Top 3 Cities in the Netherlands
The best travel destinations in the Netherlands
The Netherlands offer a fascinating combination of intriguing culture, breathtaking nature, and charming cities, providing a plethora of opportunities for an unforgettable holiday in the heart of Europe. The country is renowned for its flat landscapes adorned with windmills and endless tulip fields, as well as picturesque canals and spectacular sights in vibrant cities.
Whether you're interested in a city break or a relaxing holiday in the countryside or by the beach, the Netherlands has something to offer for every taste. Explore Amsterdam, the captivating capital with its famous canals and renowned museums, or the futuristic Rotterdam. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere of Utrecht, Maastricht, and The Hague.
In this post, we present our top 3 cities in the Netherlands and the most beautiful sights.
Interesting facts about the Netherlands
- The Netherlands is known for its windmills, with a significant number of them located in the open-air museum Zaanse Schans, built in the oldest industrial area of the country.
- Official Language: Dutch
- The Efteling theme park is not only the largest in the Netherlands but also the third-largest theme park in all of Europe.
- The Netherlands is renowned for its cheese. You can visit the most famous cheese market and the Dutch Cheese Museum in Alkmaar. The cheese market in Alkmaar is also home to the popular cheese carriers, often attracting tourists.
- A visit to the magnificent tulip fields during springtime is recommended, which can be admired near Leiden, Haarlem, and Noordwijk, among other places.
- Although Amsterdam is the official capital of the Netherlands, both the seat of government and the residence of the royal family are located in The Hague. The Hague is also home to the International Court of Justice of the United Nations.
- Kasteel de Haar near Utrecht is the largest castle in the Netherlands. The Netherlands predominantly lies below sea level, with about a quarter of the country lying more than a meter below sea level. The highest point is the Vaalserberg, with a height of only 322.4 meters.
- There are more bicycles than residents in the Netherlands, with over 35,000 kilometers of cycling paths.
Top 3 Cities in the Netherlands
Amsterdam
The Dutch capital Amsterdam, located in the province of North Holland, is primarily known for its canals. A canal is a narrow, artificially constructed waterway within a city. Besides the picturesque setting of the canals, Amsterdam offers abundant art and culture. With around 60 museums, Amsterdam has the highest museum density in the world.
Some of the most significant art museums in the Netherlands are located at Museumplein, including the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, and the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. Also in Amsterdam, visitors can explore the hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her diary at the Anne Frank House.
Lighter entertainment can be found in one of Amsterdam's numerous highly specialized and sometimes quirky museums. Family-friendly highlights include the Museum of Bags and Purses (Tassenmuseum Hendrikje), the Cat Cabinet (Kattenkabinet), and Micropia, the world's first zoo for microorganisms. Adults, for example, can gain insight into the more risqué sides of the diverse city at the Hash Marijuana & Hemp Museum and the Erotic Museum.
In spring, from March to May, a trip to Keukenhof, located approximately 50 kilometers from Amsterdam, is worthwhile. The spring garden impresses with over 7 million intricately planted bulb flowers, including over 4 million tulips. The Keukenhof park covers a total of 82 hectares and features 15 kilometers of walking paths.
Summary: The city of Amsterdam is renowned for its canals, culture, and vibrant atmosphere. In the city's numerous museums, it's easy to lose track of time.
Rotterdam
The port city of Rotterdam in the Dutch province of Zuid-Holland (South Holland) is home to the largest seaport in Europe.
As the city was largely destroyed during World War II and subsequently rebuilt, the urban landscape is predominantly characterized by modern-futuristic architecture. Among the most striking of these are the impressive Erasmus Bridge, the inclined skyscraper Toren op Zuid, and the Markthal (Market Hall).
The Markthal, known in Dutch as Markthal, impresses with an 11,000 square meter ceiling artwork made up of 4,000 glass panels. Inside the Markthal, visitors can find not only the market, various shops, and restaurants but also apartments. This mixed-use concept makes the Markthal in Rotterdam unique.
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the perfect opportunity lies 15 kilometers southeast of Rotterdam in the small village of Kinderdijk, known primarily for its windmills. The collection of 19 18th-century wind pumps is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One windmill at Nederwaard-Polder can also be visited from the inside, while most others are privately owned and inhabited.
Summary: As one of Europe's largest port cities, Rotterdam combines modern architecture and exciting nightlife with top-notch shopping and a variety of cultural events.
Maastricht
In the southernmost tip of the Netherlands, directly on the border with Belgium, lies the city of Maastricht. From here, it's not far to the tripoint between Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany. At Vaals, located there, awaits the surprisingly lively Labyrint Drielandenpunt, winding around the highest point in the Netherlands. However, you probably won't experience vertigo on the elevation, which is only about 320 meters high.
There's also plenty to experience in Maastricht itself. For strolling and relaxing in charming street cafes, the idyllic square Vrijthof in the heart of the city is inviting. Those interested in art should definitely plan a visit to the Bonnefanten Museum, where old and contemporary artworks come together.
The Boekhandel Dominicanen attracts literature enthusiasts and architecture fans alike. It is a bookstore housed in an old Dominican church where books in Dutch and English can be purchased.
Beneath the city awaits its own world. At Sint Pietersberg, you can explore not only Fort Sint Pieter but also take a guided tour through the caves beneath the mountain. If you're not ready to return to daylight afterward, you can visit the Kasematten under Maastricht in the west of the city.
Summary: Maastricht is known for its historic old town, impressive architecture, and excellent gastronomic scene. The underground beneath Maastricht and the nearby tripoint in the region are also worth a visit.
Conclusion: More than just tulips and windmills.
If you're seeking history and culture, nature experiences, or simply a relaxing time, you'll find a variety of opportunities in the Netherlands. Experience an unforgettable holiday in this fascinating country, which will captivate you with its diverse beauty.
If wanderlust has taken hold of you and you want to experience the impressive architecture, art, and culture of the Netherlands up close,
► Learn more here about toll regulations in the Netherlands to be optimally prepared for your journey.