When we think of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is undoubtedly the very first place that leaps to mind, and for good reason.
Have you ever considered the potential for further exploration in this tiny nation, though? Beyond the boundaries of the capital city, you can explore fields bursting with colorful tulips, miles of towering windmills, rolling fields of greenery, lakes, canals, and cities brimming with charm everywhere! You can book a flight ticket on KLM Airlines and travel to the Netherlands to take in the real charm of the place.
To get you started, check out this list of the top offbeat locations in the Netherlands!
- Rotterdam
The second-largest city in the nation is Rotterdam. This port city, known for its cube homes, is a photographer’s dream. Visit its architectural wonders, entertainment hotspots, top-notch museums, as well as maritime attractions while you’re here. Take a trip to the Old Harbour and enjoy a cafe outside while there. You can also check out the Harbour Museum, an outdoor facility, and the Maritime Museum, which explores Rotterdam’s relationship with the sea. The Photo Museum and the Rotterdam Kunsthal’s Art Hall, which showcase the shifting cultural landscape around the world, are unquestionably must-see destinations for art enthusiasts.
- Kinderdijk
A small town in South Holland called Kinderdijk is well-known for its 18th-century windmills that were built there to prevent flooding. The water-control system, which has been around for more than thousands of years, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the Wisboomgemaal Visitor’s Center to watch the educational video and tour the insides of the two museum windmills. You can either rent a bicycle or ride around Kinderdijk admiring its beauty or hop on a canal boat and sail past the windmills.
- Haarlem
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the nation is Haarlem. Begin at the Grote Markt, which enchants visitors with its charming landmarks and traditional street markets, and then take in the beautiful scenery from the wooden Molen de Adriaan windmill, which further provides guided tours. At the Frans Hals Museum, artists can enjoy works of art from the Golden Age. Do combine that trip with a quick stroll through the Streets of Gold, which are lined with shops and offer independent labels and stunning antiques.
- Giethoorn
In the province of Overijssel, Giethoorn is nearly a car-free village when viewed from the city’s embankments. The whole town is connected by charming canals, earning it the nickname “Venice of the Netherlands.” Get on a bike and explore the Dutch countryside, which is full of lush fields and farm animals, or hire a boat and discover the waterways. Visit the Museum de Oude Aarde to peruse the expansive selection of gemstones and minerals, or stop by the Het Olde Maat Uus Museum to observe how a typical farmhouse appeared to be nearly a century ago. Oh! Do not pass up exploring the marvelous hiking and cycling trails in the De Weerribben Wieden National Park or relaxing at terrace cafes and restaurants.
- Thorn
Think of Thor as postcard-perfect! In the province of Limburg, close to the Belgian border, this magnificent city will take you along cobblestone streets as you take in the spotless white brick structures. Discover the history of the white house as you stroll through the charming town and give in to the laid-back attitude. If at all possible, consider staying in one of the white homes! And if you’re interested in history, you should visit the Thorn Museum, which provides a guided tour via a first-rate audio system.
- Madurodam
The Hague’s tiny Madurodam park is a popular tourist destination. The park includes scale models of famous industrial projects, public buildings, and more, including Dutch castles. Visitors can wander through the historic range of the Netherlands while taking part in a variety of interactive experiences, such as loading cargo ships in the tiny port of Rotterdam or assisting a plane to take off at Schiphol airport. Madurodam opens every day of the year and gets busy at nine in the morning.
- Lisse
The Netherlands’ flower-bulb province is Lisse! It is a must-see town and the location of the Keukenhof Garden, which is open from March to May. The world’s largest flower show, these technicolor tulips bloom in the spring and will make you fall in love. It’s also interesting to note that the city exports flower bulbs to all corners of the globe. Take a guided tour of the Keukenhof Castle, which is close to the Keukenhof Garden, to learn about life in the Dutch Golden Age. Another must-see is the Black Tulip Museum, which also explores the background of the tulip bulb.
- Texel Island
Unlike any mainland, stunning scenery can be found on the thriving Texel Island. This place is situated near the Wadden Islands. Texel Island is a true piece of heaven, from the expansive dunes and lavender-filled salty marshlands to the beach-lined bungalows. Here, you can take in the endless, contemplative fields while savoring homemade ice cream.
Book Your flight ticket on KLM airlines
KLM (KL), the Netherlands’ national airline, is headquartered close to its center at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in Amstelveen (AMS). KLM Airlines currently flies to 163 destinations worldwide as a part of the SkyTeam alliance, 76 of which are intercontinental and 87 of which are in Europe.
Additionally, you can visit the genuine Dutch fishing community of Oosterend and partake in beer tastings at the Texels Brewery in Oudeschild.
