Top 25 Must-See Attractions in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is often mistakenly referred to as Holland and is among the most lively and captivating countries in Europe. Renowned for its eclectic capital city of Amsterdam, the Netherlands encompasses much more than mere canals and museums. By delving further, visitors can discover picturesque towns as well as bustling metropolises like Rotterdam and The Hague.

Thanks to its comparatively small size, exploring the Netherlands efficiently is certainly feasible. Many travelers find that venturing into the countryside is a highlight, particularly in regions renowned for their traditional villages adorned with iconic windmills and tulips. Bicycling is one of the finest ways to appreciate the scenery, given the country’s flat terrain that allows easy navigation and enjoyment of the splendid Dutch outdoors.

Here are the best things to do in the Netherlands:

1. Explore the Canals of Amsterdam

Like many cities located upon water, such as Venice, Amsterdam boasts a vibrant network of canals.

The scenic waterways rank among Amsterdam’s most cherished attractions, and one can explore the enchanting paths via a boat tour or water taxi, enabling access to multiple locations.

If you prefer not to embark on the water, a leisurely walk along the banks will still allow you to enjoy the canal vistas.

2. Visit Zaanse Schans

Visitors yearning to experience the Netherlands of the 17th and 18th centuries need look no further than Zaanse Schans.

Situated approximately 15 kilometers north of Amsterdam, this open-air museum allows guests to wander through a traditional Dutch village and learn about the trades of ancient artisans.

Notable sights include a shipyard, a grocery store, a pewter factory, and charming green wooden houses.

You can also admire several elegant windmills; although only five of the 600 that once adorned the area remain, they welcome the public for visits.

Among them are a sawmill and an oil mill, where live demonstrations, such as clog making, can be observed.

3. Stroll around the Garden of Europe

Keukenhof, recognized as the Garden of Europe, is a stunning explosion of color, showcasing blossoms of every type across its vast expanse.

Tulips, the country’s hallmark flower, thrive in this grand public garden located just outside of Lisse, making it the largest of its kind globally.

Spanning 70 acres, the garden features delightful flower exhibitions, restaurants, and a diverse array of flora, including daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses.

4. Admire Grote Kerk

Grote Kerk, located in The Hague, is a significant church constructed of red brick in the Gothic style.

The original structure was erected in the 13th century but suffered devastation in 1539, leading to the construction of the present edifice.

This church has a storied past as the site of baptisms for numerous members of the Dutch royal family, including King Willem-Alexander, who was christened here.

Noteworthy features of the church include the prominent bell tower—the tallest in Holland—with 51 bells, alongside an elaborate wooden pulpit and a grand pipe organ.

5. Visit the Rijksmuseum

The Rijksmuseum, the national museum of the Netherlands located in Amsterdam, boasts an astounding collection of art and antiquities dating back to 1809. The museum houses over 7 million items, including more than 5,000 paintings distributed across 250 rooms.

The library contains 35,000 books, allowing visitors to view some of the world’s most prominent masterpieces created by the ‘Old Masters’. While much of the museum centers on classic Dutch artifacts—including ancient crafts and medieval sculptures—it also features compelling contemporary art.

Visitors are encouraged to allocate sufficient time to appreciate the museum, as exploring its depths can easily consume an entire day.

6. Explore Hoge Veluwe National Park

The Netherlands may be perceived primarily as a small nation characterized by its quaint towns and cities, yet it features remarkable national parks.

The most renowned is Hoge Veluwe National Park, situated between Apeldoorn and Arnhem.

Spanning 13,800 acres, this park is an excellent choice for a leisurely day trip.

The landscape comprises forested areas alongside unique attractions including a sculpture park, and a variety of wildlife such as red and roe deer.

Visitors can also find gentle dunes blanketed in heather, and for birdwatching enthusiasts, the park provides an ideal setting to observe diverse species.

7. Visit the Anne Frank Museum

The Anne Frank Museum represents one of Amsterdam’s most significant attractions and provides a profoundly emotional experience.

This historical structure was the residence of Anne Frank, who sought refuge from the Nazis during the Second World War.

Although tragically, Anne Frank passed away two months prior to the conclusion of the war, her diary, written during her time in hiding, became one of the world’s most influential books.

The residence has been restored, retaining much of the original hiding place as it existed during Anne’s life.

This museum is an essential site not to be overlooked when visiting Amsterdam, as it offers a poignant and personal perspective on this well-known narrative.

8. Enjoy the village of Marken

The quaint village of Marken is celebrated for its scenic beauty, particularly due to its favorable location along the Ijsselmeer Lake.

Each year, a multitude of visitors flock to the town to experience its postcard-worthy attractions, featuring traditional painted wooden houses and fishing boats.

During the summer, festivals occur where residents don period attire and demonstrate traditional crafts such as clog making.

9. Have fun at Efteling

Efteling stands as the largest amusement park in the Netherlands, situated in Kaatsheuvel.

The park is divided into various realms, each themed around different ancient myths and legends.

With a legacy as one of the oldest theme parks in the world, having opened in 1952, Efteling continues to entertain visitors with its exhilarating rides and luxuriant gardens.

Notable attractions include rides like Joris en de Draak (George and the Dragon), The Flying Dutchman, and Python.

Additionally, the Raveleijn area presents a magical experience with a nightly performance narrating the tale of five siblings who combat and overcome an evil monster.

10. Take a trip to Madurodam

If observing the entirety of the Netherlands within a limited timeframe is your goal, then Madurodam in The Hague is the perfect destination.

This miniature park presents a 1:25 scale model of the Netherlands, showcasing the country’s leading attractions, with charming windmills, central landmarks, and decorative elements like bridges.

This model city even features its harbor, railway system, and an airport.

11. Visit the Windmills of Kinderdijk

Situated in a picturesque location along the River Noord, the village of Kinderdijk, which translates to ‘Children’s Dike’ in Dutch, entices visitors with its stunning windmills dating back to the 18th century. This locale is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With 19 windmills constructed between 1722 and 1761, this area holds the record for the largest collection of such structures in the Netherlands.

Visitors can explore the site from April to October, capturing designated times throughout the year when the windmills operate, showcasing their full splendor.

12. Take in the art at the Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is a tribute to one of the most esteemed artists in history.

Regularly recognized as one of the premier art museums globally, it is an essential site for art enthusiasts.

With approximately 1.5 million visitors annually, the museum holds the world’s most extensive collection of Van Gogh’s work.

Here, guests can explore 200 exquisite paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters, providing unparalleled insight into the artist’s life.

13. Have a beer at the Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience in Amsterdam offers a comprehensive insight into the evolution of this renowned beer.

Located within a historic brewery, guests can explore the Heineken family’s history and witness the brewing process, from the selection of water to the bottling stage.

The experience also showcases notable exemplars of the iconic Heineken logo, illustrating its modifications over time.

In addition to this, visitors have the opportunity to sample this famed beverage, concluding their visit with a tasting session.

14. Explore Mauritshuis

Located in The Hague, Mauritshuis is a prestigious art gallery renowned for its substantial collection of Dutch and Flemish masterpieces.

The building itself, dating back to the 17th century, is architecturally stunning, nestled between Hofvijver Lake and the parliament buildings.

Despite being one of the smaller museums, it houses over 800 works of art, featuring iconic pieces such as Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer.

15. Visit Historic Valkenburg

For history enthusiasts, Valkenburg, situated in the picturesque Geul Valley, is a must-visit destination.

The town proudly features the only hilltop castle in the Netherlands, originating from the 12th century.

This fortress overlooks the landmarks of Dwingelrots, or Castle Rock, and the neighboring 14th-century basilica, St. Nicolaaskerk Basilica.

In addition to its ancient ruins, Valkenburg is celebrated for its spas, caves, and its enchanting Christmas Market, which operates from November to December within the beautiful Velvet Caves.

16. Meet the animals at Artis Royal Zoo

Established in 1838, Artis Royal Zoo in Amsterdam is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands.

Spanning over 35 acres, it is home to 900 different species of animals, many of which reside in ornately designed enclosures dating back to the 19th century.

The zoo also features an aquarium section built in 1882, hosting diverse species such as sharks, eels, and colorful tropical fish.

Don’t miss the tray bikes circulating the zoo selling traditional Dutch snacks like bitterballen.

17. Sample some cheese in Edam

Edam cheese is globally recognized for its distinctive red rind and round shape.

However, many may not realize that Edam is not only the name of the cheese but also the charming town where it originates.

Situated by the water and dating back to the 12th century, the town provides an array of cheese-related experiences.

In Edam, visitors may find that the cheese sold here displays a yellow rind rather than the customary red.

Highlights for cheese lovers include a prominent cheese market and a historic cheese-weighing hall.

18. Explore Zeeland’s Dikes

Zeeland is characterized by its location on the Schelde, Maas, and Rhine rivers, encompassing numerous small islands and coves.

Given that most of the area lies below sea level, dikes are essential for flood protection.

The primary dike project, known as Delta Works, consists of a series of innovative dam systems that regulate water ingress from the adjoining North Sea.

This significant engineering achievement is often recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

19. Visit Ridderzaal

Also known as Ridderzaal, the Hall of Knights is located in The Hague and forms part of a historical court complex rooted in the medieval era.

Dating back to the 13th century, the hall opens onto an expansive cobbled courtyard and presently serves as a pivotal center for Dutch politics, as it is where the Opening of Parliament ceremony occurs annually.

Visitors may take guided tours of the Hall of Knights to gain insights into this historically significant structure.

20. Journey to Volendam

Located in northern Netherlands, Volendam offers an ideal day trip for those also visiting Amsterdam.

This small fishing village is replete with traditional Dutch charm, featuring wooden houses, clogs, and captivating landscapes.

Volendam’s picturesque scenery has attracted artists like Renoir and Picasso, boasting a beautiful harbor that complements its fishermen’s houses and additional canals.

21. Enjoy the Houseboat Museum

The Houseboat Museum presents a unique perspective on living in Amsterdam’s canals, situated aboard a charming boat called Hendrika Maria.

The interior is arranged to offer insight into the lifestyle of residents inhabiting houseboats through time.

Displays document the evolution of life on houseboats and showcase images depicting the canals during previous eras.

22. Visit the Oude Haven in Rotterdam

The Oude Haven, or Old Harbor, in Rotterdam, holds the distinction of being the country’s oldest port, commencing operations in 1350. This historical site features numerous attractions, including delightful restaurants and cafes, as well as a selection of traditional sailing ships that echo the city’s maritime heritage.

One iconic construction in the harbor, Het Witte Huis (the White House), proudly claims the title of the first skyscraper in Europe.

23. Travel to the town of Delft

The quaint town of Delft lies conveniently between The Hague and Rotterdam and makes for an excellent day trip.

Key attractions include the Town Hall and the renowned Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), where the towering structure allows visitors to ascend for views over Rotterdam and The Hague.

This church is also home to a notable royal burial site, where the remains of Prince William of Orange are interred.

Other attractions encompass the Technology Museum and the traditional market, Markt, which operates every Thursday.

24. Enjoy Venustempel Sex Museum

The Venustempel Sex Museum in Amsterdam is recognized as the world’s first sex museum.

Residing within a 17th-century building, the museum showcases an extensive collection of memorabilia related to sexuality.

Exhibits comprise an array of erotic artwork, photographs, sculptures, and intriguing artifacts such as chastity belts.

The museum aims to chronicle the evolution of human sexuality throughout the ages, providing an unconventional stop during your Amsterdam visit.

25. Explore Kasteel De Haar

Nestled close to Utrecht, Kasteel De Haar ranks as the largest castle in the Netherlands.

The primary attraction is the stunning castle situated within a sprawling 250-acre park, with its origins tracing back to the 14th century.

The current structure, extensively renovated, was completed in 1892 and showcases an impressive array of paintings, textiles, antiques, and furniture.