Please wait...
Please login to continue
Create new account
The Netherlands is one of Europe’s most charming destinations, where historic cities, flower fields, and postcard-perfect windmills sit side by side. From canal cruises in Amsterdam to fairy-tale villages like Giethoorn and dramatic modern architecture in Rotterdam, there is something for every kind of traveller.
For visitors from Pakistan, the Netherlands is also a great starting point for a wider Europe trip, thanks to excellent flight connections and high-speed trains to neighbouring countries.
Below is a detailed guide to the top tourist attractions in the Netherlands, plus practical tips and how Malik Express Travel & Tours can help you plan a smooth Schengen holiday.
Amsterdam is usually the first stop for travellers arriving in the Netherlands. Its 17th-century canal ring, lined with narrow gabled houses, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful areas in the country.
Book your canal cruise in advance, especially in summer and during weekends, as departures can be fully booked.
The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum form the cultural heart of Amsterdam.
Both museums are located on Museumplein, a large open square also home to the Stedelijk Museum of modern art.
Pre-book timed tickets online for both museums to avoid long queues, especially during school holidays and peak tourist season.
The Anne Frank House is a deeply moving museum where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II. The hidden annex and original diary pages give visitors a powerful insight into history and human resilience.
Tickets are sold almost exclusively online and often sell out weeks in advance. It is best to choose an early morning or late evening slot to avoid the busiest times.
Between mid-March and mid-May, the region around Lisse, known as the Bollenstreek (Bulb Region), turns into a sea of colour. Keukenhof Gardens is the highlight, often called the “Garden of Europe,” showcasing more than 7 million flower bulbs over 32 hectares, including hundreds of tulip varieties. Outside the park, endless tulip fields stretch across the countryside, creating classic Dutch scenery.
Just north of Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum village with working windmills, wooden houses, cheese farms, and clog workshops.
Visitors can:
Zaanse Schans can be visited as a half-day trip from Amsterdam by train, bus, or on an organised tour that often combines it with Volendam, Marken, or the tulip fields.
Giethoorn is a storybook village in the province of Overijssel, known for its thatched-roof houses, narrow canals, and wooden bridges. Many streets are replaced by waterways, so boats are the main mode of transport, earning it the nickname “Venice of the Netherlands.”
Giethoorn gets busy on sunny weekends. Booking a day tour from Amsterdam with boat tickets included is a convenient option, especially for families and first-time visitors.
Rotterdam offers a completely different atmosphere from Amsterdam. Most of the city was rebuilt after World War II, resulting in bold modern architecture.
Rotterdam is less crowded than Amsterdam and makes an excellent base for day trips to Kinderdijk, Delft, and The Hague.
The Hague (Den Haag) is the political capital of the Netherlands and home to the Dutch parliament, royal palaces, and international courts. Many embassies and international organisations are based here, giving the city a cosmopolitan feel.
Nearby Scheveningen Beach offers a long sandy coastline, a pier with a Ferris wheel, and plenty of cafes and restaurants, making The Hague perfect for mixing culture with seaside relaxation.
Utrecht combines medieval charm with a youthful student atmosphere. Its unique double-level canals feature wharf cellars turned into cafes and restaurants right at water level.
For nature lovers, De Hoge Veluwe National Park is one of the largest and most impressive parks in the Netherlands. The landscape blends forests, sand dunes, and heathlands, and the park is home to wildlife such as deer and wild boar.
Inside the park stands the Kröller-Müller Museum, which has a major collection of Van Gogh paintings and an extensive sculpture garden.
The park offers free white bicycles that visitors can use to explore at their own pace, making it a fun day trip for couples and families alike.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinderdijk features a network of 18th-century windmills built to control water levels in the polder landscape.
For families, Efteling is one of Europe’s best theme parks, based on fairy ta les, myths, and legends rather than cartoon characters. It offers gentle rides for children as well as major roller coasters, set in a large, forested park.
Efteling is open year-round with special decorations for winter and seasonal events. Staying overnight at one of the themed hotels or holiday villages inside the resort can turn it into a memorable short break.
April to October is generally the best period for pleasant weather and outdoor sightseeing.
The Netherlands has an efficient train and bus network connecting major cities and smaller towns.
With more than 35 years of experience, Malik Express Travel & Tours in Islamabad can make your Netherlands holiday easy and stress-free by offering:
Whether you are planning a family holiday, honeymoon, or multi-country Europe tour, Malik Express can design a personalised itinerary that covers the top tourist attractions in the Netherlands while matching your budget and travel style.