Attractions & Activities in the Netherlands

1. Attractiepark Slagharen

Attractiepark Slagharen is an amusement park in Slagharen. It features a dry part as well as a water park called Aqua Mexicana and is consistently ranked as one of the most visited amusement parks in Europe. The park has a wide range of rollercoasters and other traditional theme park rides as well as a solid selection of carnival-style games. Slagharen offers something for every visitor, but is especially well suited for small children. For guests who wish to spend the night, there are several options of resort accommodations, including camping in a wigwam, cottages, mobile homes, and traditional campsites.

Zwarte Dijk 37, 7776 PB Slagharen, The Netherlands, Phone: +31 (0) 523-683000

2. Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is an art museum that houses the works of famous artist Vincent van Gogh as well as some pieces by artists from the same era. The museum is located at Amsterdam South's Museum Square alongside many other museums. The Van Gogh Museum holds the largest collection of the artist's paintings and drawings in the world. The museum is comprised of two buildings: The Reitveld Building and the Kurokawa Wing. The Rietveld is the main building and houses the permanent collection, including an exhibit about the restoration of paintings and Van Gogh's works. The smaller Kurokawa Wing is an oval building that is used for temporary exhibits.

Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Phone: +31 (0) 205-705200

3. Diergaarde Blijdorp

Diergaarde Blijdorp is a zoo in northwestern Rotterdam. At nearly 160 years old, it is one of the oldest zoos in the country. Like many zoos around the world, the Blijdorp is largely divided according to regions of the world. The zoo is home to a variety of exciting animals, such as rhinos, gorillas, red pandas, and many more. Animal feedings, demonstrations, and talks are scheduled daily and there are also special weekly events such as shark feedings and keeper talks. In addition to the exciting animal exhibits, the zoo features an aquarium, known as the Oceanarium, as well as a botanical garden.

Blijdorplaan 8, 3041 JG Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Phone: +31 (0) 104-431495

4. Efteling

Efteling is a fantasy-themed amusement park located in Kaatsheuvel. The park's attractions are based on a variety of ancient legends, myths, stories, and other elements of folklore. The park is the largest theme park in the country and one of the oldest of its kind in the world. It originally opened in 1952 as a small nature park with a children's playground, and is now a full-service theme park with activities and amenities for both children and adults. The park is divided into several areas, including a hotel, an 18-hole golf course, a holiday park, and four sections that house the majority of the rides and attractions in the park.

Europalaan 1, 5171 KW, Kaatsheuvel, The Netherlands, Phone: +31 (0) 416-537777

5. Erasmusbrug

Erasmusbrug, or the Erasmus Bridge in English, is a bridge connecting the north and south parts of the city of Rotterdam and is located in the city center. The bridge is the second largest in the country and is named after Desiderius Erasmus, who was a well-known humanist and theologian. The bridge is nicknamed The Swan and has two sections: A cable-stayed part and a prominent bascule bridge section for ships to pass under. The bascule section is the heaviest and largest in Western Europe. The bridge is quite unique in appearance and has appeared in several films. It is also part of the annual World Port Days festival held in the city each year.

3011 BN Rotterdam, The Netherlands

6. Escher Museum

The Escher Museum is an art museum in The Hague that displays the artwork of Dutch graphical artist M.C. Escher. The museum is located inside the Lange Voorhout Palace, which is the former residence of Dutch royalty. The works in the museum include an impressive number of lithographs and woodcuts by Escher, many of them known throughout the world. The third floor is devoted to optical illusions and includes the well-known Escher Room, where adults seem to be smaller than children, as well as several other illusions. The museum is furnished with 15 chandeliers made by local artist Hans van Bentem, which were specially made for the museum and include chandeliers with designs based on sharks, spiders, stars, and sea horses.

Lange Voorhout 74, 2514 EH Den Haag, The Netherlands, Phone: +31 (0) 704-277730

7. Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience is an interactive museum located on the site of a former brewery that was the beer giant's first. For more than a hundred years, the company brewed their iconic beer at this location. The experience-based tour travels through the history of the famous beer brand and guests have the chance to taste a variety of brews. The tour is self-guided using an audio app that you can download to your device for free. It is also accessible by renting a device for a small fee. The Heineken Experience takes approximately 1.5 hours, and the walk takes you through the old brewery with staff located at key points to tell you all about their beer.

Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Phone: +31 20 721 5300

8. Hoge Veluwe National Park

Hoge Veluwe National Park is a 55-square-kilometer park in the province of Gelderland. The park has a variety of habitats including sand dunes, woods, and heathlands. The park is accessed by one of three entrances in the villages of Schaarsbergen, Hoenderloo, and Otterlo. Hoge Veluwe is best explored by bicycle, which can be used for free by visitors as much of the park is not accessible by car. A variety of wildlife can be seen in the park, including two species of deer as well as wild boar and mouflon. There are also several other notable museums on the park grounds. In the center of the park is the Marchantsquare, which boasts a restaurant, toilets, bike repair shop, and the park's visitor center.

Apeldoornseweg 250, 7351 TA Hoenderloo, The Netherlands, Phone: +31 (0) 800-8353628

9. Hungry Birds, Amsterdam Street Food Tours

Hungry Birds is a tour company in Amsterdam that offers food-centric tours. The tours give travelers the opportunity to learn about the culture of the Netherlands through street food and interesting city landmarks. Tour guests will get the opportunity to interact with many of the owners and operators of various food establishments throughout the city and hear stories of the family businesses that have shaped the Amsterdam food scene. Guests are encouraged to ask questions and interact with the hosts and tour guides. Tour experiences include daytime, evening, and Sunday food and drink tours as well as a Saturday craft beer tour called the Thirsty Birds Experience.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Phone: +31 (0) 619-296774

10. Jordaan

One of the best ways to get a pulse on the city of Amsterdam is to wander the narrow lanes of Jordaan, known as the 9 Streets. Perhaps the most charming neighborhood in the country's capital, the Jordaan neighborhood of Amsterdam is a look into the city's history. This section of town was originally a neighborhood for working class folks, but these days, its narrow streets and interesting buildings are some of the most desirable real estate in the city. The hip neighborhood is a haven for shopping and has many independent art galleries, gardens, dining establishments, antique shops, and bars.