Whether you're a history buff, art lover or simply looking for adventure in the heart of nature, the Netherlands is full of treasures to discover. Beautiful Maastricht, fortified Breda, ancient Nijmegen, bewildering and dynamic Rotterdam and, above all, bewitching Amsterdam combine tradition and modernity in the image of the country. From East to West, North to South, the traveler is never bored, and remembers the countryside, the peninsulas of Zeeland, the valleys, the vast expanses. As for Amsterdam, the Venice of the North, it's impossible not to succumb to the charm of this capital city set on the waves. So what can you visit in the Netherlands? Discover the 15 most beautiful places!
1. Amsterdam
Aptly nicknamed the "Venice of the North", Amsterdam is one of the world's 20 most beautiful cities to visit in a lifetime! You'll find that every street corner reveals a new tableau of sparkling canals, elegant gabled facades and bicycles gliding along cobbled alleyways. Amsterdam is an enchanting city steeped in history, art and culture , attracting travelers from all over the globe with its singular charm and captivating diversity. Whether you're an art lover in search of renowned masterpieces, a cultural explorer eager to immerse yourself in picturesque neighborhoods or simply curious to feel the city's effervescence, you won't be disappointed.
Wondering what to do in Amsterdam? Check out our 17 must-sees! And if you're planning to visit Amsterdam in 2 or 3 days, check out our itinerary tips here .
2. Maastricht
Maastricht, the oldest city in the Netherlands along with Nijmegen, is without doubt one of the most beautiful in the country! It's a blend of all the flavors and moods we love about Europe. It was here that the famous Maastricht Treaty was sealed in 1992, giving this Dutch city its international reputation. Beyond that, Maastricht deserves much more than a mention in history books, as it boasts a unique charm and a rich history . Culturally, Maastricht has much to offer, with superb old churches, interesting museums including the Bonnefanten Museum, and the Bureau Europa . Take time to admire the Ceramics Quarter and especially the Place Plein 1992, the result of a successful combination of superb historic buildings and daring, splendid new architecture.
3. What to visit in the Netherlands The Hague
What to see in the Netherlands? It's unthinkable to discover the country without stopping off at The Hague, the majestic royal city by the sea and home to the seat of government and the king's office. Known worldwide as the home of the International Court of Justice, The Hague is also brimming with historical treasures, elegant hotels and luxury boutiques . It is also home to three of the country's finest museums (Mauritshuis, Kunstmuseum and Voorlinden), which alone are a good reason to visit. Scheveningen, the seaside town, resembles an English resort with its gigantic pier. For travelers unfamiliar with the shores of the North Sea, Scheveningen has a unique atmosphere. This is undoubtedly why The Hague is one of the best cities in which to expatriate.
4. Utrecht
Welcome to Utrecht, often referred to as "little Amsterdam", but with fewer crowds! In fact, it's one of our Top 15 alternatives for avoiding mass tourism. To discover its charms, there's nothing like strolling along the picturesque quays of the Oudegracht, Utrecht's historic canals, which were once used to transport goods in the Middle Ages. Climb to the top of the city's famous cathedral, Domtoren, the tallest in the Netherlands at 112 meters! And for art lovers, the Centraal museum has a fascinating collection of works to discover. You'll also want to stop off at Rietveld's Schröder House, designed in 1924 by the famous Dutch architect of the same name, and Haar Castle, considered the largest castle in the Netherlands.
5. Rotterdam
Almost completely destroyed by the Germans in 1940, Rotterdam remains a unique city, dubbed the "Manhattan on the Meuse". Today, it's a modern city, with its cube-shaped dwellings balanced near the old port, its soaring Weena buildings, its gigantic shopping arcades and its bustling port. The Old Port and the Delfshaven district remain from centuries gone by, immersing you in a melancholy world of 18th-century wine warehouses and miraculously preserved old houses. Some districts seem frozen in time, with their old sailors' bars and brothels near the quays. Rotterdam is also one of our top 10 shopping destinations in Europe .
6. What to visit in the Netherlands Keukenhof Botanical Gardens
What to do in the Netherlands? Keukenhof Botanical Garden is a vast English-style park covering almost 32 hectares, at the end of which you can catch a glimpse of Keukenhof Castle, former residence of Jacqueline of Bavaria. But above all, you can admire one of the most beautiful tulip beds in the whole of Holland . The spectacle of the park's floral creations and its 6 million bulbs are truly worth the trip (especially in tulip season). It's enough to understand the craze and speculative madness that these flowers were the object of from the 17th century onwards.
7. The island of Marken
Located 21 km from Amsterdam, this small fishing village is the pearl of the region and one of our Top 10 eco-destinations in Europe. Marken has preserved its authenticity through the ages. Here, concessions to modern life are rare! Long isolated, the island is now linked to the mainland by a dike built in 1957. As soon as you arrive, let yourself be captivated by the irresistible charm of its small traditional houses, and take time to wander through the narrow streets leading to the old fishing port , where you'll see the old fishermen's dwellings, some perched on stilts. Don't miss a visit to the clogmaker's workshop, a tradition deeply rooted in Dutch culture.
8. Zeeland's beaches
What to do in the Netherlands? A refreshing getaway on the North Sea! The Netherlands and the Zeeland region are full of beautiful, immaculately clean beaches with pristine white sand and breathtaking panoramas. We particularly recommend the beaches of Ouddorp and Cadzand, perfect for a family day out, offering an idyllic setting for relaxation and fun. For water sports enthusiasts, the beaches of Domburg and Brouwersdam are a must, offering optimal conditions for sailing and surfing.
9. What to visit in the Netherlands Dordrecht
The old town of Dordrecht, affectionately known as Dordt, was once the most flourishing trading port in the Netherlands. The facades of the houses along the canals and the many buildings in the historic center still bear witness to the splendor and prosperity of that era. A stroll through the Voorstraatshaven district will allow you to admire the splendid old houses that once belonged to wealthy merchants. The oldest of these, the T'zeepaer, boasts an impressive Gothic facade. If you'd like to learn more about the country's history, stop off at the Court of the Netherlands and the Augustinian convents .
10. The windmills of Kinderdijk
When we think of Holland, these mythical windmills immediately spring to mind. They are indeed, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Netherlands and one of the most Instagrammable sights in Europe. These nineteen windmills, carefully distributed along the canals , have been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1987. Their purpose was to protect the polders from flooding in a region at great risk of flooding. The site can be reached by bike, making it a perfect excursion from Rotterdam.
11. Hoge Veluwe National Park
Just over an hour from Amsterdam, this nature park in the province of Gelderland is the largest nature reserve in the Netherlands. So don't be surprised if you come across a few wild animals during your visit! The park is an absolute wonder and well worth a visit. You can also visitthe superb Kröller-Müller museum, which rivals the biggest museums in Amsterdam and The Hague, as well as a magnificent sculpture garden also on the grounds.
12. What to visit in the Netherlands The town of Gouda
Located 25 km northeast of Rotterdam, the charming and lively town of Gouda is as famous as the cheese that bears its name. Take a stroll through its picturesque old town center, stroll along its majestic canals and admire its remarkable architecture, and of coursehead to the cheese market to buy a good Gouda ! The Gothic town hall, with its carillon decorated with figurines, is a must-see, as are the magnificent stained-glass windows of St. John's church , which are lit up by the sun's rays from midday onwards. Gouda is a beautiful, charming town that's well worth a visit.
13. The Wadden region
What to do in the Netherlands A trip to the Wadden region is a must. Nestled between Denmark and Holland, the Wadden Sea is home to fifty small islands, forming a unique ecological treasure trove. Only five of these islands are inhabited, where life follows the rhythm of the tides. Texel, the largest, boasts a heavenly sandy beach. Vlieland, the smallest, is entirely pedestrian and car-free. Terschelling is home to Brandaris, the oldest lighthouse in the Netherlands (1594). Known as the "Wadden Diamond", the island of Ameland boasts beautiful nature reserves such as De Hôn and Het Oerd. At Schiermonnikoog, you'll find the widest sandbank in the Wadden Sea.
14. What to visit in the Netherlands Delft
Delft is a picturesque town steeped in history, famous for its blue porcelain. At the heart of the town, Market Square is home to the imposing New Church, where many members of the Dutch royal family are buried. You can also admire the 17th-century Town Hall, with its remarkable Renaissance architecture. The Old Church, with its characteristic leaning towers, is another symbol of Delft. Immerse yourself in the history of Delft porcelain with a visit to the centuries-old Royal Delft Factory. Here, you can watch manufacturing demonstrations and discover the magnificent pieces on display. Finally, a stroll along Delft's charming canals is an excellent way to discover the city's unique charm.
15. Nijmegen
Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands. It was founded by the Romans in 70 AD, and Charlemagne left his mark here by building a royal palace on the heights, of which the chapel of St. Nicholas still stands in the Valkhof park, offering a panoramic view of the city and the River Waal. Nijmegen also boasts well-preserved Roman remains, such as the Sanadome thermal baths and the archaeological excavations in Hunnerberg Park. See the Sint Stevenskerk, an imposing Gothic church and one of Nijmegen's most emblematic monuments, then enjoy a drink on the Grote Markt, the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of Nijmegen.
How to visit the Netherlands in a week?
Visiting the Netherlands in a week, in December for example, offers a great opportunity to discover many of the country's emblematic sites while enjoying its unique atmosphere. Here's a sample itinerary for a week:
Day 1-2: Amsterdam
Start with the capital, Amsterdam. Explore the picturesque canals on foot or by cruise, visit renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, and soak up the city's lively atmosphere. Amsterdam is one of those destinations where you don't have to fly from France , so don't hesitate!
Day 3: Utrecht
Head for Utrecht, a charming city less touristy than Amsterdam. Stroll along Utrecht's canals, visit Domtoren Cathedral and explore the city's rich historical heritage.
Day 4: The Hague
Continue your journey to The Hague, the royal city by the sea. Visit the Binnenhof (Peace Palace), the Mauritshuis to admire artistic masterpieces, and relax on the beaches of Scheveningen.
Day 5: Rotterdam
Head to Rotterdam, the dynamic, modern city. Explore its bold architecture, visit the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum and discover the famous Erasmus Bridge.
Day 6: Delft and Leiden
Take a day trip to Delft to admire the famous blue porcelain and to Leiden to explore its peaceful canals and rich university heritage.
Day 7: Keukenhof and Haarlem
End your week with a visit to the Keukenhof gardens (in spring season) to admire the colorful tulip fields, then head to Haarlem to discover its charming streets and relaxed atmosphere.
This itinerary will allow you to discover a variety of landscapes, cultures and experiences in the Netherlands, one of the happiest countries in which to live. Of course, you can adjust this itinerary to suit your personal interests and schedule. Enjoy your trip!
