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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 Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands

Written by Lura Seavey Updated May 13, 2023

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

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

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

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

Historic Haarlem

Van gogh village, nuenen, the windmills of kinderdijk, zaanse schanse open-air museum, keukenhof gardens, de haar castle & utrecht, kasteel van breda, arnhem and the netherlands open air museum, zuiderzee museum, enkhuizen, hoge veluwe national park, oostvaardersplassen nature reserve, vincent van gogh house museum, zundert, map of places to visit in the netherlands.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read More: Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Leiden

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Address: Schansend 7, 1509 AW Zaandam, Netherlands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More on Netherlands

30 Best Places to Visit in The Netherlands

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

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

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

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

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

Map of the beautiful places to visit in Netherlands

1. Amsterdam

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

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

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

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

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

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

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2. Kissing Couple XXL

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

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

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

3. Zaanse Schans

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

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

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

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

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

4. Volendam

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best place to stay around Amsterdam

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

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

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

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

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

Booking.com

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

6. Muiderslot Castle

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Heeswijk Castle

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

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

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

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

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

8. Fort de Roovere

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

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

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

9. Kinderdijk

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

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

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

Best place to stay around Kinderdijk

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

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

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

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

10. Dordrecht

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

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

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

11. National Park the Biesbosch

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

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

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

12. Deltaworks Neeltje Jans

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

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

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

13. Parkstad Limburg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. Pyramid of Austerlitz

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

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

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

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

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

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

15. Wadden Islands - Texel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

16. The Afsluitdijk

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18. Groningen

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

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

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

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

19. Vesting Bourtange Fortress

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

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

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

20. Hunebedden

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

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

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

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

21. Camp Westerbork

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

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

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

22. Radio Sterrenwacht

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

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

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

23. TT Assen Circuit Tour

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

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

24. Giethoorn

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay around Giethoorn

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

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

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

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

25. Rotterdam - One of World's Biggest Ports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Rotterdam

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

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

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

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

26. The Pooping Man & The Batavia

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

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

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

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

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

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

27. Tulip Fields in the Bulb Region

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

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

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

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

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

28. Achterhoek

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

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

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

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

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

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

29. National Park de Hoge Veluwe

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in the Veluwe?

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

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

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

30. Deventer | East Holland

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

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

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

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

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

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

Netherlands travel blog

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

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

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

• netherlands
• zuid limburg
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• camp westerbork
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Must-see attractions in The Netherlands

Van Gogh Museum

This wonderful museum traces Van Gogh's life and artistic development via the world's largest collection of his work. More than 200 canvases are on…

Attracting over 12 million visitors per year, Amsterdam’s favorite playground is the green expanse of Vondelpark, with its 116 acres (47 hectares) of…

Rijksmuseum

The Netherlands’ top treasure house, the Rijksmuseum (pronounced ‘rikes’), is among the world's finest art museums. With over 1.5km of galleries, it packs…

Museum het Rembrandthuis

Housed in Rembrandt's former home on lively Jodenbreestraat, this evocative museum provides an unparalleled insight into one of the Netherlands’ greatest…

Van Nelle Fabriek

Designed and built between 1925 and 1931, this modernist World Heritage–listed factory northwest of the city centre is an icon of 20th-century industrial…

Mauritshuis

Offering a wonderful introduction to Dutch and Flemish art, this splendid museum is set in a 17th-century mansion built for wealthy sugar trader Johan…

Sint Janskerk

South Holland

Impressive for both its size and its magnificent stained-glass windows, Sint Janskerk had chequered beginnings: previous incarnations of the building…

Museum Boijmans van Beuningen

The roll-call of artists represented in the collection of Rotterdam's pre-eminent fine-arts museum is stellar and spans multiple periods and movements:…

Verzetsmuseum

The museum of the Dutch Resistance brings the horror of German occupation in WWII vividly alive, using personal stories, letters, artefacts, films and…

Groninger Museum

Those arriving by train can't help but notice the Groninger Museum. Occupying three islands in the ring canal in front of the station, the museum is, at…

Stedelijk Museum

This fabulous museum houses the collection amassed by postwar curator Willem Sandberg. The ground-floor Stedelijk Base exhibition displays a rotating…

Royal Palace

Medieval Centre & Red Light District

Opened as a town hall in 1655, this resplendent building became a palace in the 19th century. The interiors gleam, especially the marble work – at its…

Escher in Het Paleis

Once home to members of the Dutch royal family, the 18th-century Lange Voorhout Palace now houses a collection of the work of Dutch graphic artist MC…

NEMO Science Museum

Perched atop the entrance to the IJ Tunnel is this unmissable green-copper building with a slanted roof, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and…

Tropenmuseum

A great arched, galleried space, the Tropenmuseum houses a three-storey collection of artefacts from all over the world, depicting a wide range of…

Keramiek Museum Princessehof

Pottery lovers will adore the Netherlands ceramics museum. Here you'll find the largest collection of tiles on the planet, an unparalleled selection of…

Albert Cuypmarkt

Some 260 stalls fill the Albert Cuypmarkt, Amsterdam's largest and busiest market. Vendors loudly tout their array of gadgets, homewares, flowers, fruit,…

Blokhuispoort

No single sight evokes the undercurrent of explosive creativity pulsating through the Frisian capital quite like this 19th-century prison-turned-cultural…

One of the Dutch sites on Unesco's World Heritage List, this stretch of the Alblasserwaard polder encompasses two canals, 19 traditional windmills, a…

Huis Sonneveld

When company director Albertus Sonneveld decided to commission an architect to design a contemporary home for his family, the obvious choice was Leendert…

Museum Rotterdam '40-'45 NU

Good things often come in small packages, and so it is with this small but excellent museum sheltered under a bridge on the Coolhaven. An eight-minute…

St Servaasbasiliek

Built above and around the shrine of St Servaas (Servatius), the first bishop of Maastricht, the basilica presents an architectural pastiche whose…

Rietveld-Schröderhuis

Years ahead of its time, this small but uniquely conceived house was built in 1924 by celebrated Utrecht designer Gerrit Rietveld. He'd be amazed to find…

These red-brick 1902-built tram sheds were formerly used as a squat before being turned into this breathtaking skylit space. De Hallen was stunningly…

Nieuwe Markt

This dynamic city's most ambitious redevelopment project to date, the gleaming 'New Market' square is slated to become an A-lister hub for alfresco…

Talented volunteer guides and fascinating educational films with CGI effects set the historical scene. Then it's your turn to become an amateur…

Rijksmuseum van Oudheden

Home to the Rijksmuseum's collection of Greek, Etruscan, Roman and Egyptian artefacts, this museum is best known for its Egyptian halls, which include the…

Frans Hals Museum – Hof

A must for anyone interested in the Dutch Masters, this superb museum is located in the poorhouse where Hals spent his final years. The collection focuses…

Artis Royal Zoo

A wonderfully leafy expanse, mainland Europe's oldest zoo has a fine range of wildlife, with extensive habitats and room to wander. A lovely stretch runs…

St Janskathedraal

One of the finest churches in the Netherlands, this cathedral took from 1336 to 1550 to complete. The interior has late-Gothic stained-glass windows, an…

Amsterdam Noord

This derelict shipyard turned edgy arts community, 15 minutes upriver from the city centre, wafts a post-apocalyptic vibe. An old submarine slumps in the…

A'DAM Tower

The 22-storey A'DAM Tower used to be the Royal Dutch Shell oil company offices, but has had a makeover to become one of Amsterdam's biggest attractions…

Keukenhof Gardens

The 32-hectare Keukenhof is the world’s largest bulb-flower garden, with over seven million bulbs and a total of 800 varieties of tulips. It attracts…

Grote Kerk van St Bavo

Topped by a towering 50m-high steeple, the Gothic Grote Kerk van St Bavo contains some fine Renaissance artworks, but the star attraction is its stunning…

Het Scheepvaartmuseum

A waterfront 17th-century admiralty building houses this state-of-the-art presentation of maritime memorabilia. Highlights include imaginatively presented…

Museum De Lakenhal

Leiden's foremost museum reopened in 2019 following a three-year renovation. Its 1640-built premises (a former cloth warehouse) again displays its…

Joods Historisch Museum

In this beautifully restored complex of four Ashkenazic synagogues from the 17th and 18th centuries, displays show the history of Jews in the Netherlands,…

Philips Museum

From Keith Richards' tape-recorder to a wide-screen projector that once won an Oscar, this engaging museum tells the extraordinary story of the light-bulb…

Mondriaanhuis

Utrecht Province

This small but absorbing museum honours the life and work of the famous De Stijl artist Piet Mondrian (1872–1944) in the house where he was born.

Museum Volkenkunde

Cultural achievements by civilisations worldwide are showcased at this splendid museum, which has a collection of more than 300,000 artefacts from across…

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• The Netherlands
• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

Explore The Netherlands with these 20 Best Things to Do

Due to the high concentration of diverse attractions in the Netherlands, it is rarely difficult to find entertaining, cultural or spectacular things to do whilst within Dutch borders. To prepare eager travellers for their next trip to the Netherlands, we’ve put together the following list of the most popular and important attractions in the country.

The royal palace of amsterdam.

Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark

The Royal Palace on Dam Square was built during the height of the Dutch Golden Age at a time when Amsterdam was among the most influential cities in Northern Europe. The palace was originally owned by the city’s municipality and passed into the hands of the Dutch royal family after William of Orange formed the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the early 19th century. Although important royal ceremonies still take place inside the palace, it is open to the public most days of the year.

Euromast, Parkhaven

Miffy Museum

As its name suggest, this kid-orientated museum in Utrecht is primarily dedicated to Miffy the bunny, but also houses a large collection of other items associated with the cartoon rabbit’s creator, Dick Bruna, including designs he made for Amnesty International, and other charities. This wonderful themed museum is perfect for younger children and even features an indoor play area.

Maastricht Underground

The land beneath Maastricht is riddled with thousands of manmade caves that were mainly evacuated in order to harvest valuable building material. Many of these tunnels date back to the medieval period, whilst other were expanded during the 20th century and converted into colossal bunkers.

Kröller-Müller Museum

In 1938, German art collector Helene Kröller-Müller bequeathed her vast Van Gogh collection to the Dutch public and launched a new museum in Otterlo under her family name. This institute currently owns the second largest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world and is located in the center of the Hoge Veluwe National Park.

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The Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout

The large network of windmills around the village of Kinderdijk in South Holland were constructed between 1738 and 1740 in order to pump water out of the area’s swampland. Due to their historical and cultural importance the mills are now protected as an UNESCO heritage site and are among the most popular attractions in the Netherlands.

Amsterdam Canal district

The concentric ring of waterways and streets between Amsterdam’s Singel and Prinsengracht canals are collectively recognised as a UNESCO heritage site. As large parts of this charming, historic neighbourhood were built during the Dutch Golden Age, its boundaries contain dozens of additional monuments, including Anne Frank Huis, Westerkerk and Museum van Loon .

Rietveld Schröder House

In 1924, prominent de Stijl member Gerrit Rietveld was commissioned to build a house in Utrecht by a wealthy, local socialite named Truus Schröder-Schräder. To complete this property , Rietveld employed stylistic gestures associated with de Stijl whilst paying close attention to Schröder-Schräder’s personal preference for open floor planning, leading to the creation of one of the most iconic, modernist buildings in the world.

The Dunes of Texel National Park

Due to its outstanding natural beauty, the entire western shore of the island of Texel is preserved as an national park. This rugged stretch of land is inhabited by a rich variety of flora and fauna, including several rare birds, making it a haven for nature lovers. Walking and cycling are the preferred mode of transport inside the park.

Van Gogh Museum

Amusement Park

At Madurodam, visitors can experience the Netherlands from an entirely new perspective by stomping around elaborate miniature versions of Amsterdam, the Hague and many other iconic Dutch locations. This diminutive amusement park attracts countless visitors every year and donates all its profits to charitable organisations.

The Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is recognised as the largest museum in the Netherlands and houses over 1,000,000 artworks, artefacts and historical items, which represent every period of Dutch history. Its permanent collection includes several Dutch masterpieces such as Rembrandt’s The Nightwatch and Vermeer’s The Milkmaid .

Museum, Building

Unlike most art museums, Rotterdam’s Kunsthal doesn’t own any artwork or keep a permanent collection. Instead, the museum host up to 20 temporary exhibitions every year, meaning that it is able to showcase cutting-edge or previously underrepresented artwork effectively and consistently.

Museum Ons' Lieve Heer op Solder

Church, Museum

After the Reformation, the Dutch government officially outlawed Catholicism; an edict which forced Dutch Catholics to practise their faith in secret. In Amsterdam, many hidden churches were constructed by local Catholics and used for clandestine religious ceremonies, including a small, beautifully decorated chapel in de Wallen, which is now known as Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder.

Mauritshuis

Mauritshuis has preserved one of the largest collections of Dutch Golden Age artworks in the world since the early 19th century, which features several unbelievably important pieces such as Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring . The museum itself is a veritable masterpiece and is housed inside an 17th century mansion that was designed by Jacob van Campen, whose portfolio also includes Amsterdam’s Royal Palace.

Arcen Castle

Arcen Castle is steeped in mystery and has stood in Limburg for over three centuries, placing it among the oldest surviving strongholds in the Netherlands. Several impressive, landscape gardens lies beyond its double-moat, which regularly hosts outdoor events.

Despite constantly changing water levels, the area around Schokland has been inhabited since pre-historic times. This former island became part of the Dutch mainland in 1942 after Zuierderzee’s southern waters were reclaimed and turned into Noordoosterpolder. Because of its unique history, Shokland is now protected as an UNESCO world heritage site.

Anne Frank Huis

After the Nazi’s invaded the Netherlands, Anne Frank and her family escaped arrest by hiding in a concealed apartment in Amsterdam’s de Jordaan neighbourhood. Although they were eventually caught and transported to concentration camps, they are remembered at their former sanctuary, which was converted into a museum in 1960.

Chill out on the beach at Scheveningen

Taking a day trip to the seaside resort at Scheveningen is a staple of Dutch summer time and the beach is well-equipped for sunny spells. Besides golden sands and pristine waters, Scheveningen also features several classic attractions, including an enormous leisure pier, a miniature amusement park called Madurodam and numerous pickled herring stands .

Keukenhof Gardens

During early spring, millions of tulips burst into full bloom at Keukenhof Gardens and blanket the park in a sea of color. The gardens were originally built in the 19th century and have since become staple of Dutch springtime. Special floriculturally-orientated events take place at Keukenhof Gardens throughout the season, including a large flower parade.

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10 Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands

By Mike Kaplan · Last updated on June 17, 2024

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

10. Gouda [SEE MAP]

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

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

9. Rotterdam [SEE MAP]

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

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

8. Groningen [SEE MAP]

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

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

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

7. Haarlem [SEE MAP]

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

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

6. Utrecht [SEE MAP]

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

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

5. Maastricht [SEE MAP]

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

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

4. The Hague [SEE MAP]

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

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

3. Delft [SEE MAP]

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

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

2. Leiden [SEE MAP]

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

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

1. Amsterdam [SEE MAP]

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

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

See also: Where to Stay in Amsterdam

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

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

Map of the Netherlands

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Reader interactions.

March 14, 2018 at 2:04 am

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

May 22, 2017 at 8:16 am

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

May 10, 2017 at 8:59 pm

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

December 18, 2016 at 1:13 pm

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

July 24, 2016 at 11:47 pm

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

July 27, 2016 at 1:02 pm

no @Tom, Amsterdam is the capital.

May 24, 2016 at 6:01 pm

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

May 25, 2016 at 12:11 am

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

November 1, 2015 at 2:15 am

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

March 5, 2015 at 5:43 pm

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

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

March 10, 2015 at 3:22 am

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

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Netherlands Tourism

Things to do in the netherlands – the ultimate top 50.

The Netherlands is home to a vast assortment of different attractions, including amusement parks, water parks, ski resorts, museums , zoos, and even miniature cities, among others. Needless to say, there is a lot to be done in the Netherlands during your trip. The question is which attractions should you spend your time at?

While geographical location will play a part in your answer, another important factor to take into consideration is how enjoyable the attraction will be. While everyone’s opinion is different, clues to how much fun an attraction will be can usually be uncovered by discovering how popular the attraction is. The number of visits a particular attraction has each year is typically a good indicator of how enjoyable it is.

With that being said, what I have done below is list out the 50 most visited attractions in the Netherlands in 2013 (based on data from NBTC). They are listed from the most visits to the least visits and include a brief summary describing what each are. I think it’s safe to say that choosing any of the 50 attractions on this list will definitely enhance your chances of enjoying both the attraction and your entire trip in the Netherlands. Without further ado, I give to you the top 50 most visited attractions in the Netherlands.

1. De Efteling

De Efteling is by far the most popular attraction in the Netherlands. It is also one of the oldest theme parks in the world. It is a fantasy themed park that features over 30 attractions spread throughout four different fantastical realms: Fairy, Adventure, Travel, and Alternative. More about the Efteling

2. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam is a Dutch national art and history museum that features over 8,000 exhibitions of works of art and historical artifacts highlighting the rich and storied culture of the Dutch. It showcases the works of famed artists, Frans Hals, Vermeer and Rembrandt, just to name a few. More about the Rijksmuseum

3. Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is famous worldwide for its eight historic windmills, which were built in the mid-to-late 16th century, and its 35 historical houses. Located adjacent to the windmills is the Zaans Museum, an open-air museum the showcases exhibits highlighting the history of Zaan. More about the Zaanse Schans

4. Burgers Zoo

Royal Burgers’ Zoo is one of the Netherlands’ largest and most popular zoos. It contains eight different themed sites that feature their own unique and diverse selection of plant and animal wildlife: Dierenpark (the original zoo), Safari, Bush, Mangrove, Desert, Ocean, Avonturenland (the playgrounds), and Rimba (rainforest). More about Burgers Zoo

5. Diergaarde Blijdorp

Diergaarde Blijdorp is one of the oldest zoos in the Netherlands, and also one of the most popular. Among its many attractions are the Oceanium (voyage through the bottom of the sea), African Gorilla Island, Crocodile River, Taman Indah (elephants and rhinos), and Ice Cave (polar bears). More about Diergaarde Blijdorp

6. Attractiepark Slagharen

Attractiepark Slagharen is an adventure theme park located in Slagharen. It features six geographic-inspired themed sites: Indian, Yellowstone, New Orleans, Mexican, Wild West, and Jules Adventureland (after Jules Verne). It features over 40 different attractions and has its own monorail. More about Slagharen

7. Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the collected works of famous artist Vincent Van Gogh and his contemporaries. It houses the largest collection of Van Gogh work in the world. More about the Van Gogh Museum

8. Natura Artis Magistra

Natura Artis Magistra is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands. Along with its vast display of animals, it also has a planetarium, an aquarium, an arboretum, several historic cultural buildings, and its own art collection. More about Artis

9. Attractiepark Duinrell

Attractiepark Duinrell (or, Duinrell) is an all-in-one amusement park, water park, and indoor playground. It features roller coasters, one kilometer of water slides, and even its own camping site. The roller coasters, Falcon and Mad Mill, are must-ride attractions. More about Duinrell

10. Anne Frank Huis

The Anne Frank House is the former location of the annex (hiding place) that housed famed World War II diarist, Anne Frank, and her family during German occupation of the Netherlands. It has since been turned into an amazing historical museum showcasing Anne Frank’s life, the secret annex, and an exhibition on discrimination and persecution. More about the Anne Frank House

11. De Uithof

De Uithof is the most visited snow park in the Netherlands. It features a 225 meter slope, a 400 meter professional ice skating rink, a “fun” rink for recreational skating, go-karts, and various games like Bungee Soccer, Quasar, and Sumo Wrestling. De Uithof also offers beginners skiing and skating classes at affordable prices. More about the Uithof

12. Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen

The Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen is a beautiful 3,400-hectare protected dune reserve that produces a whopping fifty million cubic meters of drinking water each year. The reserve features picturesque walking trails and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy, like guided tours, bird watching, carriage rides, and more. More about the Amsterdamse Waterleidingduinen

13. Ouwehands Dierenpark

Ouwehands Dierenpark (Ouwehand Zoo) is a zoo located in the province of Utrecht. It houses and cares for tigers, warthogs, mandrills, bongos, sea lions, yaks, and more. It’s popularly known for its white lions and Bear Forest; a 20,000 square meter natural forest where brown bears and wolves reside. More about Ouwehands Dierenpark

14. Sportiom

The Sportiom is Hertogenbosch’s premier entertainment complex. Among its attractions are:

AquaFun: A water park that has its own wave pool, lazy river, water slides, and snack bar.

IceFun: A themed ice skating rink complex featuring two rinks with their own hills, caves, and ramps. Also, there is Scott’s Cabin, a snack bar offering hot chocolate, warm biscuits, and more.

Fitness Club Sportiom: A large fitness center featuring advanced cardio machines, free and machine weights, and other performance equipment. It also offers Pilates, Zumba, and Body Pump classes.

Laser Sportiom: An indoor laser tag arena complete with its own courses and obstacles that change periodically.

More about Sportiom

15. Safaripark Beekse Bergen

Safaripark Beekse Bergen is a unique wildlife zoo that houses around 1,250 animals. Its most popular attraction is its car safari – where you can drive your own car through the park and encounter animals like cheetahs and giraffes without being blocked by a fence. It also features bus safaris, walking safaris, and boat safaris. More about the Beekse Bergen

16. Keukenhof

Keukenhof can be found in Lisse and is the world’s second largest flower garden. Approximately 7 million flower bulbs are planted each year inside the park. The park is open each year from mid-March to mid-May. It hosts a vide variety of events, shows, tours, exhibits, and more during this period. More about Keukenhof

17. Walibi Holland

Walibi Holland (Six Flags Holland) is a theme park in Biddinghuizen that features various attractions for the entire family. Among its most notable attractions are its exhilarating roller coasters: Speed of Sound, Xpress, Goliath, Robin Hood, and El Condor. More about Walibi

18. Nationaal Zwemcentrum de Tongelreep

The Nationaal Zwemcentrum de Tongelreep is a swimming pool complex that features both a recreational pool and competition pool. The recreational pool has a wave pool, water slides, rapids, and whirlpools. The competition pool, Pieter van den Hoogenband Swimming Stadium, features a 50-meter competition pool, a 25-meter diving pool, and a four lane training pool. More about Tongelreep

19. Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

The Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam is a museum of modern and contemporary art located in Amsterdam. Its collection is comprised of works from the 20th and 21st centuries and features famed artists, Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, and Jackson Pollock, among others. More about the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

20. Madurodam

Madurodam is a unique miniature park located in Scheveningen that houses several 1:25 scale replicas of famous Dutch buildings, landmarks, and monuments. It even features its own miniature cars that are driven throughout the park. More about Madurodam

21. DierenPark Amersfoort

DierenPark Amersfoort is a zoo located in Birkhoven that houses over 100 different species of animals in an area of 14 hectares. It features such attractions as Dino World and a miniature railway that can be ridden throughout the park. More about Dierenpark Amersfoort

22. Dierenpark Emmen

Dierenpark Emmen is a zoo in Emmen that is well known throughout the conservation society for its Asian elephants. In addition to its elephants, the Emmen Zoo also has unique animals like withandgibbons, glasses bears, lemon sharks, naked mole rats, saki’s, and more. More about Dierenpark Emmen

23. Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

Madam Tussauds Amsterdam is a branch of the famed London wax museum located in the heart of Amsterdam. Its displayed wax figures include various sports stars, A-list celebrities, famous historical figures, infamous criminals, and royal figureheads. More about Madame Tussaud

24. Toverland

Toverland is an amusement park in Sevenum that boasts over thirty different attractions in four different themed areas – the Land of Toos, Magic Forest, Troy Area, and Magic Valley. Toverland also hosts a wide variety of shows, including live magic performances. More about Toverland

25. Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience is a brewery and visitor center located in Amsterdam that allows guests to see first hand the history and technology of one of the world’s top beer brands. The experience includes, product samplings, historical exhibitions, and interactive multimedia exhibits. More about the Heineken Experience

26. SnowWorld Landgraaf

SnowWorld Landgraaf is Europe’s largest indoor ski resort located in South Limburg Landgraaf. The resort contains five unique ski slopes – two measuring over 500 meters each, two practice slopes, and a fun park. In addition to the slopes, SnowWorld Landgraaf has its own four-star hotel, several restaurants, and seven lifts. More about SnowWorld

27. Sport- en Belevingscentrum De Scheg

The Sport- en Belevingscentrum De Scheg features over 20,000 square meters of fun, including swimming pools, water slides, ice rinks, squash courts, and sports halls. It also has its own catering facility and sunbathing areas. More about De Scheg

28. Sexmuseum Amsterdam “Venustempel”

The Venustempel is located in the heart of Amsterdam, and is the world’s first and oldest sex museum. The museum boasts a vast and impressive collection of various historical erotic artifacts: paintings, pictures, media, and other works. More about the Venustempel

29. Dolfinarium

The Dolfinarium is the largest marine mammal park in Europe, and can be found in Harderwijk. The park features themed areas showcasing various aquatic animals, including bottlenose dolphins, walruses, sea lions, sharks, and various species of lobsters, crabs, stingrays, and more. The Dolfinarium also puts on its own shows, which star some of the parks’ own inhabitants. More about the Dolfinarium

30. Sportcentrum Kardinge

The Sportcentrum Kardinge is a large sports complex featuring a 400m ice-skating track, seven indoor tennis courts, a hockey rink with a curling court, and three swimming pools. Other features include a restaurant, sports shop, and three outdoor tennis courts. More about Kardinge

31. Science Center NEMO

Science Center NEMO, located in Amsterdam, is the Netherlands largest science center featuring five levels of hands-on science exhibits. The first level features DNA and chain reaction exhibits. The second level features a hands-on ball factory. The third level features a science lab. The fourth level focuses on the human mind and inner workings of the brain. And the fifth level contains a restaurant and a children’s playground. More about Science Center Nemo

32. Het Nationale Park De Hoge Veluwe

The Hoge Veluwe National Park is located in Gelderland. It is a nature reserve covering 55 square kilometers of dunes, forests, and heathlands, and is the home to a healthy population of red deer and wild boar. There are also two museums located inside the park: the Kroller-Muller Museum, which houses works by Picasso, Van Gogh, and Roding, and the Museonder, which focuses on the biology and geology of the Veluwe. More about the Hoge Veluwe National Park

33. Avonturenpark Hellendoorn

Avonturenpark Hellendoorn is a park in Hellendoorn, Overijssel that features a variety of thrill rides and family-oriented attractions. Some of the more popular roller coasters featured in Avonturenpark Hellendoorn are Tornado, Rioolrat, and Thunder Stone. The park also hosts several events throughout the year, such as Play Doorn, Thorn Witch Horror Nights, and Sweltering Summer Evening. More about Avonturenpark Hellendoorn

34. Nederlands Openluchtmuseum

The Nederlands Openluchtmuseum (or, Netherlands Open Air Museum) is an interactive park in Arnhem that features historical homes, farms, and workshops used in everyday life in the Netherlands. The museum has actors who reenact how certain products used to be made. It also has an exhibit displaying old tram lines from Amsterdam, Arnhem, Rotterdam, and The Hague. More about the Open Air Museum

35. Snowplanet

Snow Planet is an indoor ski complex that offers everything from two ski slopes (100 meter beginner slope and 230 meter slope for advanced skiers) to several restaurants, terraces, conference rooms, and more. In addition, Snow Planet also features its own specialized ski shop.

36. Koningin Juliana Toren

Koningin Juliana Toren is an amusement park with over sixty different attractions. Some of the more prominent attractions are the Jul’s Super Rollercoaster, the Dino Tour, with life-like animatronic dinosaurs, and the Magic Mouse Music Show. More about the Koningin Juliana Toren

37. Apenheul

Apenheul is a zoo in Apeldoorn that specializes in primates (apes and monkeys). It is the first park in the world where primates are free to roam around the park amongst visitors. It’s home to almost 70 species of animals, and houses such primates as proboscis monkeys, gorillas, orangutans, bonobos, and lemurs. More about Apenheul

38. SPIDO Rotterdam Havenrondvaart

The SPIDO Rotterdam Havenrondvaart features the SS Rotterdam, the last great Dutch “ship of state”. After sailing for forty-one years, she was retired to Rotterdam and is now a combination hotel/museum. There are two tours you can take without a guide. And two other tours that can be taken with a guide – the Seabreeze Deluxe Tour, which takes you on the bridge and inside the wheelhouse, and the Rotterdam Complete Tour, which is the Seabreeze Deluxe Tour plus a tour into the engine room and belly of the ship.

39. Paleis Het Loo

The Paleis Het Loo is located in Apeldoorn. It’s a rijksmonument (national heritage site of the Netherlands) that greatly accentuates the unique Baroque architectural style of the 17th century. While the architecture is astounding enough, the palace also features its own exquisite botanical garden, called the “Great Garden”, and has everything that a Renaissance garden should have. It’s truly a beautiful site to behold. More about the Loo Palace

40. GaiaZOO

GaiaZOO is located in Kerkrade. It’s only been opened since 2005 and has only grown in popularity with tourists and locals alike. It keeps around 100 different species of animals, and features particular animals that won’t be found in other Dutch zoos – the gray fox, wolverine, and musk ox. The zoo also includes the Dino Dome, a massive indoor playground for the kids. More about GaiaZOO

41. SnowWorld Zoetermeer

SnowWorld Zoetermeer is an indoor ski complex that has three total ski runs – two that total 160 meters, and one slope for advanced skiers measuring 210 meters. The complex also houses a delicious fondue restaurant. More about SnowWorld Zoetermeer

42. Hermitage Amsterdam

Hermitage Amsterdam is a satellite museum of the great Hermitage Museum located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It’s currently housing two exuberant exhibitions, the Expedition Silk Road and Dining with the Tsars. More about Hermitage Amsterdam

43. Gemeentemuseum Den Haag-GEM/Fotomuseum

The Gemeentemuseum Den Haag is an art museum in The Hague. It houses the largest collection of Mondrian art in the world. The Fotomuseum (The Hague Museum for Photography) and GEM (Museum for Contemporary Art) are also a part of the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag. More about the Gemeentemuseum

44. Het Spoorwegmuseum Utrecht

The Het Spoorwegmuseum Utrecht is a train museum in Utrecht that showcases a plethora of vintage engines, cars, and locomotives. It includes a children’s playground, a model railway, a model trains cellar, exhibition area, and a re-creation of an industrial age village. More about the Railway Museum

45. Vogelpark Avifauna

Vogelpark Avifauna is the first park in the world to be dedicated solely to birds. It’s home to over 18,000 birds, including the white stork, bald eagle, macaw, cassowary, and great grey owl. In addition to the lovely variety of birds, the park also offers its visitors bird demonstrations, the Lori Landing, a Night Safari, guided tours, and more. More about Avifauna

46. Zwem- en Recreatiecentrum De Boetzelaer

Zwem- en Recreatiecentrum De Boetzelaer is a swimming center located in Monster. The center has two recreational pools in addition to a 25-meter competition pool and a 25-meter disco slide. The center specializes in offering activities like Aqua Fitness, Aqua Insanity, Aqua Zumba, Aqua Aerobics, and more. More about De Boetzelaer

47. Kröller-Müller Museum

The Kröller-Müller Museum can be found in the Het Nationale Park De Hoge Veluwe. It houses the second largest collection of Vincent Van Gogh work in the world. Besides its beautiful artwork, the Kröller-Müller Museum is also well-known for its 75-acre sculpture garden, featuring sculptures by Jean Dubuffet, Mark di Suvero, and Fritz Wotruba, to name a few. More about The Kröller-Müller Museum

48. Het Scheepvaartmuseum

Het Scheepvaartmuseum (or, the National Maritime Museum) is located in Amsterdam and contains many historical artifacts related to boating and sailing. Such artifacts include historical world maps, weapons, paintings, and more. Outside of the museum rests a replica of an 18th-century ship named, Amsterdam. More about the Maritime Museum

49. Themapark Archeon

Themapark Archeon is an archaeological museum that centers on artifacts from various periods in Dutch history. It is best known for its festivals that it hosts year round, including the Roman Festival, Midsummer Fair, and Midwinter Fair. It also houses the Proof Kids Museum. More about Archeon

50. Naturalis Biodiversity Center

The Naturalis Biodiversity Center is a museum of natural history and research facility located in Leiden. It is home to over 37 million zoological and geological specimens. The museum hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, but it also houses permanent exhibitions such as Nature Theater, Primeval Parade, Treasure Chamber, Earth Inside, and more. More about Naturalis Biodiversity Center

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The Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands

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Top tourist attractions in the Netherlands

Although the country is small, the Netherlands is known for its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage and friendly people. The Netherlands is a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors every year. We will explore some of the major tourist attractions in the Netherlands and what makes them so special.

Amsterdam , the capital city of the Netherlands, is one of the most famous tourist atttractions in Europe. It is famous for its beautiful canals, historic buildings, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can take a canal cruise to explore the city’s many waterways and admire its stunning architecture. Some of the must-visit attractions in Amsterdam include the Rijksmuseum , the Van Gogh Museum , the Anne Frank House , and the Vondelpark .

Keukenhof Gardens

The Keukenhof Gardens is one of the world’s largest flower gardens, located in Lisse , Netherlands. It is home to more than seven million flowers, including tulips , daffodils , and hyacinths . Visitors can stroll through the gardens and admire the vibrant colors and breathtaking beauty of the flowers. The Keukenhof Gardens is only open for a short period each year, from mid-March to mid-May, making it a must-visit attraction for tourists during spring.

Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is a picturesque village located just outside of Amsterdam. It is famous for its traditional windmills, historic houses, and artisanal cheese factories. Visitors can explore the village and learn about Dutch history and culture. They can also watch demonstrations of traditional crafts such as clog making and cheese making. Zaanse Schans is a popular day trip destination from Amsterdam, and it is easy to get to by public transport.

Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and is known for its modern architecture and vibrant cultural scene. A true popular Dutch tourist attraction! It is home to the Erasmus Bridge , the Cube Houses , and the Markthal , a food market with a unique design. Rotterdam also has a thriving music and nightlife scene, with many live music venues and clubs. Visitors can also explore the city’s museums, such as the Kunsthal Rotterdam and the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum .

The Hague is the third-largest city in the Netherlands and is known for its stunning architecture, cultural attractions, and beautiful beaches. It is home to many important institutions, including the Dutch government, the International Court of Justice , and the Peace Palace . Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, such as the Mauritshuis and the Gemeentemuseum , or relax on the nearby beaches of Scheveningen and Kijkduin .

Maastricht is a beautiful city located in the southern part of the Netherlands. It is known for its stunning architecture, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, such as the Bonnefantenmuseum and the Natural History Museum , or take a stroll through the picturesque city center. Maastricht is also famous for its many great restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a popular destination for foodies and nightlife lovers.

Utrecht is a charming city located in the center of the Netherlands. It is famous for its medieval architecture, picturesque canals, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors can explore the city’s many historic landmarks, such as the Dom Tower , the St. Martin’s Cathedral , and the Rietveld Schröder House . Utrecht is also home to many great restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it a popular destination for foodies.

Haarlem is a beautiful city located just outside of Amsterdam. It is known for its stunning architecture, cultural attractions, and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, such as the Teylers Museum and the Frans Hals Museum , or take a stroll through the historic city center. Haarlem is also famous for its beautiful flower market, which sells a wide variety of flowers, including the famous Dutch tulips .

Giethoorn is a picturesque village located in the northern part of the Netherlands. It is famous for its many canals, bridges, and thatched-roof houses. Visitors can explore the village by boat or bike and admire its beautiful scenery. Giethoorn is also home to many great restaurants and cafes, where visitors can try traditional Dutch cuisine.

Delft is a historic city located in the western part of the Netherlands. It is famous for its beautiful old town, historic landmarks, and world-famous pottery. Visitors can explore the city’s many museums, such as the Vermeer Centrum and the Royal Delft Factory , or take a stroll through the picturesque city center. Delft is also home to many great restaurants and cafes, where visitors can try traditional Dutch delicacies.

The Netherlands is a beautiful and fascinating country with many popular tourist attractions. Whether you are interested in history, culture, art, or nature, there is something for everyone in the Netherlands. From the vibrant city of Amsterdam to the picturesque countryside, the Netherlands is a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. So why not plan your next trip to the Netherlands and discover all that this incredible country has to offer?

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63 things to do in the Netherlands: the ultimate Dutch bucket list

Are you looking for things to do in the Netherlands? Want to make the most of your time here and have the ultimate Dutch experience? Warm up your reading eyes, stretch out your scrolling finger, and load up your excitement, because we’ve got the ultimate list of things to do in the Netherlands!

Eat a stroopwafel

The gooier the better is the deal with this delicious caramel treat . TOP TIP: Set it over your mug of coffee or tea to melt the caramel inside!

See a windmill

A real one , not one of those fancy new-age ones that look like they were made in Silicon Valley.

Walk around in clogs

Clogs are actually a super-functional shoe . Still, we wouldn’t recommend wearing them to the nightclub.

Visit a coffeeshop (and don’t drink coffee)

Swap beans for strains and you’re pretty much in a hipster cafe! Just make sure you behave .

Drink a cold Dutch beer

If it has too much froth , you’re obligated to complain.

Drink black filter coffee

Once you go black , you never go back.

Wear traditional Dutch clothing in Volendam

Ever felt like a fashion icon? Now’s your time to don a Dutch garb.

Walk through th e red-light district

And pretend not to look in the windows.

Eat some raw beef on bread

No joke, this is a standard Dutch lunch. It’s called Filet Americain and it’s drop-dead delish.

Or, just eat a loaf of bread for lunch

No time in the morning? Just grab that loaf of bread. No spread necessary.

Eat a kroket

We don’t know what’s in it (and probably don’t want to), but it’s bloody delicious.

Take a boat trip through the canals of Giethoorn

It’s the closest you can get to a car-free paradise. Legit.

Visit the IAmsterdam letters

These letters got so popular the city of Amsterdam had to move them on – now you have to chase them around the country !

Eat drop – Dutch liquorice.

If you like disgusting, salty, black things you’ll probably love it.

Visit somewhere other than Amsterdam

Amsterdam is not a country. Head out of the capital to get the  real Netherlands.

Dance until dawn in a 24-hour club condoned by Amsterdam’s Night Mayor (yes, it’s a real title)

Dream job? Executive Director of Partying in Amsterdam .

Ride a bike

Hop on and take off. It’s just like riding a bike ! Wait. What?

Try out wadlopen in Friesland

It’s got a funny name and it’s an even funnier activity.

Get your dose of culture by checking out some art

The so-called Dutch Masters – they were Dutch! Crazy, right? Lucky you we have a list of the best museums to see them in.

Experience the life-changing magic of Uitwaaien at a Dutch beach

Step 1: go outside ( beach is recommended). Step 2: Feel the wind in your air. Step 3: Your head is now cleared, congratulations!

Attempt to speak Dutch – Goedemorgen!

You get bonus points for this one if you master the infamous gutter ‘g’ right off the bat.

Check out the beaches 

One thing the Dutch aren’t known for are their beaches . For a good reason? Stop by and find out 😉

See the Tulips at Keukenhof in the Spring

They’re synonymous with the Netherlands, and there’s over 7 million of them in one place!

Wear orange – bonus points if it’s on Koningsdag !

The colour, not the fruit, that would be weird.

Head back in time at Zaanse Schans

Windmills, clogs, a cheese factory and funny Dutch clothing – for the traditional Dutch experience it’s the go-to place.

Walk with the ghosts of history at Anne Frank house

It’s sad, it’s somber, and it will force you to come face-to-face with a dark part of history , but it can’t be missed.

Mingle with the die-hard fans at an Ajax soccer game

The Dutch bloody love their football, so head to a Ajax game and learn the joys of Links Rechts !

Discover how a windmill works

What a marvel of construction! Besides looking super cute and iconically Dutch, windmills are super-handy. You know, before computers and electronics were a thing.

See the “New” Netherlands in Rotterdam

More than 30,000 buildings were destroyed in Rotterdam during the German bombings in WWII. Now Rotterdam is the most modern city in the Netherlands and has heaps of crazy architecture!

Sleep in a houseboat

And rock all night. Literally .

Experience the magic of Sinterklaas and join in on the political discussion

Forget Santa Claus and his elves, in the Netherlands it’s all about Sinterklaas and Zwarte Piet – a.k.a Black Pete, a.k.a white people in blackface . For real.

Visit one of the outlying islands

Islands? In the Netherlands? Damn right, and they’re super pretty !

Visit three countries in seconds at ‘Drielandenpunt’ in Vaals

One of the best things about Europe is how you can travel through a bunch of countries in a day. We’re upping the ante though, and challenging you to three countries in  seconds .

Sample all the cheese at a cheese market

All of it. No limits. Assert your dominance, look the cheesemonger in the eye, and stuff your face.

Eat poffertjes. All the poffertjes

They’re tiny, fluffy, bite-size pancakes . How many can you fit into your mouth?

Head to a fries restaurant and order ‘ frietjes met ‘

It’s iconically Dutch, and this dish will certainly challenge all your prior fries perceptions.

See the political centre of the Netherlands (with some awesome buildings) in The Hague

Did you know Dutch Parliament sits right on a huge pond? The Hague is an awesome day-trip for that quintessential Dutch experience ?

Walk the streets of Rembrandt and Einstein in Leiden

Leiden is a town stuffed to the brim with history – maybe some of the talent will rub off on you!

Rock out, bounce out or mellow out at one of the many Dutch music festivals

If there’s one thing young Dutchies love it’s music . Festivals are everywhere, especially in the summer, so grab a ticket, pack a tent, and get grooving as the Dutchies do.

Buy some ‘Delft Blauw’ in the city where it all began

Delft is synonymous with Delft Blauw, one of the most iconic products to come out of the Netherlands (you know, except the spice trade and slavery)

Eat a raw fish. Don’t vomit.

Herring is a typical Dutch snack and is literally a raw fish . There’s even a correct way to eat it: tip your head back and let that slimy sea-creature slide down your gullet. Delicious, right?

Jump in a kayak and paddle your way to the countryside

To truly appreciate the Netherlands’ crazy canals, rivers, and dikes , you need to get on their level — literally. Jump into a kayak and explore these crazy waterways!

Stuff your face with pepernoten

These tiny ginger cookies are super-addictive and taste just like Christmas!

Toss back a gin in the place it was invented

In need of some Dutch courage? Get your drink on with some gin in Schiedam . You know, for science.

Nearly get hit by a bicycle (happens to the best of us)

“Wow, these canal houses are so bea–” TRING TRING “OPTIEVEN TYFUSTOERIST!”

Climb a giant church tower

When you want to get a godly view, climb one of the many mammoth church towers and laugh at the peasants below!

Head to Dutch ‘Carnival!’

Bright colours, feathers, sequins, and incredibly complex costumes – how can you resist ?

See a beautiful bookstore or library

Some are beautiful pieces of architecture to die for. Others are just ordinary buildings with books . You be the judge.

Climb some Dutch stairs. Don’t fall down.

Top tip — turn your feet out to avoid a tumble to the bottom

Drink fresh mint tea out on a terrace in the sunshine

Literally a cup stuffed full of mint leaves. Basically eating vegetables, right?

Tell someone what’s really on your mind

Think their haircut sucks? Tell ’em. That’s the true Dutch Directness way.

Get some Dutch colonial food – Surinamese or Indonesian is a must!

Well, the Dutch may not have been particularly nice colonists (is there even such a thing?), but the food that came back?

Eat kapsalon

The name literally means hair salon, but this dish is anything but. Fries, shawarma meat, and cheese makes up this iconic Dutch-Turkish food. Best consumed when stumbling around drunk.

Eat an apple pie. It’s not just for Americans!

Engage in the delightful afternoon tea of koffie en taart with your closest buddies.

Head to a Brown Bar for a real ‘Gezelligheid’ feeling

A  bruin cafe is wooden bar with ultra-cosy vibes. Their wooden interiors will take you back in time, and the drinks will flow freely.

Eat bitterballen while drinking beer

Treat yo’ self to the art of borrelen, and consume deep-fried snacks while chugging a beer – we’re on board!

Eat a pancake in a forest

You’re walking in a leafy forest, the trees stretching up to form a canopied, green roof over your head. Like Hansel and Gretel, you stumble across an unlikely structure: a giant pancake restaurant. Eat the pancakes, instead of the building. Tip: Utrecht is great for this!

Head to a Christmas Market

You don’t know what festive means until you’ve been to a European Christmas market . Tip: a steaming mug of gluhwein will warm you right up!

Walk through the old medieval areas of cities

And hobble across the cobblestones of yesteryear past .

Ride a train through the Dutch countryside and marvel at the flatness

The Earth is flat, and the Netherlands is proof. Hop on a train to see it for yourself.

Warm up in the winter by munching on oliebollen

These delicious, raisin donut snacks will warm you right up in the middle of winter!

Pretend to be a princess (or prince) in a Dutch castle

The Netherlands rich history means it has hundreds of spectacular castles and forts dotting the tiny land. Put on your best medieval gowns and explore these amazing structures!

Watch a live sex show. Yep, it’s real.

Level of attractiveness varies. You’ve been warned.

How many items have you ticked off the list? What’s your favourite, and what did we miss? Let us know in the comments below!

Feature Image: Monlaw /Pixabay Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in August 2019, and was fully updated in September 2020 for your reading pleasure. 

Liked it? Try these on for size:

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How could you leave out Madurodam?!?!?!

Ive done 46 out of 64 and the we remaining remaining 18 there are 3 I cant do.

Caves in Maastricht, delta works in zeeland, drive over the afsluitdijk, visit kaag island, purchase groceries from the groceries truck, purchases food from the farmers market, observe a May 4th ceremony

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‘I’m a travel expert - this is my Ultimate European bucket list’ including 'hidden gem' Spanish town

One travel expert revealed his top six places and spectacles in Europe every eager traveler “should see at least once”

• 01:01, 1 SEP 2024

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Travel expert Will Sarson shared his top six destinations, and the little-known activities, holidaymakers could be adding to their bucket list to narrow down their European travel plans. The Riviera Travel expert explained that he compiled the “ultimate European bucket list” by highlighting some of the first “incredible landmarks that everyone should see at least once”.

Netherlands

The Netherlands is a popular tourist destination for many, with one of the country’s most iconic symbols being its gorgeous fields of tulips, but where do visitors have the best chance of getting those jaw-dropping snaps? Will recommends the Keukenhof Gardens.

He shared: “Experiencing the magic of Keukenhof Gardens is a must for any travel bucket list. To fully appreciate the garden’s truly spectacular displays, plan your visit during the peak bloom season, which runs from mid-April to mid-May. The meticulously designed floral displays and serene landscapes offer an enchanting experience that is truly unforgettable."

One of the more hidden gems making Will’s list is the “seductive” town of Seville in Spain, near the Andalucian coast. The expert explained: “With its magnificent Gothic cathedral, elaborate Plaza de España and warren-like maze of narrow streets, you’ll be captivated by Seville’s beguiling beauty and Andalucían charm. Seville is one of many Spanish cities bursting with culture, but it’s definitely one that everyone should experience at least once during their lifetime!”

With many people currently planning their winter travels, Will highly recommended attending Yuletide markets which take place across Germany but he narrowed down Cologne, Rüdesheim and Koblenz as the best locations. He gushed: “No other country creates such a festive, fairy-tale setting, with row upon row of traditional wooden stalls enticing you to buy decorations, gifts and treats.”

Many people have a number of Iceland’s iconic natural attractions on their bucket list and Will confirmed that the iconic Blue Lagoon has certainly earned its place. He explained: “This wonderful geothermal spa uses hot mineral-rich water from nearby underground springs, allowing you to relax, soak up your scenic surroundings and let your body reap the benefits.”

The expert highlighted Vienna’s iconic State Opera House not just as a bucket list landmark to see but also as a bucket list activity to listen to an Opera in the historical building. He shared: “Classical recitals of both composers’ work can be enjoyed at various musical venues. However, attending the Vienna State Opera House to listen to The Magic Flute or The Marriage of Figaro is one for the bucket list – a not-to-be-missed experience for any music lover.”

Another activity on the list is drinking Port in Porto, the region near the Duoro Valley in Portugal responsible for the beloved fortified wine. Porto is the country’s second-largest city, providing plenty for visitors to do, but Will encouraged people to do Port tasting as “there’s a wealth of port cellars and wine houses”.

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