South Holland Travelers Recommend

Bursting with museums and heritage buildings and rich in cultural and political pedigree, The Hague is one of the Netherlands’ most important cities. Three days in town gives you enough time to enjoy the city’s world-renowned galleries, visit its top landmarks, and even go on a diverting day trip. Here’s how to plan the perfect stay.

Day 1: Get to Know the City

Elegant, atmospheric, and packed with heritage architecture and major government buildings, The Hague’s city center is, happily, also very walkable. Begin your 3-day stay with an immersive walking tour to learn about the city’s history and see landmarks ranging from the Binnenhof government complex to the Peace Palace and the Noordeinde Palace. In the afternoon—after you’ve paused for a quick bite—do as the Dutch do and continue your explorations by bike. Set off from the city center, venture to the city’s North Sea beaches, and ride by the historical Windmill De Korenaer. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, return to the city center for a multi-stop tasting tour to top local restaurants.

Day 2: Cultural Excursions

The Hague has so many top museums that choosing between them can be a challenge. Spend your second day in town, then, with a wide-ranging cultural immersion. In the morning, head to one of the city’s most in-demand institutions, the Mauritshuis, and book a tour with an art historian to learn about the museum’s vast collection of masterpieces (including Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring ). Alternatively, head to Escher in Het Paleis, which celebrates illustrator M.C. Escher’s physics-bending compositions, or to the Madurodam, a family-friendly park with miniature models of Dutch landmarks.

In the afternoon, see another side of the region’s artistic legacy by visiting Delft. Just a short journey away, the town’s workshops have been making traditional blue-and-white-painted pottery for centuries. In the evening, return to The Hague proper, and indulge with a meal at one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants or enjoy a tasting of local beers.

Day 3: Dutch Day Trips

The Hague is within commuting distance of many of the Netherlands’ top destinations, so on your third day in town, head out to see more of the country’s sights. If you’re visiting in the spring, make sure to visit Keukenhof, which is one of the largest gardens in the world and is located less than an hour from the city. The garden is famed for its fields of rainbow-hued tulips; upwards of 7 million bulbs are planted each year.

Alternatively, if you have more of an urban sensibility, you can head to trendy Rotterdam, also a quick journey away. The historic port city is the second largest in the country and boasts contemporary architecture, a cutting-edge cultural scene, and adventurous dining. Head to the Markthal market for authentic Dutch foods, tour shops and galleries in the (fittingly named) Cool District, and visit Museumpark for a dose of education.

A 2-day trip to Rotterdam offers the chance to fully explore the sights of this innovative Dutch city, from its contemporary architecture to its port. With just two days, you’ll want to see as much as possible. Here’s how to do it. 

Day 1: Explore the City

**Morning:**Spend your first hours in Rotterdam getting your bearings. Guided walking tours can take you to architectural landmarks such as Piet Blom’s Cube Houses and provide insight into the city’s history. Another option is to zip around the city by bike, seeing the top sights in less time.

**Afternoon:**Continue exploring at your own pace on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Stay aboard as the bus makes its loop around the city or hop on and off as you like to visit attractions such as Erasmus Bridge and Museumpark. Tickets typically are valid for 24 or 48 hours, meaning you can board the bus anytime you like within that time frame.

**Night:**Take a private food-themed walking tour that visits neighborhoods such as Kruiskade and Chinatown. Tours provide insight into Rotterdam’s best restaurants, street food, and culinary scene, and include samples of local delicacies such as herring, Stroopwafel, and krokets.

Day 2: Dive into the Harbor

**Morning:**Begin your second day with a laid-back walking and boat tour of Rotterdam’s coolest neighborhood—the hip Katendrecht district on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas, once the city’s Chinatown and largely populated by sailors. Small-group tours typically include a boat ride and visit to the former cruise ship Rotterdam.

**Afternoon:**Explore Rotterdam’s port with a ferry or bus tour of FutureLand Massvlakte. Learn what the port means for shipping and commerce in Europe and take in views of the container areas and massive cranes. Alternatively, take a glass elevator rider up the Euromast observation tower, and, if you’re hungry, visit one of the on-site eateries.

**Night:**Armed with the insider’s tips you sourced on yesterday’s food tour, spend your final evening in one of the city’s best restaurants. With people from more than 170 different countries calling Rotterdam home, the city boasts a wide array of restaurants serving a diverse food and flavors.

Home to some of Europe’s most innovative architecture, the port city of Rotterdam has plenty of appeal. Over three days, you can sail on Europe’s largest harbor, admire cutting-edge urban design, and discover the history of Rotterdam’s post-World War II reinvention. Here’s how to spend 72 hours in the Netherlands’ second city.

Day 1: On the Waterfront

Start your exploration of Rotterdam by jumping on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. Tickets are typically valid for 24 or 48 hours, and let you disembark and board the bus as often as you like; traveling this way gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary. Routes typically cover the swan-shaped pylons of the Erasmus Bridge and the cultural zone of Museumpark, plus much more. 

Afterward, take the glass elevator to the Euromast observation deck, which at 314 feet (96 meters) promises excellent views of the city’s ever-changing skyline. While there, have lunch or dinner at one of the on-site eateries. The harbor area has plenty of other eating and drinking options to choose from, such the Art Nouveau Hotel New York, located in the former headquarters of the Holland America Line.

Day 2: Old and New Rotterdam

Spend your second morning on a walking tour of Rotterdam, which tend to cover its modern architecture and reveal pre- and post-WWII history that you’re unlikely to find in the guidebook. Explore Piet Blom’s bizarre Cube Houses and get transported back several centuries in tiny Delfshaven, a classic Dutch district crammed with gabled houses and warehouses that escaped the bombing raids of World War II. Make sure you save time to pop into the 15th-century Oude Kerk (Old Church).

Afterward, discover the delights of Dutch cuisine on a private culinary tour, which can be tailored to your dietary requirements and preferences. Food-themed tours typically visit the Kruiskade and Chinatown neighborhoods, as well as the Market Hall (Markthal). Staple samples tend to include pickled herring,Stroopwafel, and krokets. 

Day 3: Boats and Bulbs

Take a ferry across the River Maas from Willemsplein to the steamship SS Rotterdam, which was once the glamorous flagship of the Holland America Line. It’s been thoroughly dusted down and is now open for tours of the engine room, bow, and bridge.

If you’re visiting in spring, take a full-day tour to see the spring bulb fields around Lisse and Keukenhof, one of the world’s biggest flower gardens. Tours typically include free time to admire the vast carpets of flowers, explore themed gardens, and absorb the color and fragrance of millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. If you’re visiting out of season, see another icon of the Dutch landscape by taking the Waterbus to the UNESCO-listed windmills and polders of Kinderdijk. Back in Rotterdam, head to the buzzing warehouses of Westelijk Handelsterrein for dinner and late-night clubbing.

Despite being nearly destroyed by World War II bombing, Rotterdam has since been reborn, transforming itself into a futuristic architectural wonderland replete with innovative contemporary constructions. Here are a few of the Dutch city’s must-see structures, which showcase the exuberance and ingenuity of its architecture.

Cube Houses

Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom in the 1970s, this series of cubic houses was one of the inventive postwar development projects that helped put Rotterdam on the architectural map. The tilted cube-shaped residences sit atop a pedestrian bridge, which spans a busy traffic thoroughfare. Their eye-catching appearance makes them a must on Rotterdam walking and sightseeing tours. Go inside the Kijk-Kubus (Show-Cube) to see what it’s like to live in one. 

Markthal (Market Hall)

Though it only opened in 2014, Markthal has quickly established itself as one of Rotterdam’s architectural highlights. While this inverted U-shaped building is filled with apartments and offices, the space underneath the curve serves as a food market.

Central Station

Another relatively recent addition to the Rotterdam cityscape, the remodeled Central Station opened in 2014. Every day, thousands of passengers rush through here to catch trains, metros, or trams, but it’s worth lingering a while to admire its design, particularly the angular metal-clad entrance at the south side of the station. 

Erasmus Bridge

Connecting the northern and southern halves of the city, this 2,631-foot-long (802-meter-long) cable-stay bridge has been christened the Swan. Erected in 1996, it is now a symbol of the city and is best viewed from the water’s edge or during cruises along the Nieuwe Maas river.

De Rotterdam

Designed by renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, this series of stacked towers is one of the biggest developments in the Netherlands. With the towers cut in two at the midway point, and the top halves precariously and unevenly stacked, De Rotterdam is somewhat reminiscent of a kid’s building-block tower.

While The Hague isn’t a national capital, it remains one of the most politically important and culturally vibrant cities on the planet. Look past the bureaucrats and businesspeople, and you’ll find plenty of historical appeal. Here are some must-see historical sites in The Hague.

Inner Court and Hall of the Knights (Binnenhof and Ridderzaal)

The Binnenhof complex of buildings sits within the historic center of The Hague. Former aristocratic residences now house the chambers of Parliament and the residence of the prime minister. The 13th-century Knights’ Hall (Ridderzaal) was restored in 1904 and is today used for state receptions.

Noordeinde Palace

This palace has served as a royal residence since 1609 when the state gifted it to the widow of William of Orange. It remains a working palace, and while it’s not open to the public, the views from the street are well worth the visit.

Mauritshuis

This historic 17th-century building, formerly a residence and hotel for elite guests, now houses one of the world’s best collections of 17th- and 18th-century art—some 800 works by a range of artists.

Prison Gate Museum

The Prison Gate Museum occupies a gatehouse that served as a real prison between 1428 and 1828. Visitors can see the old prison and torture chambers while learning the sometimes gruesome details about 17th-century justice.

Rotterdam may be the Netherlands’ “second city,” but it exudes the confidence of a capital. Home to the world’s largest port, some of the best architecture in Europe, and first-rate art and food scenes, it is well worth making the quick trip from Amsterdam. Here’s how to spend one day in Rotterdam.

Morning: Take in the Sights by Foot or by Bike

Rotterdam is a pleasantly walkable city, so get a feel for the local atmosphere by taking a walking tour. You’ll find many different private and group tours from which to choose, from architecture-themed tours that take you to see Piet Blom’s Cube Houses, among other highlights; to history- and culture-focused tours that provide insight into Rotterdam’s post-World War II recovery and how the city center was rebuilt after being flattened by bombing. Another option is to zip around the city by bike. You’ll also see the top sights but cover more ground in less time.

Afternoon: Choose Your Own Adventure

Indulge your interests a little deeper by embarking on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Sitting on the upper deck of a double-decker bus offers views of the cityscape, and you can either stay aboard as the bus makes its full loop around the city or hop on and off when you wish. Tours typically include stops at attractions such as Erasmus Bridge and Museumpark and, for the duration of their tickets’ validity, passengers are permitted to get off the bus to explore, then get back on and continue to another attraction.

Night: Discover Dutch Delights

Round out your day in Rotterdam by discovering the delights of Dutch cuisine on a private walking tour tailor-made for foodies. Food-themed tours typically visit the Kruiskade and Chinatown neighborhoods, taking in the sights and atmosphere, and provide insight into Rotterdam’s restaurants, street food, and culinary scene. Sample a variety of local delicacies such as herring, Stroopwafel, and krokets before ending the night at Market Hall to browse the many stalls and where, if you are still hungry, you can sit down for dinner and a drink.

The Hague—locally known as Den Haag—is the Netherlands’ third-largest city and a political heavyweight. Beyond the government buildings, however, The Hague’s cutting-edge restaurants, masterpiece-packed museums, and atmospheric neighborhoods demonstrate the city’s diverse appeal. Here’s how to make the most of your 2-day stay.

Day 1: An Introduction to the City

**Morning:**Begin your 2-day trip to The Hague with a relaxing, cultural immersion. The city is justifiably celebrated for its exceptional museums, of which the Mauritshuis Museum is a particular highlight. Venture inside in the company of an art historian to learn more about the canvases—including works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Rubens—on display.

**Afternoon:**Following your gallery-hopping, grab a light bite and get out in the fresh air: Afternoon is the perfect time to discover (and capture photos of) The Hague’s top attractions. A walking tour will help you navigate between local highlights such as the Peace Palace, Binnenhof government complex, and Old City Hall.

**Evening:**Once you’ve worked up an appetite, wind down your first day in town with a culinary excursion. Food-themed walking tours will invite you to sample numerous bites and visit several eateries in a single evening, while beer-tasting tours offer equal parts education and entertainment. 

Day 2: Alternative Explorations

**Morning:**After discovering The Hague’s heavy hitters, spend your second day visiting outlying towns and lesser-known neighborhoods. Begin with Delft: A quick trip by car or train, the town lent its name to the blue-and-white ceramics that have been made here for centuries. Go for a workshop tour, and even pick up a special souvenir.

**Afternoon:**Upon returning to The Hague proper, do as the Dutch do and go for a bike ride. Cycle through the oldest quarters in the city center, and even discover nearby beaches—it’s only a quick trip to nearby resorts such as Kijkduin.

**Evening:**The Hague may have a buttoned-up reputation, but visit Grote Markt and you’ll quickly discover a different side of the city. The bustling market square is ringed with trendy bars and restaurants that get ever more crowded after dark. Drop by to discover the nightlife—and for a celebratory end to your stay.

Home to embassies, government buildings, and the International Criminal Court, The Hague’s political reputation precedes it—but there’s way more to do here than merely hobnob with bureaucrats. From vibrant museums to avant-garde restaurants, The Hague boasts culture aplenty. Here’s how to see it all in just one day.

Morning: A Sightseeing Introduction

The Hague (known locally as Den Haag) is an accessible and walkable city, and exploring on foot is one of the best ways to experience its major attractions. Set off on a walking tour to learn more about the city’s history and discover its major landmarks, from the Binnenhof (a complex of government buildings) and the Old City Hall to the Noordeinde Palace and the Peace Palace. Alternatively, fashion your own walking-tour itinerary based on your interests, whether they skew political or cultural.

Afternoon: Museum Explorations

The Hague is a cultural heavyweight, and nowhere is that more evident than in its surfeit of exceptional museums. Following your walking tour, spend your afternoon enjoying a relaxed gallery ramble. The Mauritshuis Museum is home to masterworks such as Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring, while Escher in Het Paleis celebrates the works of Dutch illustrator M.C. Escher. For a cultural outing of a different stripe, the Louwman Museum hosts an enviable collection of classic cars.

Evening: Gastronomic Discovery

Following your museum forays and sightseeing adventures, let your hair down in the evening—and get a dose of The Hague’s vibrant nightlife offerings—on a relaxed, guided beer tasting. Sample a number of different beer styles, mingle with locals, and even listen to live music. If gastronomy is more your style, then The Hague’s eclectic restaurant scene is also well worth discovering. Go for a self-guided culinary walk to visit multiple top eateries in the space of one night, enjoy wine pairings alongside, and discover different neighborhoods along the way.

As the Dutch seat of government, and the home of multiple embassies and international institutions, the Hague has quite a buttoned-up reputation. But unbeknownst to most outsiders, this coastal city has a fun and vibrant food scene that’s anything but stuffy. Here’s what you need to know about eating in the Hague.

Must-Try Dishes

Dutch food tends to be rustic and hearty, with meat, potatoes, and cheeses such as gouda and edam all playing starring roles on the dinner table. Beer is a popular drink; it’s often paired with tasty bar snacks, such as bitterballen (meatballs) and patat frites (fries topped with mayonnaise, or in some cases tomato ketchup, garlic, or peanut sauce).

The North Sea provides plenty of fresh fish to the city’s restaurants, from mackerel to mussels, while street food carts around the city sell soft and salty cured herring, typically served with onions and pickles, and—in some cases—a side serving of kroketten (croquettes).

For sweet treats, try pannenkoeken (pancakes) and poffertjes (fluffy mini pancakes topped with powdered sugar). You’ll also find some excellent Indonesian food in the Hague, where there is a strong Indo-Dutch community.

Must-Do Experiences

• Get the inside track on the Hague’s dining hot spots during a guided food tour.

• Sample snacks from curbside vendors and beloved local bakeries.

• Experience what the Dutch call gezelligheid (a cozy atmosphere—the Netherland’s answer to Denmark’s hygge ) while dining, drinking, and chatting with fellow food lovers.

• Sample craft beers brewed in the Hague and beyond.

• Get tips about the best restaurants in the city and what to order.

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk is home to the Netherlands’ largest collection of 18th-century windmills. The 19 windmills are some of the most famous Dutch landmarks and lie a 30-minute drive from Rotterdam, making Kinderdijk a popular choice for a day trip. Here are your options for Kinderdijk windmills tours from Rotterdam.

Highlights

• Explore inside the De Ster and De Leliesave windmills, and learn more about the Netherlands’ elaborate network of canals, dikes, mills, and reservoirs.

• Take an electric boat ride along the canal and admire the windmills from the water.

• Walk or cycle along the waterfront on a self-guided tour, stopping to take photos of the striking windmills.

• Visit in springtime when the tulip fields around Kinderdijk are in bloom, or enjoy a nighttime visit during the spectacular Illumination Festival in September.

• Enjoy discounts on entrance fees and activities at Kinderdijk with a Rotterdam Welcome Card.

• Combine a half-day tour of Kinderdijk with a sightseeing city tour of Rotterdam.

• Choose a guided, private tour for a personalized experience.