Experiences in Netherlands
Arts & Culture
Do you love art and culture? Discover the selection of highlights in Holland here. How about old masters who managed to record Dutch history on canvas. You can also see modern architecture and internationally acclaimed Dutch Design.
Street Art in the Netherlands, from Heerlen to Amsterdam
Many cities are actually huge outdoor museums full of contemporary urban art, with colorful murals, surprising outdoor art, and 3D illusions. Impressively big murals on building walls, or hidden paintings that embellish the area.
– Go on a Street Art Tour: on foot or by bicycle, with a route app or a local guide.
– Discover hidden street art and colorful murals.
– Seek out urban vibes, from Heerlen in South Limburg to Amsterdam, the Dutch capital.
Dutch design
Dutch Design is highly appreciated for its simple and clear character. Often described as minimalist, experimental, innovative and smart, the Dutch mentality shows with the quirky, down-to-earth and humorous perception. Dutch Design is often identified with a group of Dutch product designers. Names such as Maarten Baas, Jurgen Bey, Hella Jongerius, Richard Hutten, Wieki Somers, Marcel Wanders and internationally recognized design firms and collectives like Droog and MOOOI have set a trend that lasts.
Museums
The Netherlands is a world leader in the field of art and culture. Enjoy an impressive variety of classical and contemporary art at the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis, Bonnefantenmuseum Maastricht and Kunsthal Rotterdam. Get an impression of Dutch history and culture at the Anne Frank House, Jewish Historical Museum, Royal Delft, Amsterdam Museum, Dick Bruna House or one of the many other outstanding museums.
Hidden gems in the Netherlands
We have selected fourteen cities that travellers often overlook, each a real hidden gem with a unique ambiance and charm. Whether you want to be immersed in history, prefer strolling along picturesque canals, or are looking for a bustling modern city with a raw edge, these fourteen destinations should be on your bucket list for 2020.
Alkmaar – Alkmaar is known as the city of cheese in Holland, but that title covers only part of what the town has to offer. It has a beautiful old centre with many historic monuments, great shopping districts and countless welcoming terraces, cafes and restaurants for every budget. Alkmaar also has a range of interesting museums, including the Stedelijk Museum, Beer Museum, Beatles Museum and naturally the Cheese Museum. If you want to get out of the city for a while, the beach and dunes are just fifteen minutes away.
Amersfoort – When you stroll through the city centre of Amersfoort, you will discover a centuries-old street pattern. Admire the many historic buildings and well-tended monuments. It is a beautiful, compact city centre that is just perfect for a day on the town. Amersfoort draws more than a million day tourists every year, partly thanks to its beautiful city centre, lovely canals, great shopping opportunities, and welcoming terraces, cafés and restaurants.
Arnhem – The capital of the province of Gelderland, Arnhem has a rich and eventful past, partly reflected in a number of monumental buildings. Set in the heart of green surroundings, the town is contained by the Veluwe on one side and the forelands on the other.
Breda – Breda is a wonderful fun-loving city in the southern part of Holland. Visit the historic monuments dating from the Nassau era, such as a Great Church, Begijnhof and Breda Castle. There are some great shopping areas and a wide variety of cafés and restaurants. Discover Breda, the perfect city for a long weekend trip.
Delft – Delft enjoys a worldwide reputation due to its connection with Johannes Vermeer, Delft Blue earthenware and the Royal House. Relive its glorious past as you wander along canals, churches, mansions and courtyards. This university town also offers canal tours, museums, markets and many pubs
Den Bosch – ‘s-Hertogenbosch, which we call Den Bosch these days, is a wonderful city full of historic buildings, wonderful museums, great shops and welcoming cafés and restaurants. Go for a stroll and discover the medieval architecture, take a boat tour of the centuries-old canal system, or go for a bicycle ride along the fortresses. Den Bosch has many beautiful attractions on offer. Even more importantly, it has a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Jazz cafés, little restaurants, trendy bars – Den Bosch natives definitely know how to enjoy the good life.
Eindhoven – Welcome to the design capital of Holland! Eindhoven bustles with creativity, unique hot spots and innovation. It is the city of unequaled events that merge design and technology, but also a city that offers great shopping and food. That combination of modern metropolis and typically Brabantse ambiance means that Eindhoven is one of the most exciting cities in Holland. We have lined up the best that Eindhoven has to offer for you. Dive into the city and discover it yourself!
Gouda – Say cheese! Welcome to Gouda, the city of cheese in the Netherlands. However Gouda has much more to offer than cheese alone. There are plenty of things to do and discover in this beautiful historic city full of trendy hotspots and passionate people. From The Markt, the central square with its iconic town hall to the beautiful stained-glass windows of the Sint-Jans church and from street food to the first Fairtrade street in the Netherlands, old and new meet and merge in Gouda. In other words the perfect place to go for a city trip!
Groningen – Groningen, capital of the eponymous province in the northern part of Holland, is a lively city that has much to offer in terms of culture and events, beautiful historic monuments like the Martini Tower, great shopping districts for a wonderful shopping spree, and excellent restaurants. Groningen should definitely be on your to-do list!
Leeuwarden – The inner city of Leeuwarden, or ‘Ljouwert’ as the Frisians call it, is one of Holland’s best kept secrets. It is the city in which the famous graphic artist M.C. Escher and the mysterious exotic dancer Mata Hari were born. Go on a shopping spree in the narrow shopping streets, enjoy a boat tour of the centuries old canals, and discover the cultural roots of Friesland at the Fries Museum.
Haarlem – Haarlem with its many historic buildings and beautiful old squares lies near the beach on the banks of the Spaarne river. It is wonderful to stroll through the narrow streets lined by the monumental buildings built by master Lieven de Key. Visit extraordinary museums, such as the Frans Hals or Teylers Museum, and explore its countless cafés and restaurants. Haarlem is called the most Flemish city of the north with reason!
Leiden – Discover the atmospheric university city of Leiden with its countless beautiful museums, canals, and ‘hofjes’ or inner courtyards. If you visit Leiden in spring, you will also find yourself in the centre of the flower-bulb region!
Nijmegen – The fortified city of Nijmegen, Holland’s oldest city, will make you think you’ve gone back to Roman times. The city is full of magnificent historic buildings and centuries-old plazas, and is home to Holland’s oldest shopping street, the Lange Hezelstraat.
Zwolle – Zwolle is well known as a historic Hanseatic city, but it also has a modern dynamic and lots of commercial activity. Walk from the medieval Sassenpoort to De Peperbus, visit De Fundatie museum, and discover other highlights. There are ample opportunities for great shopping, as well as wining and dining in Zwolle. The star-shaped city canal with green parks are very inviting, so don’t forget to go for a walk or take a boat tour.
