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

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

Photograph: Shutterstock

When I tell people that I’m from the Netherlands , the first thing they mention is Amsterdam . And hey, I get it, Amsterdam rocks. But the city has got pretty overrun with tourists recently, and the government there has even been  trying to convince them to stay away altogether . 

So how about seeing what else is out there? The rest of the Netherlands is beautiful, expansive and full of good food and culture, and it’s just waiting to be explored. From Ameland to Rotterdam, we’ve rounded up all the best cities that should be on your radar this year. Ready to give it a go? Here’s where to visit in the Netherlands. 

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

Fleurine Tideman is a freelance writer based in Rotterdam and London.  At Time Out, all of our  travel guides  are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our  editorial guidelines . This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our  affiliate guidelines . 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

The best Dutch cities to visit

1.  rotterdam.

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

2.  Haarlem

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

3.  's-Hertogenbosch

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

4.  Maastricht

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

5.  Arnhem

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

6.  Utrecht

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

7.  Ameland

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

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Home » Travel Guides » The Netherlands » 25 Best Things to Do in The Netherlands

25 Best Things to Do in The Netherlands

The Netherlands is often incorrectly referred to as Holland, and is one of the most vibrant and interesting countries in Europe. Known for its eclectic capital city of Amsterdam, the Netherlands is far more than just canals and museums, and if you venture further afield you will find picture postcard pretty towns as well as dynamic cities like Rotterdam and The Hague.

Due to its relatively small size it is easy to visit the Netherlands fairly quickly and to see a lot of the country in a short space of time. Getting out into the countryside is often one of the highlights of a trip for many, especially if you visit famous areas like the traditional villages that are filled with iconic windmills and tulips. One of the best ways to take in the scenery is by bicycle and fortunately much of the Netherlands is flat which means you can easily navigate the landscape and enjoy the great Dutch outdoors.

Here are the best things to do in the Netherlands :

1. Explore the Canals of Amsterdam

Similar to many other cities that sit over water such as Venice, Amsterdam has a vibrant canal system.

The pretty waterways are one of the best loved attractions in Amsterdam and you can explore the idyllic routes by taking a boat tour or a water taxi that lets you hop around a range of locations.

If you don’t want to take to the water then you can still enjoy the canal sights with a leisurely stroll along the banks.

Book a cruise : Amsterdam Evening Canal Cruise

2. Visit Zaanse Schans

Those who wish they could travel back in time and visit the Netherlands of the 17th and 18th centuries have come to the right place.

Zaanse Schans is located around 15 kilometers to the north of Amsterdam and is styled as an open-air museum where you can take a stroll around a traditional Dutch village and find out how ancient craftsmen would have worked.

Just some of the sights include a shipyard, a grocery store, a pewter factory, and a range of dainty green wooden houses.

You will also find some graceful windmills although out of the 600 that would have dotted the area in the days of old, only 5 now remain and can be visited by the public.

These include an iconic saw mill as well as an oil mill and you will find fun live demonstrations like a clog making session.

Recommended tour : Zaanse Schans Windmills Half-Day Tour

3. Stroll around the Garden of Europe

Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is a riot of color with blooms of every hue as far as the eye can see.

Tulips are the signature flowers of this country and the Garden of Europe just outside of Lisse is the largest public garden anywhere in the world.

Covering 70 acres of land, you will find gorgeous flower exhibitions as well as restaurants and a wide variety of flora including daffodils hyacinths, and crocuses.

Book online : Keukenhof Gardens Tour

4. Admire Grote Kerk

Grote Kerk is found in The Hague and is a large church that is built from red brick in Gothic style.

The original building here would have been built in the 13th century although it was razed to the ground in 1539 and rebuilt in the present structure.

The church has an illustrious history as the spot where many members of the Dutch royal family where baptized including King Willem-Alexander who had his christening here.

Things to look out for at the church include the dominating bell tower which is the highest in Holland and contains 51 bells as well as the ornate wooden pulpit and the huge pipe organ.

5. Visit the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum is the Dutch National Museum located in Amsterdam and is filled with an amazing collection of art and antiques which date from 1809. The building houses over 7 million items and has more than 5,000 paintings that sprawl over 250 rooms.

There is a library here with 35,000 books and you can see some of the most impressive paintings in the world created by the ‘Old Masters’. Much of the museum focuses on traditional Dutch artifacts like ancient handicrafts and sculptures from the medieval period but you will also find exciting modern art.

Make sure you leave ample time to see everything as you can easily spend a full day here exploring every nook and cranny.

Get tickets : Rijksmuseum Entrance Ticket

6. Explore Hoge Veluwe National Park

The Netherlands is often thought of as a small country primarily made up of small towns and cities but actually it has some wonderful national parks.

The largest and most famous of these is the Hoge Veluwe National Park which sits in between Apeldoorn and Arnhem.

It sprawls over an areas of 13,800 acres and is perfect if you are looking for an easy day trip.

The park is covered in woodland and features other quirky exhibits such as a sculpture park, and just some of the residents you will find in the park include red and roe deer.

Other spots include graceful dunes that are covered with heath and if you like bird watching then this is the place to spot a whole range of species.

7. Visit the Anne Frank Museum

The Anne Frank Museum is one of the most famous attractions in Amsterdam and makes for an extremely moving visit.

The building is the former home of Anne Frank who hid from the Nazis here during the Second World War.

Anne Frank died two months before the war ended but her diary that she wrote in the home was found and went on to become one of the most important books in the world.

The home has been restored although the hiding place in which the family lived is much as it would have been when Anne Frank lived here.

This is absolutely not to be missed if you are in Amsterdam and offers a poignant and personal view on this well known story.

Related tour : Life of Anne Frank and World War II Walking Tour

8. Enjoy the village of Marken

The little village of Marken is known for being one of the prettiest spots in the Netherlands, particularly thanks to its strategic location on the Ijsselmeer Lake.

Crowds of visitors flock to the town every year to take in its picture-postcard worthy attractions such as traditional painted wooden houses as well as fishing boats.

In the summer months there are festivals held here where the residents dress in period garb and you can see traditional crafts like clog making taking place.

Included in : Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken Tour

9. Have fun at Efteling

Efteling is the biggest amusement park in the Netherlands and is located at Kaatsheuvel.

The park is divided up into different zones that are known as realms and each one focuses on a different ancient myth or legend.

Efteling has the claim to fame of being one of the oldest themes parks in the world having first opened its doors in 1952 and has been entertaining visitors ever since with its fast rides and lush gardens.

Just some of the highlights here include rides like the Joris en de Draak or the George and the Dragon as well as The Flying Dutchman and the Python.

There are also other areas such as the Raveleijn which is a magical world with a nightly performance that tells the story of 5 siblings who battle and defeat an evil monster.

Book online : Efteling Theme Park Resort Admission Ticket

10. Take a trip to Madurodam

If you want to see the whole of the Netherlands but don’t have time then travel to Madurodam in The Hague.

Here you will find a mini version of the Netherlands on a 1:25 scale and you can see all the county’s top destinations including cute windmills, main landmarks, and decorative features like bridges.

This model city even includes its own harbor as well as a railway system and an airport.

Book online : Madurodam Miniature Park Entrance Ticket

11. Visit the Windmills of Kinderdijk

Enjoying a scenic location on the River Noord and nestled between Rotterdam and Dordrecht is the village of Kinderdijk which means ‘Children’s Dike’ in Dutch.

The main reason to come here is to take in the beautiful windmills that date from the 18th century and this is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are 19 windmills here that date from 1722-1761 and this is the largest group of these structures anywhere in the Netherlands.

You can visit from April to October and there are designated times throughout the year when the sails of the windmills spin and you can see them in all their glory.

12. Take in the art at the Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is an ode to one of the greatest artists ever to have lived.

In addition to that, the Van Gogh Museum is regularly voted one of the best art museums in the world, so art-lovers should make sure not to miss it off the itinerary.

An impressive 1.5 million visitors make their way here each year and the museum has the largest collection of Van Gogh pieces in the world.

To that end you will find 200 beautiful paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters that give you a unique insight into the life of the artist.

Fast Entry : Van Gogh Museum Ticket

13. Have a beer at the Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience in Amsterdam is the place to come if you want to learn all about how this famous beer evolved.

The experience takes place in an old Heineken brewery and you can learn about the Heineken family as well as see the actual brewing process that is used to make the beer.

This starts from the kind of water used all the way through to the bottling process and you can also see classic examples of the iconic Heineken logo and see how it has changed over the years.

As if that wasn’t enough, you can of course also sample this famous brew and end the trip with a tasting session.

14. Explore Mauritshuis

Mauritshuis, located in The Hague, is one of the premium art galleries in the Netherlands and is known for its vast collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings.

The building itself is a work of art and dates from the 17th century and is nestled between Hofvijver Lake and the parliament buildings.

Filled with over 800 works of art, this is one of the smaller museums in terms of size but it has some of the most iconic works in the world such as the Girl with a Pearl Earring which was created by Johannes Vermeer.

15. Visit Historic Valkenburg

If you like history then make sure not to miss Valkenburg which lies in the beautiful Geul Valley.

The town is the proud owner of the only hilltop castle in the Netherlands which dates from the 12th century.

The castle sits atop Dwingelrots or Castle Rock and you can also take in the neighboring 14th century basilica called St. Nicolaaskerk Basilica.

As well as its ancient ruins the town is also famous for its spas and caves as well as its Christmas Market which opens from November to December in the beautifully named Velvet Caves.

16. Meet the animals at Artis Royal Zoo

Artis Royal Zoo in Amsterdam first opened its gates in 1838 making it the oldest zoo in the Netherlands.

It sprawls across more than 35 acres and has 900 different species of animals many of which are housed in ornate and spacious compounds that were designed in the 19th century.

There is also an aquarium section that was built in 1882 that features diverse species like sharks, eel, and colorful tropical fish.

Make sure to look out for the tray bikes that circle the zoo selling traditional Dutch pancakes called bitterballen.

Get tickets : ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo: Entry Ticket

17. Sample some cheese in Edam

Edam cheese is famous the world over for its red hued rind and signature round shape.

Many people won’t realize however that Edam is actually not just the name of the cheese but also the place it comes from which is the pretty town of Edam.

The town is located on the water and dates back to the 12th century and has an array of cheese related sites to enjoy.

Don’t be surprised if Edam cheese looks a little different here, as it is actually sold with a yellow rind rather than a red one.

Some of the signature attractions for cheese lovers here include a large cheese market and a famous cheese-weighing hall.

18. Explore Zeeland’s Dikes

The area of Zeeland sits on the Schlede, Maas, and Rhine rivers and is covered in little islands and coves.

Most of the area sits below sea level, and for this reason needs to use dikes to guard against flooding.

The main dike project here is called Delta Works which is a series of cutting-edge dam systems which control all the water entering the area from the neighboring North Sea.

In case you are having troubling understanding the scale of the dikes here, Delta Works has been described as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

19. Visit Ridderzaal

The Hall of Knights, also known as Ridderzaal in Dutch, is located in The Hague and is part of a court complex that dates from the medieval period.

Dating from the 13th century the hall backs on to a huge courtyard covered in cobbles and this is considered to be one of the centers of Dutch politics in the modern day as this is also the spot where the Opening of Parliament ceremony is conducted every year.

Now you can also visit the Hall of Knights and take a guided tour of one of the most important buildings in Dutch history.

20. Journey to Volendam

Situated in the north of the Netherlands is Volendam which makes a great day trip if you are also visiting neighboring Amsterdam.

A small fishing village, Volendam is full of traditional Dutch delights such as wooden houses, clogs, and scenic landscapes.

Volendam is so pretty that is was painted by greats like Renoir and Picasso and it has a dainty harbor that backs on to fisherman’s houses and more canals.

21. Enjoy the Houseboat Museum

The Houseboat Museum is one of the quirkiest museums in all of Amsterdam and sits on the water on one of its pretty canals.

The boat is called Hendrika Maria and is furnished to give you a glimpse of how people have lived on these houseboats over the years.

There are also displays of how life on houseboats has changed and pictures of the canals as they would have been in the days of old.

22. Visit the Oude Haven in Rotterdam

Oude Haven is the Old Harbor in Rotterdam which happens to be the oldest port in the Netherlands having first started operations in 1350. Here you will find a huge number of attractions such as charming eateries and cafes as well as a selection of ancient sailing ships that give a nod to maritime history of this city.

One of the other iconic structures located on the harbor is Het Witte Huis or the White House which has the claim to fame of having been the first skyscraper in Europe.

23. Travel to the town of Delft

The cute town of Delft is nestled in between The Hague and Rotterdam and makes a great day trip.

Some of the main sights here include the Town Hall as well as the famous Nieuwe Kerk or New Church which has a tall tower that you can climb and look out over Rotterdam and The Hague.

The church also houses a well known royal burial ground where the remains of Prince William of Orange are interred.

Other attractions include the Technology Museum and the Markt which is the main traditional market that opens every Thursday.

24. Enjoy Venustempel Sex Museum

Venustempel Sex Museum in Amsterdam has the claim to fame of having been the first sex museum in the world.

The museum is located in a building that dates from the 17th century and has a wide display of sex related memorabilia.

Just some of this includes an array of erotic art work as well as photographs, sculptures, and other oddities like chastity belts.

The aim of the museum is to tell the story of how sexuality has evolved over the years and is a quirky stop off on a trip to Amsterdam.

25. Explore Kasteel De Haar

Close to the city of Utrecht sits Kasteel De Haar which is actually the largest fortification in the Netherlands.

The big draw here is the stunning castle which sprawls across a 250 acre park and originally would have dated from the 14th century.

The renovated version that now stands was built in 1892 and you will find a wide collection of paintings, textiles, antiques, and furniture.

25 Best Things to Do in The Netherlands:

• Explore the Canals of Amsterdam
• Visit Zaanse Schans
• Stroll around the Garden of Europe
• Admire Grote Kerk
• Visit the Rijksmuseum
• Explore Hoge Veluwe National Park
• Visit the Anne Frank Museum
• Enjoy the village of Marken
• Have fun at Efteling
• Take a trip to Madurodam
• Visit the Windmills of Kinderdijk
• Take in the art at the Van Gogh Museum
• Have a beer at the Heineken Experience
• Explore Mauritshuis
• Visit Historic Valkenburg
• Meet the animals at Artis Royal Zoo
• Sample some cheese in Edam
• Explore Zeeland’s Dikes
• Visit Ridderzaal
• Journey to Volendam
• Enjoy the Houseboat Museum
• Visit the Oude Haven in Rotterdam
• Travel to the town of Delft
• Enjoy Venustempel Sex Museum
• Explore Kasteel De Haar

25 Most Beautiful Places in the Netherlands

Which are the most beautiful places in the Netherlands? This post contains a selection of the most beautiful cities , little towns and villages , castles , gardens and nature parks in the Netherlands. It provides inspiration for everyone who wants to visit the country but doesn’t know what are the must-sees and where to start. Discover the Netherlands with these 25 amazing places!

I have divided those charming places in 5 categories. I thought it would be fair if I include 5 entries per category, thus I can show you the diversity the Netherlands can offer to all visitors.

You can scroll through the list or you can choose a category from the drop-down menu that’s of interest to you. There is also a handy map, with all places indicated on it, which will help you to better plan your stay in the country.

De Biesbosch

Loonse en drunense duinen, alde feanen, de haar castle, hoensbroek castle, slot loevestein, ammersoyen castle, the gardens of appeltern, the castle gardens of arcen, the castle garden of oud-valkenburg, botanical garden in kerkrade, final words, 5 most beautiful cities in the netherlands.

Amsterdam with its spiderweb of canals and the stepped-gable houses alongside the water is perhaps the most visited place in the Netherlands and undeniably one of the most beautiful cities not only in the Netherlands but in the world. When you visit the Netherlands for the first time, the Dutch capital should be on your bucket list. Take a boat trip along the canals (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and visit a museum or two if you have more time. If you are a fan of Van Gogh, you won’t be disappointed, as the Van Gogh Museum has the biggest collection of the artist’s works. The Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank Museum are also a must.

Tip: When planning your visit to Amsterdam, check out these 4 walking routes in the Dutch capital . The post contains also a map for an easy self-guided tour.

Read more: Best things to do and see in Amsterdam if you are visiting only for a day

Den Bosch, or ‘s-Hertogenbosch, is the major city of North Brabant – the Dutch province that’s famous for the good food and the joie-de-vivre life style. Admire the majestic St. John’s Cathedral ( Sint-Janskathedraal ) and take a boat tour in the old city sewerage ( De Binnendieze ). Don’t miss to take a beer on De Parade (a square near the cathedral) and if you are fan of the Medieval painter Hieronymus Bosch, who was born there in this city, visit the Jheronimus Bosch Art Centre , where you can find all his works (in reproduction) at one place.

Read more: Discover the best things to see and do in Den Bosch

Utrecht is absolutely charming with its canals and the cafes at the water level . When in Utrecht, visit the beautiful Dom (the cathedral of Utrecht). You can climb to the top of the cathedral for some amazing views or get underneath it for some Roman ruins. If you want to get off-the-beaten path, visit the quirky Museum Speelklok , where you can admire their unique collection of self-playing instruments.

Read more: Discover the best things to see and do in Utrecht

Maastricht is one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands and is often called the Pearl of the South. The locals just love a day trip to Maastricht combined with some first class shopping. When in Maastricht, visit the beautiful Vrijthof Square with the St. Servatius Basilica ( Sint-Servaasbasiliek ) and the St. John’s Church ( Sint-Janskerk ). A fan of classic music? Then a concert of Andre Rieu on the Vrijthof Square in the summer is a must. This is a once-in-a-life-time experience and I can vouch for it from first hand.

Read more: How to spend the perfect day in Maastricht . If you are visiting in the winter you should not miss the famous Christmas Market of Maastricht .

Rotterdam is like no other city in the Netherlands – it’s modern, it’s hipster and it’s full of life. It’s one of the few places in the Netherlands where the skyline is dominated by high-rises . When in Rotterdam, take a boat tour in the harbour. Europort used to be the biggest one in the world, but it lost its first place some years ago, now being only the biggest in Europe. If you love great views, climb to the top of the Euromast and if you need a bit of an adrenaline rush, you can go down with a zip-wire. Oh, and fan of quirky architecture? Take a look at the famous Cube Houses or the Markthal.

Read more: The best things to see and do in Rotterdam

5 Most beautiful villages and small towns in the Netherlands

They call it the little white town and for a reason. All the houses are white in this little place, something quite unusual for the Netherlands. Thorn has unique historical heritage. It started as a cloister and turned into a prosperous Abbey-State , a dwarf state in the 15th-18th centuries, ruled by women. The town is a popular tourist destination among the Dutch. The best Dutch pancakes restaurant has there a branch, so I can’t help it but recommend paying a visit to the Pannekoekenbakker for the most delicious Dutch pancakes.

Read more: What to see and in Thorn and why are the houses after all white in Thorn

When you travel to the Netherlands, you should visit at least one of its walled towns, which are part of the so-called Southern Defense Line ( De Zuiderwaterlinie ). Heusden is one of them – a little town in the shape of a star, surrounded by water. It looks as if time has stopped in Heusden, but instead of being just and open-air museum, the little place is actually a regular small town with a great dose of charm and lots of cuteness. When in Heusden, take a walk alongside the bulwarks , thus you can make a complete circle around the town. For some great Dutch pancakes, stop at the Pannekoekenbakker .

Read more: Best things to do in Heusden, recommended by a local

Valkenburg is a lovely small town in South Limburg. It’s famous for the chalk quarries ( mergelgrotten ) and the Castle Ruins ( Kasteelruinen ) perched on a hill above the town. Numerous cafes and restaurants line up the streets of this small place. It’s a very popular holiday destination among the Dutch and it’s always thriving with life. Well, after all, it’s one of the two places in the Netherlands where there are caves. Moreover the landscape around Valkenburg is quite pretty with the rolling hills and the cattle grazing on the meadows, and the occasional castle here and there.

Read more: The best things to see and do in Valkenburg, recommended by a local

Once an important harbour, this cute little place turned into an inland town after the sea was drained in the 17th century to make place for more land. The regained land from the sea is known as polder , and the area around De Rijp – De Beemster Polder , is included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the last years most of the houses have been beautifully restored and the little town is full of charm. You can find there some of the oldest wooden houses in the Province of North Holland.

They call it the Venice of the North or the Dutch Venice and indeed Giethoorn completely deserves its nickname. Imagine an idyllic small village with no streets but canals instead. Beautiful houses, mostly farms, with thatched roofs, lots of green and flowers and the willows hanging above the crooked bridges. Unfortunately the last years Giethoorn has been discovered by the tourists and is suffering from overtourism. Nonetheless, the place is simply gorgeous and too cute not to see it.

5 Most beautiful national parks in the Netherlands

If you are in a search of a quiet place with gorgeous sunsets, green waters and vast sand beaches – you’ll find it all on this small West Frisian island . Not to forget the little quaint villages, the pastoral landscapes and the great local food. Oh, and a part of the island is a protected area as one of the 20 National Parks in the Netherlands. When travelling to Texel, just leave your car on the mainland, as you won’t need it on the island. However taking your bike with you is a great idea.

Read more: Best things to do on Texel island

De Biesbosch is probably the most unique national park in the Netherlands. The land that was reclaimed from the marshlands in the past centuries is now given back to nature. De Biesbosch is one of the biggest freshwater tidal wetlands in Europe – a network of interconnected rivers and creeks, a kind of an inland delta. The best way to discover this beautiful area is by boat.

Read more: De Biescbosch National Park – complete travel guide

This Dutch National Park looks totally out of place – moving sand dunes in de middle of the country. The Dunes of Loon and Drunen are actually the biggest sand-drifting area in Northern Europe. For a country with hardly any hilltops, leave alone mountains, the Dunes are great for hiking and even sleighing in the winter (if it happens to snow). In the late summer when the heath is in bloom, the dunes turn into a magical purple haze.

Read more: Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park – complete travel guide

De Meinweg is another one of the 20 National Parks in the Netherlands. This park is characterized by terraced landscape with steep transitions between the plateaus. You can walk there through forests , marshlands and lakes . There’s also this lovely trail that goes along a boardwalk through a flooded forest. As the National Park is located at the border with Germany, you might just pop up there without noticing it.

De Alde Feanen National Park is the youngest National Park in the Netherlands. It was added in 2012 as the 20th National Park. It’s a bogland area located in Dutch Province of Friesland near the capital city Leeuwarden. The bog is home to more than 450 plant species and over 100 bird species . The most popular inhabitants of the Alde Feanen are the white storks . You can spot them everywhere. It’s a peaceful area where you can go for walking, biking or boating. It’s so quiet there that you will feel absolutely disconnected from the rest of the world.

Read more: De Alde Feanen National Park – complete travel guide

5 Most beautiful castles and palaces in the Netherlands

De Haar Castle ( Kasteel De Haar ) near Utrecht is perhaps the most famous and most visited Dutch castle. If it’s the most beautiful one, that’s pretty subjective, but it’s for sure quite imposing. The castle was restored in 1892 by the famous Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers in a Gothic Revival style. The original castle dates back to the end of the 14th century. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park and gardens. You can visit both the castle and the park.

The Hoensbroek Castle ( Kasteel Hoensbroek ) is a lovely castle in the southern province of Limburg. The first fortress on this place dates back to 1360. Through the years the castle has been expanded many times. It belonged to the van Hoensbroek family, the one that built it for nearly 6 centuries. In 1927 the castle was sold to a foundation which still manages it as of present. Today, the castle can be visited and it gives an idea of how life was in 17th and 18th centuries. The furnishings are back from the period. You can do a self-guided tour of the castle and in each room there are interactive stories told in various ways.

Slot Loevestein was built in the 14th century by the knight Dirc Loef but soon after it was taken by the Count of Holland . In the 17th century the castle was turned into a state prison. One of the greatest legal scholars, the father of the modern international law – Hugo Grotius ( Hugo de Groot in Dutch), was imprisoned there but he succeeded to escape. How did he manage to escape? I won’t tell you. Visit the castle to find out.

Ammersoyen Castle ( Kasteel Ammerzoyen ) is a beautiful castle surrounded by water in the province of Gelderland. The construction of the defensive castle near the Meuse River started in the 12th century and it was finished in the 13th century. The Ammersoyen Castle was completely restored to its medieval glory in the 1970s and is open for visitors.

There aren’t many palaces in the Netherlands, but from the few that are still there, Het Loo Palace ( Paleis Het Loo ) is undoubtedly the most beautiful one. And not only the palace is worth the visit. The meticulously manicured and kept Baroque gardens contrast with the natural and a bit wild beauty of the English park . Let’s say Het Loo Palace is the Dutch Versailles , but not because it looks like the palace near Paris, it’s because of its significance and role through the centuries as the palace of the House of Orange-Nassau (the Dutch Royal House).

Read more: The 15 most beautiful castles in the Netherlands

5 Most beautiful parks and gardens in the Netherlands

Tulips! Lots of tulips! Everywhere! You can’t find a place more Dutchy than that. Unfortunately, being a spring garden, Keukenhof is open only in the period March-May. It’s a perfectly manicured garden, where each year they plant more than 7 million spring flower bulbs . Hyacinths, tulips, crocuses, and daffodils in most amazing shapes and colors create intricate patterns and stun the visitors.

Read more: Everything you need to know about visiting Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands

The Gardens of Appeltern ( De Appeltern Tuinen ) started as a company project and evolved into the biggest and most beautiful garden park in the Netherlands. The park was created in 1980s as a series of show-model gardens and today it features more than 200 different inspiration gardens on 23 ha.

If you are visiting the Netherlands and the Keukenhof gardens are closed your best bet will be the Castle Gardens of Arcen ( Kasteeltuinen Arcen ). A meticulously manicured park with gardens and a lovely castle – the Castle Gardens of Arcen won’t disappoint you. The best time to visit the park is June-July when all flowers are in bloom. Beside the gardens, you can also visit the castle.

The Castle Garden of Oud-Valkenburg ( Kasteeltuin Oud-Valkenburg ) is a lovely small scale garden in South Limburg. Once it used to be the kitchen garden of the Schaloen Castle . Today, it features a herbal garden and a heritage garden , which shows local traditional flora. There’s also a watermill at the garden. You can combine a visit to the garden with a walk to the castle. The Schaloen Castle is not open for visitors, but there is a nice cafe outside where you can enjoy the beautiful view with the castle and its gardens.

The Botanical Garden in Kerkrade ( Botanische Tuin Kerkrade ) has a very interesting history. It opened in 1937 as a recreational garden for the mine workers of the State Mines ( Staatsmijnen ). Mining was booming in South Limburg and lots of facilities were created for the equally booming population in the region. The centerpiece of the Botanical Garden is the Open-air Cathedral – the trees are arched and arranged in such a way that they remind of the framework of a cathedral. There are 195 varieties of plants and trees found today in the Botanical Garden.

Read more: What to do and see in Kerkrade

Although flat as a pancake, the Netherlands can offer some amazing places, from the capital city of Amsterdam with its UNESCO-listed canals and stepped-gable houses, to the quaint little village of Giethoorn with no streets. For an explosion of colors yous should visit the famous Keukenhof tulip gardens and if you want to escape the world, you can do so in one of the National Parks. Chasing castles? No problem. You will find an abundance of them!

Do you need some extra help to plan your trip to the Netherlands? Join the dedicated Exploring the Netherlands Facebook Group , where you can get tips from other travellers and locals. Or perhaps you have questions or comments? Join the group and I’ll be happy to answer them.

About Daniela

15 Top-Rated Cities in the Netherlands

Written by Bryan Dearsley Updated May 3, 2023

Although it's one of Europe's smallest nations, the Netherlands offers plenty of good reasons for tourists to visit. Sightseeing opportunities are everywhere, and thanks to a superb rail and road network, not to mention the country's diminutive size, it's extremely easy to get around.

One of the top things to do in the Netherlands is to partake in some city-hopping. Each of the fun tourist destinations included in our list of top cities in the Netherlands are easily accessible to visitors via public transit, often with journey times of less than an hour. In fact, you can even get to the country's largest and most visited city, Amsterdam, via high-speed train from the center of London, England , in just a few hours.

Whichever of these cities you do choose to visit (and why not all of them?), you'll find plenty of information about the best things to do when you get there in our comprehensive list of the top cities in the Netherlands.

1. Amsterdam

3. maastricht, 5. rotterdam, 6. the hague, 8. lisse (keukenhof), 11. eindhoven, 12. groningen, 14. nijmegen.

The largest city in the Netherlands, Amsterdam offers plenty of great attractions to visit. This vibrant Dutch city in fact attracts over 18 million tourists per year, making it one of the top places to visit in Europe for an urban getaway.

Topping our list of fun things to do in Amsterdam is wandering the cobbled streets that line the city's many picturesque canals. This is especially fun to do around the city's attractive Jordaan neighborhood. The old homes here were constructed in the early 17th century and are notable for the small inner courtyards tucked away behind them.

After exploring this area on foot, head over to Grachtengordel . This romantic area features the iconic bridges and houseboats the city is so well known for. No end of fun can be had exploring the many quaint shops, or stopping at a café for some people-watching.

From here, you're just a few minutes away from Dam Square and many other popular city attractions. One of the most visited is the Rijksmuseum . This huge, architecturally stunning museum and gallery is home to an incredible collection of artwork that includes many important pieces by the Old Masters, including Rembrandt. Other must-visits include the Anne Frank House and the Van Gogh Museum, one of the city's top museums and a must-visit for art fans.

And if you've not had enough of exploring the city on foot, head over to the Vondelpark. This 120-acre urban park is also great to relax in, so take a picnic, or throw down a blanket and catch a theatrical or musical performance here.

Planning to visit Amsterdam in Winter ? The smaller crowd sizes during the shoulder seasons make museum-hopping much easier, while seasonal activities such as skating and visiting Christmas markets make venturing outdoors fun.

Although it's one of the largest cities in the Netherlands, there are parts of Utrecht that will fool you into thinking you're somewhere much smaller. Much of the older architecture has been well-preserved and is in areas often devoid of traffic, making exploring on foot a pleasurable experience.

The focus of your stroll through Utrecht should be around the charming Old Town area. Known as Binnenstad, it's here, in Cathedral Square (Domplein), that you'll come face-to-face with the spectacular St. Martin's Cathedral , or Domkerk. Built in 1254, it's somewhat smaller now, as the original tower, the Domtoren, stands alone across a park, separated from the main structure by a storm in the 17th century.

Another top attraction you can experience on foot is DOMUnder . Here, a fascinating self-guided tour takes you deep underneath Cathedral Square to the remains of the old Roman fortress upon which the city was built.

Other must-see attractions in Utrecht include Museum Speelklok, dedicated to musical clocks, and the Centraal Museum , which houses the city's collections of art and artifacts. If you can squeeze in one more Utrecht point of interest, make it the Railway Museum, with its displays of old steam engines and rolling stock.

The attractive city of Maastricht is able to trace its history all the way back to 50 BCE. It was then that the Romans established a crossing point over the river Maas. Since that time, Maastricht has grown tremendously and now covers both sides of this important trade route.

Today, this attractive old city draws not traders but tourists. Many of them come here just to enjoy walking across the spectacular Wilhelminabrug and Sint Servaasbrug bridges as they tour Maastricht's lovely riverside districts. It's a must-do here, with the Sint Servaasbrug dating all the way back to the 13th century.

Along the way, you'll pass a variety of interesting historic sites. These include remnants of the medieval town walls and the market square with its old Town Hall. Be sure to also pop into the oldest church in the Netherlands, St. Servaaskerk . This church can trace its roots all the way back to the 4th century, and is home to the Treasures of Saint Servatius, with its extremely old religious artifacts.

The St. Pietersberg Caves are also worth visiting. Consisting of more than 20,000 centuries-old passageways and tunnels stretching a total of 80 kilometers, the caves can be explored as part of a fun tour.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Maastricht

An easy commute from The Hague and Rotterdam, the city of Delft is famous the world over for its pottery. Delftware has adorned dining tables and mantlepieces for over 400 years, and thanks to a revival in past decades, has helped cement the city's reputation as a tourist destination.

It's no surprise, then, that one of the city's top attractions is De Porceleyne Fles . Founded in 1653, this company's still going strong and is in fact the last remaining of 32 such companies that once existed in Delft.

Sign up for a guided tour, and you'll be able to watch painters adorn this famous pottery with its distinctive blue and white motifs, as well as enjoy a tour of the factory. And, of course, you'll have the chance to buy a little something memorable to take home with you as a souvenir.

Be sure to allow time in your Delft itinerary to explore the picturesque Old Town. Like most historic town centers in the Netherlands, it's a picture-perfect scene of old canals, homes, and waterside cafés.

Located only 40 minutes from Amsterdam by train, the port city of Rotterdam should definitely be included on your Netherlands travel itinerary. Located at the North Sea end of the Rhine, Rotterdam is the busiest and largest port on the planet, with much of Europe's freight passing through it.

While the architecture here is newer than in Amsterdam as much of the city core was destroyed in the war, there's still plenty of sightseeing to be enjoyed here. Rotterdam highlights include the beautiful 15th-century Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk church, notable for its stained-glass windows, its three organs, and the chance to climb its tower.

Also worth seeing, Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen is a popular art gallery that includes works by Ruben and Rembrandt. The city is also famous for its variety of cool modern architecture, including the 185-meter-tall Euromast and the famous Cube Houses.

If there's time in your schedule, be sure to hop aboard a boat for a tour of the Europoort harbor. It ranks as the world's sixth largest port, and it's impressive watching the huge volume of shipping traffic come and go.

The third largest city in the Netherlands has much to offer travelers in search of memorable experiences. Topping our list when visiting The Hague (Den Haag) is the city's Binnenhof, or Inner Court, featuring buildings dating all the way back to the mid-13th century.

Here, you can explore the majestic old homes that once belonged to the aristocracy and now serve as home to the country's parliament. Be sure to visit the Knight's Hall, or Ridderzaal, a huge medieval hall that's been immaculately preserved.

From here, it's an easy walk to the city's best shopping and dining opportunities, as well as other popular attractions . Among the must-sees are the 14th-century Great St. James Church (Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk) and the famous Peace Palace , built in 1913 and home of the International Court of Justice.

One of the most attractive small cities in Noord-Holland (North Holland), Haarlem is just a few minutes away from Amsterdam by rail and makes for a great break from the crowds of its much bigger neighbor. Here, you can wander the lovely streets of the old port area without the crowds, taking in the many attractive old homes and buildings of the historic Bakenesser Gracht district.

It's also where you'll find Hofje van Bakenes, a 14th-century courtyard that's remained unchanged for some 700 years, as well as old drawbridges and the original 15th-century city gate. It's also fun to walk around the old town square, where you'll find the Grote Kerk. Officially known as St.-Bavokerk, this old church dominates the square, and for a unique experience, try to grab one of the regular organ recitals held here.

Other must-sees in Haarlem include the City Hall, which dates back to the 13th century, and the fascinating Teyler's Museum , an 18th-century museum focusing on the development of art and science.

Nothing screams "You're in the Netherlands!" quite like a visit to Keukenhof , the country's leading tulip-growing enterprise. Located in the town of Lisse, its proximity to Amsterdam, just 40 minutes' drive away, makes it one of the country's most popular day trip destinations .

Visit here in springtime, and you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking vista of countless flowering tulips set in a beautiful park-like setting and the perfect backdrop for a selfie or two.

Known in the Netherlands as the "Garden of Europe," Keukenhof covers an impressive 70 acres and is considered one of the world's largest public gardens. As the flowers spring into bloom, the local townsfolk celebrate with their annual flower parade, Bollenstreek, which winds through the town. There's also a museum in Lisse dedicated to the history of the country's most important flower.

Arnhem earned its place in the annals of war thanks to being included in the ill-fated allied operation known as Market Garden. It was around the city's important Rhine River bridge in 1944 that intense fighting between British paratroopers and German defenders took place, the scars of which can still be seen today.

But there's much more to here than following the drama that was portrayed in the famous A Bridge Too Far film. The city can, in fact, trace its roots to pre-Roman times, and during the Middle Ages, it blossomed as a place of trade and commerce.

Arnhem remains a vibrant place for visitors to explore, and in addition to its many pleasant old streets and squares lined with boutique shops and cafés, it's home to numerous cultural and adventure opportunities .

Of these, the best include the superb Netherlands Open Air Museum, which showcases traditional Dutch lifestyles and ways of life, and the country's largest conservation area, Hoge Veluwe National Park , with its endless opportunities for outdoor fun.

Just a stone's throw from the border with the even smaller country of Belgium , the city of Breda's rich history and well-preserved Old Town center make it a popular stopover for travelers to the Netherlands. Lined with old townhomes, fortifications, and moats, it's a delightful place to explore on foot or, as so many Netherlanders do, by bike.

A must-see here is the charming Begijnhof district. This small church community within the city center has remained unchanged for close to 200 years.

Breda's largest church, the 13th-century Grote Kerk , should also be visited, with the main feature being its 97-meter-tall church tower. A short stroll away is the fascinating Spaniard's Hole (Spanjaardsgat), a twin-towered water gate near the historic Port Quarter , and Breda Castle, a former home of the country's royalty.

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

Famous as the birthplace of electronics firm Philips, Eindhoven offers plenty of fun things for travelers to do . Topping our list of favorite experiences in the "City of Light" is exploring its many connections to the art world.

Start your exploration of the city's rich cultural heritage with a visit to the Van Abbemuseum , a gallery housing important works of modern art by the world's leading artists, including Pablo Picasso.

Hop on a bus and, just a few minutes' ride away, you'll find yourself in the quaint village of Nuenen. This picturesque spot was made famous by Vincent Van Gogh, who not only painted scenes depicting the locale, but also lived here for a short period.

The recently renovated Vincentre by Van Gogh Village Museum (Stichting Van Gogh Village Nuenen ) attraction re-opened in 2023 and is dedicated to this period in the great artist's life.

One of the country's most important port cities, the city of Groningen's history can be traced back hundreds of years to a time when it was granted rights to mint its own coins and became an important trading hub.

These days, this vibrant university city has a reputation for its many cultural opportunities, as well as its lively festival scene. In fact, some of the city's most popular open spaces regularly host concerts and other events, with one of the most popular being the Noorderzon Theater Festival , held each summer in Noorderplantsoen park.

The city center is where you'll find Martin's Church, a 13th-century edifice that dominates the city's pedestrian-friendly market square. As much fun as it is to walk in Groningen, cyclists will be pleased to know this bustling city has a reputation as a bike-friendly destination, with its many cycle paths making it ideal to explore on two wheels.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions in Groningen & Easy Day Trips

The university city of Leiden (or Leyden) is another quintessentially Dutch urban destination that should be included in your Netherlands travel itinerary.

It was here that the country's national flower, the tulip, was first introduced to the continent. Venture out into the surrounding countryside, and you'll be rewarded with an unforgettable image of these colorful flowers being grown in their thousands, waiting to make their way around the globe.

Visit the town's Wednesday street market, and you'll not only find plenty of tulips on display but also a wide variety of local produce, including cheeses and meats, as well as traditional craft goods. From here, you're just steps away from the canals where you can pick up a fun tour boat for a longer journey out onto the Rhine River.

• Read More: Best Attractions & Things to Do in Leiden

Just a few kilometers from the border with neighboring Germany and close to the city of Arnhem, Nijmegen is certainly worth exploring. A highlight of a visit to this bustling city is the chance to stroll along the banks of the Rhine, stopping to watch the river traffic, or sitting on a café patio in one of its many pedestrian areas for refreshments as the world passes you by.

Popular places to visit here include the Valkhof, a very pleasant park that incorporates a site once fortified by Charlemagne in the 8th century. The views over the Rhine from here and the old ruins of the Maartenskapel will certainly make you want to linger awhile.

Located mid-way between the much larger cities of Utrecht and Rotterdam, the city of Gouda is a popular place to visit in the Netherlands for vacationers and day trippers alike. Despite having a relatively small population of only around 75,000 people, this attractive small city has had a sizeable impact on the nation's food and cultural traditions.

In addition to its famous Gouda cheese, it was here that the country's famous "stroopwafel" cookies originated in the 18th century. In addition to its culinary treats, Gouda is also famous for its historic Old Town. Here you'll find everything from a perfectly preserved 800-year-old city hall to numerous pretty churches to a delightful historic port area that's fun to explore on foot.

More on Netherlands

Visiting The Dutch Countryside

Travelblog about The Netherlands | Exploring The Netherlands beyond the crowds

40+ Most Beautiful & Hidden Dutch Villages You Must Visit In The Netherlands Told By A Local

Are you thinking of visiting places in The Netherlands? Then I can guarantee that you do not want to miss out on these villages in The Netherlands. Dutch villages are an absolute dream to travel to, and they are everywhere. Whether you’re searching for the best villages to visit in the Holland region or villages near Amsterdam, this travel blog about The Netherlands shows you the beautiful villages you cannot miss out on when you visit my incredible country.

The Netherlands is filled with beautiful places, and these most beautiful villages in The Netherlands will make your most magical dreams come true. There are tips for cool places to explore in The Netherlands and places to visit in the Holland region. So, I can guarantee that you will find the best places to visit in The Netherlands right here because The Netherlands is filled with villages to visit.

The best Dutch villages to visit in The Netherlands

Pretty Dutch villages are found all over the country and are very much worth visiting. As they’re villages, though, you cannot (or you can at snail pace) spend one full day in the village to explore it; they are simply too small for that. However, the surroundings of all of these villages are well worth visiting as well, so don’t be afraid to do some exploring.

 Quite a few of these villages are officially cities since they’ve gained city rights in the Middle Ages. But, they are all small villages, which you can see by their population. Some villages have a higher population than you’d expect, but that is mainly due to new neighbourhoods built to house more people. 

Almost all of these villages have a protected townscape to ensure that their heritage stays intact and saved for future generations and visitors to enjoy. I recommend quite a few places in this article that do not have access to a card machine, so make sure to carry a bit of extra cash when you’re visiting villages in The Netherlands.

A few of these villages have train stations, and most (not all) have bus stops. There are only a few where the bus doesn’t stop or passes at all. I would always recommend you to use 9292.nl/en to plan your journeys via public transportation in The Netherlands. I hope you will enjoy these villages in The Netherlands.

Whether you’re interested in finding a water village in The Netherlands or want to explore historical sites in The Netherlands, there is truly something for everyone here.

1. Amerongen

Province: Utrecht

Nearest bigger town/ city: Veenendaal or Doorn

Where to stay: Restaurant Hotel Buitenlust

The village of Amerongen is found in the province of Utrecht and home to roughly 5000 people. One of the things you need to do in Amerongen is walking around one of the best villages to visit in the Utrecht region and visit  the castle Amerongen . This castle was destroyed by the French in the disaster year of 1672 and then rebuilt. It was the home of the last emperor of Germany: Wilhelm the second for 1,5 years before he moved to Doorn. He signed his abdication in Castle Amerongen in 1918. Nowadays, the castle is a museum and is also home to a beautiful castle garden. It’s one of The Netherlands villages that need to be on your bucket list.

Nearest bigger town/ city: Amsterdam

Where to stay:  Hotel Restaurant Koekenbier Abcoude

Then the village of Abcoude borders the municipality of Amsterdam. It’s home to around 8000 people and is located in the Green Heart region. This green area stretches from Amsterdam to Rotterdam to Utrecht, filled with picturesque places to visit, nature reserves and endless meadows. I can highly recommend you visit Abcoude and go for a walk around the cute town, visit some local shops and head to a fortress part of a Unesco World Heritage site: Defence line of Amsterdam. You can only visit the Dutch fort from May to September on specific days. Abcoude is one of those Dutch villages and towns that has such a friendly atmosphere and calm vibe at the same time.

Find a full article on what to do in Abcoude here.

3. Bronkhorst

Province: Gelderland

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Steenderen

Where to stay: Herberg de Gouden Leeuw

Bronkhorst is a village located in the province of Gelderland and is a village filled with traditional Dutch farms from this region in Gelderland; it is officially a city but is just home to roughly 100 people. Bronkhorst is the perfect village to enjoy some local crafts and art. And, if you’re done with that, you can go for a walk or bike ride in the beautiful surroundings. Bronkhorst is most certainly one of the villages in The Netherlands you need to visit.

Find a full article on what to do in Bronkhorst here.

Province:  Noord- Holland

Nearest bigger town/ city: Schagen

Where to stay: B&B De Hemme

The village of Kolhorn is located in the northern part of the province of Noord- Holland and is home to around 1100 people. Kolhorn has quite a few things to do, which is lovely. It’s one of the cute villages in North Holland and is home to  Museum De Turfschuur,  which covers the history of Kolhorn and traditional Dutch sweaters from Kolhorn. Kolhorn also has a few restaurants and beautiful buildings, canals and streets. 

Besides that, Kolhorn is located on the Westfriese Omringdijk. This is the longest and oldest monumental dyke in The Netherlands that surrounds the West Friesland region. It passes beautiful Dutch towns and offers incredible views, so I can also highly recommend you cycle or walk a bit of the dyke. I don’t know many people who know the existence of this historical village in The Netherlands, so you’ll be able to enjoy it to the fullest. And, Kolhorn is located in the best area to  see tulip fields in The Netherlands .

Find a full article on what to do in this part of the Noord- Holland province here.

Province:  Zeeland

Nearest bigger town/ city: Breskens

Where to stay: B&B De Reiziger

The village of Groede is located nearby the North Sea coast in the beautiful Dutch province of Zeeland. It is home to approximately 990 people, and the main monumental streets and buildings are located around the church. It is a village that has existed for hundreds and hundreds of years and is one of the places you need to visit when you’re in Zeeland. Slijkstraat is one of the main shopping streets in Groede and also home to incredible restaurants. One of the things you need to do in Groede is to drink some locally brewed Dutch beers. Groede is home to a fantastic beer brewery in this part of Zeeland, and that’s why I recommend you to go to De Drie Koningen to try their incredible local beers (they serve food here too). Groede is one of the villages in Zeeland that you cannot miss out on.

Nearest bigger town/ city: Purmerend or Alkmaar (the latter has a direct bus to De Rijp)

Where to stay: B&B Het Pakhuys

De Rijp is one of the many picturesque villages you can find in the Noord- Holland province. It is surrounded by one of the  most beautiful nature reserves in the Holland region : Eilandspolder. The village of De Rijp is home to roughly 4000 people, and it’s an absolute dream. Whether you want to visit a local museum to learn more about this Dutch village or want to explore the nature reserve by boat, there are plenty of things to do in De Rijp.

Find a full article on what to do in De Rijp here.

7. Aldeboarn

Province:  Friesland

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Akkrum

Where to stay: Watertorenhotel Nes

One of the smallest, most beautiful villages in Friesland has to be Aldeboarn (Oldeboorn in Dutch). It’s home to roughly 1500 people and is one of the must-sees in Friesland. You can do a few things in Aldeboarn, and when you’re done with that, you can discover the amazing surroundings of this region in Friesland. It’s absolutely worth a trip, as Aldeboarn is located in the middle of the Frisian countryside, meaning: it’s peaceful, gorgeous and magical.

Find a full article on what to do in Aldeboarn here.

Province:  Limburg

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Sittard

Where to stay:  B&B Bie Janssen

The village of Elsloo is one of the places in The Netherlands that can claim the title ‘the oldest farming village in The Netherlands’, as around 5000 B.C., the Linear Pottery Culture was found here. Nowadays, Elsloo is a small village in Limburg and an absolute must-visit. One of the things you have to do in Elsloo is visit its local museum, called  Streekmuseum Elsloo . Besides that, I can highly recommend you to walk to the following streets for incredible, monumental buildings: Dorpsstraat, Op de Berg. Visiting Elsloo is one of the things you need to do in Limburg.

9. Vreeland

Province:  Utrecht

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Weesp

Where to stay:   B&B “Jan” te Vreeland

Vreeland is a village in the Utrecht region found in the Vecht region; its population is approximately 1900 people. Vreeland is also surrounded by beautiful Dutch lakes and is located in the middle of  The Netherlands lake district , with the Loosdrechtse and Kortenhoefse Plassen being the most nearby. If you’re interested in walking long-distance routes in The Netherlands, then you’re also in luck in Vreeland, as the  Waterliniepad and Floris de Vijfde path  both run through the village of Vreeland.

If you have the money to spare, then one of the things I would recommend you do in Vreeland is visit the restaurant De Nederlanden, one of the Michelin star restaurants in The Netherlands. You can also see a windmill called Korenmolen De Ruiter in Vreeland every Saturday from 10:00- 16:00.

10. Vollenhove

Province:  Overijssel

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Marknesse

Where to stay:  Stadspaleis Hotel & Restaurant OldRuitenborgh

Vollenhove is home to roughly 4200 people and is one of the villages that has obtained city rights during its existence. While it is officially a city, it doesn’t feel that way when you walk through Vollenhove. It is filled with beautiful streets and friendly people, and quite a few things to do. It’s one of the villages you need to visit in Overijssel.

One of the things you need to do in Vollenhove is to witness their flower parade.  Flower parades in The Netherlands  are incredible to visit and a true highlight of any vacation in Overijssel. Another thing I recommend you to see in Vollenhove in the ruins of medieval castle Toutenburg.

11. Goedereede

Province:  Zuid- Holland

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Stellendam

Where to stay:  de Goede Ree Verbeek

Goedereede is another excellent destination to travel to when you’re visiting the Zuid- Holland province in The Netherlands. This adorable Dutch village is currently home to approximately 2300 inhabitants. One of the things you need to do in Goedereede is to visit their yearly event, called ‘Portdagen’. This event, which celebrates when fishers from Goedereede fished barrels of port wine from a sunken ship, has been taking place every third weekend of June since 2014. But your visit to Goedereede wouldn’t be complete without admiring the former harbour of Goedereede and one of the many pretty streets.

12. Woudsend

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Sneek

Where to stay: Omke Jan

Another village that you can find in the Friesland province is Woudsend. It’s home to roughly 1440 people and is located on the famous Dutch 11-cities ice skating route on a natural ice tour (Elfstedentocht) through Friesland. Woudsend is filled with monumental buildings and is a proper water sports village in Friesland. One of the things you need to do in Woudsend is to visit their farmers market. This market takes place from the second Thursday of July until the last Thursday of August from 11:00- 17:00. It’s the perfect place to get some local Dutch souvenirs. But that’s not all Woudsend has to offer. You can also visit an authentic sawing mill in Woudsend, called Houtzaagmolen De Jager, every Saturday from 09:00 – 17:00.

Find a full article on more places to visit in Friesland here.

13. Drimmelen

Province:  Noord- Brabant

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Made

Where to stay:  Bed and Breakfast De Biesbosch – in ‘t Riet

Drimmelen is one of the smallest villages on the list with a population of 520 people and is found in Noord- Brabant. One of the best things you can do in Drimmelen is to go on a boat tour through one of The Netherlands most beautiful national parks: Biesbosch. This sweet water tidal system is the biggest nature reserve of its kind in North-Western Europe. Besides visiting one of the national parks in The Netherlands, I can highly recommend you to do a walk through the village, which is quick and easy, but very nice. This is the rural part of The Netherlands at its best: From incredible Dutch nature to picturesque small villages in The Netherlands, it has the best of both worlds.

Find a full article on what to do in Drimmelen  here.

14. Dreischor

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Zierikzee

Where to stay:  Herberg De Ring

Dreischor is one of the most authentic villages in Zeeland and is, what we call, a circular village. Roughly 975 people call Dreischor home, and it was even voted the greenest village in Europe. One of the things that I recommend you do in Dreischor is to visit  Museum farm Goemanszorg . Here you will learn everything about life on a farm on the island of Schouwen- Duiveland, where Dreischor is located. I can also highly recommend you to do a wine tasting at Proeflokaal De Kleine Schorre. Besides that, there are tons of nature reserves to explore nearby Dreischor. So, no matter what you’re interested in, it’s a great place to visit. Dreischor is, in my humble opinion, one of the best villages in The Netherlands to visit.

15. Breukelen

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Utrecht

Where to stay:  Van der Valk Hotel Breukelen

Breukelen is one of the villages found along the beautiful Vecht river in the Utrecht region and home to around 10.000 people. Along this river, you will find the most breathtaking estates built for wealthy people from Amsterdam, mainly during the Golden Age. If you’re interested in  walking long distance paths through The Netherlands,  then Breukelen is a great place to follow the Marskramerpad, which is a part of the E11 route. In Breukelen you can also find many incredible monumental buildings, local shops and great cafes, which I recommend you check out. A part of the  lake district in The Netherlands  is also found nearby Breukelen.

16. Woudrichem

Province: Noord- Brabant

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Gorinchem

Where to stay:  B&B het huijsje

Woudrichem is a fortified town that is located on the banks of the Boven- Merwede river. One of the things that I recommend you to do in Woudrichem is to visit the fishery museum (Visserijmuseum in Dutch). Woudrichem has had rights to fish for centuries, and as the rivers were filled with fish, Woudrichem became a blooming town. But all of that changed. In this museum, you will see the highlights, the downfalls and everything in between fishing in the rivers in Woudrichem. It is opened from April until October from Tuesday- Friday from 10:30- 16:30 and Saturday and Sunday from 13:30- 16:30.

Almost 4700 people live in the village of Woudrichem, and I can’t blame them for doing so. One of the other things you must do near Woudrichem is grab the little ferry to  Castle Loevestein , one of the prettiest Dutch castles in Noord (North)- Brabant. When you’re thinking of visiting villages in The Netherlands, Woudrichem cannot be missed.

17. Maasland

Province: Zuid- Holland

Nearest bigger town/ city: Schiedam

Where to stay: Bed&Breakfast Maasland

Maasland is a great day trip from the city of Rotterdam and an absolute dream to walk through. Admire its beautiful canal, the endless monumental buildings and enjoy the peaceful streets. The village of Maasland is home to around 6600 people. One of the things you need to do in Maasland is to visit their local museum.

Museum de Schilpen is located in a 16th-century building and shows you the history of Maasland in the 19th and 20th century and information about old Dutch grocery stores. It is generally opened every Wednesday (only from May until September from 14:00- 17:00), every Saturday (11:00- 17:00), as well as every first Sunday of the month from (14:00-17:00). Maasland is one of those picture-perfect villages you can find in Zuid (South)- Holland.

Province: Groningen

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Winsum

Where to stay:  Op de Wierde

Ezinge is a beautiful village near Groningen’s city and is known for its beautiful church and incredible countryside. A true highlight of one of the most beautiful villages in Groningen province is  the museum Wierdenland ; here you will learn everything you need to know about the man-made mound in Ezinge and the history of the village and its surroundings. Ezinge is currently home to approximately 700 people. One of the other things you have to do in Ezinge is visit and walk around the mound where the main church is located.

Province:  Gelderland

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Zutphen

Where to stay:   Hart van Lochem

Lochem is a great destination to visit in the Gelderland region, because not only is it located near plenty of nature reserves and hills, but Lochem is also a perfect place to do some relaxing. Lochem is small, but has some great places to eat and sit down for a chat. Its small village centre is exactly what you’d want it to be: beautiful, historic and a vibrant, but cosy atmosphere.

Find a full article on what to do in Lochem here.

20. Nieuwpoort

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Schoonhoven

Where to stay: Hotel Restaurant Belvédère

One of the best destinations to visit in Zuid (South)- Holland has to be Nieuwpoort. While it’s officially a city, it is only home to roughly 1400 people, so it certainly deserves to be on this list. I can highly recommend you visit Nieuwpoort in The Netherlands, as it comes straight out of a fairy tale. One of the things you have to do in Nieuwpoort is to walk on the fortifications that still surround most of the village, and it gives you a beautiful view of the Lek river. At the city hall of Nieuwpoort, Stadhuis, you can find small exhibitions about the history and historical items used in the region. Nieuwpoort is one of the beautiful places you have to visit in the Holland region.

21. Broek in Waterland

Province: Noord- Holland

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Amsterdam

Where to stay: Slapen bij Jesse

With almost 2800 inhabitants, Broek in Waterland is a beautiful quaint and calm Dutch hamlet in Noord- Holland. One of the things you need to do in  Broek in Waterland is rent a boat or a canoe . As Broek in Waterland is located in an area with endless creeks and rivers, the perfect way to explore Broek in Waterland and its surroundings is via the water. Don’t forget to go on a lovely walk through this village near Amsterdam either, as it’s filled with monumental buildings and picturesque streets. The combination of canals, historic buildings and friendly people makes Broek in Waterland one of the best villages to visit in the Holland region.

22. ‘s-Heerenberg

Nearest bigger town/ city: Doetinchem

Where to stay:  Kasteel Huis Bergh

‘s-Heerenberg has to be one of my favourite villages to visit in Gelderland. Not only can you find  one of The Netherlands biggest castles here: Kasteel Huis Bergh, which you can visit. And, it is also home to the most beautiful castle gardens in The Netherlands: Plantage. Visiting these places is absolutely one of the things you need to do in ‘s- Heerenberg. I can also highly recommend you to visit the nearby natural area of Montferland, such as the Bergherbos. It is one of the best nature reserves in the Gelderland region and is famous for its hills. This part of the countryside in The Netherlands is absolutely breathtaking and so worth visiting.

23. Bredevoort

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Aalten

Where to stay:  Hotel Bertram

If you’re a fan of art, antiques and books, then Bredevoort cannot be a better village to visit. The village of Bredevoort is currently home to approximately 1500 people and is nicknamed ‘Boekenstad’, or book city. Every Easter Monday, third Saturday in May, second Saturday in July, and last Saturday in August, big book markets are held in Bredevoort, and they are an absolute dream to visit.

Besides visiting Bredevoort for books, I can recommend many more things you have to do in Bredevoort. Think of walking through the monumental 19th-century garden which is found on the fortifications of Bredevoort. Don’t forget to head to the windmill ‘Molen De Prins van Oranje’ either; it can be visited generally every Saturday.

Province: Friesland

Where to stay: It Buterhus

Balk is a Frisian village that became wealthy by selling butter worldwide, and this Frisian butter was even famous in London. The village of Balk is home to approximately 4075 inhabitants and found in one of the best regions to visit in Friesland. Whether you’re interested in enjoying some watersports, cycling, walking, nature or culture: it can all be found in Balk and its surroundings. One of the things I recommend you to do in Balk is to visit It Bûterhûs. Not only is this where you can find the local tourism office, but my main reason for visiting is that they sell excellent local food and freshly made goods. This shop and tourism office in Balk is opened from Tuesday to Friday from 10:00-16:30 and on Saturday from 13:00- 16:00.

25. Heenvliet

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Spijkenisse

Where to stay:  ‘t Koetshuys

On the Dutch island of Voorne-Putten, just under the  city of Rotterdam , you can find the village of Heenvliet. Heenvliet is home to roughly 2500 people.

One of the things I recommend you to do in Heenvliet is to visit the  ruins of Ravesteyn castle.  Here you can find beautiful sculptures during a special event that starts somewhere in May and last for a few weeks. During that time, you can visit the garden from Thursday to Sunday from 12:00- 17:00. You can also visit the  castle ruins of Ravesteyn  during July and August on a few Saturdays from 12:00- 17:00.

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Oss

Where to stay:  Bed & Breakfast Appeltern

With almost 1700 inhabitants, the village of Megen isn’t the smallest on this list, but most certainly not the biggest either. It’s located on the former shores of the Meuse river and is found in the middle of the countryside in the Noord- Brabant province. For a village as small as Megen, it is surprising that there are two monasteries found in the town. And one of them is home to the most beautiful monastery gardens I have ever seen in The Netherlands. Megen is small and one of the most beautiful villages to visit in Noord (North)- Brabant.

Find a full article on what to do in Megen here.

27. Oudeschans

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Winschoten

Where to stay:  Bed&Breakfast Oudeschans

Oudeschans is one of the star forts you can find in The Netherlands and is home to approximately 150 people. It’s an important place in the North of The Netherlands, as the 80-year-war against the Spanish started here. One of the things I recommend you to do in Oudeschans is to visit their Vestingsmuseum, which will show you the history of Oudeschans and interesting exhibitions.

28. Noorbeek

Province: Limburg

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Maastricht

Where to stay:  Walnut Lodge Bed & Breakfast

The village of Noorbeek is one of the best destinations to visit in the Limburg province in The Netherlands. This is one of the small villages is in the middle of the hills in Zuid (South)- Limburg and is home to approximately 1125 people. Noorbeek is one of the most southern located places in The Netherlands and one of the best places to start exploring the hills of Limburg. One of the things you need to do in Noorbeek is following the Mergelland route, which runs through the village. It’s roughly 110 kilometres by car, making it a perfect Limburg road trip, or 127 kilometres by bike from and to  Maastricht . Near Noorbeek, you can also find the Noordal nature reserve, which is beautiful to visit. The Netherlands is filled with beauty, and this village is not different.

29. Ootmarsum

Province: Overijssel

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Tubbergen

Where to stay:  Twents Gastenhoes

If you’re looking for things to do in Overijssel, then visiting Ootmarsum is an absolute must. The village, with city rights, is home to approximately 4400 people and is filled with galleries, art and stunning buildings. One of the things you need to do in  Ootmarsum is to visit their open-air museum,  which showcases the way nobility and farmers used to live in this area of the Twente region. Besides that, Ootmarsum is filled with many more things to do and see. Plus, the surroundings of Ootmarsum are also beautiful, with the Springendal nature reserve just North of Ootmarsum. Ootmarsum is hands down one of the Dutch villages to visit in The Netherlands.

30. Monnickendam

Nearest bigger town/ city: Purmerend

Where to stay:  Suitehotel Posthoorn

Monnickendam, together with Broek in Waterland, are the most popular villages in The Netherlands on this list. But that doesn’t mean Monnickendam isn’t worth visiting because it most certainly is. The village of Monnickendam is home to roughly 9500 people and is filled with monumental building an idyllic Dutch cobblestoned streets. One of the things you need to do in Monnickendam is to visit  Waterlandsmuseum De Speeltoren . This museum in Monnickendam is housed in a building that is home to the oldest carillon in the world, with an age of roughly 500 years. And, if you want to go on a walking tour through Monnickendam, then  Stadsgidsen Monnickendam  can help you with that.

31. Blokzijl

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Vollenhove

Where to stay:  Auberge aan het Hof

One of the best places to visit in the Overijssel province has to be Blokzijl. This village-sized Dutch city is home to around 1390 inhabitants and is a true hidden gem in the East of The Netherlands. There are plenty of things to do in Blokzijl, but I would certainly recommend you to visit one of the local shops in the town to bring home some nice souvenirs.

Besides that, I think you should definitely head to Museum Het Gildenhuys in Blokzijl. Here you will learn everything you need to know about Blokzijl and its history. They are generally closed on Sunday and Monday and are open from May until October from 13:30- 17:00. That’s not the only activity I recommend you to do, because Blokzijl is home to one of the Michelin star restaurants in The Netherlands:  Kaatje bij de Sluis .

32. Linschoten

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Woerden

Where to stay:  B&B Louisehoeve

The village of Linschoten, and its surroundings, is a great day trip from the city of Utrecht. It’s found in the middle of the Green Heart region and is one of the best destinations to visit here. Around Linschoten you can find small, meandering rivers, long meadows, old estates and local farms to buy fresh products: it’s a perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a quiet and beautiful calm day in the countryside in The Netherlands. Currently, around 4000 people live in Linschoten, and I find it to be one of the hidden villages in The Netherlands that you need to visit.

Find a full article on what to do in Linschoten here.

33. Niehove

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Zuidhorn

Where to stay:  Groningen Buiten B&B

Niehove has to be one of the most beautiful villages in the Groningen province and one of the best day trips from the  city of Groningen . It’s charming, old and simply everything you could wish for in villages in The Netherlands. Approximately 130 people live in Niehove, and it’s not hard to wonder why they like living here. One of the things I recommend you to do in Niehove is to walk. It sounds simple, but Niehove is located in the area where you can find the authentic Groningen countryside.

Walk along the street called Tilstok between meadows and endless views. Besides that, I would also highly recommend you to visit the church in Niehove. Here you will find Bezoekerscentrum Wierdendorp Niehove, or visitor’s centre of mound village Niehove. It is opened during summer and can be visited for free, but a voluntary contribution is more than appreciated. At this visitor’s centre in Niehove, you will learn more about this authentic village near Groningen and discover why it’s one of the villages you’re glad you visited in The Netherlands.

34. Batenburg

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Wijchen

Where to stay:  De Terp

With just around 655 inhabitants, Batenburg is a small village in the Gelderland province. People aren’t exactly sure how old the village actually is, but they think it is possibly the same age as the  city of Nijmegen : which is one of the oldest cities in the country. One of the absolute highlights of visiting Batenburg is exploring the ruins of former Castle Batenburg, which the French destroyed in 1794. Castle Batenburg is one of the oldest and most important castles in Gelderland.

Find a full article on what to do in Batenburg here.

35. Ransdorp

Where to stay: Amsterdam Farmland

Ransdorp is one of the Dutch villages near Amsterdam you must visit. Together with the village of Durgerdam and the hamlet of Holysloot, Ransdorp is part of a zone of silence in this part of Noord- Holland. This is an area specially created for cyclists and walkers to enjoy the beautiful rural parts of The Netherlands. Approximately 310 people call Ransdorp home.

Find a full article on what to do in Ransdorp here.

36. Durgerdam

Where to stay:  Het Witte Huis

Durgerdam is one of the villages that is actually part of the municipality of Amsterdam, as it was annexed. Durgerdam cannot get any more typically Dutch than it is: located next to a dyke, adorable dyke houses and in the shape of a linear settlement. Currently, Durgerdam is home to roughly 300 people, and it is the ideal place to enjoy a bit of the Dutch countryside near Amsterdam. In my – oh so humble- opinion, Durgerdam is definitely one of the destinations in the Noord (North)- Holland province to visit.

Find a full article on what to do in Durgerdam here.

37. Gramsbergen

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Coevorden

Where to stay:  B&B Stadslodge De Meiboom

The region of Gramsbergen is one of the areas in The Netherlands where people have been living since Prehistoric times. Honestly, I can’t blame them as the region is beautiful (although quite a tad different from the Prehistory). Gramsbergen, like every other village in this post, has a protected village scape. Around 3100 people live in Gramsbergen, and the village is home to the longest street name in The Netherlands: Burgemeester Baron van Voerst van Lyndenstraat.

One of the things you need to do in Gramsbergen is to visit their yearly event, called Gramsbergen Lichtstad (or Light city). This is a week-long festival that takes place at the end of August and is held since 1927. The whole village is filled with tens of thousands of lights, and it’s a magical sight to see. Besides that, I can also highly recommend you to visit Historisch Cultureel Info Centrum Vechtdal. Here, you can find tips to explore Gramsbergen and its beautiful surroundings and visit a museum about Gramsbergen and the Vechtdal area. It’s generally opened from Tuesday until Friday from 10:00- 17:00 and Saturday from 10:00- 16:00. And last but certainly not least, you must absolutely go on a  boat tour from Gramsbergen  along the Vechtriver; it’s a highlight of your vacation in Overijssel.

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Medemblik

Where to stay:  Bed & Breakfast Hemels Twisk

The Dutch village of Twisk is home to approximately 1100 people and is, what we call in Dutch, a ‘lintdorp’. This means that the village was built along a river, dyke and that there are rarely any other streets that will lead you in another direction. This is one of those picturesque villages in The Netherlands and is filled with traditional Dutch West Frisian farmhouses that date back to the 18th or 19th century. Dutch West Frisian and West Frisian are not the same: Dutch West Frisian is the region of West-Friesland, in the Noord- Holland province, and West Frisian is the Friesland province.

One of the things you have to do in Twisk is to ride on an old Dutch steam tram. There is a  steamtram that runs from Hoorn to Medemblik  and halts at the heritage stations of Wognum, Twisk and Opperdoes. And, Twisk is also home to a small, local museum called Twiscamuseum. In this museum, you can find all sorts of used items, such as an old cheese press and learn more about the village of Twisk. It is generally opened every Sunday from June until September, and then every first Sunday of the other months from 13:30- 17:00.

39. Orvelte

Province: Drenthe

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Westerbork

Where to stay:  B&B Slaoperij

Orvelte is one of the most beautiful villages you can visit in Drenthe and has roughly a population of 230 people. It’s home to countless traditional farms from the region and tons of activities. Some of the best things you have to do in Orvelte are visiting the local shops, such as Flintenhof, Freule, Groetjes uit Orvelte and Professor Pannekoek. But it gets better, as Orvelte is also filled with small museums. Think of visiting the Jan Kruismuseum, which is about comic artist Jan Kruis, or the  open-air museum of Orvelte .

You can also visit Museum Brasserie Voor Bier en Boek, which houses a permanent exhibition about beer commercials from Belgium and The Netherlands, home to a little cafe (it’s mainly opened during high season and events in Orvelte). And, the  Westerbork museum  is located nearby too, a museum about former German camp Westerbork that will leave you with chills.

One of the best long-distance hiking trails in The Netherlands, the Pieterpad, almost passes Orvelte, and the Drenthe Pad runs through the village of Orvelte. So, there’s enough to do in Orvelte, making this town one of the best places to visit in Drenthe.

40. Dwarsgracht

Nearest bigger town/ city:  Steenwijk

Where to stay: Wonderful Holiday Home in Giethoorn with Terrace

If you’re looking to visit a village in The Netherlands without roads, then I’d have to disappoint you. Because I know which village you mean, and they do have roads and get an insane amount of visitors. That’s why I recommend you to visit Dwarsgracht, which is essentially the same village as Giethoorn, but without the overwhelming crowds. Dwarsgracht is home to roughly 150 people and is located a few kilometres away from the famous Giethoorn village: one of the most popular villages in The Netherlands.

One of the things I recommend you to do in Dwarsgracht is to rent a boat or a canoe. The best way to enjoy Dwarsgracht, its surroundings and National Park De Weerribben- Wieden is from the water. At  restaurant De Otterskooi  you can rent canoes, and they recommend you to reserve them in advance. You can  rent a boat in Dwarsgracht  at Pettersloepverhuur.

41. Schokland

Province: Flevoland

Nearest bigger town/ city: Emmeloord

Where to stay:  B&B Nagele

One of The Netherlands Unesco World Heritage Sites in Schokland, which is currently home to five people. This former Dutch village has been part of the mainland since 1942. Because the area’s history is so rich, it has been a Unesco heritage site in Flevoland ever since 1995. One of the things you need to do in Schokland is visit Museum Schokland, which tells you everything you need to know about this village in Flevoland. You won’t regret exploring one of the best villages in The Netherlands, as the history is incredible and the village is beautiful.

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I hope you enjoyed this blog about the villages you must visit in The Netherlands and that you’ve found one of the best villages to visit in Europe. People often do not realise that hidden places are everywhere to be found in The Netherlands; you just need to observe and follow my great tips, of course. I hope you will visit a beautiful old Dutch village as I can guarantee you that visiting one in The Netherlands will be one of the highlights of your trip to The Netherlands.

I have never met anyone who doesn’t like to visit a fairy tale village in The Netherlands, and as you’re still reading, I am sure that you will love them. Share this post about villages to visit in The Netherlands with your friends and family!

2 thoughts on “ 40+ Most Beautiful & Hidden Dutch Villages You Must Visit In The Netherlands Told By A Local ”

I am traveling to the Netherlands for the first time, solo. I will only be here for a week. I have several tours booked to get my feel of the land before I explore on my own. This was a great article about these quaint villages. Thanks so much for the information . So excited for my trip. Any helpful hints or cautions traveling alone would be appreciated.

Thank you for the nice comment Joyce, you’re going to love it. I always love travelling solo! When are you visiting exactly?

I guess my main tip would be to download the app 9292ov, which is used to plan your public transportation trips and to buy yourself an OV chip card ( https://www.ov-chipkaart.nl/purchase-an-ov-chipkaart/anonymous-ov-chipkaart.htm ) this is a card that you can put money on, which then can be used for every mode of public transportation in The Netherlands via a check in and check out pole/gate.

There are pickpockets, mainly in Amsterdam on the crowded places (such as Damrak, de Wallen area, etc.), but there’s also tons of undercover police there and beyond that area you should be mostly fine. And don’t ever take any drugs from dealers on the street: if you’re planning on using some drugs, always head to a coffee shop. Which brings me to another point; a coffee shop is a place to get drugs, a cafe is where you get a coffee (even though you can also get coffee at a coffee shop, that’s not the main thing they serve there haha).

Generally speaking it’s very safe, but always trust your gut feeling. If you don’t feel safe somewhere, or have a weird uncomfortable feeling, listen to it.

I hope this helps and that you have the best trip!

Have a great day, Manon

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15 Best Cities to Visit in the Netherlands

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 28, 2024

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

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

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

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

14. Eindhoven

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

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

13. Alkmaar

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

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

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

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

11. Den Bosch

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

10. Nijmegen

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

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

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

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

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

7. Groningen

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

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

6. Maastricht

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

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

5. Rotterdam

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2. The Hague

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

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

1. Amsterdam

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

See also: Where to Stay in Amsterdam

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

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

Map of cities in the Netherlands

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Reader interactions.

December 15, 2019 at 10:56 am

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

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The Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands That Aren’t Amsterdam

Cheese, tulips, and canal houses. Most of the almost 20 million yearly visitors to the Netherlands only hit up the postcard sights in and around Amsterdam before they whizz off to the next European capital.

But such a whirlwind tour of this small-but-mighty country doesn’t do it justice: Between its pancake-flat farmlands and snaking river systems, the interior of the Netherlands is filled with towns and villages offering culture in spades. There are medieval castles and churches aplenty; pastoral landscapes with windmills and tulip fields plucked straight out of an Old Master’s painting. Many of the country’s biggest cities have a history as rich as Amsterdam’s, and equally picturesque canal belts—pretty bridges, cobblestoned lanes, and all—without the busloads of tourists shuffling around. Cities such as Eindhoven and Rotterdam sit at the cutting edge of Dutch Design, while beyond the urban hubs, there are grassy polder lowlands, wildlife-rich national parks, and miles of dune-hemmed beaches to explore on foot, kayak, or bicycle.

And it won’t take you much—time-wise and budget-wise—to reach any of it. Thanks to the country's relatively small size and expansive public transport network, getting from A to B is easy and affordable. Below are 23 destinations, one in almost every corner of the country, to add to your next Netherlands itinerary.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Katherine LaGrave and Caitlin Morton.

Wrapped in the Dutch countryside within easy day-trip distance from Amsterdam, Zaandam once stood at the heart of the Dutch milling industry. Remnants of these glory days can be found at Zaanse Schans, a short drive north from downtown, where a stroll through its jumble of windmills and clapboard houses feels like stepping into a real-life version of an Old Masters painting. Downtown, the ubiquitous Zaan-style architecture has gotten a mind-bendingly modern makeover at the landmark Inntel Hotel (an Escher-esque mash-up of traditional Zaanse houses), and the Zaandam City Hall, which reinterprets the shapes of Zaanse houses into minimalist masterpieces.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Zaandam in 15 minutes.

For Dutch standards, the two-hour train ride to this northern city is a nearly impossible schlep, but the picturesque journey through rolling farmlands is well worth it. Criss-crossed with canals and dotted with monumental churches, Renaissance-era gardens, and warehouses dating back to the 16th century, Groningen is packed with history. But as one of the country’s main university towns, the city has a surprisingly forward-thinking nightlife scene too. Most of the action happens around de Grote Markt (Big Market) square, which hosts a lively fish and food market by day, and turns into a party hub after dark.

How to get there : Trains from Amsterdam with a transfer in Utrecht or Almere bring you to Groningen in about two hours.

Thought this place was pancake-flat? Most of it is, yes—but Maastricht and the surrounding Zuid Limburg countryside prove that there’s more to this land than polders and endlessly flat farmland. Start off in Maastricht, the country’s southernmost major city, where you can walk through centuries worth of history in its cathedrals and limestone mines. After, venture into the undulating hills, forests, and meadows of Zuid Limburg via picturesque towns such as Valkenburg and Gulpen, from which miles of walking and cycling trails roll into every direction. The area’s close proximity to Belgium and Germany make it possible to visit all three countries within a single day.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Maastricht in two and a half hours.

This tiny village in the country’s northeast is often referred to as the “ Venice of the Netherlands,”and it’s easy to see why. With its thatched-roof farmhouses and wooden arch bridges, Giethoorn seems to have come straight out of a fairytale. It’s best explored via its network of bike lanes and canals—either by boat, or by ice skating during the frozen winter months. For a lay of the land, make the Museum Giethoorn ’t Olde Maat Uus your first stop. Set in a former farm, this museum walks guests through Giethoorn’s fascinating history via historic artifacts, hand-written letters, and hands-on workshops on old-timey cottage crafts.

How to get there : Trains from Amsterdam bring you to Zwolle in about an hour, from where buses link to central Giethoorn.

This picturesque fishing village is Holland’s best-known for a reason: It’s filled with colorful wooden houses, bobbing fishing boats, and seafood stall after seafood stall dishing up fish and chips, smoked eel, and pickled herring piled high with onions (to be eaten like the Dutch: in a single gulp). Once you’ve had your share of Volendam, hop on a ferry across the Markermeer lake to Marken, another old-timey Dutch village on a small island some 30 minutes away.

How to get there : Bus 316 leaves from Amsterdam Central station and brings you to Volendam in around 30 minutes.

Imagine a scene of the bucolic Dutch countryside, and the village of Kinderdijk is probably what comes to mind. In other words: lots of windmills. The village’s 19 monumental mills were built in the early 18th century to prevent flooding and keep soil dry, and the mill network has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Some of the mills, including Blokweer and Nederwaard, are open to the public and function as fascinating museums that share a peek into the lives of the families that once inhabited them.

How to get there : Buses leave from Rotterdam and bring you to Kinderdijk in about 30 minutes.

Alkmaar has many intriguing museums and lots of medieval architecture worth checking out, but most visitors flock here for one reason: cheese. The town is known for its traditional cheese market, which takes place on Friday mornings from April to early September. There’s plenty to see in other months too, though: There’s a cheese museum located in the 16th-century Waagtoren tower, half a dozen hofjes (almshouses) with gorgeous courtyard gardens, and a handful of ornately decorated churches dating back to the 17th century.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Alkmaar in just over 30 minutes.

Haarlem’s cobbled streets and pretty canals make this northern Dutch city feel like Amsterdam without the tourist crowds. Even its museums are of a similar caliber, with the renowned Frans Hals Museum exhibiting pieces by Dutch Masters such as Frans Hals and Pieter Bruegel, and its ‘Hal’ wing showcasing contemporary works by international artists. There are historic churches, market squares and quaint hofjes to explore, while the miles of dunes rolling along the coast make for a perfect break away from the city.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Haarlem in 15 minutes.

De Hoge Veluwe National Park

This park is one of the largest in the Netherlands, and within its 13,343 acres, counts rare wildlife, some of the most iconic buildings in the country, and the Kröller-Müller Museum , which showcases a collection of nineteenth and twentieth century art in addition to the largest private collection of Van Goghs. Zoom around on a (free) white bike—the park has about 1,700 on loan at central locations.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Apeldoorn in an hour, from where buses link to various points around the park.

Wadden Sea Islands

The five islands in the Wadden Sea, part of an archipelago of about 50 islands that stretches all the way to Denmark , are some of the country’s best places to unplug. Each one has a unique character, but all deliver seaside tranquility in spades—windswept dunes, cheeky seals, frozen-in-time villages and all. Seek out Texel, the largest of the bunch, for its wildlife-rich nature reserves; opt for largely car-free Schiermonnikoog, if it’s beachside hiking you’re after; or plan a trip to Vlieland during its annual Into The Great Wide Open festival around September, which transforms the island into a giant laid-back music and arts exhibition.

How to get there : Ferries from different cities on the mainland (including Harlingen) with a seasonally-changing schedule bring you to each island in about one to one and a half hours.

If you make it this far up north to island hop around the Wadden Sea, it’s worth lingering in Leeuwarden, the capital city and main transport hub of the Friesland province. Stitched together by canals, its delightfully walkable city center is home to gorgeous historic architecture, including the Princessehof (the birthplace of illustrator M.C. Escher, and now a fascinating museum of ceramics) and the 16th-century Oldenhove tower, which tilts even further than the Tower of Pisa. Other buildings, such as the former Blokhuispoort jail, have become creative hubs. And just when you feel you've finally got a hang of the tongue-twisting Dutch language, you're in for a surprise: Frisian, not Dutch, is the dominant language here.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Leeuwarden in just over two hours.

You can’t visit the Netherlands and not seek out some of its famous technicolor tulips. There are many places around the country to view the beautiful flowers , but the Keukenhof Gardens (open from March to May) and sprawling fields around the town of Lisse are a sure thing. The floral frenzy is at its peak around mid-April, when the annual Bloemencorse Bollenstreek parade of flower-adorned floats will travel from Noordwijk to Haarlem, with a stop at the Keukenhof along the way.

How to get there : The Keukenhof Express bus from various locations around Amsterdam and Schiphol airport brings you to the Keukenhof in about 30 minutes.

Many people flock to Delft for its eponymous blue pottery, but don’t overlook the town’s Renaissance architecture and Vermeer Centre museum (the Dutch painter, famous for such works as Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Milkmaid , was born and died here). The compact size of its historic center make it a perfect spot for leisurely strolls: Stop for coffee along its canals, browse Delftware in its numerous boutiques, and sample cheeses at the cafe-lined Markt square in front of the Nieuwe Kerk, where a lively local market pops up every Thursday.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Delft in an hour.

If you like technology and design, head to Eindhoven, a southern city home to some of the country’s most envelope-pushing museums and design academies. Seek out the Van Abbemuseum for its modern and contemporary art; stop at industrial park-turned culture hub Strijp-S; and hit up the Inkijkmuseum , a micro-museum located in a former washhouse. The city is at its best during the yearly Dutch Design Week (the largest design fair in northern Europe), which takes over Eindhoven’s creative spaces every October .

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Eindhoven in just under one and half hours.

Utrecht’s historic canal houses have two stories, and its centuries-old wharf cellars now serve as spots to enjoy food and drinks at water level—something unique to this city. You can also enjoy the towering churches and cozy cafes of Utrecht by bicycle, as it’s one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world. It’s also the perfect place for history buffs, with sites like the Dom Tower and Centraal Museum offering glimpses into the country’s past.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Utrecht in 25 minutes.

Beemster Polder

About thirteen miles north of Amsterdam, the Beemster region is a prime example of a Dutch polder—a flat piece of green farmland formed by draining a body of water. Aside from its cultural significance (it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999), the Beemster Polder is a gorgeous landscape, complete with little canals, windmills, and lush green fields. Make sure to stop by Middenbeemster, which, like most towns in the country, is impossibly charming.

How to get there : Buses from various locations around Amsterdam bring you to the Beemster in about 30 minutes.

Holland’s second-largest city lost most of its heritage buildings during World War II bombings, but now leads the way in envelope-pushing architecture. Its skyline is a highlight reel of works by architecture greats such as Rem Koolhaas, who designed the gravity-defying De Rotterdam tower that soars above the Meuse river. Other standouts include the quirky cube houses ( for rent on Airbnb !) by Dutch architect Piet Blom; the horseshoe-shaped Markthal building by local architecture firm MVRDV; and the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, a bowl-shaped metallic edifice that’s home to the Boijmans Van Beuningen’s 151,000-piece art collection.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to Rotterdam in 45 minutes.

Located near the Belgian border in the province of Limburg, Thorn is another one of those postcard-pretty Dutch hamlets with cobblestone roads and ancient churches. What makes Thorn unique, though, is its whitewashed architecture; at the Thorn Museum in the center of town, you’ll learn why this all-white look was an ingenious form of Medieval tax evasion. The other can’t-miss attraction is the 10th-century abbey church, which throughout history grew into a tiny kingdom ruled by noblewomen.

How to get there : From Amsterdam, trains to Weert take about two and a half hours, from where buses connect you to Thorn.

Amsterdam may be the capital, but the Dutch parliament meets in this stunning city on the North Sea. Within its Gothic-style Inner Court lie some of the country’s best museums, including an homage to M.C. Escher and the Mauritshuis (which houses Girl with the Pearl Earring ). Most locals, though, flock to The Hague for its beaches: long stretches of sand lined with lively boulevards, seafood restaurants, and breezy beach clubs.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam bring you to The Hague in 50 minutes.

Handily located in the heart of the country, Amersfoort is one of those typically Dutch cities with heaps of medieval buildings and canals snaking through its center—but none of the crowds spilling out of tour buses on its doorstep. To get the lay of the land, climb up the centrally-located Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren tower, which at 321 feet is the second-highest church in the country. From here, you can plot your route past the city’s historic highlights, including the 15th-century turreted Koppelpoort gate, the St. Joris church on the Hof square, or the muurhuizen (“wall houses”) that drip with wisteria each spring.

It’s not all old, though: De Nieuwe Stad, a former toothpaste factory complex on the center’s perimeter, has been revamped as a ‘city-within-a-city’ packed with galleries, co-working spaces, and restaurants. It’s one of the reasons why Amersfoort bagged the European City of The Year title in 2023.

How to get there : Direct trains from Amsterdam take about 30 minutes to Amersfoort's central station.

With its windswept dunes, frothy seas, and miles of caramel-colored beaches, this coastal province in the Netherlands’ sparsely populated southwestern tip couldn’t look more different from the rest of the country. Local Dutch folks flock here year-round to uitwaaien (liberally translated as “clearing one's head”). During the balmy summer months, you’ll find them crowding the beach clubs of popular resort towns such as Cadzand or Vlissingen, while in the autumn you can join them for long, windy hikes along the lonely coasts of Burgh-Haamstede and Oranjezon.

How to get there : The intercity train between Amsterdam and Vlissingen (about 2.5 hours) makes stops in Middleburg (Zeeland’s capital) and various Zeeland towns along the way.

As a Dutch answer to The Hamptons, the Gooi region, a hilly sprawl of lakes and forests dotted with country estates and historic mansions, is a hideaway for the country’s well-heeled who’s-who. You can find them sipping rosé on terraces spilling out onto the cobblestoned streets of villages such as Laren and Blaricum, or taking their sailboats for a spin at the nearby Loosdrechtse lakes. But even if you’re not in their tax bracket, the Gooi has plenty to offer: Miles of cycling trails wind past historic castles and fortresses; routes for kayaks and stand-up paddle boards weave through gorgeous wetlands; and the freely accessible sculpture garden around the Singer Laren museum is home to eye-popping pieces by contemporary Dutch artists.

How to get there : Hilversum, about 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam, is the main getaway to the region. From here, buses and bicycle rentals connect to every corner.

De Biesbosch

The Netherlands might not be known as a wildlife destination, but De Biesbosch National Park , just southeast of Rotterdam, begs to differ. This sprawling patchwork of lakes, creeks, and riverine islands is one of Europe’s largest tidal wetlands and harbors a dazzling amount of wildlife. Rent a bike or kayak, or bring your walking boots, and map out a wildlife-spotting route over the well-marked trails that cross through forests and marshy flatland. To increase your chances of spotting the park’s most elusive residents such as owls, beavers, and wild boar, opt for a guided ‘safari’ at night, which can be arranged via the Visitors Center .

How to get there : Dordrecht is the main gateway to De Biesbosch, and is accessible by train from Amsterdam in about 1.5 hours. From there, you can take the Waterbus ferry or a BeverBuzz bus that operates seasonally in the summer months.

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10 best cities to visit in the Netherlands

Written by Maartje

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

The best cities to visit in the Netherlands

#1 amersfoort.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#5 Middelburg

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

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

#6 Den Bosch

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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7 Cities & Towns you Must Visit in the Netherlands

My time in the Netherlands came and went in a flash. But if we’re being particular it lasted 8 days and 7 nights, all of which were jam-packed. So if you’re wondering which cities you must visit in the Netherlands, these are my top picks.

Throughout my time here in the land of bicycles and miniature pancakes I was eager to see, do and taste as much as possible. Although I didn’t quite get to every pitstop I had planned, I did manage to see and do everything I wanted in each of the cities I did visit, making up for quality over quantity.

Let’s dive in!

Cities and towns you must visit in the Netherlands

An obvious starting point: Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most visited cities and with one picture or postcard, it isn’t hard to see why. This city, built on canals with wonky houses, would have to be one of the world’s most photographed cities if not  the most.  Be sure to wander around at leisure and leave yourself three days here (minimum) as there’s  a lot  to see and do. In terms of museums make sure you don’t miss the Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Elsewhere be sure to visit Singel Canal, Keizersgracht Canal, Vondelpark and Jordaan neighbourhood.

My next stop in the Netherlands was to catch the (30 minutes-ish) train ride to The Hague , which is better known to the Dutchies as  Den Haag.  As the centre for global judiciary decisions, I had been eager to visit since my first two years of law school (of which I dropped out of to complete a political science degree). This city was as grand as I had envisioned, with beautiful architecture and perfectly manicured gardens at every turn.

image via Flickr

You can reach Leiden by train from Amsterdam in less than 30 minutes, or by train from The Hague in just 10. Pronounced “LIE – DEN”, this city is a great pit stop if travelling between one Dutch city and another, dropping your bags at the train station and exploring for a day. With canals and quintessentially Dutch architecture, this is a great alternative to the tourist-heavy streets of Amsterdam.

By far the cutest city I came across in all of the Netherlands and even one of the most charming in all of Europe, I cannot believe it has taken me so many years of travel to discover Delft! Just a few minutes by train from The Hague, Delft has the charm of a small town with the benefits of a sizeable city nearby (not to mention some of the world’s best gelato!)

Described to me as Amsterdam’s cooler little sister, Utrecht is a city like no other in the Netherlands and perhaps even in Europe (though it kind of reminded me of the effortless coolness of Antwerp and Ghent in Belgium). Utrecht doesn’t have many sights or attractions, but has plenty of cool cafes, eateries and boutiques to discover. Its the kind of city you can visit and feel like a local within minutes.

Image via Flickr

Perhaps the “coolest” city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is in a league of its own. Modern and design-focused, Rotterdam was completely wiped out by the Germans in in 1940 as a sign of power to the rest of the country who might similarly meet the Germany army with resistance. For this reason Rotterdam is extremely unique to the Netherlands, as it does not have an old town centre or appear alike any of the other cities in the country, though it does have a widespread reputation for architecture and design.

Well and truly in the south of the Netherlands is Maastricht, another interesting city I discovered on my travels through the country and one that I found a great base to explore from. With a unique location near to the Belgium border and not far from France or Germany, this is a great city to base yourself in for day trips to explore nearby Cologne, Liege, and you could even travel down in to Luxembourg! The city itself warrants a couple of days to explore – Maastricht iss a beautiful city with a well-deserved gastronomic reputation. Of all the cities you must visit in the Netherlands, I think Maastricht is the most underrated.

Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries.

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17 Best cities in the Netherlands

This post is also available in: Dutch

The Netherlands has a lot more cool cities and towns that are worth visiting than you would think! Most tourists only visit Amsterdam, but there is more to explore in this tiny country. To give you some inspiration for your visit to my homecountry, I decided to write about the best cities to visit in the Netherlands. That’s why I also asked other travel bloggers about their favourite destinations in the Netherlands and which cities you definitely shouldn’t miss during a visit. It resulted in this pretty awesome article with the 17 best cities in the Netherlands! 🙂 

This article is perfect as an inspiration for your visit to the Netherlands! It includes cities that are an excellent alternative to Amsterdam, which is getting more and more touristic each year. Of course, Amsterdam is an amazing, beautiful city filled with history, canals and adorable streets. But did you know that there are plenty of other cities and towns in the Netherlands that also have these features, but are not touristic at all? Especially if you’re planning on visiting the Netherlands during the holidays, it’s smart to visit more than just the capital city. 

After each destination I’ve added some hotel recommendations. However, if you would rather want to experience living like a local in the Netherlands, I advice you to check out Airbnb. Often I find the most unique accommodations in great locations on Airbnb. If you haven’t used Airbnb before, use this link for a discount! That way I also get a discount on my next booking with them. A win/win situation! 🙂 

Enjoy your stay in the Netherlands!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. For more information please check our Disclosure page . 

1. Amsterdam: The capital city of the Netherlands

The first city in this listicle is an obvious one. Most tourists have actually only heard of Amsterdam. Often when I’m travelling overseas and I say that I’m from the Netherlands, I will get a puzzled face. But when I say “Amsterdam”, everyone knows what I’m talking about!

Amsterdam should definitely be in your itinerary when you visit the Netherlands for the first time! It’s one of the most touristic places in my country and it’s easy to see why so many people want to visit this city. All the beautiful canals, old houses in different sizes and shapes, a lot of art, museums and restaurants.

There is something to do for everyone in Amsterdam. From Amsterdam it’s also easy to visit other cities with the train or bus, so it’s a great central point to start your trip in the Netherlands. If you’re spending a few days in Amsterdam or doing a lot of day trips from here, it might be an idea to get the I Amsterdam City Card . Be sure to also read our article  Day Trip in Amsterdam with the I Amsterdam City Card to see if it’s worth it if you’re only spending one day in Amsterdam.

Hotel tips in Amsterdam

• Misc Eatdrinksleep:  a bit of a quirkier hotel at a canal. Check out the prices and availability  here .
• Hotel Estheréa: a hotel with an absolutely gorgeous interior. Check out the prices and availability  here .
• Ambasade Hotel: another amazing hotel at a canal. Check out the prices and availability  here .
• The Flying Pig Downtown Hostel: perfect if you’re on a budget. Check out the prices and availability  here .

2. Haarlem: The perfect day trip from Amsterdam

Photo and text by Brigitte from A Little Blonde in Paradise .

From Haarlem you can be in the center of Amsterdam within 15 minutes, but you can also set foot on the beach within 15 minutes. Sounds perfect, right? Haarlem is becoming a popular city for people that want to experience the Amsterdam feeling, but want to escape from all the tourists and chaos.

So what are the highlights of Haarlem? You must check out the main square of Haarlem, this is where it all happens. You will find plenty of fancy restaurants, the beautiful church and the city hall where you will often see people getting married. In my opinion, the most photogenic street is the Warmoestraat, just behind the main square. But there is more! Haarlem is the perfect city to wander around and get lost in the many beautiful hidden streets. You will see lots of courtyards with old authentic Dutch houses.

If you want to see more of the authentic Dutch architecture you should go for a walk along the river Spaarne and you will not be disappointed. Where you should go for food and drinks? Here are my some of my favourite brunch spots: Mica, ByLima, Anne&Max, Blender, Mogador Coffee,  Dodici, Fortuyn and Diga. They are not the standard tourist spots, they are a bit hidden and not all of them are located in the main center of Haarlem, but it is worth visiting them!

Hotel tips in Haarlem

• Amrâth Grand Hotel Frans Hals:  a centrally located hotel, close to all the touristic attractions. Check out the prices and availability here .
• Ambassador City Centre Hotel:  A family run hotel in the centre of Harlem, opposite of the Sint-Bavo church, close to the Grote Markt. Check out the prices and availability here .
• Amadeus Hotel : Another family run hotel, located in a historic building at the Grote Markt. Check out the prices and availability here .
• Hello I’m Local Boutique Hostel:  A cool hostel that is perfect if you’re on a budget. Check out the prices and availability here .

3. Rotterdam: Manhattan at the Maas

Photo and text by Lisanne from Weekends in Rotterdam ..

In the past, most tourists only paid a visit to Amsterdam and some barely even knew there was more to the Netherlands than our capital city. Nowadays, Rotterdam is getting more and more recognition for the cool city it is. Rotterdam is my hometown, and it’s funny to see hop on/hop off busses driving around and more and more tourists walking around on the streets. This definitely wasn’t the case just a mere three to four years ago.

Rotterdam is completely different from Amsterdam and any Dutch city. Because Rotterdam was bombed during the Second World War, it had to be build from scratch. A lot of renowned architects designed buildings for Rotterdam and you’ll be amazing by the crazy buildings in the city. For instance, the weird Cube Houses you see pictured above, or the large Markthal, De Rotterdam or the beautiful Erasmus bridge. Because of all those buildings, Rotterdam also has a beautiful skyline that actually resembles New York a bit. That’s why we also call Rotterdam  Manhattan aan de Maas  or Manhattan at the Maas.

TIP:  Are you visiting Rotterdam during the Eurovision Song Contest 2020? Then be sure to read this Eurovision Song Contest Guide for Rotterdam , it contains a lot of useful information about the song contest and practical information for your visit in general.

Hotel tips in Rotterdam

• Rotterdam Marriott Hotel: named best hotel of Rotterdam in 2018. Check out the prices and availability here .
• nhow Rotterdam: a cool hotel with urban art, architecture, design, fashion, photography and some of the best views of the city. Check out the prices and availability  here .
• CitizenM Rotterdam: a luxurious hotel with great views. Check out the prices and availability  here .
• Hostel ROOM Rotterdam: a very cool hostel and great if you’re on a budget. Check out the prices and availability  here .

Read this article for more unique hotels in Rotterdam .

4. Utrecht: Historic university city

Utrecht is a beautiful city that has a lot of historic buildings and structures. It’s actually one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. Utrecht is a great alternative to Amsterdam, as in this university city you can also find a lot of canals and “herenhuizen”, which are the traditional Dutch houses. This makes it the perfect city to walk around canals and exploring the beautiful historical buildings.

Many students in the Netherlands choose the University in Utrecht, and it’s no surprise when you see the gorgeous historical university buildings and the university botanical gardens.

Are you planning on visiting Utrecht? Be sure to check out these 20 things to do in Utrecht .

Hotel tips in Utrecht

• Grand Hotel Karel V:  a 5-star hotel in the center of the city. Check out the prices and availability here .
• De Hoendervorst:  this unique hotel has an excellent location in the center of Utrecht. You stay right at the canal in an old yard cellar. Check prices and availability here .
• BUNK Hotel Utrecht: in this hotel they offer bunk beds for different amount of people. It’s located very close to the city center and just 300 meters of TivoliVredenburg. Check out prices and availability here .
• Stayokay Utrecht centrum:  affordable hostel in a perfect location in the center of Utrecht. Check prices and availability here .

5. The Hague: The political capital of the Netherlands

Photo and text by Karen from Wanderlustingk .

The Hague is the former capital of the Netherlands and it’s a must for anyone interested in history. You can visit the working palace of the king, the Dutch parliament (my favourite free attraction here!), or visit one of the famous art museums. The historic city is very picturesque and compact, so it’s easy to walk around while enjoying the many cute shops. My favourite is a wine store called De Filosoof with a beautiful Persian cat that greets the visitors and waits by the register. Similarly, a popular attraction is the popular beach resort of Scheveningen for the views over the sea, strolling along the boardwalk, or going surfing. One of the coolest parts about this city is that you can do both in one day and that it doesn’t feel as touristy as Amsterdam.

Another cool thing about the Hague is how international it is. Most of the consulates and embassies in the Netherlands in the Hague, so you hear many languages on the street and you’ll find food from all over the world (that you can’t find elsewhere in the Netherlands). The diversity and beauty of the Hague make it so appealing for visitors looking for a day trip.

Hotel tips in The Hague

• Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus The Hague Scheveningen:  beautiful hotel on the boulevard, only 3 minutes from the beach. Check out the prices and availability  here .
• NH Den Haag:  this elegant hotel is located 15 minutes from the central station.  Check out the prices and availability  here .
• Student Hotel The Hague:  perfect combination of co-living and co-working. Check out the prices and availability here .   

6. Dordrecht: The oldest city of the Netherlands

Photo and text by Leo of Safari Nomad

Dordrecht, the seaport and the oldest city in Holland, is located on an island and is bordered by five different rivers. In the past it was an important city with a trade in wood, cereals and wine, yet the culture and its wealth is still visible today (monuments, museums, theatres, etc.). Today the city is principally known for shipbuilding, wood and steel industry.

The city is rich in history, so there are a number of museums, monuments and fantastic historical buildings. Very interesting activity there is sailing through the old harbours on an electric boat, which takes you past houses built in the water and under bridges. Must sees are the Great Church and collection of paintings of the Dordrechts Museum. From the Groothoofd there is a gorgeous view of the rivers’ intersections.

Nearby there is a nature reserve National Park De Biesbosch, consisting of many waterways, islands, lakes and marshes. Here you can enjoy plenty of outdoor opportunities, such as hiking, cycling, kayaking and even bird watching. You can rent a boat and explore the beauty or go horse back riding.

Hotel tips in Dordrecht

• Villa Augustus: this unique hotel is a former water tower. All the rooms have a beautiful view, either over the river or a vegetable garden. Check prices and availability here .
• B&B Op Ut Hoekie: excellent location in the center of Dordrecht. Each room has a cute little balcony. Check prices and availability here .
• Oranjepark: excellent location in the center of Dordrecht. The hotel is a beautifully renovated building. Check prices and availability here .

7. Delft: an idyllic town in the Netherlands

Delft is mostly known for it’s traditional blue and white ceramics, also known as  Delfts blauw . Other than that, Delft has a beautiful old city center and is a picturesque town. The city was built around a canal known as Oude Delft  or Old Delft and many more canals were build later on. Delft is perfect as a city trip from either Rotterdam or Amsterdam, but it’s certainly also worth it to stay here for a couple of nights.

What are things to do in Delft? Visit the Nieuwe Kerk, Oude Kerk and the Main Square, three historic highlights in the middle of the center. At the main square you can buy local products and explore a buzzing part of town. Or try out chocolates at a chocolaterie, go shopping for ceramics at one of the cute shops or explore the town by boat or bicycle!

Hotel tips in Delft

• Hotel de Plataan Delft Centrum:  located in the historic center of Delft and is one of the greenest hotels in the country. Check out the prices and availability  here .
• Hotel Johannes Vermeer Delft:  located in an old cigar factory in the center, close to many monuments, museums and shopping areas. Check out the prices and availability here .

8. Breda: A city with an amazing vibe

Photo and text by Eva Jansen from Guided by Curiosity .

Breda is a city that has an amazing vibe. It’s great for delicious food, shopping and taking walks. For example, there is a huge choice of restaurants; my favourites include Bar Lucca, Girasole, The Tiger Club, Zuyd and Beers & Barrels. Fancy something sweet? Then go for a piece of cheesecake at the cozy In kannen & Kruiken. Best in town!

Breda regularly hosts fun events, such as Breda Barst, BredaPhoto, Cultuurnacht and Breda Jazz. The Stedelijk Museum Breda is also recommended for a (first) time visit in Breda. Do you prefer to explore nature? Within a few minutes you are at the beautiful Mastbos where you can make beautiful walks.

Hotel tips in Breda

• Hotel Nassau:   a special and luxurious hotel, located in an old monastery right in the center of Breda. Check out the prices and availability  here .
• Bliss Boutique Hotel:  a four star, contemporary boutique hotel in the center of Breda. Check out the prices and availability here .

9. Den Bosch: Experience the traditions and heritage of The Netherlands

Written by Jasmine Buckley of The Life of a Social Butterfly.

Despite its location only an hour by train outside Amsterdam, Den Bosch (or ‘S Hertogenbosch) is often a city overlooked by tourists visiting The Netherlands.

Den Bosch is a wonderful city to visit for those looking for a glimpse into the traditions and heritage of The Netherlands. A city filled with old-world charm, a myriad of quaint cobblestone streets and scenic canal routes meandering beneath the surface. Den Bosch is the place to discover unique art, shop in local Dutch stores and enjoy a traditional Bossche Bol (a delicacy from Den Bosch, which is a chocolate-covered puff pastry filled with whipped cream). The best place to enjoy a Bossche Bol is at confectioners Jan De Groot.

One of the best-loved things about The Netherlands is the canals and Den Bosch is no exception. Take a boat tour of the medieval Binnendieze and pass beneath centuries-old buildings, whilst listening to the intriguing tales of the city’s past.

Gothic St John’s Cathedral, Old City Hall and the Markt Square give visitors a taste of an old-world Netherlands. Market days are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays if you want to get a feel for Dutch life in the city.

If you’re not exploring the quaint streets Molenstraat and Uilenberg, be sure to check out Den Bosch’s unique local stores and restaurants on Korte Putstraat. Robbies is the city’s most popular concept store. Locals in Den Bosch are proud of their heritage and you will find an array of intriguing local stores that you will not find elsewhere in The Netherlands. Read more about shopping in Den Bosch here .

Hotel tips in Den Bosch

• Uylenhof Hotel:  this unique hotel is positioned over an arched canal bridge with beautifully furnished luxury apartments located a stone’s throw away from the city’s main attractions. Check prices and availability here .
• Hotel Julien:  this is a perfect hotel for couples. The location is perfect and the rooms are comfortable and beautiful. Check prices and availability here .
• Best Western Plus City Centre Hotel Den Bosch: this hotel is located right in the center of Den Bosch. Check out prices and availability here .

10. Zwolle: Old Hanzestad filled with cute boutiques and cafes

Photo and text by Lotte of Phenomenal Globe.

Zwolle is a lovely city located in the northeast of the Netherlands which can easily be reached by train from both Utrecht and Amsterdam. I know Zwolle very well, as I went to high school in Zwolle and still visit the city about once a month, as many of my friends live there.

Zwolle was founded around 1000 AD and given city rights in 1230. The city is home to approximately 130.000 residents and is the capital of the province Overijssel. There is a beautiful old city center surrounded by canals.

One of the must sees is the impressive Sassenpoort, which is listed in the top 100 of national monuments (and rightly so!). A great activity to do in Zwolle is to make a boat tour through the canals surrounding the city center. Alternatively you can climb the 75 meter high Peperbus (which obviously earned its nickname because it looks like a large pepper shaker).

Zwolle is also a great place to go shopping. You can find all most chains shops in the Diezerstraat, but make sure to wander around the little alleys branching of this street as there are lots of cute boutiques, such as Moonloft, with unique items!

Zwolle has lots of cute restaurants, cafes and bistros. I recommend Proefiz for lunch and Poppe for dinner. On a hot day, make sure to buy an ice cream at Salute, but be warned, the line can be long (always an indication something must be delicious and is worth queuing for).

Hotel tips in Zwolle

• Pillows Grand Hotel Ter Borch: this hotel has an excellent location in Zwolle. Check prices and availability here .
• Hotel Lumen Zwolle:  great service in a beautiful modern hotel. Check prices and availability here .

11. Gouda:  More than just the cheese!

Photo and text by Chrysoula of  Historic European Castles .

While most people only know Gouda in The Netherlands for its namesake cheese, there is actually a lot going on in this southern Dutch city for discerning travellers to enjoy. Of course, the weekly Gouda Cheese Market will be a real highlight (and will be where you want to stock up on cheesy souvenirs!), but the town’s historic buildings and museums are also well worth a visit.

The majority of Gouda’s historic highlights are located in and around the Markt Square which allows you to easily visit all the top sights in one go. Gouda’s Church of St. John is a breath-taking work of architecture, with stone columns and archways as well as epic stained-glass windows that have survived since the 15th century. The Gouda Stadhuis that stands in the centre of the Markt square is one of the most impressive buildings in the town, with a picturesque Gothic style making it unbelievably photogenic!

The Gouda Museum is another top spot with pottery, paintings and porcelain dating back to the 1800s. The Red Lion Windmill (Molen De Roode Leeuw) is a favourite sight in Gouda among travellers, with the sails moving gracefully around and reflecting in the nearby waters of the canal. This is a quintessential image of the Netherlands that will be one for the photo albums!

For those who want to enjoy the great outdoors, walks along the canal and through the Goudse Wood are a wonderful way to while away a few hours.

Last but by no means least, travellers visiting Gouda simply must try a delicious stroopwafel, a sticky, sweet layered treat that you’ll find in every cafe and bakery around the town!

Hotel tips in Gouda

• Anna aan de Motte:  this 5-star hotel is located just 300 meters of the Market and the old city hall. Check out prices and availability here .

12. Groningen: A city in the Netherlands you shouldn’t skip!

Photo and text by Daphne de Vries .

Groningen is a city that is often overlooked. Too far away from the rest of the Netherlands and that’s why people often opt for a different city. It’s a shame, because Groningen is very nice and has a lot to offer!

When in Groningen, be sure to visit the Folkingestraat & Zwanestraat, both voted the best shopping street in the Netherlands, and stroll through the fine, narrow streets. Go shopping or relax at terraces around the Vismarkt and on the Grote Markt. Stroll along the beautiful mansions in the Brug- and Astraat and along the Hoge and Lage der A. Enjoy the Noorderplantsoen, climb the Martini Tower and visit the Groninger Museum. Do you travel with children? Be sure to visit the Comic book Museum. Do not forget to get a pie at Bij Britta, have a drink at De Uurwerker, have lunch at Pernikkel and dine at Dot!

Hotel tips in Groningen

• The Student Hotel Groningen: just outside of the busy center, but still in walking distance of everything. Check out the prices and availability here .
• City Hotel Groningen: great location, as it’s in walking distance of touristic attractions. Check out the prices and availability here .

13. Maastricht: the most Southern city in the Netherlands

Photo and text by Sophie of Solo Sophie.

The most Southerly city in the Netherlands is that of Maastricht, a beautiful Dutch destination which is surrounded by rolling green hills and close to the border with both Germany and Belgium. Entirely different from the equally beautiful cities of Holland, the Dutch Limburg Capital boasts plenty of attractions, including walking opportunities, foodie experiences, and plenty of history.

Maastricht is perfect for a long weekend break, and not just because the city is easy to reach and even easier to get around (almost all of the city’s major things to do can be reached on foot, or better yet, by bicycle). Instead, highlights include taking a guided tour of the Maastricht Underground tunnels (a maze of underground routes covering over 10 km under the city), experiencing the free to visit Helpoort (the last medieval gate Maastricht has to offer), finding the best view of the city (be sure to head up the red tower of Sint-Janskerk), and shopping in Boekhandel Dominicanen (a bookstore housed in a former church). If you’re feeling a little peckish, then a trip to Bread and Delicious is an absolute must, while those who love luxury will enjoy the fact that 80% of Maastricht’s hotels are rated four-star or above!

For more inspiration for your time in Maastricht, be sure to read Sophie’s article with things to do in Maastricht !

Hotel tips in Maastricht

• Le Theatre Hotel:  this hotel has an excellent location in the center of Maastricht, directly at the Vrijthof. Check prices and availability here .
• Townhouse Maastricht:  this hotel has an excellent location in the center and has an eco-certificate of Planeet Care. Check prices and availability here .

14. Deventer: A Dutch city with amazing events

Photo and text by Kristy from Tassie Devil Abroad .

Deventer was part of the Hanseatic League; a trade union created by seven Dutch towns situated on the river IJssel during the 14th and 15th centuries. This union led to enormous prosperity and today all of these cities are worth a visit to see the beauty and history on display. Especially Deventer!

Deventer is full of beautiful old architecture and home to some great museums, art galleries and churches. It’s also the host of some fantastic yearly festivals. For instance, Deventer op Stelten, Deventer Boekenmark and the Dickens Festijn. During Deventer op Stelten the town hosts performers from around the world (many on stilts) for a weekend every July. Deventer Boekenmarkt is the largest book market in Europe and is held on the first Sunday of August. The town hosts around 878 book-stalls, with many rare and very old books on display and available to buy. And every year on the weekend before Christmas the Dickens Festijn (Dickens Festival) dresses up the historic Bergkwartier in Christmas finery and more than 950 characters are brought to life!

Hotel tips in Deventer

• Grand Boutique Hotel Huis Vermeer:  great location and is situated opposite of the Lebuniuskerk. Check out the prices and availability  here .

15. Giethoorn: The Dutch city without roads

Photo and text by Daniel Green from Cultural Trekking .

Giethoorn is a small town, about a 3-hour train ride North of Amsterdam. You may know Giethoorn as the Venice of the North or The city without roads. To get from house to house you must travel by boat. In the springtime it’s filled with flowers, budding trees, birds, and is often the location that is sought after for a Make a Wish Destination.

As I was here in the off-season, I was unsure if I would be able to take a tour of this unique city. I climbed onto the boat with four other passengers, which I was told was quite unusual. Normally, the boats in the spring are overflowing with tourists and the canals of Giethoorn are crammed with boats.

Our boat driver told us that this was once a Peat Moss farming community, which turned the area into lakes and ponds. The people of that time built their houses on the islands between the ponds. Giethoorn was named as such, due to the farmers unearthing ancient goat horns, they believe are from the flood that occurred in 1170. The name of Geytenhoren was given, and later was changed to Giethoorn.

Giethoorn holds a community of green thumb inhabitants. It’s a beautiful place, with beautiful people. The cottages on their peat moss mounds, the rolling clouds lazily floating by. It was almost as if I fulfilled my own Make a Wish dreams.

Interested in visiting Giethoorn? Be sure to check out some of the tours! Check out prices and availability here .

Hotel tips in Giethoorn

• Hotel de Harmonie:  charming, beautiful family run hotel. Check out the prices and availability  here .
• Hotel B&B d’Olde Smidse: great location and has a terrace and possibilities for water sport activities. Check out the prices and availability here .

16. Leiden: Rembrandt’s birthplace and historic university city

Photo and text by Katy from Untold Morsels .

The historic university city of Leiden has many favourite Dutch icons in one neat package. Like Amsterdam, Leiden is built on a series of canals and waterways. So one of the best things to do is simply wander the streets and over bridges and admire the 17th century architecture. You won’t be able to resist stopping for a coffee or beer at one of the many canal side cafés in Leiden. We liked Vlot Grand – a cafe that actually sits on the water.

Leiden is famous for its university where Einstein often taught and being Rembrandt’s birthplace. And it was there that the Pilgrims raised the money needed to lease the Mayflower for their famous journey to the New World. Today the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum is one of many museums in the city. Dutch windmills are gorgeous and you can see one working right in the heart of Leiden. Molen De Valk, houses a museum and if you climb to the top there are beautiful views of the city. But for many people, fields of colourful tulips are the reason they visit the Netherlands. Leiden is the perfect base if you want to visit the nearby Keukenhof gardens in spring as it is right in the heart of tulip country.

Hotel tips in Leiden

• Hotel de Doelen:  lovely boutique hotel in an historic building overlooking the Rapenburg canal. Check out the prices and availability  here .
• Boutique Hotel d’Oude Morsch:  a historic, yet contemporary hotel at the edge of the center of Leiden. Check out the prices and availability here .
• De Barones Van Leyden:  an intimate four star hotel in the center of Leiden. Check out the prices and availability  here .

17. Edam: A buzzing fishing town

Photo and text by Inma of A World to Travel .

In the commune of Edam-Volendam, in the province of North Holland (north of Amsterdam), Edam is a small town that is well worth visiting. Especially in the warmer months of the year, from mid-spring to mid-autumn, when its streets are filled with people who enjoy its nature, take walks along its canals, drink coffee on its terraces and – among many other things – also try their cheese.

If you dare, a great experience is to explore Edam with the e-chopper. Last month I had the opportunity to do a bike tour from Oosthuizen to Edam, and it was one of the highlights of my trip through this region. At your own pace, and on roads that barely have traffic, you can understand how Holland gained ground to the sea, building polders that would retain it as it walks along the edge, appreciating the difference in sea level in relation to the country (significantly sunk).

Other popular activities in Edam – which was as important as Amsterdam, Hoorn and Enkhuizen in the past – include visiting the Volendam Museum, the Cheese Factory Volendam and taking a ride on the Rederij Volendam Marken Express ferry service. Enjoy!

Hotel tips in Edam

• l’Auberge Damhotel:  located conveniently on the Keizersgracht, this hotel is perfect to explore Edam. Check prices and availability here .

Other Dutch cities that are worth a visit

Even though this article is named the best cities in the Netherlands, it’s not completely true that the above cities are the absolute best to visit in the Netherlands. These cities are definitely highlights and most definitely worth a visit, but it’s just not possible to make an accurate list of all the cities in the Netherlands and saying that one is better than the other. Actually, there are many more cool cities and towns in the Netherlands that are definitely worth a visit! For instance Nijmegen, Arnhem, Eindhoven, Volendam, Middelburg, Muiden – just to name a few! This list could go on and on.

But the above list is definitely a great place to start for your visit in the Netherlands! Still in need for some more inspiration? Check out these 16 Cool Day Trips in the Netherlands .

Have you ever been to the Netherlands? What is your favourite city in my homecountry and what do you consider to be the best city in the Netherlands? 

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19 comments.

Thank you for sharing! Am really excited to visit some of the cities mentioned. Countdown to my trip in 5 days!!! Looking forward to visit Keukenhof!

Giethoorn is a truly beautiful place. It’s like story tale village. Without any disturbance we can enjoy. And ya.. flowers, trees, birds, and of course houses. Each scene … Woow. Really nice article.

This is so helpful! My husband and I met in Utrecht 15 years ago and are going back for our anniversary in the spring. We’ve got seven days and will make day trips to several of these places. If you were staying 3-4 nights in Utrecht, where would you stay the other 3-4 nights as a base? We’ve been to Amsterdam so many times, we don’t need to spent anymore time there, so were thinking Giethoorn but I’d love your advice! I’ve been to several of these towns like Zwolle and Leiden but it’s been so many years, I don’t remember them at all so I’d love to revisit a few.

I have only been to Amsterdam and Haarlem. I knew I missed a lot, but this is a good reminder that it is time for another trip to the Netherlands. You highlighted so many lovely cities, and many I had never heard of before.

Last summer we spent 14 days in the Netherlands. We were able to visit 4 locations on this list. Although Giethoorn was picturesque, in retrospect I would have skipped it. The paths along the canals are narrow and the throngs of tourists can make for slow walking. The charm of this location is easily enjoyed as a half day trip or for some lunch.

Hi Kiesha, I agree that Giethoorn is perfect for a shorter trip, especially in high season/during holidays when there are a lot of tourists! Thanks for your comment and for sharing your experience :).

love that you mentioned Groningen. not many tourists visit Groningen which is such a shame. it has such a unique vibe with the students, eateries and scenery.

Maastricht is another beautiful city in the south of holland, close to the Belgium border.

What a great round-up, I’m inspired to make a return trip to the Netherlands. Thanks for sharing some of the lesser-visited spots!

I want to visit ALL of these! I’ve only seen Amsterdam and I’ve had Delft on our list for ages, but now I’ll definitely be adding Groningen and Giethoorn. They look beautiful! My parents are currently living in Amsterdam, so I’ll be emailing them a link to your suggestions. I’m sure they’d love to check these out! 🙂

I’m heading to Amsterdam in May for 4 days but now I’m going to add Rotterdam and Hague to the itinerary. I cannot wait to see the skyline in Rotterdam, who knew it had so much architecture?! Thank you, this list is AMAZING!

I wish we had that list when we got stranded in Amsterdam last week with the beast from the east we had 4 extra days to explore and we are most def planning to go back and visit some of these gorgeous places

Ohh hope you still had a lovely time in Amsterdam, even though you got stranded there! Thanks 🙂

Great list! I live close to the dutch boarder and planned to see more from the Netherlands this year. Giethoorn and Rotterdam is on top of my list. Thanks for sharing 🙂

I still need to visit Giethoorn myself, but really want to! Thanks Maike 🙂

I loved this guide. I’m hoping to visit the Netherlands for the first time this year, and you’ve really opened my eyes to going beyond Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Will definitely be coming back to this post for some travel planning advice.

Thanks Alice!! I hope you do go beyond Amsterdam & Rotterdam and find the charms of the other Dutch towns and villages 🙂

WOw, each of these cities sound so cool and look beautiful! I really need to get over to the Netherlands. Thanks for this great list!

Yes, come visit! 😀

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

February 13, 2020 by Karen Turner 47 Comments

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

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

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

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

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

Baarle-Nassau

Schiermonnikoog.

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

Best Places to Visit in Noord Holland

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

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

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

Haarlem: An easy day trip from Amsterdam

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

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

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

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

Click for my complete guide to Haarlem.

Muiden: the perfect day trip from amsterdam.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click for a complete guide to Leiden

‘s-Hertogenbosch / Den Bosch:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Den Haag / The Hague

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click for a one day guide to the Hague

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click for a complete guide to Gouda 

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

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

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

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

Click for a complete guide to Rotterdam

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

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

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

Read more about Maastricht here .

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

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

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

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

Central cities to visit in the Netherlands

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

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

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

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

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

Click for my guide to a day trip to Utrecht .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click for information on visiting Giethoorn from Amsterdam.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About Karen Turner

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

Reader Interactions

May 13, 2017 at 8:37 pm

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

May 13, 2017 at 8:45 pm

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

May 13, 2017 at 8:53 pm

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

May 13, 2017 at 9:07 pm

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

May 13, 2017 at 9:16 pm

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

May 13, 2017 at 9:48 pm

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

May 13, 2017 at 9:49 pm

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

May 13, 2017 at 10:15 pm

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

May 14, 2017 at 12:18 am

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

May 14, 2017 at 12:36 am

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

May 14, 2017 at 9:05 am

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

May 14, 2017 at 6:29 pm

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

May 14, 2017 at 10:19 pm

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

May 14, 2017 at 11:17 pm

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

May 15, 2017 at 10:31 am

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

May 15, 2017 at 11:13 am

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

May 15, 2017 at 12:16 pm

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

May 15, 2017 at 6:05 pm

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

May 15, 2017 at 8:05 pm

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

May 15, 2017 at 11:07 pm

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

July 30, 2017 at 1:51 am

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

May 15, 2017 at 8:14 pm

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

May 15, 2017 at 11:06 pm

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

May 15, 2017 at 8:49 pm

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

May 19, 2017 at 3:14 am

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

May 19, 2017 at 8:27 am

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

May 20, 2017 at 3:01 pm

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

May 21, 2017 at 5:56 pm

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

May 24, 2017 at 10:30 am

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

June 18, 2017 at 3:53 pm

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

June 29, 2017 at 2:10 pm

Oh my God nice pictures thanks for shear it.

July 15, 2017 at 1:19 pm

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

July 17, 2017 at 11:40 am

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

July 30, 2017 at 2:39 am

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

August 21, 2017 at 11:45 am

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

November 3, 2017 at 2:58 pm

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

July 13, 2018 at 5:27 pm

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

July 13, 2018 at 5:28 pm

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

Watch for a guide this month!

Best, Karen

September 19, 2018 at 1:06 am

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

September 15, 2019 at 10:12 pm

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

October 23, 2019 at 9:54 pm

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

October 24, 2019 at 11:37 am

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

August 16, 2020 at 11:12 pm

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

June 20, 2024 at 4:32 am

I was recently touring around in the south and east and fell in love with Breda, Zutphen, Dordrecht, Amersfoort, Den Bosch and Bergen Op Zoom. I’m planning on buying a second home in one of those. any recommendations as to which would be the best choices for a senior gay couple?

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

[…] write about expat related issues.  If you’re looking for pragmatic, helpful, and honest tips for travel in Europe, you’re in the right place.   If you want to read some more inspiring guides to Paris, […]

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Top 5 cities to visit in the Netherlands

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

1. Rotterdam

2. the hague, 5. amsterdam, travel ideas for netherlands, created by local experts.

The best of the Netherlands and Belgium

This trip will bring you the best of two countries: the Netherlands and Belgium. From the quaint streets, canals and windmills of Holland to beer and Belgium chocolate tasting in three beautiful Belgium cities. This trip has it all.

Experience the Liberation Route in BeNeLux

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Related articles from the blog

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

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

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

Start planning your trip by choosing your accommodation with our guide to the best places to stay in Amsterdam .

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

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

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

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

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7 top destinations for a cheap holiday from the Netherlands

We know. It’s cold , it’s windy, it’s rainy in the Netherlands right now. We also know you love the Holland – but there’s nothing wrong with a temporary sea change! But it’s even better if you can do a holiday the Dutch way: extra-cheap.

One of the best things about the Netherlands is its central location – and that a plethora of budget airlines and bus services keep you well connected to the rest of Europe.

So here you go: pack a budget lunch of bread and leverworst , and roll your carry-on alongside your bike to your local transport hub. These are the top four destinations for a mini holiday on a budget from the Netherlands!

Mediterranean Malta

Craving clear blue skies? Hop on a flight to Malta, one of the more undiscovered tourist spots of Europe. If you’re seeking incredible historical temples and churches, spooky underwater caves, and markets, museums, and incredible islands, Malta is the place for you.

This Mediterranean archipelago has three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. Never fear, any island is a safe bet for stunningly blue seas and an all-around relaxing time. Gorge yourself on the freshest seafood, take in the views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, or go diving in the shipwreck of HMS Maori, sunken by the Germans in WWII.

How to get there:  RyanAir currently have direct flights from Maastricht for just 53 euros return – bargain!

Baths of Budapest

Budapest might just be one of the most breathtaking cities of Europe. Not only is it blessed with absolutely incredible architecture, a place to promenade along the Danube, and mouthwatering wine and food, but you can literally go to this city just to take a bath: grand Art-Nouveau style thermal baths that is.

This city is the perfect blend of fascinating history and incredible new design. You can spend hours trawling independent design shops with a minimalist, contemporary style, a stark contrast to the historical city outside. Also a plus: Hungarians are ridiculously fun to hang out with.

How to get there:  WizzAir fly direct from Eindhoven with flights from just 72 euros return.

Sparkling Spain

It’s not the cheapest option on the list, but it sure is cheaper than the Netherlands! You also have a bunch of options: would you prefer to visit the port city of Malaga, famous for its resorts and yellow-sand? How about Mediterranean Valencia, which effortlessly blends unique science and jaw-dropping beaches?

Perhaps flamenco-dancing in Seville is enough to seduce you, or the cobblestones and azulene waters of Alicante in Spain’s south-east? No matter your choice (and there are many!) head to the land of tapas,  cervezas , and sangria for a mouthwatering, sun-filled trip from the Netherlands.

How to get there:  Return flights to Malaga start from just 95 euros, and other cities follow closely.

Rolling hills of Romania

“I want to suck your winter blues away!” said a lesser-known cousin of Dracula. That’s right, next on our list is glorious Romania, known for its medieval towns, twisting roads, and the forested region of Transylvania. The capital of Romania, Bucharest, is a vibrant city, overlooked by the Palace of Parliament, built during the Communist era by the dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, now the largest administrative building in the world.

But there’s so much more to Romania than its stunning capital. Rent a car and travel the twisting mountain roads of the Transfăgărășan, supposedly the world’s best mountain road according to Top Gear. See Brasov, a medieval walled town bursting with designers and great food. Stroll the colorful streets of Sighisoara, or indulge in the nightlife of Cluj-Napoca!

How to get there:  you’re in luck! WizzAir have flights departing from Eindhoven to Timisoara from just 88 euros, return ! BONUS: Romania is cheap as chips.

Picture-perfect Portugal

Perfect if you’re looking for something just a bit warmer than the Netherlands, Portugal is a seaside sensation. While a little bit more expensive than other countries that made the list, Portugal is vibrant, colourful, and energetic. And the Portuguese? They are the BEST.

The capital of Lisbon features beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and the famous yellow trams. But go further! Travel north to Porto – any city that invents alcoholic beverages is a pretty good city for a holiday in my books. In Porto, walk the high bridges across stunning blue rivers, wander the docks, and get day-drunk on the best port wine around.

Venture out of the mainstream cities of Portugal during the day to find breathtaking beaches, the water dotted with surfers, or, wander the city streets, lit with colourful lanterns, at night. Portuguese people are vibrant, lively, and welcoming, so make it your goal to meet some locals!

How to get there:  Keep an eye out for cheap flights! RyanAir currently has them from just 104 euros , but Vueling and Transavia can get you there too.

Captivating Czechia

Known until recently as the Czech Republic, Czechia will surprise you with its modern architecture combined with old-world charm. The capital of Prague is the place to be – indulge in long walks along the riverbanks, spire sightseeing, and the ultimate Czech street food, fried goat cheese.

Lonely Planet compares Prague to Paris, and it’s undoubtedly true. This is a city of romance, but also of great beer. Even better, is the food in bars and restaurants is incredibly cheap – this is a country you can gain some kilos because it all tastes amazing and it’s ridiculously cheap. A real food lovers dream city!

But there’s more to Czechia. Check out the views from Prague’s TV tower, listen to the buskers at the John Lennon Wall, and try hot chocolates that will ruin all other hot chocolates. A quick train ride will take you to Kutna Hora, a delightfully misty town directly out of a novel, and home to a church furnished and decorated with over 40,000 peoples bones.

How to get there:  hop on a bus and take a (long) nap – FlixBus and RegioJet get you there from 47 euros!

Picturesque Poland

What comes to mind when you think of Poland? It’s had an undoubtedly long history. But what should come to mind? Amazing culture, preserved historical artifacts, and ridiculously gorgeous cities.

Poland is huge! But it has some great key cities that should not be missed in your lifetime and is the perfect break from your Holland home. Better yet, while Poland is home to the eighth largest economy in the EU, it’s still ridiculously cheap. It’s also insanely easy to travel around this country thanks to various cheap bus services that are surprisingly comfortable.

Poland is beautiful, but the food is even better. Eat out at a ‘bar mleczny’, a milk bar that carries over from poor economic times, but today offers great, home-style meals at unbelievable prices. Then, once you are refueled, get out and explore the toy-box houses of the coastal city Gdansk, the medieval walls of Krakow, or the modernized Warsaw, almost completely rebuilt after heavy bombing in WWII. Poland is rich with history and culture, make the Polish giggle with your interpretations of their complex language (one of the hardest to learn in the world), and take delight in this storybook of a country.

How to get there:  flights from Groningen start from just 41 euros!

What great cheap holiday breaks did we miss? Tell us your top picks for time away from NL, or even for a Dutch Staycation in the comments!

Editor’s Note: This piece was published in February 2018 but was fully updated in January 2020 for your reading pleasure. Feature Image: Ross Parmly /Unsplash

[…] there you have it guys. Don’t forget to grab your diaries and start planning your holidays. Also, don’t forget to triple check with your child’s school – just in case they […]

Hi guys! Big fan here.

I have a friendly advise – fix the numbering of the destinations. Curently it’s 1) Romania, no number Portugal, no number Czechia, 2) Poland.

Kind regards!

Transfagarasan road is not open during the winter. Make sure to check before driving to Romania.

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Holland vs. Netherlands: Tricky Naming for Different Places

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When you hear the word "Holland," you probably envision brightly colored tulips, winding canals, windmills , cheese and even those adorable wooden shoes. Hearing "the Netherlands" might also conjure the same images, which could lead to some Holland vs. Netherlands confusion.

Worry not! We can clear up this confusion pretty quickly. And along the way, you'll learn a few things about the the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a place in Europe that boasts high agricultural output, canals, liberal politics and lots and lots of bicycles.

A Plain and Simple Answer

Holland and the netherlands: trade routes and loose talk, early history in holland and the netherlands, the dutch golden age, the netherlands today, the people of the netherlands.

Although Holland has become colloquially synonymous with the Netherlands (and the Dutch government even uses Holland.com as its official travel website), it's actually just a region of the northwestern European country.

The Holland region — which boasts the densely populated and well-known cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague (Den Haag) — is often thought of as its own country. You might have thought that yourself before reading this article.

Technically, you'd be wrong, but but don't feel too bad about it. Even some Dutch citizens aren't totally clear on that question.

So, when did this confusion of names first begin? We can trace one story back to Dutch sailors who traversed the open seas during the Golden Age in search of new land, trade routes and spices.

When asked what country they were from, the sailors were known to say they were from "Noord Holland" or "Zuid Holland" (that's North Holland or South Holland), which made many outsiders believe Holland was a country.

We can probably forgive those outsiders; after all, reference books and up-to-date atlases were in short supply back then. But even geography and history mavens weren't always right, and for good reason: The Kingdom of the Netherlands itself has gone through many name changes over the years, adding to the confusion.

In the days of the Holy Roman Empire (we could go back further, but you have to start somewhere), what was then called the Low Countries was full of mutually competitive minor kingdoms, duchies, fiefdoms and so forth.

Social, technological and agricultural innovations led to a rising class of merchants and tradesmen, and thus the beginnings of a cosmopolitan culture. Both the Netherlands (which means "low countries" and could refer to any relatively low-lying part of Europe) and Holland were in regular use, with Holland referring to a specific domain among several of those parts.

Over the next few centuries of Dutch history, there were various political formations, as well as conquest by other powerful agents, such as the Habsburgs , the Burgundians and the Spanish.

Eventually, Holland, Zeeland, Groningen, Friesland, Utrecht, Overijssel and Gelderland came together in confederation, setting the groundwork for the modern state known as The Netherlands.

From 1588 to 1795, the nation was known as the Republic of Seven United Netherlands. After the republic was conquered by French troops in 1795, it became the Batavian Republic. French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte named his brother Louis king in 1806, turning the country into a kingdom.

After Napoleon 's withdrawal from the area, the Netherlands remained a kingdom ruled by William VI of Orange . William VI was sovereign prince of the Dutch Republic, and in 1815 he became king of the United Netherlands, which included the southern Netherlands and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

But in 1831, leading European powers decided Belgium should be independent , and the Netherlands as we know it today came to be.

At that time, the area known as Holland made the biggest contribution to the entire nation's economy and wealth. So, it was the most commonly used name when referring to the entire country.

In reality, Holland makes up just two of 12 provinces of the Netherlands — North and South Holland (or Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland), which are located on the west coast of country. North and South Holland are home to the country's capital Amsterdam; its seat of government, The Hague; and Europe's most important port, The Port of Rotterdam.

The other 10 provinces in the Netherlands are:

• Noord-Brabant (North Brabant)

Each province has its own capital, self-rule and administration. That means simply calling the Netherlands "Holland" is similar to referring to the United Kingdom as England .

It is correct and appropriate, however, to say that you are traveling to Holland if you are visiting Amsterdam, the capital city within Holland.

Now, how do you refer to the people who live in the Netherlands (and Holland)? In short, Dutch is the broadest term used to describe all the people of the Netherlands .

If you're from, say, a Dutch town in the provinces of North and South Holland you are referred to as a "Hollander." The Dutch use "Nederlands" as one way to describe Dutch society, and "Nederlanders" when referring to the people of the Netherlands. But these terms are rarely used in the English language.

Still confused? No worries. Most Dutch people will pardon visitors who mix up these terms. Just don't confuse them with the Danish . That's a whole different story.

The rules about the country's name typically go completely out the window during any type of international sporting event, whether it's the World Cup, European Cup or Olympics . It's said that the same Dutch person who steadfastly tells you the name of their country is the Netherlands will suddenly be shouting "Hup, Holland! Hup!" right along with the rest of the country. Loosely translated that means: "Come on, Holland! Come on!"

Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article:

Yes, you will need a 'visa' to visit Europe in 2025: What to know about ETIAS

Editor's Note

Come 2025, Americans and Brits will be required to apply for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System and pay a small fee to visit Europe's Schengen Area.

Although sometimes referred to as a "visa," this is actually just an online application and preauthorization. It will be much easier and much less expensive to obtain than a traditional travel visa.

ETIAS is set to launch sometime around May 2025, though the launch date has been pushed back many times (most recently from 2024); it could be bumped again. In fact, the region has discussed instituting the program since 2016.

The new program will require travelers from countries outside Europe's Schengen Area to fill out an application before arrival and pay a fee of 7 euros (about $8) to enter any European Union or Schengen Area country.

Prior to ETIAS' launch, the EU will roll out its long-delayed "Entry/Exit System" on Nov. 10, 2024. The new program will apply to travelers to the Schengen Area and require them to provide fingerprint and facial biometric data.

The EES will not be in operation for visitors to Ireland and Cyprus; although those destinations are in the EU, they fall outside the Schengen Area.

What does this mean for future trips to Europe? Here's everything you need to know about the new ETIAS program.

What is ETIAS?

ETIAS is a visa-waiver program similar to the current Electronic System for Travel Authorization used for European visitors in the U.S.

The form will act as a preauthorization system to allow travelers from 60 countries outside the Schengen Area , including the U.K. and the U.S., to enter the region for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a full visa.

ETIAS will cross-check visitor information with government databases and watchlists before issuing authorization to enter. The information collected will also be used in data tracking for business and tourism purposes.

"We need to know who is crossing our borders," Jean-Claude Juncker, former European Commission president, said last year. "This way, we will know who is traveling to Europe before they even get here."

Is ETIAS a visa?

ETIAS is not a traditional European visa and will only require a seemingly quick online application.

Travelers will fill out an online form with basic personal information, travel plans and history, then answer a few security questions. The authorities promise that most applicants will be approved within an hour. However, if your application is flagged, it could take up to four days.

Which countries will require ETIAS?

Quite a few nations will require ETIAS approval. They include full Schengen members that previously didn't require any authorization for Americans, such as Spain, France and Italy.

Also included are European Free Trade Association nations like Iceland, Norway and Switzerland.

Several future Schengen member nations, including Bulgaria and Cyprus, and smaller territories like Andorra and Monaco will also require ETIAS.

Here is the full list of countries that will require ETIAS:

• Czech Republic
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Vatican City

Do US and UK citizens need to apply for ETIAS?

American citizens (as well as those from the U.K. and the 62 other non-EU countries not currently required to apply for visas) will need ETIAS authorization to enter the EU for visits of up to 90 days. This includes transit passengers.

If you have applied separately for a visa to enter Europe, you will not need to complete the ETIAS application.

When will I need to apply for the ETIAS visa?

The ETIAS is widely expected to launch around May 2025. "Starting in the first half of 2025, some 1.4 billion people from over 60 visa-exempt countries are required to have a travel authorisation to enter most European countries," the EU said.

However, the launch may not happen along this exact timeline and could even be staggered. The EU has said that the ETIAS launch will be followed by a transitional period of around six months. Within this period, travelers should apply for the visa; it's unlikely you will be refused entry to a country during your travels as long as you also fulfill other entry conditions.

These conditions include having a passport issued no more than 10 years before the date you enter the EU and with a validity of at least three months on the day you depart from the EU.

How much will ETIAS cost?

ETIAS will cost 7 euros (about $8) for a three-year permit that allows "third-country nationals" to enter the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.

Only visitors between 18 and 70 years old will need to pay the application fee, but travelers of all ages will need ETIAS authorization to enter.

How do you apply for ETIAS?

Before traveling, you must access the ETIAS online application to input passport information, name, date and place of birth, email address, phone number, and a credit or debit card to submit the payment fee.

You'll also need to provide your destination and answer a few background and profile questions. The ETIAS website indicates the form should take about 10 minutes to complete.

Travelers will be asked to provide details of health, education and criminal convictions.

Here is what you'll be required to fill out, according to the visa information website :

• Identifying information (including your first name, last name, last name at birth, date of birth and place of birth).
• Information regarding your citizenship.
• Email and phone number.
• Education and work experience.
• First EU country you intend to visit.
• Background and eligibility questions about your medical condition, travel to war countries or places where you were deported or rejected, as well as criminal records.
• For minors, the legal guardian must apply for ETIAS.
• For family members of EU citizens from other countries, you must submit proof of relationship, residence card and other background information.

How long will the approval process take?

Approval for most applicants should take a matter of minutes. However, if an item is flagged in the application, a manual review will occur. The applicant can correct the improper information or appeal a denial decision. It's recommended to apply for the ETIAS well before your travel date — especially during its initial rollout when processes are getting ironed out.

How long does ETIAS last, and will you need to apply for each Europe trip?

Once approved, your ETIAS will be valid for up to three years and can be used on multiple trips. You won't be required to apply for a new ETIAS each time you travel to Europe unless it's been more than three years since your last visit.

After three years have passed, you will be required to apply for a new ETIAS.

Is there a renewal process?

When your ETIAS is coming up to its expiration date, you should receive an email to the address you registered during your application.

You can apply for a new ETIAS authorization up to 120 days before the expiration of your current ETIAS.

How will your personal data be stored?

The European Commission has attempted to soften privacy fears by insisting that ETIAS is not a visa and includes a far less intrusive application process.

"There is no need to go to a consulate to make an application, no biometric data is collected and significantly less information is gathered than during a visa application procedure," the European Commission said .

Bottom line

Fortunately, Americans and Brits planning to visit Europe don't need to take any immediate action. Still, they should be aware that ETIAS is due to launch next year.

Be prepared to go through one more step and pay one more fee in the travel process as part of the ETIAS implementation sometime in 2025. Stay tuned to TPG for further developments related to this program.

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Where is the next FIFA World Cup? What to know about men's, women's tournaments in 2026 and beyond

The 2023 FIFA World Cup is set to begin, as co-hosts Australia and New Zealand have their first matches Thursday.

The 2023 tournament will be the first time a World Cu p for men or women will be shared across two countries from different FIFA confederations. Australia is a member of Asia’s soccer body and New Zealand is in the Oceania group.

It is also the first women's World Cup to have more than one host nation.

The tournament begins July 20 and the championship match is scheduled for August 20 at Sydney Olympic Stadium in Australia.

The combined Australia and New Zealand bid officially won the bid to host the World Cup in June 2020, beating Colombia 22-13 in a vote by FIFA's ruling council, which judged them as having the best commercial prospects for women's soccer.

Here's what you need to know about future World Cup hosting sites.

WHO WILL WIN THE WORLD CUP? Betting odds, expert predictions for 2023 FIFA tournament

'LAST DANCE'? Netflix to produce docuseries on USWNT's 2023 World Cup run, Megan Rapinoe's 'Last Dance'

2026 World Cup: Location, host cities, stadiums

The next  FIFA World Cup  is coming to North America. Sixteen cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico will host soccer’s most prestigious tournament in what could be a boon to the sport’s growing popularity among Americans.

The three nations' joint bid to host the 2026 World Cup beat Morocco's bid in a 2018 vote. It will be the second time the U.S. hosts the men’s competition, after hosting the 1994 World Cup. It will be Canada’s first time hosting the men’s tournament, and Mexico’s record third time as World Cup hosts after hosting it in 1970 and 1986.

FIFA announced the list of host cities for the 2026 tournament in June 2022.

United States: 11 cities

• Atlanta: Mercedes-Benz Stadium ( capacity 75,000 ) 
• Boston: Gillette Stadium ( capacity 70,000 )
• Dallas: AT&T Stadium ( capacity 92,967 ) 
• Houston: NRG Stadium ( capacity 72,220 ) 
• Kansas City: Arrowhead Stadium ( capacity 76,640 ) 
• Los Angeles: SoFi Stadium ( capacity 70,000)  
• Miami: Hard Rock Stadium ( capacity 67,518 ) 
• New York/New Jersey: MetLife Stadium ( capacity 87,157 ) 
• Philadelphia: Lincoln Financial Field ( capacity 69,328 ) 
• San Francisco/Bay Area: Levi's Stadium ( capacity 70,909 ) 
• Seattle: Lumen Field ( capacity 69,000 ) 

Mexico: 3 cities

• Guadalajara: Estadio Akron ( capacity 48,071 ) 
• Mexico City: Estadio Azteca ( capacity 87,523 ) 
• Monterrey: Estadio BBVA ( capacity 53,460 ) 

Canada: 2 cities

• Toronto: BMO Field ( capacity 45,500 )
• Vancouver: BC Place ( capacity 54,500 )

2027 World Cup host bids

FIFA launched the bidding process for the next women's tournament in March.

As of April 2023, four bids for the 2027 World Cup have been confirmed by FIFA:

• A joint bid between Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands
• South Africa
• A joint bid between Mexico and the United States

2030 World Cup host bids

The 2030 World Cup will be the 24th men's tournament and the centennial World Cup competition. The first iteration of the tournament took place in 1930 in Uruguay.

As of July 2023, two bids have been confirmed by FIFA to host the 2030 tournament:

• A joint bid between Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay and Chile
• A joint bid between Spain, Portugal and Morocco

There are also many bids that have been abandoned, including an inter-confederation joint bid comprising of Egypt, Greece and Saudi Arabia.

Contributing: Orlando Mayorquin, USA TODAY

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