By Rachel DeloughryPublished on Feb 28, 2025
Whilst the Netherlands is not a big country, there are many things to see and do. From sightseeing in cities and exploring some of the country's beautiful natural environments, to finding entertainment and thrills in an amusement park or cruising leisurely down a canal.
Canals in the Netherlands
Nothing says "the Netherlands" quite like a canal; canals have been an essential part of Dutch cities for centuries, testament to the country's mercantile past. Learn about the history of canals in the Netherlands, and some of the most famous Dutch canals, in our dedicated guide.
Canal cruises
There's no experience quite like exploring a Dutch city from the water - whether you're a newcomer, a long-term resident, or a local! Book a leisurely ride, and read some frequently-asked-questions, in our page on canal cruises in the Netherlands.
World Heritage Sites in the Netherlands
There are 13 World Heritage Sites in the Kingdom of the Netherlands: 12 in the Netherlands itself, and one in Curaçao in the Caribbean. Discover more about these sites of outstanding universal value, and add them to your must-visit list!
Dutch national parks
For hikers, birdwatchers and nature lovers, national parks in the Netherlands make for great sightseeing trips, with their typical Dutch landscapes of dunes, woods, moorlands, bogs, valleys and swamps. Every park has its own local flora and fauna. The wildlife includes special species of birds, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians, as well as beavers, otters, seals and deer. If you are in the Netherlands and love nature, visiting a national park is a must.
Zoos & animal parks in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has numerous zoos and animal parks. Varying greatly in size and popularity, these institutions can be found all around the Netherlands, both in remote areas and in the centres of big Dutch cities. Today, zoos no longer solely serve the purpose of entertainment. The parks educate visitors on the many animal species that roam our world, and form a platform for pursuing animal rights, preservation and welfare. Our guide lists some of the best zoos in the Netherlands.
Amusement parks in the Netherlands
The first amusement park opened in the Netherlands in 1933, as a place where visitors could stroll around and enjoy nature. Nowadays, there are many amusement parks in the Netherlands, and their purpose has changed quite a bit! Whether you want to experience another world at a theme park, or seek loop-the-lopp thrills at a rollercoaster parks, the Netherlands will have an amusement park for you.
Dutch museums
The Netherlands boasts a wide variety of museums. Here are some of the Netherlands' most famous museums:
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam
Amsterdam is home to many great museums. If you only have time to visit one, make sure it’s the Rijksmuseum. The national museum features more than 8.000 objects of art and history, including famous painting The Night Watch by Rembrandt van Rijn. Other well-known Dutch artists whose works you’ll be able to admire in the Rijksmuseum include Vincent van Gogh, Frans Hals, Johannes Vermeer, Jan Steen and Karel Appel.
Teylers Museum, Haarlem
Another must-see museum is the first and oldest museum in the Netherlands; the Teylers Museum. It is located in charming Haarlem and its collection includes art, fossils and minerals, scientific instruments, books and coins. The building itself, especially the Oval Room, is also a sight to behold.
Gemeentemuseum Den Haag
Gemeentemuseum Den Haag in The Hague not only holds beautiful works of art, but it is a work of art itself. The art deco building was designed by prominent Dutch architect H.P. Berlage, who is considered to be the “father of modern architecture” in the Netherlands.
The museum is known for its large collection of modern art, and it houses the largest Mondrian collection in the world. Besides modern art, Gemeentemuseum Den Haag also has a print room with 19th- and 20th-century prints and posters, a fashion collection with jewellery and accessories and a large collection of musical instruments.
Windmills in the Netherlands
The Dutch countryside is peppered with windmills, a sight considered almost as Dutch as clogs and tulips. Learn about the history of windmills, their uses, and how they work, in our guide to windmills in the Netherlands.
Cinemas & movie theatres in the Netherlands
Going to the cinema (bioscoop) to watch a movie is a popular pastime in the Netherlands for both locals and internationals. Find a cinema in your area and browse the listings with our selection of cinemas and movie theatres in the Netherlands.
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