19 Enchanting Places To Explore In The Netherlands

After many years of trips exploring the Netherlands, I’ve discovered how much this progressive, flat country has to offer. From quirky historic cities to Insta-worthy national parks, these are the places I’ve personally visited and recommend the most…

1. Hoge Veluwe National Park 

I really enjoying visiting this naturally beautiful spot – a vast, unspoiled national park of heathlands dotted with wildflowers, drifting sand dunes, ancient forests, and wide skies that once served as a royal hunting ground.

In just over an hour’s drive from Amsterdam, I checked into the stylish 4‑star de Wever Lodge, ideally set on the park’s edge for a slow, restorative weekend.

I explored 40 km of trails on one of the park’s free white bikes, admired Van Gogh originals at the Kröller‑müller museum, descended into the world’s first underground nature museum, and relaxed at the serene lakeside Jachthuis Sint Hubertus — a stately country house with timeless charm.

My favourite highlights… 

• Hiking the 6 km trail from the Visitor Centre near the Kröller-Müller Museum, passing pine-scented forests, heathlands, and golden sand dunes in just two hours. The mix of soft earth paths and wooden boardwalks made it an easy, relaxing walk! 

2. Jordaan District, Amsterdam

I thought this historic neighbourhood in central Amsterdam was completely charming! Dating back to the 17th century, I loved its maze of canals lined with leaning gabled houses, blooming flower boxes, indie boutiques, and cosy cafés. It had a bohemian, creative vibe with a strong community spirit that made it feel like a quintessentially Dutch escape.

I stayed at the stylish 4‑star Hotel Mercier and spent the day strolling canals, visiting the powerful Anne Frank House, exploring the quirky Woonbootmuseum (Houseboat Museum), shopping at Noordermarkt, trying Dutch bites at trendy eateries, discovering hidden hofjes, and browsing cool galleries and designer shops.

• Location: central Amsterdam bordered by the Lijnbaansgracht canal, Prinsengracht, Brouwersgracht, and Leidsegracht.
• Population size: around 20,000 residents
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights… 

• Dining at the New Dutch Amsterdam Restaurant which served up traditional Dutch delicacies served on a beautifully arranged platters! I especially liked the gorgeous canal views and my unique Watermelon Takaki dish which came with vegan tuna and avocado cream! 

3. Utrecht

My personal highlights… 

• I stayed at the gorgeous 4-star The Anthony Hotel, a former 1908 monastery with chic styling, soaring ceilings, glowing stained-glass windows, and a tranquil courtyard that felt like a hidden retreat.

4. Delft 

I loved this small picturesque city! Founded in 1246, I discovered charming canals, medieval architecture, well-preserved historic churches, 17th-century gabled houses, and historic market squares. It felt timeless and quaint – it definitely felt like an authentic taste of ‘Old Holland’ – but it also had an arty and lively student vibe too with cute canal-side cafes, independent boutiques, and traditional pottery workshops.

I took just a 12 minute train ride from Rotterdam and stayed for two days at the unique and trendy 4-star Hotel Arsenaal . I spent it wandering along Delft’s pretty canals, visiting the Royal Delft Factory where I saw traditional Delft Blue pottery being made, climbed the Nieuwe Kerk and saw panoramic city views.

I also discovered the Oude Kerk where the artist Vermeer was buried (and it also had a leaning tower), admired the ornate Stadhuis (City Hall), strolled through the Beestenmarkt and checked out all the quirky little cafes, and discovered Dutch history at the Prinsenhof Museum, where William of Orange was assassinated.

My personal highlights… 

• Koffie&Zo was a cosy find with mismatched vintage chairs, chunky wooden tables, and quirky artisan gifts — I loved sipping fragrant White Peony tea and indulging in warm, cinnamon-spiced Dutch apple pie! 

5. Kinderdijk

This place was very typically Dutch! Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage,I thought it was a really attractive place with breathtaking an iconic row of nineteen 18th-century windmills set against a backdrop of vast, open skies, reflective waterways, and lush green fields and I loved how it all came together to create a quintessentially Dutch landscape. To me, it felt both peaceful and timeless.

I took an 1.5 hour journey from Amsterdam where I took a train to Rotterdam and then took a water-bus. I cycled along the scenic dykes to see the very Insta-worthy site of the impressive row of windmills, took a boat tour for a unique water-level perspective, explored the Museum Windmills Nederwaard and Blokweer to see how the millers used to live and work, and visited the Wisboom Pumping Station where I learnt all about modern water management!

• Location: located in the South Holland province, around 15 kilometers east of Rotterdam and near the town of Alblasserdam, Western part of the country.
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights… 

• Seeing the stunning reflections of the Overwaard and Nederwaard windmill rows – this is where the waterways were at their widest and the reflections were so crisp and undisturbed that they formed near-perfect symmetrical mirror images! 

6. Leiden

I thought this historic city was a underrated gem! I discovered gorgeous scenery with a network of serene canals framed by leafy paths, traditional Dutch architecture, cute cafes, independent boutiques, interesting museums, a well-preserved medieval center with narrow streets and the oldest university in the country. I was also very take with its scholarly, laid-back vibe and buzzing cultural scene!

• Location: In South Holland, about 40 km southwest of Amsterdam and 15 km northeast of The Hague in the west of the country.
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights… 

• Dining at the trendy luxury brasserie Café Visscher – I loved the quirky-chic interiors which came with red velvet, marble, and copper, the super-friendly staff and vibe and my creative dish of Gnocchetti Sardi with truffles and which I washed down with a divine Espresso Martini. 

7. Rotterdam 

I really loved funky city! I thought it was also really attractive in a very unique kind of way with a mix of functionalist designs of the post-war era to the cutting-edge, experimental structures and innovative designs all set against the backdrop of one of the world’s busiest ports. I really liked its obvious cool and contemporary vibe, as well as its very lively cultural scene that focused on art, fashion, and music. 

I found it located in the western part of the country, in the province of South Holland, situated along the Nieuwe Maas, a branch of the Rhine River that flows into the North Sea. It dates back to 1270 with a population of around 650,000, is the second-largest city in the country and one of the largest port cities in the world.

I took an hour’s direct train journey from Amsterdam and spent a fun weekend here. I discovered the innovative architecture at the Cube Houses, saw incredible city views from the Euromast, visited the busy Markthal and sampled all sorts of local cuisine, saw world-class art in the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, strolled along the trendy street Witte de Withstraat and downed craft beer at De Witte Aap.

• Location: Western part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Summer (for architectural tours, museums, and outdoor festivals).
• Activities on offer: Exploring modern architecture, visiting museums, boat tours of the harbor, and shopping.
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights… 

• Staying at the funky 4-star nhow Rotterdam – I really liked the trendy styling, the floor-to-ceiling windows in my guest room, the views of the Maas River, the fun live DJ nights and the rooftop bar where I sipped on a potent Rotterdam Mule while gazing at the city skyline!

8. Keukenhof Gardens 

This is sometimes known as the Garden of Europe! I thought it was very attractive with a gorgeous display of over 7 million flowering bulbs, including tulips and daffodils, set among beautifully landscaped gardens, serene ponds, and picturesque pavilions! I also loved its peaceful but creative vibe! 

I discovered it located in Lisse around halfway between Amsterdam and The Hague in the heart of the bulb region. It was established in 1949 to showcase Dutch flower growers’ bulbs and it spans 32 hectares. 

I took a direct bus from Amsterdam which only took 45 minutes and spent an afternoon walking around the spectacular floral displays. I saw what felt like millions of tulips, attended a live flower arranging demonstration, explored the Japanese Themed Garden and the Natural Garden, and enjoyed the art installations and sculptures which were scattered throughout the park. 

• Visitor Center Address: Stationsweg 166 A, 2161 AM Lisse
• Best time to visit: Spring (for the world-famous tulip displays in full bloom).
• Activities on offer: Tulip viewing, photography, guided garden tours, and picnicking.
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights… 

• I thought the Japanese Themed Garden was super-cute with its koi ponds, gentle waterfalls, the stunning cherry blossoms (sakura), the stone lanterns, the raked gravel and the zen-like vibe!

9. Groningen

I was completely charmed by this vibrant university city! I thought it was a very attractive place with striking medieval buildings, Renaissance houses, picturesque narrow streets, scenic canals and handful of innovative and futuristic style buildings. As I walked around I found it had a youthful and dynamic vibe, which I saw was mostly down to its large student population, which fuelled a bustling nightlife, eclectic cafes, and a creative, forward-thinking atmosphere.

I discovered it was located in the northern part of the country around 200 kilometers northeast of Amsterdam. Groningen, a city with a rich history dating back to 1040, is the largest city in northern Netherlands and has a population of around 230,000 people.

I took a two hour train trip from Amsterdam and stayed for two nights the the very unique and trendy 4-star Hotel Watertoren West. I climbed the historic Martinitoren for panoramic city views, explored the cutting-edge exhibition at the Groninger Museum, sampled the bustling nightlife in Grote Markt, went for a serene Noorderplantsoen park, and watched a live band at the cool music venue Vera.

• Location: Northeastern part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Spring and Fall (for vibrant university town life and cultural events).
• Activities on offer: Exploring museums, attending cultural events, cycling tours, and visiting historical buildings.
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights… 

• Dining at the trendy Mr. Mofongo Restaurant – I really liked the very attentive staff, the in-house glass-walled distillery, the fun robotic arm that assisted the distilling process and my dish of Coconut Noodle and Indonesian Serundeng and spring onions. and my Tiger Heat Martini cocktail which had a spicy kick to it! 

10. De Haar Castle

This is the largest and most luxurious castle in the country! I thought it was an extraordinary gem with grand Gothic Revival architecture, ornate towers, picturesque moats, and sprawling, meticulously maintained landscaped gardens which all came together to make it very fairy-tale like! To me, it felt enchanting, regal and very romantic where I felt like I’d be transported back to a very different era!

I discovered it located in the small village of Haarzuilens, near Utrecht, in the central part of the country. It was built in the 14th century but extensively rebuilt in the late 19th century,

I took a 30-minute drive from Utrecht and I took a guided tour around the lavishly decorated interiors filled with rich tapestries, ornate wood carvings, stained glass windows and period furniture. I also wandered through the beautifully landscaped gardens and explored the interesting chapel. I especially loved The Lady’s Boudoir which hand-painted floral motifs, heavy silk curtains and delicate porcelain.

• Visitor Center Address: Kasteellaan 1, 3455 RR Utrecht
• Best time to visit: Spring and Summer (for castle tours and strolling through the gardens in bloom).
• Activities on offer: Guided castle tours, walking through gardens, and attending seasonal events.
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights… 

• Seeing the unique carrier coach known as norimono – I loved the beautiful lacquer work and ornate design as well as finding out from the guide the only other one that existed in the world was located in Tokyo!

11. Scheveningen

I really enjoyed this popular seaside resort! I thought it was a gorgeous spot with an expansive sandy beach, an esplanade, a modern pier, a historic lighthouse, a grand hotel and stunning views of the North Sea!

I loved how it felt both lively and refreshing it felt like both a small beach town and a bustling resort at the same time with waterfront cafes, busy seafood restaurants and the fine Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus.

It was located in the coastal part of The Hague, on the North Sea coast of the western part of the country around 5 kilometers northwest of The Hague’s city center. It was originally a fishing village mentioned as early as the 13th century but now it’s popular with both tourists and locals. 

I took a tram from central Hague which only took 20 minutes and spent a long weekend at the cool and unique 4-star Inntel Hotels Den Haag Marina Beach. 

I enjoyed the attractions on the pier (the Ferris wheel and bungee jumping were a lot of fun!), took high tea at the iconic Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus, sampled the restaurants along the promenade, and saw unique sculptures at Museum Beelden aan Zee. 

• Location: Western part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Summer (for beach activities, water sports, and seaside dining).
• Activities on offer: Beach activities, surfing, pier walks, windsurfing, kitesurfing
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights… 

• Going for High Tea at Grand Hotel Amrâth Kurhaus – I loved that it was served in the grand concert hall which had stunning high ceilings, chandeliers, and huge windows with sea views, that the staff dressed in traditional uniforms, the cute little cakes and the piano music in the background!

12. Zaanse Schans

This was a very impressive open-air museum and historic village! It thought it was stunning with its scenic riverside setting, iconic 18th- and 19th-century windmills, charming green wooden houses, and traditional Dutch barns. I was totally charmed by its old-world and timeless atmosphere which gave me a glimpse into traditional Dutch life.

I took a 20 minute train journey from Amsterdam Centraal to Zaandijk Zaanse Schans Station and spent a day exploring. I saw the working windmills like De Kat and De Zoeker, watch traditional clog-making demonstrations, visited the Zaans Museum and learnt about the region’s industrial past, strolled along the scenic Zaan River, and explored inside preserved 18th-century wooden houses and saw a glimpse of traditional Dutch village life.

• Location: Northwestern part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Spring and Summer (for exploring the windmills and traditional Dutch houses in scenic weather).
• Activities on offer: Visiting windmills, exploring traditional Dutch houses, boat tours, and learning about local crafts.
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights… 

• The interesting Zaans Museum – I especially liked the recreated early 20th-century chocolate and biscuit factory! I saw the process of making Verkade products, complete with original machines that were still running and actually making the biscuits! 

13. Veluwezoom National Park 

This is the country’s oldest national park! I was in awe of its very unspoilt natural beauty which consisted of sprawling heathlands, thick ancient forests, rolling sand dunes and striking purple heather (which bloomed in late summer). To me, it was a very peaceful escape from the city. 

It was located in the eastern part of the country, near the town of Rheden in the province of Gelderland, just north of the city of Arnhem. I found out that it was established in 1930, covers around 5,000 hectares, is part of the larger Veluwe region is home to red deer, wild boars, foxes, badgers, and a large number of bird species.

I took an hour and half drive from Amsterdam and spent a day here. I hiked and cycled the extensive trails through the gorgeous forests and open heathlands, enjoyed superb panoramic views from the Posbank and explored the fine historic Kasteel Rosendael.

• Visitor Center Address: Heuvenseweg 5A, 6991 JE Rheden
• Best time to visit: Fall (for hiking among colorful forests and enjoying wildlife spotting).
• Activities on offer: Hiking, cycling, wildlife viewing, and enjoying panoramic views from Posbank.
• Map Location and Directions

My favourite highlights… 

• Visiting the nearby 14th-century castle Kasteel en Park Rosendael – I loved how beautifully preserved it was, the romantic vibe it had, the traditional kitchen and its beautiful garden which was filled with unique ‘bedriegertjes’ (deceivers), playful water jets hidden in the courtyard that completely surprised (and soaked) me as I walked past!

14. Middelburg 

This is the capital and largest city of the province of Zeeland! I thought the city was beautiful with its well-preserved medieval architecture, ornate Town Hall and towering Abbey, all set against a backdrop of tranquil canals and quaint cobblestone streets. I loved just wandering around soaking up its peaceful yet historic vibe, it had a relaxed small-town charm but with a rich maritime past. 

I also discovered a vibrant arts scene with galleries, music venues, and literary events and it’s also been home to numerous painters, musicians, writers, and actors over the centuries. During the Dutch Golden Age, it was a crucial center for artistic and intellectual activity!

I found it located in the southwestern part of the country, in the province of Zeeland, situated on the Walcheren peninsula and connected to the North Sea via canals and waterways. It was founded in the 9th century as a defensive settlement and later a key trading hub for the Dutch East India Company, is now the capital of Zeeland with a population of around 48,000 people.

I took a one and a half hour train journey from Rotterdam and spent a weekend at the unique and Insta-worthy 4-star Hotel St Joris I Kloeg Collection.

I climbed the 90-meter-high Lange Jan tower and saw superb city views, explored the stunning Gothic-style Town Hall, visited the historic Middelburg Abbey and its Zeeuws Museum, strolled along the scenic canals lined with attractive 17th-century merchant houses, people-watched in the the lively Markt square, and took a scenic boat tour to see the city from the water.

• Location: Southwestern part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Spring and Summer (for exploring historic sites and cultural festivals).
• Activities on offer: Walking tours of historical sites, visiting museums, and exploring traditional Dutch architecture.
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights… 

• Going on an awesome canal cruise which had a guide telling us all about the history of what we were seeing – we saw the city’s iconic 90.5-meter-tall tower, the very impressive and historic VOC building, the Baroque architecture of Oostkerk, and the Medieval Fortress, Kloveniersdoelen.

15. Biesbosch National Park

This is a vast and very impressive freshwater tidal wetland! I thought it was a unique beauty spot with a labyrinth of winding waterways, lush willow forests, and serene wetlands. I love how peaceful and far removed from city life it felt – like a true off-the-beaten-path adventure, where there wasn’t much sound besides the rustling of reeds and the bird’s singing! 

Located in the southwest of the country, it spans the provinces of North Brabant and South Holland, near the cities of Dordrecht and Breda, where the rivers Maas and Waal meet. I found out it was established in 1994 and covered around 90 square kilometers and is one of Europe’s few freshwater tidal wetlands, historically shaped by the St. Elizabeth’s Flood of 1421. It’s also home to Europe’s population of beavers, rare white-tailed eagles, kingfishers and a large number of waterfowl. 

My highlights… 

• Hiking the Griendmuseumpad trail which started at Biesbosch MuseumEiland and was an easy 3.5 kilometre round trip which took me through lovely scenery including old willow flood forests, reed marshes and sprawling wetlands. 

16. Frisian Islands

The Frisian Islands are a group of islands that extend from Holland to Denmark! I personally thought they were stunning with their vast sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and untouched wetlands, charming villages, historic lighthouses, traditional thatched-roof cottages, and quaint harbors, all set against the wild beauty of the Wadden Sea. It felt wild, unspoilt and very tranquil! 

I found them nestled in the Wadden Sea, stretching along the northern coasts of the Netherlands, Denmark and Germany. The Dutch islands, including Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, and Schiermonnikoog, are situated just off the northern Dutch coast. In 2009, they finally made the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Wadden Sea protected area and historically serving as fishing and trading hubs and now have a population of around 90,000 people across the Dutch islands, the largest being Texel.

I took a 20 minute ferry ride from Den Helder on the mainland to Texel, and discovered the pristine beaches and dunes of Texel island, cycled through the heathlands of Terschelling, visited the striking red lighthouse of Ameland, hiked the tidal flats of the Wadden Sea UNESCO site, spotted seals on a boat tour from Vlieland, and experienced the car-free tranquility of the unspoilt island of Schiermonnikoog. 

• Location: Northern part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Summer (for beach activities, cycling, and wildlife viewing on the islands).
• Activities on offer: Beach walks, birdwatching, cycling, and seal watching tours.
• Map Location and Directions

My favourite highlights… 

• Staying at the 4-star chic Boutique Hotel Texel – I was really impressed with its contemporary architecture and decor, the Finnish sauna, the onsite yoga lessons, and its unique spa where they offered treatments using sheep’s wool from Texel’s own sheep, the ‘wool bath’ was a very unusual experience! 

17. Binnenhof Palace, The Hague

This was an impressive historic government complex in The Hague! I personally thought it was seriously stunning with impressive medieval architecture, cobbled courtyards, grand halls, an ornate, neo-Gothic fountain, serene canals, the striking Ridderzaal (Hall of Knights) with its twin towers, the serene Hofvijver lake and the grand government buildings that showcased centuries of Dutch political history. I loved walking around and soaking up its stately and historic vibes! 

• Visitor Center Address: 2513 AA The Hague
• Best time to visit: Spring and Fall (for walking tours and learning about Dutch history in pleasant weather).
• Activities on offer: Guided tours of the parliament buildings, exploring nearby museums, and strolling through Hofvijver Lake.
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights… 

• Seeing the very well preserved Hall of Knights which was filled with antique paintings, candelabras and a unique timber roof which the guide told me was designed to resemble the inverted keel of a ship.

18. Dunes of Texel National Park

I thought this protected coastal nature reserve was extraordinary! I thought it was an unspoilt beauty spot with its vast, rolling sand dunes, rugged coastal landscapes, peaceful forests and a striking red lighthouse. I adored its wild yet tranquil vibe – I was really happily immersed in nature! 

I found it located on Texel which is the largest of the Dutch Wadden Islands, in the northern part of the country, stretching along the island’s western coast and covering around 43 square kilometers (16.6 square miles) which is nearly a third of its land area. I also found it was home to seals along the coast, Highland cattle grazing in the dunes, and a rich variety of bird species such as spoonbills, oystercatchers, and marsh harriers.

I drove 1.5 hours from Amsterdam to Den Helder and I took a 20 minute ferry ride to Texel Island and spent two days exploring staying at the chic and modern 4-star Boutique Hotel Texel.

I hiked through the rolling dunes and wetlands of De Slufter, spotted seals and seabirds at Ecomare wildlife sanctuary, cycled along scenic coastal trails, climbed the Eierland Lighthouse and saw breathtaking island views, explore the pristine and diverse landscapes of De Geul and De Muy nature reserves, and relaxed on Texel’s vast, unspoiled beaches.

• Location: Northwestern part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Spring and Summer (for birdwatching, beach walks, and cycling through the dunes).
• Activities on offer: Hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and exploring sand dunes.
• Map Location and Directions

My favourite highlights… 

• Cycling the”Thijsse’s Hof” Loop which was a 17 kilometer round trip and took me two hours – I rented a bike in De Koog and went past beautiful dune landscapes and forested areas and I took a quick stop at the beach too!

19. Ijsselmeer

I really enjoyed visiting this large, shallow freshwater lake! I thought it was a gorgeous spot with its vast open waters dotted with charming old-world harbor towns with historic gabled houses, old lighthouses, and picturesque marinas. I love how atmospheric it was, I visited on a cold winter’s day and it had haunting beauty shrouded in mist! 

I found it located in the north-central part of the country bordered by the provinces of North Holland, Friesland, and Flevoland, and is separated from the Wadden Sea by the Afsluitdijk, a major dam and causeway which was a huge Dutch engineering achievement.

I drove from Amsterdam to Hoorn which took just 40 minutes and it made a great weekend break staying at the super-gorgeous boutique B&B Fortuna Spinoza. 

I took a boat trip on the stunning lake, explore the quaint harbor towns of Hoorn and Enkhuizen, visited the Zuiderzee Museum and learnt what life at a traditional Dutch fishing village was like.

I also cycled along the impressive dam, admired the striking Houtribdijk dam which separated IJsselmeer from Markermeer, and strolled along the scenic shores of Medemblik and Lelystad.

• Location: Northwestern part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Summer (for sailing and watersports on the expansive freshwater lake).
• Activities on offer: Sailing, windsurfing, swimming, and visiting nearby historic fishing villages.
• Map Location and Directions

My favourite highlights… 

• Going on a historic boat trip which was a former clipper – it was amazing to see the creaking wooden masts, see the wind fill the billowing sails, and watch the dedicated crew hoist the rigging! It all felt very authentically historic!

Where is The Netherlands?

The Netherlands is a small, low-lying country in Northwestern Europe, bordered by Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and the North Sea to the north and west.

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