The Cozy Side of the Netherlands: Cities I Love Beyond Amsterdam

Before my brother moved to the Netherlands in the midst of COVID, I didn’t imagine life would take me so often to the country of Van Gogh and Vermeer, of tulips and bikes, of stroopwafels and bitterballen.

With Amsterdam being the most plausible entry point into the Netherlands, I’ve been lucky to visit the city many times over the past few years. And while I’m in awe of its canals, the Rijksmuseum garden, and especially the picturesque Vondelpark, I’ve ended up falling for smaller, enchanting nearby towns that offer the sense of wellbeing and tranquility I prefer.

The version of the Netherlands I love can only be defined as cozy. So if you’re looking for warmer, softer alternatives to the hip, tourist-driven capital, check out these cities:

Utrecht

23-minute train ride from Amsterdam

As of today, Utrecht is my favorite city in the Netherlands. So much so, I briefly and easily considered moving there. How could I not, if life seems so wholesome and picture perfect as soon as you arrive?

Until the Dutch Golden Age, Utrecht was the most important city in the Netherlands. More recently, Lonely Planet described it as one of the world’s most underrated places—and with good reason!

The city oozes with a vibrant cultural life, with theaters, galleries, and festivals only second to Amsterdam. Lovely brick houses and colorful flowers line the streets, while the Oudegracht, a unique canal with wharf-basement structures, creates two levels of life along the water—restaurants, cafés, and shops nestled right on the canal’s edge.

It’s also the birthplace of Dick Bruna, creator of Miffy (Nijntje), the sweet bunny that appears everywhere in the Netherlands.  And with Utrecht University, the largest in the country, the city buzzes with youthful energy despite its medieval heart. At the center stands the Dom Tower, once part of St. Martin’s Cathedral, a reminder of Utrecht’s religious and historic importance.

Where to eat? We had lunch at Graaf Floris, sampling classic Dutch snacks, followed by coffee at Van Schaik.

Den Bosch

57-minute train ride from Amsterdam

Officially ’s-Hertogenbosch (“the Duke’s forest”), this lush, green city is affectionately known as Den Bosch. It has a growing reputation for design and innovation while preserving its medieval charm. It’s also known for its lively food scene, from traditional Dutch cafés to Michelin-starred restaurants. But the city’s most iconic treat is the Bossche Bol, a decadent pastry filled with whipped cream and coated in dark chocolate.

Like Utrecht, Den Bosch's architectural hightlights include canals and medieval structures. However, the Binnendieze, are canals that run beneath entire buildings. And the Gothic St. John’s Cathedral, as well as the city’s medieval walls, are remnants of its rich past.

In the summer, for coffee and people-watching, I loved Nom Nom, at a picturesque intersection by a domed building with a canal flowing underneath. And, if it's rainy or cold, a café by the Cathedral, like Café Opium, could be a nice stop to have hot tea, bossche bol, and stroopwafel.

Eindhoven

80-minute train ride from Amsterdam

Eindhoven is the Dutch city I know best, thanks to seeing it through my brother’s eyes. Located in the south, it has innovation in its DNA. After all, it’s the birthplace of Philips and home to the PSV football team.

At first glance, Eindhoven struck me as modern and tech-oriented, perhaps less about arts and history. But today I’m in love with its coffee culture—one of the most charming I’ve seen. There are cozy cafés everywhere, even inside shops like opticians, and there’s a true sense of community as people linger over their drinks. The city also thrives with creative design stores offering unique, elevated brands.

We enjoyed places like Mr. Brown, Koffiehuisje, and Amy & Max (lively in the evenings). For food, the PSV stadium surprisingly serves a great burger and bitterballen with field views, while MOOD is a fusion restaurant with excellent sushi.

Delft

50-minute train ride from Amsterdam

If you love blue-and-white pottery, Delft is a must—it’s the birthplace of Delftware (Delft Blue ceramics). The city is also where famed artist Johannes Vermeer was laid to rest and where history, canals, and market squares are also part of the picture.

Our highlight was renting a boat from Sloepverhuur Delft (pet-friendly, so we brought my brother's puppy!). It was a magnificent way to see the city, its stunning architecture, and the local life unfolding along the water—children splashing, families picnicking, people reading under weeping willows.

Afterward, we explored on foot, stopping for coffee at Koffie & Zo, a corner café overlooking the canals. We ended the day strolling through lively markets, Christmas shops, the cheese store Henri Willig, and antique stores that had me swooning.

---

Each of these cities has its own soul, softer and cozier than Amsterdam’s buzz, and all worth exploring. Which one would you love to visit ?