Hoofddorp, Netherlands

Capital City

Hoofddorp is a young, rapidly growing town with few historical attractions - the reality is a city built quickly to serve the needs of nearby Schiphol Airport. With a population of 77,885 as of 2021, it offers efficient transportation links but also the persistent headache of heavy bureaucracy. The town was founded in 1853 after the draining of the Haarlemmermeer polder, and today features a mix of modern architecture and a handful of national monuments. For those seeking a practical, well-connected base close to Amsterdam and the airport, Hoofddorp may be worth considering, but the lack of character and red tape could be a turnoff for some.