Which of the Netherlands' 30 largest cities do Dutch travelers most want to visit in 2022? Columbus Travel's large-scale survey reveals surprising insights: Maastricht far outpaces the competition, with mid-sized cities outperforming major hubs. Even Amsterdam, a top draw for international tourists, ranks just 17th among respondents.
Over 3,000 Dutch travelers selected their top domestic city-trip destinations in response to Columbus Travel's call. Maastricht leads decisively—one in two respondents plans to visit this South Limburg gem this year. Haarlem claims second place, with 31% favoring North Holland's provincial capital. Rounding out the top five are mid-sized surprises: Ede (20%), Deventer (13%), and Leeuwarden (11%).
These destinations eclipse the 'Big Four'—Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht—none of which crack the top 10. Just 5% opt for The Hague, landing it in 11th place, with Rotterdam, Utrecht, and Amsterdam following at 15th, 16th, and 17th respectively.
Travelers cite the walkable scale, historic charm, and inviting atmospheres of these mid-sized cities as key draws. Geography—north or south of the rivers—plays little role. 'The pandemic has shifted how we view our own cities,' notes Columbus Travel editor-in-chief Mark Mackintosh. 'Dutch travelers are more adventurous, eager to explore beyond typical hotspots. This opens doors for cities investing in vibrant culture and cuisine.'
