10 Surprising City Trips in the Netherlands

Looking for a weekend getaway in The Netherlands but in need of some inspiration? Good news: Fletcher has compiled a list of the top 10 most surprising city trips. From a stay in royal style to a luxurious overnight stay next to a zoo, there's something for everyone. Read on to discover the beauty of the Netherlands and be surprised by its hidden gems.

While most people immediately think of bustling cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or The Hague for a short vacation in the Netherlands, there's so much more to see and experience in the Netherlands. If you're looking to explore a city close to the coast, experience a cultural city trip, or enjoy a mix of culture and nature, these places are worth a trip!

1 – The charms of Leiden

If you want to experience a cultural city trip close to the coast, Leiden is the place to be. Known as 'Little Amsterdam,' there are plenty of activities to fill your weekend. Visit the National Museum of Antiquities, go shopping at the Westfield Mall of The Netherlands, or take a canal cruise along the quirky and unique canal houses that the city is known for. In short, you won't be bored while enjoying all that Leiden has to offer.

Staying the night in Leiden - Fletcher Wellness-Hotel Leiden

For a restful night's sleep, you can stay at the Fletcher Wellness-Hotel Leiden. This luxury hotel is located behind the Central Station in the center of Leiden. It's perfect if you want to unwind after a long day and be pampered. You can visit the sauna or take a swim in the pool with a panoramic view of the bustling city.

2 – Adventure in Amersfoort

Looking for a city trip filled with both culture and nature? Choose a weekend in the historic city of Amersfoort. Filled with medieval architecture and canals, this beautiful city exudes history. Explore the charming shopping streets, treat yourself to a culinary meal at one of the many restaurants, and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty with extensive forests and green parks. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Staying the night in Amersfoort - Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Amersfoort

Opt for a stay at the Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Amersfoort. The hotel is surrounded by a beautiful forest and offers luxurious facilities, including a gourmet restaurant. You can walk to the city center from the cozy hotel and easily reach the famous highlights of Amersfoort.

3 – Have fun in Apeldoorn

The perfect base for a short vacation near the Hoge Veluwe National Park is Apeldoorn. There are plenty of fun adventures for everyone in both the city center and the surrounding area. Enjoy a day of fun with the kids at the Julianatoren amusement park, spot monkeys at the Apenheul, or explore the beauty of the stunning natural area that the Veluwe is known for. Apeldoorn is the place to be for both young and old.

Staying the night in Apeldoorn - Hotel-Restaurant Apeldoorn

After an active day in the city or nature, you can treat yourself at the Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Apeldoorn. During your stay, you can enjoy pleasant wellness facilities, a delicious meal in the restaurant, or the ambiance of the hotel bar. A carefree stay guaranteed!

4 – Musical enjoyment in Arnhem

Located in the east of the country, the charming city of Arnhem awaits. The city is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The famous bridge played a crucial role in the Battle of Arnhem during World War II. With its vibrant arts and music scene, Arnhem is the ideal destination for those who love holidays filled with museums, theaters, and concert halls. How exciting!

Staying the night in Arnhem – Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Doorwerth-Arnhem 

After a day in Arnhem, you can unwind at the Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Doorwerth-Arnhem. Relax in one of the comfortable hotel rooms, enjoy a gourmet dinner at the restaurant, and experience the beautiful surroundings. The hotel is located on a magnificent estate near the Veluwe. What more could you want?

5 – Lively Leeuwarden

In the north of the Netherlands, you'll find the capital of Friesland, Leeuwarden. Leeuwarden is known for its unique Friesian traditions and vibrant atmosphere that you won't find anywhere else. Discover the picturesque buildings, stunning monuments, and historic canals that you'll come across. If you're a lover of art, history, and architecture, Leeuwarden is an absolute must-visit. After a weekend of enjoyment, you'll undoubtedly fall in love with the city's charm.

Staying the night in Leeuwarden – Fletcher Hotel-Paleis Stadhouderlijk Hof 

Dreaming of a stay in royal style? The Fletcher Hotel-Paleis Stadhouderlijk Hof is an accommodation you'll want to cross off your bucket list. This hotel is located in a former palace from the 15th century and is situated in the heart of Leeuwarden. After a day of exploring the Frisian capital, you can enjoy a gourmet dinner at the restaurant of this characteristic hotel.

6 – Spotting animals in Emmen

A popular city trip for the whole family is to the city of Emmen, located in the province of Drenthe. The city is mainly known for the Wildlands Adventure Zoo, which is a major attraction for both young and old. Not a fan of the zoo? There are plenty of other activities to enjoy. Explore the historic center, go shopping in the afternoon, or take a walk or bike ride through the beautiful countryside in the area. Emmen is renowned for its vast forests and heathlands.

Staying the night in Emmen – Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant ByZoo Emmen

Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant ByZoo Emmen is located opposite the Emmen Zoo. In this modern hotel, you can relax in luxurious hotel rooms, enjoy unique street food dishes at the restaurant, or explore the surroundings on an e-bike. The hotel is close to the natural areas De Hondsrug, Overvelte, and Sleenerzand.

7 – Tasting cheese in cozy Alkmaar

If you're a cheese enthusiast, Alkmaar is undoubtedly the place to go for a city trip. Here, you can experience Dutch cheese culture by visiting the cheese market and the accompanying Dutch Cheese Museum. Additionally, this cozy city in North Holland is known for its beautiful canal houses and charming boutiques. For music fans, the Beatles museum is an absolute must-visit. In Alkmaar, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Staying the night in Alkmaar – Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Marijke

Prefer not to head home after just one day in Alkmaar? Choose a hotel stay at Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Marijke, located near the cheese city. This charming hotel in Bergen is the perfect accommodation if you want to enjoy both culture and nature during a weekend getaway. The next day, you can choose to take a refreshing beach walk in Bergen aan Zee.

8 – Get to know Hanseatic city Deventer

Looking for a unique city trip in Overijssel? Choose the beautiful city of Deventer, located along the IJssel River. In this former Hanseatic city, there's plenty to see, and you'll be enchanted by the medieval architecture and ancient city walls. Deventer is also known for its annual book market, which is the largest book market in Europe. With cultural museums, art galleries, and theaters, you won't have a dull moment. In short, Deventer is a must-visit for culture and history enthusiasts.

Staying the night in Deventer – Fletcher Hotel Gilde

Fletcher Hotel Gilde is situated right in the center of Deventer and is the ideal place to unwind in a cozy environment after a day of walking. Need a break from the city? Rent an e-bike to bike next to the IJssel River. Just one of the plenty of possibilities to explore this beautiful part of The Netherlands!

9 – Cruising in Zutphen

If you're longing for a city trip where a boat tour is a crucial part of the experience, Zutphen is the place to be. One of the most popular activities is renting a whisper boat, allowing you to explore the city's beautiful canals and architecture from the water. You can also stroll through the narrow streets and discover landmarks like the well-known St. Walburg Church and city gates. Zutphen is the perfect destination for relaxation combined with cultural exploration.

Staying the night in Zutphen – Fletcher Resort-Hotel Zutphen

Looking for an overnight stay in Zutphen? Look no further than Fletcher Resort-Hotel Zutphen, where you won't have a dull moment. Visit the solarium or sauna for a relaxing time or enjoy the hotel's bowling alley for a fun evening with the whole family.

10 – Discover the beauty of Middelburg

Ever wanted to explore the capital of Zeeland? Now's your chance. Middelburg is a city with a rich maritime history and is known for its charming atmosphere. There's much to experience in the historic center. Visit the open-air museum and discover beautiful monuments, canals, and lively squares. After a day of shopping, you can relax at one of the terraces and enjoy a delicious snack and drink in the Zeeland sun. If you're a fan of seafood, you're in luck; you can indulge in specialties like mussels and fresh fish. Middelburg is definitely worth a visit and offers a unique combination of culture, history, and nature.

Staying the night in Middelburg – Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Middelburg

Need to relax after a cultural day in Middelburg? Fletcher Hotel-Restaurant Middelburg is the ideal place for a restful stay. Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner at the hotel's restaurant, where you can savor French-inspired cuisine.