One of my favourite things to do in my country is to visit beautiful towns in The Netherlands. They are pretty, small and calm. These places are the perfect tips that you need to have an incredible vacation in The Netherlands. But, I do have to warn you, there’s a big chance that you need to extend your trip. And trust me when I say that you don’t mind doing that.
There are also a few specific places you have to visit in The Netherlands in spring. But that’s not all that this country offers, because I can highly recommend you these places to visit in The Netherlands in summer. And also these fantastic places to visit in The Netherlands in autumn.
The towns you will find in this article are truly great to visit at any time of the year. Still, if you are specifically looking for places to visit in The Netherlands in winter, these top Christmas destinations in The Netherlands will also be great.
Suppose you want to look beyond a small canal town in The Netherlands and visit beautiful villages in The Netherlands (including the Holland region). In that case, I recommend you also to read this article about charming villages in The Netherlands.
You can visit all of these towns with the use of public transportation in The Netherlands. Almost all of us Dutch people use an app (and website) called 9292. This also exists in English. You can find this app and more travel apps for The Netherlands in this article.
Most beautiful towns to visit in The Netherlands
1. Brouwershaven
Province: Zeeland
Nearest big city: Zierikzee
Where to stay: Herberg Eetcafé ‘t Swarte Schaep
One of the cosiest small Dutch towns in the Zeeland province has to be Brouwershaven. After the city of Zierikzee, Brouwershaven houses the most monuments on the island of Schouwen-Duiveland. This town is great to visit at any time of year, but especially during the summer months. The reason for that? During summer, you can sail on a historic sailship from Brouwershaven, and every Monday, there is a special market for visitors. One of the best things to do in Brouwershaven is to wander around the old harbour area.
2. Buren
Province: Gelderland
Nearest big city: Tiel
Where to stay: De Prins
Buren is one of the amazing towns that you can find in the province of Gelderland. It is mainly known for having a strong band with the Dutch Royal Family, so Buren is often named ‘Oranjestad’ or orange city, due to the Van Oranje-Nassau family. The town of Buren is a historic, small Dutch town that is home to some of the most beautiful townscapes in The Netherlands and is filled with monumental buildings, cool shops and cute streets. It’s one of the beautiful towns in The Netherlands that you will love visiting.
Find a full article on what to do in Buren here.
3. Oudenbosch
Province: Noord- Brabant
Nearest big city: Roosendaal
Where to stay: Sjiek Basiliek
Oudenbosch is home to one of the most impressive buildings in The Netherlands: two replicas of Roman churches, and you can visit the basilica in Oudenbosch. Travelling to this basilica in Noord- Brabant is an absolute must-do in this Dutch province. Oudenbosch is home to roughly 12.000 people. Besides visiting this church in Oudenbosch, there are many more things you can do here. The Netherlands is filled with destinations to see, and Oudenbosch should be on your travel list.
Find a full article on what to do in Oudenbosch here.
4. Weesp
Province: Noord- Holland
Nearest big city: Amsterdam
Where to stay: Het Hart van Weesp
Weesp is one of those destinations in The Netherlands found close to Amsterdam but is still significantly untouched. Weesp is located at the edge of a big river, is home to canals and Dutch canal houses and amazing things to do and see. This Dutch town doesn’t get that many visitors as it deserves, but that is also one of the best things about Weesp. One of the best activities I recommend you to do in Weesp is to visit Museum Weesp. This museum is found in the town hall of Weesp and is the perfect location to learn about the history of the city and its people. One of the other things you must do in Weesp is rent a boat to explore this part of Noord (North)- Holland by boat. Add the canals, amazing buildings, and you will get one of the places to visit in The Netherlands that you cannot miss out on.
5. Hattem
Province: Gelderland
Nearest big city: Zwolle
Where to stay: Bed and Breakfast Hattem
One of the best small towns to visit in the Gelderland region is Hattem. Hattem is small, idyllic and authentic. It’s one of those towns that make you immediately feel at home and is great to explore for a few hours. Admire the view you get on one of The Netherlands largest rivers while you enjoy the calming atmosphere of Hattem. There are quite a few things to do and see in Hattem, such as visiting museums and so much more. It’s definitely one of the cute towns in The Netherlands.
Find a full article on what to do in Hattem here.
6. Muiden
Province: Noord- Holland
Nearest big city: Amsterdam
Where to stay: Accommodatie in Muiden
Muiden is one of the towns in The Netherlands that is home to one of the most popular Dutch castles: Muiderslot. And while visiting the Muiden castle is an absolute highlight for many visitors, Muiden and its surroundings have a lot more to offer than just the castle. Whether you’re interested in learning more about this specific castle in The Netherlands or about one of the Unesco World Heritage sites, Muiden is a fantastic place to visit and one of the small towns in The Netherlands that you will love.
Find a full article on what to do in Muiden here.
7. Bunschoten- Spakenburg
Province: Utrecht
Nearest big city: Amersfoort
Where to stay: B&B de Nieuwe Haven
Fishing villages are found throughout The Netherlands, and Bunschoten-Spakenburg is one of them. The town of Spakenburg used to be a fishing village, and Bunschoten, a town where farmers lived, due to the increase of population, is currently one town. One of the things you have to do in Bunschoten- Spakenburg is to visit the Spakenburgse Dagen. This is a yearly event that takes places around the last two Wednesdays in July and the first two Wednesdays in August. During this event, you can discover the real history of the Dutch fishing town of Spakenburg, which includes a boat trip on an old fishing boat, traditional clothing and plenty of more. Mainly the area around the harbour of Spakenburg side of the town is one of the most charming small towns in The Netherlands.
8. Urk
Province: Flevoland
Nearest big city: Emmeloord
Where to stay: Bed & Breakfast De Roos
Urk is one of the former Dutch islands and is one of the best small towns in The Netherlands to visit; and is located in the Flevoland province. When you visit Urk, you can easily see that it was an island, especially since the highest point here is 8,5 metres. The province of Flevoland is approximately 5 metres below sea level. A ferry used to be the only connection to the mainland for the Urkers, and this tradition is kept alive during the summer months. When you’re on the ferry, you can also sign up for a tour through the town of Urk, but you can also explore the town and everything it has to offer on your own. You can buy tickets for the ferry Enkhuizen- Urk online or at the boat.
9. Elburg
Province: Gelderland
Nearest big city: Zwolle
Where to stay: Boutique Hotel Elburg
One of the most beautiful Hanseatic towns in The Netherlands has to be Elburg. This fortified Dutch town is found in the province of Gelderland and is an absolute dream. Ramparts and a city wall surround it, and when you enter the town through one of the city gates, it feels like you’re going back in time. Elburg is home to cool museums, great restaurants and small shops, and so much more. It’s one of the small Dutch towns to visit, as it’s breathtaking.
Find a full article on what to do in Elburg here.
10. Zaltbommel
Province: Gelderland
Where to stay: B&B In de Oude Smederij Zaltbommel
The middle of The Netherlands is often not explored by visitors, which is a real shame. One of the best places to visit in the centre of The Netherlands is the town of Zaltbommel. In Zaltbommel, you can discover monumental buildings and streets and even a beautiful Dutch city castle. And, you can even visit this castle as it houses a great museum. Stadskasteel Zaltbommel is found in this castle and home to different exhibitions about this small town in Gelderland. There’s also a cafe part of the museum, where there are often exhibitions of local artists: this exhibition is free to visit, the museum itself isn’t. If you’re travelling to The Netherlands, then I can highly recommend you not to skip Zaltbommel.
11. IJzendijke
Province: Zeeland
Nearest big city: Terneuzen
Where to stay: De Weegbrug
You can find the town of IJzendijke in the south of The Netherlands in the Zeeland province. Its small-town centre is perfect for a bit of exploring and one of the best things to do in IJzendijke is to visit a museum. Museum Het Bolwerk is a museum where you will explore how the inhabitants of the border region used to defend themselves against hostile enemies. It’s the perfect place to learn how this area was so essential for the current country of The Netherlands. When you’re visiting The Netherlands, I can highly recommend you to explore this part of the country.
12. Hasselt
Province: Overijssel
Nearest big city: Zwolle
Where to stay: Canal Apartment
One of the best destinations to visit in the Overijssel province is the small town of Hasselt, which is one of the prettiest towns in The Netherlands. This town is one of the oldest pilgrimage places in The Netherlands and is part of the Santiago de Compostella. One of the things you need to do in Hasselt, The Netherlands, is visiting the old lime kilns in the town. These lime kilns were essential for Hasselt’s wealth over time, and lime was an important industry in Hasselt for centuries. You can visit the lime kilns (kalkovens in Hasselt) and discover the production process and more: the museum is opened from Monday to Friday from 13:00- 16:00.
13. Medemblik
Province: Noord- Holland
Nearest big city: Hoorn
Where to stay: B&B Westerhaven Medemblik
The Holland region is filled with great towns to visit, and Medemblik is most certainly one of them. This town in Noord (North)- Holland is home to one of The Netherlands most beautiful Dutch castles, found in the region with the most tulip fields in the country and is filled with monumental buildings. Some of the things you need to do in Medemblik are to wander along the canals and the canal houses, enjoy a fun museum or even a historic train ride along with tulip fields. Plus, Medemblik is a perfect town to visit if you’re looking for a cute town that is easily reachable and that is located nearby cities such as Hoorn. As soon as you wander around the canal area, you will understand why I think Medemblik is one of the beautiful towns in The Netherlands you must see.
14. Hulst
Province: Zeeland
Nearest big city: Terneuzen
Where to stay: Hotel Hulst
Hulst is one of the fortified towns you can visit in the Zeeland province and a great town to visit. Hulst is the sixth largest town in Zeeland after Middelburg, Vlissingen, Goes, Terneuzen and Zierikzee. One of the things I recommend you to do in Hulst is to walk on the ramparts of Hulst. These fortifications surround the entire town of Hulst and are the perfect place to start your visit of Hulst as it gives you a great idea of the vibe and beauty of the town. It’s most definitely one of the beautiful towns in the South of The Netherlands to visit.
15. Gulpen
Province: Limburg
Nearest big city: Maastricht
Where to stay: Gasterij de Poort
Gulpen is one of the best day trips from Maastricht for several reasons. Not only can you find Gulpen in the middle of the Tuscany of The Netherlands, or the hilly region in Zuid (South)- Limburg, but it is also the home of the Gulpener beer brewery. So, if you’re done exploring the hills and exploring things to do in Gulpen and want to catch a break, then the brewery is great. Gulpen is a perfect town to visit in Limburg if you’re into charming and bustling small towns. Wander through the cosy streets or sit down in a beer garden and enjoy. And that makes it one of the best towns in The Netherlands to visit.
16. Tholen
Province: Zeeland
Nearest big city: Bergen op Zoom
Where to stay: Hotel Tholen
Tholen is a town named the way it is because toll (tol in Dutch) was collected here. The town of Tholen is one of the towns in The Netherlands filled with historical buildings, incredible streets and a harbour. Not only is the town beautiful and worth visiting, so are the surroundings of Tholen. There are nature reserves in the surroundings of Tholen to explore and nearby cities to discover. One of the things you need to do in Tholen is walk on the ramparts surrounding the town and admire the town centre, which leads you to streets such as Markt and Hoogstraat.
17. Workum
Province: Friesland
Nearest big city: Sneek
Where to stay: B&B de Garaazje
Friesland is officially home to eleven cities, which obtained city rights during the Middle Ages. Workum happens to be one of those eleven, but since it’s relatively small, it deserves to be on this part of my blog about The Netherlands. The town is home to medieval buildings, one of the largest churches in The Netherlands and is found in the perfect area to enjoy some of the countryside in the Friesland province. Visiting Workum is great if you want to enjoy Dutch villages and towns.
Find a full article on what to do in Workum here.
18. Makkum
Province: Friesland
Nearest big city: Bolsward
Where to stay: De Waag
Makkum is one of the small Frisian towns I highly recommend you to visit. Not only is the town famous for its special Makkumer pottery, but it’s also for the picturesque town centre. Whether you want to admire the century-old buildings or want to go on a canal tour in Makkum and its surroundings; There’s something amazing to do in Makkum for everyone. I highly recommend you visit the town to see it for yourself. Makkum is definitely one of the beautiful towns in the North of The Netherlands that you cannot miss.
19. Heusden
Province: Noord- Brabant
Nearest big city: Den Bosch
Where to stay: In den Verdwaalde Koogel
Heusden is another cute, fortified Dutch town, one of the must-visit destinations in the Noord (North)- Brabant province. Besides walking on the ramparts around Heusden to get a good insight and view of the fortifications and the river, one of the other things you need to do in Heusden is visit the Gouverneurshuis. Not only can you sit down at their courtyard in the middle of fruit trees and eat a piece of homemade Dutch apple pie, but this building also houses a small museum. Don’t forget to buy their homemade jams, with ingredients from this garden, either as a great souvenir. The terrace in this garden is generally opened on Saturday and Sunday (10:00- 17:00), the museum on Saturday and Sunday (11:00-17:00).
20. Gorinchem
Province: Zuid- Holland
Nearest big city: Utrecht
Where to stay: Boutique Hotel Goud En Zilver
One of the biggest fortified towns in The Netherlands is Gorinchem. It’s found at the shore of the Waal river and a fantastic place to visit. One of the activities you must do in Gorinchem is to visit the Hendrick Hamel Museum. This museum is found in the Hamelhuis and is the best place to learn about Hendrick Hamel and his adventures in Korea in the 17th century. He was the first person to give the Western world an inside view of Korea during that time.
I can also highly recommend you to visit Windmill ‘Molen De Hoop’ in Gorinchem. You can visit it every Saturday (10:00- 17:00), Sunday (10:00- 16:00) and when the mill is operating. When visiting this Dutch windmill in the Zuid (South)- Holland region, you will have the most scenic view of the Waal river, Gorinchem and its surroundings, all while learning cool facts about Gorinchem and its windmill. All of that makes Gorinchem one of the towns to visit in the Holland region.
21. Thorn
Province: Limburg
Nearest big city: Roermond
Where to stay: Hotel Crasborn Thorn
This small town in the Limburg region is also nicknamed the ‘white town’ of The Netherlands. It’s the only place in the country where the entire town centre is filled with white buildings, and it’s definitely magical, also because Thorn was one of the only places where noblewomen were in power for at least 800 years. One of the things you need to do in Thorn is visiting Museum Thorn to learn more about these women, the history of Thorn and its inhabitants, and so much more. Thorn is one of the best towns to visit in The Netherlands.
22. Sloten
Province: Friesland
Nearest big city: Joure
Where to stay: Hotel Stedswal
The small town of Sloten is actually a city but is relatively small, so it deserves to be on this part of my The Netherlands travel blog. Sloten is found in the beautiful Friesland province and is a historic town filled with incredible buildings, small streets and the prettiest views. For such a small town, Sloten has quite a few things to offer: From admiring a windmill to visiting a museum to buying the best local goods in one of the small shops. The Netherlands is filled with points of interest, and Sloten is most certainly one of them.
Find a full article on what to do in Sloten here.
23. Hellevoetsluis
Province: Zuid- Holland
Nearest big city: Spijkenisse
Where to stay: CasaLuca
What I love about The Netherlands is that it’s filled with coastal towns. The maritime city of Hellevoetsluis is one of the towns with some of the most fascinating history. It’s located on the shore of the Haringvliet, which then flows into the North Sea. As Hellevoetsluis is a maritime town in the Zuid (South)- Holland province, one of the things you need to do is to visit the oldest dry dock in Europe. Droogdok Jan Blanken and its visitors centre are generally opened from the 1st of November until the 31st of October from Monday to Friday (10:00- 17:00). Then from the 1st of April, it is also opened on Saturday and Sunday (13:30- 16:30). Close to Hellevoetsluis, you can also explore nature reserve Quackhors.
One of the other activities I recommend you do in Hellevoetsluis is visit Stadsmuseum Hellevoetsluis to explore how people live and work in this Dutch town and discover the transformation of this town. It’s generally opened from the end of April until the 1st of November on Wednesday and Thursday (10:00- 16:00) and Friday and Sunday (13:00- 16:00).
24. Lemmer
Province: Friesland
Nearest big city: Emmeloord
Where to stay: Hotel Lemmer
The small town of Lemmer is the location of one of The Netherlands Unesco World Heritage sites where you can learn everything about how important pumping systems are to keep our feet dry in The Netherlands, especially in the Friesland area. Besides that, Lemmer is found in an area with a lot of water, so you can enjoy a beach, rent a boat, and so many other things. It’s very easy to make a trip to Lemmer enjoyable. Lemmer is one of the places to see in The Netherlands.
Find a full article on what to do in Lemmer here.
25. Genemuiden
Province: Overijssel
Nearest big city: Zwolle
Where to stay: Just outside Genemuiden, you can find Boerendiekhuus
The town of Genemuiden is found in the Overijssel province and is located in one of the most beautiful regions of the country. It is found nearby other small towns such as Zwartsluis and National Park De Weerribben- Wieden, so after you’re done with your visit to Genemuiden, then you can continue your exploration of the area. One of the things I recommend you to do in Genemuiden is to simply walk to streets such as Westerkaai, Kerkplein and Langestraat. It’s one of the best places to visit in The Netherlands.
26. Oudewater
Province: Utrecht
Nearest big city: Woerden
Where to stay: Broeck Oudewater
The Netherlands is filled with highlights, and what you absolutely need to see in The Netherlands is this following town. Oudewater is a stunning Dutch town associated with witches for a very good reason: Oudewater is home to a witch scale. This scale was used to weigh whether people were witches, but luckily no one was prosecuted or accused in Oudewater. And if you don’t want to visit a museum with the original witch scale, then there are plenty of more things to do in Oudewater and its surroundings. You can enjoy a beautiful canal tour or buy some of the freshest local produce; there’s truly something for everyone.
Find a full article on what to do in Oudewater here.
27. Woerden
Province: Utrecht
Nearest big city: Utrecht
Where to stay: Van Rossum Stadshotel Woerden
If you say cheese, I say Woerden. You might associate Dutch cheese with Gouda, but Woerden deserves to be more known in this aspect and for its other things you can do here too. Woerden the only city in The Netherlands where you can find the final real cheese market, and it is located in the cheese valley in The Netherlands. If you want to get to know more about Dutch cheeses and how it’s made, which I recommend you to do, then you have to visit the Woerden cheese experience. When you combine cheese, historic buildings and calm countryside you get Woerden, one of the beautiful towns you can find in The Netherlands.
28. Zwartsluis
Province: Overijssel
Nearest big city: Zwolle
Where to stay: Hotel Zwartewater
Zwartsluis is another town found in Overijssel, nearby National Park Weerribben- Wieden, and many other beautiful places to visit. The small town of Zwartsluis is home to Museum Schoonwelle Natuur en Ambacht where you can learn more about the diversity of nature in this part of The Netherlands. Besides that, one of the things you need to do in Zwartsluis is walking around streets such as Handelskade and Kerkstraat. This town is small but is home to one of The Netherlands main attractions: beautiful, monumental buildings.
29. Brielle
Province: Zuid- Holland
Nearest big city: Spijkenisse
Where to stay: Poorter Boutique Hotel Brielle
Brielle is one of my most favourite towns in the Zuid (South)- Holland province, and for a very good reason. Brielle is surrounded by ramparts, is home to great events and is an absolute dream to explore. From exploring the ramparts for a different perspective of the town to visiting an interesting museum to climbing the church tower for an even better view on the island of Voorne- Putten, Brielle has it all. And, it’s also one of the best small towns to visit near Rotterdam.
Find a full article on what to do in Brielle here.
30. Oirschot
Province: Noord- Brabant
Nearest big city: Eindhoven
Where to stay: B&B Het Pronkbed
There are certain towns that you just can’t get out of your head, and Oirschot is one of them. This historic town is a perfect day trip from Eindhoven and found in the Noord (North)- Brabant province. It’s filled with small shops, cosy cafes and endless monuments. One of the best things to do in Oirschot is to climb the tower of the main church (torenbeklimming in Dutch) for a spectacular view of Oirschot and its surroundings. If you ask me where you have to go in The Netherlands, Oirschot would be one of my first answers.
31. Meppel
Province: Drenthe
Nearest big city: Zwolle
Where to stay: B&B Pakhuis de Branderij
The town of Meppel is one of the towns to visit in the Drenthe province and a great place to start your vacation in Drenthe. There are beautiful buildings, a cosy town centre and quite some activities to do in Meppel. One of the best things to do in Meppel is bringing a visit to the Drukkerijmuseum or printing museum. This museum will show you everything about printing in the early days and is opened Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 13:00- 17:00. It is also opened on some Saturday, but only a few each year. Meppel is undoubtedly one of the beautiful towns to visit in the East of The Netherlands.
32. IJlst
Province: Friesland
Nearest big city: Sneek
Where to stay: Stadsherberg ‘Het Wapen van IJlst’
IJlst is officially one of the eleven cities in the Friesland province due to its history, but it’s found in this article as it is small. The town of IJlst is home to one of the most beautiful cityscapes in The Netherlands. Not only is IJlst a must-visit destination in the Friesland region, but also The Netherlands. There are very few historic Dutch towns in The Netherlands that are as dreamy as IJlst. In IJlst, you can find gorgeous looking gardens, a long canal, pretty buildings, and plenty more.
Find a full article on what to do in IJlst here.
33. Willemstad
Province: Noord- Brabant
Nearest big city: Roosendaal
Where to stay: Het Wapen Van Willemstad
The town of Willemstad is located at the border of the Zuid- Holland and Noord- Brabant provinces and is a truly magical Dutch town. If you’re looking for visiting the prettiest towns in The Netherlands, then Willemstad is a must-visit. This town is filled with beautiful streets, amazing views and picturesque buildings. And, it has some of the most beautiful surroundings, so you can easily explore the area around Willemstad. While The Netherlands has a few main tourist places, Willemstad is definitely not one of them as it’s very calm.
Find a full article on what to do in Willemstad here.
34. IJsselstein
Province: Utrecht
Nearest big city: Utrecht
Where to stay: Hotel Epping
Almost connected to the city of Utrecht, you can find the historic town of IJsselstein. In IJsselstein, you will find remains of a castle, cobblestoned streets, a canal and a cosy town centre. It’s a charming place that deserves a visit. And, IJsselstein has quite a bit to offer for visitors. If you’re interested in trying out delicious Indonesian food, then you can bring a visit to the tiniest restaurant in The Netherlands at KingsDish IJsselstein every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Another thing I recommend you to do in IJsselstein is to visit Museum IJsselstein to discover the history and the present of IJsselstein. IJsselstein is also one of the best towns to visit near Utrecht.
35. Leerdam
Province: Utrecht
Nearest big city: Utrecht
Where to stay: Gasterij het Oude Posthuys
Another great town to visit in The Netherlands is Leerdam. This town is nicknamed ‘Glasstad’ or glass city for a good reason. The townhome to National Glass Museum (Nationaal Glas Museum), where you can discover everything about glass: From unique pieces of glass art to history. And glass has been important for the history of Leerdam. One of the other things you need to do in Leerdam is to walk through the town centre, such as Hoogstraat, and along the little river to see the remnants of the medieval city wall. The beautiful townscape makes it one of the places to go to in The Netherlands.
36. Wijk Bij Duurstede
Province: Utrecht
Nearest big city: Utrecht
Where to stay: OTTO Boutique Hotel
The Netherlands is a country that is home to many castles, estates and castle ruins. And the town of Wijk bij Duurstede happens to be the place where you can find one of the best castle ruins in The Netherlands. Wijk bij Duurstede is also home to the worlds only windmill found on top of a city gate, and the town is filled with monuments and things to do. For instance, you can explore the history of Wijk bij Duurstede, and its forerunner Dorestadt. Or maybe you’re more interested in seeing the surroundings from the water. Whatever activities you prefer to do in Wijk bij Duurstede, there is something to enjoy for everyone here, and that makes it one of The Netherlands best day trips.
Find a full article on what to do in Wijk Bij Duurstede here.
37. Schoonhoven
Province: Zuid- Holland
Nearest big city: Gouda
Where to stay: Hotel Restaurant Belvédère
An amazing day trip from Gouda is the town of Schoonhoven, which is famous for anything related to silver. It has been nicknamed ‘Zilverstad’, or silver city, for over 700 years now. In Schoonhoven, you can find everything around silver; craftsmanship, industry and even art. That’s why one of the best things to do in Schoonhoven is to visit the National Silver museum. Here, you will learn everything about silver and Schoonhoven’s history and find many beautiful historic silver pieces.
Schoonhoven itself is a very pretty historic Dutch town filled with monumental buildings, so I can also recommend you to wander around this town to feel the atmosphere and admire its beauty. It’s one of those places that if you were asking me the question: ‘ Where do I have to go to in the Holland region?’, then Schoonhoven would be one of the first towns I would recommend to you.
38. Winsum
Province: Groningen
Nearest big city: Groningen
Where to stay: De Slaapmuts
Winsum has been named one of the most beautiful towns in The Netherlands, and it’s not hard to figure out why. Winsum is not only one of the best day trips from the city of Groningen, but it’s also one of the top places to visit in the North of The Netherlands. The Netherlands and its countryside have so much to offer. The Groningen province is filled with things to do and see, and Winsum is the perfect town to explore and discover what this beautiful part of The Netherlands offers. Winsum is a picture-perfect Dutch town and home to endless monumental buildings, several windmills and a beautiful river that flows through the town centre.
Winsum is actually a twin town, as Winsum is officially located on one side of the river and Obergum on the other side. These two towns have been connected with a bridge since 1808; they have been a protected cityscape since 1982. One of the things you need to do in Winsum is to simply wander around the town along the beautiful streets and to definitely make a stop at the Jeneverbrug (from this bridge, you will have the beautiful view as shown below).
39. Vlaardingen
Province: Zuid- Holland
Nearest big city: Schiedam
Where to stay: Pension Schravendijkplein
Next to the beautiful Dutch city of Schiedam, you can find Vlaardingen, which is one of the beautiful towns you can find in The Netherlands. This town is filled with beautiful canal houses and incredible sights. One of the best things to do in Vlaardingen is visiting Museum Vlaardingen, where you will discover the history of Vlaardingen: From 5000 years ago to the present time.
Another great thing to do in Vlaardingen is visit an interesting regional museum, called Museum Jan Anderson. On this old Dutch farm nearby Rotterdam, you can learn everything about handicrafts used in this area. The museum is opened every Saturday afternoon and every first Sunday of the month, from 14:00- 16:00.
40. Grave
Province: Noord- Brabant
Nearest big city: Nijmegen
Where to stay: Emmausklooster
If you’re looking to visit a beautiful town in the Noord (North)- Brabant province, then Grave is a great pick. The medieval town of Grave is filled with beautiful monuments, sights and things to do, and it is found in a beautiful region of the south of The Netherlands. Grave is a great town to visit if you’re interested in history, but also if you like art, as there are quite a few art galleries to be found in this town. And, it’s the perfect home base to explore some of the beautiful Noord (North)- Brabant countryside. The Netherlands is great to travel to, and when you visit, you cannot miss out on Grave.
Find a full article on what to do in Grave here.
41. Maarssen
Province: Utrecht
Nearest big city: Utrecht
Where to stay: De Eendracht Maarssen
You probably know that water is everywhere in The Netherlands, which means that you can find interesting places around The Netherlands. And when you’re thinking of visiting Maarssen, you will be guided to one of the most picturesque rivers in The Netherlands. Along the Vecht river, you can find towns such as Maarssen and endless castles and estates. The town of Maarssen is the perfect location to enjoy the atmosphere and cosiness of a small and historic Dutch town, and there are plenty of things to do in Maarsen and its surroundings to spend a few days here.
Find a full article on what to do in Maarssen here.
42. Geertruidenberg
Province: Noord- Brabant
Nearest big city/town: Oosterhout
Where to stay: Hotel den Berg
Nearby the small village of Drimmelen, you can find the pretty town of Geertruidenberg. Geertruidenberg is located at the edge of one of The Netherlands most beautiful nature reserves: De Biesbosch. Not only is Geertruidenberg a perfect place to start your visit to the Noord (North)- Brabant province due to its beautiful surroundings, but the town itself has quite a lot to offer as well: including one of the most scenic views in The Netherlands. Because of the beauty of Geertruidenberg and its surrounding areas, I find it one of the best places to stay in The Netherlands.
Find a full article on what to do in Geertruidenberg here.
43. Bad Nieuweschans
Province: Groningen
Nearest big city: Winschoten
Where to stay: Motel Paradiso
Bad Nieuweschans is one of the places to visit in the Groningen province. The North of The Netherlands is filled with beautiful destinations to travel to as it is filled with small and picturesque villages and towns, and Bad Nieuweschans is one of them. This fortified Dutch town in Groningen is small but home to a beautiful, cosy town centre. One of the things to do in Bad Nieuweschans is to walk on the streets of Voorstraat and Achterstraat. Besides that, Bad Nieuweschans is home to museum Vestingmuseum, where you can explore the history of Bad Nieuweschans; it is generally opened from Tuesday until Friday (14:00-16:00). The Netherlands is filled with the best places to visit, and if you like exploring small towns, Bad Nieuweschans is one of them.
44. Maassluis
Province: Zuid- Holland
Nearest big city: Schiedam
Where to stay: Hotel Maassluis
One of the fairy tale towns that you can find in The Netherlands is Maassluis. The town of Maassluis is one of the beautiful towns you can see in the West of The Netherlands and is filled with charming streets, buildings and canals. One of the best things to do in Maassluis is to visit the Nationaal Scheepvaart Museum Maassluis to learn more about the maritime history of The Netherlands. All of that, and the fact that there are plenty of more things to see here, makes Maassluis a great place to visit in the Zuid (South)- Holland province.
45. Haastrecht
Province: Zuid- Holland
Nearest big city: Gouda
Where to stay: Hotel Over de Brug
Haastrecht is a small town that is home to plenty of interesting activities. Not only is Haastrecht one of the best day trips from Gouda, but also Rotterdam. The town of Haastrecht is home to one of The Netherlands most interesting museums, called Museum Paulina Bisdom van Vliet. Paulina le Fèvre de Montigny–Bisdom van Vliet was the last person to live in the patrician house that this museum is found in, and the house looks the same as when she passed away. She stated in her will that her home needed to be changed into a museum and not destroyed or sold to private investors. When you enter this museum, it will take you back to the life of wealthy families in the 19th century. Besides visiting this museum, there are plenty of more things to see in Haastrecht. The town is one of the best examples if you’re looking for what there is to see in the Holland region.
46. Ravenstein
Province: Noord- Brabant
Nearest big city: Oss
Where to stay: Stadsherberg De Keurvorst
Ravenstein is one of the many beautiful Dutch towns that you can find nearby a big river. This town is located in the middle of one of The Netherlands most beautiful regions, as it is home to endless small villages and towns, nature reserves and scenic views. The town of Ravenstein is one of those towns that is very calm and doesn’t get many visitors, but one that deserves more of them. However, it’s also great as you will have the entire town to yourself. Combine the peaceful centre with the stunning surroundings, and you will have one of the best towns in The Netherlands.
Find a full article on what to do in Ravenstein here.
47. Vianen
Province: Utrecht
Nearest big city: Utrecht
Where to stay: Van der Valk Hotel Vianen – Utrecht
Vianen is a beautiful small town that is officially a city due to its history. You can find Vianen right beside one of the most significant rivers in The Netherlands, and the town is surrounded by meadows, nature reserves and dykes. The town of Vianen is the perfect place to walk around for a while. Whether you are interested in visiting museums or exploring the town with a free walking tour, Vianen has it all, making it one of the beautiful towns in The Netherlands to explore.
Find a full article on what to do in Vianen here.
48. Groenlo
Province: Gelderland
Nearest big city/town: Winterswijk
Where to stay: Hotel,cafe,biljart POT
Groenlo is a town that is rarely on anyone’s bucket list for The Netherlands, like most of the beautiful towns that are mentioned in this article, which is why it’s a fantastic destination to visit in Gelderland. It’s home to amazing museums, the first brewery in the East of The Netherlands, and plenty more.
One of the things you have to do in Groenlo is to visit Stadsmuseum Groenlo to explore the history of the town of Groenlo and mainly what the influence of the 80-year-war had on this fortified Dutch town in the East of The Netherlands. This museum is located in the old city hall of Groenlo, and you can also visit the dungeons of Groenlo every Wednesday- and Saturday afternoon in this building. As soon as you walk into Groenlo, you will understand why I find it one of the beautiful towns in The Netherlands that you cannot miss during your vacation.
49. Purmerend
Province: Noord- Holland
Nearest big city: Amsterdam
Where to stay: Hostel 45
The town of Purmerend often gets forgotten when people visit the area, but we’re going to turn that around. The central historic part of Purmerend can be found around Koemarkt, Bierkade and Weerwal, but there is more to Purmerend than wandering through century-old streets. Think of visiting the Purmerends Museum, for instance. Here you will learn everything you need about the town of Purmerend, its history and its current. Purmerend is one of the towns near Amsterdam that you can visit and it’s an easy day trip out of the busy city.
50. Bourtange
Province: Groningen
Nearest big city: Winschoten
Where to stay: Bij de Friesche Poort
Bourtange is one of the best destinations to visit in the Groningen province. This Dutch fort in the North East of The Netherlands is one of the best places to visit in this region. Not only is Bourtange one of the best kept fortified cities in Europe, but it’s also a great place to visit for anyone interested in learning more about Dutch history and who want to admire The Netherlands and the beautiful scenery that we have.
Find a full article on what to do in Bourtange here.
51. Oud- Beijerland
Province: Zuid- Holland
Nearest big city: Rotterdam
Where to stay: Tiny House Experience Oud Beijerland
The town of Oud- Beijerland is located near Rotterdam, and it is found in the middle of the rural part of the Zuid (South)- Holland province. Not only is Oud-Beijerland surrounded by nature reserves and meadows, but the town itself is charming too. I can highly recommend you to visit Oud- Beijerland and walk to Havendam, Marktplein and Oostkade to admire the beautiful old buildings. And, if you want to explore the countryside near Rotterdam, then you can rent a bike in Oud- Beijerland at George Tweewielers (it’s best to reserve via e-mail in advance). There are so many things to see in this part of the Holland region that I’m sure you will adore.
52. Naarden
Province: Noord- Holland
Nearest big city: Amsterdam
Where to stay: Vesting Hotel & Restaurant
The town of Naarden is by far one of The Netherlands most beautiful fortified cities. Naarden is one of the star forts you can find in The Netherlands and one of the places that will instantly make you go back in time. One of the things that I love about Naarden is that you can explore the fortifications, get lost in the endless historic streets and find many other things to do. And Naarden is one of the best small towns near Amsterdam.
Find a full article on what to do in Naarden here.
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I hope you enjoyed this blog about beautiful towns in The Netherlands you need to visit. Whether you were searching for towns with pretty Dutch canals or the best small towns nearby a big city such as Maastricht, this article has given you all the answers you need. The Netherlands is filled with cool places to visit, and I truly hope you will enjoy your vacation in The Netherlands with these insider tips. Share this post!
