Things to do in Lelystad
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Top 10 attractions in Lelystad
Giethoorn
Giethoorn is a water village where canals replace roads. Because of its crisscrossing waterways and lush greenery, it is known as the "Venice of the North." The village's name comes from the large number of goat horns unearthed by early residents while digging for peat; "Geytenhoren" in Dutch means "goat horn," which was later simplified to Giethoorn. The lake district where the village is located is itself a mark left by centuries of peat extraction, with the excavated trenches gradually developing into today's canal network. A major scenic view in the village is the thatched-roof farmhouses built along the river—the roofs are covered with reeds, complemented by wooden exterior walls and meticulously maintained gardens, scattered along both banks of the canal and connected by numerous small wooden bridges. Boating along the canals is the core way to experience the village; traveling through the tranquil waterways by small boat allows you to enjoy the view of the thatched-roof houses and pastoral scenery from the water. In addition to the waterways, you can also cycle along the forest paths to experience the village's pastoral atmosphere from another perspective.Giethoorn · 46.7 km from Lelystad
Zaanse Schans
Zaanse Schansis a historic village built along the Zaan River. Since the 1960s, historic buildings from across the Zaan region have been relocated here, gradually forming its current appearance and recreating the scene of the Zaan region during its industrial heyday in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Zaan region was once a major industrial hub in Western Europe, where hundreds of windmills historically operated along the river simultaneously, serving industrial functions such as sawing wood, pressing oil, and grinding dyes and mustard. Today, several traditional windmills still operate along the river in Zaanse Schans, each serving different functions like sawing wood, pressing oil, and grinding dyes and mustard, with some open for visitors to explore inside. Iconic green wooden houses, warehouses, and craft workshops line the riverbank, creating a distinctively Dutch pastoral scene. The village features a clog workshop where visitors can watch the entire process of traditional clog carving; the cheese workshop showcases the craft of making Dutch cheese, with fresh products available for tasting. Additionally, traditional craft venues such as a bakery museum and a pewter casting workshop are scattered throughout. Taking a boat tour along the Zaan River is another way to experience it; with windmills slowly turning and wooden houses dotting the banks, looking back at the entire village from the water is a classic perspective of Zaanse Schans. People still live here today, and strolling through the village allows you to experience traditional Dutch industrial and craft culture while seeing a picture of a living, working historic village.Zaandam · 44.2 km from Lelystad
Canals of Amsterdam
The Canals of Amsterdam link over 100 islands, forming a network of waterways spanning hundreds of kilometers with more than 160 canals and 1,200 bridges. Its main attractions are concentrated within a roughly 1.5 km radius of the canal belt. Amsterdam residents live on the water. The city is intertwined with its waterways, creating a naturally harmonious landscape. The gentleman's canal is the first of the three main canals in the center of Amsterdam. Its fashionable section, called the golden bend (GoldenBend), features many double-width mansions, inner gardens and carriage houses. The emperor canal is the second of the three main canals in the center of Amsterdam, and also the widest one, located between the gentleman canal and the prince canal. It was named after Maximilian I, emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. The prince canal is the third main canal in Amsterdam, and also the longer one. Most buildings along the canal were built during the Dutch Golden Age. Scenic attractions along the canal include the Noorderkerk, Noordermarkt, Anne Frank House and other attractions.Amsterdam · 42.7 km from Lelystad
Dam Square
Dam Square is located in the center of Amsterdam. Known as the "belly button", it is an iconic building in Amsterdam. You can walk five minutes from Amsterdam Central Station along Damrak Street, and you can come to this crowded square day and night. . Historical background Around the 13th century, the residents of Amsterdam built embankments along the Amstel River to resist floods, which is also the origin of the name of Amsterdam. Although the current Dam Square is not large in size, it has become the central square of Amsterdam, where ordinary people once shuttled back and forth, witnessing various political turmoil and demonstrations against the Vietnam War. In contrast, although today's square is still crowded, it is filled with a happy and casual atmosphere. Today, there are various cafes, restaurants and bars on Dam Square. Due to the special location, the price is slightly more expensive, but the business is very good, and there is almost always a need to wait for a table. Various street performers are also an interesting sight on Dam Square. You can watch jugglers performing long whips, clowns who “surprise” passersby from time to time, student bands performing in the open air, grandparents performing traditional Dutch pas de deux.. .... The chubby pigeons in the square will come around from time to time to beg you for food. Everything here is full of vitality and joy. You might as well ask for a drink, sit on the stone steps by the square, smell the coffee in the air, enjoy the novel performances of street performers, and feel the joy with the locals. In spring and autumn, various carnivals and markets with different themes are often held in the square. At that time, the entire Dam Square will be transformed into a colorful playground. If you happen to come across it, you must have a good time. It is also worth seeing the majestic buildings around Dam Square. The imposing blue-roofed building on the west side of the square is the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, which is now used for the royal reception and the new king's succession ceremony. The spired Gothic church adjacent to the Royal Palace is a new church, where organ concerts and exhibitions are usually held. On the south side of the square is the famous Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, from where the huge circular glass can overlook the entire Dam Square. On the east side of Dam Square stands the iconic National Monument, a 22-meter-tall white tower guarded by two stone lions in memory of soldiers and civilians who died in the World Wars. There are also famous business districts around Dam Square. MagnaPlaza Shopping Center, Maison deBonneterie, DeBijenkorf and other large shopping malls in the Netherlands are all within a short walk of Dam Square. In addition, many buses and trams have stops at Dam Square, and the main attractions in the city are also within walking distance from here, which is very convenient. Dam Square is brightly lit at night, and it is another lively scene. After the tour, you can go to the nearby China Town for a walk. From Dam Square, you can walk north along Damrak Street for 5 minutes.Amsterdam · 42.4 km from Lelystad
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.Amsterdam · 43.7 km from Lelystad
Grand-Place of Brussels
Grand-Place of Brussels is the urban heart of Brussels and was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1998. The square is rectangular, approx. 100 m long and nearly 70 m wide, and is paved with granite. Most of the surrounding buildings were built in the late 17th century and still preserve their original appearance, bringing together a variety of architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, and Louis XIV. One of the striking buildings on the square is the Brussels Town Hall, a typical Gothic building that reached its current scale after multiple expansions and renovations. The top of its spire is decorated with a sculpture of Saint Michael slaying a demon. The building with spires opposite the Town Hall is known as the "King's House" and now houses the Brussels City Museum. The gilded bronze statue of Everard 't Serclaes in a corner of the square is also worth noting; it commemorates the Brussels folk hero Everard 't Serclaes and depicts the scene of his death. Other buildings surrounding the square mostly belonged to historical guilds, and the facade of each guild building is decorated with sculptures of figures revered by the guild or symbolic animals. During the day, you can savor the beauty of the architecture. After nightfall, when the lights come on, the murals and carvings on the buildings shine brilliantly under the illumination, making it a great place for night photography.Belgium · Brussels
Manneken Pis
Manneken Pis is one of the symbols of Brussels. This bronze statue stands in a niche on a street corner in the old town, depicting a little boy with his hands on his hips, urinating into a basin. Its history dates back to the mid-15th century, and it was redesigned and cast by sculptor Duquesnoy in 1619. The statue currently standing in the original spot is a later replica, while the original is preserved in the City Museum near the Grand Place. It is only about 0.5m tall, much smaller than many tourists imagine, yet it is considered a symbol of Brussels along with the Atomium and the Grand Place, and is packed year-round with tourists holding cameras.Belgium · Brussels
Rheinauhafen District
Rheinauhafen District is a waterfront neighborhood transformed from an old freight port. The riverside promenade is lined with modern buildings, interspersed with cafes, galleries, and art spaces. The remnants of the port era and the newly built glass facades complement each other, showcasing a modern urban style. The district's core landmark consists of three high-rise buildings known as the "Crane Houses," standing approx. 60m tall, with an inverted L-shape that echoes the area's history as a freight terminal. Historical remnants, such as the Bayenturm tower dating back to the Middle Ages, are also preserved along the route. Looking north along the river, the silhouettes of the cathedral and the iron bridge are clearly visible, with classical spires and modern architecture framed together. At dusk, the sunset reflects on the river surface, and strolling along the path offers a panoramic view of the city on both banks, forming a waterfront view that blends industrial memories with a stylish atmosphere.Germany · Cologne
Singel Flower Market
The Singer Flower Market is the world's water flower market and a bright and fragrant place in Amsterdam. It is located along the Singer Canal in the center of Amsterdam, connecting Mount Square and King's Square. The original site of the Singer Flower Market was a trading place for Dutch flower farmers to transport flowers to all parts of the land until 1862, when the Singer Floating Flower Market appeared. At present, the flower market consists of more than a dozen houseboats suspended in the Singh Canal into a flower market. You can buy various types of tulips, narcissus, etc., as well as flower seeds and gardener's tools. In addition to everything related to flowers, you can also find postcards, refrigerator magnets and other souvenirs here. Catch up with the visit in December, you can see Christmas trees of different sizes in the Singh Flower Market, which is full of Christmas atmosphere.Amsterdam · 42.7 km from Lelystad
Wooden Shoe Workshop of Zaanse Schans
There are many wooden shoe workshops in Windmill Village, where you can visit the entire wooden shoe production process, with ancient and exquisite skills. There are large and small wooden shoes everywhere here, which are very cute, and there are many souvenirs of wooden shoes, which can be bought back and given to friends.Zaandam · 44.4 km from Lelystad
Experiences you can't miss in Lelystad
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Free things to do in Lelystad
Giethoorn
Giethoorn · 46.7 km from LelystadZaanse Schans
Zaandam · 44.2 km from LelystadCanals of Amsterdam
Amsterdam · 42.7 km from LelystadDam Square
Amsterdam · 42.4 km from LelystadImmediate access, Book now for todayMuseum Square
Amsterdam · 43.7 km from LelystadImmediate access, Book now for todayGrand-Place of Brussels
Belgium · BrusselsManneken Pis
Belgium · BrusselsRheinauhafen District
Germany · CologneSingel Flower Market
Amsterdam · 42.7 km from LelystadWooden Shoe Workshop of Zaanse Schans
Zaandam · 44.4 km from Lelystad
What travelers say about Lelystad
YoYo_0T9A3B0LMay 1, 2026
5.0
Giethoorn truly resembles a fairytale town, with more waterways than roads, and small boats moored in front of every house. Low houses with reed-roofed roofs line the waterways, their gardens meticulously manicured. Renting a boat and rowing yourself is the most relaxing way to experience it, slowly gliding under small bridges, with meadows and wild ducks on either side. The main street is somewhat commercialized, but turning into the side streets brings tranquility, with only the sound of oars paddling through the water. It's best to visit on a sunny day; the slippery roads can be quite inconvenient on rainy days.
Giethoorn
SUNSHINE ONUSApril 20, 2025
5.0
A famous attraction that is worth visiting. Today the weather is nice and sunny, with plenty of sunshine, which is suitable for taking pictures. This is a famous windmill attraction. Along the lake path, you can enjoy various windmills, cultural landscapes and some cheese huts. Some windmills are workers and run under the action of wind. I took a lot of photos and enjoyed the picturesque windmill village.
Zaanse Schans
EmperorXiFebruary 18, 2025
4.0
It's very good! One of beautiful spots in Europe. Kind Dutch people, and everyone can speak English. Recommend for travelers
Canals of Amsterdam
Lavender and SunAugust 23, 2022
5.0
Dam Square was originally built at the end of the 12th century. The north of the Dam Square on the Amstor River is now the Old Town. The houses in this area used to be shops and were very lively. A celebrity was also born here - Zacharias Jansen, the inventor of the telescope.
Dam Square
Jmebaby甄心話·大冒險April 2, 2023
5.0
There is a big logo here, showing Amsterdam, but it is spelled with different sounds. The Dutch are really creative. You can spend a whole day in this Museum Square and rest leisurely here.
Museum Square
AnaTravels94March 15, 2025
5.0
The place is gorgeous! we were there after Christmas and it matches with the Christmas tree so perfectly! Visit and just enjoy the view!
Grand-Place of Brussels
Njohns13September 8, 2023
4.0
you cannot take a trip to Belgium without visiting their cheeky little statues!
Manneken Pis
老少皆宜（）March 2, 2023
5.0
Cologne in Germany is a popular place for tourists to visit. It has the most famous Cologne Cathedral⛪️ and the Cologne Promenade. Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany and is located on the banks of the Rhine in western Germany.
Rheinauhafen District
DEAR张小球November 30, 2019
5.0
The flowers in the Netherlands are the most famous in the world, even more famous than those in Kunming in China. Therefore, the flower market there is still worth a visit. Compared with the Kunming flower market we have been to, the flowers here are obviously much more advantageous than those in China.
Singel Flower Market
ZengZhiGangAugust 20, 2020
5.0
This wooden shoe workshop in Zaandam seems to be world-famous, because every tourist must come here to check in. The huge wooden shoe at the door looks like a brightly colored pirate ship, big enough for a person to lie down.
Wooden Shoe Workshop of Zaanse Schans
