The 12 most beautiful places to visit in the Netherlands

Great landscapes, sweet life and heritage treasures... Fly to the Netherlands with our selection of the most beautiful places to visit in this beautiful country!

Located in the northwest of Europe, between Belgium and Germany and bordered by the North Sea, the Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy of 17 million inhabitants, spread over an area of 45,508 square kilometres. Fifth happier country on the planet World Happiness Report 2019, the Netherlands has a historic and cultural heritage of great value, attracting nearly twenty million tourists each year.

With its landscapes worthy of the most beautiful paintings of the great masters of Dutch painting, the country of the bike is indeed a destination filled by the travellers for its sumptuous landscapes, its lush nature and its cultural heritage, marked by an exciting story.

So, to you who are bet on takeoff: go to the Tulips Country for a tour of the most beautiful treasures!

1. Amsterdam

Netherlands Venice is an indispensable step in your stay in the Netherlands. Famous for its canals, sulphurous Red Quarter, its thorny nightlife and its exceptional cultural richness, Amsterdam is a magical place dating from the 17th century, which lends itself to many activities and discoveries. So it’s impossible to get bored in this city whose motto is “Why not? "

For your visit, rent a bike and explore the streets of the city and its thousand three hundred bridges. You will undoubtedly fall under the charm of this human-sized capital and sometimes surprising architecture. Don't miss the famous Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum or Anne Frank’s house.

And if the heart tells you, make a little trick in one of the many coffee shops before a shopping session Czaar Peeterstraat .

For a sumptuous view of Amsterdam, visit the Adam observation platform Look Out . You can admire the historic centre of the city and its port. Finish your stay with a romantic walk over the water canals of the city .

2. Maastricht

Especially known to be the city where the founding Treaty of the European Union was signed, Maastricht is a dynamic city in the south of Holland, very popular among students. A charming city to visit absolutely in the Netherlands.

Start your stay by discovering the tumultuous story of Maastricht through the Fort Sint Pieter and the underground of the city, where you can admire impressive frescoes.

Then join the city centre and, if time permits, allow yourself to stroll over the ramparts to discover the vestiges of this ancient medieval city. Do not miss the surprising bookshop Boekhandel Dominicanen, which occupies an ancient Dominican basilica of the 13th century. The city also has impressive basilicas, such as Saint-Servais, as well as many museums.

3. The Hague

Impossible to visit the Netherlands without visiting the Royal city by the sea . This is indeed how we surname The Hague, a sumptuous city, built on the coast of the North Sea, where the government sits and where the king’s office is located. World famous for being the city of the International Court of Justice, The Hague, also boasts historic buildings, museums, hotels and luxury boutiques.

Take a tour of the Binnenhof, the political centre of the Netherlands for many centuries. It is here that all important decisions of the country are taken. You can also photograph the exterior of the Noordeinde Palace, the place of the king’s work and access its gardens, as well as the royal stables.

If you have any time left, walk in the neighbourhood Haagse bos . From the outside you can admire the main residence of King William-Alexander and his family.

Another way to discover the city? Embark on the Ooievaart to admire the fabulous city from the many canals around it.

4. Utrecht

A secular and academic city just 30 minutes from Amsterdam, Utrecht is a city to visit in the Netherlands. Built around the Cathedral of Dom and its tower, the city has a history of more than two thousand years old. It was, indeed, built by the Romans, in forty eight before our era.

All you have to do is go through the paved streets of the city centre and lift your head, to appreciate the beauty of the city. On the way, stop by house Schröder de Rietveld , built in 1924 by the famous Dutch architect of the same name, and classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also stroll through the many markets organized daily in the city. If you would like to know more about the history of Utrecht, visit Haar Castle, considered the largest Dutch castle, and its sumptuous gardens.

5. The botanical garden Keukenhof

If you are lucky to go to the Netherlands in the spring, don't miss the botanical garden Keukenhof , located in the commune of Lisse.

You can admire one of the most beautiful tulip parterres from all over Holland. The show is actually worth the trip. The tulips, which is a symbol of the country, appeared in the Netherlands in the 16th century, the golden age of the Dutch. No doubt, one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Netherlands.

6. Marken Island

Looking for a charming island to visit in the Netherlands? See you at Marken . Located only 20 kilometres northeast of Amsterdam, Marken was able to maintain its authenticity. For a long time isolated, the island is now connected to the continent by a dam built in 1957.

You will undoubtedly be quickly seduced by its atmosphere and its small traditional houses, made of bricks and black, grey or green wood with white. On foot or by bike, take the time to go through the narrow narrow streets that will lead you to the old fishing port, now transformed into a small marina. The old fishermen's houses, some of which are still on board, are home to restaurants and souvenir shops. You can also visit the sabotier workshop, a tradition in Holland.

7. Dordrecht

Small peaceful town of only one hundred and twenty thousand inhabitants, Dordretch is marked by its commercial history. A walk in the Voorstraatshaven district allows you to admire, among other things, splendid old houses, which belonged to rich merchants. The oldest of them, the T’zeepaer has an impressive Gothic facade.

Take the time to stroll through the paved alleys of the old town, dominated by the bell tower of Grot Kerk Church and covered with many channels. To better understand the history of the country, make a decision at the Court of the Netherlands and the convents of the Augustines. One of the most beautiful cities to visit in the Netherlands!

8. The mills of kinderdijk

When we evoke Holland, windmills come to mind immediately. Only fifteen kilometers from Dordrecht, the nineteen mills of Kinderdijk, built in the 18th century, are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Netherlands. These mills, classified as Unesco’s world heritage since 1987, were designed to protect polders from flooding.

The nineteen mills are carefully distributed along the canals and form a landscape worthy of a postcard. A discovery not to be missed that can be done on foot, by bicycle or by boat.

9. The beaches of Zeeland

Want a small dip in the refreshing waters of the North Sea? The Netherlands has splendid beaches, mainly located in the region of Zeeland. Let yourself be tempted! You will discover huge beaches, with white sand, immaculate cleanliness and breathtaking landscapes.

The beaches of Oudorp or Cadzand are ideal for families. For water sports lovers, go to the beaches of Domburg or Brouwersdam .

10. Hoge Veluwe National Park

Less than an hour from Amsterdam is the largest national park in the Netherlands. Over 5,400 hectares, you will discover beautiful landscapes of a very large variety. Green forest, noisy field, majestic lakes and moving dunes will be a real treat for your eyes. Don't be surprised if you cross some wild animals during your visit. The park Hoge Veluwe indeed is full of deer, biches and other flies.

11. Gouda

You will immediately fall under the charm of the city of famous cheese. Gouda much like Amsterdam in miniature. Start your visit to the market square and its communal house dating from the 15th century. Not far from there, you will find the magnificent Sint-Janskerk church, built all in length. Then head north, for a small visit to the cheese museum and go to the port, located in the district of Gouwehaven.

12. The Wadden region

♪ Wadden is a region that you must visit in the Netherlands. Located between Denmark and Holland, the Wadden Sea is surrounded by fifty small islands forming an ecological treasure without equivalent. Only five islands are inhabited and here we adapt its rhythm to that of the marshes. Each island has its peculiarities, but all will offer you splendid landscapes that will give you, by moment, a sensation of end of the world.