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If you’re planning to visit The Netherlands, you might feel overwhelmed because of the many things to see and do in the country. The country is known for its diverse attractions. Here is a list of the top things to see in the country you shouldn’t miss. Knowing these sights to check out when you’re in the Netherlands will make your trip to the country so much easier. Plus, they will truly allow you to get the most out of what the country has to offer! Read on to discover the best things to see in the Netherlands.
BEST THINGS TO SEE IN THE NETHERLANDS
Keukenhof Gardens
The Keukenhof Gardens is one of the most beautiful sights to see in the Netherlands. It is also called “The Garden of Europe” and is the second biggest flower garden in the world. The garden is located between Amsterdam and The Hague, which features over seven million bulbs!
Besides the beautiful tulips, you can also enjoy shows, markets, and parades here. You can ride a bike or a boat around the fields. Moreover, you don’t need to worry about looking for a place to eat because there are on-site restaurants in the area.
The Hoge Veluwe National Park
Located in the province of Gelderland, Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the biggest and most varied nature reserves in the country. Expect to see interesting wildlife and geographical formations.
Some major attractions in the park are the Kröller-Müller Museum, which has the world’s largest private Van Gogh collection, The Museonder, which is the one of the most beautiful sculpture gardens in Europe, and the Jachthuis Sint Hubertus Hunting Lodge. And the good thing about this is you can explore the entire park via bikes that are free for everyone to use!
Bourtange Fortress
The Bourtange Fortress lies near the German border, which is one of the best-preserved fortifications in the Netherlands. Seeing this will take you back in time with the moats, defences, and houses here, you will be able to experience and see what it’s like when the area was swarmed with armies.
As you pass through the two gates and get across the drawbridges over the moats to reach the old town proper. From the central square, the cobblestone paths lead to various directions—you can get to the pentagram-shaped inner fortification.
Moreover, the old buildings have been turned into museums and exhibits, which you should definitely see while you’re here.
The Old Windmills in Kinderdijk
What’s a Dutch without their windmills? The windmills in the Netherlands are one of the things that make the country unique. In Kinderdijk, there are UNESCO-protected 19 old windmills that you can see. Some of the windmills are open to the public, which means you can learn more about them.
The Efteling
The Efteling is located in the town of Kaatsheuvel, south of the Netherlands. What makes it so special? Well, it is one of the oldest theme parks in the world! Plus, it’s actually the biggest attraction of its kind in the country.
The park is divided into four, with each having its own theme. With a park this big, you won’t get bored and you will see plenty of attractions. Additionally, there are plenty of open, green spaces and even a four-star hotel where you can stay here.
Alkmaar Cheese Market
Every year, the cheese market that is held in the Waagplein square in Alkmaar is one of the best things to see and do in the country. The market has become a popular tradition in the area.
Seeing the cheese market will give you an authentic Dutch experience. You will truly be charmed by the medieval decors along with world-class Dutch cheese—even the vendors are wearing traditional costumes, too!
Rembrandtplein
The Rembrandtplein is in the capital city of the country, Amsterdam. Today, the area has become a nightlife hub with so many cafes, restaurants, and clubs. In the northern part of the square, you will see the grandest cafes in the city, De Kroon.
Arcen Castle
Arcen Castle is located in Limburg and it is one of the oldest strongholds in the country, which still stands today. Aside from the beauty of the castle, you can also enjoy the landscape gardens that lie beyond its double-moat. In fact, you can stroll through 15 different gardens here; and if you want to some more, there’s a mini-golf course here. Besides that, there are exhibitions at the castle, too!
Anne Frank Huis
The Anne Frank House is one of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands, and you shouldn’t miss it. When the Nazis invaded the country, Anne Frank and her family escaped arrest by hiding in a concealed apartment in Jordaan, a neighborhood in the city. Today, the house has now been converted into a museum.
The Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is known as the largest museum in the country, which holds a million artworks and historical items that represent every period of the history of the Dutch. There are permanent collections here you can catch any time of the year, such as Rembrandt’s The Nightwatch.
Madurodam
The Madurodam is an amusement park that attracts thousands of tourists every year. It’s a different type of amusement park because it showcases miniature versions of iconic Dutch cities. So, if you’re in the Netherlands, you should definitely see Madurodam.
Visiting The Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. It is filled with so many things to see, which is why it’s no surprise why a lot of people are overwhelmed when planning to visit the country because of the many things to see and do.
These are the must-see sights you shouldn’t miss in the country, which will make your trip easier and worthwhile. By seeing these attractions, you can definitely make the most out of your trip to the country because these are the most popular ones that will certainly provide you with a thrilling experience that you won’t experience anywhere else in the world.
Author Bio:
Ask The Dutch Guy your go-to guide when it comes to The Netherlands. The goal of Ask The Dutch Guy is to showcase the beauty of The Netherlands and to inspire others to explore the country. Read more about Ask The Dutch Guy at https://askthedutchguy.com. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
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Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
Which of these best things to see in the Netherlands did you like the most? Let me know in a comment below!
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.