Things to do in  South Holland

Few places showcase the Netherlands’ iconic tulips better than Keukenhof Gardens, a colorful sea of flowers with millions of new bulbs planted every year. An easy day trip from Amsterdam, the gardens are perfect for leisurely strolls and snapping photos of flowers in bloom. It’s a Holland tradition that attracts visitors from around the globe—and one you certainly won’t want to miss.

Rotterdam’s new market hall is also the largest indoor market in the country. Architecturally striking, the building is designed with apartments flanking a horseshoe-shaped arch. Inside the glass facade is a covered public square and market hall, with more than 100 food stalls, eight restaurants, and 15 shops, and one of the Netherlands’ largest artworks on its ceiling.

Regarded as Rotterdam’s main church, the 16th-century Church of St. Lawrence—also called the Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk—is the only late Gothic medieval building still standing in the city. Beautifully restored after heavy World War II bombing, the church symbolizes Rotterdam’s long history and its resilience to adversity.

Built using funds donated by American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, Peace Palace (Vredespaleis) is one of The Hague’s best-known landmarks. The grand neo-Renaissance building is home to the UN’s International Court of Justice, which hears legal disputes between states.

Rotterdam’s bold Central Station (Centraal Station) is a showstopper and fitting introduction for arriving visitors to the city’s famously edgy architecture. Renovated in 2014, the midcentury station stands out for its unique design with a glass-fronted facade topped by a futuristic stainless-steel roof that soars high above the building.

Linking north and south Rotterdam across the River New Meuse, the Erasmus Bridge (Erasmusbrug is one of the city’s most notable landmarks. Opened in 1996, it’s striking for its single, angled pylon, which lends it the nickname “The Swan” (De Zwaan and makes it a must-see for visitors.

The Hague’s 13th-century Inner Court (Binnenhof) complex encompasses several landmarks, including the Gothic Hall of Knights (Ridderzaal), a state building characterized by medieval-style turrets. Now home to the Dutch Parliament, the heritage site attracts visitors with a blend of courtly features and political significance. While viewable from its inner courtyards, the complex provides a grand backdrop to the scenic Hofvijver lake in the heart of the city.

Even in a city with lots of out-of-the-ordinary architecture, Rotterdam’s Cube Houses (Kubuswoningen manage to stand out from the crowd. Designed by Dutch architect Piet Blom and built in the early 1980s, these yellow-and-gray cubic houses are perched at a 45-degree-angle, creating unusual lines and strangely shaped interiors.

Dating back to 1653, Royal Delft (Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles) is the world’s best-known manufacturer of the Netherlands’ iconic blue-and-white porcelain goods. The factory—the only such manufactory that remains from the 17th century—is open to travelers looking to learn about this one-of-a-kind hand-painted stoneware.

In their heyday, this group of 18th-century windmills in Kinderdijk formed part of an essential water management system for locals who struggled to keep their feet dry. Today, visitors can learn about the windmills at a visitor center—formerly the village pumping station—and visit two windmills that have been converted into museums. Photography opportunities abound, as these wood-and-stone windmills have become an iconic Dutch sight.

Famed for its namesake blue-and-white pottery and for being the birthplace of Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, Delft is ringed by scenic canals and offers a much more tranquil atmosphere than nearby Amsterdam. The quaint Dutch town is also notable for its medieval buildings and its lively market, which is the perfect place to people-watch and enjoy a traditional stroopwafel (caramel-smothered waffle).

Most of Rotterdam’s historic buildings were destroyed by World War II bombing, with a few notable exceptions, including the city’s grand City Hall (Stadhuis). Built in the first two decades of the 20th century, this massive Beaux Art-style palace features four wings around an interior courtyard and a soaring clock and bell tower.

Transformed from a farmhouse into a stately home in 1533, Noordeinde Palace (Paleis Noordeinde) in The Hague was presented to William of Orange’s widow in recognition of her husband’s service to the Netherlands. Noordeinde Palace is one of four palaces across the country owned by the Dutch royal family and serves as the office of King Willem-Alexander.

One of the trendiest corners of Rotterdam, Old Harbor (Oude Haven) was the city’s first port, dating back to 1350. Today, this vibrant area along the north bank of the Meuse River is a mix of historical and modern architecture—including Piet Blom’s famous Cube Houses—where visitors can experience the best dining and nightlife in the city.

Madurodam, a mini-kingdom on a 1:25 scale, lets you tour the entirety of the Netherlands in an hour. One of Holland’s most popular attractions since its development in The Hague in 1952, it highlights the epitomes of Dutch culture in scale-model replicas of perfectly ornamented bridges, canals, windmills, and national landmarks. There is also a range of rides and themed attractions.