The Netherlands has many beautiful cities that you can easily visit by train. While canals, cycling centers and history are all familiar to Dutch cities, each has its beauty and charm.
From the blue lights of Amsterdam’s bike-friendly streets to the royal blue treasures of Delft, Dutch cities are a palette of innovation and historical richness.
Amsterdam – cities to visit in the Netherlands by train
Of course, at the top of this list is the beautiful capital city of Amsterdam.
Thanks to Eurostar’s excellent live service, getting to Amsterdam by train is the best way to get around.
Amsterdam is compact, with all major attractions within easy reach. So the best choice is to rent a bike and explore the city by yourself!
There’s a reason why Amsterdam is one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands. Spend some time exploring the city’s canal core, where narrow streets invite you to discover secret gardens, vintage shops, hip music venues and trendy cafes.
The Hague
The Hague (Den Haag) is best known for being home to the International Court of Justice, housed in the impressive Peace Palace and the Binnenhof Dutch Parliament buildings. However, The Hague offers much more to do than just politics.
The Hague is for those who want to explore Dutch art as the city houses the Mauritshuis Gallery. This is a showcase of Dutch masterpieces including works by Rembrandt and ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ by Vermeer.
Also know that you can take a tram or bike to the beach in just 15 minutes, with long stretches of sand and beach cafes in both Scheveningen and Kijkduin.
Delft – cities to visit in the Netherlands by train
Delft is a mix of Medieval ruins and Golden Age architecture. Delft’s canals, cobblestone streets and historic buildings rival Amsterdam’s beauty, although Delft offers them on a smaller scale, making it a perfect city to explore by foot or bicycle.
Maastricht
Most tours of Maastricht begin in Vrijthof. This is considered the most important square in the city. In particular, Vrijthof Square is also the site of the Carnival, where the whole city drinks, dances and parties all week long.
Vrijthof is the perfect place to visit a cafe and enjoy a traditional snack outside of Carnival time. For cultural treats, visit the ruins of Lichtenberg Castle, Hell’s Gate, Bonnefantenmuseum and Sint Janskerk, all easily accessible on foot or by bike.
Haarlem
Haarlem makes the perfect day trip, just 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam. Known for its winding water lanes, quaint buildings and cobblestone alleyways, Haarlem is packed with cultural highlights.
The city is an art treasure with the Frans Hals Museum and the Teylers Museum. Haarlem also makes a great base from which to explore West of Noord-Holland along the coastal dunes of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, where cycling paths extend to flatlands dotted with dunes, forests and highland fields filled with cattle.
Utrecht – cities to visit in the Netherlands by train
Utrecht’s compact core radiates from the 15th-century Domtoren, a freestanding bell tower that visitors can climb for panoramic views of the city. In addition to the exciting cafe culture, there are many fun activities in Utrecht. You can visit the UNESCO modernist Rietveld Schröder House, the Castle de Haar, the Centraal Museum, the Utrecht University Botanical Garden and the Miffy Museum.
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