Discover Unique Dutch Attractions Beyond Tulips


The Netherlands — More Than Tulips and Bicycles (Though There’s Plenty of That Too)

You’ll find windmills, canals, and stroopwafels here. However, the real magic of the Netherlands lives in its wonderfully odd corners. This is a country where science museums glow in the dark. Cats live on houseboats. Dinner is served in a greenhouse surrounded by the very vegetables on your plate.

This 9-day itinerary was built using Airial, the AI-powered trip planner that takes your destination, vibe, group size, and ages — and instantly builds a full trip, including flights, hotels, and tailored experiences. Below are just a few of our favorite stops.


Electric Ladyland – Amsterdam’s Fluorescent Wonderland

Tucked into a Jordaan basement, this is the world’s first museum dedicated to fluorescent art. It’s immersive, hypnotic, and feels like wandering through a living sci-fi painting. If you’re over the standard gallery scene, this is your weird, glowing antidote.

Craig at the Electric Ladyland museum

Poezenboot – The Floating Cat Sanctuary

Cats. On a boat. Floating on Amsterdam’s Singel canal. Poezenboot is both a refuge for rescued cats and a delightful detour for animal lovers. Drop in for a cuddle or simply admire how the Dutch make space for kindness in everyday life.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/racheldancer/6304007346/

Restaurant De Kas – Greenhouse Dining at Its Finest

Located in a set of soaring 1926 greenhouses, De Kas grows its own ingredients right outside the kitchen. The menu changes daily based on that morning’s harvest, and the plates? As Instagrammable as they are delicious. Book early — locals love it too.

071 De Kas

Micropia – The Museum You Didn’t Know You Needed

Forget mummies and masters — this award-winning museum is all about microbes. Micropia offers a mind-expanding look at the invisible organisms that shape our world, from beer brewing to body ecosystems. Oddly beautiful, and totally unforgettable.

Micropia, the world’s first museum of micro-organisms, informs, surprises and entertains with colorful imagery and stunning statistics (every person houses 100,000 billion microbes!) that come alive on screens, under microscopes and in 3-D viewers.

Zaanse Schans – Windmills, Cheese, and Wooden Clogs

Yes, it’s a favorite for a reason. Zaanse Schans offers a living snapshot of traditional Dutch life, complete with functioning windmills, clog-making demos, and cheese tastings that go way beyond gouda. It’s charming, educational, and a true Dutch icon.

Netherlands - Zaandijk - Zaanse Schans - Giant clog

Hidden Hofjes & Historic Towns — Haarlem, Leiden & Delft

Step outside Amsterdam and into the quieter soul of the Netherlands. In Haarlem, you’ll find centuries-old hofjes (hidden courtyards) tucked behind bustling streets. Leiden offers canal views, ancient university vibes, and cozy cafés, while Delft delivers blue pottery, historic beauty, and golden light reflecting off the water.

Historic Haarlem along the river Spaarne - Haarlem, The Netherlands

Trajectum Lumen – Utrecht’s Self-Guided Light Show

At night, Utrecht transforms. Trajectum Lumen is a walking tour of public light art installations across the city — each one built into the fabric of alleyways, tunnels, and bridges. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure trail that turns architecture into art.

Ganzenmarkt Tunnel, Trajectum Lumen, Utrecht

Plan Less. Discover More.

This blog is just a taste. The full Travel itinerary includes cat cafés, street art strolls, medieval fortress climbs, ferry rides, and even a stop at the world’s largest flower auction. The best part? You can generate your own version — for your dates, travel party, and vibe — in seconds.

Just paste a link or prompt into Airial.travel, and let the magic happen.