The 10 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in South Holland Province, The Netherlands

April 27, 2022 Roseanne Arnett

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

Erasmusbrug, 3072 Rotterdam The Netherlands http://www.rotterdam.nl
Excellent
48%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 3,718 reviews

Erasmus Bridge

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

George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ, The Hague The Netherlands +31 70 416 2400 [email protected] http://www.madurodam.nl
Excellent
49%
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 3,793 reviews

Madurodam

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

Stationsweg 166A, 2161 AM Lisse The Netherlands +31 252 465 555 [email protected] http://keukenhof.nl/
Excellent
77%
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4.5 based on 12,079 reviews

Keukenhof

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

Tweede Binnenvestgracht 1, 2312 BZ, Leiden The Netherlands +31 71 516 5353 http://www.molenmuseumdevalk.nl
Excellent
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4.5 based on 490 reviews

Molenmuseum de Valk

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

Plein 29, 2511 CS, The Hague The Netherlands +31 70 302 3456 [email protected] http://www.mauritshuis.nl
Excellent
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4.5 based on 4,908 reviews

The Mauritshuis Royal Picture Gallery

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.

6. Museum Volkenkunde

Steenstraat 1, 2312 BS, Leiden The Netherlands +31 71 516 8800 [email protected] http://volkenkunde.nl/nl/tentoonstelling-cool-japan
Excellent
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 564 reviews

Museum Volkenkunde

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.

7. National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden)

Rapenburg 28, 2311 EW, Leiden The Netherlands +31 71 516 3163 [email protected] http://www.rmo.nl/
Excellent
55%
Good
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Satisfactory
7%
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4.5 based on 546 reviews

National Museum of Antiquities (Rijksmuseum van Oudheden)

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!

8. Sint-Janskerk

Achter de Kerk 2, 2801 JW Gouda The Netherlands +31 6 48381257 [email protected] http://www.sintjan.com/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 528 reviews

Sint-Janskerk

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.

9. De Markt

On the Oude and Nieuwe Rijn every Saturday, Leiden The Netherlands http://portal.leiden.nl/en/tourism_leisure/shopping/market
Excellent
53%
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 163 reviews

De Markt

Reviewed By canangulozal - Ankara, Turkey

I just love it. Best thing to do on Saturday mornings. Lovely market. Food, textile, spiritual things, and all the people are friendly.

10. Escher in Het Paleis (Escher in the Palace)

Lange Voorhout 74, 2514 EH, The Hague The Netherlands +31 70 427 7730 [email protected] http://www.escherinhetpaleis.nl
Excellent
63%
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4.5 based on 2,836 reviews

Escher in Het Paleis (Escher in the Palace)

Escher at the Palace is dedicated to the work of Holland’s most famous graphic artist M.C. Escher. Nearly all his prints are exhibited, among them Belvedere, Drawing Hands, Waterfall and Ascending and Descending. Here you can see how Escher changed fishes into birds, made water flow upstream and his less known, but very attractive early Italian landscapes. On our main- and first floor you can see how his work progressed from depicting the real world to his constructed worlds. Optical illusion is a key word in his work.An optical illusion depicts something which is in fact impossible. M.C. Escher was a master in this field. An optical illusion literally means doing puzzles with your eyes. The visitor will be able to unravel some of Escher’s mysteries like the Impossible Penrose Triangle by constructing one himself. The extra presentation “In the Eye of Escher” shows various themes in which Escher was involved, like reflection, perception and perspective.

Reviewed By JodiePanudju1974 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

We visited this museum to get to know more about Escher's works. It has a lot of illustration, painting, etching, and audio visual art works. The ticket was 10 euro person, and there is also a locker that you can rent for 1 euro. The museum is divided into 3 floors connected with stairs. The stairs are a bit small and steep, visitors need to be careful when using it. The museum is place in the original Dutch old building so everything looks very authentic. There's some activities that you can participate as well inside the museum such as an optical illusion photo studio, or finding details in the painting, and so on. At the basement, there's a cafe which offer coffee and light meals. Definitely recommended for you to visit this museum

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