The Netherlands is one of the best destinations in Europe. Although most tourists rightly focus on Amsterdam thanks to its excellent museums, architecture, and unique lifestyle, many other cities are worth visiting. When traveling to the Netherlands, tourists can expect to find idyllic towns, tulip fields, historical buildings, windmills, warehouses, and many canals. Of course, most of them are bike-friendly, which is an excellent way to blend with the locals.
For travelers dreaming about the famous Dutch tulip fields, the best time to visit is during the spring, and there are specific places they should go. The Netherlands is a country that remains gorgeous year-round, and people need at least one week to see some of its lovely towns.
11 The Hague
Amsterdam is the Netherlands' capital, but its administrative center and seat of government are located in The Hague. The city features a charming combination of historical and modern buildings, and the most famous landmark is the Binnenhof, the center of politics in the Netherlands.
The Hague (or Den Haag in Dutch) is also home to Scheveningen, the most famous beach in the country. Visitors can enjoy many museums and parks or explore the city on a boat tour. It's also a fantastic city to go shopping.
10 Haarlem
Haarlem is so close to Amsterdam that some people often bike from one city to another. Luckily, there are also trains connecting Haarlem and Amsterdam. The place is famous among locals for being one of the best shopping destinations in the country. Still, it's also an excellent destination for people looking for a charming historic city.
This place is a paradise for museum fans, and they can visit the Teylers Museum, the oldest in the country. The Grote Markt, Haarlem's historic center, is surrounded by bars, restaurants, and cafés, and it's a great place to hang out and admire its architecture. Travelers can also stop by De Jopenkerk, and a church turned into a brewery.
9 Utrecht
Utrecht's most remarkable sightseeing is the Dom Tower, which visitors can see anywhere in the city. Utrecht features everything travelers can dream about visiting the Netherlands: canals, boat tours, and historical buildings - but it's now as crowded as Amsterdam. After sunset, visitors can enjoy the Utrecht Lumen, a light art route on historic buildings created by national and international artists.
There are many bars and restaurants, and the most popular places are along the canals during summer.
8 Delft
The painter Vermeer has immortalized Delf in his artwork, especially with the View of Delft. The city is nestled between The Hague and Rotterdam and is famous for its white & blue pottery, so it's an excellent place for buying souvenirs. Delft features canals and historic buildings, so visitors can easily spend a day wandering on the streets and discovering museums. They should also try the Scheve Jantjes, famous butter cookies.
Those with more time can also discover its vibrant nightlife, as the city has many bars and pubs.
7 Maastricht
Maastricht is perched on the southern corner of The Netherlands, close to the borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany, and travelers with more time can easily visit those countries in one trip. The city's history dates back to Roman times, and it has an impressive cultural heritage, and art is everywhere.
The city has outstanding architecture, a famous bridge, museums, and markets. The most exciting time to visit is during their famous Carnival.
6 Rotterdam
Rotterdam's modern architecture contrasts with the historic vibe most Dutch cities exude. The travel guides often highlight places such as the Cube Houses, the Euromast, and the zoo, but they often fail to describe the best thing about Rotterdam: its multicultural atmosphere, which welcomes people from different cultures, something that influences everything around the city.
This vibrant place is the only city in the country with a skyline. It also bursts with excellent restaurants and bars, including the award-winning De Witte Aap, a perfect place to have some drinks.
5 Broek In Waterland
Only 20 minutes from Amsterdam, travelers can find a picturesque village perfect for those looking for tranquility. The best way to explore Broek in Waterland is by walking on its streets while admiring the Dutch wooden houses. During summer, people love to picnic on the lake, and people should also try the famous pancakes at the De Witte Swaen.
The place is also known for being one of the cleanest villages in the Netherlands. It's also possible to rent a boat, and they will give you all the necessary instructions. Fans of historic buildings won't be disappointed, as there's a restored church that dates back to the 16th Century.
4 Lisse
It's impossible to talk about the Netherlands and don't think about the tulip fields. When visiting the country in spring, it's almost mandatory to stop by Keukenhof, the most famous spring garden on earth. It's located in Lisse, and there are many tulip fields around, so it's a great idea to rent a bike and explore them. There is also an annual flower parade, popular among locals and tourists.
Lisse also has other worth-visiting places, including the 17th-century Keukenhof Castle and the Museum de Zwarte Tulp.
3 Harlingen
Harlingen became famous for its fishing industry and had a beautiful port, which is also one of the main attractions in the city. It has one of the oldest city centers in the Netherlands, where travelers can find warehouses, and patrician houses and admire the colorful architecture and canals.
There are also a handful of restaurants with a terrace, where clients can enjoy the view during spring and summer. The most famous landmark in Harlingen is a lighthouse built in 1920.
2 Leiden
Travelers interested in exploring the nightlife in the Netherlands should check the college cities. Leiden is probably the most famous, and it's home to the oldest university in the country and many bars. During holidays, most students go home, and the city is quieter.
Leiden is also famous for being Rembrandt's birthplace. It's also possible to visit Hortus Botanicus, one of the oldest botanic gardens in the world.
1 Giethoorn
The pictures of a Dutch village without roads went viral on social media. The place is called Giethoorn, and the only way to explore it is by boat, bike, or walking. Known as "Dutch Venice," this picturesque village attracts many tourists thanks to its waterways and typical Dutch architecture. It's an excellent place for visitors looking for something romantic or even a boat tour with friends. The best time to visit is spring and summer, especially during the weekdays when the city is quieter.