What to do in the Netherlands: 20 must-sees and must-dos

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Amsterdam

Amsterdam, the fascinating capital of the Netherlands, is much more than just a city. It’s a melting pot of cultures, histories and architectural beauty. Criss-crossed by a network of winding canals lined with narrow houses with colorful facades, the city offers incomparable charm around every corner.

Keukenhof

Nestled in the heart of the Netherlands, Keukenhof is much more than just a flower garden. It’s a veritable floral paradise, where millions of tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and other spring flowers color the landscape in brilliant hues.

Every year, when Keukenhof opens in spring, visitors from all over the world flock to see this extraordinary natural spectacle. The vast expanses of flower beds offer a festival of colors and fragrances, while the winding paths invite you to stroll and marvel.

Windmills of Kinderdijk

The windmills of Kinderdijk, in the southwest of the Netherlands, are much more than just a tourist attraction. They embody the history and ingenuity of the Dutch people in their constant struggle against the waters.

Zaanse Schans

Located near Amsterdam, the village of Zaanse Schans is a veritable journey back in time through Dutch history and tradition. This collection of historic houses, iconic windmills and artisan workshops offers visitors a captivating glimpse into daily life in the Netherlands in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam, the dynamic metropolis of the Netherlands, is a city that never stops reinventing itself. Destroyed during the Second World War, Rotterdam has risen from the ashes to become a modern center of innovative architecture, vibrant culture and thriving commerce.

The Hague

The Hague, political capital of the Netherlands and seat of the International Court of Justice, is a city that harmoniously blends history, culture and modernity. Located on the west coast of the Netherlands, this dynamic city offers a multitude of attractions and activities for visitors from all walks of life.

De Hoge Veluwe National Park

De Hoge Veluwe National Park is a natural treasure nestled in the heart of the Netherlands, offering visitors a peaceful and immersive escape into the wild beauty of nature. Located in the province of Gelderland, this national park is renowned for its vast expanses of forest, moorland, sand dunes and heathland, offering unique ecological and landscape diversity.

Utrecht

Located in the heart of the Netherlands, Utrecht is much more than just a university town. It’s a dynamic, picturesque city, where history meets modernity, and where every street corner reveals a new facet of its charm.

At the heart of the city stands the majestic Domtoren tower, the emblematic symbol of Utrecht. Dating back to the 14th century, this tower offers a breathtaking view of the city and its surroundings from its summit, after climbing its 465 steps.

Delft

Located in the province of South Holland, Delft is a Dutch town steeped in charm and history. Famous for its blue and white pottery, picturesque architecture and peaceful atmosphere, Delft offers an enchanting escape into the past and present of the Netherlands.

Giethoorn

Giethoorn, nicknamed the “Venice of the North”, is a picturesque village in the Dutch province of Overijssel. Famous for its quiet canals, wooden bridges and picturesque thatched houses, Giethoorn offers an enchanted escape into a world where time seems to stand still.

Giethoorn’s charm lies in its network of canals, which run through the village like quiet arteries. Visitors can explore these waterways by boat, kayak or pedalo, gliding gently through verdant landscapes and traditional houses lining the shores.

Leiden

Located in the Dutch province of South Holland, Leiden is a university town rich in history, culture and charm. Known for its prestigious university, founded in 1575, Leiden offers a lively atmosphere, picturesque canals and historic architecture.

Maastricht

Located in the southernmost corner of the Netherlands, Maastricht is a city that harmoniously blends history, culture and European charm. With its cobbled streets, picturesque squares and friendly atmosphere, Maastricht is a popular destination for travelers seeking authenticity and discovery.

Scheveningen beach

Scheveningen beach, near The Hague in the Netherlands, is much more than just a stretch of sand and sea. It’s a veritable seaside paradise, where visitors can enjoy a multitude of activities and entertainment while relaxing by the water.

With its long, lively promenade lined with restaurants, beach bars and boutiques, Scheveningen beach is the ideal place to stroll, relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the seaside resort.

The Efteling is much more than just an amusement park: it’s an enchanted kingdom where fairy tales come to life. Located in the Netherlands, near the town of Tilburg, Efteling is the country’s biggest theme park and one of the oldest in Europe, open since 1952.

Het Loo Palace

Het Loo Palace, located in the Dutch town of Apeldoorn, is much more than just a palace. It’s a majestic testimony to the history and grandeur of the Dutch monarchy, and a true architectural and cultural gem.

Volendam

Volendam, a charming Dutch fishing village on the shores of Lake IJsselmeer, is a must-see destination for those wishing to discover the authenticity and culture of the Netherlands. With its traditional wooden houses, colorful folk costumes and lively atmosphere, Volendam offers a captivating immersion in everyday Dutch life.

A walk along Volendam harbor is one of the most popular activities for visitors. You can admire the colorful fishing boats, taste fresh fish in the seafood restaurants, and even take a souvenir photo in the village’s traditional costumes.

West Frisia National Park

The West Frisia National Park, located in the north of the Netherlands, is a true natural gem offering a variety of unique ecosystems, breathtaking scenery and rich biodiversity. Covering an area of over 9,000 hectares, this national park protects a wide variety of natural environments, including marshes, dunes, forests, moors and wetlands.

Alkmaar

Located in the province of North Holland, Alkmaar is a picturesque Dutch town full of charm, famous for its rich historical heritage, tranquil canals and traditional cheese market.

At the heart of the city lies the historic center, where visitors can stroll along cobbled streets lined with old houses, quirky boutiques and lively cafés. The Grote Sint-Laurenskerk, an imposing 16th-century Gothic church, dominates the city center and offers panoramic views of Alkmaar from its summit.

The village of Zandvoort

Located on the west coast of the Netherlands, the seaside village of Zandvoort is a popular destination for beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts and holidaymakers looking for relaxation and entertainment.

The Wadden Islands

The Wadden Islands, off the northern coast of the Netherlands, form a unique archipelago that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These islands are famous for their unspoilt landscapes, rich biodiversity and tranquil atmosphere, making them a popular destination for nature lovers and adventurers in search of a change of scenery.