16 Wonderful Tourist Places to Visit in Netherlands

“Land van Tulpen”- Land of Tulips

This ‘low-lying’ country resides in the vast plain of northwestern Europe. It has an alternate name Holland, which was given to one of the medieval cores that are now part of the modern state and is still in use for 2 out of the 12 provinces of the country. The area is still among the most popular places to see in Netherlands travel.

The country is a parliamentary democracy functioning under a constitutional monarch. Initially habituated by the Germanic tribes- the Frisii, Nervii, and Batavi. The Batavi on the Roman frontier resisted Rome’s rule till the 13th century and later joined them as allies. You can learn about these tribes at many of the Netherlands tourist attractions namely the archaeological museum and national history museum.

Following the war between the United Provinces of the Netherlands and Spain, the country’s independence was recognized in 1648.  With the foundation of the Dutch East India Company in 1602, Holland became one of the prime colonials and marine powers of Europe. You can still explore many buildings which centered on the operations of the Dutch East India Company when you visit the Netherlands.

Being the most densely populated country in the world, it has very interesting cities, beautifully preserved nature, and varied landscapes, always fresh by the wind from the sea. The majority of the best places to visit in the Netherlands are located along the coastline of the country.

This is the country where the visitor is astounded by light. No wonder the Dutch gave a number of talented painters to human civilization. Many people just visit Holland to gain inspiration for their art or to study the lives of great artists who lived in the country.

Along the long coast of the North Sea (451 km) at the west and north-west, the climate of the Netherlands is typical of a mild maritime climate, wet and mild, and the winters are rarely strong, the summer is never sweltering. The urban and rural scene of the Netherlands is often famous for cycling, especially on the routes like Dunes of Texel, the Hoge Veluwe, and Zuid-Kennemerland. Many of the Netherlands’ tourist places are also popular for their hike trails.

The engineering marvels like Flevoland- a territory developed out of the sea, and Zeeland’s delta works are acknowledged among the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and attract a fair share of visitors. May it is the beautiful tulip fields, canals, flatlands, clogs, windmills, or tall and progressive Dutch people; any single reason is enough to make you visit Holland.

Cities to Visit in The Netherlands

1. Amsterdam

This national capital is where chaos meets serenity. Amsterdam is one of the quirkiest places to visit in Holland with elegant museums, long canals, elite galleries, fabulous pubs, and shopping places.

2. Leiden

A picture-perfect place with ethnic windmills, wooden bridges, lush parks, and tree-lined canals; Leiden is a haven for solo travelers and leisure seekers. It is among the best cities to visit in the Netherlands to enjoy canal boat rides and bicycle city tours.

3. The Hague

This is a contemporary city that reflects royalty and class with every inch. Situated by the Northern Sea, the Hague is amongst the most exquisite Netherlands tourist spots with luxurious stores, regal art galleries, and comfy coffee eateries.

4. Haarlem

Unofficially called ‘Bloemenstad’ or ‘the flower city,’ Haarlem is a tranquil district with a small community to explore during the Netherlands tour. The stunning architecture, peaceful streets, and cozy coffee shops include it in the things to see in the Netherlands.

5. Rotterdam

It is among the most important ports in the country and has been deeply associated with the maritime history of the country. This is a city you should visit on the Netherlands vacation if you want to see vintage ships, dockyards, and ports.

6. Zaanse Schans

This town takes you back to pastoral life when you visit Holland. It is known for barns, wooden houses, windmills, and beautiful green pastures. This place makes you feel that you are in an 18th-century European village.

7. Utrecht

This city is considered by many to be the heart of the Holland region. The city is steeped in medieval history and is said to have been built around the iconic Domtoren bell tower, which is among the most historically significant Netherlands tourist spots.

8. Maastricht

This city, like Utrecht, is known for its medieval roots. More specifically, Maastricht is known among places to go in the Netherlands for well-preserved medieval architecture. It is also a university city and has developed a happening life for young residents.

9. Giethoorn

This is a car-free village bristle with wooden houses and canals for boats to travel about. It is among the most wonderful things to see in the Netherlands. You almost feel like part of a fantasy land while exploring this quaint town.

10. Kinderdijk

This village is among the best places to visit in Holland to see 18th-century windmills. These marvels still manage part of the water system of the village. It also has many wonderful museums dedicated to the region.

11. Volendam

This town sits on the banks of Lake Marketmeer and is among the most beautiful places in the Netherlands. The town is popular among tourists for its colorful wooden houses and lake activities. It also has several interesting museums dedicated to costumes, music, art, and so on.

12. Delft

This town is most associated with Delftware, a style of hand-painted blue and white pottery. This town too has well-established medieval roots being the Seat of Power for the Royal House of Orange. From historical buildings and museums to Delftware workshops, there is no shortage of Netherlands sightseeing spots in this town.

13. Eindhoven

This is the hub of technology and design in the country. It is known for being the birthplace of Philips Electronics. It is explored most for modern developments during Netherlands travel.

14. Groningen

This city is most associated with its shipbuilding history. It is a quiet and beautiful city. If you enjoy exploring places to see in the Netherlands on boats or on bicycles then you would love Groningen.

15. Arnhem

This quaint little city should be considered for some laid-back time when you visit Holland. It is also famous for its fashion district, National Park, and open-air museum. There is enough to keep you engaged, yet relaxed.

16. Nijmegen

This is the oldest city in the country and has some of the most ancient Netherlands tourist attractions to explore. It is most known for the city’s fortification and Roman buildings which are well-preserved. This a city you should visit during Netherlands sightseeing to take a trip to the past.

Best Time to Visit The Netherlands

Amsterdam attracts an ample crowd during Summer (March-May). The weather is pleasant with mild sun and a cozy atmosphere. However, the hotel prices are at a peak at this time. If you want relaxation, the best time for Netherlands sightseeing is after that in the Fall (September- November). You can enjoy a heartwarming mild climate during this time in the hub of Tulips. Spring (March-May) also experiences less visitor traffic, and it can be a good pick. The off seasonal months in the Netherlands are from late October to mid-March, but the climate conditions during this period are cold and wet owing to the coastal winds. You can expect fewer people at Netherlands tourist places during this time. Winters are mostly dull throughout the country, except for Amsterdam. The late winter brings Carnival in certain small towns that have colorful displays, parades, and festivities. Thus, depending on your personal season preference, trip purpose and finance make a calculated decision Netherlands tour.

Popular Festivals and Events of The Netherlands

Netherlands travel offers a myriad of remarkable merriment in the form of public holidays and public events. Examples include:

1. Christmas 

• Dates: 25th – 26th Decemeber
• Location: All across The Netherlands
• For Dutch, it is a time of togetherness, while in Enschede, you can enjoy many organized activities. You will come across a variety of events, some of which are free to attend.

2. New Year’s Day

• Dates: 31st December – 1st January
• Location: All across The Netherlands
• While most people celebrate this day with traditional food, family customs, and fireworks. Thrill-seekers dive into the Northern Sea. Amsterdam is said to have some of the best parties in the world. Many people plan for Netherlands tourist spots just for the New Year extravaganza.

3. Spring opening of Keukenhof Gardens

• Dates: 24th March – 15th May
• Location: Amsterdam
• Every year, this world-famous garden attracts 1000s of expats looking for splendid photography. As spring commences, these flowers bloom to their glory and these gardens become the most beautiful places in the Netherlands during this time.

4. King’s Day

• Date: 27th April
• Location: All across The Netherlands
• King’s Day commemorates King Willem-Alexander’s birth with street parades, dance parties, and live music. It is a wonderful party all across the country.

5. Holland Festival

• Dates: 3rd June to 27th June
• Location: Amsterdam
• This is the largest performing arts festival in the country. You will see several interesting things to see in the Netherlands concerning arts and culture in Amsterdam during this festival. The event is spread across several venues in the city and explores dance, drama, music, and so on.

6. Amsterdam Gay Parade

• Dates: 7th August
• Location: Amsterdam
• World’s only floating parade venerating gay pride with canal parade, open-air concerts, and parties. There are also several events organized throughout the city alongside the parade. You will even see many buildings and hotels offering tickets for vantage points to see the parade.

7. Flower Parade

• Dates: 22nd to 24th April
• Location: Noordwijk & Haarlem
• This parade travels from Noordwijk to Haarlem, two of the finest Netherlands tourist places,  with elaborate floats and vehicles decorated with flowers. This 42 km parade is accompanied by a traveling fair of markets, performances, and music.

8. Rotterdam Summer Carnival

• Dates: 22nd & 23rd July
• Location: Rotterdam
• This event celebrates the Latin American culture in the region. Rotterdam is anyways one of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands, this carnival adds flamboyance to the city with performances, musical concerts, street markets, costumed parades, and more.

9. Amsterdam Canal Festival

• Dates: 12th to 21st August
• Location: Amsterdam
• This festival is dedicated to the network of canals which makes Amsterdam one of the best places to visit in Holland. The festival takes place at Prince Canal and its surrounding location. The celebrations and events during this festival are conducted both on land and on boats.

10. Red Head Day

• Dates: 27th to 29th August
• Location: Breda
• This is one of the most unique festivals in the country. It is a gathering of people with red hair. The festival includes exhibitions, concerts, performances, markets, workshops, and more.

11. Glow Festival

• Dates: 6th to 14th November
• Location: Eindhoven
• This city is the birthplace of electronics giant Philips, hence the festival is themed around decorating the city with an elaborate display of lights. You can see many of the Netherlands’ tourist spots in a new light, literally, during this event.

12. Scheveningen Fireworks Festival

• Dates: Third Week of August
• Location: Scheveningen, The Hague
• This is an international fireworks display competition. Each year the fireworks become more elaborate and it is a delight to behold the creativity in the sky. Plus you get to enjoy Scheveningen beach, which is one of the top places to go in the Netherlands. Beach by day, fireworks by night.

Emergency Contacts for Travelers

General Emergencies: Dial 112, which is the emergency contact number across the EU.
Dutch Police: Call 0900-8844 to report a crime or police assistance.
Medical Emergencies: For ambulance call 112 and for urgent medical advice, dial +31(0)205923434.

Useful Mobile Apps for Travelers

1. Skyscanner

This app provides cheap flight options from over 1200 sources. The handy chart allows convenient bookings, trip planning, and also notifies price changes. If you are planning to visit multiple cities, this app will make the Netherlands travel much easier.

2. HotelTonight

When stuck in an unknown place at odd hours, this app is a savior. It facilitates the last-minute booking of empty hotel rooms at discounted prices. You can explore as many places to visit in the Netherlands without the fear of being without a roof.

3. Couverts

This app helps you search for the food joints best suited to you based on your cuisine preference. You can view menus, and prices, and also make online reservations.

4. Netherlands Travel Guide

It contains complete and up-to-date city guides to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, and many other best cities to visit in the Netherlands. It works offline, so you don’t need a connection to the internet.

5. Uit

Be it Friday night fun, finding a good bar, or live music, you can find it all here. Uit acts as a social agenda with events and festivals listed for the major Dutch cities.

6. Babbel

This app helps you learn functional Dutch for the Netherlands tour. Even if you don’t plan on learning the language entirely, this app will at least help you communicate during your travels.

7. Albert Heijn

This app is a blessing for shoppers who visit the Netherlands. It allows you to prepare a shopping list and then locate the stores where those items are sold and their prices.

8. 9292

This app helps you navigate the public transport system within cities and between cities. If you use it well, Netherlands sightseeing will become convenient as well as cost-effective.

9. SnappCar

This is a car-sharing app that connects you with people traveling in the same direction as you from the neighborhood you are in. It is also a great opportunity to get in touch with the locals.

10. Uber & Sneleentaxi

If you have the money to spend commuting between Netherlands tourist attractions, these apps are popular for booking cabs. You can hail a cab, check the routes and make payments online.

11. NS

This app helps you understand and use the train network in the country. It also allows you to book tickets and find the nearest stations. This comes especially handy if your Netherlands trip involves multiple cities.

12. Party of 4

This app is only for couples. It connects you with other couples who are looking to double date and meet interesting people. It is a great way to meet and mingle with the locals during the Netherlands vacation.

13. Lexa

If you are single, you can use this one. This dating app connects you with other single people and sets a date.

Safety Tips for The Netherlands Trip

Netherland is the 14th safest country in the world. However, Amsterdam and other major Dutch cities require the same’ big city street sense’ as any other major European city. Nevertheless, with the colorful nightlife and increasing tourism, be cautious about your belongings, choose safe hours for travel, obey the laws to avoid trouble, and keep in mind these essential tips for a safe tour.

• Bicycle theft is common always use two locks (a standard bike lock with a key built into most Dutch bikes plus a sturdy chain lock) and park in guarded bike parks where possible.
• Petty crimes such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching do take place in major cities, especially in crowded places. Unfortunately, this includes Netherlands tourist spots as well, so be very careful with your belongings. It is advisable to use clothing with concealed pockets to carry important stuff like cash.
• There are also instances of thieves dressing up as policemen to con tourists. If such an incident happens, you can politely decline to co-operate and request to visit the nearest police station for co-operation.
• Dutch take the ‘drink and drive’ offense grave. The Netherlands laws apply not only to cars but also to mopeds, bicycles, and scooters, so don’t think about getting on a bike when drunk.
• Coffeehouses can lawfully sell up to ‘5 gms’ of drugs to any 18+ person. So, avoid such places if you do not like unwanted surprises.
• Public Urination is another major offense that can lend you a fine of up to 45 euros.
• Keep a photocopy of your passport and other identification while exploring places to go in the Netherlands. You should only show original documents to authorities.
• Tourists visiting major cities should also be aware of ATM, online payment, and credit card fraud. You should stick to cash as much as possible and make withdrawals from a trusted bank.
• You will come across many free Wi-Fi networks during Netherlands sightseeing. Do not connect to any unknown networks as it may lead to a cyber-crime attack on your device.
• Both men and women on Netherlands travel should be careful regarding date scams, especially through dating apps and websites.
• You should also be vigilant when enjoying drinks at bars, clubs, and pubs. Do not leave your food or drinks unattended.
• Keep away from any public demonstrations taking place. Many times these can turn violent and may even lead to confrontation with authorities. You should change your direction if you come across such protests or demonstrations on the streets.
• Similarly, you should also be wary of street games and roadside gambling carts. These places are intended to con you out of money with cheap tricks and slights of hand. They are also a hotspot for pickpockets and bag snatches.