Top Things to do in South Holland Province
Top Restaurants in South Holland Province
Countries
10 Things to do Good for Big Groups in South Holland Province That You Shouldn't Miss
Encompassing two of the Netherlands’ three largest cities (Rotterdam and The Hague), Zuid-Holland (South Holland) is also home to important towns like Leiden, Gouda and Delft. And many lovely smaller towns dot the gorgeous green landscape. Alphen aan den Rijn has several interesting attractions, including Dutch history theme park Archeon. Picturesque Kinderdijk, birthplace of the legend of the Cat and the Cradle, also has many windmills that together are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Restaurants in South Holland Province
1. Erasmus Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,718 reviews
Considered an architectural work of art, Rotterdam's imposing bridge that is shaped like a harp soars over the largest harbor in Europe.
Reviewed By Hermes_NL - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
The iconic Erasmus bridge, nicknamed “the Swan”, crosses the wide river Nieuwe Maas in Rotterdam. It offers a great opportunity to take a city walk and reach out from the industrious North shore to the bubbling “Kop van Zuid” and the gentrified Katendrecht peninsula.
2. Madurodam
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,793 reviews
Discover Holland's highlights and heritage in this world famous miniature and Holland theme park. You will discover Holland’s most iconic landmarks and history through a story of magnificent miniatures and indoor attractions. The stunning park filled with flowers is a beauty for the eye and shows 338 miniatures. From little Amsterdam to Dutch national architecture built on a scale of 1:25 with miniature trains, boats and cars moving around. Madurodam will make you discover Holland's rich history with remarkable stories like the Dutch ability to transform water into land. And did you know New York was Dutch in former days? Come find out in our attraction Nieuw-Amsterdam! Madurodam is very family friendly with two large playgrounds and plenty of fun interactive installations. You will get the full Holland experience in one place and many Instagram worthy picture possibilities. Visit us! We are open 365 days a year and offer information in 11 languages. See you soon in Madurodam.
Reviewed By pearce71592
I thought this was an interesting way to see some of the places that are in Netherlands before going to see them in person. Great for kids to visit. The displays are very high quality. some with moving parts. We bought the 3D photo miniature of us, the statue is exact. A neat souvenir to have from Netherland.
3. Keukenhof
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,079 reviews
Keukenhof is the independent, international showcase for the Dutch floricultural sector, with a special emphasis on flower bulbs. In the space of 8 weeks Keukenhof demonstrates what the Dutch floricultural sector has to offer. The focus in the park is on the 7 million spring flowering bulbs. 100 flower bulb companies display their products and 500 growers present an enormous variety of cut flowers and pot plants at more than 20 flower shows.
Reviewed By devnprt1 - Las Vegas, United States
Even though the tulips blooming season is very fickle due to the weather, lots of other type of flowers inside large building. Cafes are available for indoor and outdoor seating. You could spend a half day easily strolling through the large, 80 acres, of paths, ponds and indoor pavilions full of flowers and the famous tulip fields (when in bloom.) If you go, arrive in the morning before the crowds.
4. Molenmuseum de Valk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 490 reviews
Visitors to the Valk Windmill learn about the history, life, skills and techniques of the 18th-century Dutch miller.
Reviewed By J8791LFmiker
Great way to spend an hour, exploring the Molenmuseum de Valk. A combination of factual history and engineering prowess. Excellent value for money a just 5Euro/adult ticket. The full tour does involve climbing and ascending steep ladders and an exposed panoramic view from outside the windmill, so may not be suitable for all; but otherwise well worth taking the time for a visit when you are in Leiden
5. Royal Delft - Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,046 reviews
Royal Delft, established in 1653, is the last remaining Delft earthenware factory from the 17th century. The world famous blue and white earthenware is still entirely handpainted according to centuries old tradition. Visit Royal Delft and see how we still authentically produce Royal Delftware!
Reviewed By gaia43 - Turners Falls, United States
I have never been a big fan of Royal Delft pottery though knowing it’s history and evolution; seeing master painters at work (up to ten years of training!); and touring its facility with a “magical” garden, large gift shop and lovely cafe have “sold” me. No, I may not purchase Delft pottery pieces though I have learned to appreciate and respect how it came to be and continues to enrich the world with its beauty.
6. The Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,908 reviews
The Mauritshuis is home to the very best of Dutch Golden Age painting. The compact, yet world-renowned collection, is situated in the heart of The Hague, right next to the government centre. Masterpieces such as Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp by Rembrandt, The Goldfinch by Fabritius and The Bull by Potter are on permanent display in the intimate rooms of this seventeenth-century monument.
Reviewed By ViolettaM239 - The Hague, The Netherlands
Mauritshuis is a one of a kind well thought, conveniently arranged for all art lovers needs museum- four in one experience to the highest standards: exuberant historic building in the hart of the city, exquisite art collection, smart marketing model on all souvenir collection at the museum shop (hard to resist) and a stylish cafe to share impressions over a cup of coffee about Dutch Golden Age masterpieces. So far, Mauritshuis has offered the most enriching, 360 degree satisfaction experience from the first visit onward and by now I've been two or three times including the themed event. And want to come back for another great collection.
7. Museum Volkenkunde
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 564 reviews
Museum Volkenkunde is a museum about people housed in a historic building just five minutes' walk from Leiden's central station. A huge totem pole greets visitors as they enter the museum through the garden. Museum Volkenkunde presents regularly changing exhibitions and its permanent display features objects from eight different cultural regions. Objects that all have a story to tell about humankind.
Reviewed By Cosetteiscookin - Utrecht, The Netherlands
One of my all time favorite museums in The Netherlands. Been here several times (before covid) Love the things on display and learning about different cultures.
8. National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 546 reviews
The National Museum of Antiquities is housed in an old monumental building and ‘Begijnhof’. It is the Dutch centre for archaeology. A large part of the collection consists of objects related to ancient Egypt. Unique is the two thousand year old Egyptian temple in the central hall of the museum. Besides ancient Egypt, the museum covers the Middle East, the Classical world and the early history of the Netherlands. The entire collection consists of more than 80,000 objects, including statues of Roman emperors, Etruscan tomb finds and mummies.
Reviewed By 500dank - The Hague, The Netherlands
Had a wonderful visit with my family. Loved the collection which is marvellous! Especially the artefacts covering ancient Egyptian time. To my personal opinion, only the British Museum in London can match this. The temporary exhibit (untill 15 march 2020) was on Cyprus. The museum consists of three floorws and is housed in a fantastic, historical building, in the middle of the historical town centre of Leiden (Rapenburg). It's completely accessible: we brought our 8 month old son in his buggy and had no problems in navigating the museum. Baby changing facilities are located in the disabled toilet on the ground floor. In the entrance hall of the museum you can find and visit the Temple of Taffeh (free of charge, as it is before the ticket barriers), which was gifted to the Netherlands. The audio tour is free of charge too (but behind the ticket barriers). Museum staff was very friendly and helpful. One note in regard to parking: some reviews here complain about parking, but this has absolutely nothing to do with the museum itself. People who complain about parking, have themselves to blame for not planning their journey properly: The museum is located in the middle of the historical city centre of Leiden. so it's completely logical that there isn't a large parking garage to accommodate visitors. My advice is to plan your journey ahead, be sure you know where to park in Leiden or check the museum website if you don't and/or are not familiar with the historical centre of Leiden. If you come by public transport: the museum is about a ten minute walk away from the Leiden Central station. Concluding this review: this is a must visit if you like museums with ancient artefacts!
9. Sint-Janskerk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 528 reviews
THE LONGEST CHURCH OF THE NETHERLANDS The great fire of 1552 destroyed much of the medieval church of Saint John. Shortly after the disaster, the council commissioned the reconstruction of the most startling church of Holland. With 123 meters it is also the longest church in The Netherlands THE 72 STAINED-GLASS WINDOWS ARE WORLD-FAMOUS Entering the Church of St. John, one falls silent at the sight of the majestic space with the 72 world-famous stained-glass windows. That first experience will only get stronger when you see the marvellous light by the 'Dutch Masters' invading the Church. The rich history of Holland can be read in the large windows. It is a beginning of an impressive discovery along biblical and historical scenes of human emotions. Then you understand that the Gouda St. John is one of the highest rated attractions in the Netherlands!
Reviewed By exploringwithjune - The Netherlands, null
After visiting the museum we stopped by the church. As we'd already learned so much at the museum, we just wanted to pop in for half an hour. Therefore we didn't take an audio tour, which is included in the price, and instead walked around by ourselves. We received a leaflet with some information, which highlighted a couple of the gorgeous stained glass windows. We struggled finding the right numbers to go with the texts at times, but overall it was a lovely way to see the church and to learn something while wandering around. The architecture is really impressive and the windows are pure art. Some windows that interested us weren't included in the leaflet, but it is logical that choices had to be made. If we hadn't gone to the museum, we would've probably also gotten the audio tour as I can imagine that it's way more complete. The church also has a little gift shop with a good variety of products . We entered for free as we both have a museumkaart. Regular prices are 9 euros for adults, 5,25 for kids aged 13-17 and kids under 13 can visit for free. I definitely think this is really pricey for a church. If you visit with a family and, just like us, want to walk around for a short while, it will set you back 30 euros for a relatively quick visit. I can imagine that that can be a lot of money for some families. Also, I think it is really important for kids to see churches like these and learn about the history and architecture, so it should be made more accessible. With commissioning these prices; I think they put off people from visiting. Also, many other impressive churches in our country are free. If I hadn't had my museumkaart, I would probably not have gone in. Concluding, it was a lovely visit but I do wish that they would reconsider their prices.
10. Rotterdam Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,824 reviews
Reviewed By Mark_Daemen - Ghent, Belgium
We had a great time in this Zoo. We spend over 4 hours and didn't get to see it all. Naturally everyone has its favorites. We liked the gorillas that where inside with the warm weather and the hyenas chewing on bones. We went to see the feeding of the sharks and the tigers. Probably we, and most visitors, expected too much of it as the animals got bored soon so there was not much to see. Great lay out by continent so you have a great mix of different species (birds, mammals,...) in every continent. The food in the restaurant are typical dutch fast food options. I tried a 'broodje kroket' that really missed taste, with or without the accompanying sauce. Broodje Unox (hot dog) had the same problem. Perhaps best to take a picknick with you. Great bakeries (like Koekela) in Rotterdam. We came with an Uber from the centre for 7 euro which is cheaper than the 3,50 euro/person for a two hour ticket for the bus as you will take longer than two hours in the Zoo. Probably the same with a taxi.
