Things to do & places to visit in North Holland Province, The Netherlands

Mostly jutting northward from its largest city of Amsterdam and its capital of Haarlem, the Noord-Holland region has much more to offer beyond those two wonderful cities. At Muiden is the magnificent Muiderslot Castle, as if it stepped out of a fairy tale. Showing more wear but no less interesting is Brederode Castle at Santpoort. At Zaanstad is Zaanse Schans, one of Holland’s top tourist destinations and a family-friendly open air museum of windmills, traditional buildings, crafts and shops.

North Holland Province #1 destination in The Netherlands 2023. The average rating score is 4.38 based on 437.5k traveler reviews, of 1.341 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Amsterdam, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 4:12.

North Holland Province Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in April

54°F - 43°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Cold and breezy

Feels like

21%

Chance of rain

53.0 millimeters

Amount

16.0 mph

Wind speed

75%

Humidity

13.9

Daylight length

6:45 AM

Sunrise

8:37 PM

Sunset

48%

Cloud cover

Jacket

What to wear

Top things to do (32)

Top destinations in North Holland Province 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

4.5 Van Gogh Museum (64.7k reviews) from $30.30
- Bravo!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

Discover the world's largest collection of works by Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, featuring masterpieces such as Sunflowers, The Potato Eaters, Almond Blossom and The Bedroom. Book your tickets online. Please consult the museum website for current opening hours. See more..
4.5 Anne Frank House (63.3k reviews)
- Anne Frank House
Monday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The Anne Frank House (Dutch: Anne Frank Huis) is a museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The building is located on a canal called the Prinsengracht, close to the Westerkerk, in central Amsterdam in the Netherlands. As a visitor, you experience this story through a audio tour, quotes, photos, videos, and original items. The Anne Frank House can only be visited with an online ticket for a specific date and time. See more..
4.5 Rijksmuseum (47.4k reviews) from $32.12
- Huge collection of state-of-the-art masterpieces from first-class artists
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

The Rijksmuseum is the museum of the Netherlands. The completely renovated Rijksmuseum tells the story of the Netherlands from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Including works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals, and more! Most famous is Rembrandt's masterpiece the Night Watch. A new display of the collection, a renewed building, new public facilities, a revamped garden and a new Asian Pavilion. Open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. See more..
4.5 Vondelpark (24.9k reviews)
- Amazing walk in the heart of Amsterdam
Spent 2-3 hours Parks

At one of Amsterdam's most famous parks, travelers can enjoy a host of outdoor activities amid beautiful English-style landscaping. Here, you can hike the countless trails or ride a bike around to spot charming bandstands and even a sculpture by Picasso along the way. Have a picnic by the pond as herons and ducks waltz past or pop by one of the many cafes in the park. You might want to visit between April and May to see the park awash with tulips in bloom or between May and September to watch live concerts at the open-air theater. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Centraal Station (17.7k reviews)
- Great building
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Public Transportation Systems

Completed in 1889 and located in the heart of town, this neo-Renaissance rail station was designed by P.J.H. Cuypers, the same person who designed the famous Rijksmuseum. See more..
4.5 The Jordaan (11.9k reviews)
- A Quiet, Beautiful Walk
Spent 2-3 hours Neighborhoods

This charming neighborhood is Amsterdam's Greenwich Village, with its narrow alleys, leafy canals lined with 17th-century houses, quirky specialty shops, cafes and designer boutiques. See more..
4.5 Zaanse Schans (8.446 reviews)
- A visit to the Netherlands is not complete without visiting the windmills
Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Be transported back to the 18th and 19th-century Dutch countryside in this residential neighborhood. Zaanse Schans is full of old wooden windmills and houses, some of which were relocated here for preservation. It was actually the first industrial zone in the Netherlands, and the windmills were used for all sorts of things, like grinding spices and producing paint. Today, it's a popular tourist destination where you can explore quaint museums and traditional shops or take a guided tour of the district on foot, boat, or bicycle. Zaanse Schans is a popular day trip option from Amsterdam. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo (7.118 reviews) from $34.42
- A review you need to read!
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Zoos

Stroll among the shady trees, admire the diversity of plants and animals, travel to the stars, enjoy our heritage. Visit ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo and experience nature right in the city centre. See more..
4.5 Museum Het Rembrandthuis (6.854 reviews)
- Plan some time for etching and paint demonstrations
Monday: Historic Sites • Art Museums

Rembrandt lived and worked from 1639 to 1658 in this 17th-century house, which today is a museum that pays tribute to the artist's life and career. See more..
4.5 Body Worlds (5.303 reviews) from $24.09
- One of a kind exhibition - would recommend to anyone!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Science Museums

Gunther von Hagens’ BODY WORLDS: The Happiness Project in the heart of Amsterdam tells the amazing story of our own body and the impact of happiness on our health. More than 200 anatomical specimens of real human bodies show the complexity, resilience and vulnerability of the body. Join the 40 million people around the world who have already seen the exhibition and been on this fascinating voyage of discovery through the human body. See more..
4.5 A'dam Lookout (5.143 reviews)
- Swing makes it worthwile!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Observation Decks & Towers

LOOKOUT 360º Amsterdam sensational swing An iconic viewing point in The Netherlands - A’DAM LOOKOUT, has joined the Eiffel Tower, the Fernsehturm and the London Eye. For the daredevils among us, LOOKOUT also has a further adrenalin kick in store. On the roof is Europe’s highest swing. You swing over the edge of the tower at a thrilling height of almost 100 metres above the ground. Highlights: - The most spectacular view of Amsterdam and the surrounding area - A Bird’s-eye view of Amsterdam from the highest swing in Europe - Access to the indoor interactive state-of-the-art Amsterdam exhibition - Free digital photo of your visit to LOOKOUT - Enjoy coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner and/or cocktails in Madam Restaurant & Sky Bar - Free WIFI available Payments with cards only. See more..
4.5 Museum Quarter (4.729 reviews)
- A Haven for Education and Discovery
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The Museum Quarter is the place to be to learn and discover in the Netherlands’s capital city. One shouldn’t rush their time here. You have the jaw-dropping Rijksmuseum and the beloved Van Gogh Museum, some other smaller curations, and one massive green space for the community to embrace. This space was kept quite clean for the number of people on it, which I appreciated, unlike Paris’s Champ de Mars by the Eiffel Tower. It’s certainly challenging to miss, and obviously crucial NOT to miss, when in Amsterdam. I can’t wait to go back in the future! See more..
4.5 Begijnhof (4.608 reviews)
- Peaceful courtyard amidst the city’s hustle and bustle
Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas

Tucked away just off Spui, this delightful collection of houses arranged around an open court is well worth searching out. See more..
4.5 GVB (3.963 reviews)
- A great way to see the city
Spent < 1 hour Public Transportation Systems

I stayed in Willemspark and used the tram line #2 to get to and from the central district. Trams run mostly on-time. You can buy one-hour as well as one-day tickets from the conductor on the rear of the train on most lines. Most stops have digital displays that show arrival times. There are small benches on every stop to make it easier on people with mobility issues. See more..
4.5 Moco Museum Amsterdam (3.827 reviews) from $24.57
- Excellent modern art in beautiful setting
Monday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

Dedicated to modern art, contemporary art, and street art, this independent museum in Amsterdam's Museumplein is a favorite amongst the youth. See more..
4.5 Verzetsmuseum Amsterdam (3.444 reviews)
- Well worth the visit and better than the usual tourist attractions
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Children's Museums • History Museums

Explore true stories and destinies of everyday people during World War II in the Netherlands. What did life look like? What choices did you have to make? Step back in time at the Resistance Museum. See more..
4.5 Museum Ons'Lieve Heer Op Solder (3.434 reviews)
- Home and Church Museum
Monday: Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

In the heart of Amsterdam's bustling centre lies one of the city's oldest museums: Museum Our Lord in the Attic. Here visitors get to experience the Dutch Golden Age in a special way: a 17th-century house with a top floor converted into a Catholic church. See more..
4.5 Het Scheepvaartmuseum| The National Maritime Museum (3.220 reviews)
- Absolutely worth visiting
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

The National Maritime Museum holds one of the world's largest and most notable maritime collections including paintings, ship models, navigation instruments and sea charts. Discover 500 years of Dutch maritime history and its strong link to society of today and tomorrow. See more..
4.5 OBA Library of Amsterdam (3.045 reviews)
- WOW!
Monday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Libraries

We try and visit the libraries of places we visit on vacation. The OBA is clean, bright, open. We were impressed with the amount of people utilizing the library~young mom's with storytellers, college students and work groups. The restaurant on the top floor looked delicious, unfortuently, we were not hungry. The OBA is worth a visit while in Amsterdam. 10 minutes from the Central Station/boat docks. See more..
4.5 Herengracht (2.240 reviews)
- Herengracht
Bodies of Water

At the beginning of the Herengracht we find the Herenmarkt, a square that now serves as a children's playground. Behind the square stands the West India House, built in 1617. From 1624, the building served as the head office of the Dutch West India Company, a multinational which administered the Dutch colonies in North and South America. In the year 1625, a meeting took place in this building, in which it was decided to found the city of New Amsterdam. Which was later renamed to New York. See more..
4.5 Micropia (1.485 reviews)
- Amazing interactive microbiology museum. Family and disabled friendly for a good price. Can't recommend it enough.
Monday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

Amazing museum, I didn't expect much but I was really taken aback. There were many microscopes and flasks filled with bacteria, very interactive and many unique ways of teaching children (and adults) about microbes. I recommend going there an hour before the daily lab Q&A so you can look at at least most of the first floor exhibitions. It has many videos, so even if you're not really into reading, you will still learn many new things. The visit takes three hours minimum, especially if youre interacting with everything. It is a great way to spend an afternoon with your family. People with advanced knowledge of biology may find it primitive but experiencing and interacting with all the exhibitions makes up for it. For a cheap price (compared to other museums) it is really worth your time and I can't recommend it enoug. See more..
4.5 Portuguese Synagogue (1.473 reviews) from $18.20
- History of jew resilience
Monday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

This very well preserved synagogue is certainly worth a visit. It is one of the biggest synagogues built by the jews fleeing from Portugal during the sixteenth century. We may admire the huge stone columns supporting the very high ceiling. In the basement the visitor may see a short film with the history of the sephardite jews as well as several cult objects, many of the centuries old. There are audio guides and a well done flyer. See more..
4.5 Johan Cruyff Arena (1.392 reviews)
- Stadium Tour
Spent 1-2 hours Arenas & Stadiums

The largest stadium in the Netherlands and home to the Ajax football team, it has played host to legendary sporting matches and music concerts. See more..
4.5 Amsterdam City Tours (1.298 reviews)
- Nice & quaint fishing village
City Tours • Sightseeing Tours

This is a very nice, small fishing village (located about 22 km from Amsterdam) with traditional Dutch wooden houses. Tourism now is a major source of revenue for this village. Another attraction is a wooden show factory, where sightseers can see how the shoes are made and buy shoes. It can be visit by car, bus, or boat. See more..
4.5 Grote Markt (1.225 reviews)
- Very attractive medieval city square
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Walking Areas

Flanked by the monumental city hall, art museum formerly meat hall, and Majestic St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the market square oozes history. There are several historical and contemporary sculptures, and of course plenty restaurants with outdoor seating. A must visit location in the gorgeous city of Haarlem. See more..
4.5 Zuiderzeemuseum (1.132 reviews)
- Fun for the children and not only :)
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours History Museums

The Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen revives the stories of people who once lived on the shores of the Zuiderzee. See, hear, taste and smell everyday life around the Zuiderzee as it was before the Afsluitdijk (IJsselmeer Barrier Dam) changed the sea into the IJsselmeer in 1932. The Zuiderzee Museum is oriented toward the history, the current situation and the future of this area. It focuses upon the themes of water, crafts and communities. This story is visualized in the Outdoor Museum with historical buildings, and in the Indoor Museum with thematic exhibitions. See more..
4.5 Amsterdam Canal Ring (1.132 reviews)
- Quintessential, Bike-Friendly Amsterdam
Spent More than 3 hours Neighborhoods • Bridges • Scenic Walking Areas

You just can’t miss the canals of Amsterdam when you visit this renowned global city. Water brings it all to life. As the people here are the savviest cyclists you’ll ever meet (tied with the Danish, perhaps?), bicycles are EVERYWHERE. Unlike the more competitive nature of cycling in the US you’ll find in parks and city streets where folks zip up and down “recklessly,” the bikers here are spatially-aware and patient with pedestrians. I never felt like I was about to crash into a speedy bike. Minus a few spots where the city was doing road/bridge construction work, the area is clean and lively. You won’t be alone anywhere you go—this is obviously the most popular part of Amsterdam. Even with the summer crowds, I felt as safe as could be. Next visit, I’ll spend a bit of money to take a river cruise, which from seeing others’ experiences as they sailed underneath the bridges, looks like an absolute blast. See more..
4.5 Frans Hals Museum - Hof (1.119 reviews)
- A great museum with lovely staff
Monday: Spent 2-3 hours Art Museums

The Frans Hals Museum and De Hallen Haarlem came together to form the renewed Frans Hals Museum: one museum at two locations. Where old meets new. Historical works hang alongside contemporary installations, and the Golden Age sits alongside the modern day. The meeting of Old Masters and contemporary art lets you look in a different way and see more. See more..
4.5 Sint-Bavokerk (Church of St. Bavo) (1.115 reviews)
- Simply breathtaking candlelight service
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

We visited St Bavo’s for the Easter Vigil service and the whole experience was just amazing. The church was candlelit and the atmosphere was just so peaceful and holy feeling. The service was in Dutch but that hardly mattered as it was so beautiful and the choir with the amazing acoustics made the whole experience just magical. We also visited the church in the daytime later in the week for the official tour as well so we got to experience it in a different way but it couldn’t top the candlelight service experience we had. One downside was that the organ was under construction so we didn’t get to view the massive organ. Also, weirdly, there was a carnival set up outside for kings day celebration for a week so getting pics of the outside is the church was difficult as it had carnival rides in the way! But visiting here for the Easter service was one of the highlights of our trip. See more..
4.5 Teylers Museum (1.087 reviews)
- Worth it!
Monday: Speciality Museums

Anyone who opens the museum's heavy door on the bank of the River Spaarne sees at a glance what it is that inspires such enthusiasm. The museum breathes the atmosphere of the 18th and 19th centuries - the Age of the Enlightenment - when people were busily gathering knowledge about the world. Teylers Museum, museum of wonder, is a world in itself, one that you will never forget. Teylers Museum is the best-preserved 18th-century public knowledge institution for the arts and sciences in the world. It has been open to the public since 1784, welcoming all those who are eager to look at paintings and drawings by the Old Masters, magnificent minerals, ingenious scientific instruments, precious books, and centuries-old fossils. The museum's interior alone, with the monumental Oval Room, is a truly remarkable attraction. It is the only authentic 18th-century museum interior in the world. Recently the historical house of founding father Pieter Teyler was added to the museum. See more..