This famously progressive and flat European country borders Belgium and Germany. Often overshadowed by Amsterdam, it boasts stunning natural beauty. From canal-laced cities to national parks of ancient green forests, here are the highlights I’d love to share..
1. Hoge Veluwe National Park
This is one of the Netherlands’ largest national parks! I found it was a place filled with natural beauty with huge areas of heathlands, dense ancient woodlands, shifting sand dunes and pretty wildflowers. I loved how tranquil and unspoilt it felt.
Located in the Gelderland province between the cities of Arnhem, Ede, and Apeldoorn it was established in 1935, and it spanned 5,400 hectares and is one of the Netherlands’ largest national parks which once served as a royal hunting ground. I found that the wildlife here included red deer, wild boar, mouflon (a type of wild sheep), and lots of bird species including the European honey buzzard and the black woodpecker.
- Location: Central part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Spring and Fall (for hiking and wildlife spotting amidst blooming landscapes and mild weather).
- Activities on offer: Hiking, cycling, wildlife watching, exploring sand dunes, and visiting the Kröller-Müller Museum.
- Accommodation: Hotel de Sterrenberg, Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant De Buunderkamp, and Hotel Kruller.
- Map Location and Directions
- Hoge Veluwe National Park Website
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2. Jordaan District, Amsterdam
I thought this historic neighborhood was completely charming! I also thought it was exceptionally beautiful with a labyrinth of narrow canals lined by tilting gabled buildings, blooming flower boxes, and the trendy boutiques and cozy cafes. I really liked its arty and bohemian vibe and sense of community and creative spirit – it all joined perfectly to create a quintessentially Dutch urban landscape!
I found it central Amsterdam, bordered by the Lijnbaansgracht canal to the west, Prinsengracht to the east, Brouwersgracht to the north, and Leidsegracht to the south. Established in the 17th century, I loved that it was originally a working-class neighborhood I loved that it’s evolved into one of Amsterdam’s most desirable quarters, with a population of around 20,000 residents.
I spent a day here strolling along the postcard-pretty canals, visiting the very moving Anne Frank House, exploring the eclectic Woonbootmuseum (Houseboat Museum), shopping at the bustling Noordermarkt, discovering traditional Dutch foods at the hip little local eateries, discovering the hidden courtyards known as ‘hofjes’, gazing at art galleries and shopping at fine boutiques!
- Location: Western part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Spring and Summer (for canal tours and walking tours in pleasant weather).
- Activities on offer: Walking tours, exploring canals, visiting museums and galleries, and dining at local cafés.
- Accommodation: The Dylan Amsterdam, Canal House Hotel, and Pulitzer Amsterdam.
- Map Location and Directions
3. Utrecht
This city is often known as the “Mini Amsterdam!” I thought it was strikingly beautiful with its intertwining canals flanked by tree-lined paths, cobbled streets and stately historic buildings. I especially loved its vibe though, it had a lively cultural scene and youthful energy due to its large student population so I also found loads of quirky cafes, interesting independent stores, music venues, and trendy shops.
I discovered it centrally located in the country around 40 kilometers south of Amsterdam. I found out that its one of the Netherlands’ oldest cities it has a history dating back to Roman times.
I took a direct train from Amsterdam Central which took 30 minutes and stayed overnight. I squeezed in climbing the Dom Tower and saw gorgeous city views, explored the very pretty medieval old town, visited the intriguing Museum Speelklok and saw collection of automatically playing musical instruments, relaxed in the zen-like gardens of the Centraal Museum, and took a unique below-street-level canal tour to discover the historic wharves and awesome waterfront dining spots!
- Location: Central part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Spring (to enjoy canal-side cafés and the city’s charming streets in bloom).
- Activities on offer: Canal tours, visiting Dom Tower, exploring museums, and walking through the medieval city center.
- Accommodation: Mother Goose Hotel, Eye Hotel, and Grand Hotel Karel V.
- Map Location and Directions
4. Keukenhof Gardens
This is often called the Garden of Europe! I thought it was very attractive with a gorgeous display of over 7 million flowering bulbs, including tulips and daffodils, set among beautifully landscaped gardens, serene ponds, and picturesque pavilions! I also loved its peaceful but creative vibe!
I discovered it located in Lisse around halfway between Amsterdam and The Hague in the heart of the bulb region. It was established in 1949 to showcase Dutch flower growers’ bulbs and it spans 32 hectares.
I took a direct bus from Amsterdam which only took 45 minutes and spent an afternoon walking around the spectacular floral displays. I saw what felt like millions of tulips, attended a live flower arranging demonstration, explored the Japanese Themed Garden and the Natural Garden, and enjoyed art installations and sculptures which were scattered throughout the park.
- Visitor Center Address: Stationsweg 166 A, 2161 AM Lisse
- Best time to visit: Spring (for the world-famous tulip displays in full bloom).
- Activities on offer: Tulip viewing, photography, guided garden tours, and picnicking.
- Accommodation: Hotel Restaurant de Nachtegaal, NH Noordwijk Conference Centre Leeuwenhorst, and Boutique Suites Lisse.
- Map Location and Directions
5. Leiden
I thought this historic city was a underrated gem! I discovered gorgeous scenery with a network of serene canals framed by leafy paths, traditional Dutch architecture, cute cafes, independent boutiques, interesting museums, a well-preserved medieval center with narrow streets and the oldest university in the country. I was also very take with its scholarly, laid-back vibe and buzzing cultural scene!
I found it located in the South Holland province of the Netherlands, around 40 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam and just 15 kilometers northeast of The Hague. It dates back to Roman times, is the birthplace of Rembrandt and has a population of around 125,000 residents.
A took a direct train from Amsterdam Central Station to Leiden Central Station which took 35 mins and spent a day here. I explored the historic Leiden University, visited the very educational Naturalis Biodiversity Center, wandered through the botanical gardens where the first tulips in the Netherlands were planted, marveled at Dutch masterpieces in the Leiden Museum of Fine Art, and went on an awesome canal boat tour.
- Location: Western part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Spring and Summer (for canal cruises and visiting botanical gardens).
- Activities on offer: Museum visits, walking tours of historical sites, canal boat rides, and exploring botanical gardens.
- Accommodation: Boutique Hotel d’Oude Morsch, Golden Tulip Leiden Centre, and Van der Valk Hotel Leiden.
- Map Location and Directions
6. Kinderdijk
Only 16 km from Rotterdam, Kinderdijk is the village where you’ll find nineteen windmills dating back from the late Medieval Age and onwards.
It’s an enchanting place and one of the best and most important Dutch tourist sites – in 1997, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Time your visit around 2-7th September to coincide with “Mills in Floodlight” a popular and free event where the windmills are spectacularly illuminated at night.
- Location: Western part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Spring and Fall (to explore the iconic windmills and picturesque landscapes in mild weather).
- Activities on offer: Visiting windmills, cycling along canals, boat tours, and learning about Dutch water management history.
- Accommodation: Hotel Kinderdijk, Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant De Witte Brug, and Bastion Hotel Barendrecht.
- Map Location and Directions
7. Biesbosch National Park
This country’s answer to the Everglades, Biesbosch National Park is Europe’s last remaining freshwater tidal area. It results from several rivers meeting and shaping an interesting delta where unique fauna and flora thrive.
A picturesque network of narrow and wide creeks, it’s the place to do practically everything, from hiking and biking to riding and canoeing and everything in between!
- Location: Southwestern part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for kayaking, hiking, and spotting diverse wildlife in the park’s wetlands).
- Activities on offer: Canoeing, birdwatching, hiking, and guided nature tours.
- Accommodation: Stayokay Dordrecht, Van der Valk Hotel Dordrecht, and Hotel de Brabantse Biesbosch.
- Map Location and Directions
8. Ijsselmeer
This vast, shallow freshwater lake, formed by building a dam, is the largest in the country. I love that it’s an atmospheric place with a haunting beauty, especially on cold and misty days.
The natural reserve has plenty of activities to offer including surfing, swimming and of course sailing, Expect to see catamarans, clippers and even a handful of historic sailing vessels, which will take you back to a different era!
- Location: Northwestern part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for sailing and watersports on the expansive freshwater lake).
- Activities on offer: Sailing, windsurfing, swimming, and visiting nearby historic fishing villages.
- Accommodation: Hotel van Dijk in Kampen, Beach Hotel de Vigilante, and Hotel Medemblik.
- Map Location and Directions
9. Delft
Delft is a small picturesque city located on the south foot, and I personally think it’s a real gem! It’s one of the country’s most well-preserved historic towns where you can wander through tranquil walkways and past beautiful canals, giving you a taste of ‘Old Holland’.
You should include a visit to the Old Church (Oude Kerk), and art enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the impressive Dutch decorative art collection at the excellent Stedelijk Museum het Prinsenhof.
- Location: Western part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Spring and Summer (for exploring the historic town and visiting the Delftware factories).
- Activities on offer: Visiting the Royal Delft factory, walking tours, canal cruises, and exploring historical sites.
- Accommodation: Hotel Johannes Vermeer, WestCord Hotel Delft, and Hotel De Koophandel.
- Map Location and Directions
10. Frisian Islands
The Frisian Islands are a chain of islands that stretch from the Netherlands to Denmark. In 2009, they finally made the UNESCO World Heritage List. The islands are stunning, with villages steeped in history and clusters of dune-swept inland.
Island highlights include fine sandy beaches, lush green scenery with black and white cattle, and beautiful, unspoiled landscapes. People visit the islands to walk, cycle, kick back, and enjoy the scenery.
- Location: Northern part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for beach activities, cycling, and wildlife viewing on the islands).
- Activities on offer: Beach walks, birdwatching, cycling, and seal watching tours.
- Accommodation: WestCord Hotel Noordsee (Ameland), Grand Hotel Opduin (Texel), and Hotel Nes (Ameland).
- Map Location and Directions
11. Groningen
Groningen is a large city. The Groningen-Assen metropolitan area has roughly 500,000 residents and is located in the northern part of the country. It is also an ancient city—approximately 950 years old, to be exact.
Like most large modern cities, this one offers something for everyone, including many museums, restaurants, shopping places, sports activities, theaters, and fantastic nightlife. Regardless of what month you’re there, you’ll find plenty of things to do, I promise!
- Location: Northeastern part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Spring and Fall (for vibrant university town life and cultural events).
- Activities on offer: Exploring museums, attending cultural events, cycling tours, and visiting historical buildings.
- Accommodation: Hotel Prinsenhof, NH Groningen Hotel de Ville, and The Student Hotel Groningen.
- Map Location and Directions
12. Veluwezoom National Park
This is a private national park and the oldest park in the country. It is roughly 360 feet above sea level, and its landscape includes forests and heathland home to animals such as cattle, wild boars, and badgers, among others. It is one of the best places to explore in the country.
Although it covers only 19 square miles, it is filled with different animals and vegetation. If you’re a nature lover, this park should be on your to-do list, whether you’re there to look at the sand drifts, the red deer, or anything else it offers.
- Visitor Center Address: Heuvenseweg 5A, 6991 JE Rheden
- Best time to visit: Fall (for hiking among colorful forests and enjoying wildlife spotting).
- Activities on offer: Hiking, cycling, wildlife viewing, and enjoying panoramic views from Posbank.
- Accommodation: Sandton Hotel De Roskam, Landgoed Rhederoord, and Fletcher Landgoed Hotel Avegoor.
- Map Location and Directions
13. Rotterdam
I would say don’t miss Rotterdam! Rotterdam is a big and fun city with more than 650,000 residents, making it the second-largest city in the country.
It houses a magnificent university and boasts skyscrapers, a riverside setting, and second-to-none cultural offerings.
The city was destroyed during World War II but is now home to some extraordinary architecture, making it one of Holland’s beauty spots.
You can enjoy many sporting activities, shopping, museums, and hundreds of buildings with historical and architectural significance.
- Location: Western part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for architectural tours, museums, and outdoor festivals).
- Activities on offer: Exploring modern architecture, visiting museums, boat tours of the harbor, and shopping.
- Accommodation: Mainport Hotel, Hotel New York, and The James Hotel.
- Map Location and Directions
14. De Haar Castle
This magnificent castle has existed since 1391 and makes a fantastic day trip. Its architecture and overall design are spectacular, and you’ll be amazed at everything it offers. If you love old castles, then definitely don’t miss this one!
It has been destroyed and renovated numerous times throughout the centuries, and right now, it consists of a park and a beautiful garden area.
You’ll find very ornate carvings, tapestries and paintings, and beautiful old porcelain that you won’t soon forget. It is also home to one of only two carrier coaches of the wife of a Japanese shogun—the other one is in Tokyo!
- Visitor Center Address: Kasteellaan 1, 3455 RR Utrecht
- Best time to visit: Spring and Summer (for castle tours and strolling through the gardens in bloom).
- Activities on offer: Guided castle tours, walking through gardens, and attending seasonal events.
- Accommodation: Van der Valk Hotel Breukelen, Carlton President Hotel, and Boutique Hotel ZIES.
- Map Location and Directions
15. Scheveningen
One of the eight districts of The Hague, Scheveningen is a modern seaside resort that includes a beautiful beach, an esplanade, a lighthouse, and a pier.
Whether you’re there for windsurfing or kiteboarding, I suggest walking through the area and seeing its beautiful sights!
A few of the activities that make the city special include a New Year’s Day winter swim, a fireworks display throughout the summer months, and a flags day in spring when the first new herring of the year is auctioned. You can also enjoy beaches, museums, and old churches while you’re there.
- Location: Western part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for beach activities, water sports, and seaside dining).
- Activities on offer: Beach activities, surfing, pier walks, and visiting the SEA LIFE aquarium.
- Accommodation: Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus, Carlton Beach Hotel, and Boulevard Hotel.
- Map Location and Directions
16. Middelburg
Located in the country’s southwestern part, Middelburg has sports teams, theaters, concert halls, and many sightseeing opportunities.
The former city hall is worth a visit, and other attractions include buildings and churches with religious and architectural significance.
Middelburg has been home to dozens of painters, musicians, writers, actors, and actresses since 1575. If you love history and natural beauty, this is one city you shouldn’t miss!
- Location: Southwestern part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Spring and Summer (for exploring historic sites and cultural festivals).
- Activities on offer: Walking tours of historical sites, visiting museums, and exploring traditional Dutch architecture.
- Accommodation: Boutique Hotel The Roosevelt, Hotel Middelburg, and Van der Valk Hotel Middelburg.
- Map Location and Directions
17. Binnenhof Palace, Hague
The Binnenhof in Hague is a complex of buildings in the middle of The Hague. The history of the buildings is not well-known, but we know that the main building was built as a ballroom in the beginning.
The building has a vast courtyard in the front, a Gothic fountain, and a few statues, including one of King William II.
The House of Representatives and Senate hold their sessions in one area of the building, which is exquisite both inside and exterior, making it a perfect sight for anyone who loves history or architecture.
- Visitor Center Address: 2513 AA The Hague
- Best time to visit: Spring and Fall (for walking tours and learning about Dutch history in pleasant weather).
- Activities on offer: Guided tours of the parliament buildings, exploring nearby museums, and strolling through Hofvijver Lake.
- Accommodation: Hotel Des Indes, Hilton The Hague, and Park Hotel Den Haag.
- Map Location and Directions
18. Dunes of Texel National Park
This extraordinary park is located on the island of Texel in the western part of Holland and is quite large. It boasts several different areas for you to look at and enjoy.
Some of its many attractions include birds such as godwits, pheasants, spoonbills, geese, gulls, and terns, among many others, as well as rabbits, hedgehogs, hares, and water mammals that include porpoises and seals.
If you’re an animal lover, then I highly recommend a visit. It is roughly 17 square miles—enough to offer something for everyone!
- Location: Northwestern part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Spring and Summer (for birdwatching, beach walks, and cycling through the dunes).
- Activities on offer: Hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and exploring sand dunes.
- Accommodation: Grand Hotel Opduin, Hotel Kogerstaete Texel, and Strandhotel Noordzee.
- Map Location and Directions
19. Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is a small neighbourhood in Zaandam. It is primarily famous because it has many historic windmills and houses that are old but very well-preserved—almost like a beautiful open-air museum.
The neighbourhood is a popular tourist attraction and home to seven museums and roughly eight windmills, some dating back to the mid-1500s. These include sawmills, oil mills, a mustard mill, and a dye mill.
- Location: Northwestern part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Spring and Summer (for exploring the windmills and traditional Dutch houses in scenic weather).
- Activities on offer: Visiting windmills, exploring traditional Dutch houses, boat tours, and learning about local crafts.
- Accommodation: Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam, Zaan Hotel, and Heerlijck Slaapen op de Zaanse Schans.
- Map Location and Directions
