30 Reasons to Visit the Netherlands
The Netherlands, a treasure mine of cultural diversity, extensive historical legacy, and breathtaking natural beauty, lies tucked away in the center of Europe. This country provides a distinctive fusion of history and innovation, as seen by the recognizable windmills scattered over the landscape and the vivid tulip fields that color the countryside. The Netherlands offers a variety of experiences for any kind of tourist, whether you’re sailing down the charming canals of Amsterdam, seeing the contemporary wonders of Rotterdam, or discovering the rich history of the country in historic places like Nijmegen. Come along as we share the 30 reasons for why a trip to the Netherlands should be on your itinerary.
Table of Contents:
- The Netherlands has a very cool capital city: Amsterdam
- But the Dutch also have the cool city of Rotterdam
- You can visit charming Dutch towns and villages
- The Netherlands also has islands!
- There is a rich Dutch history to unfold
- You can explore historic architecture in the Netherlands…
- … But also a lot of modern architecture
- You can eat lots of cheese in the Netherlands
- Taste the amazing poffertjes
- Eat breakfast with hagelslag
- You can buy stroopwafels as a souvenir for your friends at home
- Explore the amazing Dutch windmills
- Try on some traditional Dutch clothing
- The Netherlands has amazing water management
- Enjoy the beautiful Dutch landscape
- There are beautiful walking trails in the Netherlands
- Smell the gorgeous Dutch tulips
- You can safely ride a bike anywhere in the Netherlands
- It’s easy to travel around in The Netherlands
- Most Dutch people speak English
- The Dutch men are one of the tallest in the world
- There are a lot of different beers
- You can visit one of the coffeeshops
- There are some great shopping possibilities
- The Netherlands has a diverse party scene
- Party like never before during King’s Day
- The Netherlands is great for a family vacation
- There is a lot of art in the Netherlands
- You can relax on the terraces
- It’s one of the best places to live
1. The Netherlands has a very cool capital city: Amsterdam
The cultural, historical, and entertainment center of the Netherlands is Amsterdam, which serves as more than simply the country’s capital. The city’s maze-like network of canals, vibrant nightlife, and some of the most well-known museums and historical monuments on earth make it a major travel destination worldwide. Even while Amsterdam is perhaps the most well-known representation of the Netherlands, seeing areas beyond its busy tourist district exposes the actual beauty of the country.
Check out day trips from Amsterdam to the rest of the Netherlands!
2. But the Dutch also have the cool city of Rotterdam
Rotterdam is an example of the inventiveness and tenacity of the Dutch people. Rotterdam’s skyline, in contrast to its traditional counterpart, is a mosaic of modernity, shaped by its reconstruction following the devastation of World War II. The city’s distinctive architecture and less-traveled paths offer a novel perspective on the Netherlands, making it an intriguing diversion from Amsterdam’s well-traveled paths.
See Also: Weekends in Rotterdam
3. You can visit charming Dutch towns and villages
The Netherlands is dotted with charming towns and villages that encapsulate the essence of the nation. Well worth seeing are cities with unique charms such as Volendam, Giethoorn, Goes, Middelburg, Zierikzee, Utrecht, and Alkmaar. Removed from the bustle of the larger cities, these locations provide a more personal Dutch experience.
Check out these day trips that include Volendam.
4. The Netherlands also has islands!
Many are surprised by the Wadden Islands’ location in the North Sea, which is part of the Netherlands’ topography. Every island offers a different scenery and a respite from the fast-paced mainland, ranging from Texel to Schiermonnikoog. The picturesque views and serene atmosphere of these islands never go out of style, despite the erratic weather.
5. There is a rich Dutch history to unfold
The Netherlands has a long history filled with trade, conquests, and cultural development dating back to the Roman era. Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands, exemplifies the rich history of the country, as does the legacy of the Dutch East India Company. With each city providing insights from a bygone age, touring the Netherlands is like strolling through a living history book.
6. You can explore historic architecture in the Netherlands…
With its ancient structures that reflect stories of bygone eras, the Netherlands is a canvas of architectural history. Its rich history is reflected in the numerous monuments located around the nation, including Amsterdam’s exquisite Herenhuizen. Historic beauties remain to be discovered and appreciated, even in Rotterdam, where the war has left its wounds.
7. … But also a lot of modern architecture
Rotterdam has a striking display of modern architecture in sharp contrast to its ancient landmarks. The city was destroyed during the war and was rebuilt, resulting in buildings like the Erasmus Bridge, the busy Markthal, and the Cube Houses. This city has succeeded in transforming sorrow into a masterpiece of modern architecture.
Explore the architecture in Rotterdam with this 2.5 hour bike tour!
8. You can eat lots of cheese in the Netherlands
With a wide variety of cheeses available beyond the well-known Gouda, the Netherlands may easily be considered the global center of cheese production. Savouring Dutch cheeses, such as the rich Beemster and the creamy Edam, is a gourmet adventure. After only one taste, you could forget about all other cheeses you’ve ever encountered.
There are a lot of tours that include cheese tastings! Check out the prices and availability here.
9. Taste the amazing poffertjes
Without enjoying some poffertjes, a trip to the Netherlands isn’t complete. Savor the flavors of these adorable little pancakes, which are best enjoyed warm and topped with powdered sugar and butter. A delightful demonstration of the Dutch talent for hearty cuisine.
10. Eat breakfast with hagelslag
Without hagelslag, breakfast isn’t breakfast for a lot of Dutch people. These chocolate sprinkles are not just ordinary sprinkles; they are a cherished custom that come in a range of flavors and forms, including vlokken and vruchtenhagel. The very wide variety of these delicious toppings is evident when one takes a stroll around a store such as Albert Heijn.
11. You can buy stroopwafels as a souvenir for your friends at home
The classic Dutch snack is the stroopwafel, a delicious waffle cookie with two thin layers of cooked dough sandwiching a thick, caramel-like syrup. They are delicious straight from the market, but even better, already packed, they make the ideal present to send home a little bit of the Netherlands. They’re a must-try (and must-share) Dutch treat because of their widespread appeal to both residents and visitors.
12. Explore the amazing Dutch windmills
Any tourist must see the windmill, which is a representation of Dutch inventiveness. These amazing buildings may be seen in locations like Kinderdijk and Zaanse Schans. These locations, which go beyond the corny notion of clogs and windmill life, provide a genuine window into the past and present of the Netherlands. You may even go inside a functioning windmill to witness history in action.
There are a lot of tours that include Dutch windmills. Check out the prices and availability here.
13. Try on some traditional Dutch clothing
Put on traditional attire to really experience Dutch culture in Volendam. Complete with famous costumes and clogs, it’s a memorable and enjoyable event. You may step into history’s shoes for a brief moment, making it ideal for a memorable photo op.
Take your picture in Volendam costume during this Cheese and Clog tour!
14. The Netherlands has amazing water management
A significant portion of the Netherlands was recovered from the water and is now below sea level, making it a monument to human perseverance. The Netherlands is acknowledged for its global leadership in water management, which includes a complex system of dikes, pumping stations, and canals to safeguard the land against the constant risk of floods.
15. Enjoy the beautiful Dutch landscape
There is no shortage of natural beauty in the Netherlands, despite its reputation for having flat territory. During August, heather flowers in vivid purple hues in the expansive nature reserve known as The Veluwe serve as an excellent illustration. This peaceful getaway highlights the more subdued but no less beautiful side of the Netherlands.
16. There are beautiful walking trails in the Netherlands
With its stunning walking paths, such as the 498-kilometer-long Pieterpad, the Netherlands entices those who enjoy walking. But the country’s charm doesn’t stop there; for those who would rather travel by foot, there are plenty of trails to choose from, including gorgeous canals and calm beaches.
17. Smell the gorgeous Dutch tulips
Dutch tulip fields are a joy to see, a riot of color that perfectly encapsulates spring. With more than 800 different species of tulips, the Keukenhof is especially well-known. When the blossoms are at their best, in April and May, is the best time to see this marvel of flowers.
18. You can safely ride a bike anywhere in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, riding a bicycle is not only a means of transportation but a way of life. Riding a bike anywhere in the nation is both safe and fun because to the vast network of over 35,000 kilometers of bike lanes and the country’s level topography. It makes sense that helmets are uncommon in this place!
19. It’s easy to travel around in The Netherlands
Whether you’re riding a bike or not, getting about the Netherlands is simple. It just takes a few hours to go throughout the nation if you want to rent a car or take use of the well-functioning public transportation system.
20. Most Dutch people speak English
The majority of people in the Netherlands speak English fluently, making communication easy. Asking for directions is made easier by the availability of English menus and bilingual announcements for public transportation, particularly in larger towns like Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
21. The Dutch men are one of the tallest in the world
The males in the Netherlands are among the tallest in the world, and the country’s citizens are well known for their height. Tourists curious in the nation’s distinct genetic composition may find this feature to be fascinating. It is a source of great national pride.
22. There are a lot of different beers
The Netherlands is a sanctuary for beer enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of beers besides the well-known Heineken. The nation’s beer sector is lively and diversified, providing tours and tastings for visitors keen to explore its hoppy terrain.
If you’re really into beer, check out this 3-hour Private Craft Beer Tour in Amsterdam or get a Heineken Experience Ticket to discover what is behind the doors of the former Heineken brewery. Click here for all the possible beer tours in the Netherlands at Get Your Guide!
23. You can visit one of the coffeeshops
Although coffee shops in Amsterdam are well-known, many visitors are not aware that these kind of businesses exist in other Dutch towns. These coffee shops, which provide a calm setting for lawful cannabis consumption, are a distinctive aspect of Dutch culture.
24. There are some great shopping possibilities
The lively IJhallen flea market in Amsterdam and the posh boutiques and vintage shops in Rotterdam are just two of the many shopping destinations in the Netherlands. It’s the ideal place for anyone who want to bring a little bit of Dutch charm home because it offers a wide selection of things for shoppers to enjoy.
25. The Netherlands has a diverse party scene
The Netherlands has a lively and diverse party culture. The nation provides a variety of nightlife alternatives to suit every taste, from festivals and comfortable pubs to clubs playing anything from techno to hip-hop.
26. Party like never before during King’s Day
In celebration of King Willem-Alexander’s birthday on April 27, celebrate King’s Day with unmatched fervor around the country. The majority of people take the day off work to join in the celebrations, and the entire nation bursts into excitement on this particular day. Envision a city full of people celebrating, all decked up in bright orange attire, with a soundtrack that plays nonstop.
27. The Netherlands is great for a family vacation
The Netherlands is quite family-friendly, so don’t let the celebratory atmosphere fool you. Traveling with it is made easier by its small size, which allows both parents and children to see the sites without becoming tired. For families, the Dutch train system provides a fun and economical mode of transportation; just try to avoid rush hour!
Explore Madurodam with your kids and see a miniature version of the Netherlands. Get your tickets for Madurodam here. Furthermore, there are a lot of kid’s museums in the Netherlands, such as NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam and the Children’s Book Museum in The Hague.
Get your NEMO Science Museum Ticket here for a fast-track access to this popular Amsterdam attraction
28. There is a lot of art in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is an art lover’s dream come true because it offers everything from current and street art to the classics. Visit Amsterdam’s renowned Rijksmuseum to view a collection of more than 400 famous pieces by artists including Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Jan Steen.
Next to the Rijksmuseum, there are a lot more great museums and art galleries to explore in the Netherlands. Check out the prices and availability of different museums and art tours.
29. You can relax on the terraces
Locals swarm to café patios to relax when the sun appears in the Dutch sky. There you may wear your stylish shades, have a drink of wine, and sample the local specialty, bitterballen, while taking in the warmth. It’s the epitome of leisure.
30. It’s one of the best places to live
Journeying broadens one’s viewpoint and makes one appreciate the little things that come home. While the Netherlands may not be perfect, it is an amazing country to live in with strong social security and healthcare systems. One should be proud of and give credit to its distinct culture, which is frequently overlooked by transient tourists.
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