last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in the Netherlands
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Location Map of Netherlands
Netherlands
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The Netherlands has 9 sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:
Amsterdam Canal District (2010)
This is what gives the city its unique character, earning it the nickname "Venice of the North." The canals and the beautiful facades lining them—now a UNESCO World Heritage site—span the entire center, with a combined length of over a hundred kilometers crossed by 1,700 bridges. A must-see to explore on foot or aboard one of the (200) canal boats offering guided tours.
This is what gives the city its unique character, earning it the nickname "Venice of the North." The canals and the beautiful facades lining them—now a UNESCO World Heritage site—span the entire center, with a combined length of over a hundred kilometers crossed by 1,700 bridges. A must-see to explore on foot or aboard one of the (200) canal boats offering guided tours.
Forts of the Amsterdam Defence Line (1996)
This is a series of military structures and small fortifications built around Amsterdam in the late 19th to early 20th century. The entire complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site but is not generally open to visitors.
This is a series of military structures and small fortifications built around Amsterdam in the late 19th to early 20th century. The entire complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site but is not generally open to visitors.
Beemster Polder (1999)
Next to Amsterdam, this is the oldest polder in the world (1612) whose structure is still visible. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for this reason.
Next to Amsterdam, this is the oldest polder in the world (1612) whose structure is still visible. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for this reason.
Kinderdijk-Elshout (1997)
On the outskirts of Rotterdam, this site offers the traditional image of windmills lining canals. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
On the outskirts of Rotterdam, this site offers the traditional image of windmills lining canals. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Wadden Sea (2009)
From the Netherlands to Denmark via Germany, this coastal area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A tourist destination, it is home to numerous islands, several national parks, and attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and landscapes.
From the Netherlands to Denmark via Germany, this coastal area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A tourist destination, it is home to numerous islands, several national parks, and attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and landscapes.
Van Nelle Factory in Rotterdam (2014)
The building, constructed between 1925 and 1931, is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architectural value.
The building, constructed between 1925 and 1931, is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architectural value.
Rietveld Schröder House in Utrecht (2000)
Built in 1924, this house is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architectural value.
Built in 1924, this house is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architectural value.
D.F. Wouda Steam Pumping Station (1998)
Located next to the small Frisian town of Lemmer, this is the oldest steam pumping station in the world in its category. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Located next to the small Frisian town of Lemmer, this is the oldest steam pumping station in the world in its category. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Coast
Alkmaar
A charming town north of Amsterdam known for its cheese market and historic center built around canals.
A charming town north of Amsterdam known for its cheese market and historic center built around canals.
Amsterdam
The Dutch capital is also the most visited city in the Netherlands for its architecture, monuments, UNESCO-listed canals, museums, and lively atmosphere.
The Dutch capital is also the most visited city in the Netherlands for its architecture, monuments, UNESCO-listed canals, museums, and lively atmosphere.
Delft
Canals, traditional architecture, and a historic centre, plus world-famous porcelain—this characterful city lies between The Hague and Rotterdam.
Canals, traditional architecture, and a historic centre, plus world-famous porcelain—this characterful city lies between The Hague and Rotterdam.
Afsluitdijk Dam
At 32 km, it is the longest dam in the country, linking the peninsula north of Amsterdam to Friesland. The Netherlands has many other dams and barriers (including the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier), built as part of the "Delta Plan" to protect the country from flooding.
At 32 km, it is the longest dam in the country, linking the peninsula north of Amsterdam to Friesland. The Netherlands has many other dams and barriers (including the Eastern Scheldt storm surge barrier), built as part of the "Delta Plan" to protect the country from flooding.
Edam-Volendam
A small tourist port north of Amsterdam known for its beautiful traditional architecture and its cheese. Monnickendam, Broek in Waterland, and especially Marken are three equally picturesque villages near Edam.
A small tourist port north of Amsterdam known for its beautiful traditional architecture and its cheese. Monnickendam, Broek in Waterland, and especially Marken are three equally picturesque villages near Edam.
Enkhuizen
North of Amsterdam, this charming port is home to an interesting open-air museum dedicated to local life and traditions.
North of Amsterdam, this charming port is home to an interesting open-air museum dedicated to local life and traditions.
Forts of the Amsterdam Defence Line
This is a series of military structures and small fortifications built around Amsterdam in the late 19th to early 20th century. The entire complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site but is not generally open to visitors.
This is a series of military structures and small fortifications built around Amsterdam in the late 19th to early 20th century. The entire complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site but is not generally open to visitors.
Haarlem
Canals, museums, and a beautiful 17th-century centre in this city just a short distance from Amsterdam. The outskirts of Haarlem are home to Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, known for its forests, dunes, beaches, and hiking opportunities.
Canals, museums, and a beautiful 17th-century centre in this city just a short distance from Amsterdam. The outskirts of Haarlem are home to Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, known for its forests, dunes, beaches, and hiking opportunities.
Hoorn
A charming port in West Friesland with many historic buildings and residences dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
A charming port in West Friesland with many historic buildings and residences dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
West Frisian Islands
This is the Dutch part of the archipelago stretching from the Netherlands to Denmark along the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea. Several islands, including the best-known, Texel, are popular for their dune landscapes, beaches, and hiking opportunities. There are also two or three nature reserves with seals and birds.
This is the Dutch part of the archipelago stretching from the Netherlands to Denmark along the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea. Several islands, including the best-known, Texel, are popular for their dune landscapes, beaches, and hiking opportunities. There are also two or three nature reserves with seals and birds.
Kinderdijk-Elshout
On the outskirts of Rotterdam, this site offers the traditional image of windmills lining canals. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
On the outskirts of Rotterdam, this site offers the traditional image of windmills lining canals. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Hague
The seat of government and the monarchy, The Hague (also called Den Haag) is nevertheless only the administrative capital of the country. It boasts various historic buildings and fine architecture, as well as several interesting museums.
The seat of government and the monarchy, The Hague (also called Den Haag) is nevertheless only the administrative capital of the country. It boasts various historic buildings and fine architecture, as well as several interesting museums.
Marken
One of the charming villages near Edam-Volendam that, just as much if not more, deserves a visit for its setting and the hidden old-world charm of its wooden houses.
One of the charming villages near Edam-Volendam that, just as much if not more, deserves a visit for its setting and the hidden old-world charm of its wooden houses.
Middelburg
The "capital" of the province of Zeeland, in the south of the country. You’ll find some old buildings along the canals and a beautiful abbey.
The "capital" of the province of Zeeland, in the south of the country. You’ll find some old buildings along the canals and a beautiful abbey.
Rotterdam
Europe’s largest port (and the world’s third-largest) is also a lively city renowned for its museums and bold, original architecture.
Europe’s largest port (and the world’s third-largest) is also a lively city renowned for its museums and bold, original architecture.
Scheveningen
With its vast beach, it is the country's main seaside resort. It is officially part of The Hague.
With its vast beach, it is the country's main seaside resort. It is officially part of The Hague.
D.F. Wouda Steam Pumping Station
Located next to the small Frisian town of Lemmer, this is the oldest steam pumping station in the world in its category. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Located next to the small Frisian town of Lemmer, this is the oldest steam pumping station in the world in its category. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Zaanse Schans
Not far from Amsterdam, this is a small historic village ("open-air museum") heavily visited for its charming traditional houses and windmills. The site recreates what the region was like in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Not far from Amsterdam, this is a small historic village ("open-air museum") heavily visited for its charming traditional houses and windmills. The site recreates what the region was like in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Natural Heritage
Keukenhof
A stunning floral park where you can see tulips in full bloom in abundance around April. Keukenhof is part of the "bulb region" around Amsterdam where tulips are cultivated.
A stunning floral park where you can see tulips in full bloom in abundance around April. Keukenhof is part of the "bulb region" around Amsterdam where tulips are cultivated.
Frisian Lakes
This collection of around twenty small lakes in the southwest of Friesland province is a premier sailing destination in the country.
This collection of around twenty small lakes in the southwest of Friesland province is a premier sailing destination in the country.
Oosterschelde National Park
A marine park off the coast of the Zeeland islands, rich in birdlife and marine fauna. It’s also a great spot for diving.
A marine park off the coast of the Zeeland islands, rich in birdlife and marine fauna. It’s also a great spot for diving.
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park
On the outskirts of Haarlem, this coastal park is known for its forests, dunes, beaches, and hiking opportunities.
On the outskirts of Haarlem, this coastal park is known for its forests, dunes, beaches, and hiking opportunities.
Beemster Polder
Next to Amsterdam, this is the oldest polder in the world (1612) whose structure is still visible. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for this reason.
Next to Amsterdam, this is the oldest polder in the world (1612) whose structure is still visible. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for this reason.
Texel
The largest island in the Frisian archipelago stretching from the Netherlands to Denmark. Texel is quite touristy and popular for its dune landscapes, part of a national park. Visitors also come for its beaches and hiking opportunities.
The largest island in the Frisian archipelago stretching from the Netherlands to Denmark. Texel is quite touristy and popular for its dune landscapes, part of a national park. Visitors also come for its beaches and hiking opportunities.
Inland
Apeldoorn
A large city in the centre of the Netherlands, home to a beautiful royal palace with formal French gardens.
A large city in the centre of the Netherlands, home to a beautiful royal palace with formal French gardens.
Arnhem
The city was heavily destroyed during the war. Its primary tourist appeal lies in its location next to De Hoge Veluwe National Park.
The city was heavily destroyed during the war. Its primary tourist appeal lies in its location next to De Hoge Veluwe National Park.
Deventer
Right next to Apeldoorn, the city has old districts and buildings dating back to the medieval period.
Right next to Apeldoorn, the city has old districts and buildings dating back to the medieval period.
Eindhoven
A large modern city in the south of the Netherlands. Though it hosts several museums and cultural sites, it isn’t one of the most tourist-focused destinations.
A large modern city in the south of the Netherlands. Though it hosts several museums and cultural sites, it isn’t one of the most tourist-focused destinations.
Giethoorn
A charming (and sizeable) lakeside village in the north of the Netherlands, quite touristy.
A charming (and sizeable) lakeside village in the north of the Netherlands, quite touristy.
Gouda
Canals and historic buildings, but above all, worldwide fame thanks to the cheese of the same name, produced in this town near The Hague.
Canals and historic buildings, but above all, worldwide fame thanks to the cheese of the same name, produced in this town near The Hague.
Groningen
This lively university city has a few historic buildings and, like many other Dutch cities, canals you can stroll along.
This lively university city has a few historic buildings and, like many other Dutch cities, canals you can stroll along.
's-Hertogenbosch
One of the oldest Dutch cities, also known as Den Bosch. It features a historic center and a grand cathedral surrounded by ramparts.
One of the oldest Dutch cities, also known as Den Bosch. It features a historic center and a grand cathedral surrounded by ramparts.
Hilversum
Between Utrecht and Amsterdam, this rather upscale town is known for its early 20th-century architecture.
Between Utrecht and Amsterdam, this rather upscale town is known for its early 20th-century architecture.
Limburg
This is the southern "tip" of the country that juts into Belgium, with Maastricht as its capital. Its rolling landscape and hiking opportunities attract visitors. You can also see charming villages like Valkenburg, a few castles, and the Kerkrade monastery.
This is the southern "tip" of the country that juts into Belgium, with Maastricht as its capital. Its rolling landscape and hiking opportunities attract visitors. You can also see charming villages like Valkenburg, a few castles, and the Kerkrade monastery.
Maastricht
Best known for its European Treaty, the "capital" of Limburg is also a fortified medieval city with several museums.
Best known for its European Treaty, the "capital" of Limburg is also a fortified medieval city with several museums.
Nijmegen
It is the oldest municipality in the Netherlands, though almost no traces of its past remain. Today, the city is best known for the "Four Days Marches" (July), the world's largest walking event.
It is the oldest municipality in the Netherlands, though almost no traces of its past remain. Today, the city is best known for the "Four Days Marches" (July), the world's largest walking event.
Utrecht
The country's fourth-largest city, it has a large student population and a lively atmosphere. In addition to museums, you can admire renowned architecture, including the UNESCO-listed Rietveld Schröder House.
The country's fourth-largest city, it has a large student population and a lively atmosphere. In addition to museums, you can admire renowned architecture, including the UNESCO-listed Rietveld Schröder House.
Zwolle
This former Hanseatic city in the north of the Netherlands has preserved some beautiful remnants of that era.
This former Hanseatic city in the north of the Netherlands has preserved some beautiful remnants of that era.
Natural Heritage
De Groote Peel National Park
Straddling the provinces of Brabant and Limburg, these marshes and small lakes are a prime area for birds that come to nest here.
Straddling the provinces of Brabant and Limburg, these marshes and small lakes are a prime area for birds that come to nest here.
De Hoge Veluwe National Park
One of the Netherlands' largest natural parks, home to the Kröller-Müller Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of paintings. Located near Arnhem, it offers hiking and cycling opportunities.
One of the Netherlands' largest natural parks, home to the Kröller-Müller Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of paintings. Located near Arnhem, it offers hiking and cycling opportunities.
Drents-Friese Wold National Park
Woods and heathlands with cycling paths and hiking trails in this national park in the north of the Netherlands.
Woods and heathlands with cycling paths and hiking trails in this national park in the north of the Netherlands.
Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide Nature Reserve
This shared park between Belgium and the Netherlands consists mainly of heathlands.
This shared park between Belgium and the Netherlands consists mainly of heathlands.
Must-see & highly recommended
Amsterdam
★★★★ The Dutch capital is also the most visited city in the Netherlands for its architecture, monuments, UNESCO-listed canals, museums, and…
Amsterdam Canals
★★★★ This is what gives the city its unique character, earning it the nickname "Venice of the North." The canals and the beautiful facades…
Recommended
Delft
★★★ Canals, traditional architecture, and a historic centre, plus world-famous porcelain—this characterful city lies between The Hague…
Giethoorn
★★★ A charming (and sizeable) lakeside village in the north of the Netherlands, quite touristy.
West Frisian Islands
★★★ This is the Dutch part of the archipelago stretching from the Netherlands to Denmark along the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea. Several islands…
Marken
★★★ One of the charming villages near Edam-Volendam that, just as much if not more, deserves a visit for its setting and the hidden old-world…
Wadden Sea
★★★ From the Netherlands to Denmark via Germany, this coastal area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A tourist destination, it is home to…
Worth a look / Other
Alkmaar
★★ A charming town north of Amsterdam known for its cheese market and historic center built around canals.
Breda
★★ It's a large urban area near Belgium with an old city centre.
Dordrecht
★★ Large city southeast of Rotterdam with beautiful architecture, canals, and museums.
Edam-Volendam
★★ A small tourist port north of Amsterdam known for its beautiful traditional architecture and its cheese. Monnickendam, Broek in Waterland…
Enkhuizen
★★ North of Amsterdam, this charming port is home to an interesting open-air museum dedicated to local life and traditions.
Gouda
★★ Canals and historic buildings, but above all, worldwide fame thanks to the cheese of the same name, produced in this town near The Hague.
Groningen
★★ This lively university city has a few historic buildings and, like many other Dutch cities, canals you can stroll along.
Haarlem
★★ Canals, museums, and a beautiful 17th-century centre in this city just a short distance from Amsterdam. The outskirts of Haarlem are home…
Hoorn
★★ A charming port in West Friesland with many historic buildings and residences dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Keukenhof
★★ A stunning floral park where you can see tulips in full bloom in abundance around April. Keukenhof is part of the "bulb region" around…
The Hague
★★ The seat of government and the monarchy, The Hague (also called Den Haag) is nevertheless only the administrative capital of the country…
Leiden
★★ Universities, museums, and an old town centre for this city between Amsterdam and The Hague.
Maastricht
★★ Best known for its European Treaty, the "capital" of Limburg is also a fortified medieval city with several museums.
Middelburg
★★ The "capital" of the province of Zeeland, in the south of the country. You’ll find some old buildings along the canals and a…
De Hoge Veluwe National Park
★★ One of the Netherlands' largest natural parks, home to the Kröller-Müller Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of paintings…
Drents-Friese Wold National Park
★★ Woods and heathlands with cycling paths and hiking trails in this national park in the north of the Netherlands.
Rotterdam
★★ Europe’s largest port (and the world’s third-largest) is also a lively city renowned for its museums and bold, original…
Scheveningen
★★ With its vast beach, it is the country's main seaside resort. It is officially part of The Hague.
Texel
★★ The largest island in the Frisian archipelago stretching from the Netherlands to Denmark. Texel is quite touristy and popular for its dune…
Utrecht
★★ The country's fourth-largest city, it has a large student population and a lively atmosphere. In addition to museums, you can admire…
Zaanse Schans
★★ Not far from Amsterdam, this is a small historic village ("open-air museum") heavily visited for its charming traditional houses and…
Zandvoort
★★ A popular seaside resort due to its proximity to Amsterdam.
Apeldoorn
★ A large city in the centre of the Netherlands, home to a beautiful royal palace with formal French gardens.
Arnhem
★ The city was heavily destroyed during the war. Its primary tourist appeal lies in its location next to De Hoge Veluwe National Park.
Deventer
★ Right next to Apeldoorn, the city has old districts and buildings dating back to the medieval period.
Afsluitdijk Dam
★ At 32 km, it is the longest dam in the country, linking the peninsula north of Amsterdam to Friesland. The Netherlands has many other dams…
Efteling
★ Located in the south of the country, it is one of Europe's most important theme parks.
Eindhoven
★ A large modern city in the south of the Netherlands. Though it hosts several museums and cultural sites, it isn’t one of the most…
Enschede
★ An industrial and commercial city in the east, on the German border.
Forts of the Amsterdam Defence Line
★ This is a series of military structures and small fortifications built around Amsterdam in the late 19th to early 20th century. The entire…
's-Hertogenbosch
★ One of the oldest Dutch cities, also known as Den Bosch. It features a historic center and a grand cathedral surrounded by ramparts.
Hilversum
★ Between Utrecht and Amsterdam, this rather upscale town is known for its early 20th-century architecture.
Kinderdijk-Elshout
★ On the outskirts of Rotterdam, this site offers the traditional image of windmills lining canals. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Frisian Lakes
★ This collection of around twenty small lakes in the southwest of Friesland province is a premier sailing destination in the country.
Leeuwarden
★ The capital of Friesland has a small medieval centre.
Limburg
★ This is the southern "tip" of the country that juts into Belgium, with Maastricht as its capital. Its rolling landscape and hiking…
Rietveld Schröder House in Utrecht
★ Built in 1924, this house is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architectural value.
Nijmegen
★ It is the oldest municipality in the Netherlands, though almost no traces of its past remain. Today, the city is best known for the "Four…
De Groote Peel National Park
★ Straddling the provinces of Brabant and Limburg, these marshes and small lakes are a prime area for birds that come to nest here.
Oosterschelde National Park
★ A marine park off the coast of the Zeeland islands, rich in birdlife and marine fauna. It’s also a great spot for diving.
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park
★ On the outskirts of Haarlem, this coastal park is known for its forests, dunes, beaches, and hiking opportunities.
Beemster Polder
★ Next to Amsterdam, this is the oldest polder in the world (1612) whose structure is still visible. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage…
Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide Nature Reserve
★ This shared park between Belgium and the Netherlands consists mainly of heathlands.
Schokland
★ This former island is home to a UNESCO-listed archaeological site and its museum.
Sittard
★ A mid-sized city in Limburg with a small historic centre.
D.F. Wouda Steam Pumping Station
★ Located next to the small Frisian town of Lemmer, this is the oldest steam pumping station in the world in its category. It is a UNESCO…
Tilburg
★ A large city in the south of the Netherlands, between Breda and Eindhoven.
Van Nelle Factory in Rotterdam
★ The building, constructed between 1925 and 1931, is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its architectural value.
Zwolle
★ This former Hanseatic city in the north of the Netherlands has preserved some beautiful remnants of that era.
- Alkmaar
- Amsterdam
- Delft
- Afsluitdijk Dam
- Edam-Volendam
- Enkhuizen
- Forts of the Amsterdam Defence Line
- Haarlem
- Hoorn
- West Frisian Islands
- Kinderdijk-Elshout
- The Hague
- Leeuwarden
- Middelburg
- Rotterdam
- Scheveningen
- Schokland
- D.F. Wouda Steam Pumping Station
- Zaanse Schans
- Zandvoort
- Keukenhof
- Frisian Lakes
- Oosterschelde National Park
- Zuid-Kennemerland National Park
- Beemster Polder
- Texel
- Apeldoorn
- Arnhem
- Breda
- Deventer
- Dordrecht
- Efteling
- Eindhoven
- Enschede
- Giethoorn
- Gouda
- Groningen
- Hilversum
- Limburg
- Maastricht
- Nijmegen
- Sittard
- Tilburg
- Utrecht
- De Groote Peel National Park
- De Hoge Veluwe National Park
- Drents-Friese Wold National Park
- Marken
- Leiden
- 's-Hertogenbosch
- Zwolle