Luna Explores Europe
5 places to visit in the Netherlands (not Amsterdam)
I'm Luna, and a few years ago I began exploring Europe with my wonderful boyfriend. I’m eager to share my adventures, tips, and more with fellow travelers. So far, I've embarked on 8 trips and visited 12 countries.
Often when I tell someone that I'm Dutch, they'll say something like, "Ah, I love Amsterdam. I visited there X years ago to see some friends!"
But the Netherlands is more than just Amsterdam.
It may be flat, and as soon as I can, I'll head south. But I also know there are places in the Netherlands that are definitely worth visiting.
So buckle up, because here are 5 places to visit (with their Dutch names, not the English ones) that you might already know, which I personally find a more enjoyable experience than Amsterdam.
Nijmegen (Gelderland, the Netherlands)
Nijmegen is my hometown, but my parents soon moved to a bigger house in a village near Nijmegen.
It's a vibrant city with a very old city center, as the Romans designated it as an important border town hundreds of years ago. Back then, it was called Novio Magus.
One of the best moments, and one I would highly recommend, is when you take the train from Arnhem to Nijmegen (it takes about 20 minutes and runs every 10 minutes) and get to see the cityscape over the Waal River. The famous Waal Bridge is truly a symbol of Nijmegen's pride.
I remember when I was attending college there in 2019/20, I would always pause whatever I was doing to take a moment and enjoy the experience of crossing the water. It's a magical moment.
Deventer (Overrijsel, the Netherlands)
Deventer also played an important role in the past, as this Dutch city was a member of the Hanseatic League in the Middle Ages (a medieval association of merchants and cities), and it is still known by many as a true Hanseatic city. You can still recognize this in certain aspects.
In addition to being a student city, like Nijmegen, you can enjoy wandering through the narrow, charming streets in the city center.
Fun Fact:
Deventer is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, home to the oldest walking park and scientific library! The city is also the home of the oldest stone house in the Netherlans, but you'll need to look closely, as it's a bit hidden.
Volendam (Noord-Holland, the Netherlands)
The picturesque village of Volendam is a typical Dutch fishing village located close to Amsterdam, which also attracts a fair amount of tourism.
The famous view of colorful houses along the water is complemented by cute little streets, bridges, souvenir shops, and a view over the sea.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Volendam was a place where many artists settled, drawn by the village's atmosphere.
Fun Fact:
Many well-known Dutch singers come from Volendam, such as Jan Smit, Nick & Simon and 3J's.
Utrecht (Utrecht, the Netherlands)
Utrecht is a busy city, but according to many, it's also a very fun one. The city is home to the largest train station in the Netherlands, where between 250,000 and 300,000 people pass through daily.
Before reaching the city center, you can choose to visit the large indoor shopping mall, or you can walk all the way through to the other side and immediately be in the city.
Utrecht is full of lovely cafés and restaurants. It also has a few canal belt areas where you can enjoy a cozy terrace in the summer.
The famous landmark, the Dom Tower, is finally out of scaffolding! Another fun thing to do is to crawl underground by booking a tour for DomUnder.
On the Dom Square, you'll also find fantastic spots to enjoy the old city vibe and do some shopping.
Fun Fact:
The University Library was roughly 200 years ago the palace of Louis Napoleon!
Maastricht (Limburg, the Netherlands)
Maastricht is also known as the pearl of the south. This city has a rich history, charm, and you can enjoy a true "Bourgondian" experience, the perfect combination if you ask me!
Wander through the winding streets of the historic city center, admire the impressive Saint Servatius Basilica, or explore the underground world of the Casemates.
You'll truly experience the hospitality of the people from Limburg. For example, on the terrace, the staff is never shy about striking up a conversation with you.
If I had to describe Maastricht in one word, I would say "gezellig".
