The best municipalities in the Netherlands

Appingedam is a small historical town in the province of Groningen, known for its hanging kitchens over the canals. The town has a well-preserved old town with many historic buildings, churches, and picturesque streets. Visitors can explore the charming alleyways, visit the local museum, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Volendam is a traditional fishing village on the IJsselmeer, known for its colorful wooden houses, traditional costumes, and vibrant harbor. It is a popular destination for tourists wanting to experience authentic Dutch village life. Visitors can explore the Volendam Museum, admire traditional fishing boats, and enjoy fresh fish at one of the many restaurants. The charming streets and friendly atmosphere make Volendam an unforgettable experience.

Marken is a small peninsula in the IJsselmeer, known for its traditional wooden houses and picturesque landscapes. Marken is a popular destination for day trips and offers insight into the traditional way of life in the Netherlands. Visitors can stroll through the charming village, visit the Marker Museum, and enjoy the scenic landscape. A short ferry ride connects Marken with Volendam, making it easy to visit both places in one day.

Edam is a historic town in the province of North Holland, known for its traditional cheese market and well-preserved old town. Visitors can attend the weekly cheese market that takes place during the summer months and enjoy the historic architecture, picturesque canals, and charming streets. Edam also offers numerous small shops, cafés, and restaurants that invite you to linger.

Giethoorn, also known as the Venice of the North, is a picturesque village in the province of Overijssel, famous for its numerous canals and thatched-roof houses. Visitors can best explore the village by boat, as many of the houses are only accessible via the water. There are also numerous walking and cycling paths that lead through the idyllic village. Giethoorn offers a relaxed and unique atmosphere reminiscent of bygone times.

Zierikzee is located in the province of Zeeland and is known for its well-preserved old town with numerous monuments and historical buildings. The city offers picturesque streets, old city gates, and the impressive town hall. Visitors can stroll through the charming streets, visit the Maritime Museum, and discover the maritime history of the city. Zierikzee is also a good starting point for excursions into the surrounding nature and the North Sea.

Middelburg, the capital of the province of Zeeland, is known for its well-preserved old town and the impressive Zeeuws Museum. The city offers numerous historical buildings, including the late Gothic town hall and the Abbey of Middelburg. Visitors can explore the charming streets and canals and enjoy the maritime atmosphere of the city.

Gouda is world-renowned for its namesake cheese and features a historical cheese market that takes place during the summer months. The city boasts a well-preserved old town with the impressive Stadhuis (Town Hall) and the St. Janskerk, known for its magnificent stained glass windows. Visitors can also explore the Cheese and Crafts Museum and stroll through the charming streets along the canals.

Amersfoort is a well-preserved medieval city with impressive city walls, towers, and canals. Major attractions include the Koppelpoort, a well-preserved medieval city gate, and the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwetoren, the third tallest church tower in the Netherlands. The city also offers numerous museums, historic buildings, and a lively atmosphere with many cafes and restaurants.