The Netherlands is one of the fascinating holiday destinations located in Northwestern Europe. Fondly called the crown jewel of Europe, it is one of the top places to visit in Europe. Dotted with picturesque windmills, colorful flower fields, idyllic villages, and vibrant cities rich in art, culture, and history, Netherland has so many enticing places that steal away the heart of every traveler. To first-time travelers, it might be hard to find which places are worth your time and money while also providing you with the complete experience of this beautiful European gem. So, to save you the trouble, trawell.in compiled a list of top places to visit in the Netherlands here as part of Europe tour packages.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands is one of the most popular places to visit in the world, and among the best cultural destinations in Europe. It is one of the prominent places to visit in the Netherlands. With its picturesque canal network, rich history, and vibrant culture, Amsterdam is the perfect combination of natural beauty and man-made architectural wonders. Often called as the ‘Venice of the North’ for its more than 100 canals, it is a true delight for tourists of different ages coming from different parts of the world. Koninklijk Paleis Amsterdam, Vondel Park, Begijnhof, Canal Belt, Bloemenmarkt, and Amsterdam’s West Church are some of the top places to visit in Amsterdam. Besides, the city also houses world-leading museums like Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum, and Scheepvaart Museum which one should not miss during your Amsterdam tour.
Rotterdam
Located at the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas channel, Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands after the capital city Amsterdam. Once a mere 13th-century fishing village, the port city is now globally renowned for being one of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands. Rotterdam is a surreal destination with stunning beaches, golden dunes, cutting-edge architecture, lively nightlife, a jam-packed cultural calendar, and lively restaurants and bars. The city has a high concentration of institutes and art galleries, including Witte de With Centre for Contemporary Art, Kunsthal, and TENT. Besides, it has eighteen gigantic windmills that are collectively recognized as a World Heritage Site that one must visit as part of Rotterdam tour packages.
Groningen
Groningen is the capital city of the province of Groningen in the northern Netherlands. It borders the Friesland in the west, Germany in the east, Drenthe province to the south, and the Wadden Sea in the north. For those looking to escape from tourist crowds, Groningen is the perfect destination due to its scenic backdrop of the sky-high mountains, glistening tea gardens, and beautiful waterfalls that make it a slice of paradise for visitors. Groningen University and Museum, Martini Tower, Lauwersmeer National Park, Noordelijk Scheepvaartmuseum, Nederlands Stripmuseum, etc. are some of the must visit places in Groningen. One can also visit Groningen Old Town which has old squares and people-friendly pathways.
Eindhoven
Eindhoven is one of the oldest and most popular cities located in the province of North Brabant in the south Netherlands, among the most scenic offbeat places in Europe. Blessed with the world’s most awe-inspiring vistas, ranging from towering volcanoes to cascading waterfalls and beautiful gardens, it is one of the top places to visit in the Netherlands. Eindhoven is the birthplace of Philips electronics, which built the Philips Stadium. Known for its creativity, technology, and design, it is the Dutch design capital, and it conducts the biggest design event in entire Northern Europe. Van Abbe museum, Strijp-S, and the Inkijk museum are some of the must visit places in Eindhoven. One can also attend the Glow Eindhoven festival to celebrate this city’s art and architecture and have a shopping spree on the streets of De Bergen.
Utrecht
Located in the center of the Netherlands, Utrecht is the capital city of the Utrecht province and home to the largest college in Holland, the University of Utrecht. The city offers a unique perceptual experience with its iconic Dutch houses, sand drifts, grasslands, and lush green forests. Utrecht is home to some of the most fascinating attractions, including the ancient Dom Tower and Tivoli Vredenburg. Also, the city boasts beautiful cathedrals like St. Martin’s Cathedral and St. Salvator’s Church, and Oudegracht, the oldest surviving canal in Europe. There are also several museums such as Railway Museum, Museum Catharijneconvent, and Miffy Museum. One can also enjoy a canal boat cruise and buy everything from bulbs to plants from Flower Market.
Delft
Sandwiched between Rotterdam and The Hague, Delft is a lovely Dutch city in the province of South Holland. It is one of the must-visit tourist places in the Netherlands that is dotted with idyllic canals, stunning architecture, and interesting museums. Also, Delft is famous for being the birthplace of the famous Dutch artist, Johannes Vermeer. Delft has known worldwide for its famous blue and white porcelain products. One can visit Nieuwe Kerk, a six hundred-year-old church, take a tour of the Museum Het Prinsenhof & the Vermeer Centrum, and stroll through Beestenmarkt while in Delft.
The Hague
The Hague is one of the most important and largest cities in the Netherlands, after Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Home to the Dutch Government, it is arguably one of the best Netherlands tourist places. The main highlights of the city include Madurodam – the miniature city located in Scheveningen, the Prison Gate Museum (Gevangenpoort), the beautiful beach resort of Scheveningen, the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis, and Binnenhof – The Hague’s famous and imposing complex of governmental buildings. Also, the city boasts with vibrant nightlife, golden beaches, posh neighborhoods, shiny skyscrapers, and excellent shopping.
Maastricht
Maastricht is a historic city and capital of the Limburg province lies in the southeastern part of the Netherlands. It is one of the must-include places in Netherland Tour Packages as it is packed with a stunning package of medieval architecture and modern atmosphere. From art galleries to museums, and cathedrals, there are many places to visit in Maastricht. Bonnefanten Museum, Saint Servatius Church, Mount Saint Peter and the St. Pietersberg Caves, The Old Town Walls and Hell Gate, and Natural History Museum are some of the top places to visit in Maastricht. Its futuristic skylines, whitewashed landscapes, colorful historical buildings, tree-lined canals, quaint plazas and romantic cobblestone streets lined with restaurants and cafes will make you fall in love with it at first sight.
Leiden
Situated on the Oude Rijn, Leiden is an extraordinarily diverse city, featuring lush, green countryside, medieval towns built on canals, wild shorelines, and beautiful skyscrapers. Leiden also features dozens of tree-lined canals that are adorned with old windmills, wooden bridges, and lush parks. A boat ride down one of these canals gives you wonderful and lifetime memories. Leiden is also home to numerous museums that range from science and natural history to museums dedicated to windmills and Egyptian antiquities. If this doesn’t seem enough, you can visit Hortus Botanicus, the sprawling garden that houses the oldest academic observatory in the world.
Valkenburg
Lies in the beautiful Geul valley, Valkenburg is an extremely popular sightseeing destination in the Netherlands that is known for its natural environment and historical buildings. Home to the only hilltop castle in the Netherlands, Valkenburg Castle dates back to 12th century and sits atop Dwingelrots or Castle Rock. From here, one can see the attractive landscape of Limburg. Also, the town is famous for its spas and caves as well as its Christmas Market that opens from November to December in the beautifully named Velvet Caves.
Zaandam
Located on the banks of the Zaan River, Zaandam is one of the lovely cities in the North Holland. The main attraction here is the Zaanse Schans, a unique piece of Holland full of authentic wooden houses, windmills, sheds and workshops. Also, the place is famous for the annual Dam tot Damloop, a runner’s event from Amsterdam to Zaandam that draws thousands of visitors every year during their trip to Netherlands.
Giethoorn
Referred to as the “Venice of the Netherlands”, Giethoorn is a beautiful and charming hamlet located in the northeastern Dutch province of Overijssel. Also called the ‘Village with no Roads’, Giethoorn is a cluster of small peat islands, with over 55 miles of canals, hundreds of wooden foot arch bridges, and no car streets. It is one of the great places for nature lovers and for those who want to spend some time in solitude. But, Giethoorn is lined up with interesting museums, as well as charming canal side restaurants, quirky shops, and picturesque cycling routes. Tourists can reach this village either by a boat or by off roading on a bicycle.
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