The Dutch are famous for many things, including their tulips, wooden clogs, affinity for cheese,
windmills, and the oldest stock exchange in Europe. But one of their most endearing
qualities is that they're always willing to help visitors feel right at home.
And what better way to do this than by showing visitors around their glorious country?
From picturesque villages and charming canals to trendy cities and gorgeous landscapes,
this country has something for everyone. So if you're looking for a European vacation
destination that blends off the beaten path with modern marvels, and unique culture,
be sure to add the Netherlands to your list.
In this video, I'm going to show you the 10 best places in the Netherlands that are
perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway. Hallo en Welkom, it’s me, James, and in thiss
video, we're going to take a look at ten of the most beautiful and iconic destinations in
the Netherlands. I'll be giving you some tips on how to make your time even more enjoyable if you
decide to visit some of these amazing places. Make sure to subscribe to the ViaTravelers
YouTube channel to get these amazing travel video updates right when they go live. Just
click that shiny red "SUBSCRIBE" button below. Let's get into our favorite places to visit
in the Netherlands. 1. Keukenhof
The Keukenhof is a lovely botanical garden in the lively Dutch city of Lisse.
A trip to the Netherlands isn’t complete without visiting this quintessentially Dutch attraction.
Also known as the Garden of Europe, or Flower City, it’s the world's largest flower garden,
and is just as often referred to as such in place of its name.
This 32-hectare park is famous for its spectacular blooms. It operates only during the spring,
when about 7 million tulips bloom, making it a colorful and movingly beautiful experience.
2. Rotterdam The historic town of
Rotterdam is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the Netherlands. It's known for its
contrast of old and cutting-edge architecture, trendy nightlife, and delicious food scene.
Rotterdam was founded in the mid 13th Century as fishing town, and rapidly grew into a prosperous
city. By the early 20th century, it was one of the most important commercial ports in the world.
Due to its significance Rotterdam was hotly contested and heavily damaged during World War II,
meaning much of the city had to be rebuilt. This led to a period of great innovation in
architecture, and Rotterdam is now known for its unique and often controversial buildings.
Today, Rotterdam is a lively and cosmopolitan city catering to all sorts. It's home to some
of the best restaurants in the Netherlands, and its vibrant nightlife is legendary.
There are also plenty of cultural attractions, from museums to theaters.
There's always something to do in Rotterdam, so you'll never find yourself bored. Some of the
city's top attractions include the Erasmus Bridge, the Cube Houses, and the Markthal.
3. Alkmaar Alkmaar is a beautiful town near
the capital city of Amsterdam that's well worth a visit. We’ve spent quite a bit of time here, which
you can check out in another one of our videos! The town has a long and fascinating history.
It was first settled by the Frisians in the 7th century, and over the years it
has been ruled by the Spanish, the French, the Nazis and of course the Dutch. Today,
it's a popular tourist destination thanks to its old-world charm and its well-preserved
historical buildings and traditions. This lovely town is home to scenic canals,
magnificent old buildings, and it’s ancient and thriving cheese market,
which I’ve harped on about before. So if you're looking for a charming European town
to explore, be sure to add Alkmaar to your list. 4. Amsterdam
The Dutch capital of Amsterdam is a must-visit destination in Europe for any traveler.
Amsterdam is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world,
and for good reason. This fascinating city is home to a rich history, interesting architecture,
and a nightlife that has few rivals anywhere in the world.
Amsterdammers are famously friendly folks and they certainly know how to have a good time.
Amsterdam is primarily known for its canals, lined with charming old buildings and bicycles.
Be sure to watch our Amsterdam canal cruise tour video if you want to see why the canals
of Amsterdam are so special. This vibrant, joyful city
is home to a wealth of interesting famous attractions, including the Anne Frank House,
the Rijksmuseum, and the Van Gogh Museum. But it’s not all history and high culture;
Amsterdam is also home to the Heiniken Experience, the Sex Museum and some
of the most banging nightclubs on the planet. Beyond this, Amsterdam is great city for people
who love the outdoors. The city is home to several legendary parks, places to enjoy a good stroll,
and even places to kayak. 5. The Hague
The Hague is another one of the most popular places to visit in the Netherlands.
This city is home to the Dutch parliament, as well as a number of important international
organizations like the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.
The Hague is also known for its beautiful architecture,
lovely canals, and trendy restaurants and bars. A must-see is the magnificent Binnenhof complex
in The Hague, a grand ancient structure and one of the country's most famous landmarks.
It's also known as Het Binnenhof, or Inner Court - Hall of Knights, named after its inner courtyard.
The Binnenhof has long served as the country's political nerve center for centuries,
and does so to this day. It's the meeting place for members of the Dutch parliament,
as well as the Office of the Prime Minister. 6. Kinderdijk
Kinderdijk is a village in the Netherlands famous for its stunning collection of historic windmills,
most originating from the 18th century, designed to help manage water levels around the village.
Today, the village is a popular tourist attraction, and designated
a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The windmills at Kinderdijk are a must-see for
any visitor to the Netherlands. These stunning mills offer beautiful views of the surrounding
countryside, and they also demonstrate how the Dutch have controlled and used their amazing
waterworks for centuries. 7. Haarlem
Located just a few miles outside of Amsterdam, Haarlem is a charming Dutch
town that's ideal for day trips from the capital. With its narrow streets,
quaint canals, and impressive architecture, a day in Haarlem feels like a step back in time.
Haarlem is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands,
dating back to at least the 10th Century. Over the centuries, it has been ruled by the Dutch,
and Spanish, and has played a significant role in both Dutch and European history.
Today, Haarlem is a popular tourist destination thanks to its charming
old-world atmosphere and its many historical attractions, including the Teylers Museum
(the oldest museum in the Netherlands) and the Grote Kerk (the largest church in Haarlem).
There's also plenty to see and do in Haarlem, from visiting the city's many museums to taking
a stroll through its beautiful botanical gardens. 8. Utrecht
Utrecht is another city well known for its beautiful canals
and charming architecture. In fact, it's often referred to as the "City of Canals."
But there's much more to Utrecht than its waterways; this city is also home to a
lively culture and some excellent restaurants. It was originally founded by the Romans in the
year 47 AD, and like many Dutch cities, it has been ruled by a variety of different
nations and empires over the centuries. Utrecht is home to a large number of
colleges and universities, which makes it a popular destination for students. In fact,
the city is sometimes referred to as the "student capital of the Netherlands."
Utrecht University is the largest and most famous institution of higher education in the city.
Other notable schools include the Hogeschool Utrecht and the Rijksuniversiteit Utrecht.
So If you're looking for a college town with vibrant nightlife and plenty of things to do
outside of typical Amsterdam, look no further. 9. Texel Island
Texel Island is one of the most beautiful places in the Netherlands,
and it's definitely worth a visit! It’s known for its stunning natural scenery,
consisting of rolling hills, sandy beaches, and dense forests. There are plenty of quaint
villages and charming canals to explore too. Texel Island is a beloved Dutch weekend getaway
destination from Amsterdam and locals and visitors alike flock to the island in the summer months.
The Island is known for its beautiful beaches, and there are plenty of them to choose from.
Some of the best beaches on the island include De Koog, De Waal,
and Oudeschild. De Koog is a popular family beach with a wide range of activities available,
including windsurfing, kiteboarding, and sailing. De Waal is a more secluded beach
that's perfect for a romantic getaway, and Oudeschild is great for fishing and swimming.
10. De Hoge Veluwe National Park The Hoge Veluwe National Park is a beautiful
nature reserve in the central Netherlands. It's famous for its stunning landscapes, picturesque
hills, verdant forests, and tranquil canals. And if you're a fan of wildlife, you'll be thrilled
to know that the park is home to a variety of animals, including deer, foxes and wild boar.
From Amsterdam, you can take a train to access the park. The journey will take
about an hour and a half, so be sure to bring a book or something to keep you occupied.
You may recognize a few landscapes while you're at the park, as it's known to be
the inspiration of several masterpieces from the legendary Dutch painter, Vincent Van Gogh.
Finale Most people only think
about Amsterdam when they hear the Netherlands, but the Netherlands is a beautiful country with
plenty to offer tourists and continues to be vastly underrated to visit. Whether you're looking
for charming villages, trendy cities, or gorgeous landscapes, you'll find it all here - accompanied
by the ever delightful hospitality of the Dutch. So if you're planning a European vacation this
year, be sure to add the Netherlands to your list. So long from ViaTravelers. Cheerio.