10 Unique Places to Visit in Netherlands

A holiday in the Netherlands is an experience that will make your dreams come true. Visit with us its extremely popular capital Amsterdam, fairy-tale towns and villages, and the most iconic places. You will fall in love with its romantic channels and traditions you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re looking for beautiful nature, the world’s top museums, or extraordinary tourist attractions, the Netherlands has it all. Have you not already decided where to visit the Netherlands? Discover with us the 10 Unique places to visit in Netherlands that offer endless tourist attractions.

10 Unique Places to Visit in Netherlands

Explore the Netherlands beyond the usual tourist spots with these 10 unique destinations. From the otherworldly Kinderdijk Windmill to the vibrant Keukenhof Gardens and the medieval charm of Giethoorn’s canals, this list offers a variety of enchanting experiences in the heart of Europe.

also read First Trip Together as a Couple

Numbe -1: The beauty of Utrecht in Netherlands.

There is a picturesque old town filled with historic buildings in Utrecht, a lively city. The 112-meter-high Dome Tower is impossible to ignore. Built-in the 14th century, it is the oldest and highest church tower in Holland. The canals in Utrecht are unbelievably magical and the most famous one is Oudegracht meaning Old Canal. There are restaurants, cafes, and private houses along the canal.

Take a boat tour To experience a completely different view of the city, or discover Utrecht Paddling Kayak with a local guide and make your stay in this medieval city unforgettable.

For train lovers interested in Dutch railway history, there is the Dutch National Railway Museum, founded in 1927. The collection contains many exhibits including waiting rooms, steam, electric, and diesel locomotives as well as train and freight cars and trams.

Would you like to take a rest? Visit Wilhelmina Park which is an ideal place for summer picnics or barbecues and sunbathing.

Relax watching the ducks and geese enjoying the park next to you.

Welcome to beautiful De Haar Castle which is the largest castle in Holland. It has turrets, gates, and suspension bridges and is surrounded not only by ponds and canals but also by 135 acres of parks and gardens. You can visit the castle’s interior and admire the main hall as well as some of its rooms. This luxurious castle was renovated between 1892 and 1912 and has 200 rooms. 

Number -2: Zaanse Schans Netherlands.

If you are looking for a one-day trip outside Amsterdam, visit the village of Zaanse Schans. You can get here by public transport, car, and even bicycle. This place represents life in Holland in the 17th and 18th centuries so visiting this village is like a journey through the centuries. You will see 11 authentic windmills, houses, and handicraft factories.

Windmills are the most popular attraction of the place and you can even go inside them to see how the wind-powered machines work. Some of these windmills were made for sawmills, others produced oil, cocoa, or paint. You can also see how famous traditional Dutch footwear – clogs – are made using vintage machine tools. Their history goes back to the 13th century, they fit your feet and are very comfortable. You can see the Zaanse Schans on foot, by bike, or from the water as there are many boats along the river from which you can watch cows grazing in the meadows.

Number -3: Marken Island Netherlands.

Marken was a fishing village and belongs to the most charming places in the Netherlands, especially thanks to its characteristic small wooden houses. Due to frequent floods, until the 17th century, the Dutch built their houses on artificially constructed hills and then on stilts. You cannot find these houses anywhere else. Because of the awesome jobs of the 32-kilometer-long water engineering construction called the Afsluitdijk the village no longer floods. It is one of Holland’s most popular tourist attractions and was built between 1927 and 1933.

Marken used to be an island and has become a peninsula thanks to a 1.6 km long embankment completed in 1957. You can cross it by bike, car, or on foot. While walking through Marken, do not miss the “Wave“, which is a memorial commemorating the terrifying flood which hit the village in 1916.

Another must-visit place is a wooden Shoe Factory where you see how wooden clogs were and still are made. You can also buy a pair. Do not miss the ‘Paard van Marken’ Lighthouse, which means Horse of Marken. In 1839 it was completed and is still functioning. Even though you cannot visit the interior, its white tower, red dome, and breathtaking landscape are the dreams of every photographer.

Number – 4: Keukenhof Netherlands.

If you like Dutch tulips and beautiful flowers, Keukenhof – also known as the Garden of Europe – is the right place for you. The largest flower park in the world, open since 1949, it is home to more than 7 million flowers. Its gardeners plant the bulbs manually every year. These gardens also contain other flowers such as orchids, roses, lilies, and irises.

From mid-March to mid-May the gardens are only open 53 days per year. So if you plan to enjoy the beauty of Keukenhof you must come during this period because tulips and other flowers have a limited blooming time.

You can reach the park easily from Amsterdam by public transport or if you like a long bicycle ride, this can work too, as it is a 2-hour bike ride to get there. Buy the tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line.

Number -5: Groningen Netherlands.

Groningen belongs to the most picturesque cities in the Netherlands, especially in winter when you can enjoy ice skating on the frozen canal in the city center. The 15th-century Martini Tower dominates Groningen. You can climb this 97-meter-high building and enjoy stunning views of the city. The tower is connected to the 13th century Martini church which is the oldest in the city. The must-visit place is The Groninger Museum which contains collections of modern and contemporary art of Dutch and international artists.

Visit the English landscape-style park Noorderplantsoen if you want to enjoy the nature of the city. You can jog, walk, or lay on the grass or discover its ponds which used to be canals before this place was converted into a park in the 19th century.

Less than an hour’s drive east from Groningen you can find the star-shaped fortress Bourtange. Completed in the late 16th century, it is home to a historical museum today. You will be fascinated by its medieval atmosphere. Don’t miss the Saint Nicholas parade through the streets, If you’re in Groningen on December 5. It is a large crowd of children and adults greeted Saint Nicholas and his entourage.

Number -6: Rotterdam in Netherlands.

Welcome to Rotterdam, the architecture city of Holland. If you want to enjoy a spectacular view of the city, visit the Euromast – a 185-meter-high tower completed in 1960 which is surrounded by the English-style Het Park. This lush green park close to the city center is a perfect place for barbecues or relaxing.

Continue to the historic Delfshaven district which is one of the very few areas of the city that was not destroyed during the 1940 bombardment of Rotterdam. It is home to cozy cafes, restaurants, and shops. You will fall in love with its romantic atmosphere.

A world port city is Rotterdam and you cannot miss its Maritime Museum established in 1986. It contains many attractions including a lighthouse and many old vessels such as this 228-meter-long SS Rotterdam – the former flagship of the Holland-America Line.

This fascinating structure is the Market Hall which consists of offices, apartments, a supermarket, and around 100 food shops. One of Rotterdam’s most striking structures is a set of cube houses completed in 1984. The houses consist of 3 floors, they have a living area of 100 square meters, and all the walls are slanted. One of the houses is open to visitors to check on the interior.

Another impressive structure is the White House completed in 1898. This 43-meter-high Art Nouveau building was the first skyscraper in Europe and you can enjoy breathtaking views from the viewing platform on its top.

Number – 7: Texel Netherlands.

If you are looking for beautiful nature and lovely Dutch villages, visit Texel Island. The island has more than 30 kilometers of sandy beaches. Eierland Lighthouse is the most recognizable landmark of the Island that was completed in 1864. Climb 118 steps to its top and enjoy a sensational view from its viewing platform.

In Texel Island you can even see seals living on the mudflats, don’t worry, they are not difficult to find. There are a few sandbanks where large numbers of seals live throughout the year. Make sure to keep a distance so as not to stress them out. It is said that Texel has as many sheep living on the island as inhabitants. Watching sheep and lambs graze in the pastures is a joy. Also, visit the fishing village of Odeschild and its harbor full of fishing boats. From a different perspective, You can take a trip from here to shrimp fishing or spot seals. Another worthwhile attraction is the Maritime and Beachcombing Museum Flora in Den Burg.

You can see an incredible collection of objects that have been washed up on the beach of Texel during the last 75 years. You can reach Texel Island easily from Den Helder by car. But you can take the ferry which leaves every hour and takes just 20 minutes.

Number – 8: Hague Netherlands.

The Binnenhof is a top starting point for travelers – the center of Dutch politics. It is among the world’s oldest parliament buildings still in use and its most impressive part is the Knights’ Hall. You can take a guided tour and admire its interior.

For art lovers, there is the Mauritshuis which is home to hundreds of Dutch Golden Age paintings including the world-famous Vermeer’s Girl With the Pearl Earring. Inside you can admire the masterpieces of such painters as Rembrandt or Rubens.

Step into the history of the automobile in the Louwman Museum. It dates back to 1934 and houses over 275 historic and classic cars, including this luxurious car formerly owned by Winston Churchill, the original James Bond car from the film “Goldfinger“ or this swan car from 1910.

Do you want to discover the most beautiful places in the Netherlands in just a few hours? Then visit a miniature theme park Madurodam which combines an amusement park, historical heritage, and world-class nature. This interactive park was opened in 1952 and is an excellent place for visitors of all ages.

This is the most popular seaside resort in Holland named Scheveningen. Located only 5 km from The Hague, it contains lovely beaches, several pavilions and restaurants, and 42 meter 42-meter-high Ferris wheel, which you can board and enjoy unparalleled views of the city, the beach, and the sea. You can even have lunch, dinner, or high tea in one of its 36 closed gondolas.

Number – 9: Gouda City Netherlands.

Cheese is one of the most popular Dutch foods, and Gouda is the most popular cheese in the Netherlands. Head to the central square – the Markt – where you can find the Gouda cheese market where local farmers have been selling their cheese since 1198. From April to August, it is held every Thursday morning. Visit De Waag – a historical building completed in 1668 in which cheese products were weighed before they were sold. 

Today it is home to a museum depicting the history of Gouda’s cheese market. Another attraction located on the Market Square is the impressive Gothic Town Hall completed in 1450. On its walls, you will find a timepiece symbolizing the granting of the city of Gouda by Floris V, Count of Holland.

Gouda is a highly walkable city. Sit in one of its cozy cafes and savor syrup waffles, they are delicious. While enjoying the beauty of the picturesque streets of Gowda, don’t forget to venture beyond the historical landmarks and embrace the vibrant atmosphere of the city. You can enjoy browsing the charming cobbled streets lined with quaint shops and boutiques offering a delightful array of local crafts and artisan products. The market is a lively place where street performers and local musicians add to the charming Dutch spirit. In Gowda, history meets contemporary attractions, making every corner a delightful delight, and ensuring that your trip to this city is anything but ordinary.

Number – 10: Amsterdam City  Netherlands.

Amsterdam is one of the most romantic cities in the world and the capital of the Netherlands. One of the best places to start your trip is Dam Square, where the Royal Palace is one of several impressive buildings. Originally built as a city hall in the 17th century, you can visit its interiors and admire 34 meters and 25-metre-high citizen’s hall as well as several representative rooms including bedrooms.

Amsterdam is a heaven for all art lovers. The most famous museum is the Rijksmuseum founded in 1798. Inside you can admire a collection of Dutch and international art spanning 8 centuries.

Other see-museums are the Van Gogh Museum, where you can find the world’s largest collection of artworks of this Dutch Post-Impressionist painter, and also The Anne Frank Museum, where you can visit a house in which this Jewish wartime diarist was hiding with her family during the WW2.

We recommend buying tickets in advance as they are often sold out. If you like picnics and barbeques or just want to relax, visit Vondelpark– Amsterdam’s most popular park among locals as well as tourists. It was opened to the public in 1865, occupies 47 hectares and you can visit it in Dutch style – by bike.

With more than 100 km of canals, Amsterdam is the most watery city in the world. Combined with its picturesque bridges. It is impossible not to fall in love with Amsterdam’s cityscape. We recommend taking one of the canal cruises, it is such a romantic experience.

Conclusion:

The Netherlands is a treasure trove of unique and fascinating destinations just waiting to be explored. From Utrecht’s picturesque canals to Zaanse Schans, charming Marken Island, and the charming windmills of vibrant Keukenhof Gardens, each location offers a unique and memorable experience. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant cityscape of Rotterdam, the serene beauty of Texel, the political heart of The Hague, or the historic charm of Gouda, there’s something for everyone. And of course, Amsterdam, with its rich culture and iconic attractions, is a must-see destination in its own right. So, when planning your next adventure, don’t miss the opportunity to discover 10 Unique places to visit in Netherlands for an unforgettable travel experience.