Best Places to Visit in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the most expensive countries to visit. The Dutch themselves nickname their country as ‘Kok-Volk-Vlees’ which directly translates to ‘people who eat cabbage and drink beer. This is because Dutch culture revolves around eating a diet rich in vegetables and drinking a lot of beer. But this doesn’t mean that traveling here is unaffordable for everyone. There are plenty of activities and sights you can visit in the Netherlands on a budget, provided you know where to look. If you love exploring new cultures, beautiful landscapes, and architecture, then adding The Netherlands to your bucket list is an excellent idea. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best places in the Netherlands if you’re on a budget, detailing why they are great for travelers with limited financial means as well as offering advice on how to get there without spending all your money in advance.
1. Rotterdam
Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands and without a doubt one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands if you’re on a budget. The city is famous for its architecture and design, as well as its unique history. Rotterdam was famously bombed during World War II, which left the city with countless architectural wonders that have been preserved to this day. The city is also home to a wide variety of museums that cover topics such as fashion, art, ships, and architecture. Rotterdam also has a vibrant art scene and is home to the famous Markthal, an indoor market that is covered in an immense ‘hyperbolic paraboloid’ roof made of white steel and glass. If you’re visiting Rotterdam and have a little bit of money to burn, you should definitely look into going to see the Rijksmuseum. This museum houses a large collection of art from the Dutch Golden Age and is a great way to learn about Dutch culture.
2. Amsterdam
Any list of the best places to visit in the Netherlands if you’re on a budget would be remiss to not include Amsterdam, the most well-known city in the country. Amsterdam is a place that exudes charm and whimsy. It is home to many beautiful canals, endless amounts of tulips, and a laid-back culture that is sure to make any visitor feel welcome. There are endless amounts of things to do in Amsterdam at every price point. The Anne Frank House, for example, is a must-see for any visitor to Amsterdam and costs only around 11 euros for entry. You can also go on a canal tour or visit the Rijksmuseum, which houses a world-class art collection.
3. Utrecht
If you are interested in seeing some of the most beautiful architecture in the Netherlands, then you should consider visiting Utrecht. The city is home to the ‘Grote Markt,’ a market square that is surrounded by a host of Medieval and Renaissance buildings that are some of the most striking in the country. Utrecht is also home to the Dom Tower, a Gothic tower that is one of the tallest structures in the Netherlands. If you’re interested in visiting either of these places, you should know that there are ferries that go directly from Amsterdam to Utrecht and cost only around 6 euros per person. This is one of the cheapest ways to get to the city and the views of Amsterdam from the water are worth the trip alone.
4. Hague
The Hague is one of the most important cities in the Netherlands. It is the seat of government, home to the Prime Minister, and therefore full of history and culture. If you’re interested in visiting a place that is steeped in politics, culture, and history, then you should consider visiting Hague. There are many museums in Hague that you can visit for a small fee. You can also go sightseeing and visit many of the government buildings that sit on ‘the Dam,’ or take a boat ride along the waterways that criss-cross the city.
5. Groningen
Groningen is the largest city in the Northern Netherlands and therefore full of history, culture, and a wide variety of museums and sights. You can easily spend a few days in Groningen and see everything that the city has to offer. You can visit the Groninger Museum, which houses a large collection of Dutch art, or the Natural History Museum, which has a wide variety of fascinating exhibits. Groningen is also home to the Gebroeders Boerderij Museum, which is a museum that houses a collection of old farming equipment. This is one of the cheapest museums in Groningen and well worth a visit.
6. Bruges: A Tiny City in the Netherlands That’s Worth a Visit
Bruges is a tiny city in the Southern Netherlands that is well worth a visit. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its Medieval architecture and is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. Bruges is also incredibly cheap. You can get a beer in a pub for only around 2 euros, you can stay in a hostel for less than 10 euros a night, and you can eat at a nice restaurant for around 25 euros. Bruges is a great place to visit if you are interested in architecture. You can take an audio tour of the city or even sign up for a guided tour that shows you around Bruges’ famous sights. If you have time, you can also visit the Bruges Waffle Shop, where you can get unlimited waffles for less than 10 euros.
Conclusion
The Netherlands is a wonderful country with rich culture, friendly people, and amazing architecture, but it can be expensive. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to visit the Netherlands on a budget if you know where to look. Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Groningen, and Bruges are just a few of the best places to visit in the Netherlands if you’re on a budget.
