Discover 21 Hidden Gems in the Netherlands Beyond Amsterdam

Amsterdam, with its vibrant canals and rich history, is undoubtedly a must-visit destination in the Netherlands. However, for those seeking a more tranquil and authentic Dutch experience, there are numerous captivating destinations just a stone's throw away. Travel bloggers and locals have recommended several outstanding places to explore outside Amsterdam, offering a rich mix of history, culture, nature, and unique experiences.

One such destination is The Hague (Den Haag), renowned for its art museums, including the renowned 'Girl with a Pearl Earring' by Vermeer. Not only is it a cultural haven, but it also serves as the Dutch government's seat, making it a fascinating city to explore both politics and culture.

Utrecht, another captivating city, is one of the prettiest canal cities in the Netherlands, boasting medieval architecture, Roman archaeological sites, and unique wharf restaurants and bars along the canals. The city offers excellent guided tours and mini canal cruises, providing an enchanting way to discover its history and charm.

For those interested in history, Maastricht offers a fascinating underground network of caves and passages that reveal Roman, Napoleonic, and WWII history. The surrounding landscape includes Fort Sint Pieter, offering panoramic views.

Edam, a charming town known for its cheese, especially its famous Edam cheese, is another must-visit destination. The town's historic center, complete with waterways, provides a picturesque backdrop for the traditional summer cheese market.

Delft, renowned for its blue pottery and charming canals, is another hidden gem. The historic Prinsenhof Museum offers insight into the city's rich history, while the vibrant market square, The Markt, showcases the local culture.

Naarden, a well-preserved star-shaped fortress town, offers a glimpse into historical military architecture. Almere, a modern city featuring innovative water-level living, showcases Dutch expertise in water management, allowing visitors to rent boats and explore its unique urban landscape.

For nature enthusiasts, Spaarnwoude offers opportunities for mountain biking, walking, and climbing, while De Oeverlanden boasts natural habitats with secret swim spots and water sports opportunities.

The Veluwe National Park, ideal for both outdoor and art lovers, offers excellent hiking and biking trails, as well as the Kröller-Müller Museum, which features a collection of modern art, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Picasso, and others.

Rotterdam, a contemporary city with a large port, is known for the Cube Houses, Euromast, Erasmusbrug, and various museums. Kinderdijk, a riverside town with 19 windmills dating from around 1740, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit for those interested in Dutch history and engineering.

Giethoorn, a small idyllic town in the province of Overijssel, known as "the town with no roads," is another hidden gem. The Fries Museum in Leeuwarden offers special exhibitions, while De Waag, a historic weighing house from 1590, now a café, and Oldehove, a leaning 16th-century church tower, are must-see attractions in the city.

Efteling, a fairytale-based theme park located in the south of the Netherlands, is the largest theme park in the country and one of the oldest in the world. For those interested in the Netherlands' rich history, Arnhem, famous for the failed WWII attempt by the British to capture a bridge over the Rhine, is a must-visit destination.

Lastly, Alkmaar, another city famous for its cheese, hosts a cheese market every Friday, offering a traditional Dutch experience. The Dutch Cheese Museum (Kaasmuseum) and the picturesque village of Zaandijk, known for Zaanse Schans, a recreated Dutch village with windmills dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, are other highlights in the area.

The Keukenhof flower garden in Lisse, open for several weeks in the spring, covers more than 30 acres and features an estimated 7 million bulbs that bloom into vibrant colours, making it a must-visit for flower lovers.

These destinations provide a rich and diverse range of experiences beyond Amsterdam's bustle, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the Netherlands' unique culture, history, and natural beauty.

The Hague, with its art museums like the one featuring 'Girl with a Pearl Earring', offers a cultural experience and is a seat of Dutch politics, making it a captivating destination for those seeking a blend of culture and politics.
Utrecht, with its medieval architecture, Roman archaeological sites, and unique wharf restaurants and bars, is a must-visit destination for food-and-drink enthusiasts, providing an enchanting way to discover its history and charm.
For enthusiasts of general news, Maastricht offers a fascinating underground network of caves and passages revealing Roman, Napoleonic, and WWII history.
Edam, famous for its cheese, especially the Edam cheese, is another must-visit destination, with its historic center providing a picturesque backdrop for the traditional summer cheese market.
Delft, known for its blue pottery and charming canals, is a hidden gem for those interested in lifestyle, offering insights into its rich history at the Prinsenhof Museum and a showcase of local culture at The Markt.