Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands.

Even though the Netherlands is a small country it’s still one of the most visited countries in Europe. And there is a good reason for that. There is so much to do and to see in this beautiful country. You can visit it at anytime of the year as there is always something to see and do. If your looking for pearly white beaches, clear blue water and a ray of sun than you may be disappointed. Because that is definitely not apart of the Netherlands. The sun does appear from time to time but you should not be surprised if it makes place for rain and hagel for a few minutes and comes back straight after that. But that’s just a minor thing. And all the other great things can be found all around the country.

As the capital of the Netherlands, you may expect a lot from Amsterdam. Don’t worry because the city will not let you down. In Amsterdam, you can do and see anything, everything and more. The city is full of history and has amazing historical places to visit. And at the same time its a very modern city. Theater, music, dance, and art are also a very big part of the city and you can find it everywhere. From street artists, professional performers or the countless open mic nights. Amsterdam has it all. The city is big enough for you to stroll to your whole vacation and never get bored or having to visit the same place twice. The only downside to Amsterdam is that its always crowdy. Therefore if you're looking to enjoy the Netherlands without bumping into other tourists 24/7 you may want to skip Amsterdam. Otherwise, welcome to our capitol!

Anne Frank house

The famous house where Anne Frank and her family were hidden during the world war can be found in Amsterdam. It's full of history and very popular amongst locals and tourists. Therefore you should make sure that you get there early!

Address: Westermarkt 20, 1016 GV Amsterdam

Johan Cruijf Arena (FC Ajax stadium)

Home of the greatest football team of the Netherlands. You can take a tour through the football stadium where the players of Ajax practice and play their home games. Buy your tickets through the official website to make sure that they are valid.

Address: Arena Boulevard 29, 1101 AX Amsterdam

Madame Tussaud

Around the world, you can find different Madam Tussaud's but in the Netherlands, you’ll find the only madam Tussaud with Dutch stars. Of course, there are also internationally famous celebrities. It’s always busy at the Madam Tussaud so either buy your tickets online or get there early.

Address: Dam 20, 1012 KW Amsterdam

Amsterdam Dungeon

If you like scary things than you should really visit the Amsterdam Dungeon. It’s an interactive attraction with great actors. You can decide which tour you want to take and then the scary adventure can begin.

Side note: the recommended age is from 10 years up.

Address: Rokin 78, 1012 KW Amsterdam

Sex museum Venustempel

This museum is filled with erotic photos, paintings, and statues. Besides that, the museum is the oldest sex museum in the world.

Address: Damrak 18, 1012 LH Amsterdam

Scheepvaarts museum

This museum is dedicated to everything maritime and ships. There are different collections, exhibitions, and a virtual reality tour. Besides this, the museum also carries the world's second-largest maritime collection.

Address: Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK Amsterdam

Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam (Palace on the Dam)

Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam is the official palace where the Dutch King Willem - Alexander welcomes his visitors. There this palace is a must-see for all royalty lovers. You can visit various rooms in the palace except when the King has visitors. One these days the palace is closed to the public.

Address: Dam, Amsterdam

Beverwijk is a city that is most popular for the big indoor market that it has. It's one of a kind in the Netherlands which sets the city apart from the other cities in the country.

The Bazaar

When you enter the Bazaar you enter a new world for a moment. The Bazaar is a big marketplace where food, clothing, jewelry, home goods, toys and make up are being sold. Besides this, you can also get your nails done, get a tattoo or a piercing. Even if you decide to not buy anything you will definitely enjoy the food as they sell many different dishes from all over the world. If you don't like crowded places than the Bazaar is not the place for you.

Address: Parallelweg, 1948 NN Beverwijk

Sint-Agatha kerk

The Sint-Agatha kerk is the oldest church in Beverwijk. It's a very beautiful catholic church with a lot of history. The most remarkable thing about this church is its dome. During the summertime, there are often small organ concerts that take place at the church.

Address: Breestraat 101, 1941 EG Beverwijk

Museum Kennemerland

Museum Kennemerland is a museum that’s focussed on the local history and art of Beverwijk and Kennemerland. The museum changes it exhibitions over time but always remains faithful to its theme of local history and art.

Address: Westerhoutplein 1, 1943 AA Beverwijk

Utrecht is one of the biggest cities in the Netherlands yet it has a cozy feeling to it. The city is busy but you will not bump into as many tourists as in Amsterdam.

Spoorwegmuseum (Railway Museum)

Do you like museums and trains? If that's the case you must definitely visit the Spoorwegmuseum. It is a great museum that will teach you all of the ins and out of the Dutch history of trains.

Address: Maliebaanstation 16, 3581 XW Utrecht

Domtoren

With a height of 112 meters, the Domtoren is the highest church tower in the Netherlands. If you are willing to climb the 465 steps of the church tower you will be able to enjoy the best view of Utrecht.

Address: Domplein 21, 3512 JC Utrecht

Museum Speelklok

Museum Speelklok is a museum where it's all about music. The museum displays different music boxes and instruments that play music by themselves. You can discover everything that the museum offers on your own or get a guided tour. Besides this, the museum also offers it's guest the chance to turn on the music boxes and instruments themselves.

Address: Steenweg 6, 3511 JP Utrecht

Het Nijntje museum (The Miffy museum)

Nijntje the famous bunny created by Dick Bruna is also known as Miffy. This museum is the perfect place for little children to run around, touch/feel and discover everything that has to do with Miffy.

Address: Agnietenstraat 2, 3512 XB Utrecht

Botanische tuinen (Botanical gardens)

The Botanische tuinen is a part of the University of Utrecht. The university has opened up this garden to all. Here you can wander around while looking at and smelling all the beautiful plants and flowers. There are different themes inside the garden and various special elements inside of the garden. There‘s also a cafe where you can sit and relax while enjoying your surroundings.

Address: Budapestlaan 17, 3584 CD Utrecht

Rotterdam is the total opposite of Amsterdam. The only thing that the two cities have in common is that they are both big cities. Everything else between the cities is a big rivalry. But if you love Amsterdam that doesn't mean that you will not love Rotterdam as the city has many different things to offer.

Euromast

The Euromast is the highest tower in the Netherlands. It's a great place where you can look out over Rotterdam. Besides the incredible view, you can also enjoy the food that they offer. You can brunch there, enjoy a high tea or have dinner. And if you want to you can even spend the night. Make sure that if you want to spend the night you reserve this upfront as there are only two suites available.

Address: Parkhaven 20, 3016 GM Rotterdam

Essalam moskee

The biggest mosque in the Netherlands is the Essalam mosque. The mosque was originally built in 1987 but got rebuild and completely transformed in 2010.

Address: Vredesplein 7, 3074 SN Rotterdam

Kids Marina

The Kids Marina is a water attraction for kids between 3 and 14 years old. The kids can drive a boat through the mock harbor of Rotterdam and see what it’s like to sail the waters of Rotterdam.

Address: Leuvehaven 1A, Rotterdam

Dutch Pinball museum

This museum contains more than 70 different pinball machines. Here you can not only admire the different machines (the museum has old and new pinball machines) but you can also play games on the various machines for free.

Address: Paul Nijghkade 19K, 3072 AN Rotterdam

De Kuip (Feyenoord stadium)

If you're a lover of football than the stadium of Feyenoord is also one of the places that you should visit. Take a tour through the stadium and enter the famous field where the players play all of their home games.

Address: Van Zandvlietplein 1, 3077 AA Rotterdam

Plaswijckpark

This park is a great place to spend the day with the whole family. There are playgrounds for the kids to play, there's a zoo and a rosegarden for the adults to take a break and relax.

Address: Ringdijk 20, 3053 KS Rotterdam

Villa Zebra

At Villa Zebra children from 2 till 12 years can participate in workshops, make art themselves and work in the kitchen garden.

Address: Stieltjesstraat 21, 3071 JV Rotterdam

Markthal

The Markthal is a big marketplace where you can buy fresh vegetables, fruits, fish and cheese and more. Besides buying fresh ingredients you can also enjoy a nice meal in the Markthal as it houses over 14 different restaurants and cafes. If you like to know more about the architecture of the building in combination with the food then you can book a tour through the Markthal.

Address: Ds. Jan Scharpstraat 298, 3011 GZ Rotterdam

De ontdekhoek

De ontdekhoek can be translated into the discovering corner. It is indeed a place where children between can learn how to do things on their own in a fun way and save environment.

Side note: de Ontdehoek kan also be found in Harderwijk, Hoogeveen and Zwolle.

Address: Schuttersweg 76, 3034 RN Rotterdam

You can’t turn on the Dutch television or radio without seeing or hearing a resident of Volendam. The village has brought the Dutch entertainment world many stars. Including some of the biggest names in music being Jan Smit and BZN. But the village is known for more than the celebrities it brings.

Cheese factory

If you're wondering why Dutch cheese tastes so good then you must visit the Cheese factory. At the cheese factory, you will find out how real Dutch cheese is made. Besides seeing how the cheese is made you will also get to taste it. And of course, you can also buy some to take back home.

Address: Haven 25, 1131 EP Volendam

Palingsound museum

If you want to get to know more about Dutch music than the Palingsound museum is a great place to visit. It exhibits the history of Dutch music made by locals of Volendam.

Address: Slobbeland 19, 1131 AA Volendam

Volendams museum

The Volendams museum will tell you everything you need to know about the village. This includes the traditional clothing of the villagers, the history of the village and more.

Address: Zeestraat 41, 1131 ZD Volendam

Maastricht is a really special city that often gets overlooked by tourists. Mostly because it's not very known. Besides, it's also far from Amsterdam as it's in the south of the Netherlands. But if you really want to see historical pieces of the Netherlands, get a great sense of history and don't want to bump into other tourists every other second then you should really visit Maastricht.

Helpoort

Helpoort is a true piece of history as it was built in 1229 and is still in great shape. If you don't know what Helpoort is it is the gateway to Maastricht. Inside there is an exposition dedicated to the history of the city and you can get a tour to learn more.

Address: St. Bernardusstraat 24 B, 6211 HH Maastricht

Grotten Zonneberg (Caves of Zonneberg)

There are different ways to explore the caves of Zonneberg. You can take a regular guided tour but if you like to be more active you could participate in a guided scooter step tour. Either way, you will see all the hidden gems that the caves have to offer.

Address: Slavante 1, 6212 NB Maasttricht

The Hague is the political center of the Netherlands. Besides the House of Representatives, you can also find the International court of justice here. But the city has more to offer than politics and law.

Humanity house

The Humanity house is a museum dedicated to sharing the experiences of refugees. During an interactive tour, you will get to know, feel and understand the journey that a refugee goes through.

Address: Prinsegracht 8, 2512 GA The Hague

Madurodam

If you don’t have time to travel through the Netherlands but still would want to see more of the country than you may want to visit Madurodam. In Madurodam you can find the Netherlands completely remade in miniature size. It's a fun outing for young and old.

Address: George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ The Hague

Drievliet

Drievliet is a great amusement park to have a fun day out with the family. In comparison to the different amusement parks in the Netherlands, it’s a less expensive park. Drievliet caters to younger children, therefore, it doesn’t have big, exciting and thrilling rollercoasters. But it is a very nice place to spend the day when you have small children.

Address: Laan van ‘s-Gravenmade 81, 2495 BD The Hague

De Grote kerk

This church is very special as the Dutch King Willem - Alexander and his daughter crown princess Amelia both got baptized here. Besides that, it is also one of the oldest buildings in The Hague.

Address: Rond de Grote Kerk 12, 2513 AM The Hague

Binnenhof

The Binnenhof is the heart of Dutch politics. You can take a tour and visit all of the places where important decisions where and still are being made about the future of the Netherlands.

Address: Binnenhof 1, 2513 AA The Hague

's-Hertogenbosch is city like no other. It has a lot of history but is also very modern at the same time.

Sint - Jan kerk

If you love to visit churches you should definitely go visit the Sint -Jan church. It's a very beautiful church with a lot of history. And if you want to you can also visit service as the church is still in use. If you visit the church in December it will be very busy as they have a big live nativity scene.

Address: Torenstraat 16, 5211 KK ‘s-Hertogenbosch

Jan de Groot

If there is one that ‘s-Hertogenbosch is famous for it’s the Bossche Bol. The name Bossche bol is fueled from the name of the city and bol means ball. Which it is. It is a chocolate ball filled with a special kind if whip cream. You can buy a Bossche Bol everywhere in the city. But the best comes from Jan de Groot. Every day there are long lines in front of the bakery. So if you want a Bossche bol from the famous Jan de Groot bakery you should get there early. And if that’s not an option you can get delicious Bossche bols all through the city as cafes and other bakeries also sell them.

Address: Stationsweg 24, 5211 TW ‘s-Hertogenbosch

Eindhoven is the Amsterdam of the South. The city is big, always busy and has a rich history. But what really sets Eindhoven apart from all of the other cities in the Netherlands (even Amsterdam) is that it's the most innovative city in the country.

Philips museum

There is nothing that belongs more to the city of Eindhoven than Philips. And for good reasons. Philips helped to grow the city and it still does. And the company is also one of the reasons why Eindhoven is the most innovative city in the Netherlands. Visit the Philips museum including its shop and cafe to get to know all about the company.

Side note: there's also a bus tour and bicycle tour that you can take around the Philips estate.

Address: Emmasingel 31, 5611 AZ Eindhoven

Philips Stadium (PSV stadium)

If you love football you might want to visit the stadium of the most successful football team in the South of the Netherlands. Here PSV plays all of their home games.

Address: Frederiklaan 10 A, 5616 NH Eindhoven

De Steenarend

A museum, store and gemstone grinder all in one. Here you can buy beautiful handmade jewelry and gemstones. It’s also possible to follow a course or get a tour.

Side note: the museum is only open on Saturdays.

Address: Strijpsestraat 63-65, 5616 GL Eindhoven

DAF museum

In this museum, all the different DAF models will come by and you will learn new information about each and every one of them. And this also includes the more exclusive and less known models that the brand made.

Address: Tongelresestraat 27, 5613 DA Eindhoven

Haarlem is a charismatic city near Amsterdam. The city has its own special feel to it as it has a few hidden gems throughout.

Corrie ten Boomhuis museum

Anne Franks house is the most famous house linked to World War ll. But that isn’t the only house where Jewish families found a place to hide. The Corrie ten Boomhouse is a house where a lot of Jews and freedom fighters hid during the war. The house now functions as a museum.

Address: Barteljorisstraat 19, 2011 RA Haarlem

Grote of St. - Bavokerk

This church is still in use but offers visitors various tours through the church. This way you can get to know the church inside out. And enjoy a great view of the city of Haarlem when you participate in the tower tour.

Address: Grote Markt 22, 2011 RD Haarlem

The art of... Tea, Herbs & Spices

The art of... Tea, Herbs & Spices is a store where they sell countless different kinds of tea, coffee, nuts, herbs, and spices. You can roam the store to see and smell all of it. Besides that, you can also buy all of it and even make your own gift set containing all the goods the store has to offer.

Address: Grote Houtstraat 153, 2011 SL Haarlem

Kaatsheuvel is known for one thing and one thing only. But that one thing is one of the best (if not the best) things in the Netherlands. Which is a theme park called the Efteling.

Efteling

The best theme park in the Netherlands is the Efteling. It’s a theme park like no other. As soon as you enter the park you will feel like you entered a different world. As it is. It's a small fantasy world that offers you everything and more to have a great day out. There are live shows, rollercoasters, playgrounds, music and more for young and old. This theme park can be compared to Disneyland as it gives you that same magical feeling. Definitely a little piece of heaven in the Netherlands.

Address: Europalaan 1, 5171 KW Kaatsheuvel

Harderwijk is a beautiful city on the water. It's very popular to spend the day as it has a very popular mammal park that the Dutch love to visit.

Dolfinarium

If you love sea animals than Dolfinarium is a great place to visit. Dolfinarium is the biggest mammal park in Europe. Here you can find dolphins, walrusses, sea lions, and more sea animals. You can also enjoy the many live shows involving sea animals.

Address: Zuiderzeeboulevard 22, 3841 WB Harderwijk

Molen de Hoop

You can go on a guided tour through this old mill that is still in use. During the tour, you get to know all the ins and outs of the mill. And you can view the exhibition that takes place in the mill. There is also a chance that you get to see the mill live in action.

Address: De Molen Havendijk 9, 3841 EJ Harderwijk

De ontdekhoek

De ontdekhoek can be translated into the discovering corner. It is indeed a place where children between can learn how to do things on their own in a fun way and save environment.

Side note: De Ontdehoek kan also be found in Rotterdam Hoogeveen and Zwolle.

Address: Westeinde 100, 3844 DR Harderwijk

In the Netherlands, Apeldoorn is known for a big insurance company that's housed in the city. The insurance company made a commercial where they tell you to call Apeldoorn in case of an emergency. The commercial became a big hit in the Netherlands but Apeldoorn has more to offer than just this insurance company.

Apenheul

Apenheul is a true paradise for monkey lovers. This park is the only park where monkeys walk freely between the visitors. Not all of the monkeys in Apenheul walk around freely though. Approximately 150 of the 300 monkeys can be found walking between the visitors. The park is home to 35 species of monkeys. Therefore you will be sure to meet plenty of different monkeys as they are friendly and love to interact with the visitors.

Address: J.C. Wilslaan 217313 HK Apeldoorn

Paleis het Loo

This palace used to be the summer residence of the Dutch Royal Family. Nowadays it's open to the public to visit and there are different events to attend for young and old. At the moment the palace itself is closed to the public until the summer of 2021. The grounds around the palace are still open and the events there continue as usual.

Address: Koninklijk park 1, 7315 JA Apeldoorn

Julianatoren

This amusement park offers a day filled with fun for the whole family. There are various rides, entertainment shows and performances for all to enjoy.

Address: Amersfoortsteweg 35, 7313 AC Apeldoorn

Lelystad is the capital of the last province in the Netherlands. The city is very popular with people who love to shop as it has a big outlet and is easy to reach from throughout the country.

Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet

Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet is the first outlet of the Netherlands. And after all those years it's very popular. And for good reasons. The outlet offers its shoppers international brands and has over 150 different stores. So if you're looking for brand name items and great discounts then this outlet is the place to be.

Address: Bataviaplein 60, 8242 PN Lelystad

Luchtvaartmuseum Aviodrome

Aviodrome is a museum dedicated to aviation. The museum is an interactive place for lovers of everything aviation. Young children and adults can both enjoy themselves as they learn everything about different aircrafts, fly-in aircraft simulators, earn a flying brevet and more.

Address: Pelikaanweg 50, 8218 PG Lelystad Airport

Batavialand

Batavialand is a family museum where you can discover everything about the 17th century, old shipwrecks, miniature ships, water landscapes and more. There's also a restaurant where you can enjoy a nice meal and you can also buy souvenirs in the gift shop.

Address: Oostvaardersdijk 01-13, 8242 PA Lelystad

Biddinghuizen is a small village in the Netherlands. You can find the village near the city of Lelystad.

Walibi Holland

If you’re really into action, fun and thrilling rollercoasters than Walibi Holland is the place for you. There are more than 30 different rides for the real thrillseekers. Of course, there also rides that are more suitable for children but Walibi Holland really stands out when it comes to spectacular rollercoasters. The top ride that you can’t miss is the Goliath. This rollercoaster is longer, faster and higher than any other rollercoaster in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

Address: Spijkweg 30, 8256 RJ Biddinghuizen

The infrastructure of the Netherlands is great. This makes it easy to go on a road trip to the country. There are different means of transport that you can use during your road trip.

Renting a car

Pros:

• You're not obligated to travel at set times as you are in charge of your own schedule
• You will not be cramped in by all the other people that are also using public transport

Cons:

• It might be difficult to find the places you want to visit
• Traffic jams
• Parking is expensive and parking spaces are difficult to find

Traveling by train

Pros:

• You can sit back and relax
• You will not get stuck in traffic jams
• There are train stations in many cities

Cons:

• You're bound by a set schedule of traveling times
• It may be very crowded
• You may need to use a bus, tram or metro after getting off the train

Traveling by bus

Pros:

• Less expensive than renting a car or traveling by train
• You can sit back and relax

Cons:

• Travel time is long
• You're bounded by a set traveling schedule

Metro, tram, and bicycle

If you're not going to visit different cities or cities that are far apart from each other than the metro, tram and bicycle are also options. They are cheaper than the previously mentioned means of transport. And are a safe and easy way to travel within a city or two connected cities.

Sidenote: metros and trams can't be found in every city in the Netherlands.

Tip: don't use an Uber, taxi or similar transportation for long trips. This would always be more expensive than the previously mentioned options. An Uber, taxi or similar transportation are best to use for short distances.