Rotterdam
The Dutch love of the world in miniature is celebrated at the vast Miniworld, a ginormous, 535 sq metre, 1:87 scale model railroad re-creating…
Must-see attractions in The Netherlands
Delft
This building with its elaborate sandstone facade was commissioned by Jan de Huyter, the bailiff of Delfland, in the early 16th century. The Delfland…
North Holland
In de Bonte Os is the only house that's left in its original 17th-century state. In the days before proper glass, the curious vertical shutters at street…
Jordaan & the West
Many parts of the Jordaan are named after trees and flowers, and this canal, lined by lovely houses built for artisans and skilled traders, takes its name…
North Holland & Flevoland
Urk's former town hall now contains a small museum covering the history of the one-time island through traditional clothing, model ships, re-creations of…
De Pijp
In the Sarphatipark, this 1886 temple incorporates a fountain, gargoyles and a bust of Samuel Sarphati (1813–66), after whom the park is named.
Medieval Centre & Red Light District
Beyond the glare of the Red Light District runs this dark, narrow lane, home to theatres for more than 150 years. In 1614 Amsterdam's first bank opened in…
Delft
This fairytale-style brick gate with its twin witch hats once guarded the eastern part of the city against invaders. Today, it's the sole surviving…
Jordaan & the West
This narrow bridge links the Western Islands of Prinseneiland and Realeneiland. It's a quaint replacement for the pontoon that used to be pulled aside to…
Rotterdam
This controversial statue of a gnome-like Santa holding what may be a pine tree but may also be a butt plug (sex toy) was designed by American artist Paul…
North Holland
Enkhuizen's classical town hall was modelled after the Amsterdam town hall that once stood on the Dam. You can peek through the windows at the lavish…
Medieval Centre & Red Light District
Located in the Begijnhof, the Houten Huis dates from around 1465, making it the oldest preserved wooden house in the Netherlands.
Delft
This 16th-century weighing house behind the Stadhuis remained in use until 1960. It now houses the De Waag cafe and restaurant.
Western Canal Ring
Built in 1617, this ornate neck-gabled building was designed by famed architect Hendrick de Keyser, and has two bends in the facade to follow the course…
Haarlem
Walk down charming Korte Houtstraat to find the 17th-century Nieuwe Kerk; the ornate tower by Lieven de Key is supported by a rather boxy design by Jacob…
Overijssel
This monumental Gothic church (1370–1452) is grand, but was much grander before lightning knocked down the tower – the highest in the Netherlands – in…
Overijssel
On a tiny alley just off Kleine Poot, look for the oldest stone house in town, a much-modified AD 1100 vintage building with still-discernible Romanesque…
Medieval Centre & Red Light District
Duck into this contemporary arts centre and ponder the multimedia exhibits, which often have an edgy political angle. Check the website for frequent…
North Holland
A local landmark, Alkmaar's Stadhuis was built between 1509 and 1520 in Gothic style. Additions over the ensuing years include a Dutch Classicist wing in…
Leiden
The Marekerk dates to 1639 and has a beautiful octagonal wooden interior. Regular concerts and theatre performances take place here; check the agenda…
Groningen
Located in the old harbour area, Aa-kerk was once a seaman's church dating to 1226. No longer a church, it is used as a concert and reception hall today.
Middelburg
This 91m tower is topped with a gilded imperial crown, a tribute to Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I. Climb the 200-odd steps to enjoy views over town.
Rotterdam
Designed by Dutch architect Wim Quist and completed in 1989, this striking office building has a facade featuring two huge intersecting wedges.
North Holland
On the western side of Edam's Kaasmarkt stands the 1778 Kaaswaag, the cheese weigh house, which has a display about the town's chief product.
Medieval Centre & Red Light District
Part of the Hash, Marijuana & Hemp Museum, the Hemp Gallery has displays on hemp art and history.
Leiden
Before it became a commercial building, the gabled Latin School, built in 1600, was graced by a pupil named Rembrandt from 1616 to 1620.
Rotterdam
This reconstructed 18th-century windmill overlooks the water at Delfshaven. It still mills grain; the interior is closed to the public.
North Holland
Completed in 1904, Marken's Grote Kerk has a barrel-vaulted ceiling strung with ship models designed to attract grace to local seamen.
Rotterdam
This 1.2-hectare garden dates from the 1860s. It features 1000 or so plant species and has a tranquil pond filled with Japanese carp.
North Holland
Leaning over Kleine Kerkstraat about 100m south of Grote Kerk, the Speeltoren is all that remains of the 15th-century Kleine Kerk.
Delft
Once the site of the town's cattle market, this large open space is filled with plane trees and surrounded by fine buildings.
Western Canal Ring
Philips Vingboons designed this grand 1639 building using Greek and Roman classical elements popular at the time.
Delft
Delft's town hall has an unusual combination of Renaissance construction surrounding an early 14th-century tower.
Den Haag
Overlooked by both the Binnenhof and the Mauritshuis, the picturesque Hofvijver inspires countless snapshots.
South Holland
This small museum explores the privations of the Dordrecht region during WWII. Museumkaarts are not accepted.
North Holland
At the east end of Westerstraat, the 16th-century Waag (weigh house) overlooks the old cheese market.
Gelderland
Apes and monkeys entertain at this unique zoo, on a jungly hill within the vast forest west of town.
Groningen
The Town Hall is an eye-catching building on the Grote Markt. It was built in 1810.
Amsterdam
The Vondelpark's rose garden, with some 70 different species, was added in 1936.
