The Netherlands is a vibrant and beautiful country that offers a wealth of experiences for travelers. From its stunning natural scenery and charming towns to its world-renowned art and culinary delights, The Netherlands has something for everyone.
With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve compiled a list of the 16 Beautiful Places to Visit in the Netherlands. From Amsterdam and Rotterdam to Giethoorn and Zaanse Schans, these cities and towns will offer you a taste of all that The Netherlands has to offer.
1. Amsterdam
The city of Amsterdam is the most popular place to visit in The Netherlands. It has something for everyone – from its amazing nightlife, world-renowned museums, and galleries to its picturesque canals, cafes, and vibrant culture. There is so much to do here, such as visiting Anne Frank’s House, going on a canal cruise, or even a bike tour of the city. Make sure to check out the Van Gogh Museum and Heineken Experience too!
To get there, the easiest way is to take the train from any major city.
The best time to go to Amsterdam is during summer when the days are longer and there are plenty of festivals to attend.
2. Utrecht
The beautiful city of Utrecht is situated in the heart of The Netherlands. It is a popular tourist destination due to its historical canals and charming cobbled streets, as well as being home to the largest university in the country.
Utrecht has plenty of interesting things to do, such as visiting one of the many museums, taking a boat trip along the canals, or exploring the many parks and gardens. You can also explore the historic Dom Tower or discover the modern shops and restaurants located around the city center.
If you want to experience the vibrant nightlife of Utrecht, the best time to visit is during the summer months.
Getting there is easy, with regular trains running from Amsterdam and other cities in The Netherlands.
16 Beautiful Places to Visit in the Netherlands
- Amsterdam
- Utrecht
- Rotterdam
- The Hague
- Maastricht
- Delft
- Leiden
- Gouda
- Haarlem
- Arnhem
- Nijmegen
- ‘s-Hertogenbosch
- Eindhoven
- Tilburg
- Breda
- Texel
3. Rotterdam
Welcome to Rotterdam, the port city of The Netherlands and one of the best places to visit in the country. This vibrant and modern city is known for its architecture and culture, making it a great place to explore. With plenty of things to do, you can easily spend your day exploring this stunning city.
From the iconic Erasmus Bridge to the classic Market Hall, there is something here for everyone. You can also experience the hip and trendy nightlife of the city, with some of the hottest clubs around. For those looking for some outdoor adventure, take a walk along the Maas River or visit the Euromaster Tower.
To get to Rotterdam, there are many transport options available, including buses, trains, and boats.
The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is mild and warm. No matter what you choose to do, you’re sure to have an amazing time in Rotterdam.
4. The Hague
The Hague, the Netherlands’ third-largest city, is home to many of the country’s iconic landmarks. There are plenty of things to do in the city, such as visiting the Peace Palace, going on a guided tour of the historic center, or exploring Maduro dam’s miniature theme park. There are also plenty of museums and galleries, as well as lively cafes and bars to explore.
The best time to visit The Hague is in late spring or summer when the days are long, and the weather is warm.
To get to The Hague, visitors can fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, then take a train to The Hague Central Station. With its fascinating history, stunning architecture, and bustling atmosphere, The Hague will surely provide an unforgettable experience!
5. Maastricht
The picturesque city of Maastricht is a great place to visit in the Netherlands! It is known for its beautiful cobblestone streets, wonderful Dutch architecture, and vibrant café and nightlife scene. You can explore its historic monuments, including the Frithjof Square, the Gothic Saint Servatius Church, and the castle-like Stadhuis building.
There are also plenty of museums and galleries to explore, as well as several shopping opportunities. When it comes to things to do in Maastricht, you will never be short on options.
For an unforgettable experience, make sure to visit Maastricht during the summer when the city comes alive with music and cultural festivals.
To get there, the easiest option is to take the train from Amsterdam or Brussels. Alternatively, you can take a bus from many other cities in the Netherlands. No matter when you go, Maastricht is sure to be an unforgettable experience!
6. Delft
Located in the south of Holland, Delft is a city rich in culture and history. It’s known for its striking canals, traditional Dutch architecture, and world-famous Royal Delft pottery. Visitors to Delft can explore the canals on a boat tour, learn about the city’s history at the Museum Prinsen Hof, or take a walk through the Old Town. The city is also home to several universities and museums, making it a great place to explore.
During summer, Delft is alive with music festivals, street markets, and other cultural events. There are plenty of ways to enjoy this charming Dutch city – making it one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands.
7. Leiden
Leiden is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in The Netherlands, located between Amsterdam and The Hague. With its rich history and culture, it is an excellent place to visit for anyone looking to explore Dutch culture and art.
There are many things to do in Leiden, including visiting its historic city center, seeing the museums, exploring its canals, or visiting LeasePlan Square. For a unique experience, visitors can take a boat tour through the canals or take part in one of the regular festivals held in the city.
As for how to go, buses and trains are running regularly from nearby cities.
The best time to visit Leiden is during the summer months when the city is at its most vibrant and alive. No matter when you choose to go, Leiden promises to be a wonderful place to visit!
8. Gouda
Gouda is a stunning city in South Holland and is famous for its cheese, but it’s also home to beautiful historic sights, many cultural attractions, and plenty of modern conveniences. You can explore the old city center, which is full of 17th-century buildings and monuments or visit one of the many museums such as the Cheese Museum or Molen Museum de Olivar.
You can also take a stroll along the Gracht, shop at the Saturday market, or take a boat ride on the Gouwe River. For some relaxation time, head to Gouda’s nearby parks and gardens.
The best time to visit Gouda is between April and September when the weather is warm and pleasant.
9. Haarlem
Haarlem is a charming town located in the Netherlands, just 20 minutes away from Amsterdam. With its cobbled streets, quaint canals, and vibrant café culture, Haarlem offers the perfect balance between urban and rural living. With its rich history and abundance of cultural attractions, Haarlem is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands.
Things to do: Visitors to Haarlem can explore some of the city’s many museums, such as the Frans Hals Museum and Teyler’s Museum. You can also take a boat trip on the Spaarne River, visit the picturesque Grote Markt Square, or take a stroll through the bustling city center. The city is also known for its great shopping opportunities, with everything from high-end boutiques to vintage stores.
How to go: Haarlem is easy to reach by train from Amsterdam or Rotterdam, with direct connections to both cities. The journey takes about 20 minutes from Amsterdam and 30 minutes from Rotterdam. It’s also possible to get to Haarlem by bus from other cities in the Netherlands.
Best time to go: The best time to visit Haarlem is in the summer months of July and August when the days are warm and sunny. However, it’s possible to visit throughout the year since there are plenty of things to do indoors too.
10. Arnhem
Located in the east of the Netherlands, Arnhem is a vibrant city with a bustling atmosphere. Known for its museums and art galleries, there is plenty to do in this historic city. Some of the top attractions include the Airborne Museum, the Open-Air Museum, and Burgers Zoo. For those looking to take part in some outdoor activities, Arnhem also has several parks and gardens to explore.
The best time to visit Arnhem is during the summer months when temperatures are warm, and the days are longer. During this time, visitors can take advantage of the many events, festivals, and markets that are held throughout the year.
There are also plenty of transportation options to get around the city, including buses and trains.
11. Nijmegen
Nijmegen is a city in the east of The Netherlands, close to the German border. It has a long history stretching back to Roman times and is considered one of the oldest cities in the country. Visitors can enjoy many cultural attractions such as museums, galleries, and churches, as well as plenty of restaurants and cafes.
Nijmegen also has several interesting parks and gardens, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. There is also a vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs, and pubs. For those looking to explore the outdoors, many biking and walking trails offer stunning views of the area.
To get there, take a train or bus from Amsterdam or Utrecht.
The best time to visit is during spring or summer when the weather is milder and there are lots of events taking place.
12. ‘s-Hertogenbosch
‘S-Hertogenbosch is the capital of North Brabant province, in the south of The Netherlands. This charming city offers many attractions, including historic sites and great shopping and dining experiences. ‘s-Hertogenbosch is home to one of the oldest churches in The Netherlands, St John’s Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century.
There are also beautiful parks and gardens to explore, as well as galleries and museums. For those looking for an active holiday, there are plenty of cycle paths and waterways to explore.
The best time to visit ‘s-Hertogenbosch is from April to October when the weather is warm and sunny.
13. Eindhoven
Located in the southern part of The Netherlands, Eindhoven is a vibrant city known for its art, design, and technology. It is home to the country’s biggest university and is the most important technology hub in the region.
There are plenty of things to do in Eindhoven, such as visiting the Van Abbe Museum, a contemporary art museum with a collection of modern masterpieces. You can also shop at Eindhoven’s many fashion stores or enjoy a meal at one of the city’s restaurants.
To reach Eindhoven, you can take a train from Amsterdam or fly to Eindhoven Airport.
The best time to visit Eindhoven is during the summer months when the weather is pleasant, and the city is full of activity.
14. Tilburg
Tilburg is a vibrant city in the southern part of The Netherlands. It is an ideal place for those who are looking for a variety of activities to do, as there are plenty of parks and museums to explore. Visitors can also enjoy shopping in the city center or experience the local nightlife.
Things to do in Tilburg include cycling along the countryside, visiting the Dutch Textile Museum, or going to a show at the theater. Those who want to explore nature can visit nearby nature reserves such as Nature Reserve De Maas Horst.
To get to Tilburg, visitors can take a train from other major cities in The Netherlands.
The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is warm and dry. With its unique attractions and exciting nightlife, Tilburg will surely please any traveler looking for an enjoyable and unforgettable trip.
15. Breda
Breda is a vibrant and dynamic city in the south of The Netherlands. Located near the Belgian border, Breda has long been a popular destination for travelers due to its many attractions and cultural experiences. With its iconic Grote Kerk (Great Church), bustling squares, and picturesque canals, Breda is a must-visit destination.
Things to do: You can explore the cobblestone streets of the city center, wander around its parks, visit the Grote Kerk, go shopping in its stores, or enjoy a stroll along the canals.
How to go: Breda is easily accessible by car, train, or bus. If you choose to go by car, there are plenty of parking lots and parking garages located near the city center.
Best time to go: Summer is the best time to visit Breda, as the warm weather is perfect for exploring the city. However, it’s also great for winter visits, as there are plenty of indoor activities and attractions to keep you entertained.
16. Texel
Texel, located in the north of the Netherlands, is a true gem and one of the twenty-two beautiful places to visit in the country. The largest island in the Wadden Sea, Texel boasts numerous attractions such as beachcombing or seal-spotting on its striking beaches, cycling through picturesque villages and epic scenery, tasting traditional Texel beer at local breweries, or indulging in fresh seafood cuisine.
Aside from these activities, visitors can relish horse riding along open fields, walking at nature reserves, or exploring cultural sites like WWII bunkers and historic farmhouses. Rich in biodiversity, it provides protected habitats for rare species such as spoonbills and black-tailed godwits.
A trip to “the Pearl of the Wadden” would not be complete without a visit to the Eco mare museum where people can learn about its unique ecosystem or witness seals being rehabilitated for release back into their natural habitat.
conclusion
The Netherlands is a truly fascinating country to explore, with so much to offer travelers. Whether you’re looking for stunning architecture, historical sites, beautiful parks, unique culture, or vibrant nightlife – The Netherlands has something for everyone.
From Amsterdam to Breda, there are 16 cities and towns that you must visit when in The Netherlands. From outdoor activities to shopping and dining experiences, you are guaranteed to have an amazing time in this beautiful country!
