Everyone’s familiar with Holland’s infamous capital city, but there are so many more memorable places to visit in the Netherlands other than Amsterdam. So get ready to uncover the country’s hidden gems and dive into our handpicked list of the 8 most beautiful (and less crowded) Dutch cities to help you soak up the summer and embrace your inner Dutchie.

1. Rotterdam

Rotterdam river with fishing boats in the sunshine
Thanks to the frequent ferries between Hull and Rotterdam, the Netherlands’ largest city makes for a quick and easy getaway from the UK, meaning you can enjoy the taste of another culture in no time at all. In summer, Rotterdam comes alive with its plethora of outdoor events. One of them is the Rotterdam Summer Carnival which celebrates the best of Caribbean culture. You’ll also find music festivals to suit every taste. Once you’re finished you can lounge on beach chairs at the peaceful Parqiet, chill by Kralingen Lake or explore the edgy Weelde district which even has its own farm. Summer in Rotterdam means you’re definitely not going to run out of things to do. Close off your busy day sightseeing with a cooling dip in the Inntel Hotels Rotterdam Centre pool and a refreshing cocktail in the contemporary bar afterwards.

2. Eindhoven

Cyclists go through a meadow in Eindhoven
Famous for being a hub of design and innovation, Eindhoven is a tech lover’s dream. Pay a visit to the informative but fun, Eindhoven: Journey to the Future, DAF and Phillips Museums to broaden your knowledge on the evolution of the tech industry in the Eindhoven area before sampling some delicious Dutch beers at the city’s countless distilleries and breweries. Once you’re done with your refreshments, head to the 200-acre Genneper Park where you can join in on activities like mini golf, kayaking, swimming and more. To finish your day, kick back and relax at the quirky Social Hub Hotel that’s just a stone’s throw away from the train station.

3. Utrecht

Cyclists looking onto the Utrecht canals and bars and restaurants
Only 30 minutes by train from Amsterdam lies the charming province of Utrecht. Embodying traditional Dutch characteristics (thinks canals, cobblestone streets, and wonky houses), the city has been steadily growing in popularity. Summer is truly the perfect time to visit Utrecht as you can make the most of the canals flowing through the lively city by:

  • stopping for a pick-me-up at one of the several canal-side bars
  • sampling delicious Dutch delicacies at the canal-side restaurants
  • exploring the city by water with a rented kayak or boat
  • sitting back and relaxing on a canal cruise
  • enjoying a picnic and some classic Dutch beer on the green canal banks

Our favourite Utrecht hotels include the cosy NH Centre Utrecht with its cosy and comfortable decor for a home away from home and the luxurious Anthony Hotel thanks to its unbeatable fine dining restaurant.

4. Volendam

colourful Dutch houses look over a river in the sunshine
Volendam's very Instagrammable fishing village is just 20km from Amsterdam and has everything you would expect from a quintessential Dutch town. Armed with five centuries of rich history, the isolated fishing village is the best place to see traditional houses, and also:

  • Edam cheese markets
  • wooden shoe factories
  • famous Eindhoven windmills

If you’re considering a trip, wander along the harbour to experience the bustling town. To top off your day, book a night at the Van der Valk Hotel to immerse yourself in its serene ambience overlooking a small lake.

5. The Hague

The Hague beach on a summer day
Home to the country’s government, Royal Family and United Nations, there’s no disputing that The Hague is an important place and not one to miss if you’re considering venturing outside of Amsterdam. The Hague is steeped in history with countless museums and art galleries to please history fans and art lovers alike. If this sounds like you, stop by the Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery to view the Dutch Golden Age art and afterwards to the Louwman Museum to browse the vast collection of antique vehicles. If you’ve got little ones in toe, you can’t miss the miniature theme park Madurodam. But if you’d rather be outside enjoying the sun, do like the Dutch and head to one of The Hague’s famous beaches, easily accessible by public transport.

Our top pick of The Hague’s hotels has to be the stylish Best Western Plus Grand Winston thanks to its endless facilities and unmissable fine dining restaurant.

6. Maastricht

old bookshop Maastricht
As the country’s southernmost city, Maastricht is nestled between the borders of Belgium and Germany. If you’re dreaming of an escape to the countryside, the 2.5-hour train from Amsterdam Centraal will provide you with just this — think sweeping Dutch landscapes, decorated with windmills and farms. Make the most of the good weather by playing golf, going on a bike tour or hiking through stunning nature trails. When you’re finished enjoying the great outdoors, head to the Dominicanen, a bookshop housed in an old church. Our top pick for Maastricht accommodation? It has to be the four-star Amrâth Grand Hotel de l’Empereur for a dose of refinement and relaxation.

7. Gouda

Gouda cheese market
Aside from its delicious Gouda cheese, this medieval city has so much to offer travellers wanting to soak up Dutch culture in a limited time frame. Ranking among the oldest cities in the Netherlands, the city is bursting with historical buildings and show-stopping landmarks. Must-see highlights include the Waag, Sint-Jnaskerk, and the city hall famous for its gothic architecture. And of course, no trip here is complete without sampling its cheese. Visit the cheese markets or the Gouda Cheese Experience to be walked through the production process. Gouda’s small size also makes it the perfect destination for a day trip so spend the night at the Mainport Design Hotel Rotterdam, just a 20-minute train journey from Gouda.

8. Leiden

Leiden canals in the sun with traditional Dutch houses
Famous for its university, Leiden’s picturesque cobblestone streets and nearby beach make it an ideal summer destination for travellers seeking some peace and quiet while still enjoying an array of cultural activities.
History lovers can visit the National Museum of Antiquities before wandering the streets while taking in Leiden’s unique architecture in the form of historic churches, the Stadhuis van Leiden and the Leiden University building. Is history not really your thing? Not to worry because there are countless other options such as:

  • exploring the tranquil botanical gardens
  • soaking in the sights (and the sun) on an open-top canal cruise
  • browsing the stalls at the famous Leiden Street Market selling delicious cheeses, fresh fruit and vegetables and vibrant flowers.

Our hotel recommendation is the typically Dutch Golden Tulip Leiden Centre Hotel thanks to its phenomenal breakfast that is sure to fuel you before a day of sightseeing.

So which Dutch city will you be exploring? Make the most of your time in the Netherlands with our list and get ready to create memories of a lifetime.