The village of Giethoorn, located about 70 miles (117 km) northeast of Amsterdam, is one of Holland's most picturesque villages. It is known throughout the Netherlands for its use of canals, and remains one of the few communities where transport and logistics are carried out using boats as they were in most Dutch cities. The village also features a charming old town with a few quaint shops and accommodations to shop and stay at as well. The Museum Giethoorn 't Olde Maat Uus is a prominent attraction of the town that merits a spirited visit.

The quaint fishing village of Volendam is a welcoming destination for discerning tourists. Teeming with recreational opportunities all year long, the village packs in a bevy of interesting attractions and landmarks too. The Marina Volendam is a bustling harbor, where one can spend time catching up with the locals and savoring traditional delicacies in the company of scenic sights. Volendam Museum is a go-to attraction for history buffs and culture enthusiasts, proffering a glimpse into the rich history the region. Likewise, Palingsound Museum and the famed Cheese Factory are fun attractions too. Your short sojourn at Volendam promises to be full of novel experiences.

Stretched on the banks of Markermeer is the ancient city of Monnickendam. If you fancy a sojourn in a quintessential Dutch hamlet, this quaint getaway is just right. Enveloped by lucid lakes, the city boasts scenic vistas aplenty. Promising a delightful time for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts are the open spaces of the city and the sprawling parks. As for unmissable attractions, Museum de Speeltoren and the Great Church of Monnickendam rank high on the list. Do plan a quick sojourn in the inviting city of Markermeer.

Renowned among food connoisseurs as the home of delectable cheese, Edam is a charming town located a short distance from the north of Amsterdam. Formerly serving as a busy port for cheese traders, the town hosts thousands of tourists annually in its scenic environs. Teeming with historic attractions and cultural landmarks, this town is an inviting destination for all. In addition to sampling the best of its world-famous cheese, one can explore an array of interesting spots. Beginning with the Edams Museum and Fort bij Edam, one must head to the Grote Kerk Edam, Playtower and the Kwakelbrug too.

Marken is a picturesque fishing village, teeming with plenty of novelties and an inviting charm. This sea facing hamlet is renowned for the curious wooden homes that are spread all over the landscape. Owing to repeated flooding, the residents devised unique homes, which are positioned atop stilts and mounds. Today, these vibrant abodes make for a picture-perfect sight with the clear-blue sky serving as the ideal backdrop. In addition to the notable homes, the hamlet boasts a bevy of unmissable experiences. A mere stroll along the winding streets and the busy harbor will prove to be a delightful experience. You can add visits to the Marker Museum and Paard van Marken to complete your short and sweet itinerary of Marken.

Welcoming discerning seafarers in 17th and 18th centuries, the picturesque town of Broek in Waterland continues to lure travelers from far and beyond. Steeped in rich history, this quaint town is set amidst idyllic environs. History buffs and nature lovers will find plenty to their delight here. The old-school abodes of the town, primarily painted in ash gray, are a notable characteristic of the town. The spotless locales of the town have attracted wealthy vacationers since time immemorial, making this stomping ground one of the richest villages of the country.

Overlooking the turquoise seafront is the quaint town of Harlingen. This delightful port town offers a mesmerizing experience, replete with rich tales and spectacular landmarks. A part of the intimate group of eleven Frisian cities, this charming town makes an ideal getaway for history buffs and culture enthusiasts. Beginning with De Stenen Man, one can head to the Hannemahuis, Stadhuis van Harlingen and Galerie De Vis to experience the best of the town’s culture and heritage. Do plan a short, yet heartwarming sojourn in the port town of Harlingen.

Enveloped by verdant pastures is the quaint and picturesque town of Naarden. Located in the eastern region of Amsterdam, this delightful town is teeming with small-town quintessence. A bird’s eye view of the town reveals a star-like grid arrangement, which is its most notable feature. This fortified town is a haven for history buffs and culture enthusiasts alike. Stadhuis Naarden and Utrechtse Poort are among the unmissable attractions of the town along with Grote Kerk Naarden and Dutch Fortress Museum. Complementing the splendid sights and mesmerizing attractions here is the warm hospitality of the locals. Your short sojourn of Naarden promises to be full of memorable experiences.

A former trading city, Zierikzee is a historic city of the Netherlands. Home to an array of cultural monuments, the city welcomes a steady stream of history buffs and cultural enthusiasts from all across the globe. This all-season destination is packed with interesting landmarks. While the spectacular Dikke Toren remains one of the most prominent attraction of the town, visitors must also head to Zuidhavenpoort Zierikzee, Stadhuismuseum Zierikzee and Nobelpoort. Followed by your visit to the bevy of attractions, do savor the delicious authentic fare on offer here.

A part of the Hanseatic League of towns, Doesburg is a serene town located in the heart of the Netherlands. Lying close to the IJssel River, the town boasted the status of a prominent fortified settlement. Preserving and reflecting the former grandeur of the town are its numerous historic buildings. In addition to the rich heritage of the town. One can also experience the thriving culture evident in lively spots such as the De Waag. If museums are your go-to places, the Lalique Museum is just right for you. Do head to Doesburg for an offbeat experience.

The medieval city of Appingedam is nestled in the province of Groningen. A characteristic feature of the city are the hanging kitchens. Resembling large windows protruding out of the buildings, these hanging kitchens were the result of ingenious thinking of homemakers who wished to make the most of their limited living space. To view them in their awe-inspiring glory, do head to the bridge near the Gouden Pand. Some of the other unmissable landmarks of the city include Museum Møhlmann and Nicolaïkerk.

A hidden gem of the Utrecht region is the quaint town of Oudewater. The winding routes of the town look cinematic, replete with brick-lined walls and boutique shops. Adding to the charm of the town are the Venice-like canals that thread across the landscape here. The restaurants of the town offer the irresistible blend of authentic meals and sublime views. Some of the unmissable attractions of the town include Museum de Heksenwaag and Oud-Katholieke Kerk Oudewater. Head to the sequestered town of Oudewater to experience an offbeat sojourn in the Netherlands.