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February 15th, 2022 | By: Steven van Guilik
If you're planning a trip to northwestern Europe, the Netherlands is a country you cannot miss. If there is one thing the Netherlands is famous for, it is their lovely and historic cities such as Amsterdam, Utrecht, and many more. There is plenty to choose from, so in order to help you make the best choice, this article presents the best cities to visit when you are travelling to the Netherlands.
The first and most obvious city is Amsterdam. The capital of the Netherlands is world-famous for its historic city center, including the lovely canals and canal houses, and the historic bridges. It doesn’t get more charming than the famous Grachtengordel, where you can find a new canal around every corner.
Amsterdam is also known for its world-famous museums. The best example is the Rijksmuseum, where you will find hundreds of beautiful paintings of the old Dutch masters, such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. The Van Gogh Museum is also worth a visit, just like the famous Anne Frank House, which will certainly leave a lasting impression on every visitor.
Check our top tips for Amsterdam for a more extensive guide of this beautifull city.
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands. It has a completely different feel than Amsterdam. This is partly because large parts of the historic city center have been destroyed during World War II. Not surprisingly, Rotterdam is nowadays specifically known for its beautiful modern architecture. If you like futuristic and innovative architecture, you will love Rotterdam.
Rotterdam is also a diverse city with a very international population. Many expats buy a house in Rotterdam, because it is an important economic hub which offers countless job opportunities for internationals. This diversity also shows itself in the many unique restaurants, bars, and other nightlife establishments you can visit as a tourist. For more information, check out this complete sightseeing guide of Rotterdam.
If you're interested in politics, be sure to visit the city of The Hague. This is the political center of the Netherlands and is the seat of the Cabinet, the States General, the Supreme Court and the Council of State of the Netherlands. You will find these at the Binnenhof, in beautiful historic buildings dating back to the mid-13th century. If you’re lucky, you can even spot the Dutch prime minister biking his way to work!
The Hague is also close to the sea. On a hot summer day, nothing beats spending time on the beach of Scheveningen. Like Amsterdam, The Hague has various interesting museums and great dining options. And like Rotterdam, it is a very multicultural city. Many expats who work at embassies and international organizations buy a house in The Hague.
Looking for more tips? Check the best things to do in The Hague for more information and inspiration!
If you want something different, Maastricht is a great city to visit. Even though it is relatively far away from the other major Dutch cities (it is located in the southeastern tip of the Netherlands) it is definitely worth a visit. Because of its location, it has a much different, more relaxed vibe than for example Amsterdam.
Maastricht is a historic city and already existed in the time of the Romans. If you take a walk through the city center, you can still see the remnants of this. On top of that, Maastricht offers beautiful old bridges, impressive medieval buildings and lovely market squares.
Do you only have one day to explore? Check our tips tops to make the best out of one day in Maastricht!
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We are Jacob and Taylor. Travel is our passion and we love sharing our experiences here at The Travelling Souk. Our hope is that you would be inspired by this little blog to try something new, embrace an adventure, and live life to the fullest.