The Netherlands. What do you think of when you hear the name? Maybe you picture the legal coffee shops selling marijuana, the Red Light District of Amsterdam, or the countless canals and over 20 million bicycles. But there’s so much more to this fascinating country. The Netherlands boasts a rich history and fantastic attractions for both kids and adults.
In 2018, the country welcomed 17 million foreign tourists, making it one of the top destinations in Europe. So, what should you do when you visit the Netherlands? Which places should you visit? To help you plan, we’ve put together a list of some of the best things to do in the country.
Amsterdam, the nation’s capital, draws about 6 million visitors annually, making it one of Europe’s most popular cities. With its relaxed vibe, legal coffee shops, and the famous De Wallen red-light district, Amsterdam offers something for every traveler. The city is also rich in family-friendly attractions, especially its museums.
Amsterdam has a ton of museums that are both fun and educational. For example, NEMO is the largest science center in the country and offers exciting exhibitions and activities for kids. The National Maritime Museum showcases the Netherlands’ impressive maritime history, including a replica of an 18th-century ship. Tropenmuseum, known for exhibits on world cultures, offers interactive displays and activities for children. The Museum of Amsterdam Illusions is another great spot for families, with its optical illusions perfect for memorable photos.
For adults, Amsterdam has some quirky museums like the Torture Museum, the Sex Museum, and the Hash, Marihuana, and Hemp Museum.
The city’s extensive network of canals is another major attraction. With 165 canals dug during the 17th century, Amsterdam’s canal district is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can see houseboats lining the canals, which serve as unique residences. If you’re visiting, you can even stay on a houseboat through booking sites like Booking.com or Airbnb. If a houseboat stay isn’t in your budget, you can visit the Houseboat Museum to get a feel for what life on a boat is like.
Gouda is another must-visit city, especially if you’re a cheese lover. Located in the western Netherlands, Gouda is famous not just for its cheese but also for its stroopwafels, or syrup waffles. Visit the Gouda Cheese Market in front of the historic Stadhuis Gouda, one of the oldest Gothic city halls in the country. Another popular spot is De Goudse Waag, the historic Cheese Weighing House. Even if the market is closed, you can still buy cheese at De Goudse Waag. For stroopwafel fans, Het Stroopwafelwinkeltje is a great place to sample this delicious treat.
If you’re visiting in the spring, don’t miss the tulip season, which lasts from mid-March to mid-May. The best time to see tulips is usually mid-April. Keukenhof Gardens, one of the top attractions and second-largest flower garden in the world, is a must-visit. More than 7 million tulip bulbs are planted here annually. Other great spots for tulip viewing include Noordoostpolder, Lisse, and Noordwijkerhout.
Utrecht is a picturesque Dutch city that doesn’t get as many foreign tourists but is definitely worth a visit. It’s known for its cobbled streets, medieval architecture, canals, and hip cafes. The city is home to Utrecht University, one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands, founded in 1636. The student population makes for a vibrant nightlife.
Rotterdam is another large city worth exploring. It’s home to Europe’s largest port, the Port of Rotterdam. The city is famed for its impressive and unique architecture. The Cube Houses are perhaps the most abstract, while De Markthal is a massive building with residential apartments, offices, and a ground floor covered with food stands and shops. The inner ceiling showcases impressive artwork. Rotterdam Central Station is futuristic, as are several high-rise buildings like De Rotterdam and Maastoren. Some say Rotterdam is a city of the future—why not see for yourself?
Lastly, when you think of the Netherlands, you might picture windmills, and Kinderdijk is the place to see them. This village in South Holland features 19 old windmills, the largest concentration in the country, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, food, or nature, the Netherlands has something for everyone.