Top 5 Places to Visit in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of those beautiful countries that are delightful every season. Its mild maritime climate spares it from severe frosts or sweltering summer heat. You can visit at any time of year and enjoy your stay to the fullest. Winter is ideal for skiing and exploring numerous attractions; in spring, you can admire the vibrant colors of the endless flower fields; in summer, take part in festivals and swim in the sea; in autumn, ride bicycles and face off against windmills.

The Netherlands is a true treasure trove of unique and stunning locations. It’s time to dispel the enduring stereotype of cheese, tulips, and windmills—these are the first things that come to mind for the average tourist when they hear about the Netherlands. Experts from the licensed agency GARANT.in decided to change that perspective and compiled a list of the most interesting and unusual attractions worth seeing in the country—even taking a fresh look at those established stereotypes.

The Netherlands and Its Attractions

Where should your journey in the Netherlands begin? Without question, by visiting Amsterdam, which we’ll discuss separately in this article. But the Netherlands offers much more than just its capital. The country is packed with intriguing locations—natural wonders, man-made landmarks, entire cities, and villages. The Netherlands is compact, so traveling from one point to another is easy. A couple of hours by car or public transport will take you to the opposite border of the country.

So, what are the must-visit places in the Netherlands?

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the first location you should visit without delay. This city is a celebration of life, a firework, and a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors. It combines high art, lively nightlife, fascinating shopping, everyday work routines, and the charm of a port town.

The city’s futuristic and somewhat cosmic architecture blends seamlessly with historical landmarks and unique old buildings. More and more tourists are discovering this wonderful place, increasing its popularity. Rotterdam is perfect for a leisurely and engaging exploration, even if you have just one day.

The city is renowned for its examples of modern architecture, such as the Cube Houses, the Markthal, and the breathtaking Erasmus Bridge. In addition to these architectural marvels, Rotterdam hosts a vibrant cultural life with numerous exhibitions, art openings, and performances by both professionals and amateurs. It is home to one of the largest galleries in the Netherlands, the unique Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen. The streets themselves often resemble quirky art installations. Even if you’re not a fan of museums and exhibitions, a walk through Rotterdam’s streets is a cultural experience on its own.

Rotterdam offers something for everyone. Art lovers will be enchanted by its galleries and museums, partygoers will enjoy its abundance of nightclubs, bars, and themed venues, and foodies will revel in the opportunity to sample culinary masterpieces in the city’s finest restaurants. Must-visit spots include the Kunsthal Museum, the Chabot Museum, the Maritime Museum, and Schoonoord Park.

Zaanse Schans

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary and want to step back in time, head to Zaanse Schans. This open-air historical museum, located just 20 minutes from Zaandam, feels like a Dutch landscape painting coming to life.

The location features charming old houses, picturesque winding canals, artisan and antique shops styled to resemble the past, and handmade items by Dutch craftsmen, such as toys, iconic Delftware, clogs, cheeses, and more.

Here, you can see all the elements traditionally associated with the Netherlands: windmills, cheese-making, and wooden clogs. Many of the windmills in Zaanse Schans are well-preserved, open to visitors, and fully operational. If you want to try on traditional Dutch clogs and observe their crafting process, visit the Wooden Shoe Museum. For cheese enthusiasts, the De Catharina Hoeve farm is a must-visit to witness cheese production and sample various types of this delectable treat.

This quiet location is perfect for those who dislike crowds, as it’s never overly busy. You can get here by bus from Amsterdam Central Station or book a day tour through any travel agency. Tours often include detailed explanations of cheese-making and other fascinating facts.

Hoge Veluwe National Park

If you’re in Amsterdam, make time to visit the Hoge Veluwe National Park, about an hour’s drive from the capital. This park uniquely blends man-made wonders with stunning natural landscapes.

For those who prefer not to walk, the park offers free bicycle rentals. You can return the bike at any of the numerous paths. Well-maintained trails take you through vast fields, dunes, lakes, and pine forests.

The park also hosts several museums, including the Kröller-Müller Museum, which boasts works by famous Dutch artists like Van Gogh. For children, there’s a playground and a fascinating local history museum. Various cafes and restaurants scattered throughout the park offer tasty meals and refreshments.

A highlight is the Kröller-Müller family residence, Jachthuis Sint Hubertus, a stunning piece of architecture. You can explore the interior for €4 or simply enjoy the grounds while sipping coffee or tea at the nearby restaurant.

Kinderdijk

Windmills are one of the main symbols of the Netherlands, and the village of Kinderdijk, near Rotterdam, is home to the largest concentration of them—19 windmills built in the 18th century. Originally constructed to drain marshy land, these windmills are now UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Exploring Kinderdijk is free, but two museums in the village charge a small entry fee and offer a glimpse into the lives of families who lived in the windmills, enduring the constant hum of their blades.

You can explore the village on foot, by bicycle, or by renting a boat. Several cafes in the area offer light snacks, while more substantial meals can be found at restaurants near the park entrance. For a scenic journey, take a water bus from the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam to Kinderdijk, enjoying picturesque views along the way.

Amsterdam

No trip to the Netherlands is complete without visiting Amsterdam, a city buzzing with energy 24/7. The city attracts over six million tourists annually with its museums, cafes, and unique atmosphere.

One of Amsterdam’s most remarkable features is its network of canals. With four main canals forming concentric semi-circles around the Old City, Amsterdam is often called the “Venice of the North.” These canals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are surrounded by an impressive array of attractions.

For a hassle-free visit, consider purchasing the I Amsterdam City Card, which includes access to many attractions, popular museums, and even day trips to locations like Zaanse Schans.

For seasoned travelers, here are five unique Amsterdam spots often overlooked by tourists:

1. IJ-Hallen Flea Market – One of Europe’s largest flea markets, offering a treasure trove of vintage items and unique souvenirs.
2. Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam – A historic botanical garden founded in 1638, perfect for a peaceful escape.
3. Electric Ladyland – A one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to fluorescent art.
4. The Cat Boat (Poezenboot) – A floating shelter for cats, where visitors can interact with the residents.
5. Hash, Marihuana & Hemp Museum – A museum showcasing the history and uses of hemp.

The places described here are just a glimpse of what the Netherlands has to offer. Every traveler could likely create their own top-five list of must-see locations.

For those looking to stay in the Netherlands longer, whether through work, study, business, or investment, GARANT.in offers expert consultation to help you obtain residency or visas.