Today’s tourists will undoubtedly find windmills, canals, and tulips among the Netherlands’ numerous tourist attractions, as the country is widely recognized for these features.
But tourists visiting this country will also find dynamic towns like Amsterdam with museums exhibiting a great legacy of artists (think Rembrandt and Van Gogh) in addition to the many stunning gardens and charming villages. A 13,800-acre national park, a plethora of medieval castles and cityscapes, and a tide control system recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World are among the other sites worth seeing. The Netherlands is a small country, so all these sights and enjoyable activities are concentrated in a limited area, and the terrain is mostly level with the highest point being only a thousand feet above sea level. As such, it’s really simple to do some sightseeing the Dutch way, that is, on a bicycle. Numerous popular tourist spots and large cities in the Netherlands actively promote bicycle power and offer free bikes for sightseeing. You’re sure to have a terrific time in one of Europe’s friendliest and most liberal cultures, regardless of how you decide to visit the Netherlands.
The Canals of Jordaan and Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s canal system is just as significant to the city’s landscape as Venice’s, and visitors will always cherish their time spent discovering Amsterdam’s magnificent waterways. Nothing compares to meandering along the smaller, more tranquil streets that border the waterways, even if many of Amsterdam’s top tourist attractions—including the majority of the city’s main museums and art galleries—can be readily reached by boat tour or water taxi. The Jordaan area, which was established in the early 1600s to accommodate laborers and immigrants drawn to the city because of its religious tolerance, is especially lovely. Discover the neighborhood’s numerous “hofjes,” the charming inner courtyards tucked away behind the buildings, in addition to its little canal-side homes.
The Grachtengordel area, with its numerous little bridges and charming 17th-century homes, is another one that makes for great photos. Explore these 400-year-old streets and you’ll be rewarded by instances of exquisite architecture, little boutique stores, cafés, and parks. Keep an eye out for the numerous houseboats that are anchored along the canals. Dam Square is a 10-minute walk away and a must-see location in Amsterdam. This large public area has a lot of restaurants, cafés, and stores, but it’s also home to some of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. These include the striking Koninklijk Palace (Royal Palace), the charming Neue Kerk (Church) and the National Memorial Statue, which is the most significant military memorial in the nation.
Keukenhof, Lisse
The most well-known flower in the Netherlands is undoubtedly tulips, which come to mind while thinking of the nation. And these and other spring bulbs are in amazing profusion at one of the most picturesque locations in the Netherlands. Its convenient proximity to Amsterdam (less than an hour by public transportation or a 45-minute drive) makes it an enjoyable and simple day excursion from the nation’s capital.
Known as the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof is situated in what is commonly referred to as the “bulb belt” of the Netherlands, on the outskirts of the town of Lisse. At Keukenhof, the world’s largest public garden, over 70 acres of what was formerly a huge country estate’s kitchen (or “keuken”) garden are home to over 700 types of tulips, which are at their peak in April and May. But the show goes on virtually year-round because of its enormous commercial hot houses. In these are thousands of crocuses, daffodils, and hyacinths, as well as unending rows of tulips in full bloom.
Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum
Since its founding in 1809, the magnificent Rijksmuseum, also known as the National Museum, has been amassing rare artwork and antiques on Amsterdam’s Museumplein, or Museum Square. Not surprisingly, its massive collection now contains around seven million pieces of art, a library with about 35,000 volumes, and 5,000 paintings displayed in over 250 rooms. This magnificent museum is home to a remarkable collection of old master paintings in addition to providing a comprehensive history of the evolution of Dutch art and culture. It is particularly well-stocked with modern art, medieval sculpture, and traditional Dutch handicrafts. Prepare to explore this museum’s limitless treasures for the better part of a day, or longer.
The Rembrandt House Museum, which is situated in the city’s historic Jewish Quarter, is a must-visit if you have time to fit in a little extra Rembrandt sightseeing. During his 20 years here, the renowned artist created several of his most well-known pieces, some of which are still identifiable as local scenes. There are accessible guided tours of the residence, which is mostly preserved as it was during Rembrandt’s lifetime. To make the most of your visit, reserve a room at the Luxury Suites Amsterdam, which is among the best places to stay in Amsterdam for people who prefer luxurious lodging and is only a few steps from the museum.
Ancient Binnenhof in The Hague
The Hague, commonly known as Den Haag, is the political hub of the Netherlands and is well-known across the world for housing the International Court of Justice. The administration of the nation operates out of this location, as does Noordeinde Palace, the residence of the Dutch Royal Family. For those who like to experience a little bit of the nation’s rich past, The Hague is a fantastic place to visit. The city’s ancient Binnenhof neighborhood is a great place to start your journey, whether you’re coming for a few days or coming as a day trip from Amsterdam. With its name literally translating to “Inner Court,” the Binnenhof was established about 1250 CE. It’s the most historic area of the city and a pleasure to stroll through. The attractive older buildings here, set around a central courtyard, were originally home to the ruling classes of the country and are astonishingly well-preserved. The Knights’ Hall (Ridderzaal) is the diamond in the crown here. Constructed in the 13th century, this commanding structure resembling a castle and including two towers is still utilized for official functions, such as the annual opening of parliament in September. The Gothic hall, with its wood-beamed roof and stained-glass windows, is one of the highlights.
Amsterdam’s Anne Frank House
When visiting Amsterdam, you simply must see the Anne Frank House. This extraordinary child penned her well-known journal on Prinsengracht, in the house where her family—Jewish refugees from Frankfurt—hided for the most of World War II. Despite her passing two months before the end of the war, her words—which have been translated into 51 languages—continue to carry her legacy.
Restored to its original condition, the back of the house where the Frank family used to hide is a moving tribute to a horrible period in global history and a courageous young woman who continues to inspire people all over the world. Please note that reservations for this must-see attraction sell out, so make sure to purchase your tickets online well in advance. In addition, if you happen to be traveling during a warmer season (spring and summer are often regarded as some of the greatest times to visit Amsterdam), be sure to budget time for walking along the neighborhood’s picturesque old canals.
Van der Waals, Rotterdam
The port city of Rotterdam, easily reachable from Amsterdam by rail in an hour, is a must-see because to its immaculate Old Harbour, also known as Oude Haven. Because of its location on the Nieuwe Maas, an arm of the Rhine River, and its closeness to the English Channel, the city has a long and rich nautical history. Oude Haven, located in the wonderful Maritime District of Rotterdam, is a great place for people who prefer to take in the sights on foot. There are numerous historic sailing ships and houseboats in the port, many of which are on exhibit at the Maritime Museum Rotterdam. A replica of a vessel that dates back more than 2,000 years is one of the many indoor exhibitions to be admired in addition to the around 20 antique vessels that are on display in the water.
Museum Van Gogh, Amsterdam
Remarkably, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, home to one of the greatest artists of all time, is ranked #2 on a list of the world’s best art museums and welcomes about 1.5 million people annually.
This magnificent gallery and museum was especially constructed to display the more than 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and 700 letters in its enormous collection, which is home to the biggest collection of Van Gogh paintings in the world, many of which were donated by the artist’s family.
There are other pieces by his peers on exhibit. Enjoying the museum’s brand-new “Meet Vincent Van Gogh Experience,” which provides an engrossing, technologically advanced, interactive look into the artist’s life and times in addition to his most well-known works, is a highlight.
In fact, you might want to think about visiting the city’s top-notch museums during the off-season, when it’s calmer and cooler. It’s simple to stay warm because both of these well-liked attractions are inside activities that are accessible via the city’s first-rate public transportation system, and the weather in the area is often pleasant, even in the winter.
