5 places for your Dutch bucket list

Have you ever thought about building up a bucket list for your trip through the Netherlands? Or even better – do you already have one? Well, if so, maybe you can still spice it up. Here are 5 must-visit places for your trip through the Netherlands. Endless expanses, picture-perfect villages and huge metropolises – You can see all of these very different but terrific spots in the Netherlands. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a pad and a pen and get your bucket list started.

Or check out our tours in the Netherlands here.

1. Strolling through the village of windmills: Zaanse Schans

The small village of Zaanse Schans is located along the River Zaan and is full of Dutch history. Strolling through the village gives you the chance to discover a bakery museum, a warehouse where clogs are made, a cheese factory and, of course, windmills. You also visit some of the windmills and enjoy the beautiful panoramic views. If you’d like to discover Zaanse Schans from a completely new perspective, you can choose between various boat tours along the River Zaan. So what makes that village so special, beside these sights? The atmosphere in Zaanse Schans is unique. You’ll find yourself taken back in time as you walk along the narrow streets and cross the tiny bridges. But keep in mind that people still live in Zaanse Schans, so please be polite.

On these tours we also head for Zaanse Schans: On the Northern Tour of Holland, the trip along the coast of North Holland, the Southern Tour of Holland and on our Tulip Tours.

2. Cycling in Marken

When you visit Marken, a peninsula on the Markermeer lake, you should bring your bike with you. You can get to Marken by bicycling along a 1.6 km-long (1 mile) embankment. When you arrive in Marken you’ll feel the authentic character of the peninsula right away. Places to visit in Marken include the old Wooden Shoe Factory and the Marker Museum, with its costume exhibition. However, the most famous place on the peninsula is the lighthouse which was built in 1839. It’s incredible that it’s still in operation. The calmness of that spot is amazing; you can literally breathe in the beautiful scenery. Strolling through the small town gives you the chance to explore all the tiny details Marken has to offer. If you’d like to extend your trip, you could take the Volendam Marken Express to visit Volendam. You can take your bicycle on the boat.

On our Northern Tour of Holland and the trip along the North Holland coast, a bike tour to Marken is on the program.

3. Windmills in Kinderdijk

The windmills of Kinderdijk have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. Nineteen magnificent windmills stand as part of a larger water management system to prevent flooding. This beautiful spot is a highlight of the Netherlands for photographers from all over the world. Tourists are offered audio guides and two of the windmills are open to the public. It’s also possible to admire the windmills from the water by boat. If you’re interested, you can also visit the pumping station and inspect the impressive flywheels. After the adventurous tour though Kinderdijk you can have a tasty coffee in the visitor centre, which includes a café and a breathtaking view from the rooftop.

If you want to visit the mills of Kinderdijk, you are right with these tours: Best of Holland and Belgium, Amsterdam – Bruges Premium, Southern Tour of Holland, Green Heart of Holland, Amsterdam Bruges Relax.

4. Say cheese!

When you think of cheese, one of the first kinds you might think of is Gouda. So why not visiting the home of the famous Gouda cheese? Taste a huge selection of different Gouda flavors in the various cheese shops in the city of Gouda. Another must-try food is the famous stroopwafel, which is a syrup-filled waffle sandwich with toppings of your choice. However, Gouda has much more to offer than delicious food. The Market forms the centre of the small city. Its iconic town hall is one of Gouda’s highlights. Very close to that you’ll find the Sint-Jans Church with its stained-glass windows – really worth a visit. But what else is there to do in Gouda? There’s much to explore in this beautiful city: authentic little shops, medieval streets, picturesque canals and countless inner courtyards or hofjes.

On our 8-day Tulip Tour, Southern Tour of Holland and the Green Heart of Holland Tour, you can take a city stroll through Gouda yourself.

5. University flair in Leiden

Going to Leiden might feel a bit like you’re visiting a small version of Amsterdam. This atmospheric university city has such a unique character. With its several museums, canals and hofjes or inner courtyards, Leiden will surely remind you of Amsterdam, but just a bit calmer. Apart from the city’s various restaurants, squares and terraces, the boats and ships in the canals in the centre lend Leiden a certain flair.

On our 8-day Tulip Tour and our tour through the Green Heart of Holland, the university city of Leiden is on the route.

Looking for an adventure? Click on the video and get inspired.

Can we help you?

Do you have any questions about our trips or can we help you with booking? Our travel experts are happy to help! Drop us an email at [email protected] or call us at (203) 814-1249 or +31 20 72 35 400 .