Fun things to do in the Netherlands

During the vacation season, we often wonder what to do. Go to the tropical islands in Indonesia? Book a vacation home in Costa Blanca and enjoy the sun? Or maybe stay in the Netherlands after all? It really can be just as much fun in our own country. After all, the Netherlands has countless fun places to visit, such as amusement parks, water parks, ski resorts, museums, zoos and even miniature towns. In short, there is plenty to do in the Netherlands. But now the question: which places should you really visit? Below is a list of the 5 most visited places in the Netherlands. They are in order from most to least visited and we briefly explain what makes each place special.

The Efteling

Did you know that the Efteling is the most popular place in the Netherlands? It is also one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Here you can take a ride through the fantasy palace Symbolica, take a big plunge with De Baron 1898, stroll through the fairytale forest with the kids (and maybe visit and Hansel and Gretel) or take an enchanted ride on the Dream Flight. There is so much to do that you should actually take 2 days to see it all. You can find nice accommodation nearby through Leisure time to complete your trip.

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

And what about the Rijksmuseum? The Rijksmuseum Amsterdam is a huge museum where you can learn all kinds of things about art and history. There are more than 8,000 works of art and old things on display that show how Dutch culture used to be. You can see paintings by famous artists, such as Frans Hals, Vermeer and Rembrandt. The most famous paintings are The Night Watch (Rembrandt), The Threatened Swan (Jan Asselijn), The Milkmaid (Vermeer), and, of course, Vincent van Gogh’s Self-Portrait with Gray Felt Hat!

Zaanse Schans

For culture lovers, The Zaanse Schans can be a fun day trip. This village is famous for the old windmills that stand there. These mills were built in the 16th century and you really must have seen them once. There are also a lot of wooden houses and a museum where you can learn more about the history of that place. For example, take a look at the warehouse (clogs are made here). But also the cheese dairy is really worth a visit.

Burgers Zoo

Zoos always remain impressive, and The Burgers Zoo is one of the largest and most enjoyable zoos in the Netherlands. This park is mainly known for its tropical rainforest, where you immediately feel like you are in another world. There are eight different places in the zoo where you can see different animals, such as lions, elephants, impalas, ostriches, rhinos and much more. Each place has its own theme, so you certainly won’t get bored.

Blijdorp Zoo

Have you had Burgers Zoo before? Blijdorp Zoo is another old zoo that is very popular. There are many special places, such as the Oceanium where you can look underwater, the island for gorillas, the Crocodile River and more. You can also go there for children’s parties, workshops and tours. You probably already knew some of these fun days out, but have you visited them all?

Credits photos: canva.com