has a big reputation for being an ideal family-friendly vacation destination. Whether you’re visiting Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or any other area of this beautiful country, you’ll find a lot to keep entertained, from one–of–a–kind museums to fairytale-esque towns. Kids will also love riding bikes throughout the country and exploring all of the canals. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that the Netherlands is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe! So if you’re planning a trip with kids or simply want some inspiration for your next family getaway, read on to discover our top picks for the best places to visit in the Netherlands (Holland) with kids!

The Netherlands vs. Holland & Why Visit With Kids?

Before getting into the best places to visit in the Netherlands with kids , let’s talk a little more about the country’s geography. Home to twelve different provinces, the Netherlands is a relatively small country in northern Europe that’s well-connected by public transport. By non-Dutch speakers, it’s often colloquially referred to as “Holland,” a generalization that most likely stems from the names of two of its most famous provinces, North Holland and South Holland . North Holland is home to Amsterdam, the Dutch capital and most famous city in the Netherlands, while South Holland boasts iconic destinations such as Delft. 

Either way, depending on how long you’re staying, it’ll be pretty simple to traverse most of the country and enjoy everything it offers, from world-famous museums to idyllic towns. Generally, the Netherlands has a pretty kid-friendly culture too, and you’ll find lots of ways to keep entertained even beyond the traditional kids’ museums or playgrounds. And, of course, let’s not forget the windmills and all the delicious Dutch food that your little ones will love! Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly city break or a more rural getaway, the Netherlands has something to offer everyone. 

Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands with Kids

As previously mentioned, the Netherlands is well connected by public transport and relatively small compared to other European countries, making it easy to explore all of the Netherlands tourist attractions it has to offer. Though many families like to make Amsterdam their home base, you could easily spend more than a day or two in the following destinations. Keep reading to discover the best places to visit in the Netherlands with kids! 

If you’re looking for an amazing European city to visit with your kids, Amsterdam is a great choice! The Dutch capital is full of kid-friendly activities, from boat rides on canals to exploring world-famous museums. And with its compact size, it’s easy to get around and see all the Amsterdam attractions for families without spending a lot of time on transportation. 

The Anne Frank House is one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam , and for a good reason. Families can see the Hideaway Annex, where Anne and her family lived for two years, and learn about her life and her tragic death during the Holocaust. (Please note we don’t suggest this for sensitive younger kids.) For a more upbeat museum experience, families with young kids can check out The NEMO Science Museum , which features hands-on exhibits about science and technology. For tweens or teens, check out the Rijksmuseum , The Moco Museum , or The Van Gogh Museum .

Of course, don’t miss the chance to take a canal tour! Families can also visit the Artis Royal Zoo and explore the Plantage District with its various green spaces. Or, visit one of Amsterdam’s many sprawling parks, like the famous Vondelpark !

Use Getyourguide to book tours in Amsterdam!

For families who love history and culture, Rotterdam is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands with kids! This vibrant Dutch city south of Amsterdam is less than an hour away by train and has plenty to do with kids. Plus, one of the best things about Rotterdam is that it’s easy to get around. The city is well-served by public transport, and many of the attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Start off by exploring the city’s iconic landmarks, like the Erasmus Bridge and the Cube Houses . Rotterdam’s harbor is also one of the busiest in the world, and it’s one of the best things to do in Rotterdam with kids. You can take a water taxi ride , go on a harbor tour, or even just walk along the docks and check out the ships. The Maritime Museum is also fantastic for learning about Dutch history and culture, showcasing various vintage ships.

Or, when you want to escape the city, check out the Arboretum Trompenburg , Rotterdam’s botanical gardens. When you get hungry, visit the Rotterdam Foodhallen . This public marketplace has a ton of stalls with Dutch food, dessert, and other local delicacies, so everyone in your family can pick their favorites! 

Reserve your tickets and tours of Rotterdam here with Getyourguide!

The Hague 

Families looking for an exciting and educational place to visit in the Netherlands with kids will love The Hague ! Home to the Dutch government and the royal family, this laidback city south of Amsterdam is also home to many museums, parks, and historical landmarks. Plus, it’s easily accessible on public transport via the train and less than an hour away from Amsterdam! 

The Mauritshuis is a must-see for any art lover, and younger kids will enjoy seeing the paintings by Vermeer and Rembrandt up close. The Museon is another great option for families, with interactive exhibits on topics like history, science, and culture. For something truly unique, head to Madurodam – an interactive, miniature park where kids can learn about Dutch history and culture. There’s plenty of green space to explore, like the Peace Palace and its gorgeous manicured gardens. Other fun places for kids in The Hague include the Panorama Mesdag , with its 180-degree panoramic painting, and the nearby Scheveningen Beach for sunbathing, swimming, and building sand castles.

And finally, don’t forget to treat the kids (and yourself!) to some delicious pancakes at one of The Hague’s many pancake houses.

Click here to discover 7 Fantastic Places To Visit In Belgium For Families ! 

If you’re looking for the best places to visit in the Netherlands with kids, Maastricht is definitely one of them! This charming city in the southern Netherlands is known for its picturesque setting on the Meuse River, ​​Medieval-era architecture, and compact, pedestrian-friendly city center. Less than two hours away from Amsterdam via direct train , it’s also a vibrant college town with lots of young people, which makes it great for exploring with teens or tweens! 

The historic Old Town is a great place to start exploring Maastricht, with its narrow streets and pretty buildings. And if kids are feeling adventurous, they can even try their hand at climbing the stairs up to St. Servatius’ Church – one of Maastricht’s most iconic landmarks. Bonnefanten Museum is one of the top museums in the Netherlands, and it has an excellent collection of ancient and contemporary art, especially for kids. The museum even offers interactive activities to keep kids entertained! Then, the Centre Ceramique Visitor Centre also has an on-site archaeological museum with all kinds of ceramics.

Kids will also love exploring the city’s many parks and playgrounds, including Stadspark along the riverfront. Or, check out Fort Sint Pieter, a 17th-century fortress overlooking the city. 

The Netherlands is also one of the Best Spring Break Destinations Around the World that Families Will Love ! 

Utrecht 

Families who want to visit one of the Netherlands’ most historic and charming cities should check out Utrecht ! This charming city in north Holland is filled with fun things to do and see, making it the perfect destination for a family trip. It’s also only an hour away from Amsterdam via train. 

One of the best things to do in Utrecht with kids is to visit the Dom Tower . This ancient structure is one of the tallest towers in the country and offers stunning views of the city below. There are also several excellent museums in Utrecht, including the Centraal Museum , which houses an impressive collection of Dutch art. The Dutch Railway Museum, aka Spoorwegmuseum , is another great option for families with kids. Explore the interactive exhibits and take a ride on a real steam train!

Another must-see attraction in Utrecht is Máximapark , showcasing a kids’ playground area and a butterfly garden. Of course, no visit to Utrecht would be complete without spending some time on the canals. Hop on a canal boat tour or simply stroll along the banks for an enjoyable afternoon activity! 

The Dutch city of Delft is a great place to visit with kids! With its charming canals, quaint cobbled streets, and centuries-old architecture, there are plenty of things to see and do, and the city is very family-friendly. Plus, it’s easily accessible in under an hour via train from Amsterdam’s Sloterdijk Station, though there’s enough to do here that you could easily spend a day or two!

Start your visit to Delft at the Royal Delft , where kids can learn about the history of this iconic Dutch pottery on a guided tour. You can even browse some to take home in the gift shop! Next, head to the Oude Kerk , which is Delft’s main church. Its stunning Gothic architecture will amaze your kids, and the church is also the burial site of famous Dutch master Johannes Vermeer, who lived and worked in Delft his entire life. And, no trip to Delft would be complete without seeing the Vermeer Centrum Delft , which is dedicated to the painter’s works.

Families should also save time to see Delft’s main square, the Markt, which is home to The Delft Town Hall (Stadhuis) and the Nieuwe Kerk. Delft is also a great place to sample Dutch food like stroopwafels (syrup waffles) and poffertjes (mini pancakes)! 

Best Small Towns or Places to Visit in the Netherlands as a Day Trip from Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the Dutch capital and, as such, offers a variety of public transportation. For families looking to take a day trip or a weekend excursion, there are lots of cute towns and smaller cities within a few hours of Amsterdam that are easily accessible via trains or public buses. Keep reading to find out more about the best places to visit in the Netherlands with kids on a day trip from Amsterdam! 

Planning a beach vacation? Check out these 16 Exciting European Beach Destinations For Families ! 

There’s no place quite like Giethoorn in the Netherlands! This idyllic village looks like something straight out of a fairytale, and it’s the perfect place to take your kids for a magical day trip from Amsterdam. This car-free town is located around 2 hours away from the city, though it’s a bit tricky to reach on public transportation. You can either take a train from Amsterdam Central Station to Zwolle Central Station and then take the Number 70 bus to Giethoorn, or you can drive, which is more direct and convenient. 

Giethorn is famous for its picturesque canals and beautiful bridges, which families can explore during the summer by renting a boat . This is a super popular activity among locals and tourists alike, however, so be sure to snag your rental early to make sure you don’t miss out on the opportunity. When you want to explore on foot, the village is very quiet and peaceful, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature.

Families can also visit one of the town’s museums to learn more about its unique history, like Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus . There are also plenty of shops and cafes where you can grab a bite to eat or do some souvenir shopping. 

Zaans Schans

When it comes to finding the most beautiful villages in the Netherlands, Zaans Schans definitely ranks high on the list! Modeled after traditional 18th and 19th-century Dutch towns, this adorable destination is full of charming windmills and quaint wooden houses, and there are plenty of activities for kids of all ages. Plus, it’s only a quick, 15-minute ride on the train from Central Station to Zaans Schans. 

Zaans Museum is a living history museum where you can learn all about this traditional Dutch industry, see how windmills work, and even go inside one to see how it operates up close. Kids will love all the workers in traditional costumes and the chance to watch a chocolate-making demonstration! Or, learn all about the significance of Dutch clogs at the Wooden Shoe Workshop of Zaanse Schans , which also has a museum on-site and demonstrations. Then, remember to check out the Cheese Farm , aka “Catharina Hoeve.” Families can attend a cheese-making demonstration and sample a cheese selection from the shop! Several shops and cafes dotted around Zaans Schans also sell traditional Dutch products such as clogs, cheese, and delftware pottery.

​​One of the best places to visit in the Netherlands with kids is Zandvoort . This seaside town is located just west of Amsterdam and is home to several kid-friendly attractions. It’s also one of the best day trips to take from Amsterdam with kids, as it’s less than 40 minutes away. To reach here, take a local sprinter train from Amsterdam Sloterdijk to Haarlem , then change for another train directly to Zandvoort. 

​​Zandvoort’s wide sandy beaches are perfect for building sandcastles, flying kites, and paddling in the waves. The city’s main beach, Zandvoort Beach, is usually crowded because it’s a resort area. Further north, families can venture to the more secluded beach of Bloemendaal aan Zee. For a change of pace, you can also visit the nearby Circuit Park Zandvoort race track, go for a horseback ride along the beach, or explore one of the many hiking and cycling trails in the area.

Several monuments and historic sites in the city offer interesting insights into its past. Visit the Zandvoorts Museum to learn more about Dutch culture and customs, then check out one of the many traditional Dutch restaurants in the area. 

The Netherlands is a great place to visit with kids, and Hoorn is one of the best places to see in the country. This charming town is located on the IJsselmeer, a lake just north of Amsterdam, and its canals and medieval architecture provide a perfect backdrop for a family holiday. Plus, it’s an ideal day trip since you can reach it in 30 minutes on an intercity train from Central Station! 

Hoorn has a fascinating history dating back to the Middle Ages, and it’s filled with architectural gems like The Hoofdtoren, an old guard tower with great views of the city. There are also plenty of fun things to do in Hoorn with kids. Highlights include the ​​ Museum of the 20th Century , which traces the history of Hoorn through lots of interesting and interactive items that kids can tinker with. Or, for a truly historical experience, families can ride a steam train from Hoorn to the nearby town of Medemblik and back!

On-site at the railway station in Hoorn, there’s a small museum where you can learn a little more about its history. There are also boat tours available in Hoorn, which are a great way to see the city from the water with your kids! 

Use Plum Guide to look for exceptional homestays around Hoorn now!

Abcoude is definitely one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands with kids! It’s a small town located just outside of Amsterdam (around 40 minutes east of the city via train), and it’s full of history and culture. 

Around Brugstraat in the town center, families can visit the village’s church, the oldest building in town. Then, further onto the Kerkplein (which features a variety of 17th and 18th-century buildings), you can also visit Kerkstraat, Gein Noord, and Gein Noord 33. Abcoude is also home to the Broekzijder Molen, a traditional Dutch windmill dating back to the 17th century. Though you can’t go inside, it’s still nice to look at and maybe snap a picture!

Families can also check out the Oostzijdse Molen (Molen Delphine), an old mill made famous by the painter Piet Mondrian, who used Abcoude as a setting in his work multiple times. Other things to do in Abcoude with kids include checking out all the historical manors or visiting Hugo de Vriespark , a small city park. 

Happy Travels!

We hope you liked this list of the Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands (Holland) with Kids! From traditional Dutch towns with old windmills to bustling cities with art, history, and culture, this picturesque country has something to offer every member of your family. Enjoy your vacation to the Netherlands with your kids!

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed. Please ensure availability before making your decision. 

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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A visit to this metropolis won’t stink!

Researchers recently sniffed out the best-smelling city in Europe: Athens, Greece .

HAYPP , a UK company that helps people transition from smoking to healthier alternatives, ranked the top 10 European cities you won’t need to plug your nose to visit, Time Out reports.

To create the ratings, 30 major cities across Europe and beyond were given a “smell score” based on factors such as cleanliness and proportion of flower shops, bakeries and perfume shops.

Athens is one of the oldest capitals in the world, but that doesn’t mean it’s rotting away.

The city scored an 8.3 out of 10 on the smell-o-meter.

Athens is home to many bakeries serving delicious and sweet baklava, 31 flower shops selling fragrant bouquets and 22 aromatic perfumeries per 10 square kilometers.

The baguettes of Paris and the clean streets of Zürich, Switzerland, helped launch those cities into spots 2 and 3, respectively.

These are the top 10 best-smelling cities

• Athens, Greece
• Paris, France
• Zurich, Switzerland
• Dublin, Ireland
• Nicosia, Cyprus
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Bucharest, Romania
• Valletta, Malta
• Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Best places to visit in may 2024.

With its pleasantly warm weather and thinned crowds, May is the perfect time to take a trip before the expensive summer season. Considering sights, weather, traveler sentiment and annual events (among other factors), U.S. News rounded up the best places to visit in May. Whether you're looking for an outdoor adventure in a national park, a quick Memorial Day getaway or a leisurely beach vacation , you can't go wrong with these destinations. Vote for your favorite locales below to help determine next year's list.

Bryce Canyon National Park

Laguna beach, st. vincent & the grenadines, victoria & vancouver island, yellowstone national park.

When May comes around in Bryce Canyon National Park, the snow is nearly gone, which means the park's main road and popular trails are likely to be open. Highs are typically in the 60s during the day, too – ideal conditions for hiking and biking this Utah park's paths. Visitor numbers start to ramp up this month, but it's still early enough in the season that you're unlikely to have to jostle for a view at the popular Bryce Point, which overlooks Bryce Amphitheater, a landscape of otherworldly rock spires (called hoodoos).

This Portuguese island chain in the Atlantic Ocean offers a little bit of everything for active travelers, from geoparks and waterfall hikes to paragliding. Though the weather here is always a bit unpredictable, the chances of wind and rain are lower in May. The water temperature also begins to warm up for must-do activities like snorkeling or swimming with dolphins, and with fewer swells than the winter months, beginner surfers will feel more comfortable trying to hang ten. As an added bonus, the biggest festival in the Azores – the Feasts of Santo Cristo dos Milagres – typically occurs in May.

Travelers looking for a vacation filled with unique and heart-pumping activities should set their sights on Cappadocia. This mountainous region in central Turkey is home to a UNESCO-listed national park, centuries-old underground cities, ancient cave dwellings, magnificent rock formations and more. Plus, thanks to average temperatures in the 60s and 70s in May, activities like soaring high above the Göreme Valley on a hot air balloon tour and driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle past fairy chimneys couldn't be more pleasant.

As one of the warmest and driest times of year in Palawan, May welcomes travelers with open arms. Take advantage of the minimal rainfall by experiencing all of the outdoor activities and attractions that this Philippine island has to offer –spoiler alert, there are a lot. Spend time relaxing on Palawan's white sand beaches, island-hopping or even swimming with gentle whale sharks. Water sports are popular in this destination as well, from diving Tubbataha Reef to kayaking El Nido's Big Lagoon.  

Visiting Granada, Spain, in May is a no-brainer. Average temperatures in the mid-70s, blooming flower displays (at Generalife Gardens) and a full roster of events make this Andalusian city a must-visit in the spring. Día de la Cruz and Feria del Corpus Christi, two of the city's most popular celebrations, are both held in May, and travelers won't want to miss seeing Granada come alive with music, flamenco dancers and more. Save time during your trip for a guided tour of the Alhambra and strolling through the Albaicín neighborhood.

May falls within this Peruvian city's winter season, though you probably wouldn't notice thanks to its consistently mild temperatures (highs hover in the 60s). This month rarely sees rain showers, and you'll encounter fewer tourists at archaeological wonders like La Catedral – which sits in the restaurant- and coffee shop-filled Plaza de Armas – and Machu Picchu – a bucket list destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 50 miles northwest of Cusco. If you're up for a challenge, hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This difficult trek through the area's towering mountains takes about four days to complete.

With 33 beaches, this eastern Caribbean island is a sun worshipper's dream, and May temperatures in the upper 70s and 80s are perfect for basking on its white sands . Spend warm days venturing to offshore cays, exploring fishing villages and watching yacht races during the Anguilla Regatta, typically held every May. Since this is the start of the island's rainy season, the weather can be wetter and more humid than the winter months, but visitors will be rewarded with cheaper accommodations. 

May is a great time for a trip to this seaside Spanish city before the heat and humidity become unbearable. Can't-miss architectural marvels to check out include Antoni Gaudí's whimsical Park Güell and the Gothic-style Sagrada Família. Budget time for visiting some of Barcelona's highly regarded museums, such as the Picasso Museum, and relax at Barceloneta beach before stopping at a nearby seafood restaurant for some of the best paella in the city. What's more, the city plays host to a number of events come May, including film and music festivals

Craggy coastline views, a world-famous aquarium and a superb farm-to-table dining scene draw tourists of all types to Monterey, California. Though temperatures here remain in the 60s for most of the year, rainfall drops significantly in May. Popular festivals also make this a great time of the year to visit. Come early in the month for the Pacific Grove Good Old Days Street Festival, which showcases local artisans and craft vendors, plus a variety of food booths. And near the end of the month, the three-day California Roots Music & Arts Festival celebrates reggae artists.

Visit Laguna Beach for a perfect sunny-and-70, laid-back beach vacation. May is part of this Southern California town's spring shoulder season, so you'll find fewer people on popular stretches of sand like Main Beach and Crescent Bay Beach. Plus, the quieter month is ideal for relaxation-focused activities, such as outdoor yoga and hiking. When travelers need a break from reconnecting with themselves or nature, they can check out Laguna Beach's thriving art scene, which includes hundreds of galleries, studios and public works of art.

Bright turquoise water, gorgeous white sand and lush green vegetation await vacationers in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Composed of 32 islands and cays, this Caribbean archipelago is perfect for a tropical getaway. May falls between the country's peak winter season and its hurricane-prone low season, making it an ideal time for scuba diving and snorkeling in the Tobago Cays Marine Park, swimming and soaking up some rays at Canouan's beaches and hiking to beautiful waterfalls like Dark View Falls. Travelers will also want to check out the country's 20-acre Botanical Gardens, the oldest available in the Western Hemisphere.

Victoria, British Columbia's capital city, sits on the southern portion of Vancouver Island. Not only does this Canadian destination boast comfortable highs in the low 60s in May, it is just a short ferry ride from Seattle (less than three hours), making it perfect for a quick weekend getaway . Spend your visit strolling through the 55-acre Butchart Gardens, which are bursting with colorful tulips and cherry blossoms come May, then get out on the water on a whale watching tour. Before heading home, don't forget to shop for souvenirs along Government Street.

Considered the birthplace of democracy and drama, Athens boasts a historical legacy that is hard to top. The main reason to visit is to see the ancient city's impressive ruins, which you'll find at the Acropolis and Ancient Agora. For an additional look at Athens' past, check out the incredible Greek artifacts on display at the National Archaeological Museum and the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture. May vacations are especially enjoyable thanks to comfortable daytime temps hovering in the mid-70s.

By late May, most of Yellowstone's trails and must-see attractions are open, welcoming eager nature enthusiasts seeking a breath of fresh air. The average 50-degree temperatures provide a brisk but comfortable atmosphere for a hike on one of the Old Faithful area's trails or a kayaking excursion on Yellowstone Lake. For a glimpse of wildlife, head to Lamar Valley to view wolf pups emerging from their dens. Keep in mind that if you visit during Memorial Day weekend, you'll likely run into crowds.

With warm weather year-round (average temperatures sit in the 80s), there's never a bad time to visit Singapore. But in May, this Asian city-state on the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula welcomes events such as the Singapore Cocktail Festival, the Singapore International Festival of Arts and the Singapore HeritageFest. When you're not enjoying your time at one of Singapore's cultural events, check out top attractions like Gardens by the Bay, a futuristic nature park that is home to the Supertree Observatory and the Cloud Forest.  

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Kruger National Park

Mont-Tremblant

Miami Beach

Newport, RI

Mexico City

Indianapolis

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The 5 Best European Cities To Visit: Where To Go and When

E urope is a hotspot for tourism due to its impressive diversity and access. There are a multitude of cultures, cuisines and landmarks in Europe. The continent is also relatively easy to get around, since public transportation there is efficient. Some travelers may even opt to travel around Europe all at once since there are jaw dropping views within close proximity. The continent is a traveler’s paradise since the infrastructure is well designed for commuting . There are so many popular destinations within Europe, so it may be difficult for travelers to determine where exactly they should go. These are the best European cities to visit and the ideal season for travel in each. 

London 

London, the capital city of England and the United Kingdom, is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe. Travelers visiting London can experience the top attractions in the bustling urban metropolis. It is a cultural capital with a plethora of historical sites that travelers can witness. This metropolitan city has plenty for travelers to explore. Some of the most popular things to do and see are the Big Ben clock tower, Westminster Abbey, The British Museum, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. Foodies can indulge in some English delicacies like fish and chips, traditional English breakfast and bangers and mash. There are many other cuisines that travelers can try in London, including Indian, Italian, Chinese, Thai, French and many other cultural foods. 

Best Times To Visit

The best time to visit London, England depends on the traveler. For the best sightseeing weather, travelers should make their way there between March and May. The temperature in this season is around 60 degrees, so travelers should dress themselves in layers. The high season for travel in London is in the summer and winter. If travelers want to avoid crowds, they should not visit London between June to August or December to January. 

Paris 

Paris, France is a major tourism destination that has plenty of globally recognizable monuments and cultural hallmarks. Even the cityscape of Paris is quite popular due to its iconic landmarks. French culture is all around very influential, but beyond that Paris is a remarkable city with plenty to see. The architectural wonders of Paris are a big appeal of the city. In fact, over 30 million travelers enjoy the picturesque city of light each year. The Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Versailles Palace, Paris Catacombs, Luxembourg Gardens and the Champs-Elysees are among the best attractions in the city. Tourists can enjoy the cheeses, soups, macarons and fresh breads of Paris while visiting Paris. 

The best times to visit Paris are either in the spring or autumn. During these times travelers can expect better temperatures. This weather allows them to comfortably sit outside and enjoy things like Parisian cafe tables. The weather is nice and moderate in the city between April to May and September to October. Travelers will even notice that there are less crowds in the tourist areas.

Rome is the capital city of Italy and it has certainly made its mark on the globe. It is among one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Some of the art, architecture and cuisine of Rome dates back 3,000 years. The city offers travelers a deep dive into ancient history and culture. There are plenty of famous sightseeing attractions in Rome that travelers should visit during their Europe trip. Some of the most popular ancient buildings for tourists to view in Rome include The Colosseum, Arch of Constantine, The Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica. There are a large number of famous remnants of the Roman Empire that have historical significance in this city. Some other things that tourists can do in Rome include guided walking tours, countryside trips, shopping, indulging in delicious Italian food and strolls around the city.  

Travelers visiting Italy should expect bigger crowds in areas like Rome. Although crowds are somewhat consistent, travelers can plan their trip so that it is as convenient as possible. Between October and April travelers will experience the least amount of crowds. The costs of accomodations are lower during this time too, but travelers may have to tolerate the chilly weather in exchange for price. Travelers should be sure to pack a jacket since weather can be around 50 and 70 degrees in Rome during this season. 

Barcelona 

Barcelona, Spain is an artistic looking and charming city with plenty for visitors to experience. The city overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is a modern hub as well as one of Spain’s most popular cities. It has a wide range of leisure activities and is a walkable city, so plenty of travelers love Barcelona. The unique architecture, beaches, culinary options and art of Barcelona keep travelers coming back. Travelers can enjoy the food of Barcelona while in the bustling city. Paella, croquettes, potato bombas and escalivada are just a few of the most popular dishes of Barcelona. Tourists commonly enjoy the Picasso Museum, the Cathedral of Barcelona, Casa Milá, Park Güell, Las Ramblas and Barceloneta Beach while in the city. Some of the most popular attractions of Barcelona are the buildings and shopping areas. Alternative activities for travelers include hot air balloon tours, walking tours, food and wine tours, private sailing tours and immersive museum experiences. 

Best Times To Visit 

The best time to travel to Barcelona is between April and July. During this time travelers will experience the best weather. Temperatures are around the mid 70’s during this season which means that the outdoor conditions are manageable. This is particularly important for travelers depending on public transportation. If sightseeing is a priority travelers should visit in early spring or autumn since there are less crowds. During the spring there is some rainfall, especially during April. Since a lot of the attractions in Barcelona are outdoors, this will definitely impact a trip. 

Amsterdam 

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and it is a quite popular city. It has a vibrant culture, rich history and stunning landscapes. The picturesque canals, historic homes, creative spirit, liberal appeal and shopping opportunities are the top features of the city. Tourists looking to immerse themselves in this European city can try the local cuisine. Pannenkoeken, haring, oliebollen, kaas and stamppot are some of the top Dutch comfort foods. These traditional food items are popular among locals but travelers should try them while they are exploring abroad. Stamppot, a dish made from potatoes and vegetables, is the national dish. Other than cuisine, travelers can visit the top attractions of the area to learn more about Amsterdam. The Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, Heineken brewery tour, red light district, Body Worlds Museum and local parks are the top things to see. 

The best months to visit Amsterdam are spring and autumn. Between April and May or September and November is the most ideal time to visit. There are less crowds and more mild weather during these seasons. Although the weather is not particularly dependable, these months provide pleasant temperatures of around 60 degrees. If travelers prefer to travel during the most affordable time to go to Amsterdam, the winter may be best. Temperatures generally are around 30 or 40 degrees during the winter, but hotel rates are low.