🇳🇱Den Bosch / 's-Hertogenbosch

Climb St. John's Cathedral

St. Janskathedraal is the heart of Den Bosch and one of the most impressive Gothic churches in the Netherlands. Construction began in the 14th century and took two full centuries to complete. Inside, the soaring ceilings and vivid stained glass windows are genuinely breathtaking. If your family is up for it, climb the 73-metre tower for panoramic views over the city and a close look at the carillon bells.

Sail the underground Binnendieze canals

This is the highlight that kids talk about long after you get home. Den Bosch has a unique network of canals that runs beneath the city, and you can explore them by boat. The 1.5-hour tour takes you through narrow tunnels, under streets, and past hidden corners of the city that most visitors never see. The Hellgate tunnel is a particular favourite, with a history that is said to have inspired Hieronymus Bosch's paintings.

Explore the Jheronimus Bosch Art Center

Housed in a converted church, this art centre is dedicated entirely to the work of Den Bosch's most famous son. You will find high-quality reproductions of Bosch's complete works, including 3D representations of his fantastical creatures that kids find genuinely fascinating. It is a brilliant introduction to his imagination and gives the whole city a new layer of meaning once you have visited.

Visit the Noordbrabants Museum

This is Den Bosch's flagship museum, and it earns its reputation. The collection spans paintings, prints, textiles, and archaeology, with over 30,000 objects in total. The annexe hosts one of the largest Van Gogh exhibitions outside Amsterdam, making it a must for art-loving families. Even kids who are not natural museum-goers tend to engage with the variety on offer here.

Wander the Markt and the historic centre

The Markt is the medieval heart of Den Bosch and has remained largely unchanged since the Middle Ages. The old City Hall, the statue of Hieronymus Bosch, and the Moriaan Building (considered the oldest brick building in the Netherlands, dating to the 13th century) are all here. From the Markt, wander down streets like Korte Putstraat and Uilenburg for canal views, boutique shops, and the kind of charming hidden courtyards that make Den Bosch feel special.

Eat a Bossche Bol

This is non-negotiable. The Bossche Bol is Den Bosch's iconic pastry: an oversized choux ball filled with whipped cream and completely coated in dark chocolate. It originated in the early 1900s and is still made fresh in local bakeries. Fair warning: they are enormous, they are messy, and your kids will absolutely love them. Budget one per person and eat them on a bench near the Markt.

Day trip to National Park de Loonse en Drunense Duinen

If your family needs a breath of fresh air after a day of culture, this national park is right on Den Bosch's doorstep. It features dramatic sand dunes, heathland, and forest that feel surprisingly wild for such a small country. It is a great option if you are spending two days in the area and want to balance city exploration with outdoor time.