Top 7 Cities in the Netherlands that you must visit: After months of uncertainty, the Dutch government has finally clarified the new entry requirements for non-EU citizens arriving in the Netherlands.
From March 23, all arrivals in the country will be allowed entry – without showing evidence of coronavirus vaccination, recovery, or a negative test result.
The news came as a relief to the country’s battered tourism sector, which saw a 45% drop in the number of travelers entering the country in the summer of 2020.
So, with entry reopened, we’ve rounded up the top seven destinations for tourists looking to rediscover windmill country.
Top 7 Cities in the Netherlands that you must visit
- Rotterdam
Today Rotterdam, once a simple fishing village, today is the most modern city in the Netherlands. Cyclist-friendly and largely pedestrian, the port city boasts an impressive range of culturally diverse areas for tourists to explore on their own.
The popular Delfshafen area is where pilgrims departed in 1620, and its summer festival attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Near Europe’s largest harbor are the Erasmus Bridge, the city’s most recognizable landmark and a symbol of the country’s maritime past.
But if culture is more your thing, don’t forget to spend some time at the Boijmans van Beuningen Museum, a world-famous art gallery displaying masterpieces from artists such as Dali, Van Gogh, and Rembrandt.
- Groningen
Known for its university culture, this small but bustling city is the most popular destination for travelers exploring the northern Netherlands.
Museum-lovers will be in their element as they stroll through the Groningen Museum, one of the most modern galleries in all of Holland. And popular nightlife spots like the Grote Markt offer party-goers the chance to unwind.
Tucked away among the city’s cozy alleyways are countless coffee shops with a variety of live music, local delicacies, and everything in between.
- Haarlem
Haarlem is informally called Blumenstad, or “flower city”. This is not surprising, because it is the administrative center of the region for growing tulip bulbs.
It hosts the annual Blumenkorso Parade, a colorful festival of flowers that marks the beginning of spring in the medieval city.
Tourists can hop on a bike and reach the beach on the banks of the Spaarne river in less than half an hour. From here you have a fantastic view of the sand dunes of Kennemerduinen.
But if you’re looking for a quiet city break, fear not. Haarlem boasts a fine selection of shops, stunning architecture, and museums in the city’s famous Grote Markt, a predominantly pedestrian area with cobbled streets and a magnificent Gothic church.
- Utrecht
Utrecht boasts the largest university in the Netherlands, but we think you should visit this medieval city for more than just that.
Considered the fourth happiest place in the world, this beautiful city can be the perfect place to visit if you want to get rid of the winter blues.
A short walk along the Oudegracht – the city’s stunning network of tree-lined canals – should be enough to put a smile on your face. But if you still need to cheer up, be sure to stop at the terrace by the water along the way, where locally produced beer and Dutch waffles will cheer up even the most gloomy travelers.
- Hague
The Hague is arguably one of the most famous cities in the Netherlands and for good reason.
Known for being home to the Dutch Parliament and the International Court of Justice, The Hague is more associated with news than travel wish lists.
But take a closer look, and The Hague has much more to offer than just its political connotations.
Visitors to the region can enjoy their time on the North Sea coast, where spectacular beaches stretch for miles. And if you’re an adrenaline junkie, head to Scheveningen Pier, where the Netherlands’ only bungee jumping center allows travelers to dive 60 meters into the ocean at breakneck speed.
After all, this, do not forget to climb the 132-meter Hague Tower at the end of the day, where you can enjoy drinks and dinner on the 42nd floor of the building.
Who said a trip to The Hague has to be boring?
- Keukenhof
No trip to the Netherlands would be complete without seeing tulips, and where better to see them than in the most beautiful spring garden in the world.
Located less than an hour from Amsterdam, the Garden of Europe is one of the largest flower gardens in the world, spanning 32 hectares and boasting over seven million stunning flowers each year.
While you’re there, be sure to visit the historic windmills along the banks of the nearby Zaan River. These places of worship were once used to divert water from flooded fields, fueling the growth of the Netherlands’ infamous tulip economy. They can now enter for free, offering a unique insight into the history of this colorful region.
- Amsterdam
Last but not least, Amsterdam, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
The city is known for its festive atmosphere, cannabis practice, and red-light district. Look deeper, however, and the capital of the Netherlands has much more to offer than its nightlife reputation allows.
Along with its beautiful canal rings, lazy parks, and fragrant flower markets, attractions like the Huis Marseille photography museum provide the perfect getaway for culture lovers.
Like anywhere else in the Netherlands, cycling is king in the capital of the Netherlands, so don’t forget to ride the city’s intricate network of tree-lined canals as you explore Amerstadam’s Old Town.
In the historic center with dozens of islands and hundreds of bridges, many tourists spend their time enjoying a canal cruise, admiring the coastal architecture, or visiting the city’s impressive array of art galleries.
Similar Articles
