The Netherlands is famous for its charming towns, historic architecture, and lively city centers. What makes the country truly exceptional for city exploration is its blend of accessible history, vibrant neighborhoods, and compact size—perfect for immersive self-guided tours and interactive experiences. We particularly enjoy those tours that combine fun with learning, like the Zierikzee e-Scavenger hunt for its playful approach, or the Deventer city game that offers a story-driven adventure through a medieval town. These tours give you the flexibility to explore at your own pace while uncovering hidden stories of the towns.
Whether you’re interested in historic city gates, medieval streets, or modern cultural landmarks, the Netherlands offers an array of engaging ways to discover its cities beyond traditional guided walks. You can skip the tourist traps and dive into authentic local scenes with various scavenger hunts, city walks, and even murder mysteries, all designed to be fun and informative.
Quick Overview
Our list features self-guided scavenger hunts, interactive city walks, and themed game tours across several Dutch towns. These experiences range from two-hour explorations to longer adventures lasting up to three hours, perfect for fitting into any schedule. Many tours are app-based, allowing you to start whenever you’re ready, and some focus on historical landmarks, while others explore modern attractions. For instance, the Zwolle e-Scavenger hunt combines quizzes with sightseeing, while the Harderwijk murder mystery adds a storytelling twist to urban exploration. Scroll down for detailed reviews of each tour.
1. e-Scavenger hunt Zierikzee: Explore the city at your own pace
This self-guided scavenger hunt turns exploring Zierikzee into a game. For about $36.76 per group, you’ll follow GPS prompts on your phone, answering quizzes and completing tasks as you go. The route covers key landmarks like the Zuidhavenpoort, the old town hall, and the Sint-Lievensmonstertoren, immersing you in the medieval charm of this port city. It’s perfect for groups of up to six who want control over their pace and enjoy a little friendly competition.
What makes this tour stand out is its flexibility—you can take breaks or push through in a couple of hours. The reviews mention how much fun it is to learn about Zierikzee’s history while avoiding the rigid structure of traditional tours.
Bottom Line: Ideal for families or friends who want an active, interactive experience with the freedom to set their own rhythm.
2. Discover Amerfoort’s city center in this Outside Escape game tour
With a price of around $29.70 per group, this self-guided game offers a fun mix of history, culture, and urban adventure in Amerfoort. It takes roughly 1 to 2 hours to complete, making it a quick but enriching way to see landmarks like the Koppelpoort, Hof square, and city hall. The game challenges you with trivia, riddles, and puzzles related to the city’s past, including the birthplace of painter Mondriaan.
It’s especially suited for groups wanting a lighthearted tour with a competitive edge—divide into teams and see who scores the most points. Reviewers appreciate how it makes ordinary sightseeing more engaging, though some note the app’s aesthetic could be improved.
Bottom Line: Perfect for a short, active outing that combines fun with educational content.
3. e-Scavenger hunt Goes: Explore the city at your own pace
This self-paced scavenger hunt in Goes costs about $35.54 and offers a flexible way to discover this historic Zeeland town. Covering highlights like the Stadshaven, the Gasthuiskerk, and the Meelstraat, it allows you to start and stop at your convenience. The tour is ideal for those who enjoy a leisurely walk while solving clues about local landmarks and secrets.
It’s especially suitable for families or casual explorers who prefer to avoid rigid schedules. Reviewers mention the activity’s depth—it’s a good introduction to Goes’ past and present. The main advantage is controlling how long you spend, making it a great option for a relaxed afternoon.
Bottom Line: A flexible, engaging way to explore Goes at your own pace.
4. Discover Deventer with an Outside Escape city game tour!
For around $29.70, this self-guided story invites you to a mystery adventure set in 1435. It guides you through landmarks like De Brink, the Museum de Waag, and the Muntentoren, as you solve puzzles and uncover a plot about counterfeit coins. This tour is both fun and educational, offering a unique way to learn about Deventer’s history while engaging with a compelling storyline.
Guests love the interactive format, which brings the city’s medieval past alive through riddles and tasks. It suits those who enjoy storytelling combined with sightseeing, though it’s best for those comfortable with some puzzle-solving.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for puzzle lovers and history enthusiasts seeking an immersive experience.
5. e-Scavenger hunt Zwolle: Explore the city at your own pace
At about $36.76 per group, this interactive hunt offers a 3-hour exploration of Zwolle’s top sights, from Hof square to the city gates. Using your phone, you’ll follow clues, answer quizzes, and learn about local landmarks like the Museum de Fundatie and the Sassenpoort. Its flexible timing makes it suitable for families and large groups wanting to explore without fixed schedules.
The reviews praise its engaging format and the opportunity to learn while having fun. The lengthy route means you’ll get a good overview of the city’s history and modern charm.
Bottom Line: An excellent way to spend a relaxed afternoon exploring Zwolle’s highlights.
6. e-Scavenger hunt Bergen op Zoom: Explore the city
This self-guided tour costs around $36.76 and takes 2–4 hours. It covers key sites like the Markiezenhof, the Gevangenpoort, and the Bergen op Zoom Halfway between the world cities. Perfect for families or those on a budget, it offers puzzles and challenges along a walk through the city’s historic streets.
Guests enjoy how it combines fun with local history, making it suitable for all ages. The route is manageable in a few hours, making it ideal for a half-day activity that keeps everyone engaged.
Bottom Line: A cost-effective way to explore Bergen op Zoom with plenty of interactive fun.
7. e-Scavenger hunt Venlo: Explore the city at your own pace
Priced at about $36.76, this self-guided hunt guides you through Venlo’s streets, including landmarks like the Limburgs Museum and the Sint Martinuskerk. It lasts 2–4 hours, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own speed. It’s particularly good for families and groups wanting to learn about Venlo’s trading history and local art.
Reviewers mention how the activity is fun and informative, though some note minor app issues. It’s a great mix of sightseeing and interactive learning.
Bottom Line: A flexible, family-friendly way to discover Venlo’s cultural and historic highlights.
8. e-Scavenger hunt Zutphen: Explore the city at your own pace
At $36.79 per group, this self-guided tour takes about three hours to explore Zutphen’s medieval streets. You’ll follow clues to sites like the Old Town Hall and the Walburgiskerk, learning stories about Zutphen’s past. It’s perfect for independent explorers who enjoy solving riddles while sightseeing.
While some reviews suggest the platform could be improved aesthetically, most appreciate the chance to see Zutphen in a relaxed, interactive way.
Bottom Line: Best suited for history buffs who prefer a leisurely and puzzle-based exploration.
9. Exciting Murder Mystery – Interactive city walk in Harderwijk
Priced at $80.29, this city walk offers a unique storytelling experience. Over approximately three hours, you’ll solve a murder case by visiting local landmarks and piecing together clues. It’s a fun, immersive way to experience Harderwijk and get your adrenaline going.
Reviewers love the originality and the fact that it’s more than just sightseeing—it’s a full-blown detective story. It’s best for groups who enjoy role-playing and engaging narratives.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for those looking for a memorable, story-driven experience with a competitive edge.
10. e-Scavenger hunt Enschede: Explore the city at your own pace
Costing about $35.54, this self-guided adventure takes 2–4 hours. It guides you through landmarks like the Grolsch Stadium, Rijksmuseum Twenthe, and the Volkspark, with fun clues and quizzes. It’s suitable for families and groups wanting a mix of sports, history, and culture.
Guests enjoy the flexibility of starting whenever they want and working at their own pace. It’s a dynamic way to see Enschede beyond typical tours.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active families and sports fans exploring Enschede.
11. e-Scavenger hunt Assen: Explore the city at your own pace
This self-guided game costs around $35.54 and lasts 2-4 hours. It takes you past sites like the Duurzaamheids Centrum, TT Circuit, and the Asserbos. It’s especially suited for families or anyone interested in sports, nature, and local innovation.
Reviewers note it’s a good way to learn about Assen’s evolution while staying active. Its flexible timing makes it a good fit for casual explorers.
Bottom Line: Great for families and sports fans wanting a flexible, engaging city experience.
12. e-Scavenger hunt Deventer: Explore the city at your own pace
At a cost of roughly $36.76, this self-guided walk takes about three hours. It covers landmarks like De Brink, the Waag, and the IJssel River, with puzzles that reveal Deventer’s medieval architecture and stories. It’s well suited for groups wanting a relaxed, educational experience that combines sightseeing with casual gameplay.
Many appreciate the chance to learn about Deventer’s trading history and architectural gems at their own pace.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history lovers and casual explorers wanting to see Deventer in a fun, interactive way.
13. e-Scavenger hunt Sittard: Explore the city at your own pace
Priced at about $35.54, this self-guided tour explores Sittard’s landmarks like Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, the Heritage Center De Domijnen, and St.-Michaël Church. It’s perfect for families or groups eager to learn about local Gothic Revival architecture and historic sites.
Reviewers mention that it’s a fun, affordable way to enjoy Sittard with some minor app limitations. It suits those who want a relaxed, puzzle-based sightseeing experience.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, family-oriented way to discover Sittard’s historic charm.
14. Escape game in the city of Apeldoorn Crazytopia
For just $23.31, this urban escape game takes about two hours and offers an active, puzzle-filled adventure. Using a mobile app, your team will solve puzzles and complete missions around Apeldoorn, exploring its streets and landmarks in a fun, interactive way. Perfect for groups of friends or families seeking a timed challenge, it adds excitement to urban exploration.
While it’s the cheapest option on our list, players praise its engaging gameplay and the novelty of discovering Apeldoorn differently.
Bottom Line: An affordable, energetic activity for puzzle lovers and adventure seekers.
$23.31 per group (up to 6)
15. e-Scavenger hunt Heerenveen: Explore the city at your own pace
This self-guided tour costs about $35.92 and is designed for 2–4 hours of exploration. It guides you past sites like Ice stadium Thialf, Museum Belvédère, and the Abe Lenstra stadium. It’s ideal for families or sports fans interested in local sports history and cultural sites.
Guests enjoy its flexibility and the chance to see Heerenveen through a fun, puzzle-based journey that suits a range of interests.
Bottom Line: A great choice for active groups wanting a personalized, relaxed city tour.
$35.92 per group (up to 6)
How to Choose the Best City Tour for You
When selecting from these options, consider your budget, time available, and interest in history or storytelling. For example, if you want a short, fun activity with kids, the Apeldoorn escape game offers excellent value. For a more in-depth historical experience, the Zierikzee e-Scavenger hunt provides a detailed route through old city gates and landmarks.
If you prefer interactive storytelling, the Deventer city game is a standout with its engaging plot. Lastly, for a relaxed walk with family or friends, the Zwolle or Goes hunts are excellent choices.
Booking early is advised, especially during peak season, as these interactive tours tend to fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
The Netherlands offers a fantastic array of self-guided and interactive city tours suited for any traveler. Whether you want to solve riddles in historic towns, follow a mystery story in Harderwijk, or simply see the sights at your own pace, there’s something here for you. For a relaxed, family-friendly outing, try the Zwolle e-Scavenger hunt. For those interested in history and storytelling, the Deventer adventure is a top pick. Remember to check availability and book early to enjoy these memorable ways of exploring Dutch towns.