Best Things To Do In Netherlands

Welcome to the Netherlands! Also called Holland, it's renowned for its windmills, vibrant tulip fields, and rich artistic heritage. The Netherlands is an enchanting European country that promises an unforgettable journey.

You can explore scenic cycling routes in the Netherlands or admire world-class art in renowned museums. You'll find diverse and beautiful cities and picturesque countryside as well. The adventure and possibilities are limitless.

Buckle up as we go through the top 20 things to do and the best places to visit in the Netherlands. This mesmerizing and beautiful country has much to explore, experience, and savor.

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. It's famous for its artistic heritage, canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades.

Cruise Through History: It offers a unique city perspective. Cruising through the canals of Amsterdam is a must-do for any visitor. You'll pass by charming 17th-century homes, bridges, and houseboats. You'll glide along the waterways.

Bicycle Tours: Amsterdam is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world. Rent a bike and explore the city's extensive network of cycling paths, experiencing the city like a local.

Van Gogh Museum: The Netherlands is home to many world-renowned artists, none more so than Vincent van Gogh. The Van Gogh Museum houses the most extensive collection of his works worldwide. The collection includes "Sunflowers" and "The Bedroom.""

The Netherlands has a rich artistic history. Many world-renowned artists hail from Dutch soil.

Rijksmuseum: The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is the most visited museum in the Netherlands. It houses an extensive collection of Dutch art and history. It includes works by masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Kröller-Müller Museum: This is located in the stunning Hoge Veluwe National Park. The museum has an impressive collection. It includes works by Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Piet Mondrian.

Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam: This features an eclectic mix of art. It includes works from medieval to contemporary times. It also has a vast collection of Dutch and Flemish masterpieces.

The Kinderdijk windmill complex is one of the most iconic sights in the Netherlands. The best time to visit the Netherlands is in April when the fields of tulips are in full bloom.

Tour the Windmills: The 19 windmills at Kinderdijk are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are incredibly well-preserved. A guided tour provides insight into the historical significance of these engineering marvels. It also highlights their role in water management.

Wisboom Visitors Mill: Inside this working windmill, you'll find a museum that offers a glimpse into the life of a miller. It's a fascinating look at Dutch history and innovation.

Cycle Along the Mills: One of the best ways to experience Kinderdijk is by bike. Traverse the polder landscape and soak up the beauty of these iconic structures.

Dutch cuisine may not be as well-known as other European cuisines, but it has its unique charm and flavors.

Traditional Dutch Food: Dutch cuisine is diverse and delicious. It includes hearty stamppot and sweet treats like stroopwafels. And make sure to try raw herring, a traditional Dutch delicacy.

Cheese Tasting: The Netherlands is famous for its cheese. A visit to a local cheese market or dairy farm offers the chance to sample and learn about Gouda, Edam, and other Dutch cheeses.

Craft Beer and Jenever: The Dutch are known for their love of beer, and craft breweries have been popping up nationwide. Be sure to also try jenever, a traditional Dutch liquor similar to gin.

The Netherlands is synonymous with tulips. There's no better place to admire these beautiful blooms than in Keukenhof.

Keukenhof Gardens: Known as the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof is one of the world's most extensive flower gardens. The garden is incredibly stunning in the spring when millions of tulips burst into bloom.

Flower Parade: If your visit coincides with the annual flower parade in April, you're in for a treat. This spectacular event features floats and cars decorated with flowers. It creates a colorful and fragrant procession.

Tulip Routes: For a more intimate experience, explore the tulip fields on foot or by bike. Numerous routes wind through the colorful fields. They offer breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

The Netherlands is home to many historic cities and towns offering unique charm.

Utrecht: Utrecht's city center is a medieval marvel filled with ancient churches and canals. Climb the iconic Dom Tower for a breathtaking view of the city.

Maastricht is nestled at the southern tip of the Netherlands. It offers a delightful blend of history and culture. Its cobblestone streets and Roman ruins make it an essential stop. The vibrant dining scene adds to its appeal.

Rotterdam: Rotterdam is a modern and dynamic city known for its experimental architecture and vibrant art scene. Don't miss the iconic Markthal, an indoor food market with a stunning horseshoe-shaped building.

The Netherlands might not be the first country that comes to mind when considering beach destinations. However, its coastline is surprisingly diverse.

Scheveningen: Scheveningen is the most popular seaside resort in the Netherlands. It boasts a long sandy beach, a lively pier, and many of the best restaurants to check out in the Netherlands.

Zandvoort: Just a short train ride from Amsterdam is Zandvoort. It offers a beautiful beach, a charming town center, and even a racing circuit for motorsport enthusiasts.

Texel: For a more laid-back beach experience, head to the peaceful and picturesque Texel. This island is home to beautiful beaches, nature reserves, and quaint Dutch villages.

Music is a significant part of Dutch culture. Various festivals and venues cater to every taste.

The Netherlands hosts music festivals throughout the year. They cover genres from electronic dance music to jazz. Highlights include Pinkpop, Lowlands, and the North Sea Jazz Festival.

Concertgebouw: Visiting the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam is a must for classical music lovers. Known for its exceptional acoustics, it's one of the world's finest concert halls.

Paradiso is a former church in Amsterdam. It has been transformed into a popular music venue. The venue hosts local and international acts. Its unique architecture and intimate atmosphere make it a favorite among concert-goers.

Cheese is a big deal in the Netherlands. Visiting a traditional cheese market is a great way to taste and buy some of the best Dutch cheeses. It's also a chance to experience a piece of Dutch history.

Gouda: Gouda's cheese market is one of the most famous. This is where you'll see cheese porters in traditional dress. They carry cheeses on wooden sledges.

Alkmaar: Alkmaar hosts the country's biggest cheese market. The lively spectacle includes a bell-ringing ceremony, cheese carrying, and tasting.

Edam: The picturesque town of Edam also has a charming cheese market. There, you can watch the traditional weighing and sampling of the famous Edam cheese.

Dutch design is known for its minimalist aesthetic and innovative use of materials. This extends to fashion, too.

Amsterdam's Nine Streets: You'll find vintage and designer shops, specialty stores, and cozy cafes in this district.

Rotterdam's Cool District: Rotterdam's "Cool District" is a shopping paradise. It mixes trendy boutiques, international brands, and local design shops.

The street leading to The Hague's Noordeinde Palace is lined with high-end fashion shops. It also has art galleries.

Efteling is the largest theme park in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in the world. It offers a magical experience for families.

Fairytale Forest: The Fairytale Forest is a delight for children. It brings to life over 30 fairy tales through animatronics and interactive displays.

Thrilling Rides: For thrill-seekers, Efteling offers a variety of roller coasters and rides. Don't miss the Baron 1898, a dive coaster with a 37.5-meter free fall.

Magical Shows: Efteling also offers enchanting shows and performances. This included Aquanura, the largest water show in Europe.

The Netherlands has a rich art history. It is also the birthplace of many famous artists like Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh.

Van Gogh Museum: In Amsterdam, this open-air Museum houses the largest collection of works by Vincent Van Gogh. It's a must-visit for any art lover.

Rijksmuseum: The Rijksmuseum is home to many masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age. Works by Rembrandt and Vermeer can be found there.

Mauritshuis Museum: The Mauritshuis in The Hague is a smaller but equally impressive museum. It showcases works by Dutch masters such as Johannes Vermeer and Jan Steen.

The Netherlands is known for its innovative solutions to global challenges. This is especially true in areas like water management and sustainable agriculture.

Water Management: Delta Works is a series of construction projects designed to protect the country from rising sea levels. The American Society of Civil Engineers considers it one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Sustainable Agriculture: Take a tour of a Dutch greenhouse. Learn how the country became the world's second-largest exporter of food by value despite its small size.

The Dutch are leaders in design and technology. They excel in architecture and renewable energy. Visit the Floating Pavilion in Rotterdam. You can also visit Ecodrome in Zwolle to see innovative solutions in action.

The Dutch know how to throw a party. Their calendar is packed with festivals. They celebrate everything from King's Day to the arrival of Sinterklaas.

King's Day: On April 27th, the country turns orange to celebrate King Willem-Alexander's birthday. It's a day of flea markets, concerts, and boat parties.

In December, the Dutch celebrate the arrival of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas). They have parades, sweets, and gifts.

Carnival: Southern cities like Maastricht and 's-Hertogenbosch have unique carnival traditions. Complete with colorful parades and elaborate costumes, it's a must to witness.

The Netherlands is known as the bicycle capital of the world. With more bikes than people, cycling is not just a mode of transport but a way of life.

Amsterdam: On two wheels, explore Amsterdam's iconic canals, historic buildings, and vibrant neighborhoods. There are numerous bike rental shops across the city.

Hoge Veluwe National Park: To change scenery, cycle through Hoge Veluwe National Park. The beautiful park offers free white bicycles. It also has various routes through forests, heathlands, and dunes.

Fietsen Door Het Water: For a unique cycling experience, try the "Fietsen Door Het Water" (Cycling through Water) route in Bokrijk. The 3-kilometer path takes you through a pond, offering stunning views and tranquility.

The Netherlands has an intricate network of canals, rivers, and lakes. It offers plenty of opportunities for water-based adventures.

Canal Cruise in Amsterdam: A canal cruise is a must-do in Amsterdam. It offers a unique perspective of the city's historic architecture and charming neighborhoods.

Giethoorn: Known as the "Venice of the North," Giethoorn is a picturesque village without roads. Here, boats are the primary mode of public transport.

Sail the Wadden Sea: For a more adventurous experience, sail the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea. This coastal wetland is home to diverse wildlife and offers stunning views of the Dutch coast.

Dutch cuisine is hearty and diverse. From cheese and herring to pancakes and pastries, there's much to taste and savor.

Try traditional Dutch street food. Options include herring, stroopwafels (syrup waffles), and bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs).

Indonesian Rijsttafel: A legacy of the colonial past, the Indonesian Rijsttafel is a feast of small dishes served with rice. It's widely available in many Indonesian restaurants across the country.

Cheese Markets: Visit the cheese markets in Alkmaar, Gouda, and Edam to taste some of the best Dutch cheeses. Don't forget to try the famous Gouda and Edam varieties.

The Netherlands is rich in history, from ancient times to World War II. These historical sites provide insight into the country's past.

Anne Frank House: In Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House is a poignant reminder of the Holocaust during World War II. It's where Anne Frank and her family hid from the Nazis and where she wrote her famous diary.

Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has 19 well-preserved windmills from the 18th century. It's a testament to the ingenuity of the Dutch in water management.

Keukenhof: The Keukenhof Gardens, also known as the Garden of Europe, is one of the world's largest flower gardens. It's a must-visit for those who love tulips and other beautiful blooms.

The Dutch have a vibrant music and theater scene. It includes classical concerts and cutting-edge modern performances.

Concertgebouw: The Royal Concertgebouw is renowned in Amsterdam for its exceptional acoustics. It hosts a variety of performances, including classical concerts, jazz, and world music.

Dutch National Opera & Ballet is also in Amsterdam. It presents a range of productions, from traditional operas to innovative contemporary works.

Parkpop: Parkpop is one of Europe's largest free music festivals held annually in The Hague. It features a mix of local and international acts across multiple stages.

Despite its size, the Netherlands offers a variety of natural landscapes, from beaches and dunes to forests and national parks.

Texel Island: Texel, the largest of the Wadden Islands, is known for its diverse birdlife, beautiful beaches, and dune landscapes. It's an excellent destination for hiking, cycling, and bird-watching.

De Hoge Veluwe National Park: De Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the largest nature reserves in the Netherlands. It features a variety of landscapes, including forests, heathlands, and dunes, as well as a wealth of wildlife.

The Wadden Sea: The Wadden Sea is a unique natural area known for its tidal mud flats and salt marshes. It's home to various birds, seals, and other marine life.

The Netherlands offers a unique shopping experience. It includes high-end fashion, antique markets, and local boutiques.

De Negen Straatjes, or 'The Nine Streets,' is a charming shopping district in Amsterdam. It has many boutiques, vintage shops, and specialty stores.

Markets: The Dutch love their markets. The Bloemenmarkt is a floating flower market in Amsterdam. There's something for everyone at the antique markets in Delft.

Head to Batavia Stad Fashion Outlet in Lelystad for designer fashion at discounted prices. It features over 250 stores with top brands like Armani and Burberry.

The Dutch know how to enjoy themselves when the sun goes down. From cozy pubs to vibrant clubs, the nightlife is energetic and diverse.

Amsterdam is known for its lively nightlife scene. It offers everything from historic brown cafes to world-renowned clubs like Paradiso and Melkweg.

Rotterdam: Rotterdam's nightlife is eclectic and adventurous. The city is known for its cutting-edge dance music scene and hosts the famous North Sea Jazz Festival.

The Hague: The Hague is home to a vibrant pub scene, chic cocktail bars, and trendy clubs. It's also known for its beachfront nightlife at Scheveningen.

The Netherlands is full of iconic landmarks, attracting millions of visitors annually.

Keukenhof Gardens is known as the "Garden of Europe." It boasts over seven million tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in bloom during the spring.

The world-renowned Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is a must-see for art lovers. It features masterpieces by Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer.

Mauritshuis is a museum in The Hague. It features an impressive collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings. The collection includes Vermeer's "Girl with a Pearl Earring."

Embarking on a journey in the Netherlands unveils a tapestry of enchanting experiences. Enjoy the country's rich culture. Witness breathtaking natural landscapes. Interact with warm and friendly locals. This European jewel teems with unforgettable experiences.

Choose distinctive local transportation modes for an authentically Dutch experience. Options include bicycling and river cruising. Yet, taxis or rental cars are readily available if you're after convenience and flexibility. Remember to carry your international driver's license in the Netherlands. Also, familiarize yourself with Dutch traffic rules if you plan to be driving in the Netherlands.

Let the Netherlands be your next stop, promising memories and experiences destined to last a lifetime. Safe travels!