Best Things To Do in The Netherlands

The kingdom of the Netherlands has been one of Europe’s great centers of arts and sciences for centuries, with the resulting treasures almost spilling from its world-class museums. Effortlessly managing to combine tradition and invention, you’ll find windmills and tulips, but also groundbreaking architecture and a progressive culture. You’ll never be short of things to do in the Netherlands with our top 12.

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GET ON YOUR BIKE

Stand for just a few moments on any street and you’ll soon realize how important cycling is to Dutch life. Mild weather, suitable infrastructure and a flat terrain makes the Netherlands perfect for cycling. With over 32,000 kilometers of bike paths spread across the country, biking is one of the best ways to get under the country’s skin, and bike rental schemes can be found in even the smallest towns.

a large building with two towers and an entrance

Frans Hals

Best Places In The World

EXPLORE AMSTERDAM’S ARTISTIC HERITAGE

When it comes to what to see in the Netherlands, no visit can ignore the artistic heritage. Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Ver Meer and Frans Hals have all walked Amsterdam’s streets. From museums that showcase the artistic heritage of the Dutch spanning over 800 years to contemporary artists, Amsterdam remains one of the best places in the world to indulge in amazing artwork.

a boat traveling down a river with buildings in the background and sun going down behind it

TAKE TO THE WATER

Bedecked by pots overflowing with tumbling plants and spanned by myriad bridges, the Dutch canal network is one of the most popular attractions of the Netherlands. Built during the 17th century to transport goods, today, these waterways are as iconic to the Netherlands as tulips or wooden shoes. Cruise the canals across cities to get a true experience of the places. Taking a canal cruise is also a great way to get an overview of a city to pick places that you’d want to revisit later.

windmills in the background with pink tulips on either side and water running between them

CHECK OUT THE WINDMILLS

Much like the canals, windmills are symbolic to Dutch history and make up a big part of the traditional Holland landscape. In fact, at one point in time, there were over 10,000 windmills across the Netherlands that were used for all kinds of industrial purposes like pumping water to grinding grains. Today, there are about one thousand windmills left. There is even a national holiday dedicated to the Dutch windmill heritage.

a deer with antlers standing in the middle of a field full of purple flowers

DISCOVER THE WILD SIDE

For such a densely-populated country as the Netherlands, it’s surprisingly easy to get out into the countryside, whether that’s by bicycle, on foot, or by horse! There are several spots to visit that offer stunning flora and fauna and a chance to escape into the quiet, undisturbed nature.

many different colored flowers are in the middle of a garden with lots of trees and bushes

Netherland Tulip Fields

Netherlands Flower Field

Tulip Fields Netherlands Aesthetic

Tulips Garden Aesthetic

Amsterdam Tulip Fields

Fields Of Tulips

Tulip Fields Netherlands

Field Of Tulips

CATCH TULIP MANIA

The Dutch have been in love with tulips since the 17th century when vast fortunes were spent on new bulb varieties. Every March, the country bursts into colors as vast fields of tulips start to bloom. Visit the Netherlands during spring from early March to May and catch the Tulip Mania as you visit numerous tulip gardens and witness flower parades in Amsterdam and Keukenhof, or visit the Tulip Museum. There are several ways to enjoy this flora and spring is the best time to visit.

an old brick building with two towers and a clock on it's front door

The Hague

Things To Do In Holland

Holland Travel

International Court Of Justice

MARVEL AT THE HAGUE’S ARCHITECTURE

Any list of things to do in Holland must include a visit to the national seat of government in The Hague. Although not the capital, The Hague is home to the Cabinet of the Netherlands, the Supreme Court, the Council of the State and the UN’s International Court of Justice.

a woman holding a child in her arms and looking at a tree with an evil face on it

Amusement Park

Amusement Parks

Day Trip

VISIT AMUSEMENT PARKS

The mild-mannered Dutch aren’t afraid to scare themselves witless, and a visit to an amusement park uncovers another side to the Dutch psyche. There are quite a number of amusement parks to visit in the Netherlands which vary in size and attractions. Most amusement parks are located away from the cities, allowing for a great day trip.

several cheeses are on wooden shelves in a store

Pub Snacks

Pub Snack

Dutch Cheese

Eat Drink And Be Merry

EAT, DRINK, AND BE MERRY

Exploring the culinary heritage of the Netherlands is easy enough wherever you find yourself. From hearty pub snacks that go well with a pint of Belgian beer to raw herring or gooey waffles; delve deeper and learn the history of some of its most famous exports. And if there is one food you shouldn’t miss, get your hands on some of the most popular Dutch cheeses.

an image of a building that is on the water in front of some other buildings

Anne Frank Museum Amsterdam

Ann Frank House Amsterdam

Amsterdam Anne Frank House

Anne Frank Haus

Anne Frank Amsterdam

Amsterdam Museums

Amsterdam Tourist Attractions

Anne Frank Museum

Amsterdam Trip

REVISIT HISTORY OF THE SECOND WORLD WAR

The Netherlands and its population suffered terribly during the Second World War. Though harrowing at times, it is a period that helped shaped the liberal-minded democracy of today. History buffs can visit some of the prime WWII locations of the Netherlands including the Anne Frank Haus, war museums, and battlefields where the great war was fought.