Charming European Towns Netherlands

Lovely Delft is a quaint, little town with narrow canals lined by colorful buildings.

In the medieval Markt, one of Europe’s largest market squares is the Oude Kerk (Old Church), a 14th-century church with a lopsided spire.

The 17th-century Nieuwe Kerk (New Church), where visitors can climb the 376 steps of the tower for spectacular views over the town.

Delft-born artist Vermeer painted his famous painting View of Delft at Hooikade.

Delft is also known for its Delftware, blue-and-white painted pottery.

To really appreciate the charm of the Dutch countryside, you don’t have to travel far from Amsterdam. The small town of Durgerdam, which sits on the edge of a lake, is just over 4 miles from the city. This is a typical Dutch small town.

The Nieuw Land National Park offers water sports on the lake. (pictured above)

The charming town of Franeker has impressive Renaissance architecture. The town is renowned for its stunning lakes and rugged islands, perfect for hiking and sailing.

Visitors enjoy the planetarium that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Koninklijk Eise Eisinga Planetarium. It is the world’s oldest working planetarium.

Visit the impressive Franeker City Hall: A beautiful example of Dutch architecture, reflecting the town's rich history.

One of the most well-liked choices for tourists to visit is a small Dutch town called Giethoom. Its historic core is connected by a system of canals, and you can get around by foot, bike, or boat. It is known as the “Venice of the Netherlands."

Enjoy a meal on the waterfront at cafes such as Gran Cafe Fanfare.

Hindeloopen is a delightful town renowned for its artistic traditions of floral painting on furniture and the Hindeloopen traditional costume that is characterized by the floral-patterned cotton fabrics.

You can see the costumes and furniture displayed at the Hindeloopen Museum and the Roosje Hindeloopen workshop.

Enjoy visiting the Flora and Fauna Fountain.

Leerdam is a scenic town that is best known for its centuries-old glassmaking tradition and its role in the Dutch glass industry. Also enjoy the impressive preserved historic architecture.

The town also gives its name to the famous Leerdammer cheese.

Visit the National Glassmuseum.

Spend the night at the Hotel Posthuys, the town’s old post office.

Leidan is home to the oldest and most illustrious university in the Netherlands.

Leiden University was established in 1575 by William, Prince of Orange as a Protestant institution.

The Hortus Botanicus is a botanical garden gifted to the town by Willem the Silent in 1575. It shelters rare species from all over the world.

The Museum De Lakenhal, housed in a former cloth warehouse, displays artworks by artists like Rembrandt, who was born in Leiden in 1606.

Once a thriving commercial harbor, Sneek is today best known for some of the most exquisite old buildings in the Netherlands. The town’s iconic 400-year-old water gate (Waterpoort).

In the town’s historic railway station building you’ll find a model train museum.

The Friesian Shipping Museum honors the industry that made Sneek famous.

The most famous feature of Volendam, a historic fishing town and artist’s colony, is its picturesque traditional home.

Walk about Doofhof, the city’s oldest area, featuring a network of winding lanes connected by bridges.

The Palingsound Museum documents the town’s long history as a center for music-making.

The charming Waddenzee Island of Texel, less than 3 km off the shore of the Netherlands, is surrounded by expansive white sand beaches and a scarlet lighthouse.

You can wander forests, nature reserves, and beautiful meadows with sheep valued for their wool and dairy cows.

The island is dotted with biking trails and offers water sports like sailing and kite surfing.

On boat excursions to Ecomare’s seal sanctuary, you can see 10,000 seals playing and swimming in the waters.