Despite a somewhat calmer fourth quarter, the total number of visitors to Dutch city centers rose last year compared to the previous year. Among the larger cities, The Hague, Leiden, and Maastricht performed strongly, while Rotterdam declined.
Outlook remains positive
In many Dutch city centers, the fourth quarter of 2025 was slightly quieter than a year earlier. This translates into a 2.8% decline in visitor numbers compared to the fourth quarter of 2024. This is a reversal of last year’s picture, when there was actually an increase during the holiday season in the fourth quarter.
The differences in the fourth quarter are significant and are determined by smaller municipalities. Because the absolute number of passers-by is lower here, seasonal influences, holidays, or local activities can be more quickly reflected in the percentage figures. Among the larger cities, Rotterdam and Utrecht stand out with an average decline of approximately -10% in the fourth quarter. This is evident from the National Visitor Index, an initiative of Resono and Argaleo.
Measured over the whole of 2025, the picture remains positive: the total number of passers-by in Dutch city centers will be 2.69% higher in 2025 compared to 2024. The biggest risers over the full year are Voorhout, Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel, and Oegstgeest. Among the larger cities, The Hague, Leiden, and Maastricht top the list as the biggest risers. The biggest fallers over the whole of 2025 are Helmond, Rheden, and IJsselstein. Among the larger cities, Rotterdam recorded the sharpest decline over the year.
