11 Beautiful Small Towns in the Netherlands to Visit

Q: How small is the Netherlands?

The Netherlands has a total area of 41,850 km2 (16,160 sq mi), which is smaller than West Virginia, but slightly larger than the state of Maryland.

A quiet canal street lined with red flower pots and houses with pointed roofs, in the small town of Gouda.

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Wondering what small towns in the Netherlands to visit? Well, you are in the right place!

The Netherlands is known for its iconic windmills, traditional Dutch architecture, and signature canals. But despite its size, the Netherlands is jam–packed with beautiful towns that belong in a fairytale.

During our two-week trip, we discovered several towns to visit in the Netherlands that are small and adorable.

And yes… we fell in love with more than a few!

We put together a list of our favorite small towns in the Netherlands that you need to visit!

They are all charming, within 80 minutes of Amsterdam, flat, and easily walkable.

This makes them perfect for slow travelers or those with chronic pain or mobility issues like me.

Here are the 11 most beautiful small towns in the Netherlands to add to your itinerary.

Let’s do this!

Map of Small Towns in the Netherlands

Known for its colorful tulips and iconic windmills, the Netherlands is overflowing with picturesque towns.

Today, you’ll discover 11 of these charming towns and what makes them worth visiting.

I hope these adorable Dutch towns captivate and inspire your trip!

A turquoise map showing the 11 most beautiful small towns in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is also included to give perspective.

The towns are listed from north to south using this map.

The quiet waterfront of Harlingen with its brick houses and red promenade. There is a single sailboat in the harbor.

1. Harlingen

Harlingen is a historic port city and is one of the best towns in the Netherlands. It is known for its maritime history, picturesque harbor, vibrant culture, and welcoming locals.

The quaint streets are lined with colorful buildings, cozy cafes, and local shops selling traditional Dutch goods.

As a slow traveler, you will have no trouble immersing yourself in the laid-back lifestyle of this charming town.

Watch the boats come in at the Noorderhaven and Zuiderhaven harbors as you enjoy fish and chips in a cute waterfront cafe.

A beautiful blue and white sailboat in the harbor. There are red roofed houses and green trees under a bright blue sky.

Harlingen Beach is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sea breeze.

There you will find Harlingen Lighthouse, one of the tallest lighthouses in the Netherlands. You can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and the Wadden Sea.

Harlingen is also the gateway to the Wadden Islands, particularly Terschelling and Vlieland.

Join a boat trip excursion to one of these islands in the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its unique ecosystem and tidal flats.

👉Things to Do in Harlingen:
✔️Explore Harbour & Canals
✔️Harlingen Lighthouse & Beach
✔️Boat Trip to Wadden Islands

A close up of a brick house with cream colored trim, green shrubs and a purple bicycle in Harlingen, one of the best small towns in the Netherlands

Where to Stay in Herlingen

📍Hotel ‘t Heerenlogement: This 3-star waterfront hotel offers comfortable rooms, friendly hosts, a restaurant, and parking.
➡️Book your stay at Hotel ‘t Heerenlogement now!

📍Harlingen Staete Wellness B&B: This quaint B&B has quiet rooms, kitchen/BBQ facilities, free parking, and a garden with a canal.
➡️Book your stay at Harlingen Staete Wellness B&B now!

The tranquil village of Giethoorn with traditional thatched-roofs houses in the distance, green grass and a pathway that borders a tiny canal.

2. Giethoorn

Nicknamed the “Venice of the North”, Giethoorn is one of the small towns in the Netherlands you don’t want to miss!

But what makes Giethoorn truly unique is its lack of roads. It is a pedestrian-friendly village with charming walking paths along winding canals.

If you love slow travel like me, you will appreciate Giethoorn’s hidden gardens, quaint bridges, thatched-roof farmhouses, and picturesque landscapes.

It’s easy to get lost in this peaceful paradise.

A traditional thatched -roof house covered with green moss on a corner with giant trees where two canals merge. Giethoorn is one of the most beautiful small towns in the Netherlands.

Giethoorn offers a different experience for those trying to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

There is nothing quite like renting a whisper boat and drifting gently through the quiet village. That’s right… there will be no noisy motors to ruin the tranquility!

Giethoorn is made for nature lovers and is home to the De Wieden Nature Reserve. Here you will encounter the most diverse wildlife in the region.

And if that’s not your thing, head to ‘t Olde Maat Uus Museum. It’s an old farm turned museum, that offers a peek into Giethoorn’s history and local life.

👉Things to Do in Giethoorn:
✔️Take a whisper boat cruise
✔️Museum Giethoorn’t Olde Maat Uus
✔️Walk along Bospad & Dorpsgracht canals

An adorable white house in Giethoorn with baby blue shutters and a thatched roof. There is a tiny canal lined with pink and purple germaniums leadign towards the house.

Where to Stay in Giethoorn

📍Fletcher Hotel–Restaurant Marknesse: This 4-star upscale hotel offers bright, modern rooms, a restaurant/bar, and free parking.
➡️Book your stay at Fletcher Hotel–Restaurant Marknesse now!

📍B&B Tulden Farmhouse: This sustainable friendly B&B offers a unique stay & delicious breakfast in the village of Giethoorn.
➡️Book your stay at B&B Tulden Farmhouse now!

A historic bridge that raises for boats over a quiet canal in Edam. There is a perfect relfection in the water of the green house and red roof behind the bridge.

3. Edam

Located in the province of North Holland, Edam is one of the best small towns in the Netherlands. It is known for its charming canals, traditional Dutch architecture, and of course, its famous cheese.

With its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery, it’s easy to slow down and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Rent a bike and explore the countryside. Or stroll along the quiet canals and appreciate the gorgeous views and historic charm of Edam.

4 big yellow wheels of Edam cheese stacked on 4 shelfs. Behind are smaller, colorful wheels of cheese.

If you love history, then check out the Edam Museum. It’s like a time capsule, giving you a glimpse into how folks lived in the 16th century.

You won’t want to miss Edam’s famous Cheese Market, held every Wednesday during the summer months. Watch as locals trade this delicious cheese with traditional methods.

You will want to indulge in some cheese tasting yourself. You’re in the land of the world’s best Edam cheese, after all!

👉Things to Do in Edam:
✔️Edam Museum
✔️Stroll the Historic Center
✔️Visit the Cheese Market

A quiet treel-lined canal in Edam, one of the best small towns in the Netherlands to visit, There is a small foot bridge decorated with flowers and a historic building in the distance.

Where to Stay in Edam

📍Hotel en Restaurant de Fortuna: Full of Dutch charm, this hotel sits on a canal, with cozy rooms, a tasty breakfast, and free parking.
➡️Book your stay at Hotel en Restaurant de Fortuna now!

📍I’Auberge Damhotel: In the historic center, this romantic 3-star hotel has beautiful rooms, canal views, and a delicious breakfast.
➡️Book your stay at I’Auberge Damhotel now!

A black and white cow grazing in a vibrant green pasture on the way to Volendam, a small town in the Netherlands. There is a single windmill in the background and a cluster of homes with pointed, red roofs.

4. Volendam

Just north of Amsterdam is the quaint fishing village of Volendam. There is no direct train, but the 20-minute drive takes you through green pastures with dairy cows and windmills.

Volendam has a distinct look and vibe, making it one of the more unique small towns in the Netherlands to visit.

The waterfront promenade is lined with Dutch houses decorated with green accents and red pointed roofs.

Little cute shops and lively pubs overlook the harbor where you’ll find traditional fishing boats.

You may want to take a boat trip to the island of Marken where you will find houses built on stilts.

A row of colored buildings with red pointed roofs facing the harbor in the town of Volendam. People are walking about and sitting at cafes.

The pedestrian pathway winds its way through town, passing old fisherman homes with large trees resting at the canal’s edge.

We enjoyed a glimpse into a more authentic way of life in this village. And even though it was July, the town was nearly empty during our visit!

Volendam Museum is a good choice to learn about what daily life was like. There are authentic displays, original rooms, and traditional costumes. You can even opt for a professional photo shoot!

👉Things to Do in Volendam:
✔️Stroll through the Village
✔️Volendam Museum
✔️Boat Trip to Marken

Robyn standing next to a canal in the quiet town of Volendam. The water is reflecting the colorful houses and there are no tourists around.

Where to Stay in Volendam

📍Marinapark Volendam: With quiet harbor views, this property has modern, spacious rooms, a restaurant, breakfast, & an indoor pool.
➡️Book your stay at Marinapark Volendam now!

📍Volendam Old Bridge Residence: This central hotel blends modern and traditional with quiet rooms, comfortable beds, and free parking.
➡️Book your stay at Volendam Old Bridge Residence now!

An arched bridge over a beautiful canal in the town of Leiden with brick buildings, terraces and floating restaurants full of people.

5. Leiden

The town of Leiden is delightful, packed with excellent museums and lovely cafes resting on beautiful canals.

The town has the second most waterways and bridges in the Netherlands, after Amsterdam.

Every road you wander has a gorgeous canal running parallel to it, creating a romantic and relaxed atmosphere.

The historic center is full of traditional architecture, huge green trees, delightful cafes, and eclectic shops.

I recommend enjoying lunch or dinner at one of the many boat restaurants floating in the canals. Leiden is famous for them, and they are delightful!

Robyn smiling with her arms raised, standing in the middle of a bridge full of bicycles over a canal. The colorful brick buildings line the canal in the distance.

Leiden is home to the oldest university in Holland, dating back to 1575. There are also gorgeous botanical gardens with hundreds of famous Dutch tulips.

You may want to consider renting a bike to explore the countryside and colorful flower fields.

Both the historic center and the countryside are flat, making it ideal for those with mobility issues.

👉Things to Do in Leiden:
✔️ De Valk Windmill Museum
✔️ Hooglandse Kerk
✔️ Rapenburg Canal
✔️ Pieterskerk

A view from across a canal lined with brick buildings, tall green trees and a floating restaurant. Leiden is one of the most charming small towns in the Netherlands to visit.

Where to Stay in Leiden

📍City Hotel Rembrandt: A 3-star hotel is close to the train, with bright rooms, comfortable beds, and available breakfast.
➡️Book your stay at City Hotel Rembrandt now!

📍Hotel Huys van Leyden: This intimate 4-star boutique hotel is on a canal in the heart of Leiden with spacious, elegant rooms.
➡️Book your stay at Hotel Huys van Leyden now!

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Brick houses lining a quiet canal in the town of Utrecht.

6. Utrecht

If you’re wondering if Utrecht is worth visiting, the answer is yes!

It offers the old-world charm and classic Dutch architecture of Amsterdam, yet without the hordes of tourists.

Utrecht is one of the cutest towns in the Netherlands.

As a quiet university town, it is the perfect place to get lost in for a few hours. Utrecht is flat and with an intriguing layout.

Tree-lined streets bend and curve around the main canal, Oudegracht, as it winds its way through town.

You never know what you may discover around the next corner!

A close up of the flying buttresses on the Utrecht Cathedral

We recommend checking out the Gothic Dom Tower, right in the historical center. It was the tallest building in the Netherlands for centuries.

You can climb the 465 steps to the top for amazing city views.

And with an abundance of interesting shops and little cafes, there are plenty of places to sit and just enjoy Utrecht’s relaxing vibe.

👉Things to Do in Utrecht:
✔️Dom Tower
✔️Utrecht Cathedral
✔️Enjoy the cafe culture
✔️Canal Cruise of Utrecht

Gavin standing on a cute pedestrian only street with brick buildings and outdoor cafes.

Where to Stay in Utrecht

📍Park Plaza Utrecht: You’ll find spacious, tastefully decorated rooms with comfortable beds, a breakfast buffet, paid parking, and gym.
➡️Book your stay at Park Plaza Utrecht now!

📍Hotel Beijers: A historic charming hotel in a quiet location that offers elegant rooms with courtyard/city views. Breakfast available.
➡️Book your stay at Hotel Beijers now!

A beautiful historic church in a quiet square with a gold fountain in the center with a bench. The Hague is definitely worth visiting.

7. the Hague

Although technically a city, we had to include The Hague in this list.

Known as ‘Den Haag’ in Dutch, it is the country’s political heart, housing the Dutch Parliament, the International Court of Justice, and the International Criminal Court.

Just like neighboring Germany, The Hague adds a unique historical and cultural flavor to any trip in the Netherlands.

But there’s more to The Hague than politics.

The city’s allure lies in its stunning blend of old and new.

The narrow, winding streets and old Dutch houses of the historic center are a stark contrast to the futuristic architecture in newer parts of the city.

The Hague offers vibrant neighborhoods, interesting historical attractions, beautiful parks, and a lively culinary scene.

And then there is the art…

The exterior of the Mauritshuis museum on the water in the Hague, with other beautiful historic buildings beside it .

A visit to the Mauritshuis Museum is a must for art enthusiasts. There you can admire stunning masterpieces such as Vermeer’s ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’.

The beachside district of Scheveningen provides seaside charm with a lively boardwalk, great restaurants, and North Sea views.

👉Things to Do in the Hague:
✔️Peace Palace
✔️The Binnenhof
✔️Mauritshuis Museum
✔️Beach & Promenade

Rows of colorful yellow, pink, red and green flowers curve towards a stunning building in the Hague.

Where to Stay in the Hague

📍Paleis Hotel: “Best of the Best” 2023 TripAdvisor award, this chic hotel offers impeccable service, a central location, & spacious rooms.
➡️Book your stay at Paleis Hotel now!

📍The Collector Hotel: Voted Traveler Choice in 2023, this modern hotel has an art deco flair, comfortable beds, and a restaurant.
➡️Book your stay at The Collector Hotel now!

8. Gouda

A town named after mouth-watering cheese… is there anything better?! Gouda lives up to its name and more.

There is so much to see and do in the adorable town of Gouda, that it should be included on every 2-week Netherlands itinerary.

Check out the 15^th-century Church of St. John, dedicated to John the Baptist. Located in the historic center, it has the longest nave in the Netherlands at 123 meters and is known for its delicate stained-glass windows.

The town even adopted the symbolic colors of white and red after their patron saint.

If you find yourself in the Netherlands between April and August, you need to visit the Gouda Cheese Market. This authentic Dutch experience dates to 1395 and is awesome!

Oversized wheels of cheese overtake the main square. Whether displayed on people’s wooden carts or stacked in piles in front of the impressive Gouda Stadhuis (Town Hall), cheese is everywhere!

The weekly market also sells local produce and has traditional Dutch cuisine to sample.

And if you happen to visit the Netherlands in winter, don’t worry… you can still sample this delicious Gouda cheese in the many shops in town.

👉Things to Do in Gouda:
✔️Central Square
✔️St. John’s Church
✔️Cheese Market & Tasting

Where to Stay in Gouda

📍Relais & Chateaux Weeshuis Gouda: Treat yourself to a 16th-century stay with charming rooms, a quiet terrace, & a restaurant.
➡️Book your stay at Relais & Chateaux Weeshuis Gouda now!

📍Best Western Plus City Hotel: On a canal, this 4-star upscale hotel has modern, spacious rooms with a restaurant, bar, and gym.
➡️Book your stay at Best Western Plus City Hotel now!

Robyn smiling and standing beside a bicycle on a small bridge over a canal in Delft. This is one of the most picturesque towns in the Netherlands.

9. Delft

Delft is one of the most beautiful towns to visit in the Netherlands. From quaint houses to tree-lined streets and picturesque canals, this town is a photographer’s dream!

Grab a coffee and set out with your camera in hand. I’m sure Delft will become one of your favorite towns too!

Not only is Delft the city of the Royal Family, but it is home to the famous Delft Blue ceramics. Artists create famous pottery here and there are several shops where you can purchase souvenirs.

For art and history lovers, it is also the birthplace of the artist Johannes Vermeer, who painted Girl with The Pearl Earring.

Streets full of little cafes, charming shops, and lampposts adorned with colorful flowers lead you toward the Markt, or main square.

Inside the Markt, you’ll find the New Church, or Nieuwe Kerk, and the stunning Town Hall.

The entire square is overflowing with adorable traditional Dutch architecture.

The Markt is the perfect place to grab lunch or sit with a coffee and people-watch.

👉Things to Do in Delft:
✔️Market Square (Markt)
✔️Nieuwe Kerk (New Church)
✔️Royal Delft Museum

Gavin smiling in the center of The Markt in Delft. Beautiful, traditional buildings and restaurants with outdoor patios line the square.

Where to Stay in Delft

📍Hotel Johannes Vermeer: Stay on a quiet canal, with Dutch-inspired décor, spacious rooms, friendly staff, bar, and optional breakfast.
➡️Book your stay at Hotel Johannes Vermeer now!

📍Hotel Arsenaal Delft: This stunning 4-star hotel offers spacious, tasteful rooms with amazing views, with a courtyard, bar, and parking.
➡️Book your stay at Hotel Arsenaal Delft now!

Adorable buildings with restaurant terraces with traditional Dutch architecture in the center of Dordrecht, one of the best small towns in the Netherlands to visit.

10. Dordrecht

Surrounded by water on all sides, Dordrecht is known as the ‘City of Water’.

Founded in 1008, it’s one of the oldest towns in Holland and feels like a gem hiding in plain sight.

Dordrecht is an absolute paradise for history buffs.

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time walking through the streets of over 1,000 monuments dating back centuries.

If you want to experience the history firsthand, consider staying at the gorgeous Villa Augustus Hotel, once an old water tower.

The massive bell tower of the Dordrecht Cathedral with green trees in the front.

There is a delightful blend of traditional culture, tasty food, and picturesque views here.

Although Dordrecht is one of the best towns in the Netherlands, it is relatively undiscovered. We visited during July and had the town practically to ourselves!

Dordrecht also hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in the Netherlands. So, if you’re a fan of twinkly lights, mulled wine, and holiday cheer, you’re in for a treat.

And being only an hour from the border, you could visit the Christmas markets in Belgium too on this perfect two-week trip in the Netherlands and Belgium!

👉Things to Do in Dordrecht:
✔️ Groothoofdspoort
✔️ Dordrecht Museum
✔️ Dordrecht Grote Kerk
✔️The Hof

A beautiful sunset with colored clouds above a quiet canal lined with gorgeous buildings & green trees in Dordrecht.

Where to Stay in Dordrecht

📍Hotel Dordrecht: This Victorian-style hotel, in a great location, has spacious, bright rooms, a helpful staff, breakfast, and free parking.
➡️Book your stay at Hotel Dordrecht now!

📍Villa Augustus: Stay in an overwater or tower room in this boutique hotel with comfortable beds, delicious breakfast, and free parking.
➡️Book your stay at Villa Augustus now!

A wide canal with long boats hugging the edge and traditional Dutch houses in the background in the small towns of Den Bosch.

11. ‘s–Hertogenbosch

‘s–Hertogenbosch is located in the south and is one of the cutest towns in the Netherlands.

Also called Den Bosch, it is known for its narrow streets, charming canals, and medieval architecture. It is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience traditional Dutch culture.

In the historic center, is the jaw-dropping St. John’s Cathedral. This impressive Gothic church from the 13th century will leave you speechless!

Climb to the top of the tower for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding countryside.

The Netherlands is really made for art lovers.

Den Bosch is the birthplace of the famous Dutch painter Hieronymus Bosch. You can visit the Jheronimus Bosch Art Center to see a large collection of his works.

A photo of two Bossche Bol, a delicious cream-filled pastry covered in chocolate. A definite must when visiting Den Bosch.

The town is known for its Bossche Bol, a delicious cream-filled pastry covered in chocolate. Don’t leave Den Bosch without trying one… or two!

The highlight of visiting this town is the Binnendieze boat tour which takes you through underground tunnels and waterways.

You’ll also find plenty of cozy cafes, boutique shops, and delicious restaurants to explore.

👉Things to Do in Den Bosch:
✔️St. John’s Cathedral
✔️Jheronimus Bosch Art Center
✔️Binnendieze boat tour
✔️Try a Bossche Bol

An idyllic canal with weeping willow trees, a historic bridge and adorable houses of Den Bosch, one of the cutest small towns to visit in the Netherlands.

Where to Stay in Den Bosch

📍Good Seasons City Center Hotel: Centrally located, this 4-star hotel offers an affordable stay with tasteful rooms and comfortable beds.
➡️Book your stay at Good Seasons City Center Hotel now!

📍The Duke Boutique Hotel: This central 4-star trendy hotel with dark decor has a bar, gym with yoga classes, breakfast, and paid parking.
➡️Book your stay at The Duke Boutique Hotel now!

Robyn pointing to the Delft sign in the underground metro station. People are walking around and a train is stopped in the background.

How to Get Around the Netherlands

The Netherlands has excellent options for transportation.

🚄Trains

Taking the train around the Netherlands is easy. It has one of the most extensive railway systems, making it a reliable, easy, and comfortable mode of transportation.

There are over 400 train stations spread out across the country. Each station has a ticketing machine, so you never have to worry about booking in advance.

Plus, taking the train is both economical and great for the environment.

Check out the Netherlands National Train website for more information.

When planning your trip, always research the costs of train tickets to every destination you plan to visit.

👉Check availability & prices
🚅Reserve your train tickets here!

🚗Rental Car

If you prefer to take your time and explore more remote towns or villages not accessed by train, then consider renting a car.

Driving is the perfect option if you want the flexibility to travel at your own pace.

This is especially true for those who travel with chronic pain/illness or have mobility issues, like me.

Roads and highways throughout the Netherlands are safe, well-maintained, and have great signage.

👉Check availability & prices
🚗Reserve your rental car here!

With so many adorable towns and gorgeous countryside to explore, the choice is up to you!

FAQ’s: Small Towns in the Netherlands

What is the smallest village in the Netherlands?

With a population of around 40, the village of Staverden, in the province of Gelderland is the smallest in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, it is still home to the beautiful Castle Staverden.

What is the least populated area in the Netherlands?

The least populated area in the Netherlands is Schiermonnikoog, with a population of approximately 1,000 residents. It is located in the northern part of the country.

How small is the Netherlands?

The Netherlands has a total area of 41,850 km² (16,160 sq mi), which is smaller than West Virginia, but slightly larger than the state of Maryland.

What is the quiet town in the Netherlands?

Giethoorn is a pedestrian-only village in the Netherlands. There are no roads and no cars! It is the most peaceful and tranquil town in the Netherlands to visit.

Robyn leaning against the brick wall of a tall church in Gouda. Wandering around quiet streets is one of our favorite things to do in small towns.

Final Thoughts: Small Towns in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is an amazing destination with more to offer than just the vibrant capital of Amsterdam.

From the quiet canals of Giethoorn to the picturesque harbor of Harlingen to the fairytale town of Delft, Holland is bursting with adorable towns to explore.

Visiting small towns can offer a quieter and more authentic experience of the country away from the crowds. And with travel between these towns quick and easy, the choices are endless.

I hope this list inspired you to venture off the beaten path and discover the beauty of small towns in the Netherlands on your next trip.

Let us know if you have any questions… otherwise, enjoy your journey!