Giethoorn

Giethoorn is another destination that tops many people’s lists of things to see in the Netherlands, albeit for completely different reasons than Amsterdam. Giethoorn is a tiny village known for being completely car-free. Instead, people get by via bicycle trails, footpaths, and waterways.

If you want to float down a Dutch canal enjoying beautiful views, you’ll love it in Giethoorn. Walking around the village is exceptionally calming and will make you feel like you’ve been transported to another place in time. You can also find museums, national parks, and delicious Dutch food. With that said, there’s not a ton to do here compared to bigger cities and you might want to visit it as a day trip. Consider using Amsterdam as your home base and schedule a guided day trip that includes a boat ride as well.