The Netherlands is considered one of the most interesting places to visit in Europe! With a variety of charming local traditions as well as internationally renowned sights, the Netherlands offers a lot for eager travellers to explore!
That’s why Expat Explore has compiled a list of the top things to do in the Netherlands, from natural scenery and iconic sights to historic architecture and contemporary experiences. If you’d like to discover the top attractions in the Netherlands, simply read on!
Related: Discover the top reasons why Amsterdam should be on your bucket list!
Here are the top attractions in the Netherlands:
Parks and canals
The Netherlands is home to some of nature’s most impressive works, most of which are famous travel attractions too! Walk the myriad of trails at Vondelpark, one of the best-known parks in the Netherlands. Marvel at the historic houses lining the canals of The Jordaan neighbourhood. Visit the ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo for a slice of nature in the heart of the city. Either way, be sure to take in Holland’s natural splendour!
Iconic windmills
Arguably one of the most iconic sights in the Netherlands is the world-renowned wooden windmills. Synonymous with Dutch culture, these national treasures are located throughout the country. For the best sightings, visit Kinderdijk, Zaanse Schans, and De Borcht. However, some villages like Schiedam are especially famous for their ‘skyscraper’ windmills and are home to the tallest windmills in the world!
Related: Visit De Riekermolen in De Borcht on our 14-day Classic Europe tour!
Blooming tulip fields
A visit to the Netherlands would be incomplete without seeing, or at the very least, learning about the impressive annual tulip blooms. The best place to see the tulips in bloom is undeniably Keukenhof in Lisse. But other locations are also stunning to witness. Catch more sightings of the iconic tulip blooms in Amsterdam in North Holland and Noordoostpolder in Flevoland.
Related: Get a whiff of some of the best flower markets in Europe!
Renowned artworks
As for the history of art in the Netherlands, the Dutch have experienced many cultural influences over the years. As a result, the Netherlands is home to some of the world’s most sought-after pieces from heavyweight historical artists such as Van Gogh, Rembrandt and Mondrian.
Be sure to visit must-see destinations like the iconic Van Gogh Museum, the MOCO Museum, the fully renovated Rijksmuseum as well as The Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery with a smaller yet equally impressive collection.
Related: Choose to explore modern and contemporary art at the MOCO Museum on our Ultimate Europe tour!
Historic sights
Apart from art, the Netherlands has a rich historical narrative that’s told in a variety of museums and commemorative spaces. Discover the turbulent history of Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank at the Anne Frank Huis located on the stunning Prinsengracht Canal in Amsterdam.
Learn more about life in the Netherlands during World War II at the Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam, and visit the stunning limestone quarries at Maastricht Underground to uncover more about this country’s heritage. Finally, be sure to also check out the Our Lord in the Attic Museum, a hidden gem in Amsterdam that captures the essence of 17th-century life.
Naughty nightlife
While the Netherlands is rich with history and proud of commemorating it, discovering it is not all there is to do! The Netherlands is also home to a variety of unmissable experiences designed to make almost any type of traveller happy.
Check out the Heineken Experience at their oldest brewery and learn about the brewing process. Or for a more adventurous take on nightlife, visit the iconic De Wallen area (known as the Red Light District) which is so well-known that we needn’t elaborate further.
Related: Take a look at the best destinations for beer lovers!
Traditional cheeses
Almost as rich as the history you’ll encounter in the Netherlands is their world-famous cheese! The Dutch truly have a knack for producing one of the world’s most beloved dairy products, with Gouda cheese even being named after a city south of Amsterdam. And while dairy is the top export of the Netherlands, there’s still plenty left in the country to try when you visit!
Be sure to check out some of the incredible cheese markets on your trip. There are those dedicated to specific, popular cheeses such as the Gouda Cheese Market or Edam Cheese Market, plus some that highlight a variety of cheeses like the Alkmaar Cheese Museum. Either way, tuck into some tasty cheese!
Related: Tuck into the best cheeses around the world!
Hidden gems
Apart from the iconic sights and sought-after experiences, the Netherlands is also home to a myriad of hidden gems to explore. Be sure to visit the Efteling, a one-of-a-kind theme park that feels like something straight out of a fairytale! With exciting rides and stunning natural surroundings, this is a must-visit for families!
Finally, the Netherlands offers a truly unique historical experience in the province of Friesland. Visit the Mummiekelder (Mummy Cellar) located inside a small church in Wiuwert. Here, you can see the ancient mummies of Wiuwert that, unlike others, have not been prepared or treated. The mummies of Wiuwert are unique because they were naturally preserved by the climate in the church’s cellars.
There you have it; the top natural, cultural, historical and travel attractions in the Netherlands! We hope our list has inspired you to pay this European gem a visit.
If you’d like to travel to the Netherlands with Expat Explore, simply book your seats on one of our multi-country European tours and get ready to embark on the comfortable and affordable travel experience of a lifetime!