Top destinations to explore in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a hidden gem filled with stunning art cities, picturesque canals, iconic windmills, and vibrant tulip fields, alongside modern sustainable urban areas and beautiful natural landscapes, coastlines, and islands. Although it's one of Europe's smaller countries (you can traverse it in just a few hours), deciding where to focus your time requires careful consideration. Here are the best places to kick off your adventures.

1. Amsterdam

Top city for culture

Laced with UNESCO-listed 17th-century canals, the Dutch capital is a cultural gem adorned with charmingly crooked gabled buildings at its heart.

Amsterdam is home to a plethora of museums, including the iconic Rijksmuseum, the nearby Van Gogh Museum, and the contemporary Stedelijk Museum, along with unique spots like the Wereldmuseum dedicated to world cultures, plus countless smaller, specialized treasures like pianola exhibits and sustainable fashion hubs.

Music ranging from classical to EDM resonates through historic churches, revered concert venues (the Concertgebouw boasts near-perfect acoustics), and iconic places like Melkweg, as well as open-air stages in lush locations like Vondelpark.

Tip for planning: To sidestep overtourism and enjoy a quieter experience, explore lesser-known neighborhoods. Amsterdam Noord is a great choice, featuring a cutting-edge film museum, the largest street-art museum in the world, a vibrant art hub in the former shipping warehouse NDSM-Loods, and eco-friendly cafes and bars made from recycled materials.

Discover the perfect neighborhood to stay in Amsterdam.

2. Rotterdam

Top city for modern architecture

As the Netherlands' second-largest city and Europe's biggest port, Rotterdam has risen from the ashes of WWII destruction, evolving into a vibrant showcase of modern architecture and public art. Notable highlights include the Overblaak 'forest' of tilted cube houses (which features the Kijk-Kubus museum), the impressive horseshoe-shaped Markthal with its diverse food stalls and eateries, and the sparkling Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen – the world’s first open-access art storage facility. The city is also home to repurposed venues like Schieblock, a mid-century office transformed into creative studios, complete with a rooftop terrace for urban farming.

Planning tip: For a thrilling view of the ever-changing skyline, hop on a water taxi that whisks you across the harbor. For the adventurous, try abseiling 100m (328 ft) down from Rotterdam’s iconic Euromast observation tower, which opened in 1960.

Keep this guide handy for the must-see attractions in Rotterdam.

3. Texel

Top destination for outdoor enthusiasts

Nestled less than 2 miles from the Dutch coast, the idyllic Wadden Sea island of Texel (pronounced 'Tes-sel') features a striking red lighthouse and is bordered by expansive white-sand beaches. Its verdant fields, home to fluffy sheep (renowned for their wool) and dairy cows (whose milk is crafted into local cheeses, chocolates, and ice creams paired with fresh berries), along with its sprawling forests and nature reserves, make Texel a true paradise for outdoor lovers. The island boasts an extensive network of cycling paths and offers activities like horseback riding and skydiving, while watersports enthusiasts can enjoy sailing and kite-surfing.

Around 10,000 seals inhabit the nearby waters; you can see them during boat tours or at Ecomare’s seal sanctuary.

Planning tip: Ferries transport foot passengers, vehicles, and bicycles from the mainland at Den Helder to Texel in just 20 minutes. During the summer, there’s also a route connecting Texel with the Frisian island of Vlieland.

4. Delft

Ideal for historic streetscapes and artistic heritage

Charming Delft, with its intricate network of narrow canals flanked by delightful, colorful buildings, feels like a step back in time. At its heart lies the medieval Markt, one of Europe’s largest market squares, where markets still operate on Thursdays. This area is dominated by the tilted spire of the 14th-century Oude Kerk (Old Church) and the 17th-century Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), which offers stunning views of the town after climbing its 376 spiral steps.

For a more relaxed yet equally picturesque experience, visit Hooikade across the canal, where the renowned 17th-century artist Vermeer painted his iconic View of Delft, which remains recognizable today. The Vermeer Centrum Delft explores the artist's life and techniques.

The 17th century also witnessed artisans establishing a lasting legacy through the creation of blue-and-white-painted pottery, famously known as Delftware. Royal Delft, operating since 1653, offers behind-the-scenes tours.

5. Den Haag (The Hague)

Ideal for majestic museums and performing arts

Elegant Den Haag (The Hague), the Netherlands’ third-largest city, may not be the capital—Amsterdam holds that title—but it serves as the seat of government and royalty. The sparkling Hofvijver pond mirrors the Gothic-style Binnenhof (Inner Court), the permanent location of the Dutch parliament, currently relocated until renovations are completed around 2028. The country's monarch, King Willem-Alexander, works from the nearby Noordeinde Palace and resides at the Huis ten Bosch palace.

You don’t need a royal invitation to explore the stunning Mauritshuis, home to iconic masterpieces like Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and Fabritius’ The Goldfinch. The former royal residence, Lange Voorhout Palace, features the captivating works of Dutch graphic artist MC Escher. The Amare performing arts complex, opened in 2021, unites various organizations, including the Royal Conservatoire and the modern-dance Nederlands Dans Theater, across its four halls, making it a cultural hub for the city.

Planning tip: When the sun shines, join locals at the relaxed beach bars lining the expansive sandy shores of Scheveningen.

6. Maastricht

Ideal for Roman history and vibrant celebrations

In the hilly southeast of this predominantly flat country, Maastricht challenges many visitors’ perceptions of the Netherlands. Nestled between Germany and Belgium, its position along the ancient trading route from Cologne to Boulogne-sur-Mer led the Romans to establish a fort to protect the crossing over the Maas (Meuse) river. The original bridge's site can be seen at the Sint Servaasbrug, an arched stone footbridge constructed in 1280, which is the oldest bridge in the Netherlands.

Maastricht’s vibrant joie de vivre dates back to the 15th century when it was part of the expansive Burgundy realm, leading to a culture rich in gastronomy, wine, beer, and festive cheer. The best spots to indulge your appetite include the lively squares of Markt, Vrijthof (with the Romanesque basilica Sint Servaasbasiliek), and Onze Lieve Vrowplein (adjacent to the Romanesque church Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek).

Planning tip: The festivities peak during Carnaval, leading up to Shrove Tuesday (February or March), when many businesses close and the streets come alive with colorful parades and celebrations.

Interested in attending a festival like Carnaval or King's Day? Here are the best times to go.

7. Leiden

Ideal destination for history enthusiasts

Leiden is an essential stop for anyone interested in history, whether it be in academia, art, or trans-Atlantic connections. This canal-threaded city is home to the Netherlands’ oldest and most esteemed university, established in 1575 by Willem the Silent. Its botanical garden, the Hortus Botanicus Leiden, opened in 1590 and boasts a collection of rare plant species from around the globe.

As a scholarly city, Leiden is filled with intriguing museums; the prominent Museum De Lakenhal, located in a former cloth warehouse, showcases works by artists including Rembrandt, who was born here in 1606. The Pilgrims, who fled England for Amsterdam in 1608, relocated to Leiden the next year, where they raised funds to lease the Speedwell for their voyage to the New World in 1620. The small Leiden American Pilgrim Museum recounts their journey.

Planning tip: Leiden serves as a gateway for springtime excursions to the vibrant tulip fields and Keukenhof Gardens, located 10 miles north in Lisse, where around seven million bulbs bloom annually.

8. Utrecht

Ideal destination for distinct viewpoints

Founded in 1636, Utrecht boasts a lively atmosphere with its university, independent shops, bars, and charming bakery-cafes.

The city offers some unique perspectives. Climbing the 465 steps of the Domtoren, Utrecht's medieval belfry standing at 112 meters (367 feet), rewards you with views that stretch all the way to Amsterdam on clear days. The nave of the Domkerk cathedral, destroyed by a hurricane in 1674, remains unreconstructed. Below ground, guided tours of DOMunder reveal an archaeological site that spans two thousand years of history. Additionally, tours of Paleis Lofen take you through the subterranean remnants of a residence established by the Holy Roman Emperors around 1020 AD, including Roman artifacts.

Utrecht's canals are another distinctive feature. The Oudegracht and Nieuwegracht meander through the historic heart of the city, featuring double-decker towpaths: one at river level, where merchants once unloaded goods into kelders (cellars) that now host cafes and accommodations, and another at street level above. To experience them from a different perspective, you can explore the canals by boat, kayak, or canoe.

9. Haarlem

Ideal for beaches, dunes, and wildlife

The majestic city of Haarlem features the bustling Grote Markt (Great Market) square, historic churches (don't miss a Müller organ recital at the Grote Kerk), and an impressive collection of museums, including the Frans Hals Museum and Teylers Museum, making it a delightful destination on its own.

Once you've explored the city, it serves as a perfect gateway to the soft, white-sand beaches of Zandvoort and Bloemendaal aan Zee, accessible through the wildlife-rich Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. Here, you might encounter various wildlife, including birds, bats, bison, red foxes, and fallow deer, along with the horned Highland cattle introduced in 2016. The Kopje van Bloemendaal, the highest dune in the Netherlands, offers stunning views of the sea and Amsterdam, which is just 20 minutes away from Haarlem.