Top 25 Things to Do in the Netherlands: Your Ultimate Guide!

What do you do first when getting ready for a trip? Naturally, you check out all sorts of websites and guidebooks, ask friends for recommendations (who’ve probably studied the very same sites and guides as you), and put together a to-do list. The trouble is that most “things to do in the Netherlands” lists feature the same places—often undoubtedly important but unfortunately crowded with tourists and definitely not reflecting all the possibilities out there.

The Netherlands is a small country, and that’s a huge advantage. In a single day, you can see historic towns and cutting-edge architecture, fishing villages and a magical theme park, windmills, farms with sheep and llamas, marvels of modern technology, a monastery where monks brew Trappist beer, and floating neighborhoods. In the morning, you can explore Rotterdam’s street art; by afternoon, gather oysters; by evening, find yourself at the opera in Amsterdam. And all of this while avoiding the well-worn paths, the queues, and the typical Instagram photos everyone takes.

To help you see and do truly wonderful things, and go beyond the usual “best things to do in the Netherlands,” I’ve prepared a special guide for you—a subjective Top 25 of my favorite places in my country. Let’s make your vacation unforgettable!

There are heather-covered dunes on Texel, and fields blooming with tulips, daffodils, and lavender. White, dignified sheep. Seals. Horses grazing in the mist. Tiny villages with windmills, like sets from a children’s fairy tale. In the harbor—wooden piers, nets, old boats. And the sea—northern, heavy. There’s no time here, only the sea and the sky.

I suggest you plan at least one full day on Texel, but preferably more. Here, out on the tidal flats, you might encounter seals or watch them up close at Ecomare, a marine animal rehabilitation center. You could head out early for shrimp fishing on a trawler. Or, when the tide is out, walk across the sea floor to a neighboring island, but never attempt this without a certified guide! You can also go skydiving for an unforgettable view. Every year, about ten million migratory birds arrive on this island, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching. And that’s not all: look for wild orchids, watch sheep-shearing and shepherd dogs in action, cuddle with lambs, swing by the local brewery for excellent beer, and try uniquely local sheep’s cheese, farm ice cream, and the freshest seafood. You could also drive through Texel’s charming villages, pop into a maritime, aviation, or any other local museum, roam the heather-covered dunes, and picnic by the lighthouse from the movie Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door. With so many unique experiences packed into one island, visiting Texel easily tops the list of the best things to do in Holland. If you like, you can visit Texel with our guided tour—that way you’ll see even more!

If you're wondering what to do in the Netherlands beyond the usual tourist routes, consider this: In the Oosterschelde region, you can collect wild oysters with your own hands. Some four hundred years ago, oyster beds formed naturally in the shallows of the Eastern Scheldt (Oosterschelde). Back then, anyone could collect oysters any time they wanted. Now it’s different. The main thing is not to break any rules or harm the national park’s ecosystem:

• You may collect oysters only for personal use.
• Gathering is allowed only along the base of the dike in a few marked places on the map.
• Please don’t disturb the ground: don’t dig, rake, or stir it in any way.
• Please don’t disturb the birds.
• Please don't walk out onto the tidal flats.
• Please don’t damage plants or seaweed while collecting oysters.
• Collecting is prohibited in marked-off areas leased for oyster farming.

And remember to check the tide schedule for the day of your visit: oysters can only be found at low tide.

The very picturesque fishing village of Urk is one of many that make up the country’s Bible Belt. Here, Orthodox Protestants live according to religious traditions and ways of life from centuries past. On the weekends and holidays, you might see families in traditional costumes heading to church services. But this beautiful picture of traditional life also has a darker side. If you go with a guide, they’ll definitely tell you about it.

One of the most charming things to do in Holland is to take a nostalgic journey from Hoorn to the Zuiderzeemuseum. A chugging old steam locomotive pulls a few small carriages from Hoorn station through scenic fields and villages. Along the way, volunteers in traditional costumes put on performances and treat travelers to poffertjes (tiny Dutch pancakes). At a little rural station, you’ll find old-fashioned games our grandparents used to play. In Medemblik, where the train ride ends, you can hop right onto a historic boat and head to the open-air Zuiderzeemuseum. It’s pastoral and storybook-like—little fairy-tale houses, windmills, sheep, laundry on the line, fishing nets, a smokehouse, and sailing vessels. The views there are stunning! You can wander into any house, and local artisans are at work in their workshops. This will easily be one of the loveliest days of your trip, and your kids will be thrilled.

You might not expect it, but one of the best things to do in the Netherlands is to explore its caves. Yes, we do have caves. And these walls are covered in frescoes. My absolute favorites are the 18-kilometer-long Jesuit Caves called De Jezuïetenberg. Sculpted figures of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and Christian saints share the space with multi-armed Hindu deities, giant hippos, copies of Rembrandt’s paintings, a sparkling nighttime panorama of New York, the Alhambra Palace, and… Snow White with her dwarfs—one of whom is shamelessly peeking under her skirt. This phantasmagoria was created by Jesuit students. Starting in the mid-19th century, they came to Maastricht to study philology, and in their free time entertained themselves in this wonderful way. I’ll definitely write a separate article guide about the caves of our “mountainous” country.

Near the German border stands the fully preserved 16th-century star fort Bourtange. Surrounded by marshes and bastion fortifications, it remained nearly impregnable for centuries. Today, it’s a historic park. All the defenses are still there along with old churches, windmills (including a horse-driven one), barracks, a 19th-century synagogue, and picturesque little houses. And yes, people still live in them. Of course, there you’ll also find delightful shops, restaurants, museums, and even a hotel.

During World War II, the country was occupied. Transit and deportation camps Kamp Amersfoort and Kamp Westerbork were used to send Jews and Resistance fighters on to Nazi Camps. Near the city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch stood the concentration camp Kamp Vught. Each site now has memorial complexes and museums, and I’d recommend visiting any of them. South of Nijmegen, you can also find the Oorlogsmuseum Overloon, where you’ll learn how more than fifty million people lost their lives in just six years, learn about the Dutch Resistance movement, about how people coped with shortages and rationing, about the liberation, and the decisive battle at Overloon.

In the town of Franeker, you’ll find the world’s oldest still-working planetarium, built by Eise Eisinga. He was born into a wool-comber’s family, but by 15 had already published a math textbook, and by 17 a monograph on astronomy. And yet, the university turned him down, so he kept studying by himself. In the 1870s, one theologian predicted the end of the world. To calm everyone’s nerves, Eisinga constructed a model of the solar system on his living-room ceiling. Uranus wasn’t included, because it was discovered the same year he finished building the planetarium. Naturally, Neptune and Pluto are missing too. Today, this planetarium is among the Netherlands’ 100 most important national heritage sites.

Long ago, there was a Roman fortress in what is now the center of Utrecht. If you like time travel as much as I do, head below ground at Domplein to DOMunder—a unique space developed by historians, archaeologists, and architects. A few years back, it was named Europe’s best museum. Every visitor gets headphones and a flashlight to activate historical scenes from the Roman Empire to modern times.

This place is absolutely one of a kind. In the little town of Wittem in the far south of the Netherlands, the Redemptoristenklooster monastery houses a fantastic library with spiral staircases, wooden galleries, and more than twenty thousand volumes, including ancient incunabula. There are only seven brethren left, but with the help of volunteers, they still run a pilgrimage center and carry out charity and educational projects. The library itself hosts concerts, exhibitions, and even weddings, and you can take tours there as well.

If you enjoy palaces with historic interiors and formal gardens, visiting the former royal residence Paleis Het Loo near Apeldoorn is exactly what to do in the Netherlands. The palace received the Versailles Prize as one of the most beautiful in Europe. Additionaly, a trip here is a great way to learn more about the Dutch royal dynasty. You’ll find a magnificent library, stables with a collection of cars and carriages, and an orangery with 200 citrus trees. And of course, you can dine in royal style.

The Netherlands ranks among the world’s leaders in museums per square kilometer. One of my favorites is Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam & one of the top things to do in the Netherlands for anyone who loves art, design, or architecture. It’s not just about its outstanding collection of Western art spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day or its avant-garde exhibition practices. The crown jewel here is its innovative, publicly accessible storage facility: Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. The mirrored building itself, complete with a birch grove on the rooftop, is already an art piece. Besides the collection, it accommodates workshops that let you see the experts’ work from the inside. And the exhibition areas are very futuristic, challenging the usual idea of what a museum should look like. Depot Boijmans isn’t just a museum—it’s one of the top things to do in the Netherlands for anyone who loves art, design, or architecture.

There’s an incredible amount of street art in the Netherlands, from frescoes and murals to interactive installations. And it says just as much about the country as any guidebook could.

Inside one of the old NDSM shipyard buildings in Amsterdam is STRAAT, a museum with a fantastic collection of street art. I used to think street art only belonged outdoors, but I was mistaken! In this giant hangar, you’ll find nearly two hundred remarkable works, from classics to pieces created literally just the other day. It’s wonderful that you can learn not only about the history of street art, but also about its impact on all sorts of things: politics, ecology, architecture, even fashion. Take a walk around the museum’s neighborhood, and you’ll spot plenty of interesting finds: from renowned artworks to a wind orchestra played by the North Sea breeze. And don’t forget to bring some spray paint so you can leave your own art piece in Amsterdam. You can create a mural wherever you see a sign reading “Yes, you can paint here.”

Street art might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about what to do in the Netherlands, but it absolutely should be.

Frans Hals is one of the most famous and influential Dutch painters of the 17th century. He painted not only the great and powerful but often “marginal” yet vivid characters. His museum in Haarlem is located in a wonderful historic building and has the world’s largest collection of Frans Hals’s works. They also host great exhibitions, including contemporary art.

One of my favorite museums is the Kröller-Müller Museum. It has Europe’s second-largest open-air sculpture garden, featuring works by Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Jean Dubuffet, Lucio Fontana, and many more. Inside the museum building, you’ll find the second-biggest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings, plus pieces by Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Piet Mondrian, and practically every major 20th-century artist. But that’s not all! The museum is nestled in De Hoge Veluwe National Park. Deer roam here, and in August the heather blooms. You can pick up a free white bicycle by the museum or at park entrances and pedal through the reserve among heather fields and pine-lined sand dunes. Be sure to bring everything you need for a picnic. I’m convinced you’ll have an unforgettable day taking in this outstanding blend of art and nature.

Rotterdam’s history is marked by a tragedy. The city was nearly destroyed by bombings at the start of World War II. As a result, Rotterdam became a laboratory for modern architecture and incredible innovations. Today, you can feel it in everyday life. Pick up fresh milk or eggs from floating farms, walk above the city at a height of 10 meters, relax in a floating park, or even purify the air you breathe with a piece of jewelry. Here you can control street lamps, stroll through a park lit at night by luminescent plants, and see autonomous barges being tested in the harbor. Check out the website of Rotterdam. Make it Happen and Rotterdam. Innovation City, or join a modern Rotterdam tour.

The Hague is known for more than the king’s official residence and the International Court. A true treasure here is the Louwman Museum, a private collection of nearly three hundred cars, some designed as far back as the 19th century. Here you'll find legendary models, cars with incredible histories, and simply stunning vehicles. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves engineering, automobiles, history, or beauty. After the museum, consider booking a private tour of The Hague to discover other spots in this royal city.

Space Expo, Europe’s largest space museum, is located in Noordwijk and serves as the public visitor center for the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC). It’s fully interactive: you can touch a meteorite, walk through the International Space Station, travel through the universe, explore changes happening to our planet, or even design your space mission. It’s one of the most unexpected and fun things to do in the Netherlands, not just for kids!

Visit one of the eight technical wonders of the world—the Delta Works, an impressive system of dams, locks, and storm surge barriers protecting the Netherlands from flooding. It’s one of the most awe-inspiring things to see in the Netherlands and, honestly, in the entire world. Part of this incredible engineering project is the Maeslantkering storm surge barrier, which, if I'm not mistaken, is the largest moving structure in the world. It can shield the country from massive waves. With protection like this, we can afford to be a little carefree, from time to time.

The Netherlands is a beer country. It's brewed in every town, at windmills, cathedrals, farms, and, of course, monasteries. Only nine Trappist breweries remain worldwide, so don’t miss your chance to visit one. It’s a peaceful, beautiful, and tasty adventure. Truly, one of the top things to do in the Netherlands.

At Koningshoeven Abbey, a Benedictine monastery near Tilburg, they not only brew excellent Trappist beer but also offer brewery tours in English four times a week. The tasting room lets you sample all their beer varieties and enjoy a good lunch. The abbey store features beer, monastery cheeses, chocolate, baked goods, and souvenirs. If you’d like to escape chaotic city life and stay longer in this peaceful and picturesque place, there's a guesthouse welcoming everyone, regardless of religious beliefs. Although you’ll have to respect monastery rules.

The Cistercian Abdij Maria Toevlucht abbey is near the Belgian border. The road there passes through pastoral landscapes and a nature reserve with deer. The monks here are welcoming and gladly chat with visitors. The local Trappist beer, Zundert Trappist, is brewed according to traditional recipes. If you’re lucky, you can join the monthly brewery tour and visit the tasting room. The abbey also has a guesthouse and a shop offering beer, wine, honey produced in their apiary, cheese, jams, chocolate, herbal teas, mustard, religious items, and handcrafted products made by the monks. Additionally, you can find Bibles, books, and CDs of vocal church and meditative music. Drinking beer on monastery grounds isn’t allowed, so consider visiting for the scenic walk and purchasing at least a case of beer.

Near Amsterdam, on Vuurtoreneiland island, there’s a unique restaurant inside an old fort. Dining here isn't just a meal—it's one of the special things to do in Holland. It’s truly an adventure, starting with a yacht trip. From May to September, dinners take place in a glass greenhouse; in winter, they move to a bunker with fireplaces and warm blankets. Food is cooked traditionally over open fires from regional ingredients. Prices are above average, but this experience will definitely stay in your memory. The main difficulty: it’s very challenging to get a reservation, but I believe in you!

Unfortunately, due to the 25-spot limit, my list didn’t include Monkey Island, the swings over Amsterdam, the artists’ village, the Formula 1 driving experience, the boat ride through underground canals, and many, many other fantastic places. The Netherlands is a small country, yet somehow it manages to pack in all the best things the world has to offer. And importantly, all these wonderful spots are quick and easy to reach. The Netherlands is one of those places you can keep coming back to again and again, always discovering something new—and often unexpected. To make sure you don't miss out on the very best experiences, feel free to check this blog regularly and order your personal travel plan in advance at Snurk.Travel. That way, your journey will be truly special!

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