No trip to the Netherlands is truly complete without experiencing its vibrant capital, Amsterdam. But beyond this bustling city lies a treasure trove of unforgettable destinations waiting to be discovered. From iconic windmills and sweeping flower fields to centuries-old towns rich with history and culture, the Netherlands offers visitors much more than meets the eye. These top places to visit are not only must-sees but are also easy to reach.
10. Gouda
Gouda is everything you imagine a charming Dutch city to be—full of historic architecture, peaceful canals, and old-world charm. It’s a perfect destination for a day trip, thanks to its convenient highway and train connections. Best known for its world-famous cheese, Gouda also delights visitors with sweet stroopwafels, traditional candles, and clay pipes.
Highlights include the stunning 15th-century town hall and the magnificent stained-glass windows of St. Janskerk. The city center is compact and entirely surrounded by canals, making it just a five-minute walk from the train station to the heart of the action.
9. Rotterdam
What started as a simple 13th-century fishing village has become the most modern city in the Netherlands. Rotterdam is exceptionally bike-friendly and boasts a variety of neighborhoods to explore. The historic Delfshaven district—where pilgrims set sail in 1620—comes alive each summer with lively festivals that draw crowds from all over Europe.
A must-see is the Erasmus Bridge, an architectural masterpiece that spans Europe’s largest port. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, which showcases works from the Middle Ages to the present, including pieces by Van Gogh, Dali, Rembrandt, and Bosch.
8. Groningen
Though small in size, Groningen is a culturally rich university city in the north of the country. It hosts two major colleges and is a hub for education, the arts, and business.
The city is a paradise for museum-goers. The modern Groninger Museum is a standout, alongside a comics museum, maritime museum, and university museum. Live music and street performances are common in cafés throughout the city. Thanks to its youthful population, nightlife thrives around hotspots like Grote Markt, Peperstraat, and Vismarkt.
7. Haarlem
Nicknamed “Bloemenstad” or “Flower City,” Haarlem is the center of the tulip bulb-growing region and home to the annual Bloemencorso Parade. This peaceful riverside town boasts beautifully preserved medieval architecture and quiet charm.
The city’s Grote Markt is surrounded by fascinating museums, including the Teylers Museum—the oldest in the Netherlands—known for its natural history and scientific exhibits. Art enthusiasts flock to the Franz Hals Museum to admire masterpieces by Dutch painters.
6. Utrecht
Utrecht’s medieval roots are visible in its striking architecture, especially the city’s unique inner canal wharf system designed to protect it from the Rhine River. It’s also home to the Netherlands’ largest university—Utrecht University.
Don’t miss the towering Gothic Cathedral of Saint Martin, a project that took nearly two centuries to complete. Other attractions include the Dom Tower, the modernist Rietveld Schröder House, and Museum Speelklok, which features an impressive collection of music boxes and self-playing instruments.
5. Maastricht
Southern Holland’s Maastricht is best known for the lively Vrijthof square, home to Saint Servatius Church and Saint Jan’s Cathedral. Visitors also enjoy exploring the city’s old fortifications, known as the Vestigingswerkens.
Each year, Maastricht hosts seasonal festivals that bring the city to life. Vrijthof is also filled with inviting cafés, trendy boutiques, and contemporary art galleries. For something different, visit the St. Pietersberg Caves or the Helpoort—the oldest surviving city gate in the Netherlands.
4. The Hague
Renowned for its art museums, The Hague is a must-visit destination. The Gemeentemuseum Den Haag and Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis are highlights for art lovers. The city also serves as the seat of the Dutch government, despite Amsterdam being the capital.
Known as the Royal City by the Sea, The Hague offers beachfront charm in Scheveningen and stunning landmarks like the Binnenhof. Don’t miss Madurodam, a miniature version of the Netherlands, or Panorama Mesdag, a 360-degree painting of the 19th-century coastline.
3. Delft
Delft’s beautiful canals, Renaissance-style City Hall, and charming atmosphere make it a peaceful escape from Amsterdam’s busy streets. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing day trip or a quiet vacation.
History buffs should explore The Prinsenhof, where William of Orange was assassinated. The museum tells the story of the Eighty Years’ War. Art lovers can visit the Vermeer Centrum, dedicated to the city’s most famous painter, Johannes Vermeer.
2. Leiden
Leiden is a picture-perfect city filled with scenic canals, historic windmills, and beautiful green spaces. A canal boat ride here is both relaxing and memorable. The city is home to a wide variety of museums covering everything from science and natural history to ancient Egypt and windmills.
Visit the Hortus Botanicus, with its expansive gardens and the world’s oldest university observatory. Don’t forget to explore the Church of St. Peter, which has ties to several historical figures, including America’s Pilgrims.
1. Amsterdam
As one of Europe’s top tourist destinations, Amsterdam is famous for its lively nightlife, legal cannabis culture, and Red Light District. But there’s much more to discover in the Dutch capital. Its iconic canals, historic buildings, and world-class museums offer something for everyone.
Must-see attractions include the Anne Frank House, the peaceful Vondelpark, and the unique Bloemenmarkt—Amsterdam’s floating flower market. The city offers an unforgettable mix of culture, history, and modern flair that makes it the heart of any trip to the Netherlands.