Settling into your new Dutch town or village, and becoming ‘one of the locals’, takes time and effort. Do not forget to enjoy the amazing tourist attractions the Netherlands has to offer as well! There are lots of them, but we have put together a list of the top 10 must-sees on this page. A visit to any of these attractions makes for a fun day out with friends or family. What’s more, it is a great way to learn more about the culture and history of your new home.

1. VAN GOGH MUSEUM
Amsterdam’s top tourist attraction is devoted almost entirely to the work of one of the world’s most popular artists. Yep, it’s Vincent. The Van Gogh museum’s display spans from his early years in South Holland, through his Impressionist stage in Paris, to his final days in St. Rémy. This museum is the perfect size for those with a tight schedule.
Paulus Potterstraat 7, Amsterdam
www.vangoghmuseum.nl

2. ANNE FRANK HOUSE
Possibly the most deserving of all the Netherlands’ major tourist attractions, the Anne Frank House provides a fascinating insight into the Frank family’s life in hiding from 1942 until 1944, during the Nazi occupation. The museum also provides background on the awful plight of the 100,000 Dutch Jews who were killed in the Holocaust. It hosts a variety of other exhibitions too, focusing on issues of persecution and the repression of freedom of expression, both past and present. Please note that entrance tickets are bought online.
Prinsengracht 267, Amsterdam
www.annefrank.org

3. RIJKSMUSEUM AMSTERDAM
This is the largest museum in the Netherlands. It recently reopened its doors after a complete renovation and it houses an internationally renowned collection of paintings. They are from the 17th-century Dutch Republic: the ‘Golden Age’. Works include pieces by:

  • Rembrandt, the most famous of which is the ominous ‘Night Watch’
  • Johannes Vermeer
  • Frans Hals
  • Jan Steen

Plus there are exhibits of:

4. KEUKENHOF
From late March through the end of May, visitors come in droves to see the display of over 7,000,000 flowers in the famous Keukenhof Gardens. The 70-acre gardens offer a breathtaking and immaculate display of tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and amaryllis. They are planted and tended to by the Netherlands’ leading flower growers. This spectacle is not to be missed.
Open: Mar. 24 – May 16, 2017
Stationsweg 166a, Lisse
www.keukenhof.nl

5. DELFT
Famous for its distinctive blue and white porcelain, Delft continues to charm visitors and shoppers alike. Once home to the Dutch artist Vermeer, it has an abundance of beautifully preserved 17th-century buildings. These include the imposing Town Hall and the Old Church. Visitors also enjoy the town’s picturesque tree-lined canals and plethora of porcelain shops.
www.delft.nl

6. THE KRÖLLER-MÜLLER MUSEUM
This museum is located in the wooded parkland of De Hoge Veluwe National Park. You can either drive or cycle a couple of kilometres through it, to reach the Kroller. It is also possible to borrow a white bicycle at the park gates, free of charge. The collection of art at this museum is ranked as the third most important in the Netherlands. It houses almost 90 paintings and over 180 drawings, in including works by:

  • Van Gogh (roughly 50 of which are on display at any given time)
  • Seurat
  • Monet
  • Picasso

The sculpture Garden is fabulous as well, and worth a trip in itself.
Houtkampweg 6, Otterlo
www.kmm.nl

7. DELFSHAVEN
Delfshaven is the place from which the Pilgrim Fathers departed for the New World in 1620. The tiny harbor has been preserved to look much as it did in centuries past, with the addition of some trendy waterfront restaurants. Across the road, at the ‘Spido Landing Stage’, you can buy a boat tour. These tours offer visitors a unique insight into modern life at one of the world’s busiest seaports.
Delfshaven/Spido Cruises: www.spido.nl
www.rotterdamhistorischdelfshaven.nl

8. MADURODAM
‘All of the Netherlands in a day’ is the best way to describe this miniature scale-model town. Visitors can see all of the Netherlands’ major cities and landmarks up close and personal, but on a tiny scale. There are lots of mechanized exhibits, including busy motorways and sailing ships, to enjoy as well!
George Maduroplein 1, The Hague
www.madurodam.nl

9. KINDERDIJK
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinderdijk is located by the Lek River, southeast of Rotterdam. It consists of 19 windmills standing along a beautiful, broad canal. Take a cruise down the waterway to better observe this archetypal Dutch scene. Or, if you are visiting during July and August, try to make your trip on a Saturday when the mills are put into action.
www.kinderdijk.nl

10. THE ARCHEON
This archaeological theme park lies in Alphen aan de Rijn, South Holland. It is world-renowned amongst history ‘buffs’. The Archeon is made up of reconstructions of villages from three major time periods: Prehistory, the Roman Period, and the Middle Ages. It is a ‘live’ museum, where people in period dress live and work. This makes it a pleasantly participatory way to see and learn about history!
Archeonlaan 1, Alphen a/d Rijn
www.archeon.nl

Recently Posted on XPat.nl

If you’re an expat living and looking for work in the Netherlands then there are some vital differences you should know about in regards to your job applications. In the Netherlands, as with most places in Europe, the norm is a CV rather than the resume which is commonly used in the United States amongst … Continue reading "The Difference Between a Resume and a CV"
Taxes are always complicated. If you have moved to the Netherlands from another country, they can be especially confusing! Many expats carry out business, and therefore earn an income, internationally. This makes what they get taxed on, and by whom, a complex matter. To figure out your own personal tax liability, your residency status and sources of … Continue reading "Dutch Taxes"
Following the legendary previous 8 editions of The UnDutchables, the 9th edition of this all time best seller (more than 300,000 copies sold since 1999) is now available in the Netherlands. The UnDutchables takes an in-depth humorous look at Dutch life, quirks and character. With subjects varying from coffee drinking habits to child rearing, from … Continue reading "The UnDutchables 9.0"
Hello there, future Dutchie! Do you plan to move to Amsterdam or somewhere else in our beautiful country to work or live there? And are you going to stay for more than 90 days? Then you are in the right place! Because when you move to the Netherlands, there are some things you need to … Continue reading "This is your checklist for moving to the Netherlands"
Whether you are renting, staying in a long-term AirBNB or have just bought a house in the Netherlands, making any space a home where you feel comfy and cosy is an enjoyable project. We have compiled some helpful tips to help you turn any type of accommodation into a true home. Naming your home If … Continue reading "Making the most of your Dutch home"
Now as an expat you have probably already noticed that the Dutch take their biking pretty seriously. They’re everywhere! Maybe best not to go into all the details of why the Dutch love their two-wheeler so much - but actually, most of the time, it is easier to get anywhere in the Netherlands by bike … Continue reading "How to Insure your E-bike"

The Netherlands is an absolute Cycl ...

With its flat countryside, stunning nature parks, green meadows, canalside paths, seaside vistas and cyclist ...

An Introduction to the Top 3 Modes ...

The Netherlands is a well-run, innovative and modern place to live while still maintaining ...

Buying a Second-Hand Car in the Net ...

Buying a car is one of the few things that does not allow you to ...

Travel and Vehicle Insurance in NL

Planes, trains, cars and bikes: they're essential for getting around, into, and out of ...

Should You Keep Your Car?

When moving to another country, you face the question: what should you do with your ...

Driving a Car in the Netherlands

Are you wondering what it is like to drive a car in the Netherlands? Remember ...

The Dutch Driver's License

Do you find yourself rushing between appointments and hurrying to get your kids to school ...

Cycling in the Netherlands

If you truly want to sample Dutch life, and zip around quickly and easily, buy ...

Public transport in the Netherlands

Dutch public transportation companies provide frequent services on buses, trams and trains all over the ...

Taking a Taxi in the Netherlands

Taking a taxi in the Netherlands can be a practical solution to your commuting problems ...