You came to the Netherlands recently, finally settled down and now it is time to explore the country! Where to start? What to see? Where to go? We are here to help you out and have collected the top 10 places to visit including tourist must-visit spots, as well as, places Dutchies prefer to go to during the weekend or holiday season.
Madurodam: The Netherlands
in miniature
Madurodam is a miniature park with models replicating famous Dutch landmarks. Why do not just spend a day at Madurodam to see the whole of the Netherlands? Sounds like a perfect plan. Each object is built at a scale of 1:25, you can find interactive experience from loading cargo ships, and operating airplane take-off to working at flower auction.
To find out more details regarding opening hours, ticket prices and route follow the link: https://www.madurodam.nl/nl
Kinderdijk: Dutch windmills
Kinderdijk is famous for its windmills, which though centuries kept the land which lays under the sea level dry. This place is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the most photographed spot in the Netherlands. While you can bike around windmills and make a great photoshoot, you can also take a look inside the windmills, where museums are located.
To find out more details regarding opening hours, ticket prices and route follow the link: https://www.kinderdijk.com
Giethoorn: Venice of the Netherlands
Giethoorn is a town with no roads, with the only mode of transport is by water though never-ending canals and waterways. This is a prime location for ice-skating when canals freeze. The best way to explore is to take a boat tour and admire the beauty of a small Dutch village around. If you are adventures enough you can try kayak.
To find out more details regarding opening hours, ticket prices and route follow the link: https://www.giethoorn.com
Efteling: World of wonders for children
Efteling is a fantasy-themed amusement park for children and parents. Best advised to visit though warm month, as during the winter most of the rides do not operate. Perfect place to visit with kids. Efteling is the 2nd most visited amusement park in Europe, therefore, worth a visit.
To find out more details regarding opening hours, ticket prices and route follow the link: https://www.efteling.com/nl
Zaanse Schans: First Albert Heijn
Zaanse Schans is another place for you to admire historic windmills and houses. As any touristy place, during the season it is crowded, therefore, we advise to visit it in the low-tourist season. Here you can visit windmills and take a look inside to check out how oil, paint and wood productions operate. Moreover, you can get an impression of the first Albert Heijn shop which is located in Zaanse Schans. You must have visited Albert Heijn near your home, but this place will give you a glimpse into how supermarkets changed.
To find out more details regarding opening hours, ticket prices and route follow the link: https://www.dezaanseschans.nl
Hoge Veluwe National Park: city getaway
Hoge Veluwe is the largest continuous nature reserve in the Netherlands and the most favourite place for locals to spend their weekend together with family. It is home to an abundance of wildlife from deer, boars and mouflons to rabbits. You can go for a hiking or biking session around the park, as well as, spotting session to catch animals having their lunch or dinner in dedicated wildlife observation points.
To find out more details regarding opening hours, ticket prices and route follow the link: https://www.hogeveluwe.nl/en
Village of Marken: authentic fish village
Village in the province of North Holland famous for its authentic wooden houses. Here you can get a taste of what small-town life used to be. You should scroll around, enjoy some fresh haring in the harbour and visit the Clog Factory. One of the most beautiful hidden gems can be found through the walk around the island which is the lighthouse (Praad van Marken).
To find out more details regarding opening hours, ticket prices and route follow the link: https://www.holland.com/global/tourism/destinations/provinces/north-holland/marken.htm
Kasteel de Haar: the largest castle in the
Netherlands
Historic monument located just outside Utrecht surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens with ponds, waterways and some wild animals. Throughout the summer you can enjoy your time scrolling through parks in gardens, while during Christmas season you can visit the market, which takes place every year in the castle and its surrounding gardens.
To find out
more details regarding opening hours, ticket prices and route follow the link: https://www.kasteeldehaar.nl
Dunes of Texel National Park: another city
getaway
Spend a day or two away from the city and enjoy some nature on popular by locals Texel island. Texel national park allows you for a variety of activities from biking, and hiking to bird and seal watching tours. Enjoy a variety of landscapes including denes, woodlands, salt marshes and beaches. Stay overnight at the trailer park and enjoy early sunrise at the beach.
To find out more details regarding opening hours, ticket prices and route follow the link: https://www.npduinenvantexel.nl/299/en
