Major cities of the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a densely populated country full of cities, and on this map you fly past the largest ones. You learn to place giants like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht — together known as the Randstad — in the right spot, alongside cities further from the west such as Eindhoven in Brabant, Groningen in the north and Maastricht in the deep south.
Most big cities lie in the Randstad, packed closely together in the west, while the rest are spread across the country. Watch out for confusing pairs: Haarlem and Arnhem sound almost the same but lie far apart, and cities like Tilburg, Breda and 's-Hertogenbosch sit close together in North Brabant.
Hop in the helicopter and find all the cities at your own pace — a fun, free way for kids and grown-ups to get to know the city map of the Netherlands.
▶︎ Play nowFrequently asked questions
What is the largest city in the Netherlands?
Amsterdam is by far the largest city in the Netherlands and also its capital. It lies in the province of North Holland and is famous worldwide for its canals. Rotterdam is the second city, known for having the largest port in Europe.
What is the Randstad?
The Randstad is the densely populated ring of cities in the west of the Netherlands, containing the four biggest cities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht. Cities such as Haarlem, Leiden, Delft and Zoetermeer belong to it too. It is the economic heart of the country.
Which major cities lie outside the Randstad?
Outside the Randstad you find cities such as Eindhoven, Tilburg and Breda in North Brabant, Groningen and Leeuwarden in the north, Maastricht and Heerlen in Limburg, and Enschede and Zwolle in the east. They are spread right across the country.
What is the best way to learn the major cities of the Netherlands?
The most fun and fastest way to learn the major cities of the Netherlands is by playing, with the free helicopter in Toponauts. You fly across the map and place each city in the right spot yourself, at your own pace — great for children and adults practising their geography.