After living here for a few years, we know from our experience that there are plenty of things to see and do in the Netherlands. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or a week, as a family, as a couple, or as a solo traveller, in spring or autumn, you will always find something to see and do in the Netherlands.
What is the Netherlands famous for? This country is well known for its cheese, tulips, wooden shoes, canals, famous Dutch artists, and windmills (and yes, for its weed shops and red light district too).
Below is a list of must-see and do experiences in the Netherlands, along with some photos to inspire you to visit this country. Take a canal boat tour in Amsterdam. Taste some cheese in Alkmaar. Admire ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ in one of the Hague’s museums. Go to Utrecht to see the biggest castle in the Netherlands. Try on authentic wooden shoes in Zaanse Schans. Bike through the tulips fields in Flevoland. See a crocodile mummy in Leiden’s museum of antiques. Take a boat tour to see windmills of Kinderdijk. Take a train to see the cube houses of Rotterdam. There are so many ways to spend your time in the Netherlands!
Amsterdam
Let’s start with Amsterdam – the most visited city in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is famous for its canals, narrow houses, art museums, and nightlife.
Take a canal boat tour and watch the city from the water. Visit one of the many museums in Amsterdam, like the Rijksmuseum (art museum), Scheepvaartmuseum (maritime museum), Van Gogh Museum, Nemo Science Museum if you’re travelling with children, or the Heineken Experience if you’re travelling without them. Walk the old streets of Amsterdam and see the Royal Palace, Dam Square, the Oude Church, Rembrandtplein, and many other historical landmarks.
But don’t limit your visit to the Netherlands to just Amsterdam! Read on and be sure to explore other Dutch cities and destinations as well.
Cheese
When you think of the Netherlands, one of the first things that comes to mind is cheese – and for good reason. The Netherlands is one of the world’s top exporters of cheese, and some of the most well-known types, such as Gouda and Edam, originate here.
Visit one of the cheese markets in Alkmaar, Gouda, or Edam; explore a cheese museum in Amsterdam or Alkmaar; or simply pop into one of the many cheese shops across the country – there are countless ways to enjoy this cheese-loving nation.
Canals
One of the first things you’ll notice in any Dutch city is the abundance of canals. Historically, they were used for transport and drainage, but today they offer a more leisurely experience. In many cities, especially Amsterdam, you can take a canal boat tour. Enjoy lunch or dinner along the Oudegracht in Utrecht, one of the oldest canals in the country. Or simply admire city views where canals wind past old houses and leafy green trees.
Castles
There are many medieval castles to visit in the Netherlands. Some of them are centuries old, others have been restored or rebuilt, and many are open to the public with museums inside. Depending on which region you are visiting, be sure to include at least one castle in your itinerary. Explore Muiderslot castle and gardens near Amsterdam, Hoensbroek Castle close to Maastricht, the restored 11th century fortress and castle Heeswijk Castle located between Eindhoven and Hertogenbosch, or our personal favourite – Castle De Haar in Utrecht.
Modern and Quirky Architecture
I haven’t seen as many modern buildings with unusual and quirky architecture anywhere else as I have in the Netherlands. Think of the Cube Houses and the Market Hall in Rotterdam, the beautifully colorful homes in Zaandam, and the residential sphere houses in Den Bosch. And that’s just the beginning – bold, imaginative, and modern designs can be found all across the country.
Bicycles
The Netherlands is widely known as the most cyclist-friendly country in the world. In fact, it has more bicycles per person than any other country! Thanks to an extensive network of dedicated bike paths and lanes, you can get virtually anywhere by bike.
Did you know, Utrecht has the biggest bicycle parking facility in the world? The bicycle parking garage at Utrecht Central Station can store over 10,000 bicycles!
Windmills
It’s simply impossible to visit the Netherlands without spotting a windmill or two. With hundreds scattered across the country, they’re a true icon of the Dutch landscape.
Historically, Dutch windmills weren’t just used to grind grain into flour, as many assume. They also played a crucial role in draining land, pumping water to higher ground, sawing wood, and more. Many windmills are still operational today (often run by volunteers) and many welcome visitors for guided tours.
Clogs (Dutch wooden shoes)
Klompen, better known as clogs, are traditional Dutch shoes made entirely of wood. While many see them as souvenir items today, some Dutch people still wear them, especially for farming or gardening.
Tip: When buying clogs, whether for yourself or as a gift, don’t forget they’re meant to be worn with thick socks.
Beyond browsing for clogs in souvenir shops, you can also visit a workshop (for example, in Zaanse Schans) to see how these traditional shoes are made.
Houseboats (floating homes)
It’s not only Venice where you can see houses built on the water. There are plenty of those in the Netherlands too! With many canals and bodies of water in Dutch cities and villages, you will come across buildings on the water and as well as houseboats – floating homes. You can even rent one for a uniquely Dutch stay during your visit.
Maritime Heritage
The Dutch have long been a maritime nation, dominating Europe’s shipbuilding industry in the 17th century. The Netherlands was home to renowned explorers like Abel Tasman and the world-famous Dutch East India Company – once the largest and most powerful trading enterprise of its time.
Visit a maritime museum in Amsterdam or Rotterdam to dive into the Netherlands’ seafaring history. Explore the replica of the Dutch East India Company ship ‘Amsterdam’ or the impressive replica of its the flagship – Batavia – located in Lelystad.
The Hague
Visit one of my favourite Dutch cities – The Hague – a city on the North Sea, home of the Dutch government, Dutch royal family palace, and numerous international organisations. Explore the Binnenhof – Dutch parliament building. Admire masterpieces by world famous artists in the Mauritshuis museum. Wander through Madurodam to see miniature replicas of Dutch cities and historical landmarks. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel at Scheveningen Beach or simply stroll through the charming old streets of The Hague. There is no shortage of things to see and do in the Hague.
Read our post on how to Spend a day in The Hague.
Rotterdam
Visit another one of my favorite Dutch cities – Rotterdam. The second largest city in the Netherlands, the largest seaport in Europe and the most modern Dutch city, Rotterdam is well worth visiting. Though much of the city was destroyed during WWII, a few historical gems – like the City Hall and the Witte Huis – still stand. At the same time, Rotterdam shines as the country’s most modern city, with striking architectural landmarks like the Cube Houses and the Market Hall that are not to be missed.
Read our post on Rotterdam – The Best of Rotterdam in a day.
Utrecht
Utrecht is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands and was historically the country’s religious center. Its well-preserved old town is full of charm, with many historical landmarks well worth exploring.
It was also our home for three years when we lived in the Netherlands, and so Utrecht will always hold a special place in our hearts. ❤️
Read our posts on Utrecht – Best things to do in Utrecht in one day and Favourite places to visit in Utrecht with kids.
Small Charming Towns
Don’t overlook the smaller towns in the Netherlands. There are many charming Dutch towns that would make a perfect day trip from Amsterdam, The Hague, or wherever you’re staying.
Read more in our post on 10 Places to See in the Netherlands (beyond Amsterdam).
Zaandam, with its bright, colorful houses. Amersfoort, known for its medieval streets and city gates. Zaanse Schans, with its classic windmills. Leiden, home to the country’s oldest university. Delft, famous for its iconic blue and white china. Maastricht, with well preserved old town. Gouda, featuring its stunning Sint-Janskerk. Haarlem, with its charming Grote Markt.
Just to name a few of the small towns in the Netherlands that are well worth a visit.
Art
Being the home of many famous artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Vincent Van Gogh, the Netherlands obviously has many museums with vast collections of artworks to admire.
In Amsterdam, visit the Rijksmuseum to see iconic works such as The Night Watch by Rembrandt and The Milkmaid by Vermeer, alongside thousands of other remarkable pieces.
Head to The Hague’s Mauritshuis Museum to admire Girl with a Pearl Earring by Vermeer, The Anatomy Lesson by Rembrandt, and paintings by Rubens, van Dyck, and more.
And don’t miss the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, where you can explore his life and view an extraordinary collection of his art.
Tulips in Spring
Spring is the most beautiful time of year in Holland – with the fields of blooming tulips and other flowers all around. If you’re planning a visit during tulip season, be sure to check out Your Guide to Tulips Season in the Netherlands for the details on where to see tulips.
Even if you’re not visiting in spring to see the tulips in bloom, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy flowers in the Netherlands. Stop by a flower trading center, visit a tulip museum in Amsterdam or Lisse, or simply wander through one of the flower markets that are very popular across the country.
Museums
Of course, there are countless museums to explore in the Netherlands. Here is a short list of my personal favourites.
In Amsterdam, don’t miss the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. The Hague is home to the Mauritshuis and the Louwman Museum. Head to Leiden for the National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden), and if you’re traveling with kids, the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam is a must-visit. In Utrecht, explore De Haar Castle and the National Military Museum. You’ll also find the Maritime Museum in Rotterdam, and for something out of this world, check out the Space Expo in Noordwijk.
Dutch Food
Tasting local food is one of the must-do experiences when traveling to a new country! In the Netherlands, try traditional Dutch herring – typically served fresh with chopped onions – from markets and street food stalls. Another popular option is kibbeling, delicious bites of deep-fried fish. Head to a café and order bitterballen (deep-fried balls of mashed potatoes mixed with meat and coated in breadcrumbs), kroketten (similar to bitterballen but shaped like rolls), or frikandel (deep-fried sausages). Pair your picks with your favorite Dutch beer for the full local experience.
For dessert, try some classic Dutch treats, such as stroopwafels – thin waffles with a sweet syrup filling. Or enjoy traditional pancakes, which are large and thin and often topped with syrup, chocolate, whipped cream, or a filling of your choice. In winter, look out for oliebollen, delicious deep-fried doughnut balls dusted with powdered sugar. And from October to early December, savor kruidnoten – small, spiced cookies that are a seasonal favorite.
Need more Dutch food recommendations? Read our post dedicated to 20 Foods to try in the Netherlands.
Practicalities
Public Transport
The Netherlands has an extensive and efficient public transport system. You can easily navigate most Dutch cities using local buses, trams, and metros. Traveling between cities is just as convenient thanks to a well-connected and frequent train network. Trains run regularly both within the country and to nearby European destinations. For timetables and a travel planner, check the NS Netherlands website.
Museum Pass
If you’re staying in the Netherlands for an extended period and plan to visit several museums, consider getting the Netherlands Museum Pass. It grants free entry to hundreds of museums across the country and is valid for a full year. You can purchase the Museum Pass online through their official website or directly at one of the participating museums.
Renting a Bike
You can rent a bike and explore the sights on two wheels – it’s one of the best ways to see the Netherlands. With an extensive network of bike paths and lanes, you can travel virtually anywhere by bike. Cycling is the preferred mode of transport for many Dutch people, and in some areas, you’ll even find more bike paths than pedestrian walkways! 😊 Just open Google Maps and search for “bike rent” near your location to get started.
Language
Most Dutch people speak excellent English, so there’s no need to worry about the language barrier. In fact, you’ll find that most tourist attractions provide information in both Dutch and English, making it easy to get around and explore.
That said, it’s always appreciated when visitors learn a few basic phrases in Dutch. For example:
“Goedemorgen” – Good morning;
“Goedendag” – Good day;
“Goedenavond” – Good evening;
“Hallo!” – Hello;
“Dank je” – Thank you;
“Ik hou van Nederland!” – I love the Netherlands! ❤️
Read next – Top 10 One-Day Trips from Amsterdam.
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I do love the Netherlands but I’ve only been to Amsterdam and the surrounding area. I’d love to try more cheeses and to see more tulips!!
The Netherlands is so beautiful with so much to see and do. I love the canals, tulips, cheese, and windmills. I remember buying some small porcelain clogs from when I visited when I was a teenager, have to find them!
My brother used to live in Amsterdam so we traveled around a bit. The Netherlands is a really beautiful country!
The odd architecture and the house boats I would like to see. Somewhere I still haven’t seen yet will have to change that
Everytime I read one of your Netherlands blogs I realise just how much of the country I haven’t seen. I have to get to Zaandam, that Utrecht castle and some of those mad houses.