Things To Do in The Netherlands
The Netherlands is full of unforgettable experiences — from world-famous art
and canal views to peaceful national parks, unique local foods, and exciting
events. With short distances and excellent public transport, it’s easy to
combine culture, nature, and fun in one trip.
Whether you want to explore like a historian, foodie, nature lover, or
adventurer, these are the top things to do in The Netherlands.
⭐ Best Things to Do in The Netherlands (Top Highlights)
If you’re visiting The Netherlands for the first time, these are the must-see attractions and experiences you won’t want to miss:
1️⃣ See the Windmills at Kinderdijk
A UNESCO World Heritage site with 19 historic windmills — iconic Dutch landscape.
2️⃣ Visit Keukenhof & the Tulip Fields (seasonal)
Millions of colorful flowers in spring — one of the world’s most famous gardens.
3️⃣ Explore Zaanse Schans
Traditional windmills, wooden clogs and cheese — a perfect cultural day trip near Amsterdam.
4️⃣ Discover the Canals of Amsterdam
Take a scenic canal cruise or walk along historic canal houses.
5️⃣ Giethoorn — The “Village Without Roads”
A fairytale town where boats replace cars — peaceful and charming.
6️⃣ Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum
Dutch Masters and world-class art — must-visits in Amsterdam.
7️⃣ The Hague & Scheveningen Beach
Royal palaces, international sites and a seaside escape in one city.
8️⃣ Rotterdam’s Modern Architecture
Cube Houses, Market Hall and the Erasmus Bridge — a totally different Dutch vibe.
9️⃣ De Haar Castle
A fairytale castle near Utrecht — stunning architecture and gardens.
🔟 Try Local Dutch Foods
Stroopwafels, Dutch cheese, haring, poffertjes — eat like a local!
📌 Tip: Most highlights are easy day trips from Amsterdam.
Museums & Culture
The Netherlands is home to some of Europe’s greatest museums:
- Rijksmuseum — Dutch Masters including Rembrandt and Vermeer
- Van Gogh Museum — the largest Van Gogh collection in the world
- Anne Frank House — powerful WWII history
- Museum Boijmans Depot (Rotterdam) — futuristic architecture
- Mauritshuis (The Hague) — “Girl with a Pearl Earring”
Tip: Book museum tickets early to skip long lines.
🌿 Nature & National Parks
Escape the city and explore:
- Hoge Veluwe National Park — wildlife, sand dunes, cycling
- Loonse & Drunense Duinen — “Dutch Sahara”
- De Biesbosch — rivers, canoeing, lush nature
- Dunes & beaches along the North Sea coast
Did you know?
There are 21 national parks — most reachable within 1 hour.
🚲 Cycling & Outdoors (H2)
Cycling is the Dutch way of life 🚴♂️
With over 35,000 km of bike paths, it’s one of the best cycling countries in the world.
Top areas to bike:
- Amsterdam → Waterland villages
- Utrecht → River paths & castles
- Veluwe → Forest trails
- The Hague → Dunes & beach routes
➡️ Later CTA: Best Cycling Routes
🍽 Dutch Food & Drinks (H2)
Taste unique local specialties:
| Food | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stroopwafels | Everywhere, esp. markets | Fresh = warm caramel inside 🤤 |
| Haring | Rotterdam/The Hague | Eat like a local — with onions & pickles |
| Bitterballen | Pubs & brown cafés | Crispy comfort snack |
| Dutch cheese | Markets & shops | Gouda, Edam & farm cheese |
Don’t miss a brown café — the heart of local nightlife.
🏰 Castles & Historic Sites
Explore Dutch history through incredible places:
- De Haar Castle — fairytale near Utrecht
- Loevestein Castle — famous escape story
- Muiden Castle — near Amsterdam
- Binnenhof — political heart in The Hague
🌬 Windmills & Waterworks
A country built against the sea 🌊
- Kinderdijk — UNESCO windmills
- Zaanse Schans — outdoor heritage village
- Delta Works — engineering that prevents flooding
- Afsluitdijk — iconic sea wall
🎡 Events & Seasonal Highlights
Plan around unique Dutch festivities:
- King’s Day — 27 April street parties everywhere
- Tulip Season — April: Keukenhof & flower fields
- Sinterklaas — November arrival celebration
- Christmas Markets — December, cozy & charming
🎯 Create Your Dutch Adventure
Every traveler is different — mix and match:
✔ Culture + canals
✔ Nature + beaches
✔ Food + nightlife
✔ Cycling + history
With short distances, you can enjoy multiple experiences every day.