Madurodam Travel Guide: Explore the Netherlands in Miniature

Welcome to Madurodam, a magical miniature world in The Hague, Netherlands. As your travel guide, I’m here to take you through this family-friendly attraction where Dutch history, culture, architecture, and ingenuity are showcased in intricately detailed 1:25 scale models.
 

Whether you're a family with kids, a fan of model-making, or a curious tourist wanting to see the highlights of the Netherlands in a single afternoon, Madurodam is an unforgettable destination that’s both entertaining and educational.

📍 Where Is Madurodam?

Madurodam is located in The Hague (Den Haag), in the Scheveningen district, just a few kilometers from the North Sea coast. It’s easily accessible by public transportation from the city center and a short trip from major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Leiden.

📍 Address: George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ The Hague, Netherlands

🕰️ A Brief History of Madurodam

Madurodam was opened in 1952 as a living memorial to George Maduro, a Dutch law student and war hero who died in a Nazi concentration camp during WWII. The park was established not only to honor him, but also to serve as a charity project with proceeds supporting various youth initiatives in the Netherlands.

Since then, it has grown into one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Netherlands, drawing millions of visitors with its perfect miniatures and interactive experiences.

🏙️ What to See at Madurodam

1. Miniature Dutch Cities and Landmarks

Madurodam features over 700 highly detailed replicas of iconic buildings, streets, and landmarks from across the Netherlands. Each model is a perfect 1:25 scale, created with meticulous craftsmanship and realism.

🗺️ Top models include:

Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam)

Dom Tower (Utrecht)

Binnenhof (The Hague)

Rotterdam Port & Erasmus Bridge

Peace Palace

Traditional Dutch windmills

Canal houses of Amsterdam

You can walk among canals, watch tiny trains and trams run on time, and admire moving ships, airplanes, and construction vehicles—each offering insight into Dutch society and innovation.

2. Interactive Exhibits & Activities

Madurodam is more than just a visual display. It’s a hands-on, interactive park where children and adults can engage with Dutch technology and history.

Some popular interactive experiences include:

Operate a lock system like in the famous Dutch waterways.

Try flying a miniature plane at Schiphol Airport.

Load cargo at the miniature Port of Rotterdam.

Pump water like a Dutch engineer to reclaim land from the sea.

Vote in a mini-parliament and see Dutch democracy in action.

Each section allows you to push buttons, turn wheels, and participate in the scene, making it ideal for kids and curious adults alike.

3. George Maduro Story & Memorial

In addition to its miniature marvels, the park features a memorial exhibition about George Maduro’s heroic life. Learn about his brave actions during WWII, his resistance work, and the values that the park was founded upon.

It’s a touching reminder of Dutch history, sacrifice, and freedom.

4. The Hof van Nederland Experience

This immersive indoor experience uses video projections, sounds, and lighting to take visitors through defining moments in Dutch history. You'll witness:

The birth of Dutch independence.

The creation of the Constitution.

Social revolutions that shaped modern Holland.

This exhibit is both educational and emotionally engaging, making Dutch history come alive.

5. Miniature Amusement Features

Madurodam’s tiny towns include:

Working trains and trams connecting various cities.

Airplanes at Schiphol Airport that taxi and take off.

Wind turbines and green energy exhibits.

Moving container ships, fire trucks, and even parades.

The attention to detail is astonishing, right down to flower beds in spring and seasonal decorations in winter.

🎠 Great for Kids and Families

Madurodam is perfect for a family day out. Besides the interactive exhibits, children will love:

The water play area during summer.

Indoor play zones with slides and activities.

Treasure hunts and themed games throughout the park.

There’s even a Madurodam passport where kids can stamp their way through each station!

🍽️ Food & Drink at Madurodam

The park has several convenient and kid-friendly dining options:

Taste of Holland Restaurant – Offers Dutch classics like pancakes, kroketten, and stamppot.

Takeaway Stalls – Great for snacks like fries with mayo, hot dogs, and drinks.

Picnic Areas – Bring your own food and relax in designated picnic zones.

🧇 Don’t forget to grab a fresh stroopwafel from the souvenir shop!

🎁 Shopping at Madurodam

Visit the Madurodam Gift Shop for:

Miniature souvenirs

Dutch-themed gifts (clogs, tulip items)

Books and educational toys

Madurodam-branded merchandise

🧸 It's a great spot to pick up meaningful gifts for kids and family.

📸 Most Instagrammable Spots in Madurodam

The colorful tulip fields with windmills in the background

Aerial view of Schiphol Airport with moving mini planes

Standing beside Rijksmuseum looking like a giant

Nighttime model scenes with tiny twinkling lights

Family selfies at the interactive waterworks

🎥 There are even photo booths that place you inside the miniatures!

🚆 How to Get to Madurodam

From The Hague Central Station:

Take tram No. 9 (direction Scheveningen) to the Madurodam stop (approx. 10 minutes).

From Amsterdam:

Take an Intercity train to The Hague (~50 minutes), then switch to tram 9.

Driving:

Plenty of parking is available at the Madurodam site for a small fee.

🅿️ Address for GPS: George Maduroplein 1, 2584 RZ The Hague

🛏️ Where to Stay Near Madurodam

If you want to stay nearby, consider:

Luxury

Hotel Des Indes (central The Hague, historic and elegant)

Mid-Range

Novotel Suites Den Haag City Centre

Leonardo Royal Hotel Den Haag Promenade

Budget

Stayokay Den Haag (great for families and backpackers)

easyHotel The Hague City Centre

📆 Best Time to Visit Madurodam

Madurodam is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during spring and summer, when flowers bloom and water attractions are active.

Spring (March–May): Best weather, tulip-themed exhibits

Summer (June–August): Long daylight hours, more crowds

Autumn (September–October): Fewer crowds, comfortable weather

Winter (December–January): Magical mini light displays and festive decor

🌤️ The park is partially outdoors, so dress accordingly.

🎟️ Ticket Prices (2024–2025 Estimate)

Adults (13+): ~€19.50

Children (3–12): ~€17.50

Children under 3: Free

Family Tickets & Online Discounts: Available via madurodam.nl

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Tip: Book online to avoid queues and save a few euros!

🧭 Sample Day Itinerary

Morning:

Arrive early and explore the iconic landmarks section

Try interactive games at the shipping port and airport

Afternoon:

Lunch at the Taste of Holland restaurant

Visit the Hof van Nederland indoor show

Let the kids enjoy the water park and playground

Shop for souvenirs

Evening:

Snap final photos with miniature lights on

Tram back to The Hague for dinner and hotel

🌍 Why You Should Visit Madurodam

Madurodam isn’t just a miniature park—it’s a celebration of Dutch identity. From tulips to tech, windmills to world trade, it captures the spirit, ingenuity, and resilience of the Netherlands in one charming, walkable place.

It’s fun, educational, photogenic, and inspiring—a must-visit, especially if you’re traveling with children or short on time but want to see it all.