Discover South Holland | A Visitor's Introduction to South Holland

Why is South Holland Worth a Visit?

South Holland is worth visiting for its concentration of iconic Dutch sights and its variety of experiences in a relatively compact area. You can stand before masterpieces by Vermeer in Delft, explore Europe’s largest port in Rotterdam, stroll along windswept beaches, and cycle past windmills in Kinderdijk – all within a short train ride of each other.

The province is also a centre of politics and international law, a hub for innovation, and home to historic fishing villages, nature reserves, and the country’s most famous flower fields. Whether you’re here for city breaks, history, or nature, South Holland has it all.

South Holland Highlights: Things to See and Do in South Holland

The Hague (Den Haag)

The seat of the Dutch government and home to the royal family, The Hague offers cultural attractions like the Mauritshuis (with Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring), the Peace Palace, and the Escher Museum. Scheveningen beach is just a short tram ride away for seaside fun.

Rotterdam

A dynamic, modern city rebuilt after WWII, Rotterdam is known for its bold architecture, vibrant food scene, and massive harbour. Highlights include the Markthal, Cube Houses, Erasmus Bridge, and harbour tours. Museums like Boijmans Van Beuningen (temporarily relocated) and Kunsthal showcase world-class art.

Delft

A picture-perfect city of canals and history, Delft is famous for its blue pottery (Delftware), its ties to Vermeer, and the burial place of the Dutch royal family in the Nieuwe Kerk. The Markt square is surrounded by cafés and historic buildings.

Leiden

This historic university city has beautiful canals, museums, and botanical gardens. The National Museum of Antiquities and the Museum of Natural History are top attractions, and the old centre is a joy to explore on foot or by boat.

Kinderdijk

A UNESCO World Heritage Site with 19 historic windmills set along canals, Kinderdijk is one of the most iconic Dutch landscapes. Best visited by bike or on foot, especially at sunrise or sunset for stunning views.

Gouda

Known worldwide for its cheese, Gouda also charms with its historic market square, Gothic town hall, and stained-glass windows in St. John’s Church. The weekly cheese market (April–August) is a lively tradition.

Bollenstreek (Flower Strip)

In spring, the flower fields between Leiden and Haarlem explode in colour with tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils. The Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse are the ultimate floral showcase, open from late March to mid-May.

Dordrecht

One of the Netherlands’ oldest cities, Dordrecht boasts a rich trading history, canals, and heritage architecture. It’s a gateway to the Biesbosch National Park, a freshwater wetland perfect for kayaking and boating.

Hoek van Holland & North Sea Beaches

Hoek van Holland offers broad sandy beaches and is the gateway for ferries to the UK. Other nearby beaches like Katwijk and Noordwijk are great for summer relaxation.

Practical Advice for Visitors

Getting There

South Holland is easy to reach via Schiphol Airport or Rotterdam The Hague Airport. Excellent train and tram connections link major cities, and cycling paths cover the province.

Parking

City centres like The Hague, Rotterdam, and Delft have paid parking; Park-and-Ride facilities offer cheaper alternatives. Smaller towns and beaches often have dedicated parking areas.

Dining

The province’s cuisine ranges from fresh seafood along the coast to Indonesian food in The Hague (reflecting the colonial past). Try local favourites like haring (raw herring), poffertjes, and stroopwafels. Gouda cheese, of course, is a must.

Shopping

Rotterdam offers cutting-edge design and fashion, The Hague mixes luxury brands with local boutiques, and Delft is ideal for ceramics. Leiden and Dordrecht have charming shopping streets with independent stores.

When to Visit

Spring is spectacular for flower fields, summer is perfect for beach trips and city festivals, and autumn offers cultural events with fewer crowds. Winter brings festive markets and cosy cafés.

Local Events

Major events include King’s Day (27 April), the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam (July), the Scheveningen International Fireworks Festival (August), and Leiden’s 3 October Festival.

Exploring Beyond South Holland

From here, it’s easy to visit Utrecht, North Holland’s Amsterdam, or Zeeland’s coastal landscapes. Belgium’s Antwerp and Brussels are also within a couple of hours by train.