Here are five cities that are often regarded as some of the most beautiful in the country:

Amsterdam: The capital city and a must-visit destination known for its charming canals, historic buildings, world-class museums, and vibrant nightlife. Explore the Anne Frank House (map), Van Gogh Museum (map), Rijksmuseum (map), and take a boat tour along the canals.

Utrecht: Utrecht is a captivating city with a rich history and beautiful architecture. Its historic city center is home to stunning canals, ancient churches, and charming cobblestone streets. The iconic Dom Tower (map), the tallest church tower in the Netherlands, offers breathtaking views of the city. Utrecht’s cozy cafes, vibrant shopping streets, and lovely parks add to its appeal.

Delft: Known for its charming canals, traditional Dutch architecture, and its world-famous blue and white ceramics, Delft is a picturesque city in the southwestern part of the Netherlands. The city’s historic center is dotted with narrow streets, lovely squares, and beautiful buildings, including the impressive City Hall (map) and the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church, map). Delft’s delightful atmosphere and its connections to famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer make it a favorite among visitors.

Haarlem: Located just a short distance from Amsterdam, Haarlem is a charming city with a rich cultural heritage. Its well-preserved medieval center features narrow streets, historic buildings, and a stunning central square called the Grote Markt (map). Haarlem is also known for its numerous museums, such as the Frans Hals Museum (map), and its beautiful parks and gardens, such as the famous Keukenhof Gardens (map) during the tulip season.

Leiden: Leiden is a picturesque city known for its canals, historic buildings, and prestigious Leiden University (map), one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands. The city’s historic center boasts charming streets, picturesque bridges, and lovely courtyards. Leiden’s cultural offerings include numerous museums, such as the Museum Boerhaave (map) and the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden (map), showcasing its rich history and artistic heritage.

Amsterdam and Surroundings: The capital city of Amsterdam and its surrounding areas are a major draw for tourists. Along with its historic canals and museums, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as Zaanse Schans (map), known for its well-preserved windmills, and the beautiful Keukenhof Gardens (map), famous for its vibrant tulip displays.

Rotterdam-The Hague Area: Rotterdam, known for its modern architecture and vibrant arts scene, is a bustling city with a diverse range of cultural and entertainment offerings. The nearby city of The Hague is the seat of the Dutch government and is home to iconic landmarks like the Binnenhof and the Mauritshuis museum, which houses Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring.”

North Holland: The province of North Holland is home to picturesque towns such as Haarlem, known for its historic center and Frans Hals Museum, as well as Alkmaar, famous for its traditional cheese market. The region also includes the beautiful North Sea coastline with sandy beaches and charming coastal villages like Bergen and Egmond aan Zee.

Zeeland: Located in the southwestern part of the Netherlands, Zeeland is known for its stunning coastline, wide sandy beaches, and charming seaside towns. The region offers opportunities for water sports, beach relaxation, and exploring historic sites like the Delta Works (map), an impressive network of dams and barriers that protect the area from the sea.

Gelderland and Veluwe: Gelderland is a province known for its natural beauty and historic cities. The Veluwe region, located within Gelderland, is a vast area of forests, heathlands, and sand dunes, perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. Arnhem, the capital city of Gelderland, is home to the famous open-air museum, and the historic Airborne Museum, dedicated to the Battle of Arnhem during World War II.

Maastricht and Limburg: Maastricht, situated in the southernmost part of the Netherlands, offers a blend of Dutch and Belgian influences. Known for its medieval architecture, charming streets, and lively squares, Maastricht is a popular destination for culture, history, and culinary delights. The surrounding province of Limburg features rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque villages.

• Western Netherlands: Flevoland, North Holland, South Holland, Utrecht
• Northern Netherlands: Drenthe, Friesland, Groningen
• Eastern Netherlands: Gelderland, Overijssel
• Southern Netherlands: Limburg, *North Brabant, Zeeland

If you are coming to the Netherlands you should always check if you need a visa and, if so, what type of visa. Applying for a visa.

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