Plan your holiday to North Holland. Get information on tourist attractions, accommodation, and activities, as well as culinary recommendations that you can experience in North Holland.

Travel Guide to North Holland - Travel Tips, Where to Go, and Culinary Recommendations

Destination Page

30004812-VACATION_CUSTOM_DESTINATION_PAGE

Noord-Holland

Alkmaar

Edam-Volendam

Zaanstad

Amsterdam

Haarlem

Lisse

Amersfoort

Utrecht Province

Leiden

Utrecht

Explore exciting escapes near you

More Destination Near North Holland

Amsterdam Canal Cruise Ticket

Royal Palace Amsterdam with Audio Guide

Van Gogh Museum

Moco Museum Amsterdam: Skip The Line Ticket

Tropenmuseum of World Cultures

Stedelijk Museum

I amsterdam City Card

Bols Cocktail Experience

Amsterdam BonTon Gentleman's Guided Tour

The Hague, Delft, and Rotterdam Full-Day Tour from Amsterdam

Heineken® Brewery Tour with beer tasting

Volendam, Marken, and Windmills Half-Day Tour from Amsterdam

Van Gogh Museum Ticket

Diamond Museum

AMAZE Amsterdam: The Immersive Experience | Netherlands

Hermitage Amsterdam

Heineken Experience Tickets

Go City Amsterdam Explorer Pass: Save up to 50% on Attractions

Amsterdam Semi-Open Boat Canal Cruise Ticket

The Cat Cabinet

Discover trending tourist havens, top tours & more.

Must-try Activities in North Holland

Amsterdam is famously known for its canal system and their rich culture apart from being Netherland’s capital city. This city offers more than just colorful European buildings along the streets but also numerous choices of attractions suitable for all age.

Riding a boat is one of the most interesting activity that surely cannot be missed along the Canal Ring. Afterwards, spend some time doing museum hopping to Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk, and Rijksmuseum.

Enjoy the quality time with your loved ones around De Pijk (The Pipe), a district where tourists can find numerous of unique restaurants, cafes, or the breezy park in city central. Then, call it a day with some shopping experience around De Negen Straatjes or The Nine Streets.

Haarlem is indeed a beautiful place to visit that has a rich history and culture to explore. It is the capital city of North Holland, and it is located around 20 kilometers from Amsterdam. You can easily get there by train. Haarlem is also situated along the beautiful Spaarne River, which also runs through the cities of Heemstede and Spaarndam. The scenic beauty of the city makes Haarlem the best place to be explored only by walking since it’s also a small city where everything is so close.
There are various things to do in Haarlem for your off days. It has museums, art galleries, markets, beaches, scenic historical buildings that will get you amazed, the Dutch windmill that everyone who visits Holland wants to see, and countless landmarks. It’s very fit for a holiday destination.
If you are into cities with a strong history, amazing city views, and artistic heritage, you will love exploring Haarlem. With so many things to do in Haarlem, you sure will have a lot of fun. Where else can you ride a whisper boat and sail on the Spaarne River, enjoying the view of the city from the river point of view, rather than in Haarlem?

Alkmaar is a historic and beautiful city in the northern part of the Netherlands. Famous for its renowned cheese market, the city has a unique charm with its canals crossing cobblestone streets and historic buildings filled with classic Dutch architecture. One of its main attractions is the traditional cheese market, which has been running since the Middle Ages. Every Friday morning, cheese sellers and visitors from around the world gather at the Alkmaar Cheese Market to trade the finest cheeses from the surrounding area.
In addition to its cheese market, Alkmaar also offers various cultural and historical attractions. Stedelijk Alkmaar Museum is a perfect place to understand the history and art of the city. The museum displays a collection of classic Dutch art and historical artifacts that provide insights into the life and culture of Alkmaar from the past to the present. Additionally, Grote Kerk or the city's main church is an important landmark that beautifies the city skyline with its towering bell tower.
Alkmaar is also known for its natural beauty. The city is surrounded by beautiful flower fields in spring and summer. City parks and extensive bike paths allow you to enjoy peaceful scenery while exploring the natural beauty of the Netherlands. With its unique and diverse charm, Alkmaar is an attractive destination for tourists seeking authentic and charming experiences in the Netherlands.

Ever dreamt of stepping into a postcard of Dutch charm? Look no further than Zaanstad, a captivating region near Amsterdam. Here, you'll be greeted by iconic windmills gently turning in the breeze, their vast sails a testament to Dutch ingenuity. Wander along the banks of the Zaan River, lined with adorable green-wooden houses with characteristic pointed roofs. Peek into workshops where traditional crafts like clog making and pewter casting are still very much alive.
Zaanstad isn't just a visual feast; it's a journey through Dutch history. Explore the Zaans Museum and delve into the region's rich industrial heritage. Visit a working windmill and witness the power harnessed by these giants of innovation. Indulge in local cheeses and freshly baked stroopwafels, delectable treats that will tantalize your taste buds.
Craving a city fix? Amsterdam is a convenient hop away, offering world-class museums and vibrant canals. But for a truly unique Dutch experience, where history whispers on the wind and tradition thrives, Zaanstad awaits.

Edam-Volendam is a municipality in the Province of North Holland located in the north-west of the Netherlands. The municipality consists of the cities of Edam and Volendam. Edam, famous for its cheese, is a small historic town with magnificent 17th-century buildings. Volendam is a colorful fishing village with a traditional atmosphere that attracts tourists from all over the world.
Known as the "Fishing Village", Edam-Volendam is only 20 kilometers from Amsterdam. It is often a popular destination for travelers from the city for a leisurely stroll along its clean canals.
There are many popular attractions in Volendam that you can see and explore. Starting from seeing a traditional cheese factory, visiting a historical museum, seeing the Volendam fishing village, and other interesting things.
This city also has a long history. Volendam used to be a city with direct access to the sea. But during the 12th century, Edam built a new canal and harbor. The old harbor was reclaimed and turned into land, and Volendam, which means filled dam in Dutch, was occupied by local fishermen.

Popular Areas in Noord-Holland

Besides providing a stunning backdrop to the city's historical centre, floating down Amsterdam's canals is one of the most memorable ways to discover the city. Whether you're a first-time or frequent visitor, everything in Amsterdam seems a bit more magical when viewed from a boat.

Amsterdam Canal Cruises

The Van Gogh Museum goes well beyond the traditional permanent collection: the exhibition Van Gogh at Work is the culmination of seven years of fastidious research into his oeuvre and development as an artist. More than 200 paintings, works on paper, sketchbooks and letters by Van Gogh and his peers offer manifold insights into the fascinating creative processes behind his paintings and drawings.

The Rijksmuseum is the largest and most important museum of the Netherlands with a collection of nearly 1 million objects, including many masterpieces and artefacts from all over the world. Following years of extensive renovations, the Rijksmuseum has reopened its doors with an entirely refreshed layout.

Rijksmuseum

The Anne Frank House is the hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her famous diary during World War II. Now a museum, it recreates the war and holocaust years. Quotations from the diary, photographs, films and original objects belonging to the people in hiding and those who helped them all serve to illustrate the events which occurred at this location. Anne's original diary is on display in the museum as well.

Anne Frank House

You won’t see so many celebrities gathered together anywhere else. From film stars to sporting heroes, from the Golden Age to modern times, national and international artists, Madame Tussauds truly has something for everyone.

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

Magna Plaza means indoor shopping pleasure in a historical building, right behind the Royal Palace. Built by the end of the 19th century, the former post office of Amsterdam is nowadays an exclusive shopping centre with more than 40 brand stores.

Magna Plaza

Built in 1888, the Concertgebouw is a world-famous concert hall located in the city centre. Take a guided tour and discover some of the hidden areas of this magnificent building, such as the backstage and the attic above the Main Hall, while listening to some interesting anecdotes.

Concertgebouw

The Hermitage Amsterdam is the Dutch branch of the world-famous Hermitage in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Located on the banks of the Amstel River, the Hermitage Amsterdam is an exhibition space and cultural education centre with a focus on Russian history and culture.

The Koninklijk Paleis (Royal Palace) on Amsterdam’s Dam Square is one of three palaces still in use by the Dutch royal family. When not used for state visits, award ceremonies or other official functions, visitors can explore the magnificent interior and discover the rich history of the building.

Royal Palace Amsterdam

Located in the bustling heart of Amsterdam, the Melkweg, or Milkyway in English, is one of the city's leading entertainment and cultural venues with two halls, a cinema, a theatre, and a cafe with a varied live program, ranging from up-and-coming bands to established names to seated concerts. From the abandoned dairy factory in 1970, this place was then turned into a temporary project, a place for young people to hang out during the summer in 1973. Now it has become one of the most well-known cultural venues. If catching a concert seems a bit out of your price range, or if there is just nobody you would like to see, then visiting one of Melkweg's night clubs might be the thing to do. If you would like to have dinner before your visit, or a drink after the concert? The MILK café is open for lunch and dinner, also for drinks or a nice cup of coffee. Pay attention though, the entrance of MILK is located at Marnixstraat 409.

Melkweg

At Canal Motorboats you can hire a specialised boat for an hour or more. Make your way around the city taking tons of photos and making fantastic memories with friends and family. The company’s marina is just 10 minutes from Central Station and five minutes from the beginning of the Prinsengracht. Each boat can carry up to seven people and naturally larger parties can hire multiple boats.

Canal Motorboats

The Singel Flower Market is one of Amsterdam’s most colourful attractions. The small shops are located inside a row of floating barges – a holdover from the days when flowers arrived in Amsterdam every day from the countryside by boat. At the flower market you’ll find tulips of every colour – either in bouquets or as bulbs to plant at home. If you plan to buy bulbs to take out of the country, be sure they have a "customs cleared" stamp on the packet so you won’t have trouble at the border.

Flower Market

Various travel destinations in North Holland, from nature, historical, and top picks curated for you.

Top Sights in North Holland

Explore Amsterdam's cultural treasures with our guide to the 10 best museums you shouldn't miss! From world-renowned art collections to historical exhibits and interactive displays, discover Amsterdam's rich heritage. Perfect for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike, uncover the top museums to visit in Amsterdam.

10 Best Museums in Amsterdam You Should Never Miss

Your ultimate North Holland travel companion.

Inspiring Reads on North Holland

Housed in a 17th-century Dutch East India Company former warehouse at the Prinsengracht, this cozy eatery serves more than 75 varieties of pancake based on various dishes from all over the world, from French, Hungarian, Thai, to Norwegian pancake. Try their Hawaiian Pancake with pineapple, or pancakes with pisang Ambon (banana), vanilla ice cream, and whipped cream that would be familiar for Indonesians. Feeling adventurous? Try their take on Indonesian Pancake with chicken, onion, mushrooms, and peanut sauce, served on a bed of bean sprout, prawn crackers, and green salad, similar to gado-gado dish. For little ones, they created special themed pancake, such as Police, Animal, Car, Princess and Fireman pancake. Coming with a large group? Reservations are needed for groups of six or more. 

The Pancake Bakery

If you are looking for an unusual dinner experience in an unexpected place and are not afraid to discover the creative corners of your personality then knock on Supperclub’s door. 'Freedom' is the keyword here. It’s a mix of 5-course dinner in bed, music with resident DJ, 4 performances, and lighting art that will build your imagination. A reminder: you need to wear a pair of decent-looking socks because the staff will ask you to take off your shoes. Your experience will begin with the surprise box at your table! Since the dinner package is full of surprises, don't hesitate to tell the staff if you have a dietary restriction when making your reservation. The Supperclub host will also be there if you want to order cocktails to complete your experience. 

Supperclub

Located in the Park Hotel and not far from the Leidseplein, the ultra cosmopolitan and sleek MOMO drawn Amsterdam’s in-crowd and international beauties. Debuting in 2008, this cafe-restaurant boasts some of the best chefs and barmen from all over the world. With international entrepreneur Yossi Eliyahoo as its creative mastermind, MOMO is decked with Eliyahoo's signature 360-degree bar and award-winning bartenders. Come here to try their great cocktails, as well as pan-Asian dishes, with the main focus on Japanese cuisine. MOMO’s signature dishes include the black cod with spicy miso, and MOMO roll with tuna, salmon, sea bass, avocado, and tarragon miso. 

MOMO

Chefs Onno Kokmeijer, Arjan Speelman, and their team will serve you daring original dishes inspired by French cuisine while you take in the panoramic view of Amsterdam from the 23rd floor of Hotel Okura. Your culinary experience will be further elevated with their selection of classic and innovative wine. For the uninitiated, sommelier Noël Van Wittenbergh will guide you through their award-winning wine list for the perfect food and wine pairing. Ciel Bleu also offers two extensive menus and an exclusive caviar menu. For seafood aficionados, you might find salty-creamy oysters from Brittany as well as other quality ingredients. Try one from their 3 tasting menus, with one being vegetarian. No wonder if this restaurant holds two Michelin stars. 

Ciel Bleu

Michelin-starred Restaurant Sazanka at Hotel Okura invites you not only for a dinner but also for a spectacle. The skilled chefs will prepare the finest Japanese dishes in the open fire right before your eyes. Their performance is indeed a feast for the eyes, or perhaps an appetizer before you dive into their extensive menu, which features meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. You can also 'compose' your dinner with the à la carte menu, or choose one of the set menus, ranging from 5 to 7 courses.  Complete the experience with their sakes and wines collection. Book in advance to secure your seat.

Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka

Located on Volkshotel, on the 7th floor of the former office building of the Volkskrant newspaper, Canvas is renowned for its affordable yet lush cocktails and a stunning view of Amsterdam which, in the summer, can be taken in full from the spacious roof terrace. This club-cafe-restaurant is characterized by an easy-going vibe, a perfect place to enjoy early morning air or gaze at the late-night city lights while enjoying vegetarian or meat and fish dishes. The rooftop cafe-club is open on Friday and Saturday, regularly hosts DJs and other events. 

Canvas

The IJ-Kantine is more than just a canteen on the IJ. This striking and transparent brasserie with its fabulous terrace on the NDSM harbor has just about everything: in the morning you can go there for coffee, during the day you can have a royal lunch, enjoy a cocktail next to the fireplace in the lounge in the evening, and enjoy dishes such as wild sea bass, potato cannelloni, and half lobster at dinner time. It's a family-friendly eatery with a kids menu, equipped with a play corner with touch-screen TV,  games and toys, and a sandpit on the terrace in Summer. 

The IJ-kantine

Since its opening in 1990, Bourbon Street Blues Club is hard to miss when strolling down Leidsekruisstraat–you can see the Blues Brothers dancing on the roof. The program here ranges from rock to soul, even reggae, with live music every night of the week. Over the years, this amazing venue has hosted local and international artists, including some big names, such as Toto and B.B. King. Memorabilia and old photographs, a Louisiana street lamp, a disco ball sharing ceiling space with some camp chandeliers are part of this bar that looks like a barn. The lively and fun vibe will keep you entertained while enjoying the beer, spirits, or wine. 

Bourbon Street

Opened in 1990, Cafe de Jaren is one of the largest cafes in Amsterdam. It features a spacious cafe with high-ceiling on the ground floor, an international reading-table, a pleasant restaurant with a salad bar on the first floor, as well as a superb canal-view terrace. The first-floor balcony is non-smoking and offers views across the River Amstel. Reserve in advance if you want to secure a seat at the balcony. The room upstairs becomes a restaurant after 17:30, serving guests until 22:30. The cafe also offers jetty for guests who want to cross the river. Overwhelmed with the extensive international menu for the dinner? Simply order their tomato soup and broodjes, the town's favorite. 

Cafe de Jaren

This first Dutch omelette restaurant offers a great selection of egg-based dishes for breakfast, lunch, or weekend brunch. Omelettes come in a plethora of varieties, from barbecue to banana, and peanut butter. Fresh juices and an assortment of hot and cold drinks are also available to accompany the omelette of your choosing. While you wait, watch the eggs sizzling with all sorts of fresh ingredients in the open kitchen. Omelegg wants you to fully enjoy your meal and keep their ingredients a secret, so you better put your cell phone aside and think twice to record a video because the policy is pretty strict here.

Omelegg

Moeders, or 'Mothers' in English, got its name from hundreds of framed and unframed pictures of moms on the walls. Evoking warm and nostalgic nuance, the decoration is there for a reason. When you bring your mother to dine with you, the staff will give you a special treat and ask the picture of your mother as a new addition on the wall. Back then, the owner asked everyone to bring a plate, a glass, and cutlery from home, and it also becomes part of wall decoration. The food varies from comfort food such as omelette, pancake, to traditional Dutch specialties such as beef stew, Flemish stew, and stamppot or potato mashed with vegetables. For sharing menu, order Dutch Rijsttafel which serves for two. 

Moeders

Culinary delights you can't resist!

Popular Eateries in North Holland

VacInsp-vacation-slim-banner-desktop_e90a000f-2f28-4569-abcc-9453c2b87dba

Get all the important information and special coupon codes only in Let's Go! with Traveloka guidebook

Planning an exciting vacation? Download the complete guide now!

CleanTrip

My Booking Merchandising

AcqGameID-PromoBanner-Master-DLP

Forgot Password

Enter Verification Code

Log In/Register

Failed to register with LINE

Register Account

Creating a strong password that you won’t forget

Password Changed!

Log In Successful!

Registration Successful!

title

verificationFailedTitle

Logging Out

Facebook

Instagram

Line

Telegram

threadTitle

TikTok

Twitter

WhatsApp

Youtube

Purchase List

Reward Zone

Thank you for your interest!

You’re our {tierName}

My Points

Looking to uncover the highlights of {continentName}?  Explore the must-see destinations and inspiration from thematic activities for your next adventures!

Best Places To Visit in {continentName} {year} -  Travel Guides

The ultimate {countryName} travel guide. Find the answers to {countryName}'s most asked travel questions, discover iconic must-do experiences, and book hotels.

A Complete Trip Guide To {countryName} {year}: Profile, Culture & History - Travel Guides Traveloka

The ultimate {areaName} travel guide. Find {areaName}'s location on the map, discover iconic places to visit and must-do experiences, and book hotels.

A Complete Travel Guide To {areaName}, {countryName} {year}: Location & Best Places to Visit - Travel Guides Traveloka

Overview

We’d love to go with you...

North Holland is located in Netherlands. Let us guide you to explore North Holland and uncover its beauty. Find inspirations about popular tourist attractions, travel tips, to the best accommodation in  here. Plan your next adventure at Traveloka!

North Holland

Europe

/

Netherlands

/

North Holland

Explore Noord-Holland

Create your itinerary with our top picks below

Must-try Activities in North Holland

Amsterdam Canal Cruise Ticket

Royal Palace Amsterdam with Audio Guide

Van Gogh Museum

Moco Museum Amsterdam: Skip The Line Ticket

Tropenmuseum of World Cultures

Stedelijk Museum

I amsterdam City Card

Bols Cocktail Experience

Amsterdam BonTon Gentleman's Guided Tour

The Hague, Delft, and Rotterdam Full-Day Tour from Amsterdam

Heineken® Brewery Tour with beer tasting

Volendam, Marken, and Windmills Half-Day Tour from Amsterdam

Van Gogh Museum Ticket

Diamond Museum

AMAZE Amsterdam: The Immersive Experience | Netherlands

Hermitage Amsterdam

Heineken Experience Tickets

Go City Amsterdam Explorer Pass: Save up to 50% on Attractions

Amsterdam Semi-Open Boat Canal Cruise Ticket

The Cat Cabinet

Popular Areas in Noord-Holland

Amsterdam

Haarlem

Alkmaar

Zaanstad

Edam-Volendam

Get to Know Noord-Holland

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Top Sights in North Holland

Amsterdam Canal Cruises

Van Gogh Museum

Rijksmuseum

Anne Frank House

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam

Magna Plaza

Concertgebouw

Hermitage Amsterdam

Royal Palace Amsterdam

Melkweg

Canal Motorboats

Flower Market

Inspiring Reads on North Holland

10 Best Museums in Amsterdam You Should Never Miss

Popular Eateries in North Holland

The Pancake Bakery

Supperclub

MOMO

Ciel Bleu

Melkweg

Teppanyaki Restaurant Sazanka

Canvas

The IJ-kantine

Bourbon Street

Cafe de Jaren

Omelegg

Moeders

Planning an exciting vacation? Download the complete guide now!

More Destination Near North Holland

Alkmaar

Edam-Volendam

Zaanstad

Amsterdam

Haarlem

Lisse

Amersfoort

Utrecht Province

Leiden

Utrecht

Payment Partners

About Traveloka

Follow us on