When we think about cities in the Netherlands, it’s likely the first cities that come to mind are Amsterdam and Rotterdam. However, the country has plenty more to offer than just these two. Here is a list of 7 beautiful cities that are really worth visiting.
1. Giethoorn
Giethoorn is located in Steenwijkerland, about 5 km southwest of Steenwijk. The idyllic village is car free, so to visit the whole village you can to take one of the quaint boats and enjoy the views of lovely houses as well as more than 180 bridges. The scenes are truly picture perfect!
2. Leiden
Leiden is the home to one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands and is known as a city with plenty of life because of its students, who come from all over the world. The city has lots of traditional houses, and St. Peter’s Church, Leiden’s Windmill Museum as well as one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, Hortus Botanicus Leiden, are all worth a visit.
3. Utrecht
Don’t miss visiting Utrecht, with all its of old-world charm yet modern soul. Wander the cobblestone streets of this amazing city, and along the canals, where you will find a lot of traditional Dutch houses and charming shops. If you want to see the city from another view you need to go to the top of Dom Tower, it’s 465 steps to the top but it has a stunning view and is the tallest bell tower in Netherlands.
4. Hoorn
Hoorn, located on the Markermeer 35 kilometers north of Amsterdam, is well known in the Netherlands for its rich history. The city is also known for being a port city with 90 berths, and you can take a tour of the historic ships and the 16th-century warehouses with the water taxi or even visit the Westfries Museum. Don’t forget to go to the defence tower Hoofdtoren and the Hoorn cheese market, a really tasty visit.
5. The Hague
The Hague is the third-largest city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam and Rotterdam and is the seat of the Cabinet, the States-General, the Supreme Court, and the Council of State of the Netherlands. The Hague has a lot of popular galleries, museums, and shops and an interesting mix of some traditional architecture and modern buildings, making for a beautiful city.
6. Groningen
Groningen is a city in the northern Netherlands. The central Grote Markt square of the city is home to the centuries-old Martinitoren clock tower and adjoining the Martinikerk is a large Gothic church with frescoes and a baroque organ that make an incredible sound. Set on a canal, the futuristic Groninger Museum showcases modern and contemporary art and plus ceramics. The city’s traditional canals and warehouses are great to explore, and you can also visit the Hoofdstation Groningen with its interiors that make you feel like you are in a Harry Potter movie.
7. Delft
Last but certainly not least is Delft. An absolute must visit when in the Netherlands, the small beautiful city is located between Rotterdam and The Hague and is home to the famous blue pottery as well as renowned painter Jan Vermeer. You can explore the city on foot or rent a bike, or even take a water taxi along the canal. There are some beautiful buildings and landmarks in this town but the most popular are the Old Church and the New Church.
