Best things to do and see in the Netherlands

From its historic windmills to its ultra-modern cities, the Netherlands has something to please every traveller. Whether you want art, wild parties or a peaceful rural experience, you’re sure to find it here. Check out our guide to what to visit in the Netherlands and put together your very own Netherlands itinerary!

Go wild in Amsterdam

For most people, Amsterdam tops the list of cities to visit in the Netherlands. Not only is it the capital, but it’s also a major cultural hub. Nowadays, Amsterdam is known both for its fascinating history and its crazy nightlife. If you want a taste of the hedonistic side of life, head to the world-famous Red Light District or wander into a cannabis coffee shop. Look out for the all-night techno parties that often take place in old warehouses in the docklands. This truly is a city that never sleeps.

Enjoy the culture of the capital

Yes, Amsterdam is known for its parties — but you’d be missing out if you didn’t also plan a cultural itinerary. You can admire the works of the Dutch Masters in the Rijksmuseum or visit the Van Gogh Museum, a gallery dedicated to the country’s most famous artist. The Anne Frank House, preserved as it was when Anne and her family hid from the Nazis, is one of Europe’s most moving museums. In the spring, you can also admire the carpets of tulips that cover the city’s parks, and at any time of year, the picturesque canals and charming bridges make a perfect backdrop to your photos.

See Europe’s biggest port in Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the gateway to Europe. The biggest port in the world outside East Asia, it’s a fascinating, bustling city that sees hundreds of ships passing through each day. Boat tours of the harbour are available, and they are truly impressive. Marvel at the sheer scale of the shipping operation here or, if that’s too much, climb the tower of the 15th century Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk church for a more sedate view of the city. Rotterdam, which was largely destroyed in the Second World War and rebuilt later, also has many great examples of modern architecture, a rarity in the Netherlands.

Visit the justice capital of the world in the Hague

Never out of the news, the Hague is home to the International Court of Justice. This essential organisation is based in the Peace Palace. Guided tours are available at times but not every day; when the court is in session, visitors cannot enter for reasons of security. However, there are some other fascinating old buildings to explore, including the stunning medieval Ridderzaal. Be sure to pop into the Mauritshuis art gallery, which houses the Vermeer masterpiece Girl with a Pearl Earring. The Hague also has some great beaches and boasts impressive beach parties in the summer months.

Cross the river in Maastricht

Maastricht was originally founded in 50 BC as a river crossing point — and that’s exactly what many visitors still do today! The city is known for its beautiful bridges. Feel free to linger as you take in the views before exploring the historic centre. The old town hall, the medieval walls and the Netherlands’ oldest church all make Maastricht a top destination for lovers of history and architecture. There’s another side to this charming city, too. Visit in spring, and you’ll find yourself in the heart of one of Europe’s biggest and best carnivals, with street parties, parades and music everywhere.

Go mad for cheese in Edam

The Netherlands’ most famous food export is its cheese — and what better place to indulge than in Edam? The Edam cheese market features many different varieties of local cheeses and is open every Wednesday in spring and summer. This traditional market sees vendors in old-style clothes hawking their bright orange wheels of cheese, which are often transported in town on horse-drawn carriages. There are also interesting museums to explore here, as well as some of the country’s finest windmills.

Step inside cheese in Gouda

If Edam hasn’t satisfied your yearning for cheese, head to Gouda! Its traditional market opens on Thursdays, and it’s also home to the Gouda Cheese Experience, an interactive museum that explains how cheese is made. This museum is set inside a bright yellow building shaped like a distinctive gouda cheese and is one of the top attractions in the Netherlands for anyone travelling with kids. And yes — there are samples available to taste!

Discover history in Utrecht

Utrecht is best known for its remarkable old town, known as Binnenstad. Its cathedral, Domkerk, is a stunning example of gothic architecture and dates back to 1254. While the cathedral is the city’s most famous monument, a stroll around the pedestrianised old town will reveal dozens of fascinating historic buildings. Follow the DOMUnder route, a self-guided tour that takes you underground. In the caverns below Cathedral Square, you can see the historic Roman remains that date back to the city’s founding.

Admire the pottery in Delft

The famous blue and white Delftware can be seen all over the world, and this city is where it comes from. Once, there were 32 different pottery companies in Delft. Today, only De Porceleyne Fles remains. Dating back to 1653, it offers intriguing guided tours of its factory and artists’ workroom. This piece of unique Dutch culture is well worth a visit. As well as pottery, Delft is known for its sheer beauty. Its canals and old-style buildings make it a quintessential Dutch town.

Spend a day at the museum in Eindhoven

Eindhoven is known for its fascinating museums, so if you’d like to take a deep dive into the world of history and innovation, this is the place to be. The DAF Museum outlines the motor history, with exhibits dedicated to cars and other vehicles, as well as industry. In the Philips Museum, you can take a trip through the 20th century’s most important innovations, with intriguing displays of technology and inventions. More of an art buff? Then take yourself to the Van Abbemuseum. From its striking appearance — rising as a square block out of the River Dommel — to its avant-garde collection of modern art, everything about this museum is unique.

Go to a student party in Leiden

Leiden is one of the Netherlands’ most important university towns, and it has nightlife to match! This is the place to go if you want to party on a budget, with all the atmosphere you’d expect from a city full of students. As well as great nightlife, Leiden offers charming views, with canals, wooden bridges and plenty of parks. It’s a lovely place to go if you’d like to take a boat trip down the canals.

See the medieval charms of Haarlem

Just 15 minutes from Amsterdam, Haarlem is like stepping back to another century. The city is best known for its fantastic market, the Grote Markt, which is open Mondays and Saturdays. Here you’ll find trinkets and souvenirs, artisan food and drink, clothes, jewellery and just about anything you could imagine! In addition to its fabulous market, Haarlem has stunning mediaeval architecture and some of the country’s best beaches.

Let your inner foodie out in Volendam

Another town close to Amsterdam is Volendam. This coastal village has long been home to a fishing community, so it’s known for its fine seafood. In fact, it’s considered one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands if gastronomy is high on your agenda. Take a seat in one of its many restaurants and enjoy the catch of the day. Afterwards, you can burn it off with a gentle stroll around the harbour – or, if you’re feeling a bit more energetic, hop on a bike and cycle back to Amsterdam.

Row your way through Giethoorn

Giethoorn is known as the village with no roads. There are two ways to get around this picture-perfect town: on two wheels or by boat. It’s worth the effort: Giethoorn is truly stunning. This small town, surrounded by lush greenery, features thatched roofs, old-style shutters and flowers in bloom everywhere. Anyone looking for a quiet, peaceful holiday should add Giethoorn to their list of places to visit in the Netherlands.

See the windmills at Kinderdijk

Visitors to the Netherlands are often surprised by just how many windmills and canals the country has — they’re almost everywhere! The windmills play an essential role in the Dutch irrigation system, a true necessity for a country that is often perilously close to flooding. See them at their best in the rural village of Kinderdijk. Its 19 windmills have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as exploring the windmills and the charming village, this is a great spot for hiking or cycling, and there are plenty of routes among its winding waterways.