Introduction
You may be considering a trip to the Netherlands and wondering what the top places are that you should visit. As a relatively small country, the Netherlands packs in a lot of diverse attractions - from world-famous art museums to quaint towns with winding canals. This blog post details the 10 most popular tourist destinations that should be on your Netherlands itinerary.
The capital city of Amsterdam is famous for its beautiful and iconic canal network. You can explore the canals by boat or simply walk along the edges and take in sights like the Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge) and blooming houseboats. Strolling along the canals is one of the most scenic and memorable activities you can do in the Netherlands. Make sure to weave through narrow alleyways and discover hidden shops and cafés along the water as well.
2. Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
For art lovers, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is a must-see attraction. You’ll find the largest collection of works by the famous Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, including his most well-known pieces like “The Potato Eaters” and “Sunflowers.” Not only will you see an impressive range of Van Gogh’s art, you’ll also learn about his life through exhibits and multimedia displays. Nearby the museum you can also visit the house where Vincent van Gogh once lived.
3. Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof Gardens is one of the world’s largest flower gardens, and one of the most popular day trips from Amsterdam. Every spring, you can wander around the sprawling 79 acres of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other flowers. It makes for stunning photos and memories. You’ll definitely want to visit Keukenhof during tulip season in mid-April. Outside of the blooming season, the traditional Dutch windmills and pavilions still make it worth a visit.
4. Kinderdijk Windmills
In addition to Keukenhof Gardens, Kinderdijk is another iconic Dutch landscape you need to experience. This village is home to Holland's largest concentration of working windmills, an impressive sight lining the canal. Dating back 300 years, this group of 19 windmills has a rich history you can learn about through visiting the windmills and adjacent museum. Watching the large sails slowly turn over the grassy fields makes for an unforgettable and quintessentially Dutch moment.
5. Rotterdam’s Architecture
The port city of Rotterdam is an unexpected architectural highlight of the Netherlands. Unlike most other historic Dutch cities, Rotterdam was heavily bombed during WWII and rebuilt in an eclectic, experimental style. This resulted in a fascinating variety of buildings you won’t find elsewhere in the country. Be sure to check out icon landmarks like the pencil-shaped Markthal (Market Hall), unexpected cube houses, and the striking Erasmus Bridge nicknamed “The Swan.” There’s also great museums and restaurants amongst Rotterdam’s distinct skyline.
6. Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam
Along with the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam’s mammoth Dutch national museum known as the Rijksmuseum is a must-visit. You’ll be impressed by the sheer size of the museum with over 8,000 objects on display across 80 rooms. You can get a comprehensive overview of Dutch art and history from the Middle Ages to modern times. Some of the highlights are Rembrandt’s massive “The Night Watch” painting, antique dollhouses, and extravagant model ships. Be prepared to spend a good half day exploring all this iconic museum has to offer.
7. Gouda
Gouda may be world-famous as a cheese name, but the charming city itself warrants a visit too. Only a short train ride from Amsterdam or Rotterdam, this small town has beautifully maintained medieval architecture and Dutch culture waiting to be discovered. Pop into the Gothic-style town hall dating back to 1450, and the country’s longest church, Sint Janskerk, which houses stunning stained glass windows. And yes – you can watch Gouda cheese production first hand as its being made and sample different aged varieties. Beyond cheese, Gouda’s delightful town center is full of cafés for people watching too.
8. Arnhem
Arnhem offers another relaxing small town getaway from the big cities, known for its picturesque parks which earned it the nickname "City of Trees." Key places for you to relax amongst nature are Sonsbeek Park, De Hoge Veluwe National Park, and Burgers' Zoo. History buffs will also appreciate exploring Arnhem's John Frost Bridge, named after the British commander whose WWII story was captured in “A Bridge Too Far.” This battle zone history combined with the calm vibe of Arnhem’s parks and trails provide interesting contrast sure to appeal.
9. Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is a unique Dutch village comprised of relocated historic windmills, barns, homes and workshops that feel straight out of a fairy tale. Here you’ll gain insight into traditional Dutch life as it was lived centuries ago. Watch craftspeople create wooden clogs, cheese and pewter, demonstrate how pigments were made, and learn how wind-driven saw mills operate. The village’s green wooden structures and windmills perched over the river make forstorybook-like photos. Zaanse Schans brings Dutch culture and history alive through immersive workshops and demonstrations the entire family can enjoy.
10. Utrecht Canals
One final Dutch canal town to add to your itinerary is historic Utrecht. While smaller than Amsterdam, Utrecht also has wharf cellars, winding waterways and vibrant buildings lining its old town canals. Rent a boat or walk along the canal-side paths, admiring highlights like the Renaissance-style Dom Tower soaring above. Make sure to duck down the picturesque narrow passageways that disappear under the city. With plenty of terrace cafés, boutique shops and museums like the Railway Museum, Utrecht’s charming canals offer a relaxed atmosphere perfect for your last Netherlands stop.
Conclusion
From the eclectic architecture of Rotterdam to the flower-filled fields of the Dutch countryside, the Netherlands packs memorable sights into a small space. Use this list to guide your trip itinerary and design a journey across this colorful country that captures all facets of the diverse Dutch landscape and culture. Whether you spend most of your time exploring just Amsterdam or venture out to other towns, these top 10 attractions promise to provide picture-perfect moments that introduce you to the very best of the Netherlands.