16 X small and surprising cities in the Netherlands for a weekend away

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!

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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