The Netherlands, with its rich shipbuilding heritage, is a global center for superyacht construction and refitting, attracting yachts and their crew during the winter months. Home to renowned shipyards like Feadship, Amels, Oceanco, Heesen, and Royal Huisman, along with the historic Balk shipyard, the Netherlands is celebrated for innovation and exceptional craftsmanship in superyacht maintenance. With the Port of Amsterdam—Western Europe’s fourth-largest port—offering unmatched facilities, it’s no surprise that major yachts dock here for off-season refits and servicing.
With this in mind, this month, we’re diving into the top attractions and must-see destinations across the Netherlands—a country famous for its iconic cheese, Stroopwafels, vibrant tulip fields, and historic windmills. As the home of Rotterdam, Europe’s maritime capital, the Netherlands offers yacht crew a unique blend of cultural experiences and quick, easy travel across its compact 33,000 km² landscape. With everything just a short drive away, our guide covers the best day trips and hidden gems that make the Netherlands a perfect destination for exploring between yacht refits.
Discover Amsterdam’s Iconic Sights
We can’t post a guide to the Netherlands without mentioning Amsterdam. As one of the world’s most iconic cities, visitors are not short of things to do. Swimming in art, architecture and history, the city is a clash of cultures in the best way. Spend the day idly strolling the city, admiring the crooked houses, cobbled streets and picturesque canals. Grab a coffee from a cute café like Back to Black or CT Coffee & Coconuts, or stop for something stronger at one of the many cool bars such as Bar Bukowski.
Browse the many boutiques and art galleries or study the artwork at the Van Gogh or Rijks Museum. Take time to reflect on the not-so-distant history at the Anne Frank House or relax with a book in Vondelpark. Enjoy a peaceful canal cruise or join a booze cruise with the Heineken Experience and find time to sample some of the city’s famous eateries.
Don’t forget that METSTRADE takes place from the 19th to the 21st of November. The METSTRADE Marine Equipment Trade Show is the world’s largest international B2B exhibition for the leisure marine industry. There’s plenty to see and do with the industry’s biggest names exhibiting and plenty of events, conferences and talks to attend.
Amsterdam transforms into a festive wonderland during the month of December as the whole city gets decked out in anticipation of Christmas. Christmas markets, winter wonderlands, ice skating and brightly lit canals make it the perfect place to be over the winter holidays. Discover all the festive highlights happening around the city here.
For more on Amsterdam, check out our Yacht Crew Guide to Amsterdam Post.
Escape to Broek in Waterland
Just 5 kilometers from Amsterdam, the charming village of Broek in Waterland offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. This well-preserved village is known for its picturesque setting, featuring beautifully maintained, traditional wooden houses painted in an array of soft colours. Surrounded by scenic waterways and lush countryside, Broek in Waterland is a hidden gem that provides visitors with a glimpse into the Netherlands’ authentic rural charm—perfect for a quiet day trip away from Amsterdam’s busy streets.
Haarlem: A Shopping Gem near Amsterdam
Just a fifteen-minute train ride from Amsterdam takes you to the charming city of Haarlem, often celebrated as one of the best shopping destinations in the Netherlands. This picturesque city is filled with a variety of boutiques, welcoming cafes, and unique shops, offering a delightful alternative to the bustling tourist crowds of Amsterdam. Visitors can explore a diverse selection of shopping options, from fashion boutiques and local markets to interior design studios, flea markets, gift shops, and delicatessens—there’s something for every taste. The central market square is a must-visit, showcasing stunning Dutch architecture from the 14th century, including the magnificent Saint Bavo Church. Don’t miss the Teylers Museum, the oldest museum in the Netherlands, which features an eclectic collection, including remarkable drawings by Michelangelo.
Experience Traditional Dutch Culture at Zaanse Schans
For anyone eager to immerse themselves in traditional Dutch culture, a visit to Zaanse Schans is a must. Situated just outside of Amsterdam, Zaanse Schans offers a fascinating glimpse into life in the Zaan district during the 17th and 18th centuries. Visitors can explore iconic windmills, charming wooden houses, and historic barns that showcase the region’s rich heritage. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit traditional working shops, including a cheese factory, a pewter factory, and artisans crafting the famous Dutch wooden clogs. This unique open-air museum is perfect for a day trip, offering both cultural insight and picturesque views.
Gouda, The Charming Town of Cheese Lovers
If you’re a fan of Gouda cheese, the charming town of Gouda should be on your travel list. Nestled between The Hague and Rotterdam, this picturesque market town is renowned for its vibrant cheese culture. From April to September, visitors can experience the traditional Gouda cheese market every Thursday morning, where you can witness the fascinating process of cheese wheel creation and sample delicious offerings from local traders. For cheese enthusiasts, a visit to ‘t Kaaswinkeltje, the oldest cheese shop in Gouda, is a must. Here, you’ll find an impressive selection of hundreds of cheese varieties, making it a perfect stop for tasting and purchasing authentic Gouda cheese.
Explore Rotterdam, A Modern Architectural Gem
Rotterdam may be the Netherlands’s second largest city to Amsterdam, but the two couldn’t be more different. After a large part of the city was destroyed in the Second World War, Rotterdam was rebuilt, with some of the twentieth century’s most celebrated architects having a big input. Today, the city has a modern and distinctive character, with the River Mass splitting it into two distinct halves.
Get a bird’s eye view of the city from 112m up at Euromast, an open-air viewing platform. There’s a rotating glass elevator that takes you up 185 metres, a restaurant, and even two hotel suits that feature private balconies.
If you’re hanging out at the famous Art Deco Hotel New York, then you’re conveniently close to Rotterdam’s famous Erasmusbrug bridge. Nicknamed the swan, it’s beautifully lit at night. Check out the museums in the Museum Quarter. Here you’ll find the Het Nieuwe Instituut, a museum dedicated to architecture, design and digital culture, the Boijmans Van Beuningen, a 1930s art museum, the Natural History Museum and Kunsthal, A space designed by Rem Koolhaas that exhibits modern art, fashion, design and photography.
Right next to the Museum Quarter is Witte de Withstraat, one of the coolest streets in the city. Find quirky bars, vintage boutiques, music venues, and excellent Asian food. Another cool spot is Katendrecht. What used to be known as China Town is now a cool local hangout with the Dutch Pinball Museum, an indoor food market called Fenix Food Factory and plenty of bars and restaurants, including Kaapse Brouwers, an excellent craft beer bar.
You can’t miss the Luchtsingel, a crowdfunded, bright yellow 400m wooden pedestrian bridge that connects previously neglected areas in central Rotterdam. It links a series of communal and commercial spaces such as The DakAkker urban rooftop garden, Pompenburg Park, a buzzing nightlife spot called the Delftsehof, Hofplein Station Roof Park, plus plenty of cool bars, coffee shops and food venues.
Foodies should head to the buzzy food market at the Markthal, an indoor food market boasting the world’s largest glass-window cable structures and the world’s largest rendered digital print decorating the interior. It’s also located right next door to Piet Blom’s famous Cube Houses.
Uncovering Den Bosch A Charming City of Art and Culinary Delights
Otherwise known as Den Bosch, this city is the perfect day trip for those looking to soak up a little culture and history. The city is known for its fantastic museums and is home to the Het Noordbrabants Museum, an art museum housed in a beautiful 18th-century palace featuring work by Van Gogh, Sluijters, Hieronymus Bosch, Piet Mondrian, and Marc Mulders. Next door is the Design Museum Den Bosch which focuses on applied arts such as ceramics, jewellery and architecture.
Frequently voted the most hospitable city in The Netherlands, Den Bosch is a delightful place to wander. Explore this medieval city with its fortified city walls, churches, canals and wharves, and grab a coffee at one of the bustling cafes. Bustling markets take place on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. You can’t leave without tasting the region’s famous Bosschebol, large profiterole-style pastries covered in chocolate and filled with whipped cream. Jan de Grout, a bakery and tea room close to the train station, serves up the region’s best Bosschebol.
Maastricht A Cultural Treasure with Rich History and Unique Attractions
The fairy-talesque city of Maastricht is a must-visit. Located in the south of the country, bordering Belgium, it is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and is rich in history and historic attractions. Its city walls date back to the 13th century and are the oldest in the Netherlands. Helpoort (gate of hell) is the oldest surviving town gate and can be found at the end of the Sint Bernadusstraat.
The bustling main square Vrijthof is lined with plenty of bars and cafes to stop and take in the historic architecture, the main attraction being the Sint Servaas Basilica, which dates back to 1000 and features a beautiful serene cloister garden. The Onze Lieve Vrouwebasiliek (Basilica of Our Lady) is a deeply religious place with pilgrims travelling from all over to light candles and say prayers. Built in the 5th century, its treasury features a stunning collection of relics and church silver. There’s also a whole network of tunnels running under the city that can be explored by taking a tour.
A visit to Maastricht is not complete without a visit to Boekhandel Dominicanen bookshop. Frequently voted as the world’s most beautiful bookshop, this store is housed inside the old 13th-century Dominican Church. Browse books and stop for a coffee in the famous Blanche Dael Coffeelovers. The Bonnefanten Museum is one of the country’s top museums and features contemporary Dutch art along with early European art.
Stay or go for dinner at the award-winning Kruisheren hotel. Housed in a 15th-century church and cloister, it’s one of the most beautiful hotels in the country. Beer lovers can take a brewery tour and sample the beer and local cheeses at Brewery Bosch, founded in 1798. Just outside Maastricht is Jezuietenberg, a unique, beautifully decorated limestone quarry. The caves can be explored by booking a tour.
If you’re in Maastricht in December, you can’t miss the extremely popular Christmas markets that open the first weekend of December.
Discover the Serenity of Giethoorn, the Dutch Venice
The picturesque, car-free village of Giethoorn, often referred to as the Dutch Venice, offers a serene escape into a world of tranquil canals and charming thatched-roof farmhouses. Unlike its Italian counterpart, Giethoorn is less crowded and provides a more peaceful atmosphere for exploring its scenic beauty. Visitors can navigate the winding waterways by punt boats, embark on relaxing cruise tours, or simply enjoy a leisurely bike ride or stroll along the idyllic paths that line the canals. In the winter months, guests may even have the opportunity to join locals in skating along the frozen waterways, adding a magical touch to this enchanting village. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Giethoorn promises a unique and memorable experience in the heart of the Netherlands.
The Grandeur of De Haar Castle, A Jewel of European History
Renowned as the “Most Luxurious Castle in Europe,” De Haar Castle holds the title of the largest castle in the country and is a must-visit destination. Situated just outside Utrecht, the castle is somewhat challenging to reach by public transport, which adds to its exclusive charm, though driving is a convenient option. This enchanting fairytale castle is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens that invite exploration, while the interiors of the castle boast exquisite décor and rich history. Over the years, De Haar Castle has welcomed numerous celebrities, including Coco Chanel, Maria Callas, Roger Moore, Yves Saint Laurent, and Brigitte Bardot, who have graced its opulent parties hosted by the baron and baroness. Additionally, twice a year, the castle hosts the popular Elfia festival, a vibrant celebration of costumes and fantasy that attracts visitors from all over.
There’s an abundance of experiences waiting to be uncovered in Amsterdam, and this guide merely scratches the surface. Yacht crew spending the winter in the Netherlands are sure to enjoy their days off, soaking in the city’s rich culture and vibrant atmosphere. If you visit any of our recommendations, we would love to hear about your adventures.
Additionally, as you plan for the next season and consider ways to enhance your yacht’s offerings, don’t forget to check out our website. We specialise in fitting custom inflatables and yacht toys, working closely with new builds and shipyards to ensure optimal storage solutions for our superyacht inflatables that pack light and tight. Getting our team involved during the build or refit process is key to maximising your space and keeping your superyacht toys easily accessible for summer fun. To find out more about our range of yacht toys and inflatables visit our website or contact us today at [email protected].
