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Holland, 10 places to visit beyond Amsterdam
The city of Amsterdam features canals, the iconic Rijksmuseum, and numerous other attractions that spark curiosity about the most recognizable places in Holland. This country has skillfully defied the laws of hydraulics, reclaiming large areas of land from the sea. Here, you can explore fairy-tale villages, endless dunes along the North Sea, artisan workshops, and exceptional museums, as well as modern architecture and historic windmills.
Here are 10 places to visit in the Netherlands besides Amsterdam:
The futuristic city of Rotterdam
The language that best captures the essence of Rotterdam is reflected in its futuristic architecture, which can be seen in every corner of the city. You can explore Lijnbaan Street, the first pedestrian street in Europe designed in 1953, or visit Piet Blom’s iconic Kubus Houses, where entry to the house-museum costs only 3 euros. Another must-see is the Markthal near Blaak station, featuring Cornucopia, a large mural that adorns the vaulted interior and was created by artists Arno Coenen and Iris Roskamo. You can also visit the Fenix Food Factory, an innovative gastronomic project featuring a market, craft brewery, and various food kiosks. On pleasant days, you can even take a dip in the nearby river!
A delightful experience is cycling across the Willembrug Red Bridge or the Erasmus Bridge, and perhaps riding through the remarkable Maastunnel, the first submerged tunnel in the Netherlands and Europe, stretching 1,373 meters long. An interesting destination for art lovers is the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, the first museum depot in the world open to the public.
After all this exploration, you’ll surely appreciate a well-deserved beer at one of the many bars in the Oude Haven harbor area or the charming Deliplein town square.
The university town of Delft
Cycling along the Schie bike path from Rotterdam, you will arrive at the university town of Delft, home to the renowned Delft University of Technology. This institution has consistently ranked among the world’s best universities for architecture and design in recent years. Delft is also the birthplace of Johannes Vermeer, the famous Dutch painter known for his masterpiece “The Girl with the Pearl Earring.” You can visit the Vermeer Center Delft, which is dedicated to his work.
Additionally, Delft has been famous for its pottery since the 1600s. A must-see is the Royal Delft factory, which is a 15-minute walk from the city center. Here, you can witness artisans creating pottery by hand, providing a glimpse into this traditional craft.
The Hague, the seat of parliament
In Dutch, it is called Den Haag, and it is known as the “International City of Peace and Justice” due to the presence of the headquarters of several international legal institutions, such as the Peace Palace and the International Court of Justice. However, The Hague is not just a serious and dignified city; it also boasts a vibrant cultural scene. Notable attractions include the Escher Museum, which showcases letters, photographs, and works by the Dutch artist M.C. Escher, and the lively Grote Markt Square, where people of all ages gather in its many bars.
Additionally, the walk to Scheveningen, Holland’s most famous beach, is beautiful. This beach is particularly popular for the traditional dip in the North Sea on New Year’s Day.
Utrecht, a city to experience
Utrecht is a city best experienced rather than simply visited. Its charming and well-maintained center invites you to stroll along beautiful canals, where you can explore enticing store windows featuring record shops, vintage clothing, and local crafts. Be sure to stop at a café to enjoy a poffertje, a delicious Dutch dessert. Utrecht is also home to the tallest cathedral tower in the Netherlands, standing at an impressive 112 meters. Additionally, it celebrates Miffy, the beloved bunny character from children’s stories created by Dick Bruna, who was born here. You can visit the Nijntje Museum, dedicated to Miffy, which is perfect for young children.
Here’s a final tip: If you’re in Utrecht during the evening, don’t miss Trajectum Lumen, an illuminated path through the historic center. This pathway, cleverly lit by world-renowned contemporary artists, showcases the main attractions in an enchanting way.
Nature of the Frisian Islands and the North Sea
It’s definitely worth heading north to explore the Frisian Islands and discover these captivating Dutch islands. The largest of them, Texel, is easily accessible by ferry from the port of Den Helder. Texel is renowned as a paradise for cyclists, offering endless beaches, expanses of heather, grass, flowers, and marshes. While traversing between its charming villages, you might encounter horses, wild cows, and especially sheep. The island is also home to many friendly seals! The best way to get around here is by bike, but be sure to stay on the designated bike paths, as this is the local practice.
Texel isn’t the only Frisian island worth visiting; another notable island is Terschelling. Here, you can immerse yourself in unspoiled nature, including beautiful beaches, lush greenery, and vibrant bird colonies. A key attraction on Terschelling is the Brandaris, the oldest lighthouse in the Netherlands, dating back to 1595, which stands as a symbol of the island. Additionally, Terschelling features the Dark Sky Park in Boshplaat, recognized as one of the darkest places for stargazing. Prepare to witness the Milky Way with the naked eye!
Lake IJssel, the Dutch inland sea
If you are seeking an area that is off the beaten path and particularly tranquil, consider visiting Lake IJssel. It is the largest lake in the Netherlands, formed after the reclamation of the Zuiderzee, an inland sea. This destination is ideal for those who enjoy cycling and sailing, as well as for anyone looking for charming small towns and abundant nature.
The region boasts large national parks, such as De Weerribben, along with intricate networks of waterways, canals, reeds, forests, and an array of blooming flowers. You will also encounter numerous species of plants and animals. If you’re planning to pedal with children, you’ll find easy trails along the shores of the lake, perfect for the whole family!
The tulips of Keukenhof Park
If you find yourself in the Netherlands between March and May, especially in April, there is one destination you absolutely cannot miss: Keukenhof Park. This isn’t just a flower park; it’s a vibrant journey where you can immerse yourself in a stunning display of flowers and colors, from daffodils to hyacinths. However, the main attraction here is, without a doubt, the blooming tulips—the true stars of this beautiful country! As you stroll through the park, you’ll discover a wide variety of tulip types, each unique in its own way.
Just to clarify, Keukenhof is regarded as one of the best spring parks in the world. During the eight weeks it is open, expect to see many tourists—around a million people visit the park from all over the globe!
Haarlem and its windmill-museum
Haarlem is a charming town traversed by the Spaarne River, offering an authentic experience of Dutch life. The heart of the town features the stunning market square known as the Grote Markt. A must-see attraction is the Windmill De Adriaan, located on the Spaarne River. Imagine stepping inside a windmill built in 1778 and exploring the fascinating small museum it contains, which offers a wealth of information about this historic building. An interesting fact: you can even hold your wedding ceremony here, a service available since 2004.
For nature enthusiasts, a visit to the dunes of Haarlem is highly recommended. These dunes are among the most beautiful in the country and provide excellent opportunities for long walks, bike rides, or simply enjoying the great outdoors. If you’re lucky, you might even spot deer or roe deer during your time in this picturesque setting!
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The mills of Kinderdijk
South of Rotterdam lies a UNESCO World Heritage site that features 19 well-preserved windmills at Kinderdijk. A beautiful bicycle path runs along the lake, providing a scenic route to the site. In addition to the windmills, visitors can explore a network of dams, reservoirs, pumping stations, waterways, and sluices. The only mill open to the public is the Nedrwaardmolen, which offers insight into the lives and work of Dutch miller families in the late 18th century. For a truly magical experience, it’s recommended to visit in September during Illumination Week, when the mills are illuminated at night, creating a wonderfully atmospheric setting.
The fairy-tale village of Giethoorn
Giethoorn is a charming Dutch village that looks like something out of a fairy tale and is definitely worth a visit. Often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” Giethoorn is renowned for its picturesque canals, wooden bridges, and lack of roads. What truly sets it apart, however, is the unique experience of exploring the village by sailing in small boats that can be rented on-site. Visiting during sunset, when the crowds have dispersed, allows for a peaceful experience amidst the beautifully manicured flower gardens and thatched-roof houses.
In between stages…take a break at the Rustpunts!
Rustpunten are rest stops located along bicycle and pedestrian paths, marked by clear signage. They provide a quiet place for travelers to enjoy coffee, tea, or lemonade, along with a snack, in exchange for a voluntary contribution. Typically situated at farms or country houses, these stops often include restrooms and sometimes even charging points for electric bikes. The initiative was established by the Rest Point Foundation in collaboration with the Heemskerk Agency. Currently, there are nearly 700 active Rustpunten across several Dutch regions, with plans to expand them into North Brabant as well. For more information on locating these rest stops, be sure to visit their official website!
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