Are you planning a tour of the Netherlands? What are the best cities in the Netherlands to visit? Check out our comprehensive guide for the best answers.
The Netherlands is a rich country both culturally and historically. And it’s also known for its beautiful canals, tulips, landmarks, windmills, and cycling culture.
Even better, some of the best Dutch cities are close to each other, allowing you to easily plan your trip and move from one city to another using a train.
There are many interesting cities to visit in the Netherlands. But how do you pick the best? We’ll have that in a moment! But first, have you identified the best way to get there? Also, have you taken out travel insurance coverage?
Well, Skyscanner comes in handy when searching for the cheapest flights worldwide. By visiting their website, you can get some of the best flight rates in the market to ensure you don’t overspend on your trip.
As for travel insurance, TravelInsurance.com has you covered. You can travel stress-free, knowing that all your medical issues, luggage, or emergency evacuations are covered.
Also, booking a car rental could make moving to any of these towns easy if you are traveling with a family. However, in some cities, you’ll find that cycling is the order of the day.
Best Cities in Holland to Visit
1. The Hague
When you think about The Hague, the first thing that comes to mind is politics and administration—the international court of Justice seats in The Hague.
It is also the royal and administrative capital of the Netherlands. Subsequently, the city receives thousands of visitors yearly since it is the leading center for international conferences.
The Hague is not just known for politics. It’s also the city of artists; some of the best artists come from this charming city. For example, if you love art, you can visit one of the city’s several museums like the Mauritshuis Museum. The museum is home to curios, paintings, and valuable objects by renowned artists.
History enthusiasts will love a visit to The Knights’ Hall (Ridderzaal). This is a historic building that hosts the opening of parliament every September.
It is a large gothic building with stained glass with a court of arms for different Dutch cities. The building has a rich history of serving as a banquet hall, market, promenade, and hospital. For the best exploration of the city, you can book a tour such as;
Where to Stay in The Hague
While in The Hague, you can stay at;
- The Mauritshuis museum.
- The easyHotel The Hague City Centre – Among the best places to stay as it’s in the heart of the city.
2. Delft
Delft is also among the best cities in the Netherlands to explore. While it’s a small city of about 100,000 people, it is well known for its trade activities. And the best thing about visiting Delft is that you can explore the whole city in a day on foot.
If you love architecture and history, there is much you can do here to quench your thirst. For instance, you can visit The New Church. And don’t let the name deceive you. While it’s called The New Church, it was actually completed in 1496. As such, it oozes history, which makes it quite a charm.
While in the church, you will admire the gothic architecture with a vast tower bell and 108.75m monument. And from the top of the tower, you’ll have an excellent view of Delft city.
Markt Square is also a great place to learn about Dutch culture. Since the city was initially a trade center, it has a very vibrant market. There are specific market days, so visiting on a market day is ideal.
Best tours in Delft include;
Where to Stay in Delft
The best hotels to stay while here include;
- Hotel Royal Bridges– best for family vacations
- Shanghai Hotel Holland – best for couples
3. Haarlem
If you want to experience the real charm of Dutch cities, Haarlem is a must-visit. It is a historic city center with many landmarks and offers unique shopping experiences. Being an old city, you are in luck if you want to see historic buildings and architecture.
The Bloemendaal Aan Zee beach is a good place to visit if you want to experience the coastal side of the Netherlands. It covers around 4.3 km of sandy beaches, offering an excellent place to stroll and have fun on a sunny day. The beach stretch also has numerous bars and restaurants that add to its charm.
You can also visit Haarlemmerhout Public Park to take a walk. The park has a rich history and monuments that mark historic features. It is a beautiful park to visit and relax in regardless of season.
Or, you can pick one or two of the history-rich museums and take a tour. Best tours of this city include:
Where to Stay Stay
The best places to stay here include;
- Carlton Square Hotel – luxury and hospitality
- Hotel Lion D’Or – ideal for couples
4. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands and, indeed, a city worth visiting. It is a famous city worldwide, receiving close to 17 million visitors every year. Amsterdam is among the best cities to visit in the Netherlands because of the following attractions:
- Van Gogh Museum – best for art
- Anne Frank House – best for history
- Jordaan Neighborhood – learn the Dutch culture
- The Royal Palace of Amsterdam – formerly the old Town Hall
- Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam – best for modern art
You can also enjoy some time at the canal belt, now a Unesco world heritage site. These canals were created during the golden era and have remained a great attraction in Amsterdam.
In Amsterdam, you can book one of these tours;
Where to Stay in Amsterdam
Some of the best hotels to book a night while in Amsterdam include;
- The nhow Amsterdam Rai – offers a fitness center, private parking, and luggage storage for guests
- Motel One Amsterdam – offers an excellent place to stay, with an on-site bar. Ideal for couples.
5. Gouda
A day trip to Gouda wouldn’t be a bad idea when visiting Amsterdam. It is a small city so you can cover the most exciting places in a day. However, the city was built in a Gothic style, so if you love architecture, you will enjoy visiting the different sites in the city.
If you happen to be here from April to August, the Gouda cheese market is a must-visit. Here, you will get a chance to sample a variety of cheese options and even shop for the best cheese available in the world.
You can also visit the Museum of Gouda, where you will experience the rich history of Gouda. In the museum, you will find extraordinary items that you might not find anywhere in the world. One such item is the madman’s cell, where psychiatric patients were locked back in the day.
The best tour of the city includes:
Where to Stay in Gouda
If you are looking for the best places to stay in the city, check out these hotels;
- Tannery Lane – modest and comfortable
- Best Western Plus City Hotel Gouda – top-level privacy
6. Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the port city of the Netherlands, but it is also the 7th largest port in Europe and the world. It’s a multicultural city with many international students and people from other non-Dutch countries. But, unlike other cities with gothic-style architecture, Rotterdam has modern-style architecture.
When in Rotterdam you can visit the old port. This is a great place to experience history dating back to 1350. The port is home to numerous historic ships, clearly displaying the rich port’s history. Additionally, there are a lot of great bars and restaurants in the location to help you unwind after a long day.
If you feel a bit adventurous, you can visit the hot tub boat. Here you will get a chance to sail in a hot tub boat as you experience the city. Interestingly, even when the weather is cold, this is an experience that you do not want to miss.
Best Rotterdam tours include;
Where to Stay in Rotterdam
Top places to stay in Rotterdam include;
- Room Mate Bruno Hotel – comfortable rooms with professional staff speaking Spanish or English.
- citizenM Rotterdam – one of the modern and trendy hotels in this old city
7. Maastricht
Maastricht is the best place to visit if you want to experience the cultural side of the Netherlands. It is one of the oldest cities, offering a medieval vibe everywhere you visit. Maastricht is also one of the wine cities in the Netherlands. So if you want to enjoy one of the best Dutch wines, this is the city for you.
For history and culture lovers, St. Peters Caves is the first place to visit. The 1000+ years, caves were the hiding place for people during the second world war. Its tunnels stretch up to 80km, making it a worthwhile experience.
The Bishops Watermill is a historic property from the 7th century that you should also visit. It was initially used as a watermill but is currently used as a local bakery. This is the place to get the best freshly made bread.
Best Maastricht tours include;
Where to Stay in Maastricht
While in this beautiful Dutch city, you have more than enough places to stay. For instance, you can choose to stay at these top picks for Maastricht.
- Hotel Maastricht – It’s a sustainable travel property with modern art décor and sound-proof rooms.
- Mabi City Centre Hotel. This is a movie-themed hotel with a modern art décor style, and everything about the hotel is luxurious.
See Related: Things To Do in Giethoorn, Netherlands
8. Leiden
Leiden is a historic city center in the Netherlands that is easily accessible by train from Amsterdam and the Hague. It’s a typical student city, meaning you’ll find a lot of bars. The city boasts quite a vibrant nightlife. Other attractions of Leiden City include the following:
- The Leiden Botanical Gardens (a must-visit for nature lovers)
- Burcht van Leiden
- The Naturalis Biodiversity Museum
- Museum Boerhaave
- The Old Observatory
The city allows you to visit some world-class museums. The best way to experience Leiden and the surrounding is to book one or two tours, such as;
Where to Stay in Leiden
As for places to stay, you can choose;
- The Golden Tulip Leiden Centre – it’s a 4-star hotel in Leiden with comfortable rooms, a minibar, and a buffet breakfast style.
- Tulip Inn Leiden Centre – It is a 3-star hotel with all the comforts for the best stay.
9. Eindhoven
Eindhoven might not be among the most popular tourist destinations in the Netherlands, but it’s still interesting. Located in the southern part of the Netherlands, it is known for being a technology hub, as it is home to many large tech companies like Philips and ASML. There are also many museums and cultural attractions in Eindhoven, making it a great city for all types of travelers.
Some of the most famous landmarks and attractions here include;
- The Van Abbemuseum
- The DAF Museum
- St. Catherine’s Church
- The Philips Museum & Collection
- Van Gogh Village, Nuenen
In other words, there is no shortage of things to do or places to visit in Eindhoven, Netherlands. As for nightlife, you can enjoy your time in the Benelux area. Here you can sample different bars and enjoy the Dutch party life. The stretch of bars is only 200 meters but offers quite a night experience.
Best Eindhoven tours include:
Where to Stay in Eindhoven
There are numerous places to stay in the city, but you can pick either of these two;
- Queen Hotel
- Novotel Eindhoven, the hotel, offers a garden and terrace for guests to enjoy the outdoors.
10. Breda
If you want to experience the authentic local Burgundian lifestyle, Breda is the city for you. This charming city is located in the southern part of the Netherlands and is known for its picturesque canals, cafes, and restaurants.
For history lovers, the Castle of Breda is the best place to visit if you want to learn Dutch history. This castle is where the Nassau family stayed for many generations and thus carries a rich history.
For a relaxing afternoon, you can visit Citypark Valkenburg. The park has large fountains, so you can spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the sound and sites of the park. You can also tour the city, such as the Escape the City tour. This will give you a comprehensive feel of the city’s beauty.
Where to Stay in Breda
Don’t stress about where to stay while in Breda. You can enjoy your stay in one of the city’s many top-class hotels, such as;
While the Hotel Nassau Breda offers a great sense of history, Leonardo Hotel Breda boasts modern architecture. But both hotels offer convenience and comfort, making your visit to the Netherlands enjoyable.
11. Amersfoort
Amersfoort is one of the medieval cities in the Netherlands. It’s one of the best towns to visit in the Netherlands if you want to learn about how people lived in the middle ages. In addition, the city is a great resource for everyone who wants to learn about the rich Dutch culture and history.
From the beautiful city walls covering its historic streets to the rich culture of the city’s residents, Amersfoort is a great place to visit. Your cultural experience can begin at the Mondrian Museum, a place for art and culture. Here, you’ll find the Parisian workshop and the tallest church towers in the museum. You will also see the old city gate, a great tourist attraction.
The city is also known for its brewing experience. So, a visit to the De Drie Ringen’s city brewery would be worth it. You can also visit the oldest café for an amazing cultural experience.
The best tours in Amersfoort include:
Where to Stay in Amersfoort
Some of the best places to stay while in the city are;
- The NH Amersfoort is a modern hotel with charming, spacious rooms and a restaurant serving seasonal organic meals.
- Hotel de Gaaper is best for its proximity to the city shopping center and market square.
12. Texel
Texel is one of the famous Dutch islands. Nature lovers will enjoy staying in Texel since a big part of the island is covered by a national park. However, the city might be too calm for you if you’re looking for busy city life.
Nature enthusiasts can visit Texel National Park to explore the dunes and create awesome memories. These dunes help you get a Scotland vibe that you might not be expecting in the Netherlands. And it’s an excellent place to see birds, seals, and flora.
For photography, you can visit the Eirland Lighthouse. From the lighthouse, you can create amazing memories through photography as you take in the beauty of nature. It is the best location to take good photos for your trip.
Some of the best tours in Texels include;
Where to Stay in Texel
As for where to stay, you can choose between;
- The Nieuw Leven Texel – has an outdoor swimming pool and garden.
- Hotel Het Gouden Boltje – has a fireplace, bike storage, and a place to charge e-bikes.
13. Utrecht
Utrecht was a critical and famous city even before Amsterdam. It was one of the most recognized cities during the golden age. And although Amsterdam overtook it, it remains a major tourist attraction with many historical sites.
Some top tourist attractions in Utrecht include the Dom Tower, St. Martin’s Cathedral, De Haar Castle, and the Centraal Museum. If you want to experience history, the Dom Tower can be a great starting point. This church is 112 meters high, and climbing up to the top can be fun. However, to reach the top, you must climb almost 400 steps and be prepared.
You can also explore the city by taking a canal boat tour through the beautiful Utrecht Canals. These canals allow you to explore the city from the water best.
Best tours of this city include;
Where to Stay in Utrecht
For the best stay, choose either of these two hotels:
- BUNK Hotel Utrecht – offers bikes for hire, giving you an easy way to explore the city.
- The Park Plaza – it’s among the best hotel within the city center, with comfy rooms and international menus.
14. Groningen
Groningen is a university city with many young people, giving it a vibrant lifestyle. As such, it has a lot of bars and restaurants to explore. Also, besides the vibrant life, the city has natural parks and historical buildings you will marvel at. For instance, National Park Lauwerslake is a great place to visit for nature lovers.
The park was created in 1969 after massive flooding. Today it is the best place to go for hiking or bird watching. If you want to get a local shopping experience, you need to visit Folkingestreet in Groningen. Here you will get specialized shops that only sell local products.
Other fun things to do in the city include:
- Climbing the Martini Tower,
- Visiting the Groninger Museum,
- A tour of the Old Town District,
- Enjoying all-year-round entertainment and events
Best tours here include:
Where to Stay in Groningen
These two hotels offer comfort and convenience. Besides enjoying your stay in the hotels, you can also access various other restaurants in the city.
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