12 of the Gorgeous Towns and Villages to Visit in the Netherlands
Despite being a relatively small nation, the Netherlands should not be overlooked. The Netherlands has a lot of amazing locations outside of the well-known tourist destinations like Amsterdam. Yes, Amsterdam is fairly awesome (and well-deserved for its incredible reputation), but there are plenty of other great places in the Netherlands that are scattered throughout the nation that are easily overlooked. For good reason, Amsterdam is typically the first place visitors to the Netherlands go. Imagine tulip fields, windmill rows, and charming, culturally vibrant cities. Fortunately for you, that big city core is only a short drive or train journey away from everything.
It is a veritable gold mine of intricate art, culture, history, and legacy. But in the Netherlands, where should one go? This succinct overview of some of the top attractions in the Netherlands will have you packing your bags the moment you read it. The Netherlands has everything you could ever want in one location, from towering windmills and boundless flower fields to gorgeous water canals and picturesque buildings. All you need for your vacation to this stunning European nation that appeals to all types of adventurers — the history buff, the photographer, the hopeless romantic, and the environment lover — is this list of the top attractions in the Netherlands!
01. Amsterdam
Amsterdam, one of the largest cities in the Netherlands, is also arguably the most famous destination in the nation. Now, Amsterdam itself is home to a ton of incredible activities, as well as a ton of culture, pubs and restaurants, a ton of history, and, of course, the canals. Make sure to tour the Rijksmuseum and the entire Museum District, which is home to the magnificent Van Gogh Museum.
It’s a terrific way to unwind on the waterways — to rent a boat for a few hours and cruise the canals. Don’t forget to see Rembrandt’s home, go to Anne Frank’s house, and go to Pllek for cocktails at dusk. It’s a lovely, beachy location that’s ideal on a hot day.
02. Giethoorn
Giethoorn is a primarily car-free village in the northeastern Dutch province of Overijssel. It is renowned for its centuries-old thatched-roof homes, walks, bicycle lanes, and waterways filled with boats. It abuts the Weerribben-Wieden National Park, a marshy region that was formerly used for peat and reed harvesting. Museum Giethoorn ‘t Olde Maat Uus, a farm museum that chronicles the history of the area, is located next to the park.
Giethoorn is definitely worth a trip. This picture-perfect village without streets is located at the summit of Overijssel. The finest way to see the “Venice of the Netherlands” is from the water. Consequently, you should add a tour on an electric boat, canoe, or traditional boat to your Giethoorn itinerary.
03. Utrecht
The Dutch city of Utrecht is well-known for its medieval core. It has historic university, Christian monuments, and canals flanked by trees. On the main Domplein square, in front of the Gothic Cathedral of St. Martin, rises the renowned Domtoren, a bell tower dating from the 14th century with views of the city. In a former monastery, the Museum Catharijneconvent displays works of religious art and antiquities.
The canals of Utrecht have two stories, where historic wharf vaults are currently used as locations to enjoy food and beverages at water level. Utrecht is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world, so you can use your bike to explore its soaring churches and quaint cafes.
04. Delft
Delft is a historic city and one of the top tourist destinations in the Netherlands, located between Rotterdam and The Hague. Delft is a truly beautiful city with a rich history, particularly in the fields of ceramics and art. For instance, Delftware (Royal Delft) originates from this region.
After you’ve had your fill of pottery, visit the town hall, which is designed in the Renaissance style. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the Oude Kerk, which has a tower over 75 meters high that leans just a little bit. It nearly seems like it is the Dutch equivalent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. After that, go around the canals and check out the Eastern Gate, which is more than 500 years old.
05. Rotterdam
The Dutch province of South Holland contains the important port city of Rotterdam. The historic ships and displays of the Maritime Museum depict the city’s maritime past. The Pilgrim Fathers Church, where pilgrims worshiped prior to coming to America, is located in the 17th-century Delfshaven area, along with canalside commerce. After being virtually entirely rebuilt after World War II, the city is now renowned for its striking, contemporary architecture.
Despite being just slightly smaller than Amsterdam, it has a very different aesthetic from the city. The city is distinguished by a commanding skyline of skyscrapers and modern architecture, but it is also known for iconic structures like the Erasmus Bridge, Rotterdam Central Station, and of course the Euromast observation tower, which provides stunning views of the city and its surroundings.
06. Kinderdijk
In the South Holland region of the Netherlands, the village of Kinderdijk is well-known for its famous windmills from the 18th century. Its water management system includes dikes and reservoirs that prevent flooding in the polder (low-lying terrain), as well as 19 mills and 3 pumping stations. The main visitor center and museums housed in preserved operating windmills are accessible via waterways, footpaths, and bicycle tracks that loop through the neighborhood.
If you picture a picturesque Dutch landscape, you usually picture the village of Kinderdijk, which has a lot of windmills. The network of 19 massive mills, which were constructed in the early eighteenth century to avoid flooding and preserve the soil, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
07. Broek in Waterland
Broek in Waterland, which is only 5 kilometers from Amsterdam, is unquestionably one of the nicest spots to visit in the Netherlands. Now that it’s so simple to go here from Amsterdam, dropping by for a quick visit is definitely worthwhile.
The stunning Dutch homes in this village are one of the things that make it so unique. The majority of the village has been kept, and it nearly feels like going back in time because it is a protected site. Be sure to explore and keep an eye out for the variously colored residences. In all honesty, traveling to Broek in Waterland isn’t much of a trip back in time.
08. Volendam
20 kilometers north of Amsterdam, in North Holland, is the fishing village of Volendam. Numerous stereotypes of the Dutch are present here, such as the traditional attire and wooden shoes. However, the majority of them have a great deal of historical accuracy. Volendam is a very well-liked day trip from the city of Amsterdam, much like the Dutch village of Giethoorn, and for good reason.
The short trip from the Dutch capital to Volendam and the surrounding area is well worth it because there are so many fantastic things to do there. With its colorful wooden cottages, bobbing fishing boats, and seafood stand after seafood stall serving up fish and chips, smoked eel, and pickled herring piled high with onions, it’s little wonder that this lovely fishing village is the most well-known in all of Holland.
09. The Hague
On the western Netherlands’ North Sea coast is the city of The Hague. The Dutch parliament meets at the city’s gothic-style Binnenhof (or Inner Court) complex, while the monarch works out of the Noordeinde Palace from the 16th century. One of the best destinations in the Netherlands to visit for a long weekend getaway is The Hague, which is tucked away on the western edge of the nation.
Visit the Beelden aan Zee Museum, the Louwman Museum, and the breathtaking Binnenhof & Ridderzaal thereafter. It’s a truly beautiful city. Better yet, visit the beach and pier at Scheveningen during the summer. It’s a gorgeous shoreline that’s perfect for relaxing along.
10. Eindhoven
North Brabant, in the southern Netherlands, contains the city of Eindhoven. The Philips Museum chronicles the history of the company’s designs. The Van Abbemuseum is a nearby art and design museum. Restaurants and design stores are located in the former industrial complex Strijp-S in the northwest.
Go to Eindhoven if you enjoy design and technology. Keep in mind to visit the Van Abbemuseum (modern and contemporary art), Strijp-S (a creative and cultural hub housed in an industrial park), and the Inkijkmuseum (a little museum situated in a former washroom). It’s not always what it seems. Cutting-edge One of the oldest cities in Holland is Eindhoven. The Netherlands’ center of design is mostly located in Eindhoven. The annual Dutch Design Week, where hundreds of renowned designers present their most recent works, is its biggest event.
11. Haarlem
Haarlem is a city in the northwest of the Netherlands, just outside of Amsterdam. It preserves its medieval charm of cobblestone lanes and gabled houses from its past as a significant North Sea commercial port encircled by a protective wall. It is the hub of a significant flower-bulb-growing region and is well-known for its surrounding tulip fields, art galleries, and hofjes (almshouses constructed around lush courtyards).
It is frequently ranked as one of the greatest cities in the nation for shopping, in addition to being home to some of the best museums and internationally renowned artwork in the Netherlands. There are many things to keep you entertained, such as weekly markets and river cruises.
12. Leiden
A city in the Dutch province of South Holland is called Leiden. It is well known for its ancient architecture. If you want to learn more about some of the amazing histories of this area, Leiden is among the top cities in the Netherlands to visit.
There are a ton of attractions you should visit in this city, which has a history dating back over a thousand years. Visit the Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world, the National Museum of Antiquities, and the Museum de Valk, which has its very own waterwheel, as soon as you get there.
Do you have a trip to the Netherlands in mind? Then this list of the most stunning destinations to travel is precisely what you need. Find a map of all the Netherlands’ tourist attractions above and choose your favorites for your upcoming vacation. There are many different tourist sites in the Netherlands, and this comprehensive list includes some off-the-beaten-path locations that you won’t find in any other tourist guides about the country.
