5 Largest Cities To Explore In Netherlands

While its charming tulip gardens, quaint canal-laced towns, and Dutch-style homes are beloved by tourists, much of the action in the Netherlands is concentrated in its top 5 most populous cities. Many of the bigger cities in the Netherlands still hold on to their old-fashioned charm, while others have embraced modern and industrial-style architecture. From the metropolises of the Randstad (a densely populated arc of cities in the western Netherlands) to the industrial cities of the south—as well as outliers to the north and east, the cities of the Netherlands have a lot to offer to visitors.

# Amsterdam

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is the most populated city in the country. Home to over a million inhabitants it shares the province with other major cities such as Haarlem and the city of Zaanse Schans. While you wander in this iconic city’s cobbled street lined with canals you will be drawn to its beauty. There is no doubt that it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe and rightfully so. With a youthful vibe and welcoming population, this liberal and cosmopolitan city has some atmospheric cafes and restaurants. There are several world-class museums one can enjoy such as the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House.

# Rotterdam

Located on the banks of Nieuwe Maas River and a rival to the city of Amsterdam when it comes to popularity, is the number two metropolis Rotterdam. Rotterdam is a city that is overflowing with history and culture. It’s home to one of the biggest and busiest ports on earth, with numerous waterways and canals crisscrossing the city. Surrounded by opulent modern architecture Rotterdam is a lively and diverse place, with great museums, cultural attractions, and of course, fantastic dining and drinking options befitting of such a large metropolis.

# The Hague

The hub for both Dutch politics and international law, the city of Hague not only holds the traces of its 13th-century history but is where history is still made. The city has a stately air and is filled with diverse attractions. This city hosts the beautiful 15th-century Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk church, notable for its stained-glass windows. One can also explore the majestic old homes that once belonged to the aristocracy. Be sure to visit the Knight’s Hall, or Ridderzaal, a huge medieval hall that’s been immaculately preserved.

# Utrecht

With a population of 350,000 Utrecht is the fourth largest city in the Netherlands. Located in the eastern portion of the Randstad, the city of Utrecht is a popular spot among tourists who enjoy the unique quaysides of its picturesque canals. The top attractions of the city are the St. Martin’s Cathedral, Domunder which is the remains of the old Roman fortress upon which the city was built. Other must-see attractions in Utrecht include Museum Speelklok, dedicated to musical clocks; the Centraal Museum, which houses the city’s collections of art and artifacts; and the Railway Museum, with its displays of old engines and rolling stock.

# Eindhoven

Famous as the birthplace of electronics firm Philips, Eindhoven offers plenty of fun things for travelers to do. Home to Van Abbemuseum a gallery housing important works of modern art by the world’s leading artists, including Pablo Picasso making it a haven for art lovers. Also, the village Nuenen is only a few minutes away from here and it was made famous by Vincent Van Gogh, who not only painted scenes depicting the locale but also lived here for a short period.