When you think travel, tour, vacation, you don’t immediately think of the Netherlands, do you?
If you want a space different from the ordinary, not overly crowded, something unique, memorable, filled with a refreshing culture and history then you should definitely consider visiting the Dutch country.
Home to Post-impressionist painter, Vincent van Gogh, Veteran athlete Robin van Persie and media tycoon Johannes Hendrikus Hubert “John” de Mol Jr.
The country is safe and welcoming to foreigners. Another plus for English speaking tourists is that most Dutch people speak really good English so the language barrier is basically nonexistent.
Today we intend to share with you our favourite places to visit in The Netherlands, in no particular order.
10. Thorn
For everyone who loves a good sight and stunning pictures the city of Thorn should be among your must stop list. Located at Limburg near the Belgium border, Thorn is a quiet city with enough options to explore. There’s always beauty in discovery and Thorn gives this opportunity. Visit the town centre to see the 10th century church (Abbey Church), Abdijkerk Thorn the catholic church at kerkberg 2 and the historical landmark Begijnhof.
Make a stop at Thorn, enjoy the scenery of its cobbled streets, just imagine the feel of cycling on it. Make new picture perfect memories with its beautifully designed brick walls as backdrop. The results will be worth the journey.
9. Eindhoven
Eindhoven is located in the South Netherlands.
It is one of the largest cities in the Netherlands. Originally a small settlement, the land grew throughout the 16th century and was captured by Spanish troops. During the Second World War, a large part of the city was destroyed but the city has remained relentless as it did not just survive the hard times but is now one of the best tourist attractions in the country with its numerous remarkable museums.
The city also has a popular picnic spot for families, friends and loved ones at the Speelpark De Splinter. You can also take a tour riding a bicycle, to reach different carefully mapped out parts of Eindhoven easily with a tour guide of course.
8. Harlem
In a town like Harlem, your first stop should either be the Teylers Museum or Fans Hals museum, where you will find some familiar and remarkable paintings.
Harlem is another city that has kept its origin close while keeping its appeal alongside. Found in the Northwest of Netherlands, Harlem is a city with great shopping opportunities, beer tasting franchise, charming dinners and some close proximity to the beach. What’s not to love?
You can also take a visit to Grote Kerk, climb a windmill, discover hidden locations and view hidden mediaeval structures. Rent a bike and go cycling around the city to enjoy the real feel of The Netherlands. It’s Harlem!
7. Breda
Home of history and culture, Breda is the place for anyone who wants to have a taste of history in the present day . It Is a mediaeval city located at the North Brabant Province close to the Belgian frontier in western Noord Brabant at the junction of AA and Mark river.
Make a visit to the Spaniard’s hole, a legendary “secret passage” for Adrian van Bergen and his 70 men when they recaptured their city from the Spaniards.
Other historical places to see in Breda include the Grote Kerk (The great church) . its 97 metre tower which dominates the city is a sight to behold. Other very honourable mentions are the Ginneken market with its popular patios, gallaries, cafes, boutiques, amongst other things. Make a quick stop at Kasteelplein too and take a peek at the statue of Williams III of Orange.
6. The Hague
Now unlike most countries, the Dutch government does not reside in the capital city, instead they reside in The Hague. It is a town mixed with both the old and the new vibe. Its uniqueness cannot be truly explained, it can only be experienced. This city is for those who enjoy a bustling night time. With its beautiful culture and art work. The natural wonders of the first natural lands. This South Holland city is never in a hurry to go to sleep.
Grounded with culture, monuments and some really catchy places to visit such as the Duinrell, Gemeente museum, Den Haag and Mauritshuis.
The site of the sky has a curved surface at the celestial vault. The Hague is a charmer to as many that step foot into it.
5. Delft
Delft is one of the most beautiful cities in The Netherlands. Once the home and birthplace of Johannes Vermeer, the famous Dutch artist. Delft is beautifully adorned with varieties of artwork, pottery at Koninklijke Porceleyne Flesh, The Prince’s court, its own city hall and Various museums. Delft is a city, growing rapidly in its warmth while keeping its mediaeval appearance where necessary. Most tourists never miss the opportunity to climb the bell tower in the new church, as the view is nothing less than breathtaking. Looking for a refreshing atmosphere? You should definitely think about Delft.
4. Leiden
Known for having the oldest university in the country, Leiden is a small but big city with remarkable mentions such as the Buddhist, the remains of a castle wall over 1000 years old, over 13 museums, 88bridges, 28 kilometres of canal and thousands of monuments to discover. One of its charms is the Distil de Mujer (poetry on the wall), a Leiden culture where captivating poems are written on the wall in different languages. There’s also the Cavalli, a place where you can write messages on a postcard and place it on the cabinet on the wall, the message can be sent on any day of your choosing. What’s not to love?
3. Edam
For anyone already familiar with Edam, the cheese first comes to mind. The city of Edam is beyond the cheese though, and if you never heard of Edam then we would love to introduce you to a tourist favourite.
Just a mere 30 minutes away from Amsterdam, Edam is in North Holland. For the cheese lovers, Edam would be better experienced during the Holland Holiday, you can get to enjoy the experience of a “chessy” festival in the cheese market.
More to be found are welcoming terraces, historical monuments, museums, countryside windmills and good shopping opportunities. You don’t plan a visit to The Netherlands without penning Edam to the plan.
2. Rotterdam
Known as one of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands, Rotterdam has remarkable landmarks that live up to the hype.
Located in the South Netherlands, Rotterdam is vacation friendly and can accommodate all groups of tourists. There are charming places to visit such as the Rotterdam zoo, the famous Erasmus bridge, the Euromast tower, museums, the 64,000 capacity Feyenoord stadium, the Fenix food factory and the family special Miniworld Rotterdam.
Get to see a fun-size view of Rotterdam, with numerous detailed scenes that will keep you captivated and engaged, a notable fact is how Miniworld Rotterdam experiences it night and day in minutes.
You can also take a boat or cycling tour round the city. The city of Rotterdam has both historical and cultural centres to visit and all vacationers are advised to take advantage of this.
- Amsterdam
Unarguably the most famous city to visit in The Netherlands, Amsterdam is the whole package, good tourist attractions, beautiful historical monuments and scenery.
Located in North Holland, it is a city that is in no hurry to sleep. The free ferry rides to NDSM, where the walls are adorned with expression of art works, the Canal cruise, over 1,200 bridges and the original mouth watering Stroopwafel, garnished with the right amount of syrup to keep you coming back.
Amsterdam gives the opportunity for a taste of everything both the old and new, while still keeping its beautiful culture. Take a cycling tour through the streets of Amsterdam and visit the renowned shopping streets and museums. Visit the world’s largest and most visited museum, Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk modern art museum built in the shape of a gigantic bath tub.
So there you have it, our top 10 places to visit in The Netherlands. Let’s make that vacation plan and experience the awesomeness that is the Netherlands.
