Dutch Delights Await

Welcome to The Netherlands, a favourite among many. Most of you are familiar with this iconic country and either have been or would love to visit, and I’m not surprised. I’ve been to it a few times and really enjoyed it; it has plenty to offer.

Although the Netherlands offers many amazing places, this blog will focus on the top four most popular sites for visitors. These sites offer great locations, places to stay, and fun activities. This is Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and Leiden.

Disclaimer: This blog contains affiliate links. If you purchase any cool products or experiences through these links, I may earn a little something as a thank you. There is no extra cost to you, promise!

Language & Currency In The Netherlands

Language: The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, which is also the primary language used in government, education, and everyday communication. Most of the population also speaks English, a mandatory school subject perfected by integrating with tourists.

Currency: The currency used in the Netherlands is the Euro (€), abbreviated as EUR. It became the official currency in 2002 when the Netherlands adopted the Euro as part of the European Union’s monetary integration.

Amsterdam: Canals, Coffee Shops, & Artistic Gems

Beautiful Amsterdam is known for its red-light district, ganja-smoking, bicycle riding, canal admiring, and vibrant, inclusive cultural scene; it is one of the best locations in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is also celebrated for its rich artistic heritage, as it was home to famous painters such as Rembrandt and Van Gogh and hosts world-class museums such as the Van Gogh Museum.

In this city, you can indulge in lively street markets and bustling nightlife and enjoy all the amazing things this captivating city offers.

Cool views in Amsterdam

Perfect Stays In Amsterdam

Amsterdam Centrum. Staying in Amsterdam Centrum puts you in the heart of all the action and is close to many amenities and transport links. You’ll be within walking distance of the major attractions, making it a convenient location. You can choose from various hotels, boutique stays, and apartments here.

De Pijp. Another popular location to stay in Amsterdam is De Pijp. It’s recognised for its diverse food scene, the Albert Cuyp Market, and the Heineken Experience. It’s a trendy, vibrant neighbourhood and a great place to experience Amsterdam’s multicultural side. You’ll find boutiques, guesthouses, and modern hotels here.

Noord. Consider staying in this up-and-coming location, especially if you enjoy the artistic and creative scene. Noord is located across the IJ River and has become increasingly popular due to its unique industrial-chic atmosphere. You can visit great places here, such as the A’DAM Tower and the EYE Film Institute. There’s a great selection of accomodation to choose from here.

Jordaan. If you are searching for a quieter location, Jordaan, a neighbourhood known for its more relaxed and chilled atmosphere, is a great spot to consider. It has art galleries, boutique shops, and cosy cafes alongside charming streets and picturesque canals. Consider staying in boutique hotels, bed and breakfasts, or canal-side apartments in Jordaan for a charming and artsy experience.

Oud-West. Staying in this area offers a mix of local life and trendy sports. It is home to the largest park, Vondelpark, and various restaurants and cafes. You’ll find some cool accommodation options to stay here.

My Hotel Picks:

Top Attractions In Amsterdam

Canal cruises are popular in the Netherlands

  • Canal Capers: Cruise Amsterdam’s iconic canals, a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Admire the charming architecture, picturesque bridges, and historic houses lining the water. Spot the Skinny Bridge and even the Red Light District (more on that later!).
  • Anne Frank’s Legacy: Visit the Anne Frank House, a moving experience where you’ll learn about Anne Frank and her family’s WWII hiding place. Walk through secret rooms and read excerpts from Anne’s diary. (Pssst, book tickets well in advance as they sell out VERY quickly).
  • Rijksmuseum Masterpieces: Step into Amsterdam’s grandest museum, the Rijksmuseum. Explore over 400 masterpieces by Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Frans Hals, and more. Sculptures, clothing, Asian art, and maritime history exhibits are also on display—a cultural masterpiece!
  • Red Light District: Explore the unique atmosphere of the Red Light District, one of the few legalized areas worldwide. This area also boasts vibrant nightlife and cafes.
  • Hop-On-Hop-Off (HOHO) Bus tour: Grab a HOHO Bus Ticket for buses and canals! This lets you explore Amsterdam at your own pace, hopping on and off buses at ten stops and enjoying a scenic canal cruise for a different perspective.
  • Bikes & Bites: Experience Dutch culture on a guided 3-hour bike tour! Explore the city like a local, get some exercise, and maybe even stop for a stroopwafel treat along the way.

Rotterdam: The City Of Creativity

Rotterdam, the second-largest city and as equally popular as Amsterdam, captivates visitors with its striking modern architecture, innovative urban designs, and creativity. This lively city has a lot to offer and plenty to see.

Rotterdam has iconic attractions, blending its industrial heritage with a contemporary urban landscape. Visitors will be captivated as the city celebrates both the past and the future of Rotterdam. Visitors enjoy visiting Rotterdam as it offers a unique vibe to the Netherlands.

View of Oude Haven in Rotterdam from a balcony

Cool Locations To Stay In Rotterdam

City Center. The city centre is the heart of the action, and major attractions such as the Markthal, Cube Houses, and the shopping district are nearby. You’ll find various hotels, hostels, boutique lodgings and serviced apartments here.

Witte de Withstraat. This area is a popular location for staying due to its trendy streets, art galleries, boutiques, and lively nightlife. It is trendy among young travellers who want to be in a vibrant and cultural area with a great selection of hostels.

Europe: Top 5 Beautiful Destinations To Check Out In 2025. Everything Travel. Forever Living Yes.
Europe: Check out the amazing places you can visit. Where will you go? Everything travel. Forever Living Yes.

Kop Van Zuid. Stay in the Kop Van Zuid area for upscale hotels and apartments with waterfront views. This former harbour area has undergone significant development. It is known for its modern architecture, including the iconic Erasmus Bridge. Consider staying in design hotels, waterfront apartments, or boutique lodgings in Kop Van Zuid for a stylish and scenic stay, rooms featuring river views and skyline.

Delfshaven. If you are searching for quieter locations, consider staying in the Delfshaven or Scheepvaartkwartier area. Both offer a relaxed environment and are a more elegant part of the city. Delfshaven has a historic atmosphere and a charming neighbourhood with traditional Dutch houses and canals. On the other hand, Scheepvaartkwartier is an upscale area featuring 19th-century mansions. Both locations have fantastic accommodation options.

My Hotel Picks:

Fun Times In Rotterdam

  • Market Place: Dive into the Markthal (Market Hall) on a unique Meet & Taste Tour! This horseshoe-shaped wonder combines a market and apartments – explore it all, meet a local entrepreneur, and even taste some goodies! Top it off with panoramic city views from the rooftop of the Het Witte Huis (the world’s oldest skyscraper!).
  • Euromast Eyeful: Soar to new heights at the Euromast! This iconic tower offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Rotterdam’s skyline and Europe’s biggest harbour. Take a glass-floor elevator up, and for the truly fearless, try an abseil descent!
  • Art Attack: Prepare to have your mind blown at the Remastered Digital Art Experience. This interactive exhibit blurs the lines of perception with dazzling visuals, sounds, and experiences based on the works of Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and more. A must-see for art lovers!
  • History Vibes: Step back in time on a UNESCO Van Nelle Factory Guided Tour. Explore one of the world’s most stunning factories, where coffee, tea, and tobacco were once processed. Your ticket also includes access to the Chabot Museum for a dose of International Expressionism.

Utrecht: The Place Of Good Vibes

Utrecht, another popular destination in the Netherlands, is known for its unique blend of history and modernity. Visitors are attracted to its picturesque canals, medieval architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.

The city has a youthful energy from the university students and is a central bustling hub for transportation and commerce. Stunning, with a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary vibrancy, Utrecht is among the favourite places to visit in the Netherlands.

Traditional houses along a canal in Utrecht

Where To Stay In Utrecht

Utrecht City Center. As the city’s heart, the city centre puts you close to many great attractions and amenities. It offers a mix of historic charm, shopping, dining, and cultural experiences and is located near major attractions like Dom Tower and Dom Square. You won’t be short of accommodation options in the City Center.

Neude Square. This location is also great as it is the central square with a hub of activities, cafes, restaurants and cultural venues. With a great mix of entertainment options, Neude Square is a popular location to stay in Utrecht. Here, you’ll find various hotels, guesthouses, and apartments.

Museumkwartier. Museumkwartier (Museum Quarter) is a great location to consider if you’re interested in art and culture. It is home to the Centraal Museum, which houses a diverse collection of artworks, and the Dick Bruna House, dedicated to the creator of Miffy. There is a great selection of hotels here.

My Hotel Picks:

Top Adventures In Utrecht

  • Castle Admiring: Immerse yourself in Dutch grandeur at the country’s largest and most luxurious De Haar Castle! Explore the Van Zuylen family’s former residence, dripping with history and art. Admire the fairytale architecture and stroll through peaceful parklands. This castle is straight out of a storybook!
  • Dom Tower: Conquer the 465 steps of the Dom Tower, a 700-year-old Utrecht icon! This towering beauty is the highest church tower in the Netherlands, and the views from the top are simply breathtaking. Join a guided tour to learn more about the tower’s history and construction.
  • Trainspotting Paradise: Calling all train enthusiasts! The National Railway Museum (aka Het Spoorwegmuseum) is your happy place. Explore a world of locomotives, carriages, models, steam engines, railway memorabilia, and more! Choo choo choose this awesome attraction!
  • Centraal Museum: Art lovers, take note! The Centraal Museum, Utrecht’s oldest, boasts a fascinating collection. See original art from Miffy creator Dick Bruna, and get a glimpse of Utrecht’s past with the Ancient Ship displayed in the attic. This museum is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered!

Leiden: Not Your Average Dutch City

Nestled in the heart of the Netherlands is Leiden, a beautiful, captivating city that marries centuries of history with a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Its charming cobbled streets and picturesque canals, with an enchanting backdrop, draw visitors to this location.

Boasting a prestigious university, Leiden is a sought-after destination for exploring. Enjoy the youthful vibes of cultural festivals, museums, and lively markets, which provide a taste of local life.

A view of the city dam and the old facades of houses at sunset in Leiden

The Best Locations In Leiden

Leiden Old Town. The most popular location to stay is Leiden Old Town, the hub of major attractions and amenities. It’s a must-see place to visit, and very enjoyable to be in the heart of it. Enjoy beautiful canals, cobblestone streets and well-preserved buildings. The city centre has various accommodations, including hotels, boutique lodgings, and charming bed and breakfasts.

Pietersherk & Rapenburg. Staying in this location offers a mix of historic charm and cultural significance. It’s known for its narrow streets, old churches, shops and cafes. You’ll be near museums, canals and the university’s pretty building. Choose from guesthouses and bed and breakfasts to stay.

Morspoort & De Mors. This location is a more residential, relaxed neighbourhood within walking distance of the city centre. With many accommodation options, you’ll get a taste of local life and a more authentic experience in this location.

My Hotel Picks:

Must-Do’s In Leiden

  • History Fanatic: Delve into the past at the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (National Museum of Antiquities). This treasure trove boasts mummies, pottery, sculptures, and more – a dazzling collection of artefacts from ancient Egypt, the Near East, and beyond!
  • World Cultures Wanderer: Explore cultures from across the globe at the National Museum of World Cultures (Wereldmuseum Leiden). This, Europe’s oldest ethnography museum, takes you on a journey from Asia and Africa to South America and Europe. Get ready to broaden your horizons!
  • Windmill Wonders: Relax and unwind on a 2-hour Kaag Lakes Windmill Cruise. Glide through the Green Heart of Holland, soaking up the beauty of the Dutch landscape. Enjoy drinks and snacks onboard as you admire the iconic windmills. This is the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.
  • Tulip Twister: Calling all flower fans! Embark on a Drive-It-Yourself Tulip Fields Day Tour. Zip through vibrant tulip fields and flower farms at your own pace in a cute, eco-friendly electric Twizy. Learn all about these Dutch delights with an audio guide along the way.

That’s A Wrap!

Wherever you choose to explore in the Netherlands, you’re sure to have a great time. Oozing with charming cities and diverse landscapes, it should be a strong contender for your next getaway. With an open-minded populace, the Netherlands is a top destination among many; will it be yours?

Looking for more amazing destinations in Europe? Check out more European Destinations.

author-sign

You might also enjoy: