Tourist Attractions in Netherlands

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Netherlands

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Netherlands

A land of blooming tulips and windmills. More than 15 million tourists visit the Netherlands every year, primarily from neighbouring countries: Belgium, Germany and the UK. Tourism is an important sector of the economy, the most visited city is Amsterdam, the capital of the country. Among the natural attractions, the North Sea coast with its long beaches and dunes is popular. One of the tourist symbols of the country is the De Wallen district, the famous red light district. Prostitution and light drugs are legalised in the Netherlands.

Top Cities to Visit in Netherlands

Top-35 Tourist Attractions in Netherlands

Rijksmuseum

 4.6/5

88391 reviews

An art museum in Amsterdam’s historic quarter. It is one of the 20 most visited museums in the world. Works by Dutch artists form the basis of the collection, but there are also works by famous masters from other countries. There are paintings by Van Dyck, Goya, El Greco. A collection of paintings by Rubens – 20 works – has been collected. To accommodate one of them, the painting “Night Watch”, in 1906 the museum premises were rebuilt.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Dam Square

 0/5

The centrepiece of Amsterdam, home to many of the capital’s historic buildings and the city’s festive and celebratory events. In addition, the square has historically been the centre of commercial and political life in the city. The sights of the square include a monument in honour of war victims, the Gothic New Church, the Royal Palace and the Madame Tussauds wax museum.

Royal Palace Amsterdam

 4.6/5

21865 reviews

The former town hall, built in 1665, is now in the possession of the monarch. The palace is built in the style of Dutch Classicism with elements of Roman architecture. The three-storey building is made of brick and yellow sandstone. It is crowned by a dome with a weathervane in the shape of a ship. The interior is finished in marble. In the Central Hall the floor depicts the hemispheres of the Earth. The galleries of the palace are decorated with paintings by great artists.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Canals of Amsterdam

 4.7/5

525 reviews

Amsterdam’s canal system is a UNESCO protected site. The total length of all the canals is several hundred kilometres and there are about 1500 bridges over them. The largest canals are the Herengracht, Singel, Prinsengracht and Keizersgracht. A fascinating water trip along the city’s canals is also possible in Utrecht. The main Audegracht canal was built in the 12th century and runs through the historic part of the city.

De Wallen

 0/5

The red light district is popular with tourists. Among the buildings with old architecture, tourists are more attracted to the alleys with small cabin rooms rented by prostitutes. The glass windows in such rooms are illuminated with red light. De Vallen has a museum of prostitution located in a former brothel and a marijuana museum. Erotic shows and sex shops are popular with visitors to the neighbourhood.

Vondelpark

 4.7/5

50272 reviews

A city park established in 1865. The 47-hectare park is visited by around 10 million people a year. People come here for a stroll along the beautifully decorated alleys, as well as for cultural entertainment. There is a film museum in the park, where films from different periods – from silent films to modern cinema – are shown. It also hosts lectures and exhibitions. An open-air theatre functions in summer.

Open time

Keukenhof

 4.7/5

52768 reviews

A park of flowers, centred on the castle of the same name, built in 1642. It is also known as the Royal Park and the Garden of Europe. It occupies an area of 32 hectares. Daffodils, hyacinths and even Japanese sakura grow in the park. But what attracts visitors is the incredible exhibition of tulips – there are more than 4 million of them in the park. The flowering gardens are located between ponds, streams and canals. Some of them can be navigated by boat.

Right now place is temporarily closed.
Please re-check in future

Vrijthof

 4.5/5

1910 reviews

This is the best place to start exploring the small city of Maastricht on the Belgian border. All the main streets of the city lead here, and a popular tram tour of the historic part of the city starts from here. Among the historic buildings of the square, the Basilica of St Servas stands out. Nearby is a theatre with a varied repertoire. There are many small cafés and souvenir shops on the square.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Peace Palace

 4.5/5

1087 reviews

Located in The Hague, the palace is the seat of the UN International Court of Justice and the Court of Arbitration. It is built of red brick with light-coloured sandstone and combines architecture of different styles from Gothic to Byzantine motifs. It is surrounded by an English-style park decorated with a fountain and sculptures. The works of art inside the palace reflect the cultures of different countries – they were donated by states participating in world conferences.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM

Binnenhof

 4.5/5

1321 reviews

This architectural ensemble is considered the political centre of the country. The castle houses the government of the country and the Prime Minister’s residence in one of the towers. The castle complex was built in the XIII century and many medieval masterpieces of architecture have been preserved in its courtyard. The basis of the ensemble is the Ridderzaal. The Ridderzaal is where the monarch makes his annual speech before the opening of parliamentary sessions.

Open time

Unesco Werelderfgoed Kinderdijk

 4.6/5

7825 reviews

Near the village, located between the confluence of two rivers, a system of windmills was built in 1740. The 19 ancient mills are a popular tourist attraction and are on the UNESCO list of protected sites. The mills are located on both sides of an artificial canal. You can hire a bicycle for a walk through the park with the mills. In winter, there is a skating rink on the ice of the frozen canal.

Open time

Monday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Netherlands Open Air Museum

 4.6/5

17007 reviews

The 44-hectare park museum was founded in 1912. It contains old buildings of the country – residential houses, public buildings and factories. In total there are 80 buildings from different time periods. The aim of the museum was to preserve the knowledge of old traditions and crafts. Reconstructionists demonstrate linen and paper making, as well as brewing. There is an exhibition of transport, including electric trams.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Zaanse Schans

 0/5

Another open-air museum, but in the town of Zandam. It contains examples of Dutch woodwork from the 17th and 18th centuries, as well as several windmills. The mills are functional and are used for oil mill, sawmill and mustard production. You can see with your own eyes the production of wooden clogs, and in the cheese shop you can taste about 50 varieties of fresh cheese. The shops sell products made in the museum.

Castle De Haar

 4.6/5

16454 reviews

The largest National Gothic castle in the country. The fortified tower on this site was built as early as 1391, but changes of ownership, attacks and tornadoes left the castle in ruins by the 19th century. Restoration of the castle took about 20 years. Architect Peter Capers tackled not only the castle walls, but also added plumbing and heating. The interior decoration is amazingly luxurious and the castle is surrounded by a garden with 7000 trees.

Open time

Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

St Martin's Cathedral

 4.5/5

2686 reviews

It is located in the centre of the city. The cathedral once formed a single ensemble with the Dome Tower, but the two structures were separated by a violent tornado, which collapsed the central nave of the cathedral. The Gothic style cathedral was built in the XII century. Up to the present time many fragments from the old church have been preserved. A square and trees were planted on the territory of the destroyed nave. The interior is highlighted by decorated arches and multi-coloured stained glass windows.

Open time

St John's Cathedral

 4.6/5

7378 reviews

It was founded on the site of a Romanesque church. The construction of the cathedral began in 1220 and finished in 1340. The 73 metre high tower was completed only in 1525. The length of the church is 115 metres. Nowadays the cathedral building is a monument of historical architecture of the country. For a long time the church was a parish church, until in 1559, when the city diocese was established, it was given the status of a cathedral.

Open time

Van Gogh Museum

 4.6/5

82154 reviews

The Amsterdam museum dedicated to the famous artist has almost a quarter of all his canvases – 200 works. In addition to paintings, about 400 of his drawings and about 700 letters are on display. Several expositions are dedicated to the artist’s life. The museum also displays works by Impressionist painters such as Manet and Monet, Gauguin and Signac. There are several sculptures by Rodin and Dalou. More than 1.5 million people visit the museum every year.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Anne Frank House

 4.5/5

63485 reviews

In this house, the girl and her family hid from the Nazis in the “Asylum”, built to shelter Jews from the Holocaust. For more than two years of her life in the Asylum, Anna kept a diary, the publication of which caused a public outcry. This led to the opening of a house-museum in 1960. Among the exhibits are the original of Anna’s diary, materials about the terror of the Nazis, and a film biography of the girl’s life. The museum is visited by more than a million people a year.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Rembrandt House Museum

 4.5/5

11528 reviews

Art museum dedicated to the work of the artist. It is housed in the house where Rembrandt lived for 17 years. It recreates the atmosphere that was there during the artist’s life – furniture, decoration of the rooms. The museum has interesting collections of the master’s works – engravings and graphic works. One of the main expositions consists of works by Rembrandt’s pupils and teacher, as well as paintings by the artist’s contemporaries.

Open time

Mauritshuis

 4.7/5

13976 reviews

The Royal Art Gallery. The number of paintings in it is small, but the canvases exhibited in it, every single one of them is admired by the public. These are works by Rembrandt, Potter, Hals, Vermeer and Wall. In total there are about 250 canvases by Dutch artists from the Golden Age. The gallery is housed in the building of a mansion built in 1641. It is often compared in importance with the Royal Palace.

Open time

Monday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Frans Hals Museum

 4.4/5

2428 reviews

Art museum founded in 1862. The collection is based on the works of Hals, but there are also many paintings by other local artists. Works by van Haarlem, van Heemskerk, van Scorel and Goltzius can be seen in the museum. The museum collection also includes old religious exhibits relating to Roman Catholic art. The museum’s exhibitions change frequently due to a lack of exhibition space.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

NEMO Science Museum

 4.5/5

29886 reviews

The museum’s exhibitions are mostly aimed at children. It tells about scientific discoveries and facts in a simple and visual way. The exhibitions are divided into floors according to the level of complexity. On the ground floor there are mirrors, soap bubbles and other exhibits for primary school age. Above that are expositions devoted to physics and chemistry. On the last floor, the exhibits will be of particular interest to teenagers.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Wouda pumping station

 4.6/5

2113 reviews

The station was built in 1920 in the province of Friesland for flood defence. Queen Wilhelmina attended its opening. The station’s construction was based on a complex of steam engines and centrifugal pumps. The station’s coal-fired boilers were later replaced by modern boilers, which were eventually converted to oil. The station is operational and is run for a few days a year. It is included in the UNESCO list.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM

Markthal

 4.4/5

43358 reviews

A unique shopping and residential complex in Rotterdam. The building is designed in the form of a giant arch, with retail space between the residential buildings. There is an underground car park. The transparent facade allows you to appreciate the artistic design of the arch vaults from the outside. Brightly coloured paintings cover the entire ceiling inside – it is 11,000 m². Queen Máxima was present at the opening of this masterpiece of modern architecture.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 6:00 PM

Cube Houses

 4.4/5

17062 reviews

The most colourful and popular architectural landmark of the city. Avant-garde cube houses are united into a single residential complex. Visually, the houses look like cubes on a hexagonal pylon. The intricate appearance of the raised houses attracts many tourists. This is taken advantage of by the residents of the flats, inviting them on excursions to their homes. Each cube houses a three-storey flat.

Open time

Euromast

 4.4/5

17061 reviews

The tower is 185 metres high. At the same time, the diameter of the amazing structure is only 9 metres. The tower’s observation deck is located at a height of 96 metres. Because of its shape, locals often refer to the Euromast as the “crow’s nest”. There is a luxury restaurant on the observation deck and two super deluxe hotel rooms on the upper level. Visitors travel part of the ascent in a panoramic cabin.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Erasmusbrug

 4.6/5

13275 reviews

It is one of the symbols of the city, thanks to its unusual and recognisable design. It is called the “swan bridge”. The cable-stayed bridge was built in 1996. Its length is 802 metres. The height of the pylon is 139 metres. There is a draw span in the bridge’s construction. It is considered one of the heaviest and largest in Western Europe. At night, the bridge of original shape is beautifully illuminated with lights.

Open time

Delta Projects Netherlands

 4.6/5

130 reviews

A complex system of structures designed to protect land in the Rhine River delta from flooding. The project created a complex consisting of storm barriers, dikes and floodgates. The work was completed in 1997 and the Delta Project is considered one of the largest such projects in the world. It includes nearly 15,000 levees and about 300 structures. The project is included by American engineers in the modern list of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Port of Rotterdam

 4.6/5

91 reviews

One of the largest ports in the world with a large cargo turnover. Most of the cargo is oil products, ore and coal. About 30,000 ships pass through the port per year. The port has an area of 105 km² and is 40 kilometres long. The first harbours on this place appeared in the Middle Ages, but the main development of the port took place in the 19th century. A visit to this place will be interesting not only for those who are interested in shipbuilding.

Open time

Madurodam

 4.4/5

24010 reviews

It is a miniature replica of a city with typical Dutch buildings, the originals of which are located in different parts of the country. The models are made in 1:25 scale. There is about 4 km of railway running through Madurodam. The park is interactive and incredibly real. With a special remote control you can control the barrier dams, the loading of containers or the take-off of an aeroplane.

Open time

Efteling

 4.6/5

114646 reviews

An entertainment park with beautiful scenery and a variety of attractions. Its area is 276 hectares. The theme of the park is fairy tales. In it you can meet many characters of favourite fairy tales of Perrault, Grimm brothers, Anderson. It has a golf course and three hotels with the theme of the park. The park has 36 rides, including 6 roller coasters. The number of visitors to the park per year is approximately 5 million people.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

ARTIS

 4.5/5

30763 reviews

A major royal zoo. Opened in 1838. In addition to an extensive collection of animals, the zoo has a planetarium, a large aquarium and a zoological museum. The unique museum of microorganisms, which has no analogues in the world, is of interest to visitors. The animals are equipped with living areas that correspond to their habitat in the wild. The park has centuries-old unusual plants and a lot of greenery.

Open time

Het Nationale Park De Hoge Veluwe

 4.6/5

11601 reviews

A national park located on a large flat area. It was founded by private individuals – Keller patrons. The park is loved by locals and tourists for its active recreational activities – hiking, cycling, horse riding. Specially imported moufflons live in the park. The park’s landscapes include heathland, coniferous forests and open sands.

Open time

De Pier

 4.4/5

37043 reviews

The beach is located on the North Sea and is popular with holidaymakers in summer – the water temperature reaches 23 degrees Celsius. The wide sandy zone of the beach stretches for several kilometres. The beach is also suitable for surfers. One of the attractions of the beach is an old pier. The multi-level structure offers a picturesque view of the sea and the beach. The scenery is especially beautiful in the sunset sun.

Open time

Wadden Sea

 4.8/5

3270 reviews

Separated from the North Sea by a chain of small Watt Islands. The Watt Sea consists of many shallow areas. The unusual coastline was formed as a result of natural changes between the 10th and 14th centuries. At low tide, twice a day the sea is drained completely and refilled at high tide. The Watt Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a unique flora and fauna and is home to many migratory birds.