As you embark on a journey through the Netherlands, a country brimming with picturesque landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, you’re bound to encounter a myriad of captivating destinations. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to the quaint villages nestled in the countryside, each stop promises a unique experience that unveils the charm and diversity of this enchanting nation. Join us as we delve into 11 unmissable places that showcase the essence of the Netherlands, inviting you to explore beyond the beaten path and discover hidden gems along the way.

Amsterdam

When you think of the Netherlands, Amsterdam instantly comes to mind! And even though you can’t sum up an entire country by its capital, it must be admitted that visiting Amsterdam is a must-do when traveling to the Netherlands. Unlike other major European capitals, there aren’t historical monuments at every corner in Amsterdam. People come here to stroll along the canals, photograph iconic facades, relax in a quaint café, and explore the city by bike. Among the must-sees, don’t miss the De 9 Straatjes and Jordaan neighborhoods, a visit to the Anne Frank House (remember to book in advance), the Red Light District De Wallen, or the historic center (Damrak, Dam Square, Begijnhof, and Munttoren).

Leiden

Leiden is one of our favorite cities in the Netherlands. Plan for a full day to explore and enjoy all its facets. Upon arrival, we fell in love with its canals, quaint cobblestone streets, and lively atmosphere. For us, Leiden is like a smaller, more intimate version of Amsterdam, with a serene charm. Beyond its charming canals, Leiden is also a vibrant university city, with great spots, poems written on walls, and a sublime botanical garden!

the Keukenhof Flower Park

If you’re planning your trip to the Netherlands in spring, don’t miss a visit to the Keukenhof Flower Park, a must-see during tulip season! Just 20 minutes by car from Leiden (about 1 hour by bike), Keukenhof is a unique park in the world with millions of tulips in bloom each year. From the moment you enter the park, all your senses come alive; it’s a true explosion of scents and colors! In total, 7 million bulbs are planted in the park every year. There are nearly 800 varieties of tulips, as well as other flowers like hyacinths, daffodils, orchids, roses, and many more!

Gouda

Gouda is considered the cheese capital of the Netherlands. While that alone is reason enough to add it to your itinerary, the city is also full of charm and definitely worth dedicating a day to. Try to visit on a Thursday to witness the grand cheese market held every Thursday morning from mid-April to mid-September at the central square. It’s a spectacular sight, with a tradition dating back to 1395! Then explore the historic center of Gouda: the Market Square and its town hall, Lange Groenendaal, the canals, St. John’s Church, and the Gouda Cheese Experience museum. We also recommend a visit to the Gouda Cheese Experience. It’s an interactive museum that explains everything about Gouda cheese, from its production to its marketing (with a little tasting included). A must-see in our opinion!

Delft

Delft is a charming city located 15 km from Rotterdam. It’s known for its hand-painted blue earthenware, inspired by Chinese porcelain. An ancestral craftsmanship to discover at the Royal Delft Museum. The historic center of Delft is also worth a visit, starting with its central square (Markplein), town hall, and Nieuwe Kerk church. Stop by Wafels en Zoenen to taste one of their delicious waffles, then visit the Vermeer Centrum Delft. It’s an exciting museum dedicated to the painter Johannes Vermeer, who hailed from Delft and is globally renowned for his works “The Milkmaid” and “Girl with a Pearl Earring”. Then explore the surrounding streets with their numerous canals.

Kinderdijk Windmills

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kinderdijk windmills are a must-visit during a trip to the Netherlands. Upon arrival, you discover an extraordinary place, both peaceful and fascinating. A true postcard scene, as the windmills bring an indescribable charm to this water-surrounded region. But the Kinderdijk windmills are not just beautiful; they are also a marvel of ingenuity and history, making the site’s visit captivating! Did you know, for example, that everything here is situated below sea level? And that 16 of the 19 Kinderdijk windmills are still inhabited? The other three now serve as museum mills to tell us the story of Kinderdijk, the life of the millers of the time, and the importance of water management in the Netherlands.

Rotterdam

If you love cities, Rotterdam is a must-add to your trip to the Netherlands. One thing to know is that Rotterdam contrasts completely with all the other Dutch cities we’ve visited so far. Here, you forget about the canals, the pretty stone houses, and the large squares lined with historical monuments. After being completely destroyed during the Second World War, Rotterdam had to rebuild itself, and today it’s considered the city of architecture in the Netherlands. While strolling, you discover many coexisting architectural styles: a few pre-war historic buildings, typical post-war reconstruction buildings, but also ultra-modern structures like the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen! It’s a rather surprising mix, but that’s what makes Rotterdam so rich.

‘Tij’ Observatory

As surprising as it may seem, this very photogenic place is a bird observatory located on the edge of the Scheelhoek ornithological reserve. The Netherlands has the knack for making even the most unexpected places absolutely unique. The observatory offers a 360° view of a natural area that is home to many birds, whose species vary depending on the seasons. In September, we saw hundreds of wild geese, but the area is especially essential in spring, during the nesting period. Beyond the view, we particularly fell in love with the observatory’s unique construction! Outside, upon closer inspection, you’ll notice it takes the shape of an egg, specifically a Sandwich tern egg, which nests on the surrounding islands every year.

Groningen

Groningen is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. It’s a charming and lesser-known destination in the northern part of the country, which we recommend for an off-the-beaten-path stop. The city is easily explored on foot or by bike. Among the must-sees, don’t miss the Grand Place of Groningen (Grote Markt), Vismarkt, the Hoge der A & Lage der A quaysides, Martinikerkhof, the Groninger Museum, and the Prinsentuin garden. Also, explore the small courtyards and hidden gardens typical of the Netherlands, which add a delightful and bucolic charm to the historic center. For us, we truly fell in love with the Reitdiephaven Marina, which is an absolutely incredible photo spot outside the city center. Visit it at sunrise when the colorful houses reflect perfectly in the water!

Schiermonnikoog Island

The Wadden region in the north of the Netherlands has 5 inhabited islands: Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, and Schiermonnikoog. If you’re eager to discover the Netherlands off the beaten path, add one of these islands to your itinerary, you won’t be disappointed! For us, we chose Schiermonnikoog. It’s the smallest of the 5 islands, with only one village, two lighthouses, and a few beaches. On-site, bike rental is essential for exploring the island like a true Dutchman! Among the highlights, we recommend visiting the red Noordertoren lighthouse, strolling along the Waddenhaven Schiermonnikoog marina, and wandering through the island’s unique village. One day is enough to get a beautiful overview of Schiermonnikoog, but you can stay overnight if you enjoy taking your time, strolling, and enjoying the beach.

Zoutkamp Village

If, like us, you have a true passion for colorful houses, make a detour to the fishing village of Zoutkamp in the north of the Netherlands. It’s at the village’s fishing port that you’ll find four colorful and ultra-photogenic cottages. Enough to add some color to a gloomy morning! A little further, the village comes alive around a small marina where you can watch the comings and goings of boats. It’s an opportunity to stroll along the water or have a coffee on the terrace of one of the village’s restaurants.

As our journey through the Netherlands comes to an end, we reflect on the memories made, the sights seen, and the experiences cherished. From the bustling streets of Rotterdam to the tranquil shores of Schiermonnikoog, each destination has left an indelible mark on our hearts, enriching our understanding of this remarkable country. Whether you were captivated by the historic landmarks, enchanted by the natural beauty, or simply embraced the warmth of Dutch hospitality, we hope this exploration has inspired you to embark on your own adventures and uncover the wonders that await in the Netherlands. Until we meet again, farewell, and may your travels be filled with endless discoveries and boundless joy.