12 Pretty Places to Visit in the Netherlands Other Than Amsterdam

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Sure, Amsterdam is great—but it’s definitely not the only place to visit in the Netherlands.

Don’t get me wrong—the capital is incredible, and I’ve got my favorite spots there, too. But if you’re looking for places to visit in the Netherlands other than Amsterdam, there are plenty of towns and cities that deserve a spot on your list.

Here are the ones I’ve personally visited and enjoyed, along with a few reasons why I think you’ll like them too.

Kayakers paddle along Utrecht’s scenic Oudegracht canal, surrounded by leafy trees, bustling cafes with outdoor seating, and bicycles parked on a charming arched brick bridge. The water reflects the lively atmosphere and architecture of the historic city center.

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Best Places to Visit in North Holland

Zaandam

  • A whimsical, stacked building facade of Inntel Hotels Zaandam, composed of green, blue, and white Dutch-style house fronts, perched over a canal with an outdoor dining terrace below. The sky is clear and blue, complementing the building’s playful, colorful design.
  • A quirky green clock tower with gold-rimmed clock faces and a steep triangular roof stands at the center of a curved pedestrian street in Zaandam. The building below features swan sculptures above the entrance, flanked by colorful Dutch-style houses with red-tiled roofs and white-trimmed windows.

Calling all my Instagram sistas! If you’re into the gram or simply love quirky architecture, Zaandam is arguably one of the coolest cities in the Netherlands.

It’s also super convenient to visit since it’s just 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam Centraal, making it a perfect quick escape. 

The crown jewel of Zaandam is its quirky and highly Instagrammable Inntel Hotels, with its colorful facade of houses stacked on top of each other like a Dutch Lego village!

While you should definitely visit to see this quirky attraction, there are actually quite a few cool things to do in Zaandam. I really enjoyed visiting the Czar Peterhuisje, one of the oldest wooden houses in the country.

A scenic view of traditional Dutch windmills near Amsterdam at Zaanse Schans, with several iconic windmills standing across a grassy landscape beside a calm river. The charming village and farmland backdrop highlights the Netherlands’ historic countryside charm just outside the city.

The traditional windmill village of Zaanse Schans is also nearby and super easy to reach by bus or train from Zaandam. You can definitely visit both in one day, although I always recommend staying a bit longer to really get to know each place.

Volendam

Traditional wooden sailboats with tall masts and flags docked along the edge of Volendam harbor, with Dutch-style buildings and a café terrace in the background.

Volendam is a beautiful coastal town and a fab place to spend a lazy day exploring. 

Don’t expect a long list of attractions, though—all the action is along the promenade, so that’s where you should head. It’s lined with charming little shops and plenty of restaurants where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat.

That said, if there are two local dishes you absolutely have to try in Volendam, it’s moules (mussels) and freshly fried kibbeling—honestly, they’re the best fish bites I’ve had so far!

Other popular things to do here include dressing up in traditional Dutch clothing at one of the old-school photo studios or hopping on the ferry to Marken. It’s only about 30 minutes and gives you a lovely new perspective on the area. Plus, the boat ride itself is super scenic!

Marken

Traditional dark green Dutch houses with red roofs reflect in a calm waterway surrounded by a grassy meadow, under a partly cloudy sky and framed by tree branches.

Marken feels like a step back in time in the best way. This former island (now connected by a causeway) is full of traditional wooden houses, white picket fences, and narrow walking paths that make you feel like you’re inside a storybook.

There’s not a huge to-do list here—and that’s kind of the charm. Stroll around the village, pop into the Marken Museum, and visit the wooden shoe workshop to see how traditional clogs are made.

Edam

  • A small boat rests on a calm, narrow canal in Edam, surrounded by golden autumn trees, cobbled paths, and bikes lined up near a pedestrian bridge in the background.
  • multiple round wheels of Edam cheese neatly arranged on wooden shelves. Each cheese wheel has a glossy, yellow-orange wax coating and is wrapped with a label that reads “EDAM.” The setting appears to be a cheese shop or storage area, with a traditional and rustic display.

Contrary to popular belief, Edam isn’t all about cheese. But let’s be real—it’s definitely a big part of the draw!

We visited with no real plan—and honestly, that’s the best way to experience any small Dutch town. 

What I love most about Edam is how peaceful and charming it is. Wander along the canals, snap photos at the pretty little bridges, and pop into one of the many cheese shops for free samples. It’s an easygoing place that’s perfect for just wandering.

Broek in Waterland

Broek in Waterland has to be the cutest little village in the Netherlands! It’s totally off the beaten path, and if you’re looking for a ton of things to do—you won’t find them here.

It’s super laid-back and postcard-pretty, with wooden houses and green pastures lining its peaceful canals. We loved strolling through town, which you can easily do in about 30 minutes. IJscafé Antonio has cold beers and great ice cream. But if it’s open, Het Broeker Huis is the go-to spot in town. It’s been part of the village since 1775.

Haarlem

Grote Kerk also known as St Bavo Church rises over the main square in Haarlem surrounded by historic red brick stepped gable buildings and cobblestone streets. An abstract bronze statue stands on stone blocks in the foreground near small market stalls under a bright blue sky.

Haarlem is often touted as the must-do day trip from Amsterdam, and once you go, it’s easy to see why. It’s only about 15 minutes away by train, easy to explore on foot, and you still get canals, historic streets, and classic Dutch architecture all in one place.

The main square, the Grote Markt, is the highlight. It’s surrounded by beautiful buildings and terrace cafés, and it’s a nice place to sit for a bit, especially on a sunny day. The Grote Kerk Haarlem is worth popping into. Mozart played the organ here when he was just ten, and the famous Dutch painter, Frans Hals, is buried inside.

From here, it’s worth wandering into the smaller streets, where you’ll come across Haarlem’s hofjes. These quiet courtyard gardens are tucked behind old buildings, and you’d easily miss them if you didn’t know they were there. You can also walk along the river to see De Adriaan Windmill, a classic Dutch windmill just outside the center.

If you’re interested in WWII history, I highly recommend visiting the Corrie ten Boom House. The guided tour is free, but make sure to book in advance, as it often fills up weeks ahead.

Best Places to Visit in South Holland

Delft

  • The tall brick clock tower of the Oude Kerk in Delft rises above the nearby townhouses, framed by a bright blue sky. The Gothic architecture, with its pointed spires and large white clock face, creates a dramatic contrast against the surrounding modern buildings.
  • A display of Royal Delft blue pottery in a shop, featuring an ornate multi-spout tulip vase with floral and butterfly designs on top of a wooden crate. Below it are matching tea sets, including teapots, cups, and saucers adorned with blue tulips and stripes, all arranged neatly on a floral-patterned tablecloth.
  • A sleek glass-roofed canal tour boat floats along a narrow waterway in Delft, lined with parked bicycles and outdoor dining terraces. People sit under umbrellas enjoying the sunny afternoon.

Delft is actually famous for a few things. It’s the birthplace of Johannes Vermeer (one of the Dutch Golden Age’s most iconic painters), the home of the famous Delft Blue ceramics, and the former residence of William of Orange.

Despite all that history, this picturesque town is often overlooked and doesn’t always make it onto travelers’ usual must-see lists.

That’s a shame because it’s a beautiful little town with so much to offer, even if you’re only in Delft for a few hours. Think historic churches, pretty canals, cute little shops, cozy cafés, and a couple of great museums, all within easy walking distance.

When you visit, check out the Old Church and the New Church—both are gorgeous and full of fascinating history. Markt Square is another highlight. It’s a bustling square lined with pretty buildings, cafés, and restaurants—perfect for grabbing a snack and a glass of wine (or two).

The Hague

  • A charming street scene in The Hague featuring a row of narrow, colorful Dutch townhouses with gabled roofs and tall windows. Bicycles are parked along the sidewalk, and people are dining under white umbrellas outside a café, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere on a sunny day.
  • a grand shopping arcade with a glass-domed ceiling, allowing natural light to filter through. The long corridor is lined with elegant storefronts featuring large windows and ornate architectural details. A few people can be seen walking in the distance, adding to the sense of scale and depth.
  • A large white Ferris wheel stands on a pier extending into the sea, with glass-enclosed gondolas offering panoramic views. Below, people walk along the pier and relax on the sandy beach, with gentle waves and a bright blue sky completing the summery scene.

The Hague is the third-largest city in the Netherlands, but I think it’s seriously underrated. It has a laid-back vibe—even though there’s plenty to do!

If you’re not sure what to do, start with the museums. There are a lot of them here! Mauritshuis and Escher in Het Paleis are all fantastic options. But if art and history aren’t your thing, head to the cobblestone streets behind the Prison Gate Museum for a stroll (and some shopping!). Hoogstraat and Noordeinde are lined with charming shops, cafés, and boutiques.

If you still have some time left and the weather is nice, the city’s beachside resort, Scheveningen, is just a short distance away. We cycled there (which was so fun!), but you can also hop on a tram or bus and be there in less than 30 minutes. Madurodam Miniature Park is another fun spot, especially if you’re visiting the Netherlands with kids. It’s basically a mini version of the country, complete with scaled replicas of Dutch cities and famous landmarks.

Leiden

  • The historic facade of Leiden’s city hall with red shutters and doors, and a statue atop the roof, framed by leafless trees and a quiet cobblestone square.
  • View over the red-tiled rooftops of Leiden, framed by bare tree branches, with two distinct church domes rising above the skyline under a pale blue sky.
  • Another angle of the blooming cherry blossom tree and parked bicycles, with two people walking down a cobbled street in the background.

If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to the capital, the beautiful university town of Leiden ticks all the boxes!

Located just 35 minutes from Amsterdam by train, Leiden is steeped in history. It’s where the first university in the Netherlands was founded, Rembrandt was born, Einstein once taught, and even where the first tulips were grown!

We visited Leiden with no real plan, and honestly, just wandering around is one of the best things to do here. But if you prefer a bit more structure, start your visit by climbing to the top of De Burcht—a medieval fortress perched on an artificial hill. 

The view from the top is absolutely stunning: think terracotta rooftops, winding canals, and an epic panorama over the city’s most iconic landmarks, like the Hooglandse Kerk and Pieterskerk. Afterward, stop by Grand Café for a much deserved slice of apple pie—it’s so good!

Hortus Botanicus is another must-see. It’s one of the oldest botanical gardens in Europe, and where the country’s first tulips were planted. I have to admit, though—I was expecting Cloud Forest vibes and found it a bit underwhelming for the price. But that might just be because we visited right at the beginning of spring. I’d love to return during the warmer months to see how the scenery transforms.

If you still have time, the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Naturalis Biodiversity Center, and Corpus are other popular attractions worth checking out.

Gouda

  • A historic city square in Gouda with the town hall’s ornate stone facade and red-shuttered windows on the left. Behind it, a tall clock tower rises above charming Dutch buildings and an outdoor café.
  • A hand holds up a small cheese wafer cookie in front of the historic Gothic-style Stadhuis (City Hall) in Gouda, Netherlands. The intricately detailed stone building with pointed towers and arched windows rises behind the cobblestone square under a partly cloudy sky.
  • A picturesque view of a narrow Dutch alley with a pointed church steeple rising in the background. Classic Dutch houses with steep rooftops and warm afternoon light frame the peaceful scene.

While Gouda might be famous for its cheese, there’s so much more to this quaint city than its namesake.

St. Janskerk is my favorite place in the city. The current form of this beautiful Gothic-style church dates back to around 1552. It features 72 original stained glass windows that miraculously survived World War II. They’re absolutely gorgeous, and I highly recommend doing the audio tour when you visit, as it gives a bit more context to what you’re seeing. 

A visit to any Dutch city wouldn’t be complete without checking out its main square, and Gouda’s Markt Square won’t disappoint. There are several notable buildings here, including the Goudse Waag (the original cheese weighing house) and the Stadhuis, which features a fun carillon with little figurines that perform a mini show.

Other fun things to do in Gouda include learning about the city’s famous cheese, making your own stroopwafels, and watching the traditional cheese trading process at the Cheese Market (usually held from April to August).

Best Places to Visit in Utrecht Province

Utrecht

  • Street view in Utrecht with people walking and shopping along a charming, narrow street lined with historic brick buildings. Dominating the background is the iconic Dom Tower, a tall Gothic-style bell tower with ornate spires and arched windows, set against a bright blue sky.
  • The lush cloister garden beside Domkerk in Utrecht, featuring neatly trimmed hedges, blooming yellow flowers, and a central fountain. Visitors walk along the cobblestone path beneath the towering Gothic architecture and stained-glass windows of the cathedral, with part of the Dom Tower seen under scaffolding in the background.

Utrecht is a well-known university town in the Netherlands, and a great alternative to Amsterdam if you want somewhere less touristy.

What really makes this city so lovely is its vibe. It’s got a younger, hipper energy than Amsterdam but still comes with all the pretty historic buildings and charming canals you’d expect from a classic Dutch city.

When you go, be sure to walk along the Oudegracht—a scenic canal lined with tiered wharves that now house cafés, boutiques, and restaurants. Floris Graaf is a fab spot for afternoon tea, while Taste of India serves up some seriously delicious Indian food!

Another huge must-do in Utrecht is to climb the Dom Tower. It was once part of the Cathedral of Saint Martin, but an earthquake in 1674 separated it from its nave. The nearby Pandhof garden and Flora’s Hof are also worth a visit—they’re both gorgeous and perfect for a little breather.

View down Utrecht’s Oudegracht canal with kayakers paddling between tall, historic canal houses. On the left, a row of closed café umbrellas lines the quay, while red flowers in the foreground add a burst of color to the scene.

Other highlights include shopping for vintage clothing along Twijnstraat, popping into the Saffa store for some milk tart, or grabbing a craft beer at Olivier, a Belgian beer café housed in a former church. 

If you still have time, it’s worth visiting De Haar Castle. It’s the Netherlands’ most lavish castle, located just outside the city. You can tour the castle’s interior to get a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Van Zuylen family or simply enjoy wandering the gardens and admiring the fairytale-like exterior. I rented a TIER e-bike outside Vleuten Station and cycled there, but a bus also goes to the castle. 

Amersfoort

Historic medieval gate called Koppelpoort in Amersfoort, Netherlands, featuring red-shuttered windows, pointed towers, and a stone archway over a reflective canal with lily pads. A pedestrian bridge crosses the water on the left, with trees and a blue sky in the background.

Amersfoort is one of those places that flies totally under the radar—and honestly, I have no idea why. 

This medieval city has a super charming old town, loads of history, and an amazing food scene. Of course, the main highlight here is the Koppelpoort—a stunning medieval gate that looks straight out of a fairytale. 

Another popular must-see is the Mondriaanhuis, which celebrates the life and legacy of Piet Mondrian. He was born in this very house, and today, you can walk through the cool, interactive museum to learn more about his artistic journey.

If you’re up for it, you can also climb the 346 steps to the tippy top of the Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren. It’s one of the tallest church towers in the Netherlands and interestingly, marks the country’s geographical center. 

For food, take a stroll along Krommestraat—it’s lined with a great selection of eateries, many with terraces overlooking the canal. 

Still on My List

Wondering where Rotterdam, Groningen, or Maastricht are? I hear you! They definitely deserve a spot. But since I only write about places I’ve actually visited, you’ll see them here once I go!

Now tell me—which city or town in the Netherlands beyond Amsterdam are you most excited to visit?

Looking for pretty places to go in the Netherlands other than Amsterdam? These 11 towns are full of charm—canals, cobbled streets, cute cafés, and way fewer crowds.

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