From the vibrant heart of Amsterdam to the serene tulip fields of Noordoostpolder, the Netherlands are a breathtaking country just waiting to be explored. There’s delicious food be eaten, museums to visit and incredible feats of engineering to admire around every corner.
Whether you’re a history buff looking to step back in time, an art aficionado searching for inspiration or a modern traveller who wants to enjoy the welcoming Dutch hospitality, the Netherlands truly has something for everyone.
To help you discover everything this beautiful country has to offer, let’s go through my picks for the 11 best places to visit in the Netherlands:
- Amsterdam: The Beating Heart of the Netherlands
- Haarlem: Explore Little Amsterdam
- Kinderdijk: See the Iconic Dutch Windmills
- Zaanse Schans: A Quiet Escape from Amsterdam
- Urk & Noordoostpolder: Beautiful Tulip Fields and Impressive Wind Turbines
- The Hague: Fascinating History and Culture
- Gouda: Try the Famous Cheese
- Tulip Fields & Keukenhof: Enjoy the Breathtaking Tulip Fields
- Rotterdam: A Contemporary Dutch City
- Amersfoort: Explore a Medieval City
- Castle De Haar: The Largest Castle in the Netherlands
Amsterdam
The Beating Heart of the Netherlands
No trip to the Netherlands complete without visiting Amsterdam. The enchanting capital of the Netherlands is renowned for its intricate canal system, narrow houses, and picturesque bridges. This captivating city has a unique charm that leaves a lasting impression on its visitors. With countless world-class museums and galleries, diverse dining options and a vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam’s captivating blend of rich history, cultural significance, and aesthetic appeal makes it a destination that will forever hold a special place in your heart.
Here are some highlights to enjoy while you’re there:
- Go on a scenic canal cruise
- Visit the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum
- Take a bike tour of the city’s hidden gems
- Explore Vondelpark and Amsterdam’s other parks and gardens
- Wander the old town and visit the charming neighbourhood of Jordaan
Haarlem
Explore Little Amsterdam
Just a 15-minute train ride away from Amsterdam, Haarlem is a quaint town full of Dutch charm. With a rich history dating back to the 10th century, Haarlem prospered as a city thanks to the toll revenues it collected from passing ships. Since the 1630s, Haarlem has been a major hub for trading tulips and was the center of the infamous Tulip Mania.
During this period, tulips were sold for absurd prices, from 1634 until the market collapsed in 1637. This phenomenon is considered one of the first asset bubbles in history. Today, Haarlem maintains much of its medieval and historic buildings and feels like of a smaller version of Amsterdam.
Haarlem is a perfect day-trip destination from Amsterdam, offering a glimpse into the Netherlands’ rich history and charming architecture. When you’re there, be sure to take a stroll along the serene river running through the city and admire the medieval architecture that gives Haarlem its unique character.
Kinderdijk
See the Iconic Dutch Windmills
Seeing the iconic windmills was high on my Netherlands agenda and Kinderdijk, an easy hour long trip from Amsterdam, did not disappoint. This charming village has been inhabited for over 700 years, and still boasts an impressive 19 windmills, most of which date back to the 1740’s. Today, it’s home to the largest concentration of ancient windmills in the Netherlands.
A highlight of my visit was touring one of the windmills. What surprised me the most was that these structures also served as homes for the villagers. The particular windmill I explored was three stories high, with rooms ingeniously constructed around the windmill’s infrastructure. The wooden gears, crafted almost 300 years ago, left me in awe of Dutch engineering.
As the wind picked up, the windmill’s sails sprang to life, rotating at an astonishing speed. I cautiously observed from a distance, aware of the potential danger. Nearby, another windmill was hard at work, pumping water from a lower elevation. Witnessing the Dutch mastery of harnessing wind power to manipulate water flow was truly captivating.
Whether you’re an engineering enthusiast or simply a curious traveler, Kinderdijk is sure to fascinate.
Zaanse Schans
A Quiet Escape from Amsterdam
Another easy day trip from Amsterdam, located only a 20 minute train ride away, is Zaans Schans. This historic neighborhood is one of the best places in the Netherlands to see Dutch windmills. Zaans Schans is located in the oldest industrial area of Western Europe and, at its peak, had over 600 windmills running.
Unlike the windmills of places like Kinderdijk, which were used to pump water, the windmills in this area were used for industrial purposes, such as sawing wood, making paper, or grinding spices.
I had a great time wandering through the village and feeling like I’d stepped back in time. You can watch them make clogs, visit a cheese museum, or just stroll along the water and take in the charm.
Urk & Noordoostpolder
Beautiful Tulip Fields and Impressive Wind Turbines
Located just an hour from Amsterdam, Urk is a picturesque Dutch town with a rich history dating back to the 10th century. Originally an island, Urk was reclaimed from the sea in the 1940s, thanks to Dutch engineering and polders. Today, this charming town is a must-visit destination.
As you stroll through the town, you’ll be captivated by the beautiful harbor, filled with an array of boats. The historic lighthouse, built in 1837, stands tall, overlooking the town and its surroundings.
One of the main attractions in Urk is the impressive wind farm at Nordsepoort, one of the largest in the country. The sight of massive wind turbines, both on land and in the sea, is incredible. What’s even more remarkable is that this entire area was underwater just 80 years ago, another testament to Dutch engineering.
Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront path to enjoy the serene atmosphere and scenic views. If you visit in the spring, you’ll be treated to a vibrant landscape of blooming tulips, set against the backdrop of spinning wind turbines.
The Hague
Fascinating History and Culture
Located just 45 minutes from Amsterdam, The Hague is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. This stunning city boasts a rich history and breathtaking landscapes. As the third-largest city in the Netherlands, The Hague offers an unforgettable experience.
The Hague’s proximity to the North Sea has gifted it with a magnificent beach, complete with a colossal pier. The scenery is reminiscent of California’s iconic beaches, albeit with a chillier climate. Walking along the beach and admiring the pier’s pillars is a must.
Beyond its natural beauty, The Hague is a city with a deep history and culture. From its picturesque streets to its world-class museums, there’s something for every interest. The Hague is a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, making it a fascinating destination to explore.
Gouda
Try the Famous Cheese
An hour south of Amsterdam you’ll find Gouda, a historic city that dates all the way back to the 1100s. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout the centuries including plagues, fires, and financial difficulties, Gouda prospered in the mid-19th century. Today, the city is famous worldwide for its cheese, which is made in the surrounding areas and traded in the town’s cheese market.
One of the city’s standout features is the Town Hall, built in the 15th century. This stunning example of Gothic architecture is one of the oldest town halls in the Netherlands. Visitors can wander around the Central Square and explore the charming alleyways, taking in the city’s unique charm. Like many Dutch cities, Gouda is exceptionally well-designed, making it a joy to explore.
Tulip Fields & Keukenhof
Enjoy the Breathtaking Tulip Fields
The Netherlands is renowned for its breathtaking tulip fields, and visiting them was a highlight of my trip. The tulip season varies annually, but typically occurs between early April and mid-May. The location of the tulip fields also changes from year to year, depending on factors like weather conditions and farming decisions.
Finding the perfect tulip field can be a challenge, but there are several areas famous for their stunning displays, including North Holland, Noordoostpolder and Lisse. I enjoyed driving through the picturesque countryside, discovering hidden gems and admiring the vibrant tulips set against the backdrop of traditional windmills.
One of the most famous destinations for tulip enthusiasts is Keukenhof, aptly nicknamed “The Garden of Europe.” As one of the largest flower gardens globally, it’s a must-visit attraction. Located in Lisse, approximately 30 minutes from Amsterdam, Keukenhof is a serene oasis showcasing an incredible array of tulips and other flowers. Please note that Keukenhof is only open during tulip season, so be sure to check the opening dates before planning your visit.
Rotterdam
A Contemporary Dutch City
Another easy hour long trip from Amsterdam will take you to Rotterdam, a city that seamlessly blends its rich history with modern architectural marvels. As home to Europe’s largest sea port, Rotterdam’s significance as a major trading hub is undeniable.
Rotterdam’s history dates back to the 13th century when a dam was constructed, marking the beginning of its transformation into an important port city. However, its strategic location between Germany and Britain made it a prime target during World War II, resulting in its near-total destruction.
In the aftermath of the war, Rotterdam embarked on an ambitious rebuilding project characterized by innovative and daring architecture. Today, the city’s skyline is dominated by modern skyscrapers, imbuing Rotterdam with a unique vibe that sets it apart from other European cities.
Rotterdam is a city that offers something for everyone. From its stunning modern architecture to its rich history and cultural attractions, Rotterdam is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Netherlands.
Amersfoort
Explore a Medieval City
Located about 40 minutes from Amsterdam, Amersfoort is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Netherlands. The city boasts a rich history with landmarks like the Koppelpoort, a land and water gate completed in 1450. Another iconic feature is the Tower of Our Lady, which served as the middle point of the Netherlands when constructed in 1470 and stands today as the country’s third-tallest tower. To experience the city’s nostalgic charm, take a stroll through its medieval streets.
Castle De Haar
The Largest Castle in the Netherlands
Located in Utrecht, just 30 minutes outside of Amsterdam, Castle De Haar is one of Europe’s most stunning and well-preserved castles. As the largest castle in the Netherlands, it boasts an impressive history dating back to 1319.
The original fortress underwent significant degradation and damage over the years, including a devastating fire. However, thanks to a meticulous 20-year restoration project completed in 1912, the castle stands today in all its former glory.
The surrounding grounds and gardens are immaculately maintained, creating a breathtaking setting for this medieval masterpiece. A picturesque moat encircles the castle, adding to its charm and character.
Castle De Haar is a must-visit destination for anyone fascinated by history, architecture, and natural beauty. As our final destination, it provides a fitting conclusion to our journey through the Netherlands.
So these are my picks for the 11 best destinations in the Netherlands that you absolutely can’t miss out! With so much charm tucked away in every nook and cranny of this beautiful country, it’s the perfect place to slow down and let yourself sink in to the atmosphere.
To take a closer look at my trip through the Netherlands, you can check out this video I put together:
