Six Dutch cities I suggest you visit
Six Dutch cities I suggest you visit

Although Amsterdam is a fantastic destination, the Netherlands is much more than just its most well-known city. You won’t regret spending a few more days exploring the culture and charm that extend beyond the Dutch capital, as local Nicola explains.

The majority of itineraries in the Netherlands, including the one I took the first time, begin and end in Amsterdam. However, I soon found out that, despite the country’s small size, there is a great deal of beauty, history, and diversity to discover outside of the capital after moving here four years ago. A large portion of it is located in the nation’s lesser-known cities, which are just as worthwhile travel destinations as Amsterdam.

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These are some of the Dutch cities that have impressed me the most out of all the ones I have been to so far.

    • Utrecht
    • Haarlem
    • ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch)
    • Eindhoven
    • Rotterdam
    • Maastricht

1. Utrecht

I’ve always maintained that Utrecht would be my first choice if I had to live anywhere in the Netherlands outside of Amsterdam. With its canals, rambling houses, and cobblestone alleys, Utrecht is a charmingly Dutch city in the middle of the country, only a half-hour’strainride from Amsterdam.

I especially enjoy Utrecht’s slower pace and relaxed atmosphere. It’s what I picture Amsterdam looking like before tourists took over. However, because it is a university town and is becoming more and more well-known, it will not always be immune to crowds, particularly during the summer. However, it’s much less crowded than Amsterdam, even on a busy day.

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One distinctive aspect of the city’s canals is the quayside cellars, which I adore. These cellars are converted into restaurants and bars by the canal during the warmer months of April through September. Kayaking is very popular in Utrecht, and it’s a great way to explore from the water. In addition to the occasional baker, I saw as many kayaks as boats.

2. Haarlem

I think my new favorite city is Haarlem. Though it’s only a 15-minute train ride west of Amsterdam, Haarlem is more suited to locals than tourists, much like Utrecht, which has the feel of Amsterdam but with fewer tourists.

Adriaan Windmill, on the riverside in Haarlem. Image credit: Getty Images/B'Rod
Adriaan Windmill, on the riverside in Haarlem. Image credit: Getty Images/B’Rod

The city is easy to explore on foot, and I had fun exploring the little streets close to the main square, or Grote Markt, which is dotted with cafes and stores. After touring the city center, visit the Frans Hals Museum, which honors the paintings of the Haarlem native and Golden Age painter, or go to the Spaarne, a partially canalized river, to see the famous Adriaan Windmill.

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When the weather permits, I love to explore Haarlem by boat. Stick to the city’s historic canals if you’re pressed for time, but if you have plenty of time, take a dip at Molenplas, which is my favorite place to swim in the summer. There are several locations in the center where you can dock your boat and place food orders on the way back.

3. ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch)

I believe that’s-Hertogenbosch, also known as Den Bosch, is the most underappreciated city on this list. Den Bosch, one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and the capital of the province of North Brabant, is an hour’s train ride from Amsterdam. Relics of the past can be found all over the place in the form of restored statues, old buildings, and fortified city walls. I was astonished to see how well it has preserved its medieval character.

Although Den Bosch is easily accessible on foot, like the majority of Dutch cities, it is also the location of the Binnendieze, which are unusual canal tunnels that run beneath the city. While walking along Uilenburg and Molenstraat, which are streets near the city center, Welcome to the Netherlands! Despite the bad weather on the day I went, I managed to catch a glimpse of these hidden canals.

A carnival parade in the Netherlands. Image credit: Getty Images/thehague
A carnival parade in the Netherlands. Image credit: Getty Images/thehague

My favorite memories of Den Bosch are from Carnival, when the entire city is turned into one enormous street celebration. All ages dress up and participate in this week-long celebration, which is primarily observed in the southern Netherlands prior to the start of Lent (typically February). As DJs spin records in the main squares, bar patrons spill out onto the streets. The event is my favorite Dutch holiday (I’m sorry, King’s Day), and it’s completely insane.

4. Eindhoven

Initially, the only thing that drew me to Eindhoven was its airport, which was a popular destination for low-cost flights. However, after spending more time in the city, I grew to appreciate its inventive and imaginative nature. Known as the Netherlands’ design capital, Eindhoven is a city in the south of the country that is 80 minutes by train from Amsterdam. However, it is not your average Dutch city. Even though I adore the canals and the city’s charm, Eindhoven’s distinctive architecture and graffiti scene provide a welcome diversion. Check out GLOW, an annual light art festival that illuminates the city, if you’re in town in November. Berenkuil, the nation’s largest legal graffiti and outdoor museum, is a must-see for fans of street art. The collection is constantly expanding with stunning new murals.

Spectators at the GLOW light art festival in Eindhoven. Image credit: Getty Images/Frans Lemmens
Spectators at the GLOW light art festival in Eindhoven. Image credit: Getty Images/Frans Lemmens

5. Rotterdam

I was taken aback by Rotterdam, which is in the south of the Netherlands and is 35 minutes away from Amsterdam by train. I expected to see remnants of Amsterdam because I had done so little research before my trip, but Rotterdam is so different with its modernist structures and skyscrapers that it hardly feels like the Netherlands. I subsequently learned that this was due to the fact that the city was rebuilt from the ground up after being totally destroyed during World War II.

The Cube Houses, a group of slanted yellow boxes perched atop hexagonal columns, are a prime illustration of Rotterdam pushing the limits of design. I was taken aback to discover that the majority of these are not merely tourist attractions but rather residential structures. Even though I’ve only ever visited Rotterdam for the day, if I were to stay overnight, I would definitely check out the StayOkay hostel, which is housed inside the cubes.

The famous cube houses of Rotterdam. Image credit: Getty Images/Jarretera
The famous cube houses of Rotterdam. Image credit: Getty Images/Jarretera

The Markthal, a horseshoe-shaped structure with a striking cafeteria, is another attraction. Don’t forget to look up; the elaborate ceiling is breathtaking. The central station in Rotterdam is also dramatic. Admittedly, I was among the tourists who took pictures of the sculpture in the station’s lobby. Naturally, I also can’t overlook the Erasmus Bridge, which serves as the background for a lot of famous pictures of Rotterdam.

6. Maastricht

Maastricht, the southernmost city of the Netherlands, is located between the German and Belgian borders. From Amsterdam, it’s a 2.5-hour train ride that offers fantastic views of the Dutch countryside, complete with windmills and farm animals.

Simply exploring Maastricht’s historic streets is, in my opinion, its greatest attraction. I began my self-guided walking tour at Vrijthof, one of the city’s main squares, on the west bank. My objective was to visit as many “must-see” sites as I could, such as Sint-Janskerk, St. Servatius Basilica, and The Dominicanen, a bookstore set in a former church. I spoke with a friendly local while warming up at a café with a terrace, and he recommended that I go to Wyck by crossing the St. Servatius Bridge (Sint Servaasbrug). I’m happy I paid attention. With its abundance of shops, eateries, and vibrant bars, Wyck exudes a trendy neighborhood feel.

Even though Maastricht is breathtaking throughout the year, I like to go there in the winter while sipping a glühwein. Beginning in late November and lasting until New Year’s Eve, the city hosts the biggest—and, in my opinion, best—Christmas market in the Netherlands. The atmosphere, which includes ice rinks, Christmas cheer, and festive decorations, makes the cold weather worthwhile.

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