NL Exploring the Netherlands: My Top 10 Destinations
Hello everyone! I recently returned from an amazing trip to the Netherlands, and I’m eager to share my favorite places. This country, nestled between Germany and Belgium, truly blew me away with its beauty and impressive design. There’s a wonderful old quote: “God created the world, but the Dutch made Holland,” and after seeing it firsthand, I completely understand why. From the iconic canals of Amsterdam to the stunning tulip fields, the Netherlands is a country that celebrates both natural beauty and incredible human ingenuity.
Here is my breakdown of the top 10 places you absolutely must visit!
1. Kinderdijk: Marvel at the Windmills
Seeing the windmills was high on my list, and Kinderdijk is the best place to do it. Located about an hour from Amsterdam, this village is home to the largest concentration of old windmills in the country—19 in total, mostly built around 1740. These windmills were essential for the villagers to manage water levels. It’s fascinating to walk the main path and appreciate them, especially getting to tour one. I was amazed to learn that the windmills served as homes and to see the massive wooden gears up close. It’s a powerful reminder of how the Dutch harnessed the wind’s power centuries ago to move water.
2. Urk: A Town Reclaimed from the Sea
Urk, an hour from Amsterdam, is a charming, historic town that was once an island. Thanks to remarkable Dutch engineering, the land around it was reclaimed from the sea in the 1940s, connecting it to the mainland. I particularly loved the picturesque harbor filled with beautiful boats and the lighthouse, which has stood since 1837. Nearby, you’ll also find the massive Nordostpolder wind farm, a truly mind-boggling sight considering this entire area was underwater just 80 years ago.
3. The Hague: City on the North Sea
The Hague, about 45 minutes from Amsterdam, is the third-largest city and a must-see for its proximity to the North Sea. The city boasts a huge beach and a massive pier—it gave me a very “California beach” vibe, though much colder! It’s a great spot for a relaxing walk along the shore.
4. Gouda: A Historic Cheese Hub
As a huge fan of Gouda cheese, I had to visit this historic city. Dating back to the 1100s, Gouda is famous worldwide for its cheese, which was traditionally traded in the town’s cheese market. The most striking feature is the beautiful Town Hall, a unique building with Gothic architecture completed in the 15th century and one of the oldest in the Netherlands.
5. Amsterdam: The Iconic Capital
No trip is complete without visiting the capital, Amsterdam. Known for its intricate canal system, narrow houses, and countless bridges, it has a unique atmosphere. I’ve visited before, and the city’s charm always sticks with me. It’s truly incredible that the complex network of canals was designed and constructed hundreds of years ago—it’s mind-blowing engineering!
6. Haarlem: A Quaint, Historic Gem
Just a 15-minute train ride from Amsterdam, Haarlem is a quaint town full of classic Dutch charm. It was a major hub for the tulip trade in the 1630s and the center of the famous Tulip Mania, considered one of the first asset bubbles in history. Today, it retains many of its medieval and historic buildings, feeling like a smaller, quieter version of Amsterdam.
7. The Tulip Fields and Keukenhof
Experiencing the tulip fields was a major goal for my trip. Tulip season typically runs from the beginning of April to mid-May, but the location of the fields can change annually. I loved driving through the countryside looking for them, especially in famous areas like North Holland, Nordostpolder, and Lisse. For the most spectacular display, visit Keukenhof, known as the “Garden of Europe” and one of the largest flower gardens in the world.
8. Rotterdam: Modern Architecture and Europe’s Largest Seaport
Rotterdam, an hour’s drive from Amsterdam, is home to Europe’s largest seaport. The city was tragically destroyed during World War II, but its subsequent reconstruction was incredibly bold, resulting in a skyline full of modern, unique skyscrapers. It has a vibrant, contemporary feel unlike any other Dutch city.
9. Amersfoort: Stepping Back in Time
Amersfoort is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Netherlands. My favorite spots included the Koppelpoort, a stunning land and water gate completed in 1450, and the Tower of Our Lady, which stood as the middle point of the Netherlands when it was built in 1470. A stroll through this city is like a journey into the past.
10. Zaanse Schans: Industrial Windmills
For another amazing windmill experience, head to Zaanse Schans, about 20 minutes from Amsterdam. This historic neighborhood features 13 windmills, but unlike Kinderdijk’s water-pumping mills, these were used for industrial purposes—sawing wood, making paper, or grinding spices. The area is the oldest industrial district in Western Europe. Wandering through this village, especially as the sun came out, felt truly magical and transportive.
That completes my top 10 from the Netherlands! There are still so many other incredible places to explore, so I’m definitely hoping for a part two.
If you’ve been, I’d love to hear about your favorite spot in the comments below!
