Top 11 Things to Do in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is home to centuries-old castles, rippling canals, and fields of tulips. The country has loads to offer from flamboyant places to breathtaking nature and provides you a wide latitude to explore the captivating cities and amazing beaches on the northern islands. You will never be stuck or get out of ideas about the top things to do in the Netherlands because it has something for everyone.

Let’s delve into the list of top things to do in the Netherlands that will guarantee to have fun while discovering the gorgeous European destination.

1. Explore the Canals of Amsterdam

It takes around 400 years of engineering, innovation, and development to create the Amsterdam canals which are renowned for cultural and historical significance. These canals are the iconic symbols of the city, that will mesmerize you because of their exceptional beauty and clear water. The top canal of the city includes Singel, Keizersgracht, Prinsengracht, Oudeszijds Voorburgwal, etc.

2. Visit Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is situated near Zaadam and is well known for its collection of windmills and wooden houses. It draws an immense number of tourists and acts as an anchor point for European travel destinations. The region also has seven different museums such as the Weavers House, the Cooperage, etc. that tell the peculiar story of the region.

3. Stroll Around the Garden of Europe

If you’re looking for a place popular because of tulips and flowers near Amsterdam, Keukenhof Gardens is the iconic destination for the purpose. It welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors who come to see the vibrant flowers every spring. It carries various sorts of flowers such as tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, and other spring flowers. Keukenhof is only open about 7 to 8 days during the spring season only.

4. Admire Grote Kerk

Grote Kerk is a Gothic-style church located in the center of Market Square in northern Holland. It has a long history that goes back to the 13th century, when the oldest building in The Hague, Grote Kerk, was used for the baptism of King Willem Alexander and Princess Catharina Amalia.

5. Visit the Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum has over 6,000 pieces to represent the Dutch Golden Age of painting and also has a smattering of work from other places and periods. Exploring the whole museum including the top pieces like Rembrandt van Rijn, the Night Watch, The Sampling Official, etc. you only need five hours.

6. Explore Hoge Veluwe National Park

Hoge Veuwe National Park encompasses an area of around 21 square miles in the central part of the Netherlands. It’s a privately owned park that has over 500 species of flora and also is the largest nature reserve in the country. You can encounter an array of cultural activities in the park by exploring Jachthuis Sint Hubertus Manor and Kroller Muller Museum.

7. Visit the Anne Frank Museum

Visiting the Anne Frank Museum is one of the nicest things to do in the Netherlands. You can take a walking tour of Anne Frank that will take you to places like discovering the spot where a young girl hid during World War II to escape from the Nazi Camp. The museum will spark your interest and quest for history to dig deeper with fascinating insights.

8. Historic Binnenhof

Hague is a well-preserved historical capital of the Netherlands and also a headquarter of International Court of Justice. In Noordeinde Palace, you can also meet with the Dutch Royal Family. The building is well-preserved and shows the lavish living style of the country's ruling class. A gothic hall with stained glass windows and a wood-beamed ceiling is the most prominent part of the building.

9. Oude Haven

You can take a one-hour train ride from Amsterdam to reach the port city of Rotterdam which has a rich maritime history because of Nieuwe Mass. It is better to explore the whole Maritime District on foot so you can interact with the houseboats. Don’t skip to see the replica of 2000-year-old vessel displayed in the water.

10. Windmills of Kinderdijk

A famous village called Kinderdijk is situated between Rotterdam and Dordrecht near the River Noord. The main attraction of the village is the windmill of the 18th century that is also included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They were built back in 1722 and 1761 and 16 of them still survive, it’s fun to take an excursion to the place to snap some memorable pictures.

11. Cathedral Square

Utrecht is a famous Dutch city that has loads of fine historic buildings so include it in your itinerary during the Netherlands travel. You don’t need a car or other transportation as the city is pedestrian-friendly, you will realize sooner when you begin your journey from Cathedral Square. It will be great to see the 1300s tower, Domteren that still stands alone in the region.