The Netherlands is a country that invites exploration, not just through its iconic windmills and tulips, but also via its charming cities and towns. What makes it especially appealing for city tours is the combination of rich architecture, vibrant street life, and a surprising number of hidden stories. We particularly enjoy experiences like the e-Scavenger hunt Zierikzee for its fun, independence, and educational value, or the Discover Amerfoort’s city center escape game, which turns sightseeing into an engaging puzzle—perfect for families and friends. Whether you’re wandering scenic canals, uncovering medieval gates, or solving riddles in a lively piazza, these experiences show why the Netherlands is a perfect place for active, authentic city adventures.
Most of these tours are self-guided, offering the flexibility to explore at your own pace, with options ranging from app-based scavenger hunts to city-wide escape games. Many can be enjoyed in just a few hours, ideal for day-trippers or those with limited time, while others stretch out over longer outings. We’ve included a diverse mix of options—some are more historical, others more playful—so you can pick based on what excites you most. Below, you’ll find a detailed review of each, complete with practical tips to help you choose what’s right for your trip.
1. e-Scavenger hunt Zierikzee: Explore the city at your own pace
This app-based scavenger hunt takes you through Zierikzee, a picturesque old port town with medieval gates, a historic museum, and the Sint-Lievensmonstertoren. For around $36.76 per group, you follow GPS prompts, answer quizzes, and complete tasks, all while learning about the city’s prosperous past. The tour lasts roughly two to four hours, making it flexible for your schedule. The highlights include the Zuidhavenpoort, a city gate from the 14th century, and the old ships in Oude Haven. With a perfect 5.0/5 review score, people love how it turns sightseeing into a fun puzzle, avoiding the rigidity of guided tours. It’s especially suited for families and groups of friends who want an active way to discover Zierikzee’s charming streets and history.
Bottom Line: A flexible, interactive way to explore Zierikzee without missing its best sights.
2. Discover Amerfoort’s city center in this Outside Escape game tour
At number 2, the Amerfoort escape game offers an engaging walk through this lively Dutch city with a rich history. For about $29.70, up to six players can unravel clues while passing landmarks like the city gates, Hof square, and the Mondriaanhuis—the birthplace of painter Mondriaan. The tour takes about 1 to 2 hours, perfect for a quick but meaningful visit. Its interactive nature makes it ideal for families, teens, or coworkers looking for a team-building activity. The clues are challenging enough to keep everyone involved but not frustrating. Reviewers mention it’s a “fun way to see the city,” and it offers a good balance of education and entertainment.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want to combine sightseeing with solving puzzles in a lively city environment.
3. e-Scavenger hunt Goes: Explore the city at your own pace
In Goes, this self-guided mobile scavenger hunt makes discovering the city both fun and flexible. For just over $35, you’ll explore highlights like the Stadshaven, the historic castle site, and the Maria Magdalena Church. The tour lasts between two to four hours, and you can start and pause it whenever you like, allowing for breaks or a relaxed pace. The app’s clear navigation and engaging challenges make it a hit for families and solo travelers alike. It offers a great overview of Goes’ top attractions with minimal hassle. The 5.0 rating emphasizes how well this tour balances fun and education.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a relaxed, flexible adventure with a local flavor.
4. e-Scavenger hunt Zwolle: Explore the city at your own pace
Zwolle’s interactive app-based scavenger hunt guides you through this vibrant city’s medieval streets, canals, and squares. For around $36.76, you spend approximately three hours uncovering sites like the Hof square and the Old City Hall. The game’s challenges include quizzes and riddles, making it suitable for families or groups of friends. The flexible start time and the option to pause make it easy to fit into your sightseeing plans. With a 4.5/5 review score, players appreciate how it turns sightseeing into a game, especially the chance to learn about Zwolle’s top landmarks while having fun.
Bottom Line: An ideal pick for active explorers who want to learn and play simultaneously.
5. e-Scavenger hunt Bergen op Zoom: Explore the city
This scavenger hunt in Bergen op Zoom combines history and puzzle-solving. For $36.76, up to six people can explore sites like the Markiezenhof, the Gevangenpoort, and the Bergen op Zoom Halfway Theatre over two to four hours. The tour is perfect for families or history buffs wanting to experience the city’s medieval architecture and local culture at their own pace. Reviewers highlight its affordability and the fun of ticking off sightings while solving puzzles. The tour’s self-guided nature makes it flexible, and it’s especially suited for small groups on a budget.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, engaging way to discover Bergen op Zoom’s historic charm.
6. e-Scavenger hunt Venlo: Explore the city at your own pace
Venlo’s interactive scavenger hunt offers a relaxed journey through its medieval streets, the Limburgs Museum, and the Sint Martinuskerk. For $36.76, you can take 2 to 4 hours to uncover Venlo’s trade history and modern highlights. The game is ideal for families or groups of friends, with no special equipment needed—just your phone. The reviews praise its engaging format and the opportunity to learn local stories and landmarks. It’s well-suited for visitors looking for a flexible, fun way to explore Venlo’s historic and cultural sites.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, entertaining way to explore Venlo with family or friends.
7. e-Scavenger hunt Zutphen: Explore the city at your own pace
In Zutphen, this self-guided scavenger hunt invites you to explore medieval streets, the river IJssel, and sights like the Zutphen city wall. For about $36.79, you can work through the 3-hour route, which includes riddles about the city’s historic buildings. The app allows you to start at your preferred time, making it flexible. It’s highly engaging, especially for those interested in local architecture and history. One reviewer notes that the platform’s aesthetic is a bit outdated but still finds the activity “highly engaging and fun.”
Bottom Line: Great for history lovers who want a flexible, interactive city tour.
8. Exciting Murder Mystery – Interactive city walk in Harderwijk
For a different kind of experience, this murder mystery walk in Harderwijk combines storytelling and exploration. At just $80.29 for a group, it offers about three hours of fun solving a murder case while visiting notable city sites. You decide when to start and how fast to go, making it very flexible. It’s perfect for families, couples, or friends who enjoy a little drama with their sightseeing. With a 5.0/5 rating based on two reviews, it’s clear the experience is captivating and well-organized.
Bottom Line: A unique, immersive experience ideal for fans of stories and puzzles.
9. e-Scavenger hunt Enschede: Explore the city at your own pace
Enschede’s interactive city hunt takes you past landmarks like the Grolsch Stadium, Rijksmuseum Twenthe, and Volkspark. For $35.54, you can spend 2-4 hours discovering the city’s cultural and sports highlights. The app lets you customize your pace and work in teams of up to six. Reviewers appreciate its lighthearted approach and how it makes sightseeing fun for all ages. The clues are engaging, and the game offers a good mix of history, art, and local quirks.
Bottom Line: An enjoyable way to experience Enschede’s diverse attractions.
10. e-Scavenger hunt Assen: Explore the city at your own pace
In Assen, this self-guided detective game offers a casual tour of Drents Museum, TT Circuit, and the Asserbos. Priced at $35.54, it takes 2-4 hours and is perfect for families or groups interested in sports, art, and nature. The flexible start and stop times work well for busy schedules. Reviewers mention it as a fun, affordable way to learn about local culture and history with minimal fuss. Its lightweight, puzzle-based style makes it accessible for all ages.
Bottom Line: Best suited for families wanting a mix of culture and outdoor fun.
11. e-Scavenger hunt Deventer: Explore the city at your own pace
Deventer’s self-guided city game explores the historic IJssel River town’s medieval buildings and lively streets. For $36.76, you spend around three hours identifying landmarks and answering trivia questions. The app allows you to start at any time, making it flexible for your schedule. Reviewers find it a challenging and fun way to learn about Deventer’s long-standing architectural treasures.
Bottom Line: Perfect for history buffs and those wanting a self-paced, interactive experience.
12. e-Scavenger hunt Sittard: Explore the city at your own pace
This scavenger hunt in Sittard combines Gothic Revival architecture, the Heritage Center, and the St.-Michaël church. With a price of about $35.54, it’s a 2-4 hour activity designed for families or history enthusiasts. The easy-to-use app lets you explore Sittard’s cultural sites without rushing. Reviewers highlight its affordability and the educational value of the puzzles.
Bottom Line: Great for those interested in architecture and local stories, with a flexible schedule.
13. Escape game in the city of Apeldoorn Crazytopia
This urban escape game in Apeldoorn offers a two-hour adventure where your team cracks puzzles and completes missions across the city. Priced at just $23.31 per group, it’s an excellent option for families and friends looking for a quick, interactive activity. The app guides you safely through multiple challenges in a city you might not have explored otherwise. It ranks highly, with a perfect 5.0/5 from one reviewer, emphasizing its entertaining and well-organized setup.
Bottom Line: An affordable, fast-paced activity for puzzle lovers and curious explorers.
14. e-Scavenger hunt Heerenveen: Explore the city at your own pace
In Heerenveen, this self-guided tour lets you discover skating history, modern art, and local forests. For $35.92, spend 2-4 hours exploring landmarks like Ice stadium Thialf and Museum Heerenveen. The app allows you to start, pause, and tailor your experience. Reviewers appreciate its family-friendly format and the variety of stops, from sports venues to art museums.
Bottom Line: Suitable for active families and those interested in sports and culture.
15. e-Scavenger hunt Terneuzen: Explore the city at your own pace
Finally, in Terneuzen, this scavenger hunt features stops like the port information center, Museum “Schooltijd”, and Marina Terneuzen. For $35.92, you can spend 2-4 hours discovering the city’s industrial and maritime side. The activity is suitable for families and history buffs alike, and the flexible schedule makes it accessible for busy days. Reviewers mention its unique focus on port and maritime lore adds a special touch.
Bottom Line: A great way to combine maritime history with local life on your own terms.
How to Choose the Best City Tour in the Netherlands
When selecting your perfect city tour, consider your budget, interests, and how much time you have. For active families or groups wanting fun and flexibility, options like Zierikzee’s scavenger hunt or Zwolle’s interactive route are perfect. If you prefer more immersive storytelling, the murder mystery in Harderwijk offers a unique twist. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the Bergen op Zoom and Venlo options, which pack a lot of fun into an affordable package.
Timing also matters—self-guided tours like these are best booked for a day with clear weather and flexible schedules. Booking early ensures availability, especially for popular options.
Overall, the Netherlands offers a versatile selection of city tours that cater to different interests—from historic architecture and art to puzzles and storytelling. Whether you’re a history buff, family seeking adventure, or solo traveler eager for independence, there’s a perfect experience waiting. Consider your preferred pace, budget, and curiosity, then pick a tour to make your Dutch city discovery truly memorable. And don’t forget—reserve ahead to secure your spot in these engaging adventures.
