Amsterdam
The city of Amsterdam is not only the capital city of the Netherlands, it is also the largest city in the country. Situated in the western part of the country, the metropolitan area of Amsterdam is home to a little more than 2.2 million permanent residents. There are many things to see and do in and around the city including many historical sites.
The Hague
With close to a half of a million residents, the city of Hague is considered to be the third largest in the nation. You will find Hague along the western edge of the Netherlands. There are many important organizations with their head offices located in the old city. Many of them can be found in some of the more historic buildings located throughout the city.
Rotterdam
The second larges city in the nation is that of Rotterdam. Rotterdam is also home to one of the world’s largest ports and as such has grown into an important commercial center in the country and in Europe. Located along the shores of the North Sea where you will find the Rotte River delta, the city’s origins can be dated back to 1270 when the river was dammed.
Maastricht
The city of Maastricht is a historically important one in the Netherlands. Starting off as a Roman settlement, it has continued to flourish over the millennia. The city is one of the most popular destinations for people looking for information on the history and culture that makes the Netherlands so unique.
Utrecht
The city of Utrecht is considered to be the fourth largest in the country. It is also known as the religious center of the Netherlands as many of the ancient medieval buildings that can be found in the area were built by and for the church. Since the 8th century, Utrecht has been the religious seat in the country with many of the head offices of various faiths located within its borders.
Zandvoort
The town of Zandvoort is a popular tourist destination due to the many beautiful beaches that can be found along this coastal town. Many of the largest beach resorts in the Netherlands are in Zandvoort because of its long and pristine beaches. The city is also home to one of the most popular race tracks in the country as well.
Leiden
Located just to the southwest of the Kaag Lakes recreational area, you will find the city of Leiden. Situated along the banks of the Old Rhine, Leiden is a popular destination for those who are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of urbanized living. Many people make their way to the city before heading off to the nearby recreational area for a fun weekend.
Delft
You will find the city of Delft in the mid-western part of the Netherlands. Known for its historic Dutch town center, countless people have made their way to the city over the years. The beautiful canals that make their way through the city have been the inspiration for many famous paintings.
Eindhoven
The city of Eindhoven can be found along the banks of the Dommel at the spot where the Gender and Dommel once merged. Just outside of the city, you will find the manmade lake which was created back in the 1950s when a dam was built along the Gender River. It is the fifth largest city in the nation and the metropolitan area is home to more than two million residents.
Arnhem
Located in the eastern parts of the nation, nestled along the banks of the Nederrijn and Sint-Jansbeek rivers, you will find the charming and beautiful city of Arnhem. There are several well-known institutes of higher learning that can be found in the city including the well known ArtEZ Institute of the Arts.
Groningen
You will find the city of Groningen in the northern part of the Netherlands. Known as a lively university city, Groningen is home to many of the finest institutions of higher learning in the country. Between the Hanze University of Applied Sciences and the University of Groningen, more than 50,000 students make their way to the city every school year.
Valkenburg aan de Geul
The historic municipality of Valkenburg aan de Geul is filled with a long and colorful history. Countless sieges and conquests of the region occurred in the historic castle which can be found in ruins on top a hill overlooking the region. After its last besieging in 1672, the castle was not rebuilt but its ruins are nevertheless a popular destination in the country for visitors from all over the world.
Texel
You will find the city of Texel on the island which shares its name. Located in the Wadden Sea and part of the Frisian Islands archipelago. There are many great sites throughout the island that has attracted countless visitors to its shores every year. It is known as a popular destination for locals who are looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of living in the city.
Haarlem
Located in the northern part of the Netherlands, you will find the city of Haarlem just to the northern edge of the massive Randstad metropolitan area. There are countless things to see and do in and around the city which boasts a very lively night life. Haarlem is home to several historical buildings and sites that are just waiting to be explored.
Noordwijk
You will find the town of Noordwijk in the western part of the country. The town is not just known for its pristine beaches, but also for its beautiful flowers. Fittingly, the area that includes the town of Noordwijk is known as the Bulb and Dune region of the country on the account for the spanning fields of bulb flowers and many dues along the shores.
Nijmegen
You will find the city of Nijmegen in the eastern part of the country close to where the Netherlands borders with Germany. Nijmegen is known as the oldest municipality in the nation having been first settled more than two thousand years ago. In 2005 the city celebrated its second millennia.
Leeuwarden
In the northern part of the Netherlands is where you will find the city of Leeuwarden. There are countless buildings in the city which date back to the 10th century. Just outside of the city is where you will find an ancient archeological site where a number of 2nd century homes were uncovered.
Kaatsheuvel
The historic village of Kaatsheuvel is a popular destination in the Netherlands. It is also one of the larger villages in the country on the account that there are more than 16,000 residents who call it home. There are a number of sites of historical importance which can be found in and around the village.
Tilburg
The city of Tilburg can be found in the southern part of the nation. It is considered to be the sixth largest city in the country and thanks to the many institutions of higher learning it is also a very lively place. Once a year, Tilburg is home to a funfair which is held for ten days in July. Countless people from all over the country make their way to the city for the annual event.
Apeldoorn
Just to the southeast of the nation’s capital, you will find the city of Apeldoorn. Situated atop of the Veluwe Ridge, the city overlooks the peaceful and picturesque IJssel valley. Having been settled in the first half of the 8th century, there are countless historical buildings located throughout the city to visit.
Photo by Marcel Tuit | www.marceltuit.nl
