While sailing down the Nile with my mom, a trip full of temples, sun-soaked ruins, and surreal beauty, we met a warm Dutchman over a cup of coffee. We were both part of tour groups traveling Egypt: his full of travelers from the Netherlands, ours an international crowd from the U.S., South Africa, and Australia.
What started as small talk quickly turned into a cultural exchange. He told us about his home in the Netherlands, not just in the abstract, but with deep affection and detail.
Before we parted ways, he handed us a handwritten guide, a thoughtful, well-organized plan for exploring his country. What follows is based on his insights. Here are some recommended places to see in the Netherlands (outside of Amsterdam), according to our Dutch friend.
General Highlights of the Netherlands (Outside Amsterdam)
1. Delft – Royal Resting Grounds
Stroll through this charming canal town, famed for its blue pottery and historic architecture. Don’t miss the Prinsenhof Museum.
2. Almere – Water-Level Living
A modern city reclaimed from the sea, Almere offers a unique perspective — literally. Rent a boat and explore the city from the water, getting a firsthand sense of the Dutch mastery of water management and design.
3. Afsluitdijk – Battling the Sea
Drive along the iconic Afsluitdijk, the massive dam and causeway that symbolizes the Dutch fight against rising tides. It’s a feat of engineering and national pride that offers striking views and a profound environmental story.
4. Valkenburg Christmas Market – Underground Festivities
Set within centuries-old limestone mines, this Christmas market is unlike any other. Wander through candlelit tunnels filled with festive stalls.
5. Naarden – The Star Fortress
One of the best-preserved fortified towns in Europe, Naarden is shaped like a star and surrounded by moats and walls. Wander its bastions and take in how form met function during the age of sieges.
6. Veluwse Stoomtrein Maatschappij – All Aboard the Past
Hop on a classic steam train for a journey through the countryside. Reservations are recommended, especially for seasonal or themed rides.
7. Vaalsersberg – Where Three Countries Meet
Stand on the highest point in the Netherlands — which also happens to be where the borders of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany converge. Pair your visit with a side trip to the city of Maastricht for the full experience.
8. Hoge Veluwe – Bikes, Birds, and Blooms
Visit in May to see the park at its best. Rent one of the iconic “white bikes” and cycle through forests, dunes, and fields. Bird watchers will find a paradise here, especially during migration season.
9. Pantropica – A Hidden Garden
Tucked away from tourist trails, Pandorica combines a miniature zoo with a lush indoor flower garden. It’s quiet, off-the-radar, and ideal for families or those seeking serenity.
Netherlands Tours & Excursions
10. Cheese Farm “Simonehoeve” – Local, Not Touristy
Unlike the commercial cheese stops, Simonehoeve offers a more authentic Dutch dairy experience. Run by locals, it’s an opportunity to taste and learn without the crowds.
11. Batavia Land – Sailing Back in Time
Explore a full-scale replica of an East India Company ship and dive into the maritime history that powered the Dutch Golden Age. It’s history you can walk through — or climb aboard.
12. Zuiderzee Museum
This open-air museum immerses you in the traditional life of fishermen and villagers before the Zuiderzee was dammed. Wander past reconstructed homes, boats, and workshops — it’s as much a sensory experience as it is educational.
13. Burgers’ Zoo
Arguably the Netherlands’ best zoo, Burgers’ offers immersive biomes from desert to rainforest.
14. Muiderslot – The Castle Less Traveled
Skip the crowds of other tourist-heavy sites and head to Muiderslot, a medieval castle that feels untouched by time. Fewer visitors mean more space to roam the towers, ramparts, and gardens in peace.
15. Efteling
Not just a theme park, Efteling is a cultural institution. Based on Dutch folklore and fairytales, it’s ideal for families but enchanting for all. Plan for a minimum of two days and consider staying at the new Grand Hotel for the full experience.
How to Travel Like a Dutch Local
- Train Travel: “Take the train,” he said. It’s clean, fast, and covers nearly the entire country.
- Biking: For the full Dutch experience, rent a bike, especially in smaller cities and nature reserves.
Our coffee on the Nile turned into an invitation to understand the Netherlands beyond Instagram. What struck me most was how easy it was to connect with someone across age, nationality, and experience, just because we both slowed down enough to share a table.
Travel teaches you more than geography. It introduces you to people like this Dutchman, who remind you that most places are not just locations, but lived-in, loved-in homes.
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