Beautiful Villages & Small Towns in the Netherlands You Need to Visit

Wondering what villages and small towns in the Netherlands to visit? You are in the right place!

In the Netherlands, the line between a town and a village is beautifully blurred — giving the entire country a fairytale feel.

During our two-week trip, we fell in love with several charming Dutch towns and villages and put together this list of our favorites.

Every destination on this list is within 80 minutes of Amsterdam, easy to explore on foot, and ideal for slow travelers or those with mobility challenges, like me.

Here are the 11 most beautiful small towns in the Netherlands to add to your itinerary. Here are some of the most beautiful villages and small towns in the Netherlands to add to your itinerary.

Let’s do this!

Map of Villages & Small Towns in the Netherlands

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

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

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

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

Small Towns & Villages in the Netherlands

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 Dutch village.

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

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

Where to Stay in Harlingen

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

2. Giethoorn

Nicknamed the “Venice of the North”, Giethoorn is one of the cutest villages 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.

➡️Don’t miss this private 1–2 hour boat tour of Giethoorn!

Giethoorn offers a different experience for those trying to escape the vibrant atmosphere of Amsterdam.

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

Where to Stay in Giethoorn

📍Fletcher Hotel Marknesse: An 4-star upscale hotel with bright, modern rooms, restaurant, and free parking.
➡️Book your stay at Fletcher Hotel Marknesse now!

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

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.

➡️Explore windmills, cheese towns & fishing villages on this 5-star award winning tour!

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

Where to Stay in Edam

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

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

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 on a 2 week itinerary.

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.

➡️Join this Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam & Marken Tour — Badge of Excellence & 92% recommended!

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

Where to Stay in Volendam

📍Roompot Marinapark Volendam: This hotel offers spacious rooms, restaurant, breakfast, indoor pool, and harbor views.
➡️Book your stay at Roompot Marinapark Volendam now!

📍Hotel aan de Haven: This central hotel blends modern and tradition with quiet rooms, comfy beds, and free parking.
➡️Book your stay at Hotel aan de Haven now!

5. 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.

➡️Book this 100% recommended 2 hr Walking Tour of Gouda!

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, quiet terrace, & restaurant.
➡️Book your stay at Relais & Chateaux Weeshuis Gouda now!

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

6. 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.

It rivals some of the best towns in Malta and I have not doubt, 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.

➡️100% of travelers recommend this 5 star private Delft tour with a top–rated local guide!

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

Where to Stay in Delft

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

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

You can also explore Delft from Rotterdam. It is only 15 km away and has a larger selection of hotels overlooking the city.

7. 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.

➡️Book your 5 star Private Guided Walking Tour of Dordrecht here!

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

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

Where to Stay in Dordrecht

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

📍Villa Augustus: This boutique hotels offers overwater or tower rooms with comfy beds, delicious breakfast, and free parking.
➡️Book your stay at Villa Augustus now!

8. ‘s–Hertogenbosch

‘s–Hertogenbosch is located in the south and feels like a fairytale village 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 a traditional Dutch village.

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.

➡️Be the first to try this Craft Beer Tour in ‘s-Hertogenbosch!

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

Where to Stay in Den Bosch

📍Good Seasons City Center Hotel: Affordable and centrally located, this 4-star hotel offers tasteful rooms and comfy beds.
➡️Book your stay at Good Seasons City Center Hotel now!

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

Large Cities That Feel Like Small Towns

9. 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!

➡️94% of travelers love this guided Leiden tour!

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 that travel with fibromyalgia or mobility issues.

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

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!

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

10. Utrecht

If you’re wondering if Utrecht is worth visiting, the answer is yes! Utrecht is commonly visited on a combined Netherlands and Belgium itinerary.

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. And just like the canal boat tours of Amsterdam, it’s a great way to see the town!

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

➡️Reserve the #1 Food Tour in Utrecht with a local guide today!

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

Where to Stay in Utrecht

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

📍Hotel Beijers: This quiet, historic hotel offers elegant rooms with courtyard/city views. Breakfast available.
➡️Book your stay at Hotel Beijers now!

11. 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…

➡️Book this 5-star private tour of The Hague with a local & loved by every guest!

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

Where to Stay in the Hague

📍Paleis Hotel: This chic hotel in the historic center offers impeccable service and spacious rooms.
➡️Book your stay at Paleis Hotel now!

📍The Collector Hotel: This modern hotel has an art deco flair, comfortable beds, and a restaurant.
➡️Book your stay at The Collector Hotel now!

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 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!

FAQs: Small Towns & Villages in the Netherlands

Final Thoughts: Small Towns & Villages in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is an amazing destination with more to offer than just the amazing attractions 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.

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