Things to do in North Holland

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Visit North Holland

Muntplein featuring a bay or harbor, a bridge and a river or creek

North Holland must see attractions

1. Dam Square

Amsterdam’s origins lie on Dam Square and you’ll get a sense of this history as you look at the structures here. Today the square is also a venue for mass events, fun fairs and pantomime artists. Join the locals and relax at the base of the National Monument while listening to street organs. Chase the pigeons and dodge the many cyclists when you cross the square to go shopping or explore some of the historical buildings.

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Dam Square which includes heritage architecture, street scenes and a city

2. Van Gogh Museum

Head to the Van Gogh Museum to see some of the works of a groundbreaking 19th-century Dutch painter. Sadly, Vincent Van Gogh only sold one of his paintings during his short life, and never dreamed of the fame he’d enjoy after his death. Here you can browse the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings and learn about his tormented life. The museum also displays works by other master painters of his time, including Monet, Gauguin and Seurat.

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3. Anne Frank House

A visit to the Anne Frank House is a sober yet enlightening experience. The life story of Anne Frank has become one of the most famous accounts of a Jew hiding in Nazi Germany. Anne’s diary, which she started in 1942 when she was 13, is the most translated Dutch book of all time. Its first translation was in German, in 1950.

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Anne Frank House showing street scenes, a memorial and a river or creek

4. Rijksmuseum

To understand how the tiny country of the Netherlands became a world superpower through both art and trade, visit the Rijksmuseum. Browse through over a million works of art and historical objects in more than 200 rooms. You’ll see famous paintings by Rembrandt and Vermeer, among hundreds of other artists, and admire the ornate building itself.

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Rijksmuseum showing a pond, views and a city

5. Leidseplein

Delve into the many delights of buzzing Leidseplein to people-watch while enjoying a meal or just a drink after a day of sightseeing. In the warmer months, the area is packed with people gathered on the terraces of the restaurants and bars. Order a local beer and watch the street performers. In the winter, visit one of the many restaurants or clubs, or head to the ice rink surrounded by hot food and drink stalls for an atmospheric outdoor experience. If you love architecture, 17th-century Leidseplein has some interesting buildings for a walking tour.

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Leidseplein which includes dining out, nightlife and markets

6. Heineken Experience

The Heineken Experience is a self-guided tour through interactive exhibits housed in the former Heineken brewery. The exhibits and displays aim to provide historical insight into the well-known Heineken pilsner as well as the brewing process. You’ll learn how the hop and malted barley are turned into this tasty pride of Holland, all from the point of view of a bottle of beer.

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Heineken Experience which includes a city, flowers and street scenes

7. Vondelpark

Vondelpark is a State Monument and an Amsterdam hot spot in summer. This is where locals go to sunbathe, cycle or play outside. There are also concerts or other performances on weekends. Over 10 million visitors come here every year to enjoy nature and culture, as well as order drinks and meals on the restaurant terraces.

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Vondelpark featuring a pond, landscape views and a statue or sculpture

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Discover the most popular places to visit in North Holland

Dam Square

4.5/5(2,026 reviews)

Amsterdam’s iconic square, with its cobbled stones and grand historical buildings, is a lively gathering place and venue for protests and celebrations.

Van Gogh Museum

4.5/5(1,687 reviews)

This modern museum houses the world’s largest collection of the legendary Dutch master painter who led a troubled life and never saw his work become famous.

Anne Frank House

4.5/5(1,347 reviews)

See where this brave and famous Jewish teenager hid from the Nazis during World War II and recorded her world-famous diary.

Rijksmuseum

4.5/5(1,978 reviews)

This palatial building full of Dutch paintings and international artifacts is the country’s largest public-funded museum.

Leidseplein

4.5/5(1,035 reviews)

This lively square in the heart of Amsterdam’s cultural district offers dining and entertainment, with an array of theater, movie, music, comedy and street performances.

Johan Cruyff Arena

4.5/5(469 reviews)

Catch an event at Johan Cruyff Arena, and enjoy other activities in Amsterdam such as biking. Experience the acclaimed theater scene and great live music in this vibrant area.

Heineken Experience

4.5/5(721 reviews)

Learn how a well-known Dutch beer is made, then drink a sample at this famous former brewery.

Vondelpark

4.5/5(517 reviews)

One of the oldest and largest public parks in Amsterdam is a relaxing place to rest, have lunch or watch a performance after visiting the nearby museums.

Zandvoort Beach

4.5/5(15 reviews)

Why not spend a carefree afternoon at Zandvoort Beach during your travels in Zandvoort? While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in North Holland

Flower Market featuring a river or creek, markets and a city

Amsterdam City Centre

4.5/5(2,270 area reviews)

Dam Square and Anne Frank House are a few top attractions in Amsterdam City Centre. Hop around the city on the metro at Nieuwmarkt Station or Waterlooplein Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, charming cafes, and popular shops.

World Trade Center which includes city views and a city

Amsterdam South

4.5/5(148 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Van Gogh Museum while getting to know Amsterdam South, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Boelelaan - Vrije Universiteit Stop or Parnassusweg Stop to see more of the area.

Old Town Amsterdam

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Old Town Amsterdam. Top attractions like Dam Square and Anne Frank House are major draws. Catch the metro at Dam Stop or Nieuwezijds Kolk Stop to see more of the city.

Jordaan

Jordaan is well-liked for its breweries and churches. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Amsterdam Tulip Museum and Houseboat Museum are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Bloemgracht Stop or Rozengracht Stop to get around.

Amsterdam which includes a river or creek, boating and a city

Canal Ring

4.5/5(1,372 area reviews)

Visit these semi-circular canals built in the 17th century to see why Amsterdam got the nickname “The Venice of the North.”

Red Light District

For at least 600 years, locals, sailors and travelers have come to this part of Amsterdam for adult entertainment in the many bars, brothels and eateries.