35 Famous Landmarks in the Netherlands You Should Not Miss

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The Netherlands is a small country that's packed full of history and culture. From being the birthplace of artists like Van Gogh and Rembrandt to having some of the most famous botanical gardens in the world, there are a lot of Dutch sites worth seeing.

Although there's no shortage of landmarks in the Netherlands, it can be daunting trying to determine which to add to the top of your travel itinerary. To help you decide which to visit, keep reading to learn about 35 can't-miss famous Dutch landmarks.

• 35 Netherlands landmarks

35 Netherlands Landmarks

Famous Buildings in the Netherlands

Amsterdam Central Station

When you think of tourist attractions in the Netherlands, a railway station may not come to mind. However, Amsterdam Centraal Station is worth visiting while on your trip.

Built between 1881 and 1889, the station is a mix of both the Gothic and Renaissance Revival styles. It also happens to be the busiest train station in the country, so if you plan on traveling by train while in the Netherlands, you'll likely stop here.

Royal Palace Amsterdam

The Netherlands has a constitutional monarchy, which means there is a Dutch royal family. The king, currently King Willem-Alexander, and his family reside in Amsterdam in the Royal Palace.

The palace is one of the main buildings within the city's main square, Dam Square because it was originally meant to be the city hall. Despite its current occupancy, the palace is still open for visitors.

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Anne Frank House

One of the most famous Dutch landmarks is also one of the most tragic. Anne Frank was the young girl and writer who penned "The Diary of a Young Girl" while in hiding during World War II.

The home where Anne, her family, the Van Pelz family, and Fritz Pfeffer hid for two years has since become a museum. It's primarily dedicated to Anne Frank and her diary, which keeps the memory of this young girl alive for many.

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Rotterdam Cube Houses

In the 1970s, architect Piet Blom changed Rotterdam's architectural landscape forever. When assigned the job of designing a structure to fill a blank spot in the city, he submitted a blueprint of 55 tilted cube houses meant to embody "living as an urban roof."

In reality, only 38 of the original 55 proposed houses were built and are now inhabited. These homes are all attached to one another, creating a cohesive line of cubed homes that have become famous around the world.

De Haar Castle

De Haar Castle is the most famous castle in the Netherlands. Located about 20 miles from Amsterdam, it was once the home of the Van Zuylen noble family. In fact, the family's descendants still stay here every year.

Between the park, garden, and the castle itself, the grounds span over 130 acres of land. Due to its massive size and impressive collection of artwork and ornate artifacts, an entire day can be dedicated just to seeing De Haar and learning about its history.

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Rembrandt House Museum

For nearly 20 years, the famed artist, Rembrandt van Rijn, resided in one of the present day's most popular landmarks of the Netherlands. The Rembrandt House Museum is an innocuous home in Amsterdam that houses numerous examples of the Dutch Golden Age artist's work.

Among the pieces you can see, the museum has nearly all of the etchings verified to have been done by Rembrandt. The museum also continues to expand as more art is purchased, making it a site you can visit multiple times.

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Rietveld Schröder House

Architecture lovers flock to Rietveld Schröder House, which is one of the most important Netherlands historical sites as far as design is concerned. Designed by Gerrit Rietveld for Mrs. Truus Schröder-Schräder and her family, the house embodies the De Stijl art movement that defined the early 1900s.

In particular, Rietveld's use of primary colors and clean lines create a smooth transition between the house's exterior walls and its interior. The result is a very modern-looking home that still draws attention today.

Van Gogh Museum

Vincent Van Gogh is one of the most widely-beloved artists to come from the Netherlands. As such, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is a must-see location.

The museum houses the most extensive collection of Van Gogh's work in the world and includes 600 art pieces and 700 letters. You can also compare Van Gogh to his contemporaries as the museum also displays works by artists like Paul Signac, Claude Monet, and others.

Muiderslot

Muiderslot's unique and picturesque medieval appearance makes it a popular tourist destination in the Netherlands. For nearly 600 years, between 1280 and 1878, numerous kings, counts, and other notable figures have called the castle home, giving it a rich history worth learning about.

Conveniently, this castle museum is just ten miles outside of Amsterdam, making it a great day trip stop if you're in the city.

Zaans Museum

Zaans Museum is a landmark in the Netherlands that aims to preserve the area's history and culture. The main museum houses five exhibits that showcase the Zaans region's industrial heritage, citizens, landscape, World War II history, and "Old Holland's" culture and customs.

However, there are also separate locations that are operated by the museum. For example, the Weaver's House is a nearby preserved structure that educates visitors about the territory's sail-weaving industry.

Famous Dutch Landmarks

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Gouda Cheese Market

You've likely heard of gouda the cheese, but did you know it's named after a city in the Netherlands? If you're a fan of its namesake, this city is definitely one of the must-visit places in the Netherlands.

In fact, you can even visit the traditional Gouda cheese market every Thursday between April and August. The market is held in front of the city hall and has multiple vendors from the area selling their cheeses to locals and tourists.

Dam Square

Some of the Netherlands' most important moments in recent history happened in North Holland. Dam Square in Amsterdam is one such location where those moments are kept alive.

During Amsterdam's liberation in World War II, many residents lost their lives in Dam Square. Today, in addition to the historic buildings that frame the square, you'll find a monument to these casualties. A National Remembrance Day ceremony is also held every year on May fourth.

Van Nelle Factory

Built between 1925 and 1931, Van Nelle Factory was originally a coffee processing factory. Throughout its history, it's been a processing site for numerous other products as well before ceasing operations in 1996.

What really makes Van Nelle stand out is its architecture. Glass and steel were used to create airy, light spaces, which inspired Dutch modernism. For that reason, it's been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014.

Delta Works

After the North Sea flooded in 1953, thousands of Dutch citizens lost their homes, and some even lost their lives. That tragedy led to the construction of Delta Works.

Delta Works is a complex system of 13 sections of dams, levees, surge barriers, and other structures which work together to protect the Netherlands from floods. This ingenious system has become famous around the world and inspired similar projects in other flood-prone areas.

Dom Tower of Utrecht

One of the Netherlands points of interest you won't want to miss is the Dom Tower of Utrecht. This tower is part of St. Martin's Cathedral, also known as Dom Church, in Utrecht.

What sets Dom Tower apart from other structures is that it's the tallest church tower in the country, standing at an impressive 368 feet. Today, you can still climb its 465 steps to get a sweeping look at the city.

Euromast

For over 60 years, Euromast was the tallest structure in Rotterdam. Standing at over 600 feet in height, the observation tower offers a bird's-eye-view of the city.

Though it's since been surpassed by De Zalmhaven I, which is over 700 feet tall, Euromast is still one of Rotterdam's most famous monuments. It's even hosted BASE jumping and other extreme sports competitions!

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Rijksmuseum

As the national museum, Rijksmuseum is a popular tourist attraction in the Netherlands. It's dedicated to Dutch history and culture and has one million items in its collection.

However, due to limited space, only a fraction of the museum's artifacts are on display at any given time. So, two trips can be incredibly different as displays are rotated, making it a landmark many locals recommend visiting multiple times.

Netherlands Open Air Museum

Since 1918, the Netherlands Open Air Museum has been educating both local and international visitors about the country's history. Spanning over 100 acres, the park has functioning historic buildings that range from simple homes to factories.

The museum isn't just a stationary landmark, though. To help bring history to life, you can see horse-drawn mills at work as well as demonstrations like how the Dutch made paper.

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Erasmusbrug

Erasmusbrug is one of the best places in the Netherlands to visit, and for good reason. It's arguably the most famous bridge in Holland. It took a decade to finish the construction of this cable-style drawbridge which created a much-needed connection between Rotterdam's southern and northern parts.

The bridge is also notable for its size. At over 2,600 feet long, it's the second largest in the country. You don't even have to worry about having a car to visit as the bridge has a pedestrian lane and can also be crossed by bike.

Madurodam

Even if you're only in the Netherlands for a short time, you can feel like you've seen all of the country's most important places by visiting Madurodam. This park has over 300 miniature models of sites like Binnenhof, the country's tulip fields, and even the Rotterdam skyline.

Since 2012, the park has also added new experiences for visitors to enjoy. Light shows, interactive displays, and footage of the real Dutch attractions help bring the miniatures to life.

Famous Monuments in Netherlands

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De Gooyer Molen

Standing at just under 90 feet in height, De Gooyer Molen is the tallest wooden windmill in the Netherlands. As such, this impressive structure has also become a national monument.

Originally, De Gooyer Molen was an important corn mill. However, it fell into disrepair until 1928, when restoration initiatives began to bring it back to its former glory. Since the windmill is just outside Amsterdam's city center, you can easily walk to see it.

Bloemenmarkt

The Netherlands is famous for its flowers, and Amsterdam's Bloemenmarkt is partly responsible for that reputation. Founded in 1862, the Bloemenmarkt is the only floating flower market in the world.

The market comprises 15 joined shop stalls which can be found tethered in one place on the Singel Canal. However, only a few of the market's current vendors sell flowers; the others sell unique souvenir items.

The Oude Church

Founded in the 13th century, the Oude Church was once the center of Amsterdam's medieval society. Standing at over 350 feet tall, it towers over the rest of the city and is still one of the tallest churches in the country.

Interestingly, the church now houses an art institute, having opened its first contemporary exhibits in 2012.

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Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam

First opened in 1590, Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam is the oldest botanical garden in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in the world. Today, the garden's greenhouses and grounds house over 6,000 different plant species.

Along with seeing a wide array of plant life, you'll be able to see historical flora. For example, you can see a 2,000-year-old cactus and a 300-year-old cycad.

National Museum of Antiquities

When the National Museum of Antiquities opened in 1897, no one could have guessed that it would go on to become one of the most historical landmarks in the Netherlands. As the country's national archaeological museum, it houses over 180,000 artifacts from civilizations around the world.

From the pre-historic era to the middle ages, the museum is laid out to guide visitors on an educational journey through time.

Major Landmarks in the Netherlands

De Hoge Veluwe National Park

De Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the most underrated natural landmarks in the Netherlands. The first plans for the park began in 1909 when it was still private property and didn't officially open to the public until nearly 30 years later, in 1935.

Covering over 20 square miles, the park was created to protect 500 types of plant life found in the country's woodland and moor territories.

Vondelpark

Vandelpark is a popular tourist attraction for Amsterdam's visitors in search of a little peace and quiet. Created in 1865, the park covers 120 acres of land and was initially designed for horseback riding and relaxing daytime walks.

Today, it's a favorite place for locals and tourists in the city. The park has multiple bike paths, benches, and a large artificial lake which all contribute to its relaxing environment.

Keukenhof

Keukenhof is often referred to by its alternate name, the Garden of Europe. This nearly 80-acre botanical garden is one of the largest on the continent, thanks to its seven million flowers which can be seen in bloom each year.

Many of the park's flowers are annuals that must be replanted yearly, and the gardens require a lot of maintenance. To ensure visitors have an enjoyable experience, the gardens are only open for a few months, often between the end of March and mid-May.

The Mill Network at Kinderdijk-Elshout

Werelderfgoed Kinderdijk is a complex of 19 windmills spread over 800 acres in Kinderdijk. Though you can find windmills all around the Netherlands, Kinderdijk has the largest concentration of windmills.

The windmills you'll find today were built between 1738 and 1740 to control flooding and keep the territory dry. The ingenuity of the mills and their remarkable preservation of the country's history have earned them a spot on UNESCO's World Heritage Site list.

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Binnenhof

The Hague is the site of one of the most important Netherlands tourist attractions. In addition, the city is the home of the court of the United Nations. It's also where the country's Prime Minister works, in Binnenhof.

Binnenhof is the name given to a group of buildings that date back to the 13th century. Among these buildings are the Ministry of General Affairs, the Prime Minister's office, and the offices of the members of the country's governing houses. Despite the important legal work done in Binnenhof, the complex is open to visitors.

Historic Landmarks in the Netherlands

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Sexmuseum Amsterdam Venustempel

If you're planning a short trip to Amsterdam, consider stopping at the Sexmuseum Amsterdam Venustempel. Opened in 1985, this museum is a sex museum that showcases how the topic has changed throughout history.

Its collection of art ranges from ancient Egypt and Rome to more modern sculptures and art pieces, which help guide visitors through the social evolution of sex. It might be surprising to learn that, with an average of over 650,000 annual visitors, it's one of the most visited museums in the country!

De Wallen

The Red Light District, where there is a high concentration of sex and sex-work-related businesses, is one of the most famous areas of Amsterdam. The "Red Light District" actually comprises multiple districts in the city, and De Wallen is the most famous.

It's one of the oldest neighborhoods in Amsterdam and has cobblestone streets and architecture that dates back centuries, which gives it a uniquely historic ambiance.

As with all of Amsterdam's Red Light Districts, you're welcome to visit as long as you're respectful. Though there is no minimum age to walk down the street, however, it also may not be the most family-friendly location to visit.

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Jewish Museum

The Jewish Cultural Quarter in Amsterdam is one of the most historical sites in the Netherlands. In this neighborhood, you'll also be able to find the Jewish Museum, the only museum in the Netherlands dedicated to Jewish history.

Housing 11,000 artifacts, art pieces, and ceremonial objects, the museum has an ever-changing display in its exhibits. Through its permanent and temporary exhibits, the museum honors Jewish culture and history from the Netherlands and around the world.

Museum Van Loon

Museum Van Loon is a snapshot of Amsterdam's upper-class society in the 17th century. Named after the last family to reside there, the 16th-century canal house houses numerous pieces of antique furniture and artworks that have been on display since 1973. Temporary art exhibits are also hosted regularly.

Skinny Bridge

Amsterdam's Skinny Bridge, named Magere Brug in Dutch, is one of the most famous places in the Netherlands to visit. Initially built in 1691, the bridge got its moniker for being so narrow only one person could cross it at a time.

Though the walkway was widened in the 1870s, it still retained some of its historic narrowness, making it a famous site that captures the city's past.

In Summary

The Netherlands is a small country with a rich history and culture that make it well worth visiting. From historic landmarks like the Anne Frank House to natural areas like the De Hoge Veluwe National Park, there's a landmark for any visitor.

Hopefully, this list has inspired you to plan your own Dutch vacation and helped you to decide which of the Netherlands' many sites you should add to the top of your travel list!

This article was edited by Alli Sewell.

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