Top 12 Places to Visit in the Netherlands Outside Amsterdam

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The Netherlands is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Many people know this country for its canals, windmills, and cycling culture. Amsterdam, the capital city, is often the first place people think about when planning a trip. It is famous for its museums, nightlife, and historic streets. However, many other places to visit in the Netherlands outside Amsterdam also offer rich culture, history, and beautiful scenery to explore.

In this article, we will take a look at the twelve best places to visit in the Netherlands outside the famous Amsterdam. Let's check them out.

Known as a historic university city, this destination offers a calm atmosphere with classic Dutch charm. Beautiful canals, old bridges, and traditional houses shape the city's scenery. You can explore the National Museum of Antiquities and see impressive collections from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. You can also visit the Hortus Botanicus, where you can see various rare plants from around the world. Don't miss the house where the famous painter Rembrandt was born, which is now an important cultural site.

Famous for its unique canal system with waterside terraces, this city blends history with modern life. Lively cafés and medieval architecture create an inviting urban setting. You can climb the tall Dom Tower and enjoy wide views across the old town from the top. The canal-side restaurants are perfect spots for a relaxed meal by the water. The city also has many interesting museums, such as the Catharijneconvent Museum and the Railway Museum. You can also visit historic churches like the Dom Church to learn about local religious history.

Recognized as the political center of the Netherlands, this city combines royal heritage with international importance. Elegant districts and impressive government complexes shape its character. You can visit the historic Binnenhof, where the Dutch parliament holds important meetings. The city also has the famous Mauritshuis museum, where you can see masterpieces by Vermeer and Rembrandt. If you want to relax, Scheveningen Beach is a great place to enjoy sea views and long promenades along the coast.

Well known for its historic cheese tradition, this town reflects classic Dutch trade heritage. Old canals and market squares create a traditional setting. You can experience the seasonal cheese market and watch traditional weighing rituals performed by local traders. You can also visit the iconic Saint John's Church, which is famous for its beautiful detailed stained glass windows. Don't forget to visit the Gouda Cheese Museum where you can learn about traditional production methods and local farming history.

Located near the North Sea coast, this city offers a quieter atmosphere than larger Dutch destinations. Historic buildings and shopping streets shape the center. You can visit the Frans Hals Museum, where you can see beautiful Dutch Golden Age portraits by famous painters. You can also visit the impressive Grote Kerk, which features a large historic organ that has been played by many famous musicians. Canal walks and trips to nearby Zandvoort Beach give you both city and coastal experiences in one visit.

Often called the "Dutch Venice," this village is known for canals instead of roads. Peaceful rural scenery defines daily life here. You can rent a small electric boat and travel through narrow waterways to discover the village from the water. Traditional thatched-roof houses stand beside the canals, creating a picture-perfect scene. While you are here, don't forget to cross the wooden arch bridges or visit the small local history museums.

Recognized worldwide for its spring flower displays, this garden area reflects the Netherlands' tulip heritage. Large landscaped grounds create colorful seasonal scenery from March to May. You can walk through themed flower pavilions, where you can see carefully arranged blooms in many different colors. Millions of tulips form beautiful patterned garden fields that are perfect for photos. The park also has seasonal exhibitions, outdoor sculptures, and special photo areas for visitors to enjoy.

Made up of islands and coastal towns, this province highlights the country's strong connection to the sea. Maritime culture and impressive water engineering shape the region. You can relax on long sandy beaches facing the North Sea and enjoy the fresh ocean air. The Delta Works project shows massive storm surge barriers that protect the land from flooding. While you are in the area, don't forget to make a stop at the historic harbors or see the famous lighthouses of Zeeland.

Known for its traditional green wooden houses, this town reflects early Dutch industrial life. Historic design mixes with modern architecture in interesting ways. You can visit nearby Zaanse Schans, where you can see preserved working windmills that still operate today. The area also has craft workshops where you can watch traditional skills like clog carving and cheese making by hand. Don't forget to see the distinctive stacked design of the Inntel Hotel, which is a popular photo spot.

Located in the southern Netherlands, this city shows strong Belgian and German cultural influence. Cobblestone streets and old fortifications shape the historic center. You can spend time at Vrijthof Square, where you can relax at outdoor cafés surrounded by impressive historic buildings. You can also visit the beautiful Saint Servatius Basilica, which presents Romanesque architecture from many centuries ago. Don't miss the underground cave tours that reveal long limestone tunnels used for shelter and storage throughout history.

Famous for its windmill network, this village represents Dutch water management history. Canal landscapes and dike systems define the area. You can enter museum windmills, where you can see traditional machinery still in operation. The area also has cycling paths that run beside the peaceful canals through open countryside. If you prefer, you can also take boat tours that provide wide views of the impressive windmill rows across open farmland.

Known as one of the country's largest national parks, this reserve protects forests, sand dunes, and heathlands. Wildlife habitats make the environment diverse and interesting to explore. You can cycle across the park using free white bikes that are available at different locations. Inside the park, you can also visit the famous Kröller-Müller Museum, where you can see beautiful artworks by Van Gogh and other modern artists. The park also has outdoor sculpture gardens and walking trails for deeper exploration.