Seek and find
Last updated: January 1, 2024
Fancy exploring a new city in the Netherlands for a weekend getaway? Hear, hear! Because there are so many other great smaller cities in the Netherlands perfect for a weekend getaway. For those who have already visited The Hague, Rotterdam, Maastricht, and Amsterdam, and perhaps even Den Bosch, Nijmegen, and Haarlem, I've created this new staycation list together with Peugeot. A list of original and surprising cities in the Netherlands perfect for a weekend getaway or mini road trip in your own country. Cities you might not immediately think of because they're much smaller. But let's be honest: you don't need much more than a nice boutique hotel, a good restaurant, a charming lunch and coffee shop, a few concept stores, and a cozy drinks hotspot, right? Have a tip of your own? Let us know via the "Tip the editors" button at the bottom of this article!
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**Illegible text** 👀
This is the coolest new hotel for a night away! Meet @viaantwerp, Antwerp's newest boutique hotel on the border of Zurenborg and Borgerhout (yep, voted the 2nd coolest neighborhood in the world by Time Out).
I recently stayed at this gem, and it truly has it all: a lively bar with a cozy atmosphere, walls adorned with creative art, beautiful, bright rooms, and it's within walking distance of great hotspots. And I haven't even mentioned @mea.antwerp! The delightful restaurant, helmed by a chef who previously worked at The Palomar in London. If you know, you know!
And now the best news:
I can surprise one of you with a dream night away at VIA Antwerp. 💛
And in my opinion
• Overnight stay for 2 people
• Breakfast included
• Chef's Dinner at MEA
And in Flanders
• Let us know in the comments which friend you would like to stay here with
• Of course, take a look at @viaantwerp & @mea.antwerp to dream away and follow their updates
The winner will be notified personally via DM on December 10th.
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and will soon share a mini guide with more great tips for Antwerp! 🖤
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#antwerp #antwerp #zurenborg #antwerpcity #borgerhout
HAPPY ALMOST WEEKEND IN AMSTERDAM
Comment 'weekend' and I'll send you all 32 tips in the new Amsterdam Weekend Guide for December 4, 5, 6 & 7 ✖️✖️✖️
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱!
I've rounded up a complete list with the coziest and most festive Christmas markets in Amsterdam you don't want to miss this year. Think twinkling lights, mulled wine, food stalls, live music, unique gifts and lots of Christmas vibes all December long.
Whether you're planning a festive day with the fam or friends, or just want to soak up that holiday spirit. These are the markets in Amsterdam to put on your calendar now. 🎄✨
𝘿𝙧𝙤𝙥 “𝘾𝙃𝙍𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙈𝘼𝙎𝙈𝘼𝙍𝙆𝙀𝙏” 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄'𝙡𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝙔𝙇𝘽𝘽-𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝘾𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙨.
Send this list to your festive partner-in-crime, grab a hot chocolate (or mulled wine 😉), and have fun!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #christmasinamsterdam #amsterdammarkets #christmasmarkets #amsterdamguide thingstodoinamsterdam winterinthenetherlands festiveseason christmasvibes marketlovers amsterdamtips
HOME ALONE 4 INCOMING 😅 My trip to NYC ends in a bad (Christmas) movie when the hotel gives my carry-on luggage with passport to an old lady who doesn't realize this and checks the luggage on a flight to the UK!
Now I'm stuck here in NY without a passport, and I missed my flight.
I've experienced a lot in all the years I've been traveling for Your Little Black Book, but this is a first 😅.
This chat video is purely therapeutic in nature 🤣🤣🤣. Because really: HOW?! 🫢
Note to self: it's better to carry your passport all day, instead of leaving it "safely" in the hotel, apparently... and from now on, attach suitcases with cables in the storage room. Even if you're staying in a luxurious and expensive hotel, everything is still done by humans.
Now I'm stuck in one of the world's coolest cities, but of course I just want to be home with Manuel, as planned. 😔
To be continued 🧳✈️
And thanks for all the sweet DMs ❤️❤️❤️❤️
✖️✖️✖️
Anne
𝟳𝘅 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗳𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗮𝗿 𝗷𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 ...�� 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄
How cool is this? There are places in the Netherlands where you can cut down your own Christmas tree! You don't hear about it very often, even though it's quite common in America (where I'm currently!).
Good to know: some of these places in the Netherlands are only open for a few days a year and you have to reserve a time slot.
💬 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 “𝗞𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗧𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗠” and I will send you the article with all the details and dates in your DM.
Have fun!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#christmasintheNetherlands #christmasouting #christmastree #christmasfarm #christmas2025 winterintheNetherlands Christmastips Christmasinspiration Netherlandsdiscover Decembertips winterweekend
And do you also have a nice garden?
I want to thank you for your patience and help. 𝟳-𝗷𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲!
This time we went to @williams.farmhouse, one of my favorite lunch spots in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid. But is it also fun during the day with kids?
We ordered a 'plain' version of the Farmhouse burger 🍔: yes, really just meat + cheese 🤣… and together with the fries it was a mega success.
Happy child, happy us... and it was such a cozy, rainy afternoon. I mean, this interior makes me dream of the Cotswolds again!
Do you have a favorite 𝗸𝗶𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁 in Amsterdam or the Netherlands?
Let me know in the comments, I'll collect everything for the next 𝗞𝗜𝗗𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗘𝗙!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#amsterdam #amsterdamfood #amsterdamrestaurants #amsterdamfoodie #amsterdamguide amsterdamwithkids kidsproef familyfriendly amsterdamlunch amsterdamoudzuid yourlittleblackbook kidsproofamsterdam
So happy to finally share this! @lefoodwalk is back this winter with four themed walks during the Amsterdam Light Festival, from November 27th to January 18th.
Perfect for a day out with friends, a date, colleagues, or family. From a Street Food Walk to an Oyster Walk, and from cocktails to an old-school Amsterdam drinks walk.
The Le Foodwalk team has listened to you and there is a different experience to book almost every day.
Tickets (which are even cheaper than last year 🔥) are now live! I've put a link in my bio.
I have a nice garden and a beautiful garden 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱
𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Thurs-Sat
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗱: 4 bites + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99)
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽:
⦁ @weareedn_amsterdam ⦁ @caferestaurantdebazel ⦁ @soulkitchen_amsterdam ⦁ @blackandblue_reguliers
𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €43,50
𝗢𝗬𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Thurs-Sat
Package: 4 x 2 oysters + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99)
𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽:
⦁ Soulkitchen ⦁ De Bazel ⦁ @bellyofthebeastbar ⦁ @vermeerswijnkamer
𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €43,50
𝗖𝗢𝗖𝗞𝗧𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Wed-Sat
Included: 3 cocktails (also 0.0%) + Amsterdam Light Festival app (worth €6,99)
𝗖𝗼𝗰𝗸𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗯𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽:
⦁ @feijoaamsterdam⦁ @lottisamsterdam ⦁ Belly of the Beast
𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €35,50
𝗔𝗠𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗔𝗠 𝗪𝗔𝗟𝗞
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Every Sun-Wed
Included: 3 Dutch drinks & 3 Dutch bar snacks + @amsterdamlightfestival app (worth €6,99)
𝗕𝗮𝗿 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲-𝘂𝗽:
⦁ @hetkarbeel ⦁ @proeflokaalvanwees ⦁ @beertemple_amsterdam
𝗧𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: €33,50
Who do you want to do a Foodwalk with this winter?
𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙗𝙞𝙤 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙤𝙧 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙒𝙒𝙒.𝙇𝙀𝙁𝙊𝙊𝘿𝙒𝘼𝙇𝙆.𝘾𝙊𝙈.
✖️✖️✖️
@anne_de_buck
#lightfestival #lefoodwalk #amsterdamlightfestival #amsterdamfoodguide #amsterdamfood #amsterdambynight #canalview
I have a nice garden in my garden and 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 🎅🏼
The countdown to Christmas has officially begun, and I can tell you: this list will instantly get you in the holiday spirit. 🎄
📍In this new video, I've listed the most beautiful Christmas markets and winter fairs in the Netherlands, from Maastricht to The Hague.
Whether you're in the mood for mulled wine, raclette, Christmas carols, ice skating with your besties, or planning a cozy weekend getaway in December, now's the time to block your calendar.
Send the tips to your Christmas date ❤️ and comment "CHRISTMAS MARKET" to receive a link to ALL the Christmas market shortlists on Your Little Black Book.
Let the Christmas fun begin!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #kerstmarktnederland #kerstuitje #winterfair #kerst2025 #weekendtips #thingstodointhenetherlands #magischmaastricht #royalchristmasfair #kerstmarktamsterdam #winterinthenetherlands #kerstvibes #yourlbb #kerstmarkt #christmasmarket
I have a nice garden – I have a nice garden in my garden
Did you know Bangkok holds a special place in my heart? 💛 If I were ever to live anywhere other than Amsterdam, it would be there. Right now, I'm seriously homesick, and I even have a ticket option open on another screen ☺️. Fun fact: I even got married in Thailand!
Bangkok is one of those cities where you can return so many times and still discover something new every time.
In this mini-guide, I share some of my favorite neighborhood hotspots—from fun neighborhoods and coffee spots to ultimate hotels, street food, and night markets.
The list could easily have 200 tips, but this is a good start!
📍 Prepare your next trip to Thailand with our travel guide & luxury travel planner for your next trip to Thailand.
𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦
⦁ Talad Noi – creative, raw & surprising
⦁ Songwat & Chinatown – street food heaven
⦁ Ekkamai – laid-back & trendy
⦁ Ari – boutiques & brunch
⦁ Bang Rak – culture meets cool
𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗦 & 𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘
⦁ Charmkrung – trendy restaurant in an old shophouse
⦁ Hong Sieng Kong – riverside coffee spot
⦁ Potong – fine dining in Chinatown
⦁ Baan Rim Naam – cocktails during sundown
⦁ Ann Guay Tiew Kua Gai – comfort noodles, Bangkok style
**Illegible**
⦁ Four Seasons – ultimate luxury
⦁ Mustang Blue – unique & arty
⦁ ASAI – affordable boutique
⦁ The Standard – design & rooftop pool
⦁ Anantara Riverside – riverside resort vibes
I & I
⦁ Sundown on the Chao Phraya River = magical
⦁ Cycle through the city with Co van Kessel
⦁ Big Buddha – new must-see
⦁ Eat street on Banthat Thong Road – local favorite
⦁ What Saket at golden hour – view!
(𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧) 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗦
⦁ Yaowarat – food, food, food
⦁ Sampheng Market – for your best finds
⦁ ChangChui – creative chaos
⦁ Asiatique – family fun night market on the river
⦁ Train Night Market – vintage & food
📌 Save this guide so you have it with you when you go to Bangkok
💌 Send it to that friend you're making Thailand plans with
Have you ever been to Bangkok?
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Amsterdam, get your skates ready — ice skating season has officially begun! ⛸️
The first rinks, like @skabaanmuseumplein, are opening this weekend and we are so ready for it.
I already planned a mom & son date — that's how excited we are to hit the ice. 💙
This year, there are some new links to discover across the city too. And who knows... maybe we'll even get lucky with natural ice again. Until then, these are the 7 best ice skating rinks in Amsterdam you don't want to miss.
Whether you're planning a festive date, a day with friends, or skating with the kids — this guide has you covered.
📍All details are in the Amsterdam Ice Skating Listicle on Your Little Black Book (link in bio).
Send this to your skating buddy and start planning your first winter weekend on ice! ❄️
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #yourlbb #amsterdamwinter #iceskatinginamsterdam #amsterdamchristmas #thingstodoinamsterdam #amsterdamguide #winterinthenetherlands #amsterdamlife #cityguide #amsterdamcheck #wintervibes #travelamsterdam #weekendinams #holidayseason #skating
𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗧𝗼 𝗗𝗼 (𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟯, 𝟭𝟰, 𝟭𝟱 & 𝟭𝟲)
Another cozy November weekend in Amsterdam is here — and the city's buzzing with festive fun, winter vibes, and new openings.
Think: the return of ice skating at Museumplein, vintage treasure hunting in Noord, Sinterklaas magic at Muiderslot, and cocktail week collabs between top chefs and bartenders.
From fondue nights, film festivals, and Sunday markets — I've listed 31+ tips on Your Little Black Book.
Here's your WEEKEND shortlist:
MARKETS & CULTURE
– Nov 15 & 16: IJ-hallen – Europe's biggest flea market in Amsterdam-Noord @ijhallen
– Nov 16: Sunday Museum Market on Museumplein (grab a bite from Mr Brasa!)
– Nov 13–23: IDFA 2025 – hundreds of documentaries across the city's best cinemas @idfafestival
DRINKS & EVENTS
– Every Thursday this winter: Cheese fondue night at Badhuis Javaplein (€26 pp with unlimited crudités & bread). @badhuis.ams
– Save the date! Nov 17–23: Woodford Old Fashioned Week — 10+ cocktail bars, 3 top chef x bartender collabs @woodfordreserve @sidney_schutte @florisvstraalen @dirkmooren
NEW SPOTS
– Café Bica on Weesperzijde – coffee hotspot from the Bam Boa team @cafebica.ams
– Petit Charcuterie on Singel – perfect for bites, drinks & brioche sandwiches @petit.charcuterie.singel
FAMILY & FESTIVE FUN
– Nov 15: Ice skating season officially opens at Museumplein ⛸️ @iceamsterdam
– Nov 16: Sinterklaas parade sails into Amsterdam via the Amstel 🎁
– Nov 16 – Dec 5: Sinterklaas at Muiderslot (meet the Sint in person on Nov 22–23 & 29–30) @muiderslot
Want all 31 tips?
Comment 'WEEKEND' and I'll DM you the full Amsterdam Weekend Guide — or check the link in bio.
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#yourlittleblackbook #AmsterdamWeekendGuide #AmsterdamTips #ThingstoDoAmsterdam #AmsterdamEvents #AmsterdamMarkets #AmsterdamRestaurants #WinterInAmsterdam #SinterklaasAmsterdam #IDFA2025 #WoodfordOldFashionedWeek
𝟱 𝘅𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗻.
From new hotspots to low spots and from hand-pulled noodles to an intimate Mediterranean bistro, I've listed 5 new favorite restaurants for you that you definitely want to try.
Save this guide for your next dinner date 🍽️
📍 Orchid House (East)
Vibe: all-day dining at Oosterpark, family-friendly and good vibes.
Must orders: ceviche, angel hair pasta with sea urchin and picanha.
@orchidhouse.ams
📍 Omri (The Pipe)
Vibe: Small and cozy corner space with a warm interior and dimmed lighting. Perfect for a date night.
Must orders: the dolmas and lamb shawarma tostada with watermelon.
@omri_amsterdam
📍 Chingu (The Pipe)
Vibe: Mainly focused on takeaway, but trust me: you'll want to go out of your way for these Taiwanese rice balls.
Must orders: Jumeok Bap with king crab or mayak egg, so delicious.
@chinguamsterdam
📍 Leonardo's Ravioli Bar (De Pijp)
Vibe: Italian bistro full of cozy nooks in the always lively Pijp neighborhood. Now also open for lunch on weekends.
Must-have orders: as many as possible. And share everything. I can be brief about that.
@leonardosraviolibar
📍 Yellow River Handpulled Noodles (Center)
Vibe: like stepping into a Chinese canteen. You order at the kiosk and wait for your number to be called.
Must-try orders: choose your favorite thickness of noodles + the minced meat noodles. The dumplings are also definitely worth trying.
@yellowrivernoodles
Please let us know where you're going first.
Or where you recently had the best meal, I'm curious!
✖️✖️✖️
🖊️ @anne_de_buck
#amsterdamfood #amsterdam #amsterdamrestaurant #amsterdamlife #amsterdamtravel #amsterdamrestaurants #hotspots
16 X surprising (smaller) cities in the Netherlands for a weekend away
Leeuwarden
Did you know that Leeuwarden was the European Capital of Culture in 2018? The Frisian capital boasts a vibrant nightlife, canals lined with historic buildings, and excellent shops: Kleine Kerkstaat has even been named the best shopping street in the Netherlands not once, but several times! Leeuwarden is also an excellent base for mudflat hiking.
Amersfoort (NL)
The Koppelpoort gate and the Onze Lieve Vrouwentoren (Our Lady's Tower) give this city in the province of Utrecht a historic character. Rent a sloop, canoe, or submarine and explore Amersfoort from the canals. In good weather, the city beach of Zandvoort on the Eem River is a must. In De Nieuwe Stad (New Town), you'll find old factory halls with trendy shops, restaurants, and artistic and creative businesses.
Amersfoort (NL)
Zwolle
This city in Overijssel boasts plenty of water! Rent a boat or stroll through the lush greenery along the canal. The fortifications are impressive, with the Sassenpoort as its highlight. Culture lovers, foodies, and intrepid shoppers will delight in the bustling city center, brimming with charming boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.
Deventer
One of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, situated in a beautiful rural area in Overijssel. The IJssel River meanders through the historic city center, creating an atmospheric contrast with the many contemporary shops and cafés. A visit to the Toy Museum or the Waaggebouw is a must, and at the Deventer Koekwinkel, you can sample the traditional recipe.
Middelburg
In this Zeeland city, you'll find over 1100 monuments, all within walking distance as you wander through alleyways and squares. Highlights? The Old Town Hall and the Lange Jan (Long John). You can shop for hours in Sint Jansstraat and Langeviele. Deltapark Neeltje Jans and Domburg beach are nearby.
Alkmaar
When talking about surprising cities in the Netherlands, this welcoming city on the North Holland Canal is a must-see. The city has a cozy village feel, and in summer, it hosts the historic cheese market on Fridays. From Alkmaar, you can quickly reach the beach, the surrounding countryside, or other North Holland cities.
© Alkmaar
Hoorn
In this North Holland city on Lake Markermeer, you'll find plenty of historic mansions and warehouses from the Dutch East India Company (VOC) era. During a city walk, be sure to admire the beautiful details on the facades and, if possible, visit the Westfries Museum. Interior design enthusiasts, in particular, will find endless shopping opportunities here.
Goes
In the heart of Zeeland lies this small, historic town with its protected cityscape, instantly recognizable by its many churches and large water tower. The old city harbor is beautiful and even more enjoyable if you rent a boat. In the Manhuistuin (Manhuis Garden), you'll find large trees, tranquility, and free open-air concerts in the summer.
Dokkum
It's one of the eleven Frisian cities. A few years ago, the city was repaved and many historic buildings were restored. And with great results! In Dokkum, you'll find more than 140 national monuments, and small shops and restaurants create a cheerful, welcoming atmosphere. Their specialty? Dokkum coffee, of course!
© Dokkum
Enschede
This old textile town in Overijssel is full of Twente's down-to-earth charm and conviviality. The Oude Markt (Old Market Square) is bustling and bustling, but within ten minutes you're surrounded by greenery for a pleasant nature or countryside walk. Or hop on a bike and explore nearby villages like Lonneker, Haaksbergen, Boekelo, Oldenzaal, and Ootmarsum.
Hilversum
This North Holland media city is full of imposing villas, is the largest town in Het Gooi, and borders the Groene Hart (Green Heart), characterized by its beautiful green peat meadows. Cycle or walk around Het Gooi. And of course, a visit to the Image and Sound Museum is a must.
© Hilversum
Zierikzee
This Zeeland city lies on the Oosterschelde estuary and boasts 568 national monuments. The cityscape has been protected since 1971. The 61-meter-high Sint-Lievensmonstertoren (Sint-Lievens Monster Tower) – nicknamed the Dikke Toren (Fat Tower) – is a highlight, both literally and figuratively. Wander through the streets, admire the facades, and marvel at the old city gates.
Dordrecht
Residents call this South Holland city "Dordrecht" (Dordrecht), situated on the island between the branches of the Merwede River. The three-river point in the old city center is a major intersection in the European waterway network and therefore always busy with boats. A city full of historic courtyards, lifestyle shops, and coffee shops, with the Hollandse Biesbosch nature and recreation area in its backyard.
© Dordrecht
Apeldoorn
This city in Gelderland is known for its low-rise, monumental houses. No large apartment buildings here! In the "De Parken" district, you'll find four city parks, all national monuments. The city center offers excellent shopping and dining, and you're also just a short distance from the expansive nature of the Veluwe. And don't forget Paleis Het Loo!
Gouda
This South Holland city is located in the Green Heart region, where the Gouwe and Hollandse IJssel rivers meet. Gouda is roughly equidistant from Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht. Gouda cheese is, of course, world-famous, so your city break isn't complete without tasting some cheese at the traditional cheese market or in one of the specialty shops. And don't miss the stained-glass windows in St. John's Church.
© Gouda
Leiden
Last but not least on this list of surprising cities in the Netherlands! The historic city center has been beautifully renovated and steals the show with its canals, monumental buildings, and romantic courtyards. Moreover, Leiden boasts the oldest university in the Netherlands and a wide range of museums. And did you know that tulips don't actually originate in Amsterdam, but were first planted in Leiden's Hortus Botanicus?
© Leiden
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