A visit to the Netherlands would not be complete without exploring its picture-perfect countryside. Dotted all along its coastlines and interiors are quaint, charming, and well-preserved villages with traditional buildings, lush greenery, cobbled streets, tiny houses, and lively markets. Not only are these villages scenic and pretty, but they also provide a remarkable view into Dutch culture and history. There are also hotels to stay while exploring some popular attractions. Most of these are within easy reach of major cities so you can easily plan day trips and experience a different side of the Netherlands. While the list of such villages worth exploring is long, we list the most beautiful villages in the Netherlands that are an absolute delight to discover.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 08, 2024.
1. Noordwijk (from USD 184)
Reasonable pricing for a beachfront hotel with sea views
Dog-friendly, free Wi-Fi, iron/ironing board, and tea-making facilities in rooms
Excellent location on the promenade near restaurants and shops, with easy access to the beach and public transport
Varied and delicious breakfast buffet, good value restaurant with excellent food
Located 34 kilometers (21.1 miles) from Amsterdam, it will take you more than an hour to reach Noordwijk. Pass by a vast land of flower-bulb fields when you travel to this flower seaside town. Enjoy gorgeous sights of magnificent woodlands, wide beaches, and rugged dunes.
This is a good place for families and friends who love fun and adventure under the sun. You can also explore a variety of water sports such as surfing and paddleboarding. It is also a hot spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing.
Prominent Inn Hotel
Address: Koningin Wilhelminaboulevard 4
8.46 km (5.3 mi) from Keukenhof
2. Lisse (from USD 162)
Lisse is located 27 kilometers (16.7 miles) from Amsterdam and 38 kilometers (23.6 miles) from Rotterdam. Get a chance to visit Keukenhof, one of the best-known flower gardens in the world. Keukenhof holds an annual flower parade in spring where you’ll get to experience being surrounded by its world-famous tulips.
You can take a romantic stroll along with the beautiful landscapes of Keukenhof Castle or explore the historic Museum de Zwarte Tulp. Lisse also features beautiful sandy beaches where you can enjoy swimming and sunbathing.
Tip from Content Creator
It's obligatory to visit a tulip field in the spring. If you’re wondering where to start, as there’s a lot of info online, we visited Lisse which was just a 30-minute drive from Amsterdam (or a short train ride if you prefer that). You can surely check out the Keukenhof one in Lisse. However, we’d heard that it’s best to visit the local area and stop off at the publicly accessible fields. We’re glad we chose this option (featured in the photo) as it looked much more relaxing and gave us all the time we wanted to enjoy these beauties!
Hotel de Duif Lisse - Schiphol
Address: Westerdreef 49
1.12 km (0.7 mi) from Keukenhof
3. Zaandam (from USD 194)
Great value for money, competitive pricing for spacious rooms
Modern amenities, Nespresso machine, clean and spacious rooms, convenient fridge in room
Perfect location near train station, easy access to Amsterdam and airport, close to shops and restaurants
Excellent breakfast options, nearby dining alternatives, some find hotel food prices high
Located 18.3 kilometers (11.4 miles) from Amsterdam, visit this historic city of Zaandam. Get that Dutch experience as you explore the beautiful windmill landscapes. Don’t forget to bring your cameras to capture the amazing sights and of course, take a good photo of yourself with the famous windmills around you.
Just like its neighboring places, Zaandam also offers views of tulip gardens and water sights. The place is also famous for its cheese-making factories, wooden shoes, and iconic Dutch fishing villages.
Zaan Hotel Amsterdam - Zaandam
Address: Ebbehout 22-40
25.98 km (16.2 mi) from Keukenhof
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4. Wassenaar (from USD 193)
Wassenaar, located 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) north of The Hague, is known for its prosperity and conspicuous wealth. This is a relatively small town, but it gains attention because of its great attractions such as beaches and museums. Spend your holiday in this beautiful town and experience the culture of the Netherlands’ western coast. In the town, you’ll find hotels and restaurants that you can explore. There are also theme parks that families with children would definitely enjoy.
Fletcher Boutique Hotel Duinoord
Address: Wassenaarseslag 26
17.41 km (10.9 mi) from Keukenhof
5. Volendam (from USD 64)
The pretty harbour town of Volendam is located around 20 km (12 mi) from Amsterdam by Lake Markermeer. A popular tourist destination, this fishing town is well-preserved with prettily coloured traditional wooden buildings lining the harbour promenade and old-style fishing boats on the docks. Walk along with De Dijk, the main harbour strip which is a busy riverfront having shopping spots, restaurants and cafes, and historic houses.
Keep an eye out for residents wearing traditional Dutch clothing, a unique aspect of this beautiful village in the Netherlands. Major attractions here include Volendam Museum which showcases the history of the village through displays as well as paintings and drawings of masters like Renoir who visited the city. Don’t miss out on sampling the awesome seafood that you will see in any one of the many restaurants scattered through the village.
Hotel Old Dutch
Address: Haven 142
43.57 km (27.1 mi) from Keukenhof
6. Schin op Geul (from USD 97)
Located around 3 km (1.8 mi) away from Valkenburg and 13 km(8 mi) from Maastricht, Schin op Geul is a charming village set amidst the rolling hills of Limburg. A hidden gem, this small town offers fantastic vistas to savour. It also makes for a wonderful rustic base to explore the surrounding attractions like Valkenburg Castle ruins. The remains of Valkenburg Castle will take you back to the Middle Ages as you explore its awe-inspiring interiors and learn about its exciting history. At the castle, you will also be able to visit Velvet Cave which is a network of secret underground passages underneath the ruins that are said to date to around the 11th or 12th century. Take the time to taste the famed local beer ‘Gulpener Beer’.
Hotel Salden
Address: 1A Tolhuisstraat
182.09 km (113.2 mi) from Keukenhof
7. Kinderdijk
The windmills of Kinderdijk have today become instantly recognisable as a symbol of the Netherlands. This network of 19 windmills was built in the 1700s to protect the village from the rising seas, showcasing the ingenuity and skills of the Dutch. Located around 15 km (9 mi) away from Rotterdam, Kinderdijk is easily accessible. You can explore these marvels through a variety of ways - you can walk around, cycle through, or even ride on a boat viewing them from the water. Two of the windmills house a museum each that provide insights into how the windmills operated and affected the lives of the people who worked on it.
8. Giethoorn (from USD 97)
Dubbed as the ‘Venice of the Netherlands’, Giethoorn is an unusual village that can be only be accessed by boats or on foot. The picturesque village surrounded a natural reserve is actually a collection of small islands containing houses and farms, connected by wooden bridges. Walk around this idyllic village enjoying the dreamy landscapes around you featuring cobbled streets and beautiful traditional wooden houses. Alternatively, you can take a trip on a traditional Giethoorn boat travelling the village as locals here do! The village is also well-known for its exclusive restaurants so do stop by to enjoy its traditional cuisine. Close to Giethoorn is De Weerribben-Wieden National Park, a swampland that hosts an incredible array of wildlife and also water villages. Giethoorn is around 5 km away (3 mi) from Steenwijk and nearly 120 km (75 mi) away from the capital city of Amsterdam.
Hotel Giethoorn
Address: Petersteeg 2
114.92 km (71.5 mi) from Keukenhof
9. Domburg (from USD 139)
Slightly pricy but worth it for new, well-equipped rooms
Jacuzzi, automatic toilets, well-equipped kitchenette, in-house car parking
Quiet neighborhood, walking distance to center, restaurants, beach, and hiking trail, easy access to cycling routes
Fabulous breakfast with a wide range of options, small but special menu at the restaurant
Spend a day in Domburg, a historic seaside resort found 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) northwest of Middleburg. This place is a famous summer destination for beach lovers because of its boardwalks and sandy dunes. Tourists fancy its beautiful wide beaches that would make anyone enjoy a whole day of swimming or sunbathing.
It has resorts and hotels where people can stay while they explore great attractions within the town. Famous artists and elites consider this a health resort where they can relax and unwind.
Hotel Bommelje
Address: Herenstraat 24
106.73 km (66.4 mi) from Keukenhof
10. Marken (from USD 134)
The picture-perfect village of Marken is located on a remote peninsula in North Holland, 17 km(11 mi) from Amsterdam, which has resulted in it having its own distinctive culture. The village with its idyllic setting featuring characteristic colourful wooden houses built atop small hillocks and lush greenery is today a top destination. You can explore the small village on foot and soak in its incredible charm and beauty. The main attractions to stop by including the striking lighthouse Paard van Marken (Horse of Marken), situated in the easternmost point of the peninsula; Marken Museum that captures the fascinating history of the island and Kijkhuisje Sijtje Boes where you can check out authentic historic furniture and decor. Another recommendation is to see how the famed Dutch clogs are made at the old Wooden Shoe Factory.
Hof van Marken
Address: Buurt II, 15
43.11 km (26.8 mi) from Keukenhof
Savour the beauty of the Netherlands
This list of the most beautiful and best villages in the Netherlands is just the tip of the iceberg! Every region of the country offers several such lovely villages that are each unique in their own way. Exploring these is a great idea If you are looking to go off-the-beaten-path and enjoy lesser-known facets of the country. Check out areas such as: Domburg, Edam, Appingedam, and Wassenaar, among many others!
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