There are many beautiful places in the Netherlands, such as the Keukenhof Gardens, Amsterdam’s canals, Noordwijk and Zandvoort’s beaches, Texel’s dunes, and the windmills of Kinderdijk. Each of these places offers a unique and picturesque setting that is sure to impress. In this guide, we will discover four cities with mesmerizing sceneries that any lottery winner, regardless of the odds of winning the lottery, dreams of visiting at least once. Let’s start our list with the gorgeous Alkmaar.
1. Alkmaar
Alkmaar is a great choice for a holiday in the Netherlands. The town is located in the province of North Holland and is known for its charming historic centre, picturesque canals, and traditional Dutch architecture. One of the main attractions in Alkmaar is the Cheese Market, which is held on Friday mornings from April to September. Visitors can watch as vendors in traditional costumes sell different types of Dutch cheese, and taste some of the cheese for themselves.
The town also has a number of museums and historic buildings to visit, such as the Alkmaar Museum, which tells the story of the town and its history, and the Waag, a 16th-century weighing house that now houses a cheese museum. Alkmaar also has a variety of shops and restaurants and is a good base for exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby towns and villages. For example, the famous Dutch bulb fields, Keukenhof gardens, and the beautiful North Sea beaches are a short drive away.
2. Leiden
Leiden is a city in the Netherlands that offers a variety of things to see and do for visitors. Some popular attractions include the Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, which is an archaeology museum that features Egyptian, Etruscan, and Roman artefacts, and the Hortus Botanicus Leiden, which is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Leiden also has a well-preserved historical centre with many buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, such as Leiden University, which is the oldest university in the Netherlands.
Leiden is also a great place for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The city has many charming boutiques, cafes, and restaurants that offer a wide variety of cuisines. It also has a lively nightlife, with many bars and clubs that stay open late. For those looking for more outdoors activities, Leiden is also located near the coast and is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it an ideal place for cycling and walking.
3. Amsterdam
Amsterdam must be included on your list of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands. The capital is a popular tourist destination. You can stroll along the canals, enjoy watching the beautiful old houses with gables and consider which houseboat to rent. Highlights like the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House are great places to visit, even in bad weather. It can also get very crowded.
You should still look for insider tips such as the Straat Museum plan. In the heart of an old shipyard north of Amsterdam, you will find the largest street art museum. It also has an alternative to the charming ring of canals that runs through the centre. You can walk a few steps to the Foodhallen, which is located in Amsterdam’s West. There you will find stands selling food from all around the globe on an old tramway.
4. Noordwijk
Noordwijk is a great choice for a holiday in the Netherlands. The town is located on the North Sea coast and is known for its long beaches and dunes. It’s perfect for a relaxing beach holiday and also offers many recreational activities such as swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, kite surfing, and horse riding.
The town is also home to the Space Expo, an interactive space museum that tells the story of space travel and the future of space exploration. Noordwijk also has a picturesque town centre with charming streets, historic buildings, and a variety of shops and restaurants. Visitors can take a stroll along the boulevard and enjoy the sea views or visit the lighthouse or the lighthouse museum.
The city is also a popular destination for flower lovers, as it’s known for its flower fields and is home to the Flower Strip, a strip of land between Noordwijk and Leiden where you can see many different kinds of flowers. In addition, the town is located close to other popular destinations such as the cities of Leiden and The Hague and the famous Keukenhof gardens, so it’s easy to combine a beach holiday with a bit of culture and history.
