Travel and Exploration
For international students keen to explore, the Netherlands provides an appealing canvas. This small but diversified country is a treasure mine of cultural and natural attractions, in addition to its world-renowned cities, attractive countryside, and famed tulip fields. Visit the old windmills of Kinderdijk or the mediaeval town of Maastricht to immerse yourself in Dutch history. Accept the allure of canal-laden cities such as Amsterdam and Utrecht. The beautiful vistas of the Hoge Veluwe National Park and the Wadden Islands entice nature lovers. The Netherlands, with its efficient transport system and small size, invites you to go on wonderful excursions and create lasting memories throughout your studies.
Cities worth visiting
Explore the Netherlands outside of your university! Discover the top 12 cities in this wonderful country that every international student should visit during their academic adventure. From Amsterdam's dynamic cultural centre to Utrecht's historic charm and Groningen's natural beauty, these cities offer a broad selection of experiences and excursions to enrich your time studying in the Netherlands. If you are looking for the best cities/countries to visit outside of The Netherlands, click here!
Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the largest city in the Netherlands, is a bustling metropolitan attraction that attracts over 18 million people each year. Exploring its lovely canals is a must, particularly in the gorgeous Jordaan neighbourhood with its 17th-century buildings and hidden inner courtyards. The Grachtengordel neighbourhood, known for its picturesque bridges and houseboats, has charming shops and cafes for leisurely strolls and people-watching. Nearby, art fans can visit Dam Square and historic sights such as the Rijksmuseum, which houses a great collection of Old Masters' artwork, including Rembrandt's masterpieces, the Anne Frank House, and the Van Gogh Museum. The enormous Vondelpark provides 120 acres of greenery for picnics and outdoor performances, rounding out the city's numerous attractions.
Delft
Delft, strategically positioned between The Hague and Rotterdam, is world-renowned for its famous Delftware ceramics, a four-century-old heritage. De Porceleyne Fles, founded in 1653 and currently the lone survivor of 32 similar Delftware firms, is at the centre of this tradition. Visitors can enjoy guided tours to see professional painters create the distinctive blue and white designs and learn about the pottery's production process. Don't forget to bring home a memento. Explore the lovely Old Town of Delft, with its picturesque canals, antique residences, and appealing waterside cafes, for a really Dutch experience.
Utrecht
Thanks to its well-preserved ancient architecture and pedestrian-friendly zones, Utrecht, one of the Netherlands' largest cities, preserves a lovely small-town ambience. The heart of your exploration will be in Binnenstad, which is centred on Cathedral Square (Domplein). The awe-inspiring St. Martin's Cathedral, Domkerk, was built in 1254, albeit its tower, Domtoren, currently stands separately due to a 17th-century storm. DOMUnder, a self-guided trip beneath Cathedral Square to the old Roman castle upon which Utrecht was built, offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Don't miss the Museum Speelklok, which is dedicated to musical clocks, the Centraal Museum, which has art and artefacts, and the Railway Museum, which has fascinating displays of historic steam engines and rolling stock—all of which are easily accessible by foot.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam, a vibrant port city only a 40-minute train journey from Amsterdam, should absolutely be on your Netherlands itinerary. Rotterdam, located at the North Sea endpoint of the Rhine River, is the world's largest and busiest port, carrying a substantial amount of Europe's freight. While its architecture is more modern as a result of wartime destruction, the city has a lot to offer. The spectacular 15th-century Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk church, known for its stained-glass windows and the possibility to scale its tower for panoramic views, is a must-see. Don't miss the world-famous Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, which has masterpieces by Rubens and Rembrandt. Rotterdam is also known for its avant-garde modern architecture, such as the 185-meter-tall Euromast and the famed Cube Houses.
Maastricht
Maastricht has a history that dates back to 50 BCE, when the Romans created a crossing point over the Maas River. It has evolved into a compelling metropolis that straddles this historic trading route. Maastricht's charm today stems from the fact that tourists rush here to cross the iconic Wilhelminabrug and Sint Servaasbrug bridges, which provide beautiful views of the riverbank areas. The Sint Servaasbrug, a 13th-century architectural marvel, is a must-see. You'll come across mediaeval town walls, a bustling market square with the old Town Hall, and the Netherlands' oldest church, St. Servaaskerk, which dates back to the 4th century and houses the ancient Treasures of Saint Servatius. Don't pass up the chance to visit the St. Pietersberg Caves.
The Hague
The Hague, the Netherlands' third-largest city, provides visitors with a variety of intriguing activities. The ancient Binnenhof, a complex dating back to the mid-13th century, should be at the top of your itinerary while exploring The Hague. You can roam around magnificent former aristocratic houses that now house the nation's parliament. Don't pass up the opportunity to see the meticulously kept Knight's Hall, a splendid mediaeval hall. A short walk from this location will take you to excellent shopping, restaurants, and other popular activities. The 14th-century Great St. James Church (Grote of Sint-Jacobskerk) and the renowned Peace Palace, built in 1913 and serving as the International Court of Justice's headquarters, are also must-sees.
Haarlem
The lovely city of Haarlem, located in Noord-Holland (North Holland), provides a welcome relief from the bustling throng of nearby Amsterdam, which is only a short train trip away. Stroll through the peaceful lanes of the ancient port region, where the Bakenesser Gracht sector is home to a plethora of fascinating old homes and buildings. Discover the timeless Hofje van Bakenes, a 14th-century courtyard that has been frozen in time for over seven centuries, as well as old drawbridges and the original 15th-century city gate. A visit to the picturesque old town square, which is home to the imposing St.-Bavokerk (Grote Kerk), guarantees a one-of-a-kind experience, especially during the regular organ concerts. Don't miss the 13th-century City Hall or the instructive Teyler's Museum, an 18th-century institution dedicated to the arts.
Lisse
Keukenhof is a must-see in the Netherlands, located in the lovely village of Lisse, about a 40-minute drive from Amsterdam. This magnificent 70-acre attraction, known as the "Garden of Europe," is a tulip lover's delight. In the spring, Keukenhof changes into a mesmerising display of flowering tulips nestled in a gorgeous park, great for photographing. Furthermore, during this season, Lisse hosts the lively Bollenstreek flower parade, and there is a museum dedicated to the rich history of the Netherlands' treasured flowers for people interested in their cultural significance. It's a distinct Dutch experience that should not be missed.
Arnhem
Arnhem, notable for its involvement in the ill-fated Market Garden operation during WWII, experienced severe combat around its critical Rhine River bridge in 1944, leaving the city with permanent wounds. However, Arnhem's history predates the war, with roots dating back to pre-Roman times and a prosperous mediaeval period as a busy commercial centre. Arnhem is now a thriving destination with lovely historic streets, boutique shops, and cafes. Visitors can discover cultural treasures such as the Netherlands Open Air Museum, which provides an insight into Dutch traditions, and the expansive Hoge Veluwe National Park, the country's largest conservation area, which offers numerous options for outdoor experiences.
Breda
The Dutch city of Breda, located just a stone's throw from the Belgian border, has a rich history and a wonderfully maintained Old Town centre. Breda is a lovely destination for both pedestrians and passionate bikers, thanks to its charming historic townhomes, fortifications, and picturesque moats. The charming Begijnhof neighbourhood, a centuries-old church community that has kept its timeless appeal, should not be missed. Discover the city's historical gems, including as the enormous 13th-century Grote Kerk, with its 97-meter church spire. Discover the interesting Spaniard's Hole (Spanjaardsgat), a twin-towered water entrance, and the magnificent Breda Castle, a former Dutch royal palace.
Eindhoven
Eindhoven, best known as the birthplace of electronics behemoth Philips, has a plethora of interesting activities for visitors. Exploring the "City of Light's" rich creative links is a must-do in the "City of Light." Begin your exploration of the city's cultural heritage at the Van Abbemuseum, which exhibits notable modern art pieces by world-renowned painters like as Pablo Picasso. A short bus ride away is the lovely village of Nuenen, which was made famous by Vincent Van Gogh, who not only painted scenes of the area but also briefly lived here. The Vincentre by Van Gogh Village Museum reopened in 2023 after a refurbishment, providing a dedicated look at this pivotal period in the legendary artist's life.
Groningen
Groningen, a centuries-old port city, previously enjoyed the privilege of coin minting and thrived as a vital trading centre. Today, it is a thriving university town known for its diverse cultural offers and active festival scene. Each summer, the Noorderzon Theatre Festival at Noorderplantsoen park draws large crowds. The imposing 13th-century Martin's Church stands at the city's core, with its pedestrian-friendly market square. Groningen is a cyclist's paradise, with bike-friendly infrastructure that makes it a perfect destination for exploring on two wheels.
Places worth visiting too...
Aside from cities, The Netherlands has many specific locations that are worth visiting such as huge national parks, islands in the north, beautiful long stretches of canals, and many more.
Giethoorn
This lovely community, known as the "Venice of the Netherlands," features picturesque thatched roof farmhouses and quaint wooden arch bridges. Visitors can slowly explore its beautiful splendour on bike trails or by boat, and the frozen canals provide a unique opportunity for ice skating in the winter months.
De Hoge Veluwe National Park
One of the largest parks in the Netherlands, covering 13,343 acres, it is home to unusual fauna, iconic Dutch sites, and the Kröller-Müller museum. This prestigious museum houses a huge collection of 19th and 20th-century art, including the greatest private collection of Van Gogh masterpieces. To explore the park's enormous landscape, climb on one of the 1,800 free white bikes available for rent.
Texel Island
Texel, the largest and most populated of the West Frisian Islands, often known as the Wadden Islands because to its location in the Wadden Sea, has distinct landscapes from the mainland. These include enormous sand dunes, aromatic lavender-scented salt marshes, and scenic beaches lined with quaint homes.
Kinderdijk
Kinderdijk, a lovely village endowed with 19 unique windmills built in the early 18th century, comes to mind when one thinks of the traditional Dutch countryside. These historic mills, built to prevent flooding and keep land dry, have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.