Don’t we all like to explore off the beaten path places? These days with social media all around it is hard to find places that are still unspoiled by mass tourism. In 2018 I wanted to explore the Netherlands some more. I already visited Amsterdam a few times before and some cities close to the Belgian border such as Breda and Eindhoven. But those are more “shopping cities” to me and aren’t really that pretty. I wanted to find some more authentic places and that’s how I ended up at these lesser known places in the Netherlands.
Five lesser known places in the Netherlands you should visit
Delft
One of the first day trips I did last year was Delft. This little town is situated between the bigger coastal city The Hague and Rotterdam, the major port city. It is most famous for its Delftware, hand-painted blue-and-white pottery. But what most people don’t know is that it is actually a pretty charming canal-ringed town. You can wander around its tiny narrow streets, shop or eat fresh fish at one of the many restaurants or market stalls.
Personal highlights:
- The “Markt” is surrounded by the magnificent City Hall, the New Church and a lot of restaurants
- The Old Church
- The Eastern Gate
- Voldersgracht
- Oude Delft
- Read more here: One Day at Delft
Strijbeekse Heide (Heathland of Strijbeek)
This beautiful piece of nature is definitely one of my favorite lesser known places in the Netherlands and lies South from Breda at the border with Belgium. I went there at the end of August when the heather flowers are in bloom and it was so pretty! The Smugglers’ Route is a hike with a lot of variation; you’ll walk through the heathland, the forest, along meers and grass fields AND you’ll cross the border with Belgium. So if you’re looking for a nice and quiet escape during your trip around the Netherlands, this is the perfect place.
Veere
Veere lies in the province of Zeeland, North of Middelburg, right beside the Veerse Meer (Lake from Veere). This cute town with its little harbour used to be an important staple port for Scottish wool. But now it is just a beautiful small town, fun to wander around. Especially during the Summertime this is a nice location to have some drinks beside the water,
dream about which yacht could be yours or shop at the cute little stores.
Personal highlights:
- Oma’s Snoepwinkel (Granny’s Candy Store with authentic Dutch candy like back in the old days)
- Markt with the City Hall and its majestic tower
- Campveerse Toren
- Kaai (right by the harbour)
Zierikzee
Situated beside the Oosterschelde, 30 kilometers Southwest from Rotterdam, Zierikzee is a city that still owns a lot of its historical buildings. It is more bustling than Veere and what caught my eye the most were the crooked houses. I already saw a lot of them in Amsterdam, but I didn’t know there were so many outside of the Netherlands’ capital. I always try to find the most crooked house. So I had a fun time looking for it over here.
Personal highlights:
- Havenplein
- Climb the Diek Toren (Thick Tower)
- City Hall
- Hem; a street with old slaughter houses
Utrecht
Beside Amsterdam this must be my second favorite city in the Netherlands. Even though it isn’t exactly unknown, it still gets overlooked by a lot of tourists. I spent a weekend here with a friend last year and I had the best time shopping, wandering around the canals and having drinks & delicious food. If you want to escape the crowds in Amsterdam, this city is the ideal alternative. You can find canals with beautiful Dutch canal houses, many good restaurants, a lot of shopping opportunities and the locals are very friendly.
Personal highlights:
- Oude Gracht
- Nieuwe Gracht
- City Hall
- Domplein
- Chloorstraat (fun little shops)
- Plompetorengracht
- Drift
- Molen Rijn en Zon
- Read more here: One Day in Utrecht
I hope you enjoyed this “Five lesser known places in the Netherlands” article! Don’t hesitate to leave your comments down below!
If you want to help me a little please share this post on Facebook, Twitter or any kind of social media and book your next trip via my booking.com link. A small thing for you to do that can make a big difference for me! Massive thanks!
If you like the pictures in this article, I suggest to follow my Instagram account where you can find a lot more.
I agree on Delft. Also, consider a ride on the steamtram in Hoorn.