Not many people know just how much history and culture lies in the towns of The Netherlands (or Holland, if we were to take after the British).
It would be an exaggeration to state that this post is going to showcase some of the unknown fascinating sights and secrets of Holland. We are simply going to introduce you to a specific European way of life by listing a few places we found intriguing. The fact that these cities are also strikingly beautiful comes as a bonus.
Even though we entitled the post “Top 10 Beautiful Towns in The Netherlands Built on Canals”, this is not a countdown per se, but more like a fun enumeration.
We tried to leave the best for last but we know some things can only be judged subjectively and that each viewer can have a different opinion and perception of what a town has to offer. Without any further ado, here are 10 incredible locations literally “on the edge”:
#HAARLEM
Haarlem is the capital of the North Holland and is a city with an impressive history, dating back to pre-medieval times. After the fall of Antwerp, many artists and craftsmen migrated to Haarlem, which is why today the city has a rich art heritage.
Haarlem’s canals have been around since the Middle Ages and are still an important part of the city’s culture and identity. The canals are used for transportation, recreation, and even for hosting events like boat races.
The bohemian canals, cobbled streets, and centuries-old buildings make Haarlem a very friendly city, especially when taking long walks. From the picturesque harbor to the cozy cafes and restaurants in town, this is a place you will love to explore.
The city is home to many museums, galleries, churches and other attractions that make it an ideal place to visit for anyone interested in Dutch culture. Artistic life is quite prosper here and is particularly emphasized by Teylers’ Museum, the Frans Hals Museum in memory of the painter Toulouse-Lautrec and the Corrie Ten Boom museum.
Whether you’re looking for an active day out or just want to take in the atmosphere of the city, you’re in for a holiday treat.
Haarlem’s proximity to Amsterdam and to the North Sea are two location perks the town has to offer.
#UTRECHT
Utrecht is a the forth largest city in Holland and the religious center of the country since the 18th century. Getting around is easy and enjoyable by renting a bike.
Utrecht is a compact, yet sprawling city that offers a vibrant arts scene, delicious coffee shops and some of the best shopping in the Netherlands.
There are plenty of special places worth visiting in Utrecht, starting with the city center with its Gothic Dom church (initially built between 1284 and 1520), the 112 meter tall Domtoren (the highest church tower in the Netherlands), the cloister garden, the fish market and many many more.
Utrecht is a city with a rich history and a vibrant culture. Its canals colorfully reflect that heritage. There are more than 80 kilometers of canals crisscrossing the city, once connecting its seven islands. Today boats still make their way along these waterways and travel back in time.
#DELFT
Delft is a small picturesque town in South Holland, famous for its association with the Dutch royal family, the House of Orange-Nassau. It is said to be one of the best-preserved, “historic” towns in the country.
It is located in the centre of the country, where the Oude Rijn and Nieuwe Rijn (Old and New Rhine) meet, so water plays center stage in the city.
If you’re ever in Delft, be sure to contemplate its charming canals, peaceful walkways, the Oude Kerk, (Old Church), Nieuwe Kerk (with the tomb of William of Orange), the Stedelijk Museum Het Prinsenof that has an impressive collection of Dutch decorative arts.
Delft was the hometown of Johannes Vermeer (1632–1675), a Baroque-style painter. He is famous for his workss depicting everyday life in Delft and his self-portraits. So be sure to visit the Vermeer Trail, and find out stories about the life of the artist.
#LEIDEN
Leiden is located in South Holland, 20 kilometers away from The Hague and 40 from Amsterdam. It is the perfect scenic place for a canal boat ride on the Old Rhine. It is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, dating back to before even 1230.
Once a major trading hub, its old city centre is well preserved, with many traditional Dutch buildings and canals running throughout the area. The streets are lined with boutiques and cafes, providing a pleasant atmosphere to explore. The city is also renowned for its many parks and gardens, as well as beautiful sunset over the canals in the evening.
Leiden is known as a university town, home to the oldest university of the Netherlands, founded in 1575. René Descartes and Hugo Grotius have studied here. The university is a major attraction for tourists visiting the city, along with its many canals, courtyards, monuments, and cathedrals.
Leiden is Rembrandt’s birthplace. The painter’s life and works can be explored at the museum in his former home. In fact, we are dealing with one of the most important museum cities in the Netherlands, so if you are interested in culture, be sure to check out some of the schedules before traveling there. Strolling the town’s historic center could turn out to be a highly educational experience.
#GRONINGEN
Groningen is known throughout The Netherlands for its 50 000 students, its rich History life and culture. As in almost all Holland cities, visiting can be elegantly achieved by walking or renting a bike. A few landmarks include the Groninger Museum of contemporary art,the Synagogue, the Tobacco Museum and many, many more.
#THE HAGUE
The Hague is the residence of the Queen, the seat of the Dutch government and the “judicial capital of the world”, as known in the political groups. Its architecture combines buildings from medieval times with modern constructions and is definitely worth observing. Some of the places look like parts of a bohemian village.
There is a lot to do in this various urban center, from strolling through the mesmerizing parks to taking a bike down to Scheveningen, a busy seaside resort filled with boardwalk cafes and close to the dunes (spring and summer recommended!). An elaborated city guide here.
#HARLINGEN
Harlingen is located in the North, on the shores of the Wadden Sea. Its economy is based on a long history of fishing and shipping. There are a few special activities which travelers can embark on- literally, such as sleeping on a lifeboat, in the lighthouse or in a harbor crane.
Since Harlingen is rather small, one can compliment a visit in The Netherlands with a few other fascinating locations in the region, such as Harlingen, Franeker (which has an unusual wooden planetarium) and Makkum.
#DEN BOSCH
Den Bosch (‘s-Hertogenbosch) meaning “The Duke’s Forest” is a beautiful medieval city located in the South of the Netherlands, known for its well preserved fortresses. Every city landmark is located at a walking distance from the center, so we recommend exploring the town by foot.
The center is a must see and includes famous local sights, such as The Moriaan (the oldest brick building in The Netherlands, built in the 13th century), the Saint Jans Cathedral and the impressive town hall.
#NIJMEGEN
Nijmegen is a city in the east of the Netherlands, near the German border. In 2005, it celebrated 2000 years of existence and it is considered to be one of the oldest towns in the country. It features two important history museums where Roman artifacts can be found. It is a large town and a university center located in Southeast Holland.
#AMSTERDAM
If you are planning a visit to Amsterdam, consider printing some good guides of sightseeing tours, nightlife and accommodation options. This is a large city, where organization is a must if you want to take full advantage of a few days spent here.
We think it is redundant for us to list the landmarks of this town, since we know you guys are aware of most of them. We would however like to recommend talking a walk or a bike ride through the Canal Ring, a UNESCO Heritage Site, admiring the unusual architecture, visit the windmills and the museums. Yes, one can make room for museums after a night of wild and illegal-in-most-countries- partying.
