Holland offers such a great selection of activities, it can sometimes be hard to decide where to start. Everything from sightseeing tours to castles, to museums, gardens and more, there is no shortage of activities available in and around the Netherlands. We’ve put together a list of our top 10 favorite things to do and see while visiting Holland. In this list, we share some hidden gems that are favored by the locals as well as some of the most popular tourist destinations that you simply cannot miss during your visit.
1. Anne Frank House
A must-see when visiting Holland, the Anne Frank House is a cultural experience that can be explored by the whole family. The Anne Frank House is famously known as the house where Anne Frank, her family and friends hid from the Nazi’s during WWII. The museum allows visitors to gain insight as to what Anne Frank and her family experienced, offering an array of informative exhibits throughout the museum.
2. Van Gogh Museum
No trip to Holland is complete without a stop at the world-famous Van Gough Museum. One of Netherlands most famous artists, Van Gogh is best known for his unique style and use of colors. Visitors can see Van Gogh’s famous self-portraits as well as some of his most popular works such as Sunflowers, The Bedroom and Wheatfield’s under Thunderclouds.
3. Heineken Experience
This tour is a must do for beer lovers and has quickly become one of the most popular tours in the Netherlands since it opened in 1991. This self-guided tour allows you to explore the world of Heineken through their interactive exhibits, discover the historical brewing facilities and try the beer sampling.
4. Amsterdam Canal Cruise
The Netherlands is famously known for their beautiful canals, picturesque towns, castles and historic buildings that surround them. During your stay, be sure to take part in a canal cruise and explore the waterways of Amsterdam, a romantic way to see the sights.
5. Keukenhof Garden
A popular tourist activity in Holland is visiting the world-famous tulip gardens. The Keukenhof Garden, is the best place to start, with a garden boasting over 800 varieties of tulips over 32 hectares of land. Visitors can explore beautifully manicured gardens, pathways and unique artwork.
6. Artis Zoo
The Artis Zoo makes it on the list of some of the best Zoos in the world. Centrally located in the heart of Amsterdam, it offers a variety of interactive exhibits and over 900 species of animals. The Artis Zoo includes an aquarium, a butterfly exhibit, planetarium and insectarium, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
7. Hoge Veluwe National Park
Escape the city and explore the beautiful Hoge Veluwe National Park. Located in Gelderland, this 13,000 acre park is considered one of the largest nature reserves in the Netherlands. The park has an array of interesting wildlife and landscapes and can be toured independently or with a guided tour.
8. Holland Spring Flower Parade
This world-famous parade brings in tourists from across the world and is the perfect way to welcome Spring. The parade features beautifully designed floats complete decorated with brightly colored flowers. Live music and activities take place in the town Centre of Noordwijkerhout.
9. Palace Soestdijk
The Netherland has a great selection of castles and historical monuments. One of the best places to visit is the Palace Soestdijk, once home to members of the Dutch Royal Family and host to notable historical figures, it now offers interesting tours of this 17th century monument.
10. Zaanse Schans
A sightseeing tour of the windmills is a must do for tourists visiting the Netherlands. Zaanse Schans is a traditional Dutch village offering views of traditional windmills, architecture and more. With so many local activities such as chocolate and cheese making, clog-making and more, it’s a great place to discover the traditional Dutch experience.
