The Netherlands is known for its picturesque canals, vibrant tulip fields, and innovative approach to water management. Here are more reasons why you must go and visit the Netherlands.
The Netherlands is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, including iconic windmills, vibrant tulip fields, and intricate canal systems that weave through historic cities like Amsterdam. Additionally, the country is celebrated for its progressive approach to social policies, innovative water management techniques, and a rich cultural heritage that includes famous artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Rembrandt.
I just feel that we have visited most parts of the Netherlands since after living here in Belgium. It’s been our go-to destination for a quick, sometimes spontaneous, family getaway, due to its close proximity, its many and consistently family-oriented places to visit, and its more reasonable, lower price for the value we pay for. News flash: Belgium is relatively more expensive to live compared to other nearby countries in Europe, except Switzerland, Luxembourg and the Scandanavian countries.
Even prior to living here in Belgium, I already visited the Netherlands in 2011 when I went along for a group excursion in Amsterdam for a weekend. Then in 2014, my husband and I came to the Netherlands to visit a friend, and we took a chance to visit Amsterdam and go around the nearby towns of Castricum and Volendam.
A few years hereafter, we often visited Zeeland for a quick getaway with friends (2015), for our annual family reunion weekend getaway (2016), and then fast-forward to 2018, for a summer holiday at Cadzand with my mom visiting us in Europe for the first time. In 2022, we also spent our autumn holiday at the vacation park located in Kamperland.
Speaking of vacation parks, the Netherlands offers a wide variety of it ranging from family-friendly resorts with pools and activities to more nature-focused parks with opportunities for hiking and exploring. We are the biggest fan of Landal GreenParks, and out of the 11 Landal parks that we visited, six Landal parks were in the Netherlands.
Whenever we’re in the Netherlands, with our girls of course, we also take our chance to visit the Netherland’s amusement parks. So many to choose from, but by far we’ve visited Efteling, Walibi, Delte Park Neeltje Jans, Mondo Verde and Toverland (twice).
TBH, the Netherlands has been a real-good neighbor, especially for us parents who have the little ones to entertain. Next to Austria, I find the Netherlands as another country that is very kid-friendly and family-oriented. So, here are the places in the Netherlands that I’ve been so far, as well as the activities that you can try to do when you’re in the Netherlands, with your kids in tow natuurlijk!
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the capital and most populous city of the Netherlands, known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades. The city’s 17th-century Golden Age legacy is evident in its world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum, which houses works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, and the Van Gogh Museum. Amsterdam is also famous for its cycling culture, with more bicycles than residents, and its progressive social policies that have made it a vibrant, diverse international hub.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and home to Europe’s largest seaport, making it a vital hub for international trade and commerce. The city is renowned for its striking modern architecture and innovative urban design, having been extensively rebuilt after World War II bombing destroyed much of its historic center. Rotterdam’s diverse, multicultural population and vibrant cultural scene, including world-class museums like the Kunsthal and the Maritime Museum, make it one of Europe’s most dynamic and forward-thinking cities..
Friesland
Friesland is a province in the northern part of the Netherlands, known for its distinctive Frisian language, which is officially recognized alongside Dutch. The region features a unique landscape of lakes, canals, and flat polders, making it famous for ice skating on natural ice during cold winters, particularly the Elfstedentocht (Eleven Cities Tour). Friesland has a rich cultural heritage with picturesque historic towns like Leeuwarden (the capital), traditional farmhouses, and a strong maritime tradition.
Maastricht
Maastricht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, situated in the far south of the country where the Meuse River flows through the hilly Limburg province. The city is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, including the stunning Romanesque Basilica of Saint Servatius and the atmospheric Helpoort, the oldest surviving city gate in the Netherlands. Maastricht is perhaps most famous internationally as the birthplace of the European Union, where the Maastricht Treaty was signed in 1992, establishing the framework for the EU and introducing the euro currency.
Zeeland
Zeeland is a southwestern province of the Netherlands consisting largely of islands and peninsulas formed by the deltas of the Rhine, Meuse, and Scheldt rivers. The province’s name, meaning “Sea Land,” reflects its historic battle against the sea, culminating in the massive Delta Works flood protection system built after the devastating North Sea flood of 1953. Zeeland is known for its picturesque coastal towns, beaches, and distinctive regional culture, with its capital city being Middelburg.
Arnhem
Arnhem is a city in the eastern Netherlands, serving as the capital of Gelderland province and situated on the banks of the Rhine River. The city gained international recognition for the Battle of Arnhem in 1944, when Allied paratroopers attempted to capture a crucial bridge during Operation Market Garden, resulting in heavy casualties and ultimate failure. Modern Arnhem is a thriving cultural and economic center with excellent shopping districts, the famous Burgers’ Zoo, and easy access to the natural beauty of the nearby Veluwe region.
Limburg
Limburg is the southernmost province of the Netherlands, known for its distinctive hilly landscape that contrasts sharply with the flat terrain typical of most of the country. The province has a rich history influenced by its proximity to Belgium and Germany, which is reflected in its unique dialect, cuisine, and cultural traditions. Maastricht, Limburg’s capital city, is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and features stunning medieval architecture, including the famous Sint-Servaasbrug bridge and the Basilica of Saint Servatius.
Volendam
Volendam is a traditional fishing village located in North Holland, Netherlands, famous for its picturesque harbor lined with colorful wooden houses and its well-preserved Dutch cultural heritage. The town is particularly known for its distinctive traditional costumes, especially the women’s high pointed bonnets that have become an iconic symbol of Dutch culture worldwide. Today, Volendam is a popular tourist destination near Amsterdam, attracting visitors who come to experience its authentic atmosphere, enjoy fresh seafood, and explore its rich fishing village history.
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