Things to do in the Netherlands

#1 Explore Amsterdam

Amsterdam might seem like an open door but the capital is one of those places in The Netherlands that you really can’t skip during your vacation. The city is booming 24/7 with fun things to do. You can find world famous museums scattered everywhere around the city, of which some examples are the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Anne Frank House, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam and many more.

But it doesn’t stop with the museums. The red-light district offers a safe look into an obscure world not seen by many, right next to the famous Nieuwmarkt district. But what most people come to see in Amsterdam are the unique waterways called “Grachtengordels”, running through the city center districts such as de Jordaan. The must visit canals in this area are the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, Herengracht and the Singel. Here you can explore the traditional Herenhuizen (canal houses), Woonboten (homes in boats) and never stop shopping in the endless boutiques of the “De 9 Straatjes”.

Don’t stop in the city center but take a free ferry over de river IJ to Amsterdam North for some good and more tranquil vibes. From cannabis coffee shops all around to trendy bars and clubs in the Pijp district to amazing Michelin star restaurants. The city center of Amsterdam has a lot to discover. It is therefore our #1 sightseeing spot in The Netherlands, we even made a top sights Amsterdam page for it.

#2 Check out some oldschool windmills

You will find the typical Dutch windmills everywhere in The Netherlands. However, nowhere as densely packed together and well maintained as in Kinderdijk (close to the city of Rotterdam) or the Zaanse Schans near Zaanstad (close to the city of Amsterdam).

These UNESCO World Heritage sites are one of the top hotspots for tourists and natives alike. They give you a glance into the history of a country that is fighting a constant battle with rising waters. The windmills ensured a steady water drainage system based on wind energy to prevent flooding back in the days.

Fun fact is that these windmills are actually all maintained and operational, so that they can be used in case of an emergency. For example, when power fails in the country and the electrical pumps stop working. The windmills will prevail and take over with their wind powered pumps.

It doesn’t matter which one, but Kinderdijk or Zaanse Schans are both a true sight to remember and iconic for The Netherlands. It is second on our list of sightseeing spots as they have been vital for the countries survival for centuries and we think they are a very cool sight to see.

#3 Rainbow tulips fields

When you will visit The Netherlands in the spring between March and May, you will run into fields of flowering tulips everywhere. Especially in the area around Lisse (between Leiden and Haarlem) where you will also find the famous Keukenhof, an entertainment park fully dedicated to this flamboyant flower.

Be sure to rent a bike, boat, e-chopper or traditional Solex (cool bike like a mopet) and follow one of the many “bollenroutes” in the area. It’s cheap, it’s fun, and trust us you won’t be disappointed by the colors. Did you know that we Dutchies export around 2 billion tulips every year? We are by far the biggest exporter in the world and have been doing this since the Dutch Golden Ages (around 1600).

#4 Discover The Hague

One of the internationally best known cities in The Netherlands is The Hague, due to its many international NGO’s such as the International Criminal Court, Peace Palace and the headquarters of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. This is probably one reason why a lot of expats live in the city. A city that originated in 1242 and has been the seat of the government for centuries. Fun fact, it was even briefly occupied by the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte around 1806.

You will find a lot of history in the city center around the Binnenhof, Buitenhof, Ridderzaal, and multiple amazing museums such as the Mauritshuis, Eschers Palace, Kunstmuseum and the Peace Palace. The old city center will satisfy every shopper and you’ll find bars plus high-quality restaurants all around.

But what might be the most unique selling point for tourists, are the amazing beaches around the city. The most well known beach is in Scheveningen which has some epic sand dunes and nature reserves located on either side and endless beachclubs located along the boulevard. Be sure to check out the Zwarte Pad (on the North-side of the Ferris wheel) for some hipster party atmosphere. You can also work on your surfing skills near the harbor (havenhoofd).

Missing daily French food? Visit the restaurant Pastis and you might never want to leave The Hague anymore. Did you know there is a large community of French expats in The Hague? Might be a good new home base if you are considering a move to The Netherlands.

#5 The port city of Rotterdam

One of the most culturally diverse cities in The Netherlands is Rotterdam. The traditional Dutch architecture got bombed during World War II and made room for post-war and modern-day architecture. Impressive sights in Rotterdam are the Markthal, Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen, Erasmusbrug, the Cube homes, Euromast and the Old Harbor.

You can rent a bike and easily get around the city. Fun route to cycle is by going underneath the river Maas via the Maastunnel and then drive back via the Erasmusbrug. Nice views plus a fun experience! Don’t forget one of the many museums such as Boijmans Van Beuningen (temporary closed for renovations but the architectural prize winning Depot is open) or the Kunsthal which are full of art from famous artist like Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Gogh but also modern painters such as Picasso and Matisse. Check out our top things to do in Rotterdam highlight list.

Did you know that Rotterdam lies close to windmills of Kinderdijk? You can easily combine the two on a daytrip from Amsterdam.

#6 Groene Hart

Most of the travel guides will recommend you to go and visit the National Park De Hoge Veluwe. Which makes sense as it is beautiful, especially with the Kröller-Müller Museum as it’s slam piece. But the landscape isn’t so unique in the world as the Groene Hart. You will find some proper traditional Dutch countryside here. No hills, only flat green fields full of black and white cows, people on clogs (yes no hoax) here and there, waterways everywhere and the occasional windmill.

Rent a boat or bike and visit the Groene Hart on a sunny day and you’ll not be disappointed. Be sure to stop at the local farmers that sell fresh milk, cheese, and other local homemade delights. This is the true Dutch experience. Visit het Groene Hart from Zoetermeer, Gouda, Woerden or Alphen aan de Rijn.

#7 Rent a bike and cycle

No matter where you are in The Netherlands, you will encounter cyclists on their private (actually public but they don’t care) roads. We have over 37.000 km of cycling lanes that take you everywhere. Explore every city or countryside by bike and you will get the full Dutch experience. Check out our recommended cycling routes for the best views in the country.

Bikes can be rented on NS stations (train stations) and in rental-shops around town. Most hotels, hostels or campsites will properly also offer you free bikes for rent or against a small fee. Have you never driven a bike? Ask a native for help and you will soon be called the new Flying Dutchman.

#8 Deltawerken

We Dutch have been fighting against the rising sea levels since forever. Heck, our country is even partly under sea level because we used dikes and pumped meadows to reclaim land. The Deltawerken are the Dutch answer to rising sea levels. The high-tech water frontier protects the country against storms and spring tides. Be sure to check out the impressive constructions that have been purely built to counter the sea.

The most impressive Deltawerken are Neeltje Jans and the Oosterscheldekering (Zeeland), Maeslantkering (few minutes from Rotterdam) and not really part of the Deltawerken but a similar construction is the Afsluitdijk. All are worth the visit or just drive over them by car or bike, how cool is that! Visit most of the deltawerken from Domburg, Veere, Zierikzee or Goes for example.

#9 Wadden islands (Frisian islands)

Visit the not so tropical Wadden islands of The Netherlands. These islands are the final frontier for our country against the sea. The Wadden islands are an UNESCO World Heritage site because of its unique landscape that features immense difference in tidal currents. Land is growing by kilometers during low-tide only to be swallowed again by high-tide within 6 hours. Large parts are therefore designated as national park because the unique tides create a heaven for biodiversity.

The island of Texel is the biggest and has a lot to offer, from local Texels craft beers, unique Texels lam meat and the most fun activity Wadlopen (walking through the sandymud).

You can bike around the island and spot some sunbathing seals along the way on all the Wadden islands. My favorites ones are Schiermonnikoog (called Schier by the locals and cool Dutch people), Vlieland and Ameland. The latter islands are sanctitudes of tranquillity. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the big red lighthouses, they are iconic.

#10 Cheese markets

The French might be famous for their delicious cheeses (I really like Époisses) but so are the Dutch. In The Netherlands you will find big cheese markets all around. Famous ones can be found in Alkmaar, Edam, Hoorn, Gouda or Woerden. However, every Dutch city or village has its own cheese experts with lots of cheese varieties to choose from. Find a random market and you will find multiple cheese stalls.

One of my favorite cheeses is the Old Amsterdam or Gouda Cheese, ask for the older versions with the salt crystals in it. You won’t be disappointed! And please don’t buy it at Albert Heijn, they are kinda scammy if it comes to real Dutch cheeses.

Bonus activities and sights

Above are our top 10 sights in The Netherlands for 2025 but this is just scratching the surface of all the cool things to do in the country. Be sure to check out the following activities and sights in my beautiful country.

• Take your kids along to the Efteling, the oldest and biggest theme park in the country.
• Another fun thing to do with your kids is a visit to Madurodam, you will be able to explore The Netherlands in a 1:25 scale.
• Heineken is one of the most famous Dutch beers in the world. Be sure to check out the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam for the full history of this iconic Dutch beer brand.
• Hire a boat and calmly peddle through the canals around Giethoorn.
• Visit Volendam or Urk, which both are traditional Dutch fishing villages with a unique culture.
• If you are into castles, then a visit to Kasteel De Haar near Utrecht, Muiderslot, Kasteel Keukenhof, Kasteel Duivenvoorde or Paleis Soestdijk will not disappoint you.
• Have a walk near Maastricht in the Gulpdal to visit a different kind of The Netherlands. I really like the short hike.
• Rent a boat in the national park De Biesbosch for stunning wetlands and fauna, next to Dordrecht and closeby Breda.
• Visit world war two concentration camp Westerbork in Hooghalen.
• Spot endless flocks of birds in the swamps of the Oostvaardersplassen near Almere.
• Learn more about the history of The Netherlands in Batavialand in Lelystad.
• Go for lunch or dinner on Vuurtoreneiland, which you can visit from Amsterdam by a short boat trip. Book in advance!
• Stay for the night in tinyhouses that are scatterd around the countryside. Really cool experience! Try Hihahut for example.
• Learn surfing in Scheveningen, Kijkduin, Noordwijk or Bloemendaal. The waves are perfect for beginners and good for more advanced surfers.
• Visit Museum Voorlinden in Wassenaar by renting a bike in The Hague and cycling through nature and dunes for an hour or so.

There are plenty more things to do in the Netherlands, but we hope these ideas give you a good starting point. If you need help planning your trip, leave a comment and we’ll do our best to suggest places near where you’re staying. I’m Dutch and have spent years traveling around the country.