Hi there! If you are visiting this blog post, I’m guessing you are looking for a list of things to do in the Netherlands. Look no further. I spent six months studying in the Netherlands and was able to find some great adventures. So here is your guide for the 10 best things to do. Enjoy!
1. Visit the touristy I-AMSTERDAM sign
I know this is probably one of the more touristy things to do in Amsterdam, but I still consider the IAMSTERDAM sign to be a staple when visiting the city. You can snap a quick selfie as proof of being there and watch as other tourist stumble while taking photos. There are two locations where you can find the sign, the first and most accessible is outside the Amsterdam Schiphol airport. There was also one located at the museumplein (which is the one I went too) but it was taken away by the city since it drew too many tourists.
2. Go Ice Skating at the Museumplein
This is such a fun activity to do in Amsterdam but only if you are there during the winter. Ice skate at the museumplein and catch great views of the museum behind you. For more info, go to the ICEAmsterdam site.
2. Visit a Museum
Amsterdam is bustling with artsy museums. After all, The Netherlands was the birthplace to many famous dutch painters such as Vincent van Gogh, Rembrant and Vermeer. You will find many museums to pick from and will have an opportunity to lay your eyes on some of their famous works of art. There’s the Rijksmuseum, Vincent van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum. Although it’s not in Amsterdam, you can find the famous “Girl with the Pearl Earring” painting in the Hague. Check out all the Iconic works of art in the Netherlands here.
3. Visit the Tulip Fields aka the “Keukenhof”
Netherlands is known for their national flower, the tulip. It is also home to one of the largest flower gardens in the world, known as the Keukenhof or the tulip gardens. In the springtime, when the flowers bloom you will be able to walk around this beautiful flower filled park and see all the gorgeous flowers that are in bloom. For more info on the flower fields, visit the Keukenhof website.
4. Visit the Anne Frank House
One of the more historical places in Amsterdam is the Anne Frank House. You can tour the the secret annex where she and her family hid during the war. For more info on this museum, visit their official site. I unfortunately did not get a chance to visit the house but in the city where I lived, there was memorial in her honor.
5. Take a bike ride around the city
This is one of the most under rated experiences in Amsterdam. The dutch are famous for being avid bike riders and you will find more bikes than cars in this country. Renting a bike and going for a ride around the city will really give you a chance to see the sites and take part of their culture. But be careful… It can be easy to lose control or bump into another rider if you aren’t experienced.
6. Celebrate King’s Day
As far as national holidays go, this one was pretty awesome! King’s Day also known as Koningsdag is celebrated every year April 27th in honor of the King’s birthday. Everyone dresses up in a festive orange color and you can parade down the streets of Amsterdam where you will catch sights of celebrations everywhere you look. It is so much fun and such a great way to take part in a national dutch holiday.
6. Visit the Heineken Experience Museum
Again, another touristy activity but I loved it! What’s better than a beer tour?! Visit the Heineken Experience in Amsterdam to learn all about how the company makes and brews their beer. It was so much fun and a great way to learn about a successful dutch company.
7. Visit the Red Light District
The Red Light District should be definitely be on your list of places to visit in the Netherlands. The area is small but you will get the chance to see adult shops, museums and more! The Netherlands is known for this historical area and it is quite interesting to see this area.
8. Go to a Food Hallen
Ok now this you definitely do not want to miss while visiting Netherlands or Amsterdam. A Food Hallen is essentially a food hall where you can find lots of different dutch food favorites. It’s a great spot to hangout with friends and catch a bite to eat. There are a couple food hallens but the one I visited was in Amsterdam.
9. Take a Scroll Through the Canals
Simply take a stroll through the city and admire the beautiful canals. There basically everywhere you can’t miss them! The cobblestone streets and water canals are something you must stop to admire when visiting the Netherlands. They’re all so picturesque! Some canals in Amsterdam are more famous than others such as the Emperor’s Canal but they are look beautiful ion my opinion. You can even take a boat ride through them.
10. Visit the city of Utretch
When you think of the Netherlands you may instantly think of Amsterdam. But there are so many other cities worth visiting, one being Utretch. It’s only 25 min train ride from Amsterdam and you will find the most charming streets plus a historical cathedral there called the Domkerk. You can walk through the city centre and find lots of cute cafes and shops. This is the city I lived in while studying abroad and it was the best!
Well that’s all folks! Thanks for sticking around to the end of this blog. I hope you find this info useful. There are tons of other activities to do while visiting the Netherlands that are not mentioned in this post, so feel free to comment or ask me anything if you plan to visit one day.