The Randstad (AKA “Round”, “Rim” or “Edge” City) is a roughly crescent-shaped urban area in the Netherlands, primarily made up of the four largest Dutch cities (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht). Whilst Amsterdam is the capital and largest city there is plenty to do in what is basically one larger city area (yeah okay it’s not one city but you can get from Amsterdam to Utrecht in 30 minutes and it takes about the same from Balham to Soho so…
Public transport is also efficient and inexpensive compared to most other countries. There is no need to buy an advance saver return for a specific train 3 months in advance here. Turn up and go. Amsterdam to Utrecht is € 8.80 and you can plan trips and book tickets on 9292.nl or you can also pay as you go with a debit or credit card.
So things to see and do are grouped loosely by the nearest city (that isn’t Amsterdam). Also you might be interested in these other places too; Amsterdam | Barcelona | Lisbon | Paris | Porto | Sitges
Rotterdam
Rotterdam | The Hague | Delft | Utrecht | Further
The second city of the Netherlands. Rotterdam Port needs no introduction but maybe the cultural and artistic side of the city does. There is plenty to see and do but some of the highlights we loved are below.
Euromast –
The Euromast is the highest watchtower in the Netherlands and offers a fantastic view of the city and the harbour.
Parkhaven 20, 3016GM, Rotterdam
https://euromast.nl/en/buy-tickets
Kubuswoning/Cube Houses –
Those crazy yellow cubes that no one could possibly live in because the walls are the wrong way around! Don’t believe us? Then visit one.
Overblaak 70, 3011 MH, Rotterdam
http://www.kubuswoning.nl/
Museumpark and Witte de Withstraat –
The Witte de Withstraat with the Museum Park is the beating heart of the Rotterdam art scene and is known for its vibrant nightlife. Museumpark by day and Witte de Withstraat by night.
Museumpark 3015 CB, Rotterdam
https://www.cityrotterdam.com/en/visit/streets-rotterdam/witte-de-withstraat/
De Luchtsingel –
A wooden pedestrian bridge connects the station with the northern part of the city.
Schiekade 1, 3012 AG, Rotterdam
http://www.luchtsingel.org/en/
The Hague/Den Haag
Rotterdam | The Hague | Delft | Utrecht | Further
The Hague is the third-largest city in The Netherlands, after Amsterdam and Rotterdam, and it is most notably the seat of the government for The Netherlands
Voorlinden –
Voorlinden is a private museum for modern and contemporary art at a magnificent estate in the dunes at Wassenaar, a stone’s throw from The Hague
Buurtweg 90, 2244 AG Wassenaar
https://tickets.voorlinden.nl/en/tickets
Binnenhof –
Built in the 13th century, Binnenhof is a gothic castle, situated along the lake, Hofvijver. The collection of buildings is now used as the office of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands.
Binnenhof 1, 2513 AA, The Hague
https://denhaag.com/en/inner-court-hall-of-knights
Scheveningen –
Beaches are most definitely a thing and if you like seaside towns then think of this as a much closer Brighton and London pairing.
Strandweg 34, 2586 KM Den Haag
https://scheveningen.com/en/
Delft
Rotterdam | The Hague | Delft | Utrecht | Further
Small by comparison to it’s neighbours The Hague and Rotterdam but world renowned for it’s blue and white pottery. Worth a day trip if you have more than a weekend and you are interested in pottery.
Royal Delft Museum –
Part museum and part factory tour the Royal Delft Museum showcases pottery from 1654 when the factory opened through to the new patterns and styles including Miffy collaborations.
Important: If you want to paint a plate or tile you really need to book the workshop a few days in advance.
Rotterdamseweg 196, 2628 AR Delft
https://museum.royaldelft.com/en/
Utrecht
Rotterdam | The Hague | Utrecht | Further
Not as large as Amsterdam or Rotterdam and not as influential as the Hague yet still has a lot to offer for a day trip from Amsterdam. They also have their own canal pride which is much earlier than Amsterdam and is also fun and the whole city seems to celebrate.
Domtoren –
The cathedral tower can be seen from A’dam Tower in Amsterdam on a clear day (that’s how close the cities are and how flat the Netherlands is).
Domplein 21, 3512 JC Utrecht
https://www.domtoren.nl/en
Grachtengebied/Canals –
Didn’t get enough canals in Amsterdam? There are more in Utrecht.
https://www.discover-utrecht.com/route/35198/canals-and-wharf-cellars-walk
Further
Rotterdam | The Hague | Delft | Utrecht | Further
Not really close to anything but worth a trip if you are here for more than a weekend or you have been here before or you have just moved here.
Kröller-Müller Museum –
Houtkampweg 6, 6731 AW Otterlo
https://krollermuller.nl/
Art museum with modern paintings, a notable Vincent Van Gogh collection & a sculpture garden.
Nationaal Militair Museum –
Verlengde Paltzerweg 1, 3768 MX Soest
http://www.nmm.nl/
Dutch aviation & military history museum on an ex-airfield, with a kids’ zone, cafe & meeting space.
Efteling –
Europalaan 1, 5171 KW Kaatsheuvel
https://www.efteling.com/
Fairytale-themed amusement park with rides, wooden roller coasters & water fountain & light show.
Giethoorn –
Binnenpad 54, 8355 BT Giethoorn
https://www.giethoornvillage.com/
“Venice of the Netherlands” overstates it a little but it’s a quaint little village with only canals and every year, 1 million people visit Giethoorn so expect it to be busy.
Euro Bridges at Spijkenisse –
Groenoordweg 6, 3201 LV Spijkenisse
Spijkenisse Euro Bruggen
Okay I am a nerd. Sue me. Also check out my Bridges of Amsterdam site if you are also a little nerdy.