Must-Visit Destinations in the Netherlands for a Memorable Trip
While most travelers think of Amsterdam when thinking of the Netherlands, there are other fabulous spots to visit. Check out the modern city of Rotterdam with its unique architecture and incredible museums and galleries.
Located alongside the Spaarne River, Haarlem is a testament to the Dutch Golden Age. The town’s historic streets are a delight to walk.
Rotterdam
The port city of Rotterdam has long been a champion of innovation in architectural design. Its skyline is dotted with modern cube buildings that embody a Dutch Functionalist style. The city also has many museums and cafes that are sure to appeal to visitors. Visiting the Het Nieuwe Institute, for example, is a great way to learn more about the city's history and culture. Other museums include the Sonneveld House, which is an example of a modern house, and the Chabot Museum, which features artworks by Henk Chabot.
The Maritime District is also well worth a visit, as it consists of a historic marina filled with ships. Among the most popular attractions in this district is the Maritime Museum Rotterdam, which houses collections of historical ship models and paintings. There is even a recreation of a 2,000-year-old vessel. Guests can tour the Maritime District on foot, by car, or by water taxi.
Rotterdam is also a hub for contemporary art and culture. The Rotterdam Public Library is home to a collection of books that spans all genres and is located in the heart of the city. The Rotterdam City Museum has a vast collection of artwork, including works by artists such as Van Gogh and Magritte.
The city's architecture is truly impressive and there are many places to explore. Among the most notable is the Markthal, which is an innovative building that combines market space, shops, restaurants, and apartments. The building's massive ceiling features a kaleidoscope of fruits, vegetables, and other foods. This unique structure is an architectural wonder and it's a must-see when traveling to Rotterdam. The city also has a variety of shopping areas that offer a wide selection of goods. Those looking for designer clothing can check out the stores on the Witte de With Street, while those who want to shop locally should visit Van Oldenbarneveltstraat.
Leiden
The enchanting Dutch city of Leiden is one of the country’s most well-preserved historic cities. It is the birthplace of Rembrandt and home to some of the oldest university buildings in Europe, but it also has a young and lively vibe due to its student population. A compact fortified town, it’s easy to explore on foot and wander along its streets while discovering its history through its architecture.
The main draw of the city is its gorgeous canal-side streets, and it’s a great option for those who want to escape the crowds of Amsterdam. You can take a boat tour to see the city from a different angle and admire its famous houses and monuments, or rent your little boat and roam around. There are also several options for guided tours and even private canal cruises.
Another must-visit attraction is the Moorspoort, a beautiful city gate that dates back to 1619. It was once part of the fortifications and is now one of only two surviving gates that are located outside the city center. It’s a lovely place to stroll around and enjoy the views of the city rooftops and St. Peter’s Church in particular.
During my visit, I also took a walk through the old city walls and was able to climb to the top of the Burcht. It’s an impressive structure that sits atop an old motte, offering sweeping views of the city skyline and its rooftops. It’s a wonderful spot to enjoy the fresh air and watch the students of Leiden go about their daily lives.
For some delicious Dutch treats, I highly recommend visiting Lot & de Walvis, a cozy restaurant situated in the former head office of Leiden’s steamboat company. The interior screams bohemian vibes and its menu lets you travel around the world via its various dishes. It’s a great place to relax with a beer and soak up the atmosphere.
You can travel to the Netherlands on a budget with a Travel Coupon Code! Look for affordable accommodations like hostels or budget hotels, and consider using public transportation instead of taxis. There are also plenty of free or inexpensive activities to do in the Netherlands, such as visiting museums on free admission days or exploring beautiful parks and canals. Make sure to research any discounts or deals available with your travel coupon before booking.
Delft
The Dutch city of Delft is a delightful place to spend some time. Located between Rotterdam and The Hague, this historic town is home to the famous blue-and-white pottery or Delftware. Known for its exquisite beauty and craftsmanship, the ceramics are sold throughout the world and remain a popular tourist attraction. Unlike Amsterdam, which is overrun by tourists, Delft offers a more authentic feel.
The historic old town is compact and easy to walk around. It is filled with charming narrow streets and canals that are perfectly preserved. Delft is also home to a few museums, including the New Church and Vermeer Centrum, where you can see where Vermeer lived and worked. The city is also home to the famous porcelain factory, which has been making Delftware for over 400 years.
In the spring, visitors can visit the tulip gardens. This is a major tourist attraction, and the Netherlands has several beautiful tulip fields, such as the Keukenhof and Noordoostpolder tulip fields. Other notable landmarks in the city include the Dom Tower, which is the tallest church spire in Europe.
Other highlights of the city include the Delft Historical Museum, which is housed in a former town hall and features rotating exhibitions on the history of the city. The Royal Museum of Fine Arts is another must-visit destination, which includes a permanent collection of paintings by Rembrandt and other Dutch masters.
The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and has a unique cosmopolitan feel while remaining quintessentially Dutch. The city is home to many interesting buildings and monuments, including the Mauritshuis and Escher museums. It is also a center for international law and has an abundance of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Haarlem
Haarlem is a charming Dutch city that is best explored on foot or by bike. The city is home to many historic buildings and is known for its beautiful architecture. One of the most famous landmarks in the city is the Grote Markt Square. This is where the city hall of Haarlem is located and it is a popular tourist attraction for its stunning architecture.
The Frans Hals Museum is another must-visit destination for art lovers visiting Haarlem. This museum is dedicated to the work of the 17th-century portrait painter Frans Hals and houses a large collection of his works. The museum also has other paintings by Dutch masters from a similar time. It is a great way to learn about Dutch history and culture.
Haarlem’s streets are lined with different shops that offer a variety of items, including unique souvenirs. It is a great place to shop for those who love to spend money on a unique item.
Besides the shopping, Haarlem offers many other activities that will make your trip to the Netherlands unforgettable. The city has many museums and theaters that are worth visiting. The Museum of Modern Art and the Schuur Theatre are among the most popular attractions in Haarlem.
Belvilla Coupon Codes can provide discounts on vacation rentals in the Netherlands through their website. This can help make budget travel more affordable. It is important to research the location and amenities of the vacation rental before booking to ensure it meets your needs. Additionally, consider using public transportation or renting a bike to save money on transportation costs while exploring the Netherlands.
If you are a fan of music, you can visit the Philharmonie Haarlem. This venue features five different performance venues for acts of all sizes. It also hosts performances by the Dutch Philharmonic Orchestra. You can also see a concert at the Theater de Liefde, which is home to a variety of different musical productions.
The Netherlands is a country that is well-known for its tulips, clogs, and Delft pottery, but it’s just as important to explore the lesser-known cities and towns. Haarlem is a city that is rich in Dutch culture and history, and it’s an ideal place for a relaxing vacation.
Amsterdam
With countless neighborhoods boasting impeccable museums, leafy parks, and hip shops, it’s easy to see why Amsterdam is a perennial favorite among travelers. But the city’s enduring appeal also stems from a wealth of one-of-a-kind experiences that will make your trip memorable.
If art is your thing, start with the Van Gogh Museum, which houses a staggering collection of the painter’s works (including The Potato Eaters, Self-Portrait as a Painter, and Sunflowers). This museum in the aptly named Museumplein is best visited in the morning when crowds are at their lowest.
Another must-see is the Anne Frank House, a house museum that packs an emotional punch. Be guided through the secret passageways and doorways that kept Anne and her family hidden from Nazis, and see magazine cuttings still pasted to the walls.
But don’t discount a visit to the more contemporary Stedelijk Museum, which boasts a vast series of exhibitions that range from works by Roy Lichtenstein and Piet Mondrian to the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh paintings. This museum, in the Museum District, is a popular destination for locals and return visitors alike.
And if beer is your drink of choice, a must-visit is the Heineken Experience. This brewery tour and tasting experience is more than just a walk through the building; it’s an immersive adventure that culminates in a pint of the stuff.
While many may deem Amsterdam’s chilly winter climate to be less than ideal for a holiday, this season is a great time to visit. While there will certainly be fewer tourists than in the summer, it’s still warm enough to explore on bike or foot and enjoy the sparkling frozen canals and festive spirit of the city.
Conclusion
The Rotterdam City Museum has a vast collection of artwork, including works by artists such as Van Gogh and Magritte. Leiden The enchanting Dutch city of Leiden is one of the country’s most well-preserved historic cities. Other highlights of the city include the Delft Historical Museum, which is housed in a former town hall and features rotating exhibitions on the history of the city.
