The Netherlands is a very small country and driving from end to end takes only about 3 hours in total. However, within those three hours, you will pass through some of the best places to visit in The Netherlands – all offering something unique to be discovered.
Most visitors to The Netherlands head to Amsterdam and think they have seen it all. But there is so much more to this quaint country than you may originally think.
From sandy beaches to authentic windmills to winding canals and modern cities, this guide details 13 beautiful places in The Netherlands!
The best thing about traveling around The Netherlands is that since it is so small everything is very close and getting from city to city takes only an hour at most. Plus, The Netherlands has an amazing railway transportation system that is very quick, clean, and comfortable. I’ll give some more information on getting around The Netherlands at the end of this post.
13 Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands
All the best places to visit in The Netherlands listed below are very different and well worth a visit. Find the ones that fit your desires best and get going on an adventure.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is definitely the most popular city to visit in the Netherlands. It is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands for a first-time visit to the country. Amsterdam is a world-famous tourist destination that is full of beautiful architecture, winding canals, famous bridges, and rich history.
There is so much to do and see in Amsterdam, and it truly is a travel destination that has something for everyone!
I have been living in Amsterdam for 5 years and still have not seen and done everything.
Amsterdam does have a reputation as a party city, and it does have a prevalent party scene and coffee shop culture (which is very different from a cafe), but there is so much more to the city. Both day and night in Amsterdam don’t have to be full of partying, it can be enjoyed in MANY ways.
Amsterdam is packed with museums with artists ranging from Van Gogh, Banksy, Rembrandt and many more. More so, Amsterdam is full of historical sites like the Anne Frank House, the botanical gardens dating back to the 1600s, and royal buildings such as the royal palace in Dam Square.
Visitors to the city could easily spend a week here with all the things to do and see. But with all the other stunning cities in the Netherlands, it is nice to move around and take some day trips from Amsterdam to see other places!
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Delft
Delft is a small city in the Netherlands that is full of beautiful canals and old buildings. This is a top city to visit in the Netherlands because it has all the beauty of the other cities, but it doesn’t attract many tourists. Therefore, exploring the streets is much more enjoyable and authentic.
There are quite a few things to do in Delft, but the best is to simply stroll the streets and admire the beauty. However, you can also view the grand city hall, go to the top of The New Church of Delft, eat at one of the many cafes, or shop for Delftware – one of the best souvenirs from the Netherlands.
Gouda
Gouda, a charming Dutch city, is renowned for its iconic cheese and namesake: Gouda cheese. This picturesque town is home to historic canals, a stunning town hall, and a traditional cheese market.
Gouda’s history, architecture, and cheese-related heritage make it a must-visit destination in the Netherlands for tourists and cheese enthusiasts!
Zwolle
Zwolle is a lovely medieval Dutch city in the Netherlands that is full of surprises. This city is a little more off the beaten track and the authentic Dutch culture is very prevalent. Zwolle is the perfect place to visit in the Netherlands if you want to see a real Dutch town that isn’t overrun with tourism.
More so, there is quite a bit to do in Zwolle. The city has a main square which is home to a street market every Saturday. This is a great place to find fresh food, Dutch delicacies and take in the atmosphere.
Zwolle is also home to the stunning cathedral bookstore, which is one of the most beautiful bookstores in all of the Netherlands. There are also many shops in Zwolle with clothing, accessories, food and much more!
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the most modern city in The Netherlands and looks very different from all other places on this list. Its modern architecture and design are due to the Second World War.
During this time the city was bombed very heavily, and the city was in ruins. Therefore, when they rebuilt it, they gave it a modern look. Although Rotterdam doesn’t have the classic Dutch architecture and look of other cities in the Netherlands, it has its unique charm that is well worth seeing.
There are quite a bit of things to do in Rotterdam, as well.
One of the main attractions of the cities that you should check out is the cube houses. These are a set of innovative houses that were designed for high-density living. The houses are very unique, and you are even able to go inside. In addition to this, the city has a market hall that is full of 25+ different food vendors for you to choose from.
Rotterdam is also home to the Erasmus Bridge, which is an amazing feat of engineering. This bridge is one of the things Rotterdam is most well-known for and something every visitor of the city should see.
Giethoorn
Giethoorn is a magical fairytale village in the northeast side of the Netherlands. It is quite far from other cities in the Netherlands and can be a journey to get to, but despite this, it is 100% worth visiting.
The small town is full of charm and since it is so different and unique than all the other cities, it is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands.
Giethoorn is also called the Venice of the north since the whole village is made up of waterways and getting around by boat is the most convenient and easiest way to get around. This small village attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, all eager to rent a boat and see the thatch-roofed houses and lush green landscape.
There are not many attractions in Giethoorn, but trust me, exploring this unique village is more than exciting. If you are looking for a unique place to visit in the Netherlands that is very different from anything you’ve seen before, this is the place for you.
The Hague
The Hague is an exciting city in the Netherlands that is more than meets the eye. The city itself is the most royal city in the Netherlands and is home to various parliament buildings, museums, and more. It is even home to the world court.
One of the most exciting things to do in The Hague is head to Madurodam, which is a park full of mini versions of various cities and attractions in the Netherlands.
However, the main thing visitors to the Hague need to see is the beautiful Scheveningen Beach. This is a vast sandy beach that is lined with restaurants and has a long pier with a Ferris wheel, that is great for families visiting The Hague with kids. On warm summer days, this beach is packed with Dutch locals and tourists drinking, eating, and spending time with friends and family.
Haarlem
Haarlem is also called a mini-Amsterdam because its canals and architecture look extremely similar. However, there is one aspect they differ greatly on, and that is the number of people in the city.
Amsterdam is extremely busy, and the city is constantly full of people, especially the city center. Whereas Haarlem attracts many fewer tourists and therefore is much less busy. This is great because in Haarlem you get all the beauty of Amsterdam but can explore without being in huge crowds.
There is also more to Haarlem than its beautiful streets and canals. The city has a lively main square that hosts street markets every Saturday, and inside the square is a huge church called St. Baco Church. More so, in the city center, there is a huge authentic Dutch windmill open to the public for tours.
Maastricht
Maastricht is a university town located at the very bottom of the Netherlands; it is about as south as you can get. The city is characterized by its medieval-style architecture and vibrant atmosphere. It is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands if you are looking for a historic and unique city to visit.
In Maastricht, you will find the iconic gothic-style church called St. Janskerk, beautiful cobblestone streets, a huge river bisecting the town, and various museums.
If you are planning to travel to Belgium or Germany after the Netherlands, this is the perfect place to depart from.
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Utrecht
Utrecht is a stunning city located in the center of the Netherlands. This city has beautiful medieval architecture, a 14th-century bell tower and tons to see and do.
One of the main attractions of the city is the unique dining experience to be had on the city’s main canal, Oudegracht. This canal is said to be 800 years old and used to be the main waterway of the city. However, today it is lined with cafes and restaurants that are packed with people in the warm months.
The city of Utrecht is also home to various stores to shop in, museums, and beautiful winding streets. It is a small and historic town with tons to discover.
Lisse
Lisse is a very small town in the Netherlands famous for one main thing, the tulip fields. From late March to early May, Lisse becomes a hot spot in the Netherlands with people flocking to see the stunning tulip fields.
Within this area, you will find millions of tulips in a ton of fields, of all different colors. It truly is a magical experience.
If you are visiting the Netherlands in the spring months you must plan a day trip from Amsterdam to Keukenhof Gardens and Lisse to see these tulip fields. You can spend some time walking or biking around the fields and then stopping at the Lisse city center for a bite to eat after the experience.
Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands if you want to see authentic Dutch windmills. Here you will find authentic green-hued Dutch windmills in abundance. These windmills are open for the public to enter and explore as well.
In addition to the windmills, Zaanse Schans is also home to homemade chocolate shops, Dutch cheese shops, Dutch souvenir shops, and even a museum.
It is the perfect place to head to if you want the full Dutch experience all in one easy location.
Volendam
Volendam is a quaint fishing village located just 25 minutes away from Amsterdam by bus. Known for its colorful houses, scenic harbor, and traditional Dutch attire.
There are a lot of fun things to do in Volendam, as well as neighboring Edam and Marken.
You can sample Dutch cheeses, try smoked eel, take a photo in traditional Dutch attire, or simply wander along the Volendam Dike, and take in the sights and sounds of this seaside town.
Additional Information about the Netherlands
If you’re planning to travel to some of these best places to visit in the Netherlands, here are a few tips and helpful information about getting around the country.
How to Get Around the Netherlands
The best way to get around the Netherlands is by train. The train system in the Netherlands is amazing! They are almost always on time, clean, and efficient. However, they can get a little bit costly.
If you are wondering where / how to plan your journey just head to the NS train website. Here you can search with your travel dates and locations, and it will give your train options.
If the Netherlands is just one of several countries you are visiting you may also want to consider getting a Eurorail Pass from RailEurope.
Additionally, if you are traveling around the Netherlands to various places, it might be more cost-effective to rent a car instead of taking the train.
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Tips for Traveling Around The Netherlands
The Netherlands is a pretty westernized country and most people speak English, therefore, there isn’t much of a culture shock when arriving. However, here are some tips to make your adventures in the Netherlands as smooth as possible.
- The currency used is Euros
- Be sure to have cash on you at all times – some places do not accept cards
- Watch out for bikes whenever you are walking! You can get very hurt if you get in the way of one
As you can see the Netherlands has a ton to offer. Amazingly, there are so many beautiful cities in the Netherlands and charming villages to explore in such a small area of land.
Whether you’re heading to the Netherlands during the holidays because Amsterdam is one of the best places to spend Christmas in Europe, or you’re going for a summer vacation, be sure to see some of the Netherlands most beautiful places that are sure to amaze you.
About the author of this best places to visit in the Netherlands guide:
Samantha Karen is the owner and author of the travel blog Sam Sees World, a travel blog dedicated to sharing the world's most beautiful and unique travel destinations. As a full-time traveler, she has visited over 50 countries with more on the way. Here you'll find invaluable insights into the finest attractions and unforgettable encounters.
Ask yourself this: when was the last time you did something for the first time?
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