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Bordered by Germany and Belgium, the Netherlands looks like a small expanse amidst a paradise. Owing to vast landscapes and beautiful cityscapes, the country is also known as the unexplored jewel of Europe. From the undying stretch of Windmill fields to the gorgeous shores of the country, everything features uniqueness. Gaze upon the prestige building of the Royal Palace or look for incredible European artworks at different museums. There is a lot one can notice, admire and imbibe while on a tour here. If you are planning to visit the Netherlands, then you must not miss these absolutely heavenly things to do here.
Top Things To Do In The Netherlands
1. Check Out the Royal Palace of Amsterdam
While in Amsterdam, the Royal Palace must be on the top of your bucket list for the place is of great historical, cultural, and architectural significance. Built during the 17th century, the royal building stands tall with its gorgeous sandstone formation and charms every visitor with its dazzling presence. The palace serves as the residence of the monarch and is a significant part of Amsterdam tourism. A certain section of the building is always open to visitors. Visit it and explore its wonderfully-adorned interior.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, and Photographers
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Price: Free Entry for children below 17 years of age | Approx $12 for adults | $10 per hour for hiring a guide
Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
Pro Tip: If you are using public transport, then the best way to reach it is by taking a train to Central Station. The palace is located within a few minutes walk from the station.
2. Absorb the Colours of Keukenhof Garden
Spread over an area of about 32 hectares and housing more than 7 million flowers, Keukenhof is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Netherlands. It is also one of the largest flower gardens in the world and hence, it forms an important part of Netherlands tourism. Take a refreshing stroll through the colourful world of Keukenhof and gaze upon the artistic hues of nature. The place is quite peaceful and hence, makes for a rejuvenating weekend escape. It attracts thousands of tourists every day during the peak season.
Recommended For: Families, Nature Lovers, Couples
Location: Lisse, Netherlands
Price: No entry free for children from under 3 years of age
$9.8 for children between 4-11 years of age
$20.5 for adults
Timings: 08:00 am to 07:30 pm
Pro Tip: Mid April is the time when the garden is in its full glory. So, plan your visit accordingly.
3. Explore the Collection of Van Gogh Museum
An art museum that features an awe-inspiring collection of the works of Vincent Van Gogh and various luminaries, the Van Gogh Museum is a must-visit place in Amsterdam. If you have a restless art-lover in you that crawls day and night, then plan a tour and witness some of the greatest works of the western art. From the Self-Portrait to the Sunflowers and the Potato Eaters to the Yellow House, every painting deserves a thundering round of applause.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Culture Explorers
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Price: No Entrance Fee for children below 18 years of age | $20.5 for adults
Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm | 09:00 am to 10:00 pm (Fridays)
Pro Tip: Rent an audio guide for a small fee at the museum if you want to learn in detail about Vincent Gogh and his works here.
4. Visit the Windmills of Kinderdijk
Located in the vicinity of Rotterdam, Kinderdijk is a picture-perfect village amid the lush greenery of the Netherlands that is mainly recognised for its windmills. The location of the village at the conflux of Lek and Noord rivers making it look even more photogenic. On account of its cultural and historical significance, the place has been inscribed on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Make a visit and find yourself admiring spectacular vistas. Learning about the age-old water management system here is one of the best things to do in Netherlands.
Recommended For: Explorers, Photographers
Price: $4.9 for adults | $2.7 for children
Timings: 09:00 am to 05:30 pm (Museum windmills, souvenir shops and boat tours)
Pro Tip: If you are driving to Kinderdijk, it is advisable to visit it during the evening so you could also enjoy great sunset scenery and other evening delights on the way.
5. Visit the Historic Anne Frank House
If you have ever been a student of history and have read about the heart-wrenching incident of Holocaust, then you must know Anne Frank. The wartime diarist, who captured the horrifying incidents of Nazi persecution during the World War II, used to live here. Anne Frank House is one of the major Amsterdam tourist spots as it is the place where she hid herself to stay safe during the wartime. However, she couldn’t survive the persecution. Today, the building exhibits the life and times of the diarist and is one of the most visited museums in the country.
Recommended For: History Lovers
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Price: $13.55 for adults
$7 for children between 10 and 17 years of age
$1.08 for children between 0 and 9 years of age
Timings:
09:00 am to 07:00 pm (November to April)
09:00 am to 10:00 pm (April to November)
Pro Tip: Do read the Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank before coming to the house. This would make your visit even more real and unforgettable.
6. Learn the Significance of Castle De Haar
If roaming around dreamland castles and scrutinizing their wondrous structure is your fantasy, then do not miss visiting the grand Castle De Haar. Located in Utrecht and built in the late 19th century, the castle looks like a beauty descended straight from heaven. With perfect spires and cylindrical pillars, the castle is all set to delight you to the core. The presence of natural surroundings makes the place an amazing weekend getaway for families and picnickers.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts
Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
Price: $3.2 per person
Timings: 11:00 am to 05:00 pm
7. Step back in Time at Rijksmuseum
Dedicated to arts and history, the beautiful Rijksmuseum brings the bygone era of the Netherlands in front of you alive. It is one of the best places to visit in Amsterdam and hence, it receives an influx of tourists in millions every year. Housing an extensive collection of wide range of relics from different times, the museum has thousands of intriguing objects on display. Do visit it if you are really looking forward to enjoying the past of the country.
Recommended For: Art Lovers, History Explorers
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Price: $20.5 per person
Timings: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
Pro Tip: If you are into museums, then you could buy the 31-day Museumkaart pass for about $70. It would allow you to enter all the major museums in the country for free.
8. Admire the Beauty of Saint Martin’s Cathedral
Another significant place in the Netherlands that would make your trip a memorable affair, Saint Martin’s Cathedral has a history of more than 400 years. It is a protestant church and has been in existence since its formation. That’s the reason it is one of the most prominent sites in the country. The architecture and the interior of the church are equally interesting. Find quintessential peace within its boundaries. The 367-feet high Dom Tower of the church is one of the most recognised structures in the city.
Recommended For: Architecture Lovers, Photographers
Location: Utrecht, Netherlands
Price: Free
Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | 10:00 am to 03:30 pm (Saturdays)
Pro Tip: Visit the cathedral on Saturdays and get an opportunity to attend a classical concert for free.
9. Take a Day Trip to De Hoge Veluwe National Park
Covering about 13,800 acres, this beautiful national park is the largest continuous nature reserve in the country as well as one of the most popular day trip destinations for locals and tourists. Featuring dense woodlands in the north and a fascinating sculpture park, the area was once a country estate and hunting reserve and is home to many red and roe deer. Visit it and explore its colourful shades and lawns.
Recommended For: Families, Photographers
Location: Gelderland, Netherlands
Price: Free
Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | 10:00 am to 03:30 pm (Saturdays)
Pro Tip: You can use bicycles provided inside the park for free to explore it.
10. Explore Beautiful Canals in Jordan and Amsterdam
Canals add to the beauty of Jordan and Amsterdam and there is no doubt about it. Exploring the cities’ tourist attraction while sailing in the waters is probably one of the dreamiest things to do in the Netherlands. Hop on a boat and sail down in the cool waters of the country. Or you can stroll by the streets lining these wonderful waterways. These canals are an important part of country’s culture and beauty.
Recommended For: Families, Couples, Explorers
Price: based on tour operator
Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | 10:00 am to 03:30 pm (Saturdays)
11. Visit the Fortified Village of Bourtange
The tiny fortified village of Bourtange is one of the most unique places in the Netherlands. Built in 1593, the star-shaped fort is an outstanding example of 16th-century military architecture with cobbled medieval lanes, quaint brick houses and restored military barracks. A well-preserved synagogue, a couple of museums dedicated to the area’s history, and a smattering of seasonal events are its attractions. Walk around its delightful streets lined with small craft shops for a fulfilling evening.
Recommended For: Offbeat Explorers
Location: Westerwolde, Netherlands
Price: Free
Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | 10:00 am to 03:30 pm (Saturdays)
Pro Tip: The Central Plaza in the village is a perfect place to spend your evenings.
12. Explore Maastricht from the Roman-Era
The capital of the Limburg province, Maastricht lies in the southeastern part of the Netherlands. Once a Roman settlement, this attractive multicultural city has mastered the art of combining the old with the new. Visit here and expect rich culture and history, green parks, interesting museums and a storybook medieval old town of quaint plazas to explore. Also, walk down romantic cobblestone streets lined with restaurants and cafes.
Recommended For: Offbeat Travellers, Culture Explorers
Location: Maastricht, Netherlands
Price: No Entrance Fee
Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | 10:00 am to 03:30 pm (Saturdays)
13. Step into the Dreamland of Giethoorn
Shrouded in greenery, the town of Giethoorn is the ultimate weekend getaway for all the nature lovers and peace-seekers. Its fairytale-like setting would definitely steal your heart away. Picture-perfect farmhouses, dazzling waterways, lush lawns and idyllic arch bridges make up the charm of Giethoorn. Canal-side restaurants, cycling routes, cool cafes and fascinating museums add to its existing beauty.
Recommended For: Offbeat Travellers, Photographers
Location: Overijssel, Netherlands
Price: No Entrance Fee
Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | 10:00 am to 03:30 pm (Saturdays)
14. Visit the Cheese Market of Alkmaar
Located about 40 km from the main city of Amsterdam, Alkmaar is noted for its seasonal Cheese Market that starts from the first Friday of April and ends on the last Friday of September. The market attracts all kinds of explorers and locals from nearby as well as far-away cities and towns. Watch beautiful displays of world-class cheese with vendors selling them wearing traditional Dutch dresses. The market also celebrates the old traditions and customs of the country.
Recommended For: Culture Explorers
Location: Alkmaar, Netherlands
Price: Free
Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm | 10:00 am to 03:30 pm (Saturdays)
Pro Tip: Get your kids’ name registered here and they would be allowed to partake in the market by lifting up cheese blocks and guessing their weight.
15. Explore the Panoramas of Waddenzee
Housing a large number of migratory birds, all types of fish species and seals colonies, Waddenzee is the most peculiar and important nature reserve in the Netherlands. It is also one of the largest wetlands ecosystems in the world. Located in the province of Groningen, this one-of-a-kind natural habitat spans across an area of almost 2,500 square km and makes for a perfect place to chill out with nature. The sea here welcomes you with its roaring waves and the grasslands greet you politely.
Recommended For: Offbeat Travellers, Photographers
Price: Free
Timings: Anytime
Pro Tip: Do try mudflat hiking as it is a popular sport here and is quite fun.
16. Take a tour of the Parks and Museums of Arnhem
Arnhem in the Netherlands has a fair share of history and culture as well as nature. The region in and around the city boasts of great parks where one would find pristine nature at its best and also museums where one can trace back the legends of the city as well as the country. The most significant ones include Veluwezoom National Park, Sonsbeek Park, Netherlands Open Air Museum, Airborne Museum and Zypendaal Park.
Recommended For: Explorers, Offbeat Travellers
Location: Gelderland, Netherlands
Price: Free
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