The Netherlands is located in northwestern Europe. It is known for its beautiful flat landscape, canals, tulip fields, windmills, cheese, clogs and cycling routes. Amsterdam is the country’s financial and business capital. The Dutch economy mainly relies on shipping, fishing, agriculture, trade and banking. With foodstuffs forming the largest industrial sector, it is no surprise that the Netherlands is known for having plentiful, nutritious, healthy and affordable food. The Netherlands is also a major exporter of flower bulbs and tulips with it being the leading tulip exporter. Fun fact: the Netherlands has the tallest men in the world with an average height of 1.84 meters. Attractions here include Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Dam Square in Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans and Anne Frank House. Scroll down to know more about things to do in the Netherlands.
1. Embark on a picturesque canal cruise through Amsterdam (from USD 17.89)
Meet at either of the two departure points, Hard Rock Café Pier or Heineken Experience Pier, that will be indicated during booking, and go on this 1-hour 15-minute canal cruise that will expose you to picturesque views of Amsterdam. Marvel at spectacular attractions such as the city’s historic center, the skinny bridge, the Golden Bend, the Overhoeks, the Music Building in the harbor and the VOC ship that’s known as the Amsterdam. See 17th-century buildings on the canal and 21st-century buildings that make up the city, and admire their splendid architecture. Get to see Amsterdam through the canal, which is an ideal way of getting to know the city.
Amsterdam: City Canal Cruise
Duration: 75.0 minute
2. Marvel at the unique and beautiful Rijksmuseum (from USD 139.0)
On this two-hour guided tour at Rijksmuseum, you will get to see a collection of unique European paintings ranging from the 12th to the 20th-century and also learn about the history of the Netherlands and the importance of 17th-century art. After hotel pickup, head to the museum where you will bypass the queues. See famous paintings such as Rembrandt’s Nightwatch, Vermeer’s Milkmaid and Loveletter and Jacob van Ruisdael’s windmill at Wijk Bij Duurstede. Enjoy a flexible itinerary in which you can add special requests.
Skip-the-line and Private Guided Tour: Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
3. Tour the windmills at Kinderdijk (from USD 910.86)
This eight-hour tour starts with a hotel pickup and then you are driven to the countryside of the Netherlands and Kinderdijk. Marvel at the beautiful windmills, the dykes and the countryside, and learn how the Dutch deal with water. Go on a one-hour boat ride to explore the area. Head to Rotterdam where you will learn about the city’s past and present and explore this most modern city in the Netherlands. Here, you will see new Markthal, the famous Cube Houses, the Erasmus Bridge and the Town Hall of Rotterdam. Finally, explore Delfshaven, which is a historical part of Rotterdam that was not destroyed by the bombing. The tour then ends with a drop off at your hotel.
From Amsterdam: Rotterdam and Zaanse Schans Private Day Trip
Duration: 8.0 hour
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4. Visit the picturesque village of Marken (from USD 298.2)
Go on this full-day tour that starts by meeting your guide at your hotel, getting on board a bus and enjoying a scenic 45-minute ride to Marken Island where you will explore its beautiful streets, marvel at spectacular views over the Markermeer and visit a small local museum. A 30-minute boat ride then takes you across Lake Ijsselmeer to Volendam. Explore this fishing village and visit a local cheese shop to sample some local cheese and buy some souvenirs. The final stop is the medieval village of Edam where you will visit sites of interest and then board a bus back to Amsterdam.
Marken, Volendam and Edam: Private Full-Day Tour
Duration: 8.0 hour
5. Treat your eyes to modern art at Stedelijk Museum (from USD 24.0)
Visit this museum whose collection of almost 90,000 objects are of modern and contemporary art from the early 20th century up to the 21st century. The collection is subdivided into paintings, sculptures, installations, moving images and sound, prints & drawings, posters, photography, graphic & industrial design, artist books and Lucebert archives. See works of art from renowned artists such as Karel Appel, Wassily Kandinsky, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Marc Chagall and Henri Matisse. Marvel at a comprehensive collection of drawings and paintings by Kazimir Malevich and key pieces by Post-Impressionists Paul Cézanne and Vincent van Gogh. The collection depicts modern styles of art including De Stijl, Bauhaus, Pop Art, CoBrA and Neo-Impressionism.
Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam Admission Ticket
Duration: 60 to 90 minutes
6. Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of Ridderzaal
Admire the breathtaking gothic architecture of the Ridderzaal, which is a building in The Hague. Marvel at the 40 by 20 meters (131 ft × 66 ft) large Gothic hall with its magnificent stained-glass windows. The heavy timber roof resembles an upturned ship. You will also get to see the thrones of the Dutch monarchs, which stand inside the Ridderzaal. This is such an amazing and beautiful building to explore.
Ridderzaal
Address: 2513 AA Den Haag, Netherlands
7. Learn marine history at the National Maritime Museum Amsterdam (from USD 20.06)
Get your skip-the-line ticket and access the National Maritime Museum. On a 60-minute audio tour, listen to stories of the Dutch and their dikes and how they reclaimed land from the sea. Learn how Amsterdam became the greatest harbor in mainland Europe and how the system of canals was conceived and built. Climb aboard a replica of the 18th-century sailing ship and experience the real sailor’s life as you go on adventures.
Amsterdam: National Maritime Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
8. Marvel at the classic car collection of Louwman Museum (from USD 20.3)
See the largest private car collection in the world at Louwman Museum, that dates back to 1934. It has over 250 antique and classic cars including famous sports, racing and movie cars. Admire these cars and learn how each contributed to the history and the development of automobiles. The building itself has a very spectacular architecture for you to admire. One cannot help but imagine himself or herself cruising in one of these classic cars as you explore the museum.
The Hague: Classic Cars Louwman Museum Entry
Duration: 1.5 hour
9. Go on a private tour of Groningen (from USD 59.64)
Nothing beats getting to know a city than with a local guide who passionately shows you the city’s best kept secrets and shares with you important tips. That is exactly what you get when you go on this two- to six-hour customized walking tour. Get to explore Groningen with the eyes of locals who will tell you the best places to eat, where to go shopping, life in the city, culture, basically everything there is to know. Tour places that you would otherwise miss if you are on your own. You can opt to use public transportation to get around but at your own expense. By the end of this tour, you will be more of a local than a tourist.
Welcome to Groningen: Private Tour with a Local
Duration: 2.0 to 6.0 hour
10. Go shopping in Maastricht
Maastricht is a city in the Netherlands. Enjoy shopping in this city from the high street fashion to the smaller boutiques with luxury labels. Get vintage items at Concept, ladies clothes at Stijl, second hand high end clothes at Second 4 all, clothes, and a great selection of magazines, books and postcards at Trendy store, cute ladies designer clothes & accessories at Muchachas, female vintage clothing at Retro & Chic and home and living items at Sissy Boy Homeland. With a variety of shops to pick from, you will be left exhausted at the end of the day but with the immeasurable joy of having new stuff.
Maastricht
Address: Limburg, Netherlands
Website: Maastricht
11. Experience a Stoomtram ride
Posted by Museumstoomtram Hoorn - Medemblik on Tuesday, 9 July 2019
Enjoy riding in this steam engine powered by coal that takes you through the Dutch countryside and between the historic towns of Hoorn, Medemblik and Enkhuizen. Marvel at scenic views along the way that will make you appreciate the beauty of the Netherlands on another level. Get insight from the local volunteers who give information regarding the places you see along the way. This is definitely something cool and unique to indulge in.
Station Stoomtram Opperdoes
Address: De Kaag 1A, 1674 MZ Opperdoes, Netherlands
Website: Station Stoomtram Opperdoes
12. Taste the world-famous Edam cheese
Taste this semi-hard cheese that originated from the Netherlands. Edam is traditionally sold in rounded cylinders with a pale yellow interior and a coat or rind of red paraffin wax. It is popular as it does not spoil and it ages well, it only hardens as time goes by. Enjoy the savory flavor at Cheese Factory Volendam where you can see it being made, and taste a sample at the end of the tour. You can also find it at the Edam cheese market. Do not miss out on this experience of tasting Edam cheese in its country of origin.
Cheese Factory Volendam
Address: Haven 25, 1131 EP Volendam, Netherlands
Opening hours: 10.30am - 5pm (daily)
13. Attend a culture tour of the Dutch countryside (from USD 49.0)
Go on this half-day guided tour that starts with a 20-minute drive aboard a single-decker coach to the windmill village of Zaanse Schans. Admire the traditional 18th and 19th-century architecture and the windmills. Observe craftsmen carving clogs and explore the town on your own. Next, go to Edam where, aside from seeing popular buildings such as Carillon tower, the Great Church and town hall, you will visit a dairy farm and taste the world-famous Edam cheese after seeing how it is made. Finally, proceed to the beautiful seaside village of Volendam where you will see locals in their traditional Dutch clothing and you’ll also get to see landmark monuments.
Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam Countryside Tour from Amsterdam
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
14. Check out the art collection at Kröller-Müller Museum (from USD 212.35)
Travel in a luxurious minivan with complimentary WiFi on board as you enjoy the Dutch countryside on your way to Kröller Muller Museum. Here, marvel at the second largest collection of Van Gogh’s works and works of other artists including Claude Monet, Georges Seurat, Pablo Picasso and Piet Mondriaan. Take a stroll in the sculpture garden with over 160 sculptures by iconic artists. Explore Hoge Veluwe National Park on a bike or on foot and get to see its diverse nature and landscapes while learning about the area from your guide. Be sure to capture amazing photos.
Kröller-Müller Museum and Hoge Veluwe National Park Day Tour - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Duration: 9hrsDuration
15. Sip on great drinks at Inter Scaldes
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Visit this three-star Michelin restaurant that is very fancy. Be sure to abide by the dress code which does not include jeans or shorts. Choose from a range of 500 wine houses representing the world’s top wines or Champagne aperitifs, Eau de Vie digestives, a collection of various Armagnacs, Cognacs, Single Malts and Vintage Ports. Whatever you choose to eat or drink, be ready to be treated to a delicious meal and refreshing, classy drinks in an environment with a great ambiance.
Inter Scaldes
Address: Zandweg 2, 4416 NA Kruiningen, Netherlands
Website: Inter Scaldes
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 12pm - 1pm, 6pm - 8pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
16. Attend a painting workshop at the Royal Delft
Visit Royal Delft which is the last remaining original Delft Blue factory from the 17th century that makes Delft Blue while sticking to old traditions. Watch master painters and craftsmen at work and the authentic production process in the factory. Marvel at the collection of antiques and modern pieces of Delft Blue earthenware and purchase souvenirs. You can join one of the painting workshops and learn the skill needed to be a Royal Delft craftsman. Finally, admire the unique architecture of the building and enjoy a cup of coffee, high tea or lunch in the beautiful garden.
Royal Delft: Delftblue Factory and Museum
Duration: 1.5 hour
17. Explore Amsterdam’s Red Light District (from USD 303.62)
How cool is it to explore Amsterdam’s Red Light District at night, which is when the city comes alive? Your resident guide will take you on this 1.5-hour tour and show you secret areas and the back alleys of De Wallen. Hear all about notorious Amsterdam’s Red Light District from your resident guide, visit the erotic window parlors and smell the aroma of marijuana drifting along the canals. Stop at Metropolitan bakery for free samples of the famous Dutch cookie, the stroopwafel, and hot chocolate. End the tour with shots at Cafe Remember.
Behind Closed Curtains: Exclusive Red Light District Tour
Duration: 1.5 hour
18. Discover Artis Royal Zoo (from USD 28.74)
Visit this zoo, which is the oldest in the Netherlands. Aside from a zoo, it also has an aquarium, a planetarium, an arboretum, a fairly large art collection, 27 monumental buildings used as animal enclosures and a library. See the colorful fish and Amsterdam Canal in the aquarium or travel into space in the planetarium. You can also learn about different plants in the arboretum and see different animals in the park. This is such an exciting way to spend your day.
Amsterdam: ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo Entry Ticket
Duration: 1.0 day
19. Visit Efteling, the largest theme park in the Netherlands (from USD 47.47)
Experience fun, thrill and an adrenaline rush at this theme park that is suitable for all ages. Walk in the Fairytale Forest and ride a boat through the Forbidden City. Feel the adrenaline rush while on the Droomvlucht dark ride which will take you through the enchanting world of fairies. Prepare to be awed at Raveleijn Park by stunt horse riders and a fire-breathing monster. Lastly, visit Aquanura to enjoy spectacular water shows. Children can have fun at the Carnaval Festival where they will dance to live entertainment and on the children’s rides as they escape from dragons and ghosts on spectacular roller coasters.
Kaatsheuvel: Efteling Theme Park Day Admission Ticket
20. Discover the history behind the Amsterdam Royal Palace (from USD 13.55)
Feel like a king or queen as you explore the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Skip the lines and use an informative audio guide to explore the palace. Learn its history and see where state banquets are held and where heads of state sleep. Marvel at spectacular art masterpieces from the Dutch Golden Age and sculptures by renowned artists such as Ferdinand Bol and Govert Flinck. Admire well-preserved furniture, chandeliers and clocks from the time of Louis Napoleon and the statue of Atlas. This palace provides a mix of breathtaking architecture, amazing art and a peek into history.
Amsterdam: Royal Palace Entry Ticket and Audio Guide
21. Explore the Zaanse Schans Windmills (from USD 41.0)
Start this tour at a central departure point where you will get into an air-conditioned vehicle. Traverse through the scenic Dutch landscape as you hear enlightening information from your guide, about various sites. Stop at Zaanse Schans where you will see the well-preserved windmills and the historical shipyard. Proceed to Volendam and Marken and admire a quaint scene of fishing boats and the occasional local wearing a traditional Dutch dress. Visit a nearby cheese farm for a demonstration on how cheese is made and get to sample some of their products. Finally, admire the art of carving and painting wooden clogs at a local shoemaker. The tour then ends with a drop off at the starting point.
Visit Volendam, Marken and the Windmills: Amsterdam
Duration: 5 hours
22. Learn about the world-famous beer at the Heineken Experience (from USD 24.94)
This 1.5-hour tour aims at teaching you everything about the smooth and famous Heineken beer and showing you what is in the former Heineken brewery in Amsterdam. Learn about the company’s heritage, the beer brewing process and the four natural ingredients that make this beer. Also, get information on Heineken’s innovations and Heineken’s sponsorship activities such as the UEFA Champions League and Formula 1. This is a very interesting place to visit with a lot to learn about our favorite beer. A plus, you get to enjoy a glass of beer at the end of the tour.
Amsterdam: Heineken Experience Ticket
Duration: 1.5 hour
23. Embrace science at NEMO Science Museum (from USD 18.98)
Visit this science museum that is a popular attraction in Amsterdam. In 2.5 hours, get to explore the biggest science center in the Netherlands, try hands-on science activities and be enlightened on why and how things work. Have fun while learning how to blow big enough bubbles for you to stand in. Explore Science Throughout the Ages to see discoveries by scientists all over the world. You can also visit Journey through the Mind, where you will learn how your brain works. Smart Technology will teach you about energy conservation, production of sustainable electricity and how to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This is definitely a fun and enlightening place to visit for people of all ages.
Amsterdam: NEMO Science Museum Ticket
Duration: 1.0 day
24. Learn about history at Anne Frank Museum (from USD 67.77)
For approximately four hours, visit the Jewish Cultural Quarter where you will find out all about Jewish culture, history and traditions. Go on an Anne Frank themed walking tour as your guide enlightens you on Anne Frank’s life in Amsterdam, during World War II. Head to Anne Frank’s house (admission exclusive of tour charges) and explore it at your own pace when it opens to the public. This tour offers a great experience to history lovers.
Amsterdam: Walking Tour, Jewish Museum & Synagogue Tickets
Duration: 4.0 hour
25. Experience a bike tour of the Hague (from USD 31.99)
Enjoy a fascinating, guided bike tour through the amazing Hague in 2.5 hours. Meet your guide at the center of Hague where you will receive your bike and be oriented on how to use it and what the tour includes. Go through the highlights of The Hague including The Peace Palace, The Binnenhof, Mauritshuis, The Royal Stables, Lange Voorhout and The Passage. Your guide will also share information about the less common areas that are worth a visit during the rest of your stay.
The Hague: Highlights Bike Tour
Duration: 2.5 hour
26. Explore the beautiful castles and palaces of Holland (from USD 598.99)
Starting from your hotel in Utrecht, go on this tour that takes approximately five hours. Enjoy an air-conditioned car ride with a guide and go explore some of Holland’s most beautiful castles and country palaces such as Muiderslot castle, Naarden-Vesting, Kasteel Groeneveld, Paleis Soestdijk, Slot Zuylen and Kasteel de Haar. The guide will share fascinating insights about each site. You can then explore each castle at an additional cost. The tour then ends with a drop-off at your hotel.
Amsterdam: Muiderslot Castle and Naarden Fortress Tour
Duration: 6 hour
27. Go wildlife spotting at Hoge Veluwe National Park (from USD 188.0)
Meet your guide at the bus stop at the Heineken Experience entrance and go on this full-day tour. Get aboard an air-conditioned luxurious minivan and travel through the beautiful flat landscape Dutch scenery before getting to National Park De Hoge Veluwe. Tour the Kröller Muller Museum that has the second-largest collection of paintings, by Van Gogh, in the world, and masterpieces such as Claude Monet, Georges Seurat, Pablo Picasso and Piet Mondriaan. See over 160 amazing sculptures at the sculpture garden. Enjoy riding a white bicycle as you explore the park. Your guide can alternatively take you on a scenic ride through the park or on an audio tour of the hunting lodge St. Hubertus in the park. The tour then ends with a drop off in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam: Full-Day Kröller Muller Museum & National Park
Duration: 9 hour
28. Visit the National Holocaust Memorial in Amsterdam (from USD 19.0)
Go back in history on this 90-minute tour that takes you to the National Holocaust Memorial and National Holocaust Museum. See the Hollandsche Schouwburg, a theater where Jews from Amsterdam and the surrounding areas were held captive as they awaited transportation to transit camps by the Nazi, and thus now serve as a memorial site for the Jewish victims of the Nazi persecution. At the National Holocaust Museum, you will hear stories of how this site was used to save children from the crèche. Learn about the history of the Holocaust through the museum’s temporary exhibitions of artwork and original objects as well as eye-witness accounts. Also, tour the Jewish Historical Museum, the Children’s Museum and the Portuguese Synagogue.
Amsterdam: National Holocaust Museum & Memorial Ticket
Duration: Wheelchair accessible
29. Reignite your love for art at Van Gogh Museum (from USD 23.0)
Visit this art museum that is dedicated to the works of Vincent van Gogh and his contemporaries. It has the largest collection, of Van Gogh’s paintings and drawings, in the world. It showcases permanent and temporary exhibits. The collection comprises of 200 paintings, 400 drawings and 700 letters by Vincent van Gogh. The artworks of his contemporaries comprise of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art. Also, there are sculptures by Auguste Rodin and Jules Dalou and paintings by several artists including John Russell, Claude Monet and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. This museum is definitely a haven for art lovers.
Van Gogh Museum Ticket in Amsterdam
Duration: 2 hours
30. Appreciate the beautiful flowers at Keukenhof Gardens (from USD 65.0)
A visit to the Netherlands would be incomplete without seeing their flower bulbs and tulips blooming in the spring. Get onboard a luxury coach that takes you past the scenic countryside and vibrant tulip fields to Keukenhof Gardens. Admire the millions of colorful tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, other spring bulbs and trees making up the gardens. Sit at the picnic site and enjoy a meal surrounded by flowers and trees. This is such a beautiful place to be in.
Keukenhof Gardens and Tulip Fields Tour from Amsterdam
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
Explore the scenic Dutch landscape
The Netherlands is such a scenic country where you can never run out of ideas on what to do. To start with, plan a visit here and make use of our list of things to do in the Netherlands, which will guarantee you a fun and enlightening experience.
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