17 Famous Landmarks in the Netherlands You Have to See
With famous Dutch landmarks that include charming Kinderdijk windmills, mouthwatering Gouda cheese markets, and the meandering Canal Ring to centuries-old castles like the Royal Palace and world-renowned museums, this is a country that promises adventure and history!
Imagine standing in the shadow of a living fairy tale – that’s what it felt like when I experienced the tiny village of Zaanse Schans for the first time. Or picture yourself lost among the seven million tulips at Keukenhof Gardens, awash in a sea of color.
The Netherlands isn’t just a place on the map; it’s a country full of unique Dutch-speaking people and magnificent places to visit. This article is your pass to learning all about the Netherlands’ most captivating landmarks, each one with its own history and story.
Join me as we explore the wonders of the Netherlands – one landmark at a time!
My Picks: Top 3 Dutch Landmarks Not To Miss!
#1 Pick: Anne Frank House (Amsterdam)
#2 Pick: Keukenhof Gardens (Lisse)
#3 Pick: Amsterdam Canal Ring (Amsterdam)
Famous Landmarks in the Netherlands
There are multiple famous Dutch landmarks worth visiting during your time in the Netherlands. Spread throughout the sprawling countryside, the city of Amsterdam, and many cities in between, here are some of the top landmarks in the Netherlands to see:
1. The Anne Frank House (Anne Frank Huis)
A top landmark in the Netherlands belongs to a story of hope, resilience, and the story of a young girl: The Anne Frank House.
This building, where the Frank family hid during World War II and the Holocaust, is still standing and welcomes visitors. Stepping inside this Amsterdam landmark feels like you’re walking back in time as you explore what life might have been like in hiding.
Much of the building has been left in its original condition, and you can even walk behind the swinging bookshelf and see the Secret Annex. This landmark in the Netherlands stands as a reminder to all that telling your story is important and that hope still lives on in the world.
Before visiting, make sure you read about what a visit to this site is like- including how to get tickets (6 weeks in advance!).
2. The Amsterdam Canal Ring (Canal Belt of Amsterdam)
The Canal Belt of Amsterdam is easily the most popular landmark in the entire country of the Netherlands. As such, it has been granted the designation of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular tourist attraction in Amsterdam.
Created in the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century, this ring of canals circles the center of Amsterdam and includes the Herengracht, Keizersgracht, and Prinsengracht canals. Many canal houses and houseboats reside on these waters that surround the old city center.
The most popular thing to do at this popular landmark in the Netherlands is take a canal boat ride. This gives visitors the opportunity to see the city of Amsterdam from a unique perspective. You’ll ride around the entire canal ring of Amsterdam, seeing sights all around the city.
Take one of the best public canal boat rides in the city, or even a private boat tour for a more romantic, intimate, and personalized experience.
3. The Cube Houses of Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands, right after Amsterdam, and it’s just a 45-minute train ride from the bustling capital.
The Yellow Cube Houses, designed by architect Piet Blom, are one of this city’s most iconic landmarks. These unique houses were designed in the late 1970s when Blom turned a conventional house by 45 degrees and placed it on a hexagon-shaped column. Blom’s idea was to create a forest of houses, with each individual cube house representing a tree in this forest.
In the early 1980s, just a couple of years after the idea was born, the cube houses were built. It’s good to know that, except for one, each of these cubes is inhabited, so it’s important to be respectful when you visit the place. The only house that’s not inhabited is called “Kijk Kubus” (meaning “Watch Cube” in Dutch) and is a popular tourist attraction.
Though not entirely identical, the interior of each of these houses is quite similar. They all consist of three stories, measure 100m2, and are full of crooked walls, which makes them pretty unique, to say the least!
The Cube Houses of Rotterdam can easily be visited independently, but they can be visited as part of a tour of the city too.
Recommended by Laura from Laure Wanders
4. Mauritshuis (Den Haag)
Mauritshuis is one of the most famous landmarks in the Netherlands. It is located in Den Haag and holds the title of the Dutch museum with the most impressive paintings per square meter. It is the best place to visit in Den Haag- especially if you are interested in art!
The museum focuses on Dutch and Flemish artists with an impressive collection of the Dutch Golden Age. The most famous piece on display at Mauritshuis is probably the “Girl With the Pearl Earring” by Vermeer, but you will encounter several other pieces that are worth your attention.
You can visit Mauritshuis Museum any day of the week from 10:00 – 18:00 h (except Mondays, when it only opens at 13:00). You are welcome to plan your visit independently or with a tour, but I recommend visiting the museum on your own so you can take your time!
If you will be staying in Amsterdam, the best option is to do a day trip to Den Haag by train and visit Mauritshuis Museum along with other attractions in the city, such as the Parlament and the Peace Palace.
There are direct trains from Amsterdam to Den Haag every 20 minutes and the ride will take you approximately 1 hour. From the central station in Den Haag, you can easily explore the city on foot!
Recommended by Fernanda of Mauka Travels
5. The Rietveld Schröder House, Utrecht
Utrecht, a city about 45 km outside of Amsterdam, is also home to one of the Netherlands’ most popular landmarks. The Rietveld Schröder House, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed piece of modern architecture, is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring the landmarks of the Netherlands.
Designed by the Dutch architect Gerrit Rietveld and named after its owner, Truus Schröder, the Rietveld Schröder House was built in 1924. It stands as a testament to the innovative ideas and stunning aesthetics of the De Stijl movement. Meaning “The Style” in Dutch, De Stijl emphasized simplicity, geometry, and primary colors.
The Rietveld Schröder House is truly exceptional in both its design and functionality. Its exterior features horizontal and vertical lines, asymmetrical shapes, large windows, and a playful composition of primary colors. This unconventional design shattered traditional notions of what a house should look like, and its allure continues to captivate visitors to this day.
Getting to the Rietveld Schroder House from Amsterdam is a breeze. A train ride of approximately 30 minutes from Amsterdam’s central station will transport you to Utrecht. Once you arrive in Utrecht, reaching the site is easily accomplished using public transportation. However, I would advise against walking to the house, as it is located outside the city center.
Stepping inside the house is akin to entering a work of art. The interiors showcase an ingenious display of flexibility and innovation. Walls can be moved, and furniture can be reconfigured to accommodate different needs and functions. The open floor plan, abundant natural light, and clever storage solutions come together to create a unique living space.
Immersing yourself in the Rietveld Schröder House will allow anyone to appreciate the world of modernist architecture. As one of the Netherlands’ famous landmarks, the Rietveld Schroder House is definitely worth visiting!
Recommended by Maartje of Unieke Vakantieplekjes
6. Royal Palace Amsterdam (Koninklijk Paleis)
In between the busy streets and picturesque canals of Amsterdam, the Royal Palace stands as a sign of the country’s rich history and regal heritage. Situated in the heart of the city in Dam Square, the Royal Palace is a must-visit attraction during your week in Amsterdam.
The Royal Palace is just a short walk of approximately 10 minutes from the Central Station of Amsterdam. The palace’s central location makes it easily accessible to visitors. You can also take public transportation to get there, such as trams or buses, which will drop you off near Dam Square.
The Royal Palace, or Koninklijk Paleis in Dutch, was originally constructed in the 17th century as the City Hall of Amsterdam. It later became the official residence of the Dutch royal family and now serves as a venue for state visits, royal receptions, and exhibitions.
What makes the Royal Palace a place worth visiting is its architecture and opulent interiors. Halls are adorned with marble and there are gilded ceilings ornamented with grand chandeliers. As you explore the rooms, you’ll discover historical artifacts, including paintings from renowned Dutch masters.
To gain a deeper understanding of the palace’s history and significance, guided tours are available. These tours provide fascinating insights into the royal family, the building’s architecture, and its role in Dutch society. The guides share stories and anecdotes, bringing the palace’s history to life.
Whether you choose to join a guided tour or explore at your own pace, the Royal Palace promises an immersive experience in Dutch royal heritage.
Recommended by Simina of Travel With Simina
7. Kinderdijk Windmills: A Famous Dutch Landmark near Rotterdam
One of the most famous landmarks in the Netherlands is the Kinderdijk Windmills. UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed since 1997, this mill network is a superb example of the water management technology and windmills utilized throughout the Netherlands for centuries.
The Kinderdijk Windmills are situated adjacent to the village of Kinderdijk, not far away from Rotterdam. The easiest and most scenic way to arrive is on the Waterbus, which regularly departs from the Erasmusbrug Wharf in Rotterdam and takes just over 30 minutes. It’s also possible to arrive by car or bus.
From Amsterdam, you can drive about an hour directly to Kinderdijk, or first take a train to Rotterdam before catching the Waterbus.
A visit to Kinderdijk is a great opportunity to learn more about the historic and current use of windmills as a water management technique practiced in the Netherlands. Plus, you can find out what it was like to live in a windmill!
Entry is free to explore the area on foot (or by bike), but an entry fee applies if you wish to enter the museum windmills, view the introductory film, and enjoy a boat tour.
Recommended by Shandos Cleaver of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel
8. Dom Tower, Utrecht
Utrecht is a laidback city in the central Netherlands. It exudes a college town vibe today, but it is a medieval city with a 2,000-year history and happens to hold a famous Dutch landmark: the Dom Tower.
Dom Square, in the heart of the historical city, used to be a fortress and later became a religious center. The square’s centerpiece is Dom Tower, designed by John of Hainaut. It took more than 60 years to build, finally being completed in 1382!
Dom Tower stands 112 meters tall next to St. Martin’s Cathedral. Initially, the tower was part of the cathedral; however, a tornado destroyed and separated the tower from the church in 1674.
The highest medieval tower is open to the public to climb up. Although you have to go up 465 steps, the panoramic view of the city from the top is well worth it. The tower is also wheelchair accessible by an elevator. Either way, you have to sign up for a guided tour at Dom Square to get in.
Besides the view, one of the famous features of the tower is the church bells. A set of 14 bells weighing 32 tons are rung by hand (by members of the Utrecht Bellringers Guild) each Sunday and on religious holidays. Also, the tower has a 50-bell carillon. Every Saturday at 11 am, you can hear a live carillon play by a designated carillonneur.
Dom Tower is the iconic landmark of Utrecht and the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. Hence, it is a must-visit site for anyone traveling to Utrecht.
It only takes a 30-minute train ride from the capital city of Amsterdam to Utrecht Centraal Station. And the historic city is small enough, that you can plan to spend just one day in Utrecht.
Contributed by Chloe of Chloe’s Travelogue
9. De Haar Castle (Kasteel de Haar), Utrecht
De Haar Castle, or Kasteel de Haar in Dutch, is the largest and most impressive castle in the Netherlands. The castle is a worthwhile place to visit for its rich history and impressive architecture. The building originally dates back to the 12th century, but the castle reached its present form in the 19th century when it was rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style.
This popular Netherlands landmark is set in a picturesque location in the countryside, providing a peaceful escape from the cities. It is located near Utrecht, only about 40 minutes drive from Amsterdam. Since it’s not easily reachable via public transportation, a guided tour of the castle from Amsterdam is also a great option.
You can buy tickets for De Haar Castle just to visit the park around the castle or for a tour of the castle’s interior. The park that surrounds the castle is stunning, and the picturesque landscape is the ideal place for a pleasant walk or picnic.
To explore the interior, a variety of tours are offered to give you a deeper insight into the history, architecture, and life of the former residents. The interior of the castle features richly decorated rooms, including impressive halls, a library, and luxurious bedrooms.
De Haar Castle is a great destination if you’re looking for a day trip from Amsterdam. Furthermore, if you plan to visit De Haar Castle, you might want to add other attractions to your itinerary, such as the Dutch tulip fields in spring, which are also nearby.
Recommended by Adriene of Travel Tip Zone
10. Gouda Cheese Market
For over 300 years, cheese farmers have been trading their cheese wheels at the Gouda market. This fun, entertaining tradition has made this market near Amsterdam a Dutch landmark that continues every Thursday morning from April to September.
Oversized cheese wheels are brought in on horse-drawn carts and carefully weighed before being neatly stacked in front of Gouda’s City Hall. This fascinating display showcases the craftsmanship, dedication, and expertise of local cheesemakers.
Get there early to soak up the festive vibe, mingle with the cheesemakers and, of course, indulge in samples of mouthwatering Gouda cheese! The market also sells local produce and Dutch delicacies too.
This lively event takes place in Markt Square, a historic hub of beauty and cultural significance in the center of the city. The square is full of traditional Dutch charm, with trendy cafes, and quaint shops.
You may also want to visit the Gouda Cheese Museum, or the Stadhuis Museum which has an impressive collection of Dutch paintings, including ones from Johannes Vermeer.
The town of Gouda is in the South Holland province. Obviously known for its cheese, Gouda is a lovely town, easily reachable by train from Amsterdam. The journey takes 50 minutes and costs approximately €15. Once you leave the station, it is an easy 1 km walk to the historic center.
The Gouda Cheese Market is a fantastic way to experience authentic Dutch culture, and a must on any 2-week trip to the Netherlands.
Recommended by Robyn of Two Empty Passports
Looking for a tour? Discover the long-standing Dutch tradition and art of cheesemaking with this 90-minute Gouda Cheese Tour! And yes… there will be a cheese tasting!
11. Keukenhof Gardens (Tulip Fields Landmark in the Netherlands)
When looking for the Netherlands’ famous landmarks, few stand out as much as Keukenhof Gardens.
The Keukenhof is famously known as “The Garden of Europe” and can be found in Lisse – close to Amsterdam. This is one of the world’s largest gardens covering an area of 79 acres and is home to over 7 million blooming flowers, making it a must-see during a weekend in Amsterdam.
The flowers are brought in by over 100 flower growers as an opportunity to showcase their business, making it a great opportunity to see the Netherlands community come together through art. The most popular flower in the garden is, obviously, the tulip. While here, you can spend time walking around this area and taking in the incredible display of flowers and the intertwining colors.
Driving will be the easiest way to get to Keukenhof is by driving about 35 minutes from Amsterdam, but most do not rent a car when visiting the city. Therefore, the next best way to reach the gardens is by either taking a taxi or taking a tour bus that will bring you directly there. This highly-rated tour provides transport from Amsterdam and an entry ticket to the gardens.
Recommended by Sam of Find Love & Travel
🚨 Tip: Keep in mind the Keukenhof is only open at certain times of the year, usually from March to May, as this is when the spring flowers are at their best.
12. Amsterdam Central Station (Centraal Station)
Amsterdam Central Station is the largest railway station in the Netherlands and the country’s main transportation hub used by over 200,000 passengers a day.
The station opened in 1889 and was designed by Dutch Architect Pierre Cuypers who also designed the Rijksmuseum. The distinctive Gothic and Renaissance Revival style of the building’s facade has made Amsterdam Centraal one of the most notable and iconic landmarks in the Netherlands.
Centraal Station is located in the center of Amsterdam, just a 20-minute Thalys ride from Schiphol Airport, making it a convenient landmark to visit. Many walking tours of Amsterdam include the station as a stop, but if you have additional time during your trip, be sure to step in and explore Centraal Station on your own.
Within the station are many shops, cafes, and restaurants which you can visit while touring the interior. Visiting Centraal Station is also one of the many free things to do in Amsterdam with kids, who will love watching the trains come and go from the station.
While Amsterdam Station is renowned for its architecture, one hidden gem within the station is the Royal Waiting Room. This room was used by the royal family to wait for trains. Originally closed off to the public, you can now view the room through glass walls that were installed in 2018.
While you’re likely to transit through Centraal Station during your travels in the Netherlands, be sure to carve out extra time to explore this architectural highlight and Dutch heritage site.
Recommended by Tamar of World by Weekend
13. Van Nelle Factory- Rotterdam
When the Van Nelle Factory was built in Rotterdam in the 1920s, it was considered innovative for its time.
From the outside, it showed a new style of architecture, with large glass windows and a mix of curves and straight lines created with steel and concrete. The inside was even more progressive, placing an emphasis on the welfare of its workers with shower blocks, natural light, and airflow. The striking design is full of small details – the way the steep stairs and small revolving doors made employees subconsciously walk faster, for instance.
It’s for all these reasons, the site has been added to the World Heritage List, making visiting the Van Nelle Factory an interesting experience.
The factory is just over two kilometers from Rotterdam’s train station, so it can easily be reached in less than an hour from Amsterdam. Although the old tobacco factory, which was still in operation until the 1990s, is used for events these days, the best way to see it is on a tour.
The guided tours are run by the Chabot Museum and depart from the museum’s main building in central Rotterdam. You’ll explore the details of the industrial heritage and how this symbol of Dutch modernism didn’t just influence architecture, but also the labor force more generally.
Of all the World Heritage Sites in the Netherlands, the Van Nelle factory is one of the most interesting and shows a different side than many of the other classic landmarks in Rotterdam.
Recommended by Turtle of Time Travel Turtle
14. Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schans is one of the most popular tourist attractions and a famous Dutch landmark in the Amsterdam countryside and an attraction that many people visit each year.
The area used to be the first industrial area in Western Europe, with 1000 functioning windmills during the Dutch Golden Age. Nowadays, there are only 13 windmills in Zaanse Schans for cultural heritage
preservation purposes.
Zaanse Schans is located just over 24 Km from Amsterdam in the Zaandam neighborhood and is easily reachable by train or bicycle. The bike ride from Amsterdam is around one hour, and it takes 17 minutes to travel via train between Amsterdam and Zaandijk, from which you can walk to Zaanse Schans.
The area is located on the border of the “Zaan” River and is surrounded by meadows of
breathtaking beauty. Three of the windmills are open for visitors. Here, you can learn about the history and how the windmills operated from the inside.
There are also several antique shops, a cheese farm with free cheese tasting, and a place where you can see how the famous Dutch clogs are made.
The best way to see Zaanse Schans during your trip to Amsterdam is by organized tour. This tour will bring you to Zaanse Schans and combine your trip with some adorable fishing villages in the Amsterdam countryside such as Volendam and Marken. Exploring these offbeat villages was one of the highlights of my trips- do be sure to try the seafood in Volendam!! It is the best place to grab some grub and sit by the water!
Recommended by Pilar of Travel the World Pages
15. Vincent Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum, located in Amsterdam, is one of the most famous attractions in northwestern Europe. Tourists flock here to take in the largest and most impressive collection of works by Vincent Van Gogh in the world. Since its opening in 1973, the museum has become one of the most visited landmarks in the Netherlands.
Located in Amsterdam’s Museum Quarter, the Van Gogh Museum is easy to get to from every corner of the city. It’s a short, 15-minute drive from the Amsterdam Centraal Train Station, only a 12-minute walk from the popular Heineken Experience, and just a 4-minute walk from the Rijksmuseum.
Visitors can peruse more than 200 paintings, 400 drawings, and 700 letters by Van Gogh himself. As well as learning about his life and works, the museum offers a number of exhibitions and activities for visitors – like family days and private guided tours. There is also an onsite café and gift shop for those wanting to take home a meaningful souvenir!
The Van Gogh Museum is open daily from 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, but you must purchase your tickets in advance online under a specific start time. An adult entrance ticket will set you back €20, but kids enter for free!
Recommended by Madison from Madison’s Footsteps
⭐ Tip: If museums sometimes overwhelm you, try this private guided tour (with entry) of the Van Gogh Museum! It’ll make sure you hit all the highlights!
16. Lisse Tulip Fields
The Lisse tulip fields just outside Amsterdam are the ultimate site to behold.
If you’re ever lucky enough to visit whilst these beautiful flowers are in bloom, you’ll be in utter awe, but it is a great place to visit all year round! The Lisse Tulip Fields are an absolute bucket list destination as far as the Netherlands’ famous landmarks go.
Lisse is only a short trip from Amsterdam– only 30 kilometers away; by car, it’s a 30-minute drive or around an hour by train and bus. Either way, you’ll be treated to the most magnificent views of the Dutch countryside; picture windmills and rolling green hills.
There are plenty of tours that will take you around Keukenhof and the Lisse tulip fields; my recommendation is to do a bicycle tour. It’s easily the most magical way to see hundreds of tulip fields.
Just remember: don’t trespass onto private property to get pictures with the beautiful tulips in bloom. For that, it would be best to book a tulip field tour of which there are plenty!
Recommended by Adriana of Wanderlicious
17. Hoge Veluwe National Park
Hoge Veluwe National Park is a stunning Dutch National Park located in the heart of the Netherlands, just outside the town of Arnhem.
Although it’s not the largest park in the Netherlands, Hoge Veluwe is massive, spanning over 3,300 acres, and is the Netherlands’ largest nature reserve! It is famous for being a diverse landscape made of multiple ecosystems including sand dunes, heath, and forests.
It is the perfect landmark in the Netherlands for the adventurers and nature lovers. Explore to your heart’s content as you walk or bike the miles of trails, taking time to view the many species of flowers and plants. On top of that, Hoge Veluwe National Park is well-known for its wide range of wildlife, the most famous of which include red deer, wild boars, and mouflon (wild sheep).
One place you should be sure to visit inside the park is the Kröller-Müller Museum. This magnificent museum is popular for its art collection, which includes works by Van Gogh, Picasso, and other revered artists.
This Netherlands landmark is a unique place to visit- and I love that it focuses on the conservation of habitats and ecosystems!
Wrapping Up: Famous Landmarks in the Netherlands
That’s a wrap on the most popular landmarks in the Netherlands!
Although these points of interest span the country, they are all easily reachable from the very popular vacation destination of Amsterdam! So, no matter where you’re staying, check out some of these Dutch landmarks on your next journey!
If you’re headed to the Netherlands soon, here are some more helpful articles:
✅ My favorite Amsterdam itineraries for 4 days or one day in Amsterdam!
✅ All the Canal Cruises I recommend in Amsterdam- including private tours!
✅ An Amsterdam Bucket List to complete!
✅ Everything you need to know for visiting the Anne Frank House
✅ Top Weekend Trips from Amsterdam
✅ Review on my #1 Place to stay in Amsterdam
✅ If you’re biking around the city, here’s what you need to know!
✅ Wondering if you can speak English in Amsterdam? Or do you need to greet in Dutch?
