The Prettiest Places and Best Cities to Visit in the Netherlands in 2026
Planning a trip to the Netherlands? From bustling cities to charming towns, there’s so much to explore. Discover 11 must-visit places, including some of the country’s most popular cities as well as its most beautiful hidden gems.
From the canals of Amsterdam to the historic windmills at Zaanse Schans, this ultimate guide highlights the best attractions and experiences across the Netherlands.
Book your flights, accommodation, and tours, and get ready to explore the country’s top cities and sights. Looking for something off the beaten path? Check out secret spots, famous Dutch castles, the best sandy beaches, and all the top things to do in the Netherlands. Your next Dutch adventure awaits!
1. Amsterdam
Amsterdam: The Must-Visit City in the Netherlands
No trip to the Netherlands is complete without exploring its vibrant capital, Amsterdam, one of the most beautiful places in the country. Amsterdam is everything you imagine and more. It’s a cultural hub, home to world-famous museums like the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, and the Van Gogh Museum.
If shopping is on your list, Amsterdam won’t disappoint. Check out the stunning Magna Plaza shopping center, one of Europe’s most beautiful malls, or explore bustling streets like Kalverstraat, Nieuwendijk, and PC Hooftstraat, some of the largest shopping streets on the continent. For a truly authentic experience, skip the clichés and explore the city by bike in a gentle, eco-friendly way to see Amsterdam like a local. Don’t forget to take a canal cruise for a unique perspective of this iconic city.
Getting there is easy: fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, and you can reach the city center in just 20 minutes by train. Book your flights, accommodation, and tours in advance to make the most of your visit.
Where to stay: “Eden Hotel Amsterdam” is situated in the heart of the city center.
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2. Keukenhof
Lisse: Home of the World-Famous Tulips
Just 45 minutes from Amsterdam by car or train, the charming town of Lisse is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the Netherlands. It’s best known for a spectacular event that draws visitors from all over the world: the blooming of tulips at Keukenhof Park, from mid-March to mid-May.
Here, you’ll discover hundreds of thousands of tulips in every imaginable color and variety. Each year, the Netherlands’ top tulip growers plant their most stunning bulbs, showcasing their expertise and beautiful collections for visitors and buyers alike.
To make your visit easy, you can book flights to Amsterdam along with accommodation and activities, such as the “From Amsterdam: Keukenhof entry ticket and transfers” package.
How to get there: Fly into Amsterdam and take a transfer directly to Keukenhof.
Where to stay: Treat yourself at the NH Collection Amsterdam Doelen, a legendary 5-star hotel where you can relax and enjoy a touch of luxury after your day among the tulips.
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3. Maastricht
Surrounded by Belgium and Germany, Maastricht is a welcoming, cosmopolitan city and is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands. It’s an ideal destination for shopping trips with friends or family. During the winter season, the Maastricht Christmas Market is especially popular and is considered one of the most charming Christmas markets in the country.
Getting there: You can fly to Maastricht Airport, which is about 15 minutes from the city center by car or around 40 minutes by public transport.
Where to stay: Dutch Maastricht is a good accommodation option, known for its tasteful décor and convenient location in the Wyck neighbourhood.
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4. Nijmegen
Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands, with a historic city center that features many significant landmarks. Alongside its rich past, the city also offers a vibrant and contemporary atmosphere. A large student population, regular events and festivals, distinctive local spots, and welcoming restaurants all contribute to the lively character of Nijmegen.
Visitors can unwind at the city beach along the River Waal or enjoy a drink at one of the many sidewalk cafés scattered throughout the city.
Shopping in Nijmegen includes a good mix of well-known brands and small, independent specialty stores, making it an enjoyable destination whether you are visiting for a day or staying for the weekend. There are also plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can stop for a meal or a drink.
How to get there: Fly into Eindhoven Airport or Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, then travel to Nijmegen city center by train in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Where to stay: Hotel Credible is located in one of the highest-rated areas of Nijmegen and is a convenient choice for exploring the city.
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5.Giethoorn: Steenwijkerland
Located about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Amsterdam by car, or around 2 hours by train, Giethoorn is often considered one of the most appealing places to visit in the Netherlands and is also known as a lesser-known destination for many travelers.
The village is known for its thatched-roof houses, quiet canals, and well-kept flower gardens, which give it a calm and romantic atmosphere. The canals were originally dug to allow the extraction of peat. The name “Giethoorn” comes from the Dutch word Geitenhoorns, referring to goat horns that were once found in the area.
If you are traveling by train from Amsterdam Central Station, take a train to Amersfoort, then continue to Steenwijk, followed by bus number 70 to Giethoorn. This option takes longer than driving but is a more environmentally friendly choice. You can also book organized tours in advance, such as a day trip from Amsterdam that includes travel by bus and a boat ride through the canals.
How to get there: Fly into Amsterdam and continue to Giethoorn by car, public transport, or an organized day tour by bus and boat.
Where to stay: Bed & Breakfast Giethoorn offers accommodation with views of the river.
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6. Zaanse Schans: Zaanstad
Zaanse Schans is a well-known village in the Netherlands, located about 20 minutes from Amsterdam’s historic city center. It can easily be reached by train from Amsterdam Sloterdijk or by car.
Visitors can explore the area on foot, by bike, or by boat, making it an easy and enjoyable destination for a short trip outside the city. With its traditional setting and open-air attractions, Zaanse Schans is often included on itineraries for travelers visiting the Netherlands. You can fly into Amsterdam and arrange your accommodation and tours in advance, including half-day excursions from the city to Zaanse Schans.
How to get there: Fly into Amsterdam and reach Zaanse Schans by train or car in approximately 20 minutes.
Where to stay: Zaanhof Luxurious Amsterdam Zaanse Schans Loft Apartment offers modern accommodation and includes facilities such as an outdoor fitness area and a hot tub.
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7. Utrecht
Located about one hour from Amsterdam, Utrecht is the fourth-largest city in the Netherlands and a popular destination for visitors. The city is well known for attractions such as De Haar Castle, which is considered one of the most impressive castles in the country. Utrecht also features scenic canals, botanical gardens, and a historic cathedral, all of which contribute to its appeal.
You can book flights to Amsterdam and choose from a wide range of accommodation options in Utrecht, including hotels, apartments, and bed and breakfasts.
How to get there: Fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and continue to Utrecht by public transport in about 30 minutes or by car in approximately 50 minutes.
Where to stay: Grand Hotel Karel V is situated in the historic center of Utrecht and offers a convenient base for exploring the city.
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8. Delft
Delft is a historic city in the Netherlands, known for its canals and traditional blue-and-white pottery, often referred to as Delftware. The canals give the city a character similar to Amsterdam, while its long-standing craft traditions have made it internationally recognized. Many people are familiar with Delft through the painting Girl with a Pearl Earring by Dutch Golden Age artist Johannes Vermeer, which has also inspired films and exhibitions connected to the city.
Delft is conveniently located close to Rotterdam-The Hague Airport, making it easy to reach for short visits or longer stays. You can book flights to Rotterdam-The Hague Airport and choose accommodation in either Rotterdam or Delft, along with tours and activities such as guided walking tours of the city.
How to get there: Fly into Rotterdam-The Hague Airport and reach Delft in about 15 minutes by car or bus.
Where to stay: Hotel Johannes Vermeer Delft is located in the city center and provides a convenient base for exploring Delft.
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9. The Hague
The Netherlands offers a wide variety of landscapes and cities, each with its own character. The Hague is internationally known for hosting major legal institutions and is a popular destination for visitors to the country.
For those traveling with family, Madurodam is a well-known attraction, featuring miniature replicas of famous Dutch cities and landmarks. Art enthusiasts may want to visit the Mauritshuis, which houses important 17th-century works, including paintings by Rembrandt and Johannes Vermeer. In the evening, visitors can enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel along the coast in the Scheveningen district.
You can book flights to Rotterdam–The Hague Airport, along with accommodation and tours in The Hague, including tickets to attractions such as Madurodam.
How to get there: Fly into Rotterdam The Hague Airport and reach the city center by car in about 30 minutes or by public transport in approximately 1 hour.
Where to stay: Hotel Indigo The Hague – Palace Noordeinde is a four-star boutique hotel set in a former bank building, located close to the city center.
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10. Rotterdam
Rotterdam is one of Europe’s major port cities and is also known for its modern character and distinctive architecture, making it a notable destination in the Netherlands. The port remains fully operational and has become a popular point of interest for visitors. Travelers can explore it through activities such as guided bike tours of the Port of Rotterdam.
The city is also well regarded for its contemporary architecture, which can be discovered on organized walking tours. You can book flights to Rotterdam–The Hague Airport, along with accommodation and a range of tours and activities throughout the city.
How to get there: Fly into Rotterdam The Hague Airport and reach the city center in about 15 minutes by car or around 20 minutes by public transport.
Where to stay: Stayokay Rotterdam is located in the city center and offers convenient access to many of Rotterdam’s main attractions.
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11. Leiden
Located about 30 minutes from Amsterdam by public transport, Leiden is often considered one of the most attractive cities in the Netherlands. It is a good destination for families, offering plenty of opportunities to walk along the canals, enjoy outdoor activities, or visit places such as the Leiden Botanical Garden.
Leiden’s city center is largely car-free, which makes it easy to explore on foot. Visitors arriving by car can park in one of the surrounding parking areas and continue into the center by bus. You can book flights to Amsterdam, along with accommodation and tours in Leiden or elsewhere in the Netherlands, including guided walking tours of the city.
How to get there: Fly into Amsterdam and reach Leiden by car in about 20 minutes or by train in approximately 15 minutes.
Where to stay: Boutique Hotel Steenhof Suites is known for its spacious rooms and convenient central location.
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