The Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a densely populated country, much of it reclaimed from the sea with about half of its land lying below sea level. While many tourists flock to Amsterdam, Holland has far more to offer beyond its capital. Crisscrossed with canals, the flat landscape is perfect for cycling, and visitors will find historic town centers and classic windmills scattered throughout the country. During springtime, the nation transforms into a vibrant spectacle of flower gardens. Here’s a look at the best places to visit in the Netherlands.

Gouda 🧀

Gouda is a typical Dutch city, known for its old buildings and pretty canals. It’s a popular destination for a day trip, thanks to its excellent rail and highway connections. Some key highlights include:

• Famous for its cheese, syrup waffles, candles, and clay pipes
• The beautiful 15th century town hall
• The stunning glass windows in St. Janskerk

The compact city center is entirely ringed by canals and is a mere five minutes’ walk from the station.

Rotterdam 🌆

The second-largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is home to one of the world’s biggest and busiest ports. The city is characterized by its futuristic architecture, arising from the considerable damage it sustained during the Second World War. Key attractions include:

• Innovative and futuristic architecture
• Numerous waterways crisscrossing the city
• Great museums, cultural attractions, and dining options

Despite its modernity, Rotterdam retains a lively and diverse atmosphere.

Zaanse Schans 🌾

The Zaanse Schans is an open-air conservation area and museum located about 20 minutes from Amsterdam. It showcases traditional architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries, and includes:

• Black and green traditional wooden houses
• Several functioning windmills
• Craftsmen’s workshops open to visitors

Visitors can witness windmills performing various industrial tasks, including wood sawing and grain threshing.

Utrecht 🏰

One of the oldest cities in the country, Utrecht features winding canals that twist around its delightful medieval center, dominated by a beautiful cathedral. Despite its sprawling suburbs, Utrecht offers:

• Vibrant student population
• Lots of cheap and cheerful bars and cafés
• Great dining options

Its lively atmosphere makes it a fun place to explore.

Maastricht 🌍

Located in the southernmost tip of the Netherlands, Maastricht’s proximity to Belgium and Germany makes it a popular destination for citizens from these nations, as well as the Dutch themselves. The city boasts:

• A vibrant, multicultural atmosphere
• A large student population from all around Europe
• Rich cultural diversity

Maastricht is distinctly different from other Dutch cities due to its international influence.

Kinderdijk 🌿

Kinderdijk offers a beautiful landscape of marshes and waterways near Rotterdam. To drain the excess water from the polders, 19 windmills were built here around 1740. Visitors can enjoy:

• Well-preserved windmills still in use today
• Scenic views with tall reeds and lily pads in summer
• A silent, quintessentially Dutch landscape

It’s an enchanting area to wander through and experience traditional Dutch engineering.

The Hague 🕊️

Though not the capital, The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and is often referred to as the International City of Peace and Justice. Key highlights include:

• Numerous museums with world-renowned art collections
• A charming seaside atmosphere
• Beaches and dunes stretching along the coast

The city’s old-world charm and international focus make it a unique destination.

Delft 🎨

A popular day trip from Amsterdam, Delft is known for its lovely medieval center and picturesque canals. Its highlights are:

• Famous for the painter Johannes Vermeer
• Distinctive blue and white Delftware ceramics
• Quaint and peaceful atmosphere

Despite its many attractions, it is the overall ambiance of the city that makes it worth visiting.

Tulip Fields in Holland 🌷

The Netherlands’ colorful tulip fields are one of its most iconic sights. Since the tulips arrived in the late 16th century, they have attracted visitors worldwide. Key locations include:

• Keukenhof, home to around seven million tulips, daffodils, and roses
• Stretching fields of vibrant flowers
• Perfect photogenic spots for cycling

Cycling through these fields during spring is a magical experience.

Amsterdam 🚴

Amsterdam, known for its meandering canals, is a delightful city with a rich history. Must-see attractions include:

• Anne Frank House
• Rijksmuseum, home to European masterpieces
• Rembrandt House and Van Gogh Museum
• Heineken Brewery tours

This “Venice of the North” offers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern culture.

Explore these captivating destinations across the Netherlands to experience the diverse attractions and rich cultural heritage this beautiful country has to offer.