North Holland Travel Guide

Netherlands

Haarlem which includes a river or creek and a windmill
North Holland
North Holland
North Holland
Volendam which includes farmland and a windmill

Visit iconic Amsterdam, beachside Haarlem, Alkmaar’s cheese markets and the multicolored tulip fields in the “Noord.”

Enjoy the natural beauty and immerse yourself in the cultural delights of North Holland.

Ride your bike like a Dutch native around AmsterdamOpens in a new window’s historic canals, sample the cheeses of Edam and AlkmaarOpens in a new window, explore the coastal dunes and national park around Haarlem and tour art galleries and museums.

Fly to Schiphol Airport, located in the Haarlemmermeer, a lowland reclaimed in the 1800s from a body of water that separated North Holland from South Holland. Board a train to beautiful Amsterdam, a wonderland of 17th-century houses, numerous canals, intimate cafés, grand palaces and mansions. Don’t miss the Van Gogh MuseumOpens in a new window, the astoundingly huge RijksmuseumOpens in a new window and the Rembrandt House. Numerous little canal house museums give you a glimpse into the lives of wealthy merchant families during the period between the 17th and 19th centuries.

A short trip away by train or bicycle is Haarlem, full of historic churches and charming narrow streets filled with cottages and unusual boutique shops. Spend a few hours wandering through the Frans Hals MuseumOpens in a new window, which celebrates Haarlem’s most famous Golden Age portrait painter and his contemporaries. Not far from Haarlem, find the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, where you can hike through coastal dune habitats to the beach.

When you explore the little towns surrounding Amsterdam you’ll find each has its own flavor, quite literally. Edam has the famous eponymous cheese and Alkmaar is known for its Friday cheese market. Zaanse Schans has historic food-production sites, from a 17th-century bakery to a liqueur distillery and working spice mill as well as numerous wooden windmills.

Between Alkmaar and Den Helder are North Holland’s famous tulip fields, at their prettiest from March through May. Continue north to the West Frisian Islands to see the nature reserves of Griend, Rottumerplaat and Rottumeroog, islands in the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage area. Camping is popular in summer, especially in June, when Terschelling Island has a week-long theater festival. Plan a sailing trip or take your bike on the ferry to explore the islands’ historic lighthouses and windmills.

Popular cities in North Holland

Amsterdam featuring a river or creek, street scenes and a city
Amsterdam
Known for Museums, Biking and Art
Explore Amsterdam: its museums, monuments, theatre and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Van Gogh Museum
  • Dam Square
  • Anne Frank House
Haarlem featuring street scenes
Haarlem
Known for Shopping, Cathedrals and Historical
Spend a weekend in this small city and enjoy its village atmosphere, great shops, amazing culture and even the beach!

Reasons to visit

  • Grote Markt
  • Frans Hals Museum
  • Cathedral of Saint Bavo
Egmond aan Zee
Egmond aan Zee
Known for Beaches, Dining and Bars
Looking for a great destination for a beach holiday? Where you can enjoy the beach and culture? Head for Egmond aan Zee!

Reasons to visit

  • J.C.J. van Speijk Lighthouse
Zandvoort showing street scenes
Zandvoort
Known for Beaches, Sea and Bars
Discover this relaxing seaside resort and enjoy the sun, the sea and the beach. It's also the perfect base for a day trip to Haarlem or a day in the dunes.
Hoofddorp
Hoofddorp
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Business
Hoofddorp is the ideal base for day trips in the Randstad.
Schiphol
Schiphol
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Bars
Schiphol's strategic location makes it the perfect base for a day out in Amsterdam or one of the other nearby cities. You can also go to the beach from here.