amsterdam wwii walking tour

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Join us on our Amsterdam in World War II Tour, and journey into Amsterdam’s troubled past!

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Amsterdam was occupied from 1940 to 1945, becoming the scene of a terrifying human history.

Nazi troops entered Amsterdam on 16 of May 1940, the beginning of the most harrowing and difficult 5 years of Amsterdam’s history. Our Amsterdam in World War II Tour will show you some of the most historic locations in the city that will bring to life this unique and frightening period of Amsterdam’s history. Led by one of our experienced professional tour guides, this walking tour covers many of the most historic locations from the occupation. Stops include the Anne Frank House, the site of Annick Van Hardeveld’s murder and the Holland Schouwburg Memorial – the Amsterdam in World War II Tour aims to give participants a true sense of the struggle of Amsterdammers during the greatest war of the twentieth century.

The Amsterdam in world war ii walking tour shows you what life was like for Amsterdammers during the occupation

Major themes of the tour include the impact of the Second World War on Amsterdam’s Jewish community, and Dutch resistance. Learn about how the Dutch attempted to fight back against their Nazi invaders, and how the Jewish community fell victim to their rapacious hate. Our tour stops at the site of several crucial moments in Amsterdam’s history. These include the Dam Square Massacre and a former Nazi deportation center in the Jewish District.

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World War II History Tour

World war ii tour, the story of an occupied city.

We start at the main entrance of the Concert Gebouw at the Museum square. End is at the Dam square

2.5 hours | -/+ 3 km (1.4 ml)

- Nazi headquarters on Museum square - The Nazi Robbery bank - Jewish art collections - The Mayor's residence - The Halifax aircraft crash - Royal Palace and royal family during WWII

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Schedule your private World War II tour

We start at the main entrance of the Concert Gebouw at the side of the Museum square. End is at the Dam square

Book your private World War II tour

World war ii in amsterdam.

This three hours WWII tour will be all about the five years of Nazi occupation and the holocaust in Amsterdam. How did ordinary Amsterdammers deal with the Germans?

Get a deeper insight into how this tragic world history effected the city and how the scars are still visible today. Random family stories, courageous individuals and the loss of about 10% of the population, paint the picture of WWII in Amsterdam.

The other diary

We start at the entrance of the Concertgebouw (Concert hall) at the Museum square. Nearby is the home of Etty Hillesum, a Jewish resistance member who wrote a an intruiguing diary testifying daily life under Nazi occupation. Her almost neighbour was Tony van Renthergem a leading Dutch war hero, later involved in high-level espionage. These are just two of the people we like to highlight in this tour.

Historical corruption

Walking along the Amsterdam canals we will deal with some misconceptions about Amsterdam during World War II: Amsterdam was not bombed by the Germans, there was hardly any resistance, people didn’t know what happened with their rounded up neighbors… Over the years the history of WWII has been used and abused on many levels. We diligently researched the sources and the raw data for our version of the story.

WWII and royalty

At the Royal Palace on the Dam you learn more about the role of the Royal Family during WWII. How effective was queen Wilhelmina while hiding in London? Get the heroic story of the concierge of the Royal Palace, who single handedly kept the palace out of the hands of the Nazi’s. Which tragic event occurred on Dam Square on May 7th 1945, three days after the Germans surrendered? And how is WWII remembered in the Netherlands today?

This is where our tour ends.

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Historical Anne Frank World War II Walking Tour

Explore amsterdam circa 1940s and learn about world war ii and anne frank through historical sites.

Are you interested in World War II history, but haven’t had the opportunity to visit monumental sites tied to the conflict? We’ve put together this walking tour to immerse you in real World War II history as told through the eyes of the Jewish community. Our access to the old Jewish Quarter includes an in-depth retelling of Anne Frank’s perils, including highlights of the Portuguese Synagogue, the Hollandsche Schouwburg Museum, and the outside of the Anne Frank House.

• Anne Frank Walking Tour
• Meet at the Jewish Museum
• View historic World War II sites
• Walk around Amsterdam's Old Jewish Quarter
• National Holocaust Memorial of Names
• Anne Frank House
• Expertly guided

You’ll start outside the Jewish Museum and meet up with your guide just steps away from the Dokwerker, a monument dedicated to the first Jewish lawyer in the Netherlands, Jonas Daniel Meijer. With your group of other curious minds, you’ll walk through the Jewish Quarter, listening to historical tidbits about the Nazi presence in Amsterdam, its effect on the Jewish community, and how young Anne Frank wound up hiding in a Dutch household. Walking through Amsterdam, you’ll feel immersed in the local World War II history, with stops at the Hollandsche Schouwburg Museum and the Portuguese Synagogue. The tour culminates outside the Anne Frank House Museum, which requires separate ticketing to enter.

On your 2-hour walking tour, you’ll receive:

Guided tour through the Jewish Quarter

Detailed stories about World War II

Historical World War II sites

Stops at the Hollandsche Schouwburg Musem

See the outside of the Portuguese Synagogue

Views of The Anne Frank House museum

Local English-speaking guide

The Jewish Quarter

You’ll start in the Jewish Quarters at the Hollandsche Schouwburg Museum, where your guide will point out the significance of the museum you’re gathered in front of before taking you deeper into the Jewish Quarters of Amsterdam. Listen closely to a timeline of World War II and Germany’s presence in the Netherlands that started in 1940.

Historical World War II Sites

The audio history will be accompanied by several World War II sites throughout Amsterdam. These will help explore why the Dutch gave in to the Nazi threat and the effect that had on the Jewish community of Amsterdam. You’ll visit the Portuguese Synagogue and learn of its significance during the German occupation.

You’ll connect with the emotional retelling of the horrors of World War II, how they devastated an entire community of Amsterdam and citizens’ behavior toward the Germans. Events like the Strike of February 1941 and the Winter of Famine of 1944 to 1945 will be highlighted throughout the walk.

The Anne Frank House

The expert narration will piece together Anne Frank’s perilous attempts to escape the Germans, including the Dutch family that eventually took her and her family in. Before the tour ends in front of the Anne Frank House, you’ll hear all about the discovery of her diary, and how it was published by her father, Otto Frank, to tell her very important story.

Please note that entry to the Anne Frank House is not included in this tour. You will need to purchase a separate entry ticket on your own.

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See what people are saying

1 total reviews

Our guide was very knowledgeable and congenial! However, he was relatively soft spoken and at times it was somewhat difficult to hear him from the rear of the group.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Is access to the Anne Frank House, Jewish Museum, or Portuguese Synagog included on this tour?

No, tickets to all three locations need to be purchased separately in advance of the tour date.

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

No, this tour is operated by one of our trusted and vetted partners in Amsterdam.

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

If you have any doubts about your mobility, we suggest taking a Luxury Canal Boat Cruise in Amsterdam so your needs can be better accommodated. The Anne Frank Walking Tour requires 2-hours of walking and standing, while the Luxury Canal Boat Cruise allows you to sit back and enjoy a cruise along the Canals of the Jordaan.

How comprehensive is the Anne Frank House portion of this tour?

While ticketing to the Anne Frank House is not included in this walking tour, the expert tour guide still goes deep into the location’s history to give guests a thorough understanding of Anne Frank’s history.

Is lunch included in the price of the tour?

No, food and beverages are not included in the Anne Frank Walking Tour.

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

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Anne Frank Walking Tour

Experience the Last Walk of Anne Frank

Join us as we trace the footsteps of Amsterdam’s most iconic resident, Anne Frank, through the heart of the city. Discover the moving story of her family’s journey to their hiding place, their final refuge during World War II.

Immerse yourself further as we conclude at a nearby café, where you’ll enjoy a drink before experiencing the Anne Frank House in virtual reality.

• Unique route with stories through the city.
• Personal guide for 2 hours
• Virtual Reality experience of Anne Frank House

Step into Anne Frank’s World: A Journey of Hope and Remembrance

This tour isn’t just about sadness—it’s a testament to tolerance and hope, echoing Anne’s words: “Don’t think of all the misery, but of all the beauty that still remains.”

Explore Amsterdam’s compelling history with us on an intimate tour where each guide leads a maximum of 15 guests. Let Anne Frank’s powerful story inspire and resonate with you as we pay tribute to her memory.

Extra information about the Anne Frank Walking Tour

The Anne Frank Walking Tour offers a unique exploration of Amsterdam’s WWII history, guided by local experts. Highlights include visiting significant sites such as the Westerkerk and the house where Anne Frank and her family hid. Participants will also experience a virtual reality recreation of the Secret Annex, providing an immersive glimpse into Anne Frank’s life during WWII. The tour includes a personal guide for 2 hours and the virtual reality experience.

The price for the Anne Frank Walking Tour is €39 per person. This fee covers the guided tour and the immersive virtual reality experience, offering exceptional value for an enriching historical journey.

The tour takes participants along the route Anne Frank and her family took to their hiding place, offering insights into their journey during WWII. Highlights include seeing the Westerkerk, the exterior of the house where the Frank family hid, and the picturesque Prinsengracht. Through Anne’s own words from her diary, participants will learn about her life, the ‘secret annex,’ and the impact of her story on the Netherlands and the world.

The tour starts at Max Euweplein 36, 1017 MB Amsterdam . Look for the guide standing by the small statue with a photograph of Anne Frank at the designated meeting point.

It’s recommended to bring rain gear, sunscreen, sunglasses, a bottle of water, and a camera. Participants should also arrive on time at the meeting point, as the tour departs promptly. Additionally, the tour is small-scale and personal, with a maximum of 15 people per guide, ensuring an intimate and engaging experience.

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Discover Amsterdam's WWII History On A Walking Tour Through The Past

Anyone who's read Anne Frank's "The Diary of a Young Girl" knows a little about what happened in Amsterdam during WWII. For a deeper insight into the city's wartime history, take a walking tour through Jodenbuurt, the old Jewish quarter.

First, a little history. For over 350 years , Amsterdam's Jewish community flourished, helping build the prosperity of the Netherlands and often working in the diamond trade, particularly in the 19th century. When the Nazis invaded the Netherlands in May 1940, there were around 75,000 Jews in Amsterdam. By the end of the war in 1945, at least 80% of the city's prewar Jewish population had died (per United State Holocaust Memorial Museum ). It's this story that you can uncover on one of the many informative walking tours in the city. You have a choice of many different tours, from self-guided ones to others led by a local guide or historian .

Historical walking tours

As you wander through the pretty streets of the old Jewish quarter, you'll learn not only about the period of Nazi occupation but also broaden your knowledge of the Jewish population's contributions to the city from the late 16th century onwards. If you take the self-guided tour from GPSMyCity , you'll follow a route across Amsterdam's famous canals to see the Waterlooplein Flea Market, which was a Jewish market in the city until the Nazi invasion, and the Pinto House, the home of wealthy Portuguese-Jewish merchants from the mid-17th century.

During the guided tour from Get Your Guide , your guide will help you gain an understanding of the relationship between the Jewish community and the other inhabitants of the city as you pass locations like the Auschwitz Monument and the Headquarters of the Jewish Council. Both tours show you some of the area's synagogues and allow you to discover other famous places in the area, such as the Rembrandt House Museum .

There are also tours available from HistoryWalks , which come highly recommended by blogger Nomadic Matt . While the walking tour will show you the Jewish quarter, the bike tour follows a different route. You'll see the headquarters of the Dutch Nazi party and the Gestapo and hear stories of the Dutch resistance for a broader view of WWII history in the city. 

Rick Steves' Top Destinations When Traveling To The Netherlands

T he Netherlands is a small nation, yet it's packed with delights. And if you've spent your whole life in the U.S., where modern architecture dominates the skylines, then you'll immediately notice a stark contrast when you step into practically any Dutch city. The numerous canals and gabled houses transport you back in time, showing you a completely different side of the world, where bicycles populate the streets instead of cars.

If you're interested in taking a trip to this country, then you're in luck. The Netherlands' special characteristics haven't gone unnoticed, especially by European travel expert Rick Steves . Thanks to his extensive experience and passion, he's got some insider tips to help you look beyond typical touristy activities. If you take his advice, then you'll be able to experience true gems that are off the beaten path.

Whether you're booking a weekend getaway or a weeks-long vacation in Europe, don't skip the Netherlands. As you'll see, it's dotted with cities and towns that offer you glimpses into the Dutch lifestyle. Below are travel expert Rick Steves' top destinations you should jot down.

Read more: 28 Bucket List Destinations That Everyone Needs To Experience At Least Once

Amsterdam is the first Dutch destination anyone thinks about when you say the words "the Netherlands." It's the capital, after all, and millions of people flock to this city every year. It's true that the allure for many people has to do with the decriminalization of marijuana and the legality of sex work, but if you look beyond that, there's more than meets the eye.

For example, as Rick Steves points out, Amsterdam has retained its Golden Age architecture, so you can see the same sights people did centuries ago when they walked down the same streets. Plus, the best museums in Amsterdam  show you beautiful works from artists who are either Dutch or have lived in the Netherlands. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants to get a taste of local food and drinks, as well as WWII walking tours .

While Steves encourages tourists to look beyond Amsterdam, he still thinks it's worth spending a day or two there to get a feel for the Netherlands. Plus, it's a good central base for visiting the other cities on his list. Most are around one hour away by train, so you won't have to go far.

Delft is another city that's retained its Golden Age architecture, and you'll see twin towers at the city gate. This city in North Holland has a white drawbridge across a canal moat, which is a remnant of Delft's old fortified days. Rick Steves describes Delft as "an idyllic mini-Amsterdam...urban Holland with training wheels," and it's true. If you don't want to deal with the large and claustrophobic crowds in Amsterdam but still want a similar atmosphere, then this is the place to go.

If you're a fan of the Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, then this city will show you where all his inspiration came from. He's buried in the Oude Kerk (Old Church), which is located in Delft's old town. You can visit the church to view his simple marker on the ground.

In addition, this city is what Delftware is named for. This type of pottery has intricate blue designs painted on white earthenware and is inspired by Chinese porcelain. If you're interested in learning more and want to pick up some souvenirs, then you can tour Royal Delft . This 17th-century factory, which is still producing pieces, is also a museum.

Waterland is a region located north of Amsterdam, and it includes the cities of Edam, Volendam, and Marken. As the name suggests, they're all located by the sea, meaning you can get fresh seafood at the harbors. You can make an afternoon trip to all three, as they're only a 30-minute bus ride away from each other, despite being in the countryside. It's the perfect way to spend a day away from the typical tourists in Amsterdam, although Volendam is the most touristy one of all three. There are lots of souvenir shops that Rick Steves says are filled with "Dutch cliches." However, it's still a fun time, so don't discount Volendam.

Those who love cheese will have a blast in Edam, which is the city where the cheese comes from. Grab a free tour booklet from the tourist office, and make sure to stop off at the Edam Museum . You'll learn all about the history of Edam while also seeing firsthand what a 400-year-old canal house is like.

Next, make your way to Marken, which is a village peninsula. It's known for its quaint and traditional wooden houses, which were built high up on hills to prevent flooding when Marken used to be an island. There are fewer than 2,000 inhabitants here, which means it'll definitely give off a charming vibe.

Haarlem is but a 15-minute train ride west of Amsterdam, and the fact that it's a quieter, slower-paced city makes it an excellent and easy getaway. Rick Steves says that the city "[offers] small-town warmth and quick access to nearby Amsterdam." If the name sounds familiar, it's because New York's Harlem draws its name from this Dutch City. In fact, before the English took over and renamed it, New York used to be called New Amsterdam, which is why the neighborhoods within had Dutch names.

It won't be difficult to get around Haarlem, as 10 streets meet at Grote Markt ("Big Market," or the Market Square). Most of the city's activities happen here, and there are many cafes and restaurants to rest and refuel at. While you're here, check out the Grote Kerk (Big Church), which is a large and imposing building that's hard to miss. You'll find the country's largest pipe organ inside, and if you're in Haarlem during the summer, you can catch a free concert, too.

If you have a thirst for knowledge, then there are several museums where you can spend your time. For example, there's the Museum Haarlem (formerly known as Verwey Museum Haarlem), which educates visitors about what Haarlem used to be like, and the Corrie Ten Boom House , which offers you a look at real hiding places used during WWII. In addition, there's the Teylers Museum , a center for contemporary art and science.

If you love Golden Age towns, then you're in luck. Hoorn is yet another "merchant's town" from this era, per Rick Steves, but with a twist: it's had a relatively new transformation. You'll find it on the IJsselmeer, which is a lake, and it'll take around 30 minutes by train to get to Hoorn from Amsterdam. This makes it ideal for a day trip if you want to head up north.

"All buildings have been restored and many have been given a new function," according to  In Hoorn . As a result, you'll still observe typical Dutch architecture, but with a much newer appearance. In addition, things may not be as they appear. For instance, you'll see restaurants in old cheese warehouses, which adds a delightful and authentic touch to modern.

To really experience the city's history, you should look outside of the city center. More specifically, stroll down to the harbor, where you'll view the Hoofdtoren, the main tower of Hoorn. It was constructed in 1532, though it no longer served its original purpose by 1614. Other historical things you'll notice include ships and houses.

By train, Enkhuizen is an hour north of Amsterdam, so you'll want to leave early to see the sights. It's extremely rich in historic buildings with 366 monuments, to be exact. Whether you walk through the city on your own or book a tour, you'll feel as if you're living and breathing the Golden Age. If you decide to do a self-guided tour through Enkhuizen, then make sure to stop by the VVV Enkhuizen. Here, you can pick up free booklets to soak in the facts of the city and gain a newfound appreciation for it.

The highlight of Enkhuizen is its open-air museum, the Zuiderzeemuseum , the outdoor portion of which is temporarily closed until March 29, 2024. Here, you can learn about lost Zuiderzee culture. The outdoor museum spans 140 historic buildings, allowing you to wander around and experience life as it was centuries ago. According to Rick Steves , "You'll meet people who do a convincing job of role-playing non-nonsense 1905 villagers." And in the indoor museum, you can view old but gorgeous boats, as well as other related collections.

Rick Steves calls Alkmaar "Holland's tasty cheese capital," so cheese lovers can't go wrong here. There's a large cheese market  open every Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in Waagplein, from late March until late September. During July and August, the market is also open from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. In addition, there's a children's cheese market for kids ages 6 through 12 during these months.

In Alkmaar's main square, you'll see countless cheese wheels spread out in neat rows. There are also cheese carriers who go around with traditional barrows, bringing the cheese to the Waaggebouw, where the wheels are weighed. After that, the cheese is sold to traders. You can take plenty of pictures and videos of this spectacle and even get a selfie with the cheese girls, who educate visitors about the cheese market.

Like many other Dutch cities, Alkmaar still has its Golden Age feel, meaning that an amble down Old Town is very cozy. You can stop off at various museums as well, such as the Stedelijk Museum , where you can discover more about the city's history. Considering that it's only a 30-minute train ride north from Amsterdam, Alkmaar is a worthy city to visit, especially if you'd like a taste of authentic Dutch cheese.

Zaandijk is another city that's a half-hour train ride from Amsterdam, making it a fantastic destination for a day trip when combined with the others on this list. Admittedly, it can be touristy at times, but Zaandijk is rural enough for it not to feel stifling. Plus, it's open-air museum, Zaanse Schans, "puts Dutch culture...on a lazy Susan," says Rick Steves . So if you want a quick run-through of Dutchness, this is where you should be.

In the past, this area fulfilled a lot of the world's industrial needs. The many houses of Zaanse Schans showcase craftsmen who demonstrate their skills in things like barrel making and sail cloth manufacturing. Do note that most houses charge admission, so you'll have to pick the ones you go into wisely. To save money, you can get the Zaanse Schans Card , which, according to the site, gives you access to "several museums, two windmills, and crafts" for €29.50 (€20 for children).

Southeast of Amsterdam is Utrecht, which takes half an hour to reach by train. Many visitors consider it a smaller version of Amsterdam, like Delft, so it's one more place to add to the list if you want to avoid huge crowds. It's still very lively though, as it's not only a medieval city but also home to Utrecht University. Plus, it's the fourth-largest city in The Netherlands.

Spend the day walking around town, but put aside some time for the museums here. Rick Steves claims that Utrecht has the "best railway museum," and while that may sound strange or even dull, The Railway Museum isn't at all. According to its site, there's a "real-life station, a theatre, exciting attractions, and a variety of temporary exhibitions and events." If that's still not your cup of tea, then tour the Nijntje Museum , especially if you're with your kids. You probably better know the museum's central focus as Miffy, and did you know she was Dutch, not Japanese?

If you enjoyed a canal tour during your time in Amsterdam, then you're sure to like one in Utrecht too. You'll sail through the wide canals and get a different perspective on the beautiful old buildings. Those who feel adventurous can also go stand-up paddleboarding or canoeing.

Hop on a southbound train for 35 minutes and you'll be in Leiden, a small university city that also hosted English Pilgrims. In 1608, a decent number of the English sought refuge from religious persecution in their own country and made a temporary home in the Netherlands. Eventually, they set sail for North America between 1620 and 1643, and these people are the renowned Pilgrims whom we honor every Thanksgiving. To find out more, visit the Leiden American Pilgrim Museum , which is one of the smallest museums in the Netherlands.

As we've previously said, Leiden is a college town, with the oldest university in the nation. Leiden University was founded in 1575 by William of Orange, and according to its site , is "one of the leading international research universities in Europe." So if you or your kids are thinking of getting an education overseas, this is the perfect time to tour the campus and kill two birds with one stone. In addition, the university owns the Hortus Botanicus Leiden , which is the oldest botanical garden in the country (it's been around since 1590), so it's worth a look around.

The Hague And Scheveningen

Just a 15-minute train ride south of Leiden is The Hague, where you'll find the Binnenhof, or the country's parliament building. It's been in use since 1446, and you may catch a glimpse of Dutch politicians leaving an important meeting while you're in town. Plus, since you're in the heart of the city center, it'll be easier to get to all other points of interest in The Hague.  Rick Steves describes The Hague as "bigger and less cozy than Delft, Leiden, or Haarlem," but he still feels it's worth spending a few hours here. 

If you're vacationing during the summer, then head over to Scheveningen Beach if you have a few hours to spare. It's one of the most popular beaches in the Netherlands since it's large with a roomy boardwalk. There's also a pier with multiple shops, restaurants, and a place outside to zipline and bungee jump. When you get tired, there are many beach bars where you can rest your weary feet and sip on tasty cocktails.

At this point, you might've realized that many Dutch cities retain an old-timey look. That may be fascinating, but what about modern architecture? If that piques your interest, then you'll want to go to Rotterdam, which is 45 minutes away from Amsterdam by train.

You'll notice a stark difference in building appearances as soon as you pull into the station. This is because most are under 100 years old, after much of the city was destroyed in a German bombing during WWII. If you're feeling homesick, then you should feel right at home in this metropolitan city, as the streets are wide and the buildings are tall. In addition, there are unique points of interest, such as the Erasmus Bridge,  the Cube Houses , and the Markthal.

What's also noteworthy is that the Port of Rotterdam is the largest seaport in Europe. Take a moment to appreciate how powerful it is, and watch the ships come in and out. Not only do shipping vessels frequent the Port of Rotterdam, but ferries and cruise ships do as well.

Lisse And Aalsmeer

The Netherlands is known for its tulips, so it's no surprise that Rick Steves recommends visiting Keukenhof , the nation's most treasured flower garden that was established in the 15th century. It may take you a little over an hour to get from Amsterdam to the garden's home in Lisse, but it's totally worth it, especially if you're here at the right time. The garden is only open for about two months every year, and you can view beautiful spring flowers , including tulips. Not only can you take a peaceful stroll through the grounds, but you can take a whisper boat and go cycling too.

If you aren't able to go to Keukenhof during its opening times, then travel to Aalsmeer instead. This trip also takes about an hour from Amsterdam, and places you at the world's largest flower auction. Royal FloraHolland is open all year long, with over 30,000 species of flowers and plants. Not only will you gaze upon a rainbow of colors, but you'll also witness the inner workings of an efficient flower market.

History buffs will love Arnhem, as a significant part of WWII happened here. The Germans won the Battle of Arnhem in 1944, and the city was a ghost town for a while. To find out more about this battle, spend some time at the Airborne Museum Hartenstein  in Villa Hartenstein and the  Airborne Museum at the Bridge in the city center. Both will give you a newfound appreciation for the sacrifices made during wartime.

Plus, if you liked the open-air museum at Zaandijk, then you'll definitely have a positive experience at the Arnhem Open-Air Folk Museum . Rick Steves says , "You'll enjoy a huge park of windmills, old farmhouses, and other buildings,...traditional crafts in action, and a pleasant education-by-immersion in Dutch culture." It's a great family activity, and you can easily spend a whole day here, making it worth the 1.5-hour train journey from Amsterdam.

As for the city itself, Arnhem is known for its fashion and design scene. Check out the Modekwartier and the 7 Straatjes to get some serious shopping done. You're sure to get some special finds at the unique boutique stores.

Our Methodology For Picking These Destinations

Rick Steves is a renowned travel expert who started "Rick Steves' Europe" in 1976. According to his website , he "brings more than 30,000 people to Europe annually." In addition to being a small business owner, Rick Steves is also a "popular public television host" and "a best-selling guidebook author." We based our list of top destinations in the Netherlands on his website recommendations. 

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