Things to do in Den Helder

No. 17 of Family-friendly Attractions in Netherlands

Ecomare

Ecomare is an aquarium located on the Dutch island of Texel that focuses on nature conservation and wildlife protection, especially the protection of marine life. This place is not only an ecological education center but also a nature reserve that attracts visitors. Ecomare is situated near a picturesque coastline, harmoniously integrated with nature and surrounded by vast beaches and tidal flats, offering a sense of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle. At Ecomare, visitors can observe a variety of marine life up close, especially seals and seabirds. The center features multiple exhibition areas that introduce the local natural ecology and marine life conservation efforts. Visitors can not only learn about the habits of these wild animals but also see injured or rescued seals undergoing rehabilitation. The exhibits here are accessible, vivid, and interesting, making it suitable for families as well as visitors who love nature and animals.

Navy Museum

Willemsoord

Hoenderdaell Zoo

Fort Kijkduin

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Van Gogh Museum

The Van Gogh Museum is located on Museumplein in Amsterdam and is a national art museum centered on Van Gogh's works, holding more than 200 of his oil paintings, hundreds of drawings, and a large number of letters exchanged between him and his brother Theo, a collection that ranks among the foremost of its kind worldwide. The origin of this collection is itself a story: after Van Gogh's death in 1890, the paintings were kept by his brother Theo; Theo passed away shortly afterward, and his widow, Johanna van Gogh-Bonger, devoted her life to organizing and exhibiting these works, which had received little attention during Van Gogh's lifetime, ultimately bringing them together into this museum. The permanent exhibition lays out a clear viewing route in chronological order of creation: from the dark-toned "The Potato Eaters" of the Nuenen period in the Netherlands, to the numerous self-portraits of the Paris period, then to "The Yellow House," "The Bedroom," and "Sunflowers" of the Arles period, and finally to "Almond Blossom" and "Wheatfield with Crows" created in the last stage of his life in Saint-Rémy and Auvers-sur-Oise, making Van Gogh's creative trajectory over a brief ten years clear at a glance. In addition to his own works, the museum also displays paintings and sculptures by contemporary artists such as Monet, Gauguin, and Rodin, many of which were personally collected by Van Gogh and Theo at the time; in Gauguin's "The Painter of Sunflowers," the protagonist is none other than Van Gogh, the painter of sunflowers. The building itself is also worth a closer look: the main building was designed by the Dutch De Stijl architect Rietveld and opened in 1973, with exhibition galleries unfolding layer by layer around an open atrium; the oval wing designed by the Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa was completed in 1999 and is dedicated to large-scale temporary exhibitions; and the all-glass entrance building opened in 2015 connects the old and new wings into one. The museum is consistently popular, with dense crowds during peak hours, so if you plan to take a close look at the permanent collection, it is recommended to allow ample visiting time.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Netherlands

Museum Square

Museum Square is located in the center of Amsterdam. It is named for the many museums scattered around the square, including the Van Gogh Museum, the Stedelijk Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Royal Concert Hall. The red "Iamsterdam" sculpture in the square is very eye-catching and has become a landmark building for tourists and locals to take photos. Museum Square is also one of the public squares that locals love very much. It is often used to hold large-scale outdoor performances, gatherings, etc. The large lawn next to the square is a good place to rest, where you can take a walk, walk your dog, and have a picnic.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Rijksmuseum

• A large collection of well-known art treasures, including masterpieces by many well-known masters • Retaining the architectural style of the 19th century, the brick-red walls are all decorated with images of Dutch history and art • The vaulted roof of the renovated museum atrium hall is made of glass, and the floor is paved with Portuguese stone floor tiles. Natural light penetrates the entire hall, which is spacious and bright. △ The building where the museum is located was planned and designed by the designer of Amsterdam Railway Station. It was opened to the public in 1885 and is one of the oldest museums in Europe. △ Go up the escalator and enter the viewing corridor. The corridor is composed of arched brick walls and large floor-to-ceiling windows. You can enjoy the panoramic view of the atrium hall. The library on the same floor as the corridor is not to be missed. The history of the library can be traced back to the 19th century. The spiral staircase is very unique and is also known as one of the ten libraries with beautiful scenery in the world.

Museum Kaap Skil

Nationaal Park Duinen van Texel