The Netherlands: Cities and Regions

Amsterdam Holland’s largest and most visited city offers gorgeous canals, grand architecture, outdoor markets, pub-lined squares, a legendary chilled-out vibe, and three world-class museums; the Van Gogh, the Rijksmuseum, and the Stedelijk. See our Amsterdam Travel Guide

Friesland A unique culture with its own language (Frisian), tranquil waterways, a sixth of the country’s windmills, and a near universal passion for sailing attract visitors seeking a quiet getaway.

The Hague Holland’s artistically and historically rich royal city hosts the contemporary GEM and Mauritshuis museums and the Dutch parliament area (Binnenhof). The seaside town of Scheveningen is only a tram-ride away.

Maastricht Nestled in the country’s southeast corner, this walled city contains two sprawling basilicas, a network of caves, the must-see Bonnefanten museum, and some of The Netherlands’ finest restaurants.

Rotterdam The Netherlands’ second largest city is a hotbed of contemporary arts, culture, and architecture. Visit the innovative Kunsthal museum, the world-class Museum Boijmans van Beuningen, and the Netherlands Architecture Institute.

Utrecht This vibrant university city boasts gorgeous canals, a soaring cathedral, a pedestrian-only city center, and the wonderful Centraal Museum.

Wadden Islands Holiday-making Dutch flock to these 14 pastoral North Sea islands. Here, the top draws are island-hopping by ferry, lounging on sandy beaches, bird watching, and cycling car-free roads.

Zeeland This southwestern province is extremely popular in the summer, when visitors flock to its charming seaside villages to sunbathe on miles of wide, sandy beaches and play in the surf.

Lisse The historical heart of the Dutch tulip industry attracts thousands of sightseers each spring when fields of commercially grown tulips are in bloom and the nearby Keukenhof garden is open to visitors.