Best Places to Visit in Netherlands Other Than Amsterdam
The Netherlands is well-known for its attractive landscapes, its cities that are rich in history, and its cultural diversity. Although Amsterdam is very popular, there are many more wonderful places to see in the Netherlands. We will look at several great places outside Amsterdam in this blog post, offering experiences that will make your visit to the Netherlands really special.
1. Rotterdam
Rotterdam, the second largest city in the Netherlands, is found in the country’s west and homes Europe’s biggest port. Rotterdam is a perfect destination for travelers because of its modern design, lively arts, and wide variety of things to eat.
Highlights of Rotterdam:
- See the famous Erasmus Bridge, a perfect example of modern architecture.
- You can find many interesting examples of modern architecture in the Kop van Zuid district.
- See an impressive assortment of art from all over the world at Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, the Netherlands’ biggest museum for modern pieces.
- See Rotterdam from the water by taking a boat tour of Europe’s biggest port.
2. The Hague
The Hague is the country’s political center as well as a major hub for international courts. Because of its history, culture, and global connections, The Hague is a great place to visit.
Highlights of The Hague:
- Go to the Binnenhof, the main political center of the Netherlands, and see the attractive historic buildings.
- Visit Mauritshuis and see Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring”, one of its most famous paintings.
- Take a walk on the beach of Scheveningen, one of the city’s well-liked beach spots just beyond the city center.
- Go to Madurodam, where you’ll find world-famous Dutch landmarks present in a tiny but detailed park.
3. Utrecht
Utrecht, which is right in the middle of the Netherlands, is well-known for its lively scene, its historic center, and its scenic canals. Due to its many vibrant cafés, eye-catching architecture, and interesting history, Utrecht is a place well worth your time.
Highlights of Utrecht:
- Go to the top of the Dom Tower, the highest church tower in the country, to get a panoramic view of Utrecht.
- See the beautiful sights along the Utrecht canals while traveling by boat or bicycle.
- You should see the Centraal Museum, as it has an amazing array of art and artifacts to see.
- Take part in the liveliness of the cafés and have a traditional Dutch ‘borrel’ at a nearby café.
4. Maastricht
Maastricht is in the south of the Netherlands and features a one-of-a-kind blend of Dutch and Belgian culture. Maastricht’s beautiful squares, old buildings, and lively restaurants show just how charismatic a city in Europe can feel.
Highlights of Maastricht:
- Don’t miss the Vrijthof, Maastricht’s main square, and enjoy the cheerful energy, particularly when André Rieu gives his yearly concerts.
- See the less-crowded parts of Maastricht, for example the Jeker Quarter and the lovely Basilica of St. Servatius.
- Try the delicious Limburgse vlaai or explore the regional food scene in any of the restaurants in the city.
- Spend some time on a boat tour along the Meuse River and see the beautiful hills in the distance.
5. Haarlem
You can easily reach Haarlem by train from Amsterdam and find that it is a lovely and historically rich city with a laid-back feel. Because of its charming streets, classical buildings, and great museums, Haarlem is an ideal stop for people interested in art and history.
Highlights of Haarlem:
- The Frans Hals Museum is home to an amazing collection of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age.
- Check out the busy Grote Markt, the central plaza in Haarlem, and witness the hustle and bustle at the market stalls and cafes.
- Take your time wandering by the banks of the Spaarne River and look at the elegant waterfront houses.
- The peaceful “hofjes,” or secret courtyards, make a great break from city life.
Amsterdam is usually the first place people think of in the Netherlands, but these other cities have just as much to offer. If you like modern design in Rotterdam and charming history in Maastricht, you will find many other unique places in the Netherlands as well. Head outside Amsterdam and find the wonderful places that this country is home to.
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