While Amsterdam is on the bucket list of all the UK travellers visiting the Netherlands, the country also offers some of the best Dutch cities beyond Amsterdam. Undoubtedly, this city feels like a fairy tale, but some lesser-explored ones will also be worth your time.
That includes historic canals, modern design, rich cultural hubs, and world-class culinary scenes. So, whether you want to explore these Dutch cities for architecture, stroll along streets, or bike through park-lined waterways, the following guide includes a list of Dutch cities that deserve to be in every itinerary for a weekend break.
Moreover, if you are a UK resident, then you may have to get a Netherlands visa to cross the country’s border. Here, you will also find the right way to apply for your visa and secure it without facing any complexities. So, let’s get into the blog now!
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You might think that every city in the Netherlands is like Amsterdam, with the canals and narrow houses, but the reality is that every city has different architecture and a different vibe from region to region. So, do not go with the myth that every city looks the same! Here are the 5 best Dutch cities to explore on your weekend or long trip to the Netherlands.
If you love the iconic Amsterdam canal aesthetic but want a more local, laid-back vibe, then Utrecht should be at the top of your travel list. It is located right in the center of the country, which is less than a 30-minute train ride from Schiphol Airport.
Activities to Explore
Ideal For
Couples, solo travellers, and culture lovers seeking authentic Dutch charm with a side of less touristy crowds.
| At times, UK travellers get confused about the visa types and end up applying for the wrong one. Moreover, the country also has a visa rejection rate of 17.7%, globally. So, here is some quick information about the visa type that you must be aware of to avoid visa rejection. As you will be visiting the Netherlands to explore its cities, sightseeing, and leisurely activities, you will have to apply for a Netherlands tourist visa from UK. Moreover, if you need any further clarification about the visa type or have any other visa-related doubts, you can talk to our experts. |
The city was totally rebuilt after World War II. Rotterdam stands in stark contrast to the traditional medieval Dutch towns. It’s a vibrant, energetic city known across the world for its cutting-edge architecture, street art and maritime history.
Activities to Explore
Ideal For
Foodies, travellers who are looking for an energetic, modern city vibe and architecture buffs.
| Common Myth: Many travellers think that Rotterdam is a completely new city with no history. Fact: This city was heavily devastated during World War 2, and was rebuilt into a skyline of modern and experimental architecture. So, many visitors assume it was essentially founded after the war. |
Haarlem is also considered one of the best Dutch cities to visit from the UK that is just 20 kilometers west of Amsterdam. If you are looking for a quieter, more relaxed cousin to the Dutch capital, it features stunning medieval architecture and beautiful canals.
Activities to Explore
Ideal For
Day trippers, slow travellers, and shoppers who are looking for a cozy historic retreat.
This city is tucked into the southernmost tip of the country between Belgium and Germany. Moreover, it offers a distinctly different vibe from the northern Dutch provinces. Being one of the best Dutch cities to explore, UK travellers can expect cobblestone squares, medieval fortresses, and a rich Burgundian food culture.
Activities to Explore
Ideal For
Gourmets, history lovers, and travellers who are seeking a romantic weekend with a southern European touch.
| Till now, we have covered the top 4 best Dutch cities that are worth adding to your itinerary. But have you applied for your Netherlands visa? If not, then do that if your travel dates are just 2-3 months away. Just fill out the online visa application form and secure your visa appointment slot without any hassle in just a few days. |
The Hague (known locally as Den Haag or ‘s-Gravenhage) is a unique, stately city on the western coast of the Netherlands. It is the third-largest city in the country and is famous for its fine architecture, political history and access to the coast.
Activities to Explore
Ideal For
Art lovers and beachgoers who want city sophistication paired with coastal sea breezes.
| Common Myth: Amsterdam is the seat of government. Fact: Amsterdam is the capital, but the Dutch government, parliament, and royal office are all located in The Hague. |
Here is a quick comparison table of the Dutch cities that we have discussed above.
| City | Best Known For | Vibe & Atmosphere | Key Highlight/Activity |
| Utrecht | Medieval canal wharf cellars & Dom Tower | Historic, relaxed, local | Kayaking the Oudegracht |
| Rotterdam | Futuristic design & modern architecture | Energetic, avant-garde, industrial | Exploring the Cube Houses & Markthal |
| Haarlem | Golden Age history & boutique shopping | Cozy, quiet, classic Dutch | Shopping the Gouden Straatjes |
| Maastricht | Burgundian cuisine & medieval fortress ruins | Elegant, romantic, Southern European | Visiting Bookhandel Dominicanen (church bookstore) |
| The Hague | Royal palaces, art museums & beach coasts | Regal, sophisticated, coastal | Seeing Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring |
Yes. You can book your Netherlands visa appointment in London, even if you live in Manchester, as long as you have a valid residence permit for the UK. The Netherlands allows UK residents to get their in-person biometrics appointment booked at any of the official VFS centres across the UK, regardless of their specific residential postcode.
So, you can get your Netherlands visa appointment from UK at any visa centre without worrying about the location. Thinking about how to get the visa appointment? Our Netherlands Visa experts provide an online platform to secure your appointment without standing in the long waiting lines at the visa centres. So, apply now, get in touch with our experts and take one step closer to securing your Netherlands tourist visa.
If your Netherlands visa application is rejected, you will receive an email from the visa officials explaining the reasons for the rejection. First, you will have to acknowledge those mistakes and ensure that you do not make them again in your new application. Then, you can reapply for your Netherlands visa by filling out a new visa application.
If you are a British citizen or a passport holder of a country that is visa-exempt in the Schengen region, then you can visit the Netherlands without a visa. But only for a particular period of time, i.e., for up to 90 days within a 180-day period (short stays). However, if you have planned a visit to the Netherlands for more than 90 days, then you will have to apply for a long-stay visa.
Yes, the Netherlands is perfect for a family weekend break. It is very safe, clean, and easy to travel around with kids of all ages using trains or bikes. Cities like Utrecht and Haarlem have calm canals, pedestrian-friendly streets, and great parks to explore. Moreover, children will love unique attractions like the interactive Miffy Museum in Utrecht, boating along the waterways, or taking a quick tram trip to the beach in The Hague.
Yes, the Netherlands is considered a very safe country to visit and live in. Most of the travellers have even claimed that the country feels exceptionally safe compared to major urban areas globally. However, there are some safety measures that every traveller should take in every country they visit. Other than that, the country is definitely a must-visit without worrying about the safety concerns
