Most Beautiful Places in Netherlands to Visit This Year

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinderdijk features 19 historic windmills dating back to the 18th century. Located near Rotterdam, it's one of the most iconic and beautiful places in the Netherlands, especially at sunrise or sunset when the reflections dance on the canals. It’s a perfect place to learn about traditional Dutch water management.

Once an island, now connected by a causeway, Marken is a picture-perfect fishing village known for its green wooden houses and maritime heritage. Located on the Markermeer Lake, it’s a scenic escape from nearby Amsterdam and one of the most authentic and beautiful parts of the Netherlands. Visit the local museum or walk the dike to the lighthouse.

A hidden gem near Alkmaar, De Rijp is a small village that feels frozen in time. Its beautifully preserved wooden houses, bridges, and canals make it one of the most beautiful villages in the Netherlands. It’s quiet, quaint, and perfect for a peaceful stroll through historic streets.

Alkmaar is best known for its historic cheese market, but the town also boasts beautiful canals, old merchant houses, and interesting museums. Located north of Amsterdam, it’s a great spot for a scenic day trip. The cobblestone streets and traditional Dutch ambiance make it one of the most charming cities in the Netherlands.

Beyond its famous cheese, Gouda is a delightful town with canals, cobbled streets, and a magnificent Gothic town hall. Located near Rotterdam, it’s one of the nicest places to go in the Netherlands if you want authentic Dutch charm without big-city crowds. Don’t miss the traditional cheese market if you’re visiting between April and August.

Just 20 minutes from Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum filled with traditional windmills, wooden houses, and artisan workshops. It's a classic Dutch scene and one of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands for first-time visitors. You can watch wooden clogs being made, sample local cheese, and enjoy a walk along the waterfront.

A haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, Oostvaardersplassen is a unique nature reserve located between Lelystad and Almere. It features wetlands, reed fields, and wild herds of deer and Konik horses. This lesser-known spot is one of the most beautiful parts of the Netherlands for nature lovers and a great example of successful rewilding.

Near the German border, the star-shaped fortress village of Bourtange is a living museum surrounded by moats and historic walls. Located in the province of Groningen, it’s one of the most unusual yet attractive places in the Netherlands, especially for history lovers. The entire village has been restored to its 18th-century glory and offers a truly immersive experience.

Adjacent to Veluwezoom, the Hoge Veluwe is another natural gem in Gelderland. This national park features forests, dunes, and heathlands, and is also home to the Kröller-Müller Museum, which houses works by Van Gogh. Free white bicycles are available for visitors to explore the park’s trails.

Castle De Haar is the largest and one of the most opulent castles in the Netherlands, located just outside Utrecht in Haarzuilens. Originally built in the 14th century and extensively restored in the late 19th century, it features dramatic neo-Gothic architecture, lush gardens, and a moat. Surrounded by lush gardens, moats, and a landscaped park, the castle offers visitors a glimpse into aristocratic life.

Known as the “Venice of the North,” Giethoorn is a postcard-perfect village in the province of Overijssel. With its quiet canals, charming thatched-roof cottages, and car-free atmosphere, it’s undoubtedly one of the most attractive places in the Netherlands. Visitors can rent whisper boats or explore by foot via quaint wooden bridges. It's a serene and romantic destination ideal for slow travel.

Located in the eastern province of Gelderland, Veluwezoom National Park is one of the most beautiful parts of the Netherlands, especially in late summer when the purple heather blooms across rolling hills. With its dense forests, wild deer, and panoramic viewpoints like Posbank, this is a dream for hikers and nature photographers. It's also the oldest national park in the country, offering a rare glimpse into the Dutch wilderness.

Known For : Rijksmuseum Van Gogh Museum Anne Frank House

Amsterdam is located in the western part of the Netherlands. The city is built around a network of canals and is known for its rich history, charming canals, artistic heritage, and liberal culture. Amsterdam offers a unique and memorable experience for every visitor.

Best Time: March to September

47 Amsterdam Attractions

Known For : Nieuwe Church Prinsenhof Museum Old Church

Delft is a cosy little town in South Holland, known best for its technological university and lively student culture. You'll be acquainted with the rich history of this side of Holland, and also the works from the Dutch Golden Age. Delft is an amazing place for a few days of recreation.

Best Time: May to July

13 Delft Attractions

The Binnenhof is a complex of buildings next to the Hofvijver Lake, a Court Pond. The most attractive part of the complex is the Gothic Ridderzaal also known as the 'Hall of Knights', originally built as a ballroom, which today sets up the center of the Binnenhof. This Gothic-style structure, originally built in the 13th century, surrounds the Hofvijver lake, offering picturesque views and a rich political history.

Keukenhof is one of the largest flower gardens in the world, located in the town Lisse of South Holland, Netherlands. This park opens annually every spring just in time when Dutch flowers bloom. Keukenhof is one of the most lively places during springtime.

Jordaan is one of Amsterdam's most picturesque and sought-after neighborhoods, known for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. It is a trendy district filled with art galleries, independent boutiques, cozy cafés, and excellent restaurants. Its labyrinth of streets, called "hofjes," are dotted with hidden courtyards, canals, and charming bridges, making it a favorite for leisurely exploration. It’s busier near major attractions like the Anne Frank House and during market days.