The Netherlands is a truly amazing country – home to the world’s tallest people, sprinkles on bread for breakfast, and (in the right season) fields and fields of tulips as far as the eye can see.

There’s a lot of quirk and charm to be found in this compact country, which explains why it’s one of my personal favourite destinations in Europe.

Contributing to this charm? An abundance of unique things to do in the Netherlands that you can’t do anywhere else in the world – from browsing record-breaking collections of clogs and chess pieces to munching on all types of ‘typically Dutch’ treats in the very places they were created.

So, wondering what to do in the Netherlands that you can’t do anywhere else? Read on for a full list!

1. Visit Europe’s largest flower garden

Keukenhof is one of the most famous gardens in the world, offering 32 acres of perfectly manicured displays in Lisse, with themed pavilions, special events, and of course a very, very photogenic windmill.

And, with over 7 million flowers on display, it happens to be the largest flower garden in Europe too, making it a unique Netherlands must-do if you can catch its opening season between the end of March to mid-May.

While it’s most common to do Keukenhof as a day trip from Amsterdam, I would advise staying overnight in the area and exploring some of the other tulip-y attractions nearby, like the Tulip Barn (where you can round out your tulip experience with a frolic in some fields, which (to many visitors’ disappointment) isn’t actually something you can do at Keukenhof.

2. Frolic among tulips in the world’s largest producer of them

The Netherlands and tulips – possibly one of the most iconic pairings in the world of tourism.

And for good reason! The Netherlands is the world’s largest commercial producer of tulip bulbs, and every spring the Dutch countryside erupts into vibrant, satisfying rows of pink, yellow, orange, purple, and red.

But how can you enjoy these tulips during your European spring visit?

As mentioned above, getting Keukenhof tickets are a great bet if you’re looking for floral displays incorporating tulips, but for those in search of those sprawling photogenic fields, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Luckily, there are many free tulip fields in the Netherlands to see from afar, but if you want to get up close and personal for whimsical photos, there are now ‘made-for-photo’ farms that were created for this purpose (thus ensuring commercial tulip fields aren’t trampled on by tourists for the gram).

I recently visited the Tulip Barn in Hillegom, and had the best time frolicking among fields and taking advantage of all their cute photo installations. There’s also the Tulips Experience Amsterdam which offers a similar thing.

Both are great ways to get photos and explore the dreamy Dutch tulip fields you’ve no doubt seen time and time again on social media.

3. Explore an idyllic car-free village filled with canals

The Dutch village of Giethoorn is famed for its lack of roads, making it a ‘car-free’ village where journeys are made by boat, bike, or foot.

Upon my first visit to Giethoorn, I dubbed it a photogenic cross between Venice and Hobbiton. Picture an assortment of unique storybook houses lining dreamy canals, all with endearing details like heart-shaped holes in their shutters or fluffy flower bushes so cute, you’d think Pixar designed them.

A visit to this idyllic destination is surely one of the most unique things to do in the Netherlands.

Now, there are many things to do in Giethoorn, but my biggest tip is this: book an overnight stay and explore early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the hordes of day trip crowds. I warn you, there’s a lot of them.

4. See the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh art

Known as one of THE top things to do in Amsterdam, the Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of art by Vincent Van Gogh in the world, with 200 paintings, 400 drawings, and 700 letters by the artist.

This museum is a must-visit for any hard-core fans of Van Gogh, especially if you want to see the originals of many of his most famous pieces, including one of his “Sunflowers” repetitions, “Almond Blossoms” and “The Potato Eaters.”

(Sorry to disappoint though – if you want to see the original of “The Starry Night” then you’ll need to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City!)

The Van Gogh Museum is the most-visited museum in the Netherlands, with more than 2.3 million visitors each year. Make sure you book your tickets in advance so you don’t need to wait in massive queues to get in.

PS: Don’t expect Dutch people to understand you if you ask where the ‘van go’ museum is, as his name is actually pronounced more like ‘von Gough’ with as much coughy phlegmy sounds as you can make!

5. Admire art from Dutch masters (in their home country)

Tiny as it may be, the Netherlands has blessed the world with some of the most famous names in art history: from the aforementioned Van Gogh and Dutch Golden Age masters like Rembrandt, and Vermeer to modern names like Mondrian.

As such, it should come as little surprise that the country has plenty to offer art enthusiasts, with museums aplenty for art nerds to geek out over.

Some of the most popular picks include…

• Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam – a phenomenal overview of Dutch history and art, with thousands of items on display
• Kunstmuseum den Haag in the Hague – an extensive collection of modern art, including the world’s largest collection of Mondrians
• Mauritshuis in The Hague – home to a vast collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings
• Museum Het Rembrandthuis in Amsterdam – a collection of works by Rembrandt van Rijn in his former home and studio

6. Visit the world’s first museum branch in an airport

Amsterdam Schiphol (the international airport just outside Amsterdam) is home to the first museum to ever open inside an airport.

This cute little museum is a collaboration with the Rijksmuseum, so you can see some Dutch master’s work at the airport even if you didn’t have time to visit the actual Rijksmuseum.

Rijksmuseum Schiphol is located in the Holland Boulevard of the airport, which is through security. It’s open 24/7 and features rotating exhibitions on different themes, but always with a small collection of beautiful works from the Rijksmuseum. Best of all? It’s totally free to visit!

7. Enjoy hot snacks straight out of a wall

Vending machines can be found all over the world, but the Dutch phenomenon of Automatiek are unique to the country, and what a grand invention they are.

Imagine this: you’re roaming the streets of your latest Dutch destination, starving from all the sightseeing. In the distance, you spot a glimmer of hope – a wall of gluttonous fast food, beckoning you from their cute individual cubbies.

You insert a coin (or in more modern times, tap your card) and boom – the drawer opens to unveil a deep fried treat, hot to the touch and ready for consumption.

Whether you opt for a kroket (deep fried sticks filled with mashed meat and gravy), frikandel (deep fried sausage), or even a burger, these hot food vending machines are a fun Dutch activity to try at least once.

8. Munch on famous cheeses where they were invented

Even if you’ve never been to the Netherlands, odds are your tastebuds have, because this tiny country (famed for its delicious cheese) is responsible for some of the biggest names in cheeseland: Gouda and Edam.

… Which are, of course, both named after the Dutch towns that they hail from!

Luckily, both Gouda and Edam are charming towns with plenty to offer, including beautiful old architecture, museums and re-enactments of the traditional cheese markets during the summer! Gouda can be visited from Rotterdam via a 20-minute train and Edam is about a 40-minute train journey from Amsterdam.

If even just for bragging rights, eating Gouda in Gouda and Edam in Edam should definitely be things to add to your Netherlands bucket list.

PS: Just to quickly blow your mind – the Dutch pronunciation of Gouda is actually closer to “GHOW-da” than “goo-da”.

9. Visit Anne Frank House

The fourth most visited museum in the Netherlands is the Anne Frank House, which was once the hiding place of Anne Frank and her family during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands.

As you walk through the narrow rooms and climb the steep stairs, the preserved diary entries and personal belongings on display offer a poignant glimpse into Anne’s life and the harsh realities faced by Jewish families in hiding. Be prepared for an emotional journey that will leave you with a profound sense of the human spirit’s resilience.

This is a very popular museum though, with tickets selling out months in advance. If you want to visit it, make sure you check the website as soon as you know what dates you will be in Amsterdam so you can also secure your precious time slot.

10. Visit the world’s first ever Anne Frank statue

As well as the actual house where Anne Frank and her family hid, the Netherlands is also home to the first statue of Anne Frank that was ever made.

This statue is located in the city of Utrecht, standing outside the Janskerk in the city centre. It was donated to the city council by the youth of Utrecht in 1959, as a way of saying thank you for the support that the municipality had given to the city’s many youth groups.

If you want you could even leave a flower on the statue, which was designed by Pieter d’Hont, or just take a moment to remember the brave girl who lost her life due to prejudice and hatred.

11. Sleep in a luxurious hotel… in a crane

In Amsterdam, you’ll find no shortage of weird and wonderful accommodation options, but if you’re looking for something strange that (as far as I know) you can only do in the Netherlands, why not opt for a luxury hotel stay in a literal crane?

Crane Hotel Faralda features three super luxurious suites located inside a former harbour crane, with incredible views across the IJ River to boot. The three suites are decorated with very different styles, but they’re all incredibly opulent and modern, with fabulous bathtubs where you can relax in the water while you look out over the city.

Of course, the price tag is also suitably high, so you might want to save this for a splurge on a special occasion. Needless to say, this is one to skip if you’re afraid of heights!

12. Spend the night in a cube

Looking for unique things to do in Rotterdam? Well, among the city’s more perplexing attractions are its incredible cube houses.

These funky architectural marvels are like something straight out of a futuristic Lego world. Designed by the Dutch architect Piet Blom, these houses will make you question everything you thought you knew about traditional boxy homes.

Imagine this: giant yellow cubes, tilted at a crazy 45-degree angle, stacked on top of each other like a game of architectural Jenga. There are around 40 of them all clustered together, forming their own little mini village called the Blaakse Bos.

And while visitors frolic from near and far to photograph them from the outside, more hardcore fans might want to take it a step further and… sleep in one!

Yup – that’s right. There are two opportunities for you to do just that:

• Budget: StayOkay Hostel
• Moderate: Cube House Airbnb

13. Stop at a Miffy traffic light

Looking for a unique thing to do in Utrecht? Why not cross the light when a bunny tells you to?

Yup! That’s right. The Netherlands’ fourth largest city has turned to traffic lights to pay homage to its most famous resident – the adorable bunny character known the world over as Miffy (or Nijntje in Dutch).

You can see it in action here:

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14. Climb up the world’s tallest freestanding climbing wall

Another one of the weirdest claims to fame in the Netherlands is Excalibur, the tallest freestanding climbing wall in the world!

Named after King Arthur’s mythical sword, Excalibur is located in the city of Groningen, in the northeast of the Netherlands. Part of the climbing centre Bjoeks, experienced climbers can scale its impressive 37 meters for amazing views from the top. It also contains a 36-foot curve, so that climbers can experience the kind of extreme overhang that sometimes occurs on real peaks.

Obviously, only experienced climbers should attempt to tackle Excalibur, but you could also try out easier climbs inside at the centre and work your way up!

15. Munch on Stroopwafels in their birthplace

Picture this: a warm, golden, crispy waffle filled with sweet, gooey caramel. That, my friend, is the glorious stroopwafel.

This delightful treat has a history as rich as its flavour. Legend has it that the stroopwafel was born in the late 18th century in the city of Gouda. Crafted by a creative baker using leftover crumbs and syrup, this genius concoction quickly gained popularity and became a beloved Dutch delicacy.

Fast forward to today, and stroopwafels have become an iconic symbol of Dutch culinary prowess. These circular wonders consist of two thin waffle layers sandwiching a layer of delicious caramel syrup.

To truly experience the magic of stroopwafels, head to the Netherlands’ bustling outdoor markets. In cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Utrecht, you’ll find street vendors and stalls offering freshly made stroopwafels that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Trust me, it’s a heavenly experience you won’t want to miss!

Just a note though, they’re pronounced like strope (rhymes with grope) waa-fels rather than stroop waffles, the way it looks to us English speakers.

16. Celebrate “King’s Day”

If you plan your visit to the Netherlands in April, you may be lucky enough to witness one of the wildest national celebrations in Europe… or at the very least, the orangest.

Every year in honour of the reigning monarch’s birthday (April 27), the Netherlands becomes a sea of orange for Koningsdag, also known as King’s Day, with street markets and parties popping up all over the country.

Depending on your affinity for drunken debauchery, this may either sound like the best time ever, or your absolute worst nightmare, but in any case… celebrating King’s Day is a unique thing you can only do in the Netherlands, and plenty of fun if you don’t mind crowds and public urination.

Just kidding – there are a bunch of more wholesome ways to celebrate King’s Day as well, but you may be best leaving Amsterdam out of the shortlist if that’s what you’re looking for!

Other cities all over the country turn their streets into massive flea markets where you can shop for a bargain, or hit up some open-air concerts that are a tad more sedate than the massive party in Amsterdam.

17. Check out the world’s largest flower auction

If you’ve ever been curious about what happens to all those incredible fields of tulips in the Netherlands after they have bloomed, then you might like to experience the world’s largest flower auction at RoyalFlora Holland in Aalsmeer.

The Aalsmeer flower auctions started out in 1910 in two local pubs, but today take place in a massive auction building with a 518,000 m² footprint. 20 million flowers and decorative plants are traded here EVERY DAY with the kind of precision you would expect from a sensitive military operation.

You can visit the auction and watch it from above if you want to be in awe at the size and efficiency of the whole operation.

I’d also recommend getting a combined ticket to visit FloriWorld next door, an interactive flower and plant experience with some pretty incredible real and virtual displays of flowers.

18. Stop by the world’s oldest (still working) planetarium 

In the small town of Franeker in the province of Friesland is yet another unique attraction; the oldest still-working planetarium in the world… and it was constructed in someone’s living room!

Eise Eisinga was a Frisian wool comber who randomly decided to build a moving model of our solar system on his living room ceiling between 1774 – 1781, and he did such a good job that it’s still working as intended to this day. Eisinga built his working ‘orrery’ from oak wood, with nine weights, a pendulum clock, and over 10,000 hand-forged nails.

Today his former home is now a museum where you can see this amazing model still moving, along with other items and displays that show how the Eisinga family lived in their cosy canal house at the time.

19. Visit Christmas markets in caves

Right down near the bottom of the Netherlands is the town of Valkenburg (close to Maastricht) which is home to a number of former marl quarries in caves. During the Christmas season, these caves become home to multiple Christmas markets, meaning you can experience some very unusual festive shopping inside caves!

The entire town of Valkenburg is transformed between late November and early January when it becomes “Kerststad (Christmas city) Valkenburg” with many themed attractions to enjoy.

The most unique part is, of course, the Christmas markets which are held in two of the largest Roman-made quarries. Here you can shop for all sorts of lovely gifts, while also seeing Christmas decorations adorning the permanent sculptures and drawings on the cave walls.

One of these cave markets also claims to be the largest underground market in Europe, so it’s definitely a unique thing to experience in the Netherlands.

I would recommend spending at least two days in Valkenburg if you want to see the markets though, as there are so many festive things to do in the city beyond ‘just’ the markets!

20. Park at the largest parking lot for bikes… in the world!

Any visitor to the Netherlands immediately notices that this is a country that is serious about cycling! As soon as you step outside of Amsterdam Centraal there are bikes being ridden or parked everywhere, and this is true throughout the country.

However, it’s in the city of Utrecht where the largest bike park in the world has been constructed, underneath Utrecht Centraal Station.

This bike parking garage can fit 12,656 bicycles over four underground floors and has space for cyclists to ride their bikes in and out, or even take a shortcut through the garage without parking.

Even if you’re not exploring the Netherlands by bicycle, it’s worth popping down here if you’re in Utrecht and want to see what a 30 million euro bike parking garage looks like!

21. Visit a fairytale theme park that’s not Disneyland 

If you like theme parks but you’re not a fan of all the trademarked characters at places like Disneyland, then Efteling might be the perfect compromise.

Located near Tilburg, Efteling is the largest theme park in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in the world. In fact, it opened in 1952, three years before the original Disneyland in California, and it’s twice as large!

Efteling is also very much themed around fairytales and fantasy, with a charming mix of displays, rides, and performances to enjoy. It makes for a great day out, whether you have small children who want to explore the fairytale forest or you just want to ride the most thrilling rollercoasters.

For those less keen on thrills, ‘experience’ rides are a great choice, where you are moving through a fantastical location that kind of tells a story, but you don’t feel like you might actually die if you fall out!

There’s also an incredible sound, light and water show on at night, so if you have the time you might like to stay overnight in the themed hotel as well.

22. Godzilla your way through a mini version of the Netherlands

Let me introduce you to a place where you can feel like a giant in a land of miniatures. Say hello to Madurodam, the coolest little city you’ll ever come across!

Located in The Hague, this place is like a whimsical dream come true. Imagine strolling through a world where everything is tiny—famous Dutch landmarks, iconic buildings, and even tiny people going about their daily lives.

Madurodam is home to meticulously recreated Dutch landmarks in mind-blowing detail. From the grandeur of the Royal Palace to the intricate canals of Amsterdam, it’s like experiencing the entire country in a compact, bite-sized package.

Seeing these tiny replicas will also make you really appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry that went into creating them.

Guests can also see mini versions of aeroplanes taxiing on the runway at Schiphol Airport and there’s a very fun interactive experience that takes you on a shipboard journey from the Netherlands to America.

While children will definitely love Madurodam, it’s just as enchanting for adults and, if you’re short on time, a great way to see all the most famous sights in the Netherlands in one place!

23. Cozy into a BOOK MOUNTAIN

De Boekenberg Library, located in Spijkenisse, is not your average library—it’s a stunning architectural marvel that combines the love for books with a unique and inviting space. Designed by the Dutch firm MVRDV, De Boekenberg is often referred to as the “Book Mountain” due to its distinctive shape and concept.

The building is characterized by a large, glass-covered structure, reminiscent of a hill or mountain. This unique design serves a purpose beyond aesthetics—it acts as a natural insulation system, helping to regulate the library’s temperature and reduce energy consumption.

Here’s where it gets really cool: De Boekenberg isn’t just about browsing books. It’s a space designed for people to gather, interact, and engage with literature and culture. The library offers cosy reading nooks, comfortable seating areas, and even a rooftop terrace where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area.

It’s a place where you can curl up with a good book, meet up with friends for a study session, or attend one of the library’s many events, such as author talks or workshops. No bookworm will want to miss out on this unique library in the Netherlands!

24. Step a few centuries back in time to see a Dutch village as it once was

The town of Zaanse Schans is like a living museum, where you can experience the Netherlands’ rich history and soak in its picturesque beauty. From the moment you set foot in this quaint little gem, you’ll be mesmerized by the row of traditional windmills lining the horizon.

Zaanse Schans isn’t just about windmills though. This place is all about immersing yourself in traditional Dutch culture.

Take a stroll along the cobbled streets and you’ll find yourself surrounded by charming wooden houses and artisan workshops.

Want to see how they make those famous Dutch cheeses? No problemo! Pop into a cheese farm and witness the magical process firsthand. You can even see how the famous Dutch wooden clogs are made and buy a pair to take home!

The best part is that Zaanse Schans isn’t some isolated spot in the middle of nowhere. It’s just a stone’s throw away from Amsterdam, via a 20-minute drive or train ride.

So, if you’re up for a break from the urban buzz and want to experience a charming slice of Dutch life, head on over to Zaanse Schans. Trust me, it’s the perfect blend of history, beauty, and that unmistakable Dutch charm.

25. Admire the world’s largest collections of various objects

Another weird thing the Dutch seem to excel at is collecting vast amounts of random things! There are a number of places in the Netherlands where you can enjoy the world’s largest collections of certain items, in case you are also as obsessed with said item as some Dutch people apparently are.

If you’re interested, check out these museums:

• Flessenscheepjes Museum in Enkhuizen | The world’s largest collection of ships in a bottle (1000+)
• Schaakstukkenmuseum | The world’s largest collection of chess sets (900+) and pieces (30,000+)
• Klompenmuseum | The world’s largest collection of wooden clogs (3000+ pairs)

26. Sip a Heineken in its birthplace

Okay – I will level with you, I don’t think Heineken is the best beer in the world, and there are definitely tastier options to be found in the Netherlands, but thanks to the power of strong export relationships and good old-fashioned marketing, Heineken has over the years become one of THE most famous and recognizable beer brands in the world.

So, if you’re a Heineken fan (or simply want to flex that you’ve been to its birthplace), then a visit to the Amsterdam Heineken Experience may be something to add to your itinerary.

This experience takes place in the original brewery, where you can see vintage factory items and, of course, sample some Heineken yourself afterwards.

27. Sample Jenever

Of course, if you’re in search of unique boozy things to do in the Netherlands, then Heineken is far from the only option.

In fact, I’d advocate for a tasting of the local tipple, Jenever instead.

Jenever is a traditional juniper-flavoured liquor which was originally made by distilling malt wine. The taste wasn’t very nice though, so they added juniper berries to give it a nicer flavour and Jenever was born.

The House of Bols Cocktail & Genever Experience in Amsterdam is one of the best places to learn all about the history of jenever, while also getting to sample some!

Warning: while many articles will liken Jenever to gin, I’d say in some cases it’s more similar to whiskey. Indulge accordingly.

28. Check out the world’s largest street art museum

While the Netherlands is known as being the home of many master painters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh, it’s also a country that has a thriving street art scene. The city of Amsterdam even took it one step further by opening STRAAT, a museum dedicated to street art in a former ship-building warehouse!

While STRAAT may not be the first street art museum in the world it is the largest, housed in an 8000 square metre former warehouse so that you can really appreciate the huge pieces of art in all their glory. More than 160 artworks by 150+ artists are spread out in this space and some of them are truly massive.

I loved visiting this unique museum, where the art isn’t always on a canvas but sometimes also painted on the side of a truck (that’s hanging from the ceiling) or an installation. There was even a room with an interactive piece of art you could change by touching it and the gift shop has some fantastic souvenirs to take home with you.

29. Admire the ingenuity behind “the world’s lowest country”

For most visitors, it may be shocking to hear that over a quarter of the Netherlands is (in fact) below sea level, making it the world’s lowest country as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records.

So how is it that the Netherlands aren’t… underwater? Well, thanks to a genius flood management system created through various dykes, dunes, barriers, and pumps.

Today, this ingenuity is best admired through a visit to some of these anti-flood measures, with many (luckily) being quite scenic as well, like…

• Kinderdijk – a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its density of windmills, dykes and pumping stations
• Westfriese Omringdijk (The West-Frisian Circular Dyke) – stretches 126km and is a popular spot for cycling/walking
• Afsluitdijk – an impressive 32km long dam that you can explore by car, bike or foot, complete with a visitor centre
• The Delta Works – a series of storm surge barriers in Zeeland that form the largest flood protection system in the world

30. Stop by the world’s only museum dedicated to fluorescent art

While Amsterdam is full of art museums, one of them is also the only one of its kind in the world, where you can enjoy being immersed in fluorescent art.

Electric Ladyland is a museum located underneath the Electric Lady art gallery.

Stepping foot into this underground space transports visitors into a world of bulbous shapes that light up in bright colours when the black light is switched on. You get to be a part of the art here as you walk along, and can also view a collection of rocks that react to the black light, as well as various vintage black light play sets and informational displays.

Do be aware that you can only visit this museum by appointment, so you need to book online beforehand if you want to experience it, you can’t just rock up on the day.

31. Visit the world’s first museum dedicated to sex 

The Venustempel Sex Museum is located right on Damrak, one of the busiest streets right outside Amsterdam Centraal Station, which shows just how nonchalant about sex the Dutch can be!

This museum opened in 1985, making it the first of its kind in the world. Inside is an extensive collection of pictures, recordings, photos, paintings and artefacts all of which show the evolution of human sexuality throughout history.

Some of the items are quite interesting but overall this is a rather tacky museum, usually filled with giggling tourists on their hen or stag trips. But hey, if you want to see it, go wild! Tickets cost ten euros.

32. Visit the world’s first specialty condom shop 

With Amsterdam’s liberal approach to sex work, it makes sense that the city would also be home to the first specialty condom shop in the world, as a way to encourage people to practice safe sex.

Condomerie is located within the bounds of Amsterdam’s Red Light District and sells every kind of condom you might require, along with some very silly novelty condoms that look like racing cars or cartoon characters!

While it might seem like a bit of a gimmick, this shop was opened at the height of the AIDS crisis, so it’s actually a very good thing to be promoting safe sex in an area where a lot of sex tourism takes place.

If you are in need of some personal lubricant or condoms while in Amsterdam then this is the place to go, or if you just want to bring back a very wacky souvenir or gift for a friend!

Did I miss any of your favourite unique things to do in the Netherlands?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more must-do Dutch activities to my list!