Lifestyle
Netherlands — Living: Major Cities
The four largest Dutch municipalities are Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht, with Amsterdam near 935,000 residents on 1 January 2025.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceStatistics Netherlands (CBS) — Gebieden in Nederland 2025Last reviewed: 2026-10-23
Why this matters
Understanding major cities in the Netherlands can help relocating individuals decide which city is best suited for their lifestyle, career, and interests.
Key facts
- On 1 January 2025 Amsterdam had 934,526 residents, Rotterdam 672,960, The Hague 568,945 and Utrecht 376,757.
- The Netherlands had 18,044,027 inhabitants on 1 January 2025.
- CBS 2026 tables show Amsterdam at 941,927, Rotterdam 673,804, The Hague 569,468 and Utrecht 378,121; the reference date of those was not confirmed.
- CBS revises its municipal tables, so use the latest release.
Steps
- Getting Familiar with Major Cities — Research each city's characteristics, including population size, climate, and cultural events to determine which city fits your preferences.
- Visiting Major Cities — Visit each city to get a firsthand experience of the atmosphere, architecture, and daily life.