12 Best Things to Do in Holland 🌷 – Cities, Tulips & Windmills 🗺️

If you’re planning a trip and wondering about the best things to do in Holland, this guide will help you discover the country’s highlights: from iconic cities to visit in Holland like Amsterdam and Rotterdam to charming villages, tulip gardens, historic windmills, and natural landscapes. Whether you travel independently or join tours from the capital, here you’ll find the best places to visit in Holland.

🇳🇱 12 Best things to do in Holland

When planning your trip through the Netherlands, these are the must-see cities and villages in Holland that you shouldn’t miss on your itinerary:

🏙️ 1. Amsterdam

The Dutch capital is a must-see and one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. Amsterdam offers a perfect mix of history, art, architecture, nightlife, and photogenic corners.

Visit the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum.
Explore the Jordaan district, full of charm.
Take a boat trip through the canals, especially at sunset.

🔎 More details in our guides:

🌿 2. Zaanse Schans

This open-air museum on the banks of the Zaan River is one of the best places to visit in Holland if you want to experience traditional Dutch culture.

Visit historic windmills inside (oil, pigments, etc.).
See how wooden clogs are made and taste Dutch cheese at a cheese farm.
Walk along scenic paths with postcard views.

🔎 More info: 📌 Zaanse Schans Zaandam netherlands

🌷 3. Keukenhof

Known as the world’s most famous tulip garden, Keukenhof is a must during spring. It’s the top choice for tulip trips to Holland.

Over 7 million blooming bulbs arranged in spectacular designs.
Walking paths and bicycle rentals to explore the surrounding flower fields.

🔎 Complete guide: 📌 Amsterdam to Keukenhof

🎓 4. Utrecht

A charming university city, less touristy than Amsterdam but full of local character.

Climb the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands.
Walk along the canals with waterside terraces.
Relax in cozy cafés with homemade cakes.

🔎 Full article: 📌 Things to do in Utrecht

🏗️ 5. Rotterdam

The most modern city in the Netherlands, perfect if you’re looking for innovation and urban design.

Check out the Cube Houses, the futuristic Markthal, and the Erasmus Bridge.
Take a harbor cruise or visit the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum.

🔎 Full guide: 📌 Things to do in Rotterdam

👑 6. The Hague (Den Haag)

Elegant and political, The Hague is home to the government, royal residences, and seaside areas.

Walk through the Binnenhof, the political heart of the country.
Visit the Mauritshuis Museum, home of Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Relax at Scheveningen beach in summer.

🏺 7. Delft

One of the most picturesque cities to visit in Holland, famous for its blue ceramics.

Tour a Delftware factory with live demonstrations.
Visit the New Church, where members of the royal family are buried.
Stroll along peaceful canals.

🛶 8. Giethoorn

Known as the “village with no roads,” Giethoorn is one of the prettiest parts of the Netherlands.

Rent a boat and navigate the canals.
Admire thatched-roof cottages and flower-filled gardens.
A fairytale destination for peace and nature lovers.

🎣 9. Volendam & Marken

Traditional fishing villages close to Amsterdam.

In Volendam, try herring, visit the port, and see traditional costumes.
Marken is smaller, with wooden houses and a unique charm.

🛶 10. Haarlem

An excellent alternative to Amsterdam, with fewer crowds but similar charm.

Don’t miss Grote Markt square and the Frans Hals Museum.
Perfect for a relaxed stroll and outdoor dining.

🌬️ 11. Kinderdijk

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most famous place to see historic windmills.

Explore walking and biking trails among the windmills.
Visit the interior of a traditional windmill.

🚲 12. Hoge Veluwe National Park

The green heart of the Netherlands, ideal for nature and art lovers.

Free white bicycles available for visitors.
Home to the Kröller-Müller Museum, with Van Gogh masterpieces and outdoor sculptures.

📍 Map of the best places to visit in Holland

Here’s an interactive map with all the destinations mentioned in this article.

📅 Suggested itinerary for Holland

Here’s a 6-day itinerary to see the country’s highlights:

Day 1: Amsterdam (old town, museums, canals)
Day 2: Zaanse Schans + Volendam & Marken
Day 3: Keukenhof (spring) + Delft
Day 4: Utrecht + The Hague
Day 5: Rotterdam + Kinderdijk
Day 6: Giethoorn or Hoge Veluwe National Park

🚄 How to get around Holland

Train: Fast, punctual, and the best way to move between cities.
Car: Useful for small villages, but parking in big cities is expensive.
Bike: The most Dutch way to move around.
Tours: Convenient if you want a hassle-free option.

🌷 Recommended tours in Holland

💡 Travel tips for Holland

Best time to visit: Spring for tulips, summer for good weather.
Language: Dutch, but everyone speaks English.
Currency: Euro.
Tips: Not mandatory, but rounding up is appreciated.
Weather: Always carry a raincoat, the weather changes quickly.

❓ FAQs about things to do in Holland

What are the best things to do in the Netherlands?
Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans, Keukenhof (in tulip season), Giethoorn, and Kinderdijk are among the most unmissable.
What is the prettiest part of the Netherlands?
Giethoorn and the tulip fields around Keukenhof are often considered the most beautiful spots.
What is the number one tourist attraction in the Netherlands?
Amsterdam is the country’s main tourist magnet, especially its canals and museums.
How many days do you need to visit Holland?
Around 5–7 days is perfect to explore the highlights without rushing.
Is Holland expensive to visit?
Yes, especially accommodation and transport. To save money, travel in the low season, use train passes, or stay in smaller cities.
Do you need a car to travel in Holland?
No, public transport works very well and covers most destinations.

💬 Is Holland worth visiting?

Absolutely. Holland combines vibrant cities, charming villages, world-class museums, tulip fields, windmills, and natural parks in a relatively small country. It’s safe, easy to explore, and always surprising. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, there’s always something new to discover.

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