Netherlands

Things to do in the Netherlands

With so many things to see and do in the Netherlands, it is a small country with loads of character. The Netherlands has far more to offer than its famous windmills and tulips, although these are both amazing sights to see. There are even more places in the Netherlands that you should visit.

There are loads of places to visit in the Netherlands regardless of what you love to do while you are on holiday. With a whole range of museums and galleries to explore, architecture to admire, and cafes to sit and unwind in, you will be spoilt for choice when deciding what to do during your time in this fascinating destination.

Our overnight crossings from Hull to Rotterdam gives you the chance to start your holiday the minute you step on board, so why not allow yourself to be inspired by some of these places to visit in the Netherlands and come to join us for an adventure? Plus, you can upgrade to our Standard Flexi or Fully Flexi ticket types for some extra peace of mind when you’re planning your trip to the Netherlands.

If you want a great weekend trip to the Netherlandsso you can see all the cool places to go in the Netherlands then you should also consider one of our mini-cruises! P&O offer two mini-cruise packages: our Hull to Rotterdam mini-cruise and our Amsterdam mini-cruise!

 

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Dutch Windmills in the Netherlands

Best places to go in the Netherlands

Small Cities in the Netherlands

Although Rotterdam and Amsterdam are two of the most popular places  in the Netherlands, there are a number of other smaller destinations that you could choose to visit.

Located just half an hour from our Rotterdam port, The Hague is a political powerhouse and is set apart from other Dutch cities due to its baroque design and continental character which makes it the perfect place to visit if you’d like to see something different and explore all the interesting things to do in the Netherlands.

Between Rotterdam and The Hague you will find Delft, a charming city which offers guests the opportunity to take a boat trip past many of its attractions and sail past some of the prettiest places in the Netherlands. It also hosts vibrant open air markets on Thursdays and Sundays which are certainly worth a visit.

Dordrecht is another city that is just a half-hour drive from Rotterdam and is the oldest city in Holland, full of fairytale buildings, green spaces and rivers. You'll see architecture here that was built as far back as 1175, making one of the must visit places in the Netherlands!

The Hague in the Netherlands

Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam

Photo: Erasmus Bridge, Rotterdam by Kees Streefkerk

Popular places in the Netherlands - Rotterdam

The ferry will take you into the port of Rotterdam which makes this the perfect place to start your trip. For a cool place to visit in the Netherlands don’t miss out on seeing  the impressive Erasmus Bridge which is a fantastic example of engineering, or take a trip up the Euromast lookout tower which has an observation platform that can offer views as far as Antwerp on a clear day.

Another fun thing to do in the Netherlands is to learn about the city’s impressive maritime history, or simply wander around taking in the fantastic architecture as this destination is home to plenty of bold and modern buildings that are sure to amaze you.

Amsterdam

Driving from Rotterdam to Amsterdam only takes around an hour and once you arrive you can lose yourself among the interlocking canals and stunning 17th century houses. As one of the most popular places to visit in the Netherlands all year round there are a combination of crazy and interesting things to do here in the Netherlands.

To see all the best places to visit in the Netherlands, choose to explore by foot, or hire a bike and travel around on two wheels like a local, and visit well-known attractions such as the Van Gogh Museum, which is home to many of the artist’s most celebrated paintings, and Anne Frank’s house where you can see her famous diary.

Canal houses in Amsterdam

Wildlife at Hoge Valuwe National Park

Prettiest Places in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a great place to visit if you want to be at one with nature as it is home to an impressive twenty national parks, including forests, dunes, creek valleys, and lakes, which are spread out across the country. With many beautiful places to visit in the Netherlands you will never be bored.

If you decide to spend time in the national parks you may be lucky enough to spot red deer, otters, seals, and a number of different bird and retiles species too, and you’ll often find activities to take part in, such as mountain biking, walking tours, and horse riding which are sure to keep you active and entertained. At P&O we want all our passengers to be able to visit lots of places in the Netherlands and be able to do the best things to do in the Netherlands, that’s why we make it easier to travel with bicycles so you can explore more of your surroundings on holiday.

There are loads of places to visit in the Netherlands regardless of what you love to do while you are on holiday

Top 10 things to do in the Netherlands

As well as the most popular places to visit in the Netherlands there are also many other things to do and see in the Netherlands. Our list below showcases 10 top things to do in Netherlands suitable for all the family:

1. Visit the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
2. Explore the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam.
3. Take a canal cruise in Amsterdam.
4. Visit Keukenhof Gardens during tulip season.
5. Explore the historic Zaanse Schans windmill village.
6. Tour the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
7. Visit the Giethoorn Village, known as the "Venice of the North."
8. See the Delftware pottery in Delft.
9. Discover Kinderdijk’s windmills.
10. Relax at the Beaches of Zandvoort or Scheveningen.

FAQs:

1. What is the best place to visit in the Netherlands?

Arguably the best place and most popular place to visit in the Netherlands is Amsterdam. It offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and vibrant modern life. You can explore its iconic canals, visit world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, and see landmarks such as the Anne Frank House. With only an hour drive from our Rotterdam port catching the ferry to Holland couldn’t be easier. Book your Hull to Rotterdam ferry now.

2. What are some fun things to do in the Netherlands?

There are many fun things to do in the Netherlands. You can take a canal cruise in Amsterdam for a unique view of the city, or bike through the countryside and tulip fields. Visit the Keukenhof Gardens during tulip season, explore the windmills at Kinderdijk, and try cheese tasting in Gouda. For a quirky experience, visit Giethoorn, a village with no roads, where you can boat through its canals. Or the thrill seekers, don’t miss Efteling, a magical theme park, or visit Amsterdam's A’DAM Lookout for stunning views and the thrilling "Over the Edge" swing.

3. What are the best non touristy things to do in the Netherlands?

If you are looking for more non-touristy things to do in the Netherlands then do not worry as you can enjoy peaceful Hoge Veluwe National Park or cycle through the quiet Friesland region. Why not visit the charming, less crowded cities of Leiden and Haarlem, or enjoy the tranquil Terschelling Island. There are plenty of non-touristy things to do in the Netherlands to ensure you have a relaxing and perfect stay away from the hustle and bustle of tourist attractions. Treat yourself and start relaxing as soon as you get onboard by booking our Club Stateroom Cabin to enjoy the best night sleep on our overnight crossing.

4. Where are the best child friendly places in the Netherlands?

There are many child friendly places in the Netherlands to explore to have the perfect family holiday there. For example, Efteling is a magical theme park with fairy-tale attractions and rides suitable for all ages. NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam provides interactive exhibits that are both fun and educational for children. Keukenhof Gardens is perfect for a colourful outdoor experience during spring. Madurodam in The Hague features miniature versions of Dutch landmarks. Additionally, Giethoorn is a peaceful village perfect for family boat trips. There is plenty to do with kids in the Netherlands just like onboard our Hull to Rotterdam ferry, here with our kid’s entertainment no child will ever be bored.

With our overnight sailings from Hull to Rotterdam you can be in the Netherlands shortly after you wake up, and whether you are travelling for a short break or on a Mini Cruise you will be able to reach many of these places to visit in the Netherlands either via coach transfer or in your own car.

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