During my unforgettable journey through the Netherlands, I had the incredible chance to visit many beautiful cities and towns. Each place had its own unique charm, history, and culture that made it special. Here’s a look at all the places I explored — and a few fascinating facts about each!
1. Amsterdam
No trip to the Netherlands is complete without a visit to Amsterdam! Famous for its canals (there are more canals here than in Venice!), the city is home to world-renowned museums like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. Fun fact: Amsterdam’s canal belt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
2. Rotterdam
Rotterdam blew me away with its modern architecture. After WWII, the city had to rebuild almost entirely, which is why it feels so contemporary. Did you know that Rotterdam is home to Europe’s largest port, often called the “Gateway to Europe”?
3. The Hague (Den Haag)
Known for being the seat of the Dutch government and the International Court of Justice, The Hague has a regal vibe. Interesting fact: The Peace Palace in The Hague is one of the most important buildings in the world for international law!
4. Utrecht
Utrecht’s old town is magical with its unique wharf cellars lining the canals. This city has the largest university in the Netherlands: Utrecht University! Plus, the Dom Tower is the tallest church tower in the country.
5. Arnhem
Arnhem is well known for its pivotal role in WWII’s Operation Market Garden, especially the Battle of Arnhem. The city also has the Netherlands Open Air Museum, where you can step back into Dutch history.
6. Venlo
Located near the German border, Venlo is a quite small city and nice to spend a few hours in there.
8. Nijmegen
Nijmegen is considered the oldest city in the Netherlands, celebrating its 2,000th birthday in 2005! It hosts the famous Four Days Marches (Vierdaagse), the largest multiple-day marching event in the world.
9. Breda
Breda has deep historical roots tied to the Dutch Royal Family and is full of lovely parks and a beautiful old city center. It’s also known for its vibrant student life and rich military history.
10. Maastricht
This southern gem near Belgium and Germany feels almost non-Dutch with its cobblestone streets and medieval architecture. It’s where the Maastricht Treaty was signed in 1992, leading to the creation of the European Union!
11. Vlissingen
A charming port city on the North Sea coast, Vlissingen has a long maritime history. Famous Dutch explorer Michiel de Ruyter was born here! The beach promenade is one of the longest in the Netherlands.
12. Haarlem
Often called a smaller, quieter version of Amsterdam, Haarlem is known for its art museums, historic buildings, and tulip fields nearby. Fun fact: Haarlem was once the center of the tulip mania in the 17th century!
Which of these cities would you love to explore next?
Ereda’s Adventures 