Things to do in North Holland

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit North Holland

Types of activities

Where to stay

North Holland travel guide

Haarlem featuring a windmill and a river or creek

Volendam which includes a windmill and farmland

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Top places to visit

1. Dam Square

Amsterdam’s origins lie on Dam Square and you’ll get a sense of this history as you look at the structures here. Today the square is also a venue for mass events, fun fairs and pantomime artists. Join the locals and relax at the base of the National Monument while listening to street organs. Chase the pigeons and dodge the many cyclists when you cross the square to go shopping or explore some of the historical buildings.

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2. Van Gogh Museum

Head to the Van Gogh Museum to see some of the works of a groundbreaking 19th-century Dutch painter. Sadly, Vincent Van Gogh only sold one of his paintings during his short life, and never dreamed of the fame he’d enjoy after his death. Here you can browse the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and learn about his tormented life. The museum also displays works by other master painters of his time, including Monet, Gauguin and Seurat.

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3. Anne Frank House

A visit to the Anne Frank House is a sober yet enlightening experience. The life story of Anne Frank has become one of the most famous accounts of a Jew hiding in Nazi Germany. Anne’s diary, which she started in 1942 when she was 13, is the most translated Dutch book of all time. Its first translation was in German, in 1950.

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Anne Frank House which includes a river or creek

4. Rijksmuseum

To understand how the tiny country of the Netherlands became a world superpower through both art and trade, visit the Rijksmuseum. Browse through over a million works of art and historical objects in more than 200 rooms. You’ll see famous paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer, among hundreds of other artists, and admire the ornate building itself.

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Rijksmuseum with big letters in Amsterdam, Holland (Netherlands)

5. Leidseplein

Delve into the many delights of buzzing Leidseplein to people-watch while enjoying a meal or just a drink after a day of sightseeing. In the warmer months, the area is packed with people gathered on the terraces of the restaurants and bars. Order a local beer and watch the street performers. In the winter, visit one of the many restaurants or clubs, or head to the ice rink surrounded by hot food and drink stalls for an atmospheric outdoor experience. If you love architecture, 17th-century Leidseplein has some interesting buildings for a walking tour.

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Leidseplein showing a city and heritage architecture

6. Vondelpark

Vondelpark is a State Monument and an Amsterdam hot spot in summer. This is where locals go to sunbathe, cycle or play outside. There are also concerts or other performances on weekends. Over 10 million visitors come here every year to enjoy nature and culture, as well as order drinks and meals on the restaurant terraces.

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Pond and tulips in Vondelpark, Amsterdam; Shutterstock ID 143198530

What to do in North Holland

Popular places to visit

Dam Square

Amsterdam’s iconic square, with its cobbled stones and grand historical buildings, is a lively gathering place and venue for protests and celebrations.

Van Gogh Museum

This modern museum houses the world’s largest collection of the legendary Dutch master painter who led a troubled life and never saw his work become famous.

Anne Frank House

See where this brave and famous Jewish teenager hid from the Nazis during World War II and recorded her world-famous diary.

Rijksmuseum

This palatial building full of Dutch paintings and international artifacts is the country’s largest public-funded museum.

Leidseplein

This lively square in the heart of Amsterdam’s cultural district offers dining and entertainment, with an array of theater, movie, music, comedy and street performances.

Amsterdam which includes picnicking, a garden and a statue or sculpture

Vondelpark

One of the oldest and largest public parks in Amsterdam is a relaxing place to rest, have lunch or watch a performance after visiting the nearby museums.

Zandvoort Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Zandvoort Beach during your travels in Zandvoort? While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Johan Cruyff Arena

Catch an event at Johan Cruyff Arena and enjoy other activities in Amsterdam such as cycling.Experience the acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

The 9 Streets

During your trip to Amsterdam, you can do some window-shopping at The 9 Streets. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Areas of North Holland

Amsterdam City Centre

4.5/5(2,168 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums, charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Amsterdam City Centre. Top attractions like Dam Square and Nieuwmarkt Square are major draws. Catch the metro at Nieuwmarkt Station or Waterlooplein Station to see more of the city.

Amsterdam which includes street scenes, a river or creek and a city

Binnenstad

If you're spending time in Binnenstad, check out sights like Dam Square or National Monument and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Dam Stop or Paleisstraat Tram Stop.

Jordaan

Get to know Jordaan and its many features like its breweries and churches. You might want to explore sights like Amsterdam Tulip Museum and Houseboat Museum, and you can jump on the metro at Bloemgracht Stop or Rozengracht Stop to get around the city.

Rijksmuseum showing a city, a pond and views

Museum Quarter

4.5/5(971 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Museum Quarter. Check out top attractions like Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum, and jump on the metro at Van Baerlestraat Stop or Concertgebouw Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Dam Square showing a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

Old Town Amsterdam

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Old Town Amsterdam. Top attractions like Dam Square and BODY WORLDS Amsterdam are major draws. Catch the metro at Dam Stop or Nieuwezijds Kolk Stop to see more of the city.

Nieuwmarkt en Lastage

If you're spending time in Nieuwmarkt en Lastage, check out sights like Nemo Science Museum or Nieuwmarkt Square and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Nieuwmarkt Station or Mr. Visserplein Stop.