Explore the best tourist destinations in the Netherlands that offer unique experiences, natural beauty and fascinating cultural heritage.
The Netherlands, a country famous for its windmills, tulips and iconic canals, has a variety of interesting tourist destinations to explore.
Whether you’re a fan of art, history, nature, or just want to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, the Netherlands has everything you need for a great vacation.
From fairytale-like villages to the world’s largest flower garden, here are the 10 best tourist attractions in the Netherlands that you shouldn’t miss.
1. Giethoorn Village
Giethoorn is a village located in the province of Overijssel, Netherlands, which is famous for its uniqueness.
Often referred to as the “Venice of the Netherlands,” this village has a waterway running through its center and small wooden bridges connecting the houses and surrounding areas.
You can explore this village by boat, giving a different experience from the cities in general. The name Giethoorn comes from the words “big horn” which refers to a goat’s horn found at this location in the 13th century.
The natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make Giethoorn one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Netherlands.
2. Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof Gardens, located in Lisse, is a paradise for flower lovers, especially tulips. Keukenhof is the largest flower garden in the world and has become a major tourist attraction, attracting over a million visitors each year.
Each year, over 7 million flowers are planted in the garden, creating a spectacular display that includes a variety of flowers such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses.
Keukenhof Gardens is usually open to the public in spring, and its stunning views make it a perfect place to take pictures and enjoy the beauty of nature.
3. The Cat Cabinet
For cat lovers, The Cat Cabinet in Amsterdam is a must-visit. The museum was founded in 1990 by Bob Meijer and focuses on the role of cats in art.
The collection at this museum includes a variety of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photographs depicting cats in various forms. The Cat Cabinet is a unique and fun place for anyone interested in cats, art, or the cultural history of cats in human life.
4. Canal Cruise Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is famous for its historic and beautiful canal system. One of the best ways to explore the city is by taking a Canal Cruise.
With over 100 kilometers of canals running through Amsterdam, you can enjoy the sights of the city from the comfort of a boat.
The canals are lined with historic buildings and colorful houses, making the boat experience one of the best ways to see Amsterdam from a different perspective.
5. The Old Town Museum
The Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam is a must-visit museum for modern and contemporary art lovers. Founded in 1874, the museum houses a collection of over 90,000 works of art from renowned artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Andy Warhol, Wassily Kandinsky, Marc Chagall, Jackson Pollock, and more.
With a collection spanning painting, sculpture, and graphic design, the Stedelijk Museum offers an immersive experience for anyone interested in 20th and 21st century art.
6. Flower Market
Bloemenmarkt, a floating flower market located in Amsterdam, is the world’s only floating flower market. At this market, you can buy a variety of flowers, seeds, and ornamental plants, as well as explore a variety of typical Dutch products to take home.
This market also provides an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Amsterdam’s canals while viewing various types of beautiful flowers, including the famous tulips in the Netherlands. Bloemenmarkt is a great place to spend some relaxing time while shopping for unique souvenirs.
7. Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
The Rijksmuseum is the largest and most famous art museum in Amsterdam. First opened in 1800, the museum houses thousands of works of art depicting Dutch history, including collections of paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
With over 8,000 works of art on display, the Rijksmuseum is the perfect place for anyone interested in Dutch art and European history. The museum is also located in the city center, making it easily accessible for tourists.
8. Royal Palace Amsterdam
The Royal Palace in Amsterdam is one of the most iconic buildings in the Netherlands. Built in the 17th century, the palace was originally used as a city hall before becoming the official residence of the Dutch royal family.
Although still used for royal events, the palace is open to the public and allows visitors to explore the magnificent rooms decorated with 17th-century furniture and artwork.
The Royal Palace is a stunning example of classical European architecture and is a very interesting tourist destination in Amsterdam.
9. Kinderdijk Windmill
Kinderdijk, located in the province of South Holland, is a village famous for its beautiful collection of windmills. These windmills were used in the past to regulate irrigation systems and prevent flooding in areas that were often hit by waterlogging.
The village has 19 windmills that are still functioning well and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visiting Kinderdijk allows you to see historic windmills while enjoying the calming natural scenery.
10. High Veluwe National Park
The Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the largest and most famous parks in the Netherlands, covering an area of approximately 55 km² covering grasslands, forests and deserts. The park is home to a wide variety of fauna, including deer, wild boar and various species of birds.
In addition, the Hoge Veluwe also houses an art museum, the Kröller-Müller Museum, which has a renowned collection of artworks, including works by Vincent van Gogh.
The park is an ideal place for those who want to enjoy the beauty of Dutch nature, interact with animals or enjoy art in a natural environment.
The Netherlands offers a variety of tourist destinations that combine natural beauty, history and culture. From the stunning beauty of the village of Giethoorn to the uniqueness of the floating flower market at Bloemenmarkt, the Netherlands has many interesting places to visit.
Whether you’re interested in art history at the Rijksmuseum, taking in the natural beauty of the Hoge Veluwe, or exploring the windmill villages of Kinderdijk, every corner of the Netherlands holds a captivating charm.
Similarly, Chefchaouen, known as the “Blue Pearl” of Morocco, offers breathtaking scenery and a unique cultural experience with its blue-painted streets and stunning mountain views.
With a wide range of tourist destinations to choose from, the Netherlands is the perfect place for a holiday full of adventure, beauty, and wonder.
