Discover the 10 Best Cities to Visit in the Netherlands

The Netherlands, often called the crown jewel of Europe, is one of the world's most enchanting holiday destinations, captivating the hearts of all who visit. This remarkable country offers a unique fusion of history, culture, and modernity, making it a must-see for any traveller. Whether you are intrigued by its rich historical heritage, cultural treasures, or the vibrant energy of its urban landscapes, the cities of the Netherlands promise a wealth of experiences, making it a destination well worth exploring.

But where should you begin your journey in the Netherlands? Here’s a concise overview of some of the top cities to visit, guaranteed to inspire you to pack your bags. The cities in the Netherlands offer a perfect mix of history, culture, and modernity, making them ideal for any traveller. With so many popular cities in the Netherlands to explore, each visit offers something new and exciting.

Top Cities & Towns You Must Visit in the Netherlands

• Amsterdam
• The Hague
• Haarlem
• Rotterdam
• Edam
• Delft
• Utrecht
• Middelburg
• Gouda
• Arnhem

Amsterdam

Among the cities in the Netherlands, Amsterdam stands out with its historic architecture and lively atmosphere, attracting millions of visitors each year. This is one of the big cities in the Netherlands that offers a remarkable combination of breathtaking landscapes, rich historical significance, vibrant nightlife, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. It stands out as one of the most distinctive places to visit in the Netherlands and is an ideal spot for a family visit.

Location: North Holland

Must-See Attractions in Amsterdam: The Anne Frank House, Bloemenmarkt, Vondelpark, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, and more.

The Hague

The Hague, though not the capital, serves as the political heart of the Netherlands, housing the Dutch government. This city captivates visitors with its unique blend of modern energy and timeless charm, offering an experience that can only be fully appreciated in person. For history buffs, The Hague ranks among the Netherlands' top cities with its rich heritage and numerous museums.

Location: South Holland

Must-See Attractions in Hague: Madurodam, Mauritshuis, Binnenhof, Duinrell, and Gemeentemuseum Den Haag are some of the most famous places to visit in Hague Netherlands.

Haarlem

Haarlem is a delightful city that offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern convenience, making it a compelling destination for visitors. If you're planning a trip, Haarlem is one of the top Netherlands cities to visit will leave you spellbound with its beauty and charm. Located just a short distance from Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport, Haarlem is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene. On the other hand, if you're looking for cultural diversity, top cities in the Netherlands like Eindhoven and Maastricht are must-visits.

Location: Northwest Netherlands

Must-See Attractions in Haarlem: Grote Kerk, Frans Hals Museum, Teylers Museum, Ten Boom Museum and more.

Rotterdam

Renowned for its rich history and stunning beauty, Rotterdam is an ideal getaway for all types of travellers, whether families, friends, or couples. Situated in the southern part of the Netherlands, Rotterdam has earned a global reputation as one of the country's most captivating cities. Netherland's unique mix of historical significance, vibrant culture, striking architecture, and a host of major attractions make it a magnet for visitors from around the world, offering an unforgettable experience to everyone who explores its streets. Rotterdam is undoubtedly Netherlands top cities that offer a wide range of attractions and experiences.

Location: South Netherlands

Must-See Attractions in Rotterdam: Rotterdam Central Station, The Euromast Tower, De Markthal, Rotterdam Zoo, Climbing Park Fun Forest, and more are some prominent places to visit in Rotterdam Netherlands.

Edam

Edam is one of the favourite cities to visit in the Netherlands for tourists primarily due to its renowned Wednesday cheese market. The town is celebrated for producing the world-famous Edam cheese, which is exported globally. Beyond its cheese, Edam holds significant historical value, contributing to its appeal. This charming town offers a unique experience and stands out as a notable place to visit in the Netherlands, complementing the attractions of Amsterdam with its rich heritage and local traditions.

Location: North Holland

Must-See Attractions in Edam: Volendam Museum, Paard Van Marken, Edams Museum, Edam Cheese Market and more.

Delft

Delft is a captivating town known for its blend of historical charm and artistic heritage. It features an array of fascinating artworks and is actively engaged in preserving its historic character. The town's picturesque canals, numerous museums, and exquisite art collections make Delft a standout destination in the Netherlands, aside from Amsterdam. Delft is particularly renowned as the birthplace of the acclaimed Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer and for its distinctive blue-and-white Delftware pottery. Delft, with its iconic blue pottery, is one of the famous cities in the Netherlands cherished by both locals and tourists alike.

Location: West Netherlands

Must-See Attraction in Delft: The Old Canal (Oude Delft), The Lambert Van Meerten Museum, The Vermeer Delft Museum, Delft City Hall, The Prince’s Court and Prinsenhof Museum and more.

Utrecht

Utrecht is one of the big cities in the Netherlands that offers both a rich historical background and a thriving modern culture. Home to Utrecht University and numerous art museums, the city effortlessly merges its rich religious heritage with a modern, hip atmosphere. Utrecht’s ancient churches and historic buildings make it one of the most famous cities in the Netherlands that history buffs shouldn’t miss.

The city’s open markets, vibrant bars, and youthful energy create a lively ambience that appeals to art and architecture enthusiasts. For a more laid-back experience, Utrecht and Delft are popular cities in the Netherlands that offer picturesque views and a relaxed atmosphere.

Location: Central Netherlands

Must-See Attractions in Utrecht: The Oude Hortus, Trajectum Lumen, DOMunder, Dom Tower and more

Middelburg

Middelburg is another one of the popular cities in the Netherlands due to its historical significance and rich cultural heritage. As the Netherlands' oldest city, it boasts well-preserved architecture, charming streets, and a fascinating history dating back to Viking times. Visitors can explore its historic buildings, including the impressive Abbey Tower, and enjoy the vibrant local culture. Middelburg's blend of historical charm and cultural depth offers a unique experience that makes it a standout destination in the Netherlands.

Location: South Western Netherlands

Must-See Attractions in Middelburg: Delta Works, Mini Mundi, Zeeuws Museum, Vleeshal Middelburg

Gouda

Gouda attracts tourists with its renowned cheese, a staple of the region for centuries. Cheese enthusiasts and food lovers should visit on a Thursday between April and August, when the city hosts its traditional cheese markets, creating a lively atmosphere. For an extended cheese experience, you can also explore the Cheese and Crafts Museum located in the Goudse Waag building, where you can observe the cheese-making process firsthand. Nederland cities like Gouda and Utrecht are ideal destinations for those interested in both cultural heritage and contemporary life.

Location: Netherlands

Must-See Attractions in Gaouda: Historic Center, Cheese Museum

Arnhem

This quaint town, located on the site of a Roman settlement, is a perfect spot for exploring Gelderland province. Be sure to wander through the old city center, which is easily walkable, to admire the 15th-century architecture and the remnants of the historic town walls. Including this charming destination in your Netherlands itinerary is a must for a richer travel experience.

Location: Netherlands

Must-See Attractions in Arnhem: Netherlands Open Air Museum, Airborne Museum Hartenstein, Kroller Muller Museum, Wine Museum.

When planning your itinerary, make sure to include the best cities in the Netherlands like Amsterdam and Rotterdam for an unforgettable experience. Whether you're strolling through vibrant streets, admiring historic architecture, or enjoying the lively culture, the cities and towns in the Netherlands offer a serene escape that will satisfy your wanderlust. To fully experience this enchanting destination, explore our Netherlands tour packages and book in advance to avoid the last-minute rush.