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The Netherlands is a spectacular country known for its rich culture, scenic landscapes, and bustling cities. Ranging from iconic tulips and historical windmills to a few of the world’s best museums and too many romantic canals, the Netherlands gives a taste of its own to its every visitor. The country being meant specifically for those into history, art, nature, or current urban life has a charm of its own. The capital, Amsterdam, holds first place with its recognizable canal belt, the Anne Frank House, and the Rijksmuseum. Other cities like Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague can’t be overlooked either with their respective stunning attractions that make the Netherlands the place.
If you are planning to visit this wonderful country, confirm about your needed travel documents. For Indian travelers, the next step to enjoying the beauty of a European country is applying for Netherland visa. One must meet the following prerequisites to be successfully eligible for a Netherland visa: having a valid Indian passport, showing proof of travel arrangements in terms of travel ticket/confirmation of the itinerary, having travel insurance with liability coverage of at least INR 1,000,000, etc. Once approved, you can start exploring every stunning gateway of the Netherland one can only dream for.
Here are some of the top must-see attractions in the Netherlands.
1. The Canal Ring of Amsterdam
The canals of Amsterdam are indeed one of the most celebrated landmarks in the Netherlands. The canal ring, built at the end of the 17th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is historic and charming for visiting tourists. You can travel the canals by boat or cycle them by foot and observe the unique historical architectural features with the lively milieu of the city. The best way to see the canals is by taking a canal cruise, as it shows inspiring scenery and historical facts,’s.
2. Keukenhof Gardens
If you come to the Netherlands in the spring, make sure not to miss the Keukenhof Gardens. Called the “Garden of Europe,” Keukenhof is one of the largest flower gardens in the world, spread across an area of 32 hectares. Millions of tulips, daffodils, and other flowers grow in the gardens, delighting nature lovers and photographers alike. The best time to visit is mid-march to mid-may, when the flowers are produced at their best.
3. Zaanse Schans
You’ll find Zaanse Schans to be the most authentic site on traditional Dutch life. Outside the city of Amsterdam, this open-air museum has preserved the older windmills, wooden houses, and artisanal workshops. Visitors would see how cheese is made, how wooden clog is crafted, and also visit active windmills from the 18th and 19th centuries.
4. Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam boasts one of the top art museums of the world, and that is the Rijksmuseum. Here, you will find some of the best works of famous Dutch painters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Van Gogh. While probably the best known of which is Rembrandt’s “The Night Watch,” there are thousands of other artworks and historical artifacts that form a whole world of insight into Dutch history and culture.
5. The House of Anne Frank
Anne Frank House is among the most sorrowful historic places in the Netherlands. This Amsterdam site is dedicated to the memory of Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl who kept a diary while hiding from the Nazis during the World War II. Visitors may view the secret annex where Anne and her family lived as well as learn the impact of the Holocaust. Feeling this experience in a real way teaches an important lesson in history and humanity.
6. Kinderdijk Windmills
No trip to the Netherlands is complete without seeing the famed windmills. The Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage site is home to 19 windmills, some of the finest-preserved examples of 18th-century engineering. These windmills were initially constructed to control flooding and water levels, whereas today, they provide a gorgeous, scenic landscape for visitors to brush up on Dutch water management history and take stunning pictures.
7. Mauritshuis Museum at The Hague
Mauritshuis is a museum, located in political capital of the Netherlands, The Hague, which holds some of the most revered paintings of the world. Among the highlights is Vermeer with his “Girl with a Pearl Earring” as well as works by Rembrandt and other Dutch masters. The museum may be small, but it is crowded with extraordinary works of art that represent the rich cultural heritage of the Netherlands.
8. Dom Tower in Utrecht
Utrecht is among the oldest cities in the Netherlands, well-known for its charming canals and medieval architecture. At the tallest church tower in the country, the view is spectacular over the city. Climbing the 465 stairs does take effort, but the breathtaking panoramic view is worth it. The city itself deserves exploring with pleasant cafés along the canals and historic streets.
9. Efteling Theme Park
If it’s magic you’re after, then Efteling would be the largest theme park in the Netherlands. Commonly compared to Disneyland, this theme park is designed around uniquely Dutch fairy-tales. With attractions from European folklore, thrilling roller coasters, and spellbinding shows, Efteling dishes out enough fun for kids and adults alike. The exquisite landscaping and extraordinary storytelling makes Efteling yet another must-see.
10. Modern Architecture and Markthal in Rotterdam
Rotterdam sets itself apart with modern and futuristic architecture from the majority of the cities in the Netherlands. Heavily bombed during World War II, the city was reconstructed with innovative designs. Must-visit landmarks include the Cube Houses, the Erasmus bridge, and the magnificent Markthal, a giant food market with a colourful mural on the ceiling. Rotterdam is a vibrant city juxtaposed with conventional Dutch townships, making it an exciting place to discover.
Conclusion
The Netherlands is a perfect combination of history, nature, and modern attractions. This is all about taking boat rides through the canals of Amsterdam, tulip fields in Keukenhof, Van Gogh treasure, and countless other treasures. Efficient transportations and people who always seem to be more lucky giving someone a helping hand only make it easier to wander around as a guest.
For Indian travelers, securing a Netherlands Visa is the key to unlocking this amazing journey. It is advisable to apply Netherlands Visa from India well in advance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. With proper planning and the right visa documents, you can enjoy the best of Dutch culture, history, and natural beauty. The Netherlands is truly a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list!
