While it might still be the top Dutch city for tourists (we’re looking at you, Brits), Amsterdam has a slightly different reputation among the Dutch themselves.
The capital has officially fallen to 4th place in Dutch adults’ ranking of their favourite cities in the Netherlands, according to the Cities-Regions-Brands Survey by Hendrik Beerda.
Hundreds of respondents have voted for their favourite cities based on loyalty, appreciation, brand awareness, visit intention, growth expectations and reputation. 💭
And the results are in!
Utrecht takes the crown
Nabbing the #1 spot? It’s pretty, it’s friendly, and it’s at the top of every wish list for a Dutch day out.
That’s right, the new leading city for 2024 is the wonderful Utrecht.
Rotterdam and Maastricht also move up the rankings, and here’s how the top five shapes up:
| 1 | Utrecht 🏆 |
| 2 | Rotterdam |
| 3 | Maastricht |
| 4 | Amsterdam |
| 5 | Nijmegen |
Other than A’dam, the reputations of these top cities have only gotten stronger since 2019’s results, especially Nijmegen, which was previously at #9.
From Rotterdam’s innovation to Maastricht’s holiday vibe, the favourites showcase the variety of city life in the Netherlands.
Teens still dig Amsterdam’s vibe
When it comes to young people between 12 and 18, Amsterdam’s still got it.
The capital’s nightlife is probably to thank for that, although other cities are catching up in that department too.
READ MORE | Amsterdam crowned 7th most danceable TikTok city
As for the rest of the teenage top five, Rotterdam and Utrecht rank at #2 and #3, while Maastricht and the Hague take #4 and #5.
Do you agree with this ranking of the top Dutch cities? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Maastricht is #1 as far as I’m concerned 🙂
For a little country the Netherlands are rather complete, with a Coast, islands citys and rivers.
I am living now in Lelystad, formerly this was part of the sea. Best wishes for you !
Leiden is great too.
Near the.sea and lakes. Nice atmosphere.
Historical center. Oldest University.
Well, it depends on what you are looking for. I dislike large crowds and any of the mentioned cities have overcrowding issues. For me, the charm of the country are the numerous little villages in the country side and the well developed biking trails between them.
Delft is right up there!
Groningen, Zutphen, Deventer
Alkmaar has it all; history, shopping, nearby beach, nature quiet but also tourist sites.
Is affordable and well connected
There are many, rather similar, old cities and towns in Netherlands. Each with it’s own character.
Eindhoven (like Rotterdam due to WW2) doesn’t have an ancient city centre, but yet a very nice and vibrant nightlife.
Haarlem🥰🥰