The 10 best cities for a city trip in the Netherlands
City trips are always fun! Every city has its own charms, culture and local products/occasions. There are no less than 92 cities in the Netherlands, but what are the best cities for a city trip? We have listed the 10 best cities.
Discover the magic of our capital: Amsterdam
Amsterdam is known for its world-famous canals, beautiful architecture and countless museums. Bored in Amsterdam? We don't know that word! Stroll through the beautiful city and discover the city centre, the Jordaan or the Vondelpark. If you are already in the city centre, be sure to stroll along the many shops. Amsterdam is bursting with trendy boutiques, well-known fashion stores and stylish home furnishing stores. After a long city walk, you can relax in the many cafes and restaurants. There is something for everyone, from culinary dining to various world dishes and fast food. If you still have energy left after eating, there are plenty of different activities to do in the city! For example, you will find comedy clubs, theatre performances and clubs in the city where the nights come to life. An evening without being able to enjoy yourself, that does not exist! Discover it all in Amsterdam.
Discover the old city of Haarlem
Discover the historical and cultural Haarlem, full of art treasures from the past and present. In Haarlem you will find the Dutch masters, modern art, arthouse films and the children's theater. Culture for everyone's taste. Take a walk around the Grote Markt to experience the real atmosphere of the city. Plop down at one of the cozy terraces and enjoy the beautiful architecture in the city center. Discover more? Haarlem is full of hidden courtyards. Discover them during a walk through Haarlem!
Did you know that Haarlem has been voted the best shopping city in the Netherlands? In the famous 'Golden Streets' you will find all kinds of different shops. From clothing stores to home furnishing stores and from trendy concept stores to specialized boutiques. There is something for everyone.
Enjoy Burgundian food in Maastricht
Maastricht is the city that most of us know from the Dutch police series Flikken Maastricht. It is the city in the south where you can enjoy Burgundian food. And that is not entirely surprising, because the city is full of restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal. Walk over the Sint Servaasbrug, enjoy the view of the Maas and then walk to the Sint Servaasbasiliek. While strolling, be sure to look around you, the beautiful architecture is not to be missed. A real recommendation is to also walk along the old city wall from the Roman Empire. The city wall served to protect the bridge over the Maas and against the defense of the enemy. With the arrival of the bridge, the Romans could quickly cross from one side to the other.
More interested in art than history? At the Bonnefantenmuseum you can admire a permanent collection and changing exhibitions of non-mainstream art and artists. Perfect for (visual) art lovers!
In addition to history and culture, you can enjoy shopping in the old city center. Here you will find shops from well-known brands to local boutiques. After a busy day in the city, sit down at one of the nice terraces on the Vrijthof and enjoy an authentic Limburg pie.
The heart of the Netherlands: Utrecht
Utrecht is the city of the Oudegracht and the Dom Tower. The city is filled with historical buildings. During your visit, take a look in the cellars. You might find Miffy there, a big name in the city. If you have found Miffy, then immediately visit the Miffy Museum. Not such a culture lover? Then you can go for a good shopping session in Hoog Catharijne. This indoor shopping center has more than 110 stores to shop to your heart's content!
Utrecht is also known for its cozy terraces. The best places to sit on a terrace are the Neude, Janskerkhof and the Domplein. There is always something to do on these squares. Therefore good news for the partygoers: the best clubs and pubs are open every day of the week! Experience all this during a fun city trip to Utrecht.
The city of the North: Groningen
With its unique combinations of old architecture and new construction, Groningen is a great city to visit. There is so much to do in Groningen. For example, climb the Martini Tower. It is no less than 97 meters high and is also the tallest building in the city! Do you dare to climb the tower? After 250 steps, be surprised by the beautiful view. After a real climb, stroll across the Market or dive into the Groninger Museum to discover more about the city.
In addition, Groningen is known for its many cute courtyards. These courtyards were previously intended as free sleeping places for the poor, the sick and widows. Nowadays, the courtyards serve as an oasis of peace in the middle of the busy city.
In Groningen you can also take a city walk along the nicest shops and restaurants. Groningen is known for its many concept stores where you can get nice gifts for yourself or friends.
The city of discoveries: Leiden
Leiden, one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the Netherlands, is a city steeped in culture and history. Located in the province of South Holland, this city has a rich heritage dating back to Roman times. Leiden is not only famous for its history, but especially for the combination of old and new that makes the city so attractive.
The city is home to the oldest university in the Netherlands, Leiden University. The university was founded in 1575 and is known worldwide for its scientific and academic achievements. You could say that the university has played its part in shaping the city.
During a city trip to Leiden, take a look at the iconic buildings and be sure to visit the famous library.
History in abundance
The city is famous for its picturesque canals, which adorn the cityscape and create a peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for a quiet walk along the waterfront. The historic facades of the old houses along these canals give the city a charming appearance and the picturesque streets lead you past cozy cafés, art galleries and craft shops. Leiden has a perfect balance between preserving its historic charm and embracing modern influences, making it a dynamic and exciting city.
Art, science and history
What makes Leiden truly special, however, is the way it weaves art, science and history together. One of the most unique and fascinating places in Leiden is Corpus, an innovative and interactive museum that takes visitors on a journey through the human body. It is the place where science comes to life and where you are invited to explore your own body from the inside out.
The city of light: Eindhoven
Eindhoven is the city of Philips, PSV and Bavaria. For many people a familiar concept! Due to the establishment of Philips and the Technical University, people mainly know Eindhoven from the industry. But Eindhoven has much more to offer. The city has a nice shopping center where you can shop for many well-known brands.
You can also eat out and go out here. The city has the longest nightlife street in Europe : Stratumeind. This street is no less than 225 meters long and is full of 50 different bars. Enough choice to have a drink! Are you more looking for culture? Eindhoven has many nice museums such as the DAF Museum and the Philips Museum.
The oldest city in the Netherlands: Nijmegen
We all know Nijmegen from the Nijmegen Four Days Marches, but what else does the city have to offer? Nijmegen has a beautiful historic city center where there is a lot to experience. The city is full of nice terraces, clothing and boutique shops. This gives the city a modern look. You can enjoy a lovely walk through the center or along the Waalkade where you can see the wild river Waal flowing through the city. In addition, there are many parks and nature reserves in and around Nijmegen where you can relax during your city trip.
Want to know more about the culture and history of Nijmegen? Visit the Freedom Museum. This museum pays tribute to the brave people who fought for the freedom of the Netherlands during World War II.
Amersfoort, the city where you can head cobblestones
Amersfoort is a city rich in culture, history and modern convenience. Situated in the heart of the Netherlands, the city offers a unique mix of old and new, making it an ideal destination for a city trip.
Amersfoort has an impressive cultural scene that will appeal to both art lovers and history buffs. The city has numerous museums and cultural institutions, including the Mondriaanhuis, the birthplace of the famous artist Piet Mondriaan. This museum offers a fascinating look at the life and work of Mondriaan. You can also visit Museum Flehite, which highlights the rich history of Amersfoort and the Eemland region.
In addition to its cultural wealth, Amersfoort also offers an excellent shopping experience. The city centre is a mix of charming boutiques, fashion stores and specialty shops. Streets such as Langestraat and Kleine Koppel are ideal for a relaxing day of shopping, with both fashion and interior. Whether you are looking for unique clothing, handmade jewellery or special home accessories, Amersfoort has something for everyone.
After a day of shopping or soaking up culture, it is wonderful to relax on one of the many cozy terraces in Amersfoort. The city is known for its lively squares and streets that are perfect for a drink or lunch in the open air. The Markt and the Hof are two of the most famous places to enjoy a nice drink in the sun. Here you can look out over historical buildings, such as the impressive Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren, while you treat yourself to a local beer or a fresh cappuccino.
Fashion city Arnhem
The capital of Gelderland has a lot to offer. From cozy bars to fun activities. The center of Arnhem is filled with nice shops where you can browse around and restaurants where you can sit down. If you are looking for gadgets, then you are at the right address at the 7 streets. If you are done with the center, the fashion district is 10 minutes from the center.
Tired of the city centre? A 10-minute walk will take you to the popular fashion district. This district is all about fashion, design and art. You can see that in the shops and the art on the walls. Talented designers love to show their art and design products. Highly recommended!
Just outside the city centre you will find Burgers' Zoo. Here you will come face to face with different animals from all over the world. Burgers' Zoo has created its own savannah and a rainforest to imitate the natural habitat of the animals.
If you are not a fan of zoos, you can enjoy some culture at the Open Air Museum. The Dutch Open Air Museum is located right next to Burgers' Zoo! Go back in time and dive into history. Get on a historic tram, take a walk and enjoy the rich history.
After a busy day in Arnhem there is a gem where you can relax. 't Taphuys is located in an old post office. Here you can tap 100 different beers yourself or taste 8 different wines. Enough to do in Arnhem for a city trip.
