With its beauty, culture, and history, Amsterdam has certainly earned its spot on any travel bucket list; however, there is more to explore in the Netherlands than just its capital city. From charming small towns to bustling cities, here are our must see Holland destinations.

The Destinations

(1) The Hague

Driving distance from Amsterdam: Apx 1 hour

Home of the Dutch government, international tribunals, & the Girl with the Pearl Earing. For our trip during Tulip season, we based ourselves in the Hague and drove to a new town to explore each day. Since the Netherlands is a fairly small country, each destination was no more than a few hours from our home base.

(2) Lisse

Driving distance from Amsterdam: 40 min
Driving distance from the Hague: 40 min

When you think of the Netherlands, you think of tulips. If you find yourself in the country for Tulip season from March-May, head to Lisse and the Keukenhof Garden to experience the famous blooms. Click for our article on how to visit the tulips during season.

(3) Giethoorn

Driving distance from Amsterdam: 1.5 hours
Driving distance from the Hague: 2 hours, 15 min

A charming canal town that looks like a Dutch Venice built by Hobbits. Explore by foot or rent a boat to cruise the canals. This was our furthest day trip from the Hague (a little over 2 hours drive) and worth every second of travel time! Plan to make this a full day trip.

(4) Gouda

Driving distance from Amsterdam: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Driving distance from the Hague: 45 minutes

Get cheesy in Gouda, a town as cute as its famous export is delicious. During the summer, experience the Gouda cheese market held each Thursday afternoon. For more cheese-tastic fun, visit the ‘t Kaaswinkeltje cheese shop for tastings and more cheese-based products than you knew you needed. The annual Christmas Market is one of the best in Holland and is a must-see during winter.

(5) Leiden

Driving distance from Amsterdam: 40 min
Driving distance from the Hague: 40 min

Home of the country’s oldest university, Rembrandt’s art studio and home museaum, and Cafe de Vergulde Kruik (original home of the Heineken logo). Leiden is best know for its well preserved historic center and traditional Dutch architecture, but can be enjoyed without the large crowds found in Holland’s larger cities. Leiden is easily explored on foot – check out the Leiden Loop for a self guided walking tour.

(6) Zaandijk

Driving distance from Amsterdam: 25 minutes
Driving distance from the Hague: 1 hour
Zaandijk is a town famous for its Zaanse Schans museum, a recreation of a typical Dutch village with brightly colored homes and Holland’s famous windmills. A quick trip from Amsterdam, this is family friendly activity.

(7-8) Edam & Volendam

Driving distance from Amsterdam: 35 minutes
Driving distance from the Hague: 1 hour, 20 minutes
After making the trip to Zaandijk, make sure to visit the traditional Dutch village of Volendam and the neighboring town of Edam. Like Gouda, Edam is famous for its namesake cheese. Cheese markets are held in Edam on Wednesdays during the summer.

(9) Rotterdam

Driving distance from Amsterdam: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Driving distance from the Hague: 35 minutes

Holland’s second largest city is known for its unique architecture, including the iconic Cube House. For a more traditional view of the city, head to the Delfshaven District, which was one of the few areas not destroyed by WWII bombings.

(10) Kinderdijk

Driving distance from Amsterdam: 1.5 hours
Driving distance from the Hague: 1 hour

Kinderdijk is a UNESCO World Heritage Site comprised of 19 classic Dutch windmills located just outside of Rotterdam.

What are your favorite places to visit in the Netherlands? Leave us a comment below!

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