The Netherlands Is Way More Than Just Amsterdam
You're mistaken if you think you've seen all the Netherlands has to offer. Allow us to take you to our spots beyond Amsterdam's streets.
The Tourist Hotspot
You know how Amsterdam is always buzzing with tourists? Well, get this: a whopping 22.1 million people visit Amsterdam every year, and many of them barely wander beyond the city limits. That's right, people flock to the country, but they often miss out on exploring the rest of the Netherlands.
Andrés Barrios, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Managing Overcrowding
Amsterdam is like a cool club that's trying to avoid getting overcrowded. So, the government decided to put in some rules. For instance, if you're a local who wants to rent out your place to visitors, you're only allowed to do so for up to 30 days a year.
Alf van Beem, Wikimedia Commons
The Tourist Tax Strategy
Also, Amsterdam is planning on increasing the tax paid by tourists to one of the highest in the world. Now, before you think it is a plan to scare tourists away, the goal isn't to reap tourists either but to encourage them to visit other beautiful parts of the Netherlands.
Trougnouf (Benoit Brummer), CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Rotterdam
Let's talk about Rotterdam, often called the "City of Reconstruction." This nickname comes from its amazing story of bouncing back after World War II. A city that was almost completely flattened, but instead of giving up, it decided to rebuild itself with a fresh, innovative spirit.
Mlefter, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Wild Encounter
Now, if you ever make your way to Diergaarde Blijdorp, you will be blown away by the whole wildlife environment. Imagine seeing a giraffe stretching its neck towards you or an elephant showing off its long trunk. It's just you, nature, and the gentle wild.
AgainErick, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Views From The Euromast Tower
Craving some incredible views? The Euromast Tower is the place to go. This towering 185-meter giant offers a front-row seat to some of the best sights around. It's way up high, gazing out over the entire Rotterdam skyline and spotting places far and wide.
W. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A City Of Many Cultures
Rotterdam isn't just a melting pot; it's the ultimate cultural stew. With 170 nationalities all calling this city home, it's a place where you can experience the whole world in just one visit. You've got people from every corner of the globe bringing their traditions, flavors, and stories together.
Alias 0591, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Utrecht
The city that never takes a nap! Seriously, this place is buzzing with energy, and there's always something going on. Whether you're into history, nightlife, or just wandering around, Utrecht always has a space for everyone.
Wil Leeuwis, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Easy Travel With Utrecht Centraal
Because Utrecht is located in the center of the Netherlands, Utrecht Centraal is the most important railway in the country. More than 200,000 passengers use that rail daily, so moving around in the city is super easy and stress-free.
Johan Bakker, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Hidden Brewery In A Castle
Here's the best part: in an old castle called Stadskasteel Oudaen, there is a brewery hidden. Even during your adventure, you'll have something to water your taste. But this is not just any brewery. It produces about 75,000 liters of beer every year using old-school brewing methods.
pepijntje, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Maastricht
Did you know that Maastricht is the birthplace of the euro? Yep, the euro we used today came from this very city, and the Maastricht Treaty was signed here. But that's not all. This treaty also led to the creation of the European Central Bank (ECB).
Bert Kaufmann, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
A City With Historic Impact
Next time you're spending euros, remember Maastricht's important role in European history. As you walk around the city, you're stepping on the ground where history was made. It's a living museum where every street and building has its own historical importance.
Julian Ilcheff Borissoff, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bike-Friendly Adventures
Maastricht is one of those places where a bike can be your best friend. I am not even joking; you can pedal just about anywhere! And if you're feeling adventurous, hop on your bike and take a quick five-kilometer ride across the border into Belgium. How cool is that?
Phernambucq, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Cool Off In Maastricht's Underground Caves
When it's really hot outside, you can cool down in Maastricht's underground cave system. Near Sint Pietersberg, these caves are a great place to escape the heat and were made in the 13th century.
Rijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Haarlem
Tourists have been paying attention to Haarlem for years now, thanks to its closeness to Amsterdam. Just a quick 20-minute train ride away, it's become an increasingly popular spot for visitors looking to explore beyond the hustle and bustle of the capital.
Fryslan0109, Wikimedia Commons
Step Into History At The Teylers Museum
One of Haarlem's most notable spots is the Teylers Museum, which is also the oldest in the Netherlands. Stepping inside is like opening a door to the past, where you'll find everything from art by famous masters to million-year-old fossils, rare and precious books, and ingenious instruments.
bertknot, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Dome Cathedral
This church is an important part of history. Built between 1850 and 1950, it's one of the top five major churches from that time. More than 50 well-known Dutch artists, like Jan Toorop and Mari Andriessen, contributed to its creation.
Delft
When you think of Delft, you probably picture those famous blue and white ceramics: Delftware. They're so common here that you might find a piece in nearly every home: it's like a local treasure. These ceramics are more than mere showpieces; they're a big part of Dutch culture.
Kim Traynor, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Historic Pottery Factory
Here's a fun fact about Delft: one of the last original pottery factories from the 17th century is still around. Known by its Dutch name, this historic spot offers a glimpse into the world of Royal Delftware. You can check out its rich history and watch skilled artists demonstrate their pottery painting techniques.
PHGCOM, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Canal Cruise
For a quick look at the city's charm, a canal cruise shows you the city from the water. You'll catch the city's special buildings and nice views as you move along the canals. The calm water gives a new way to enjoy the city's beauty, including its pretty bridges, old buildings, and busy streets.
Kinderdijk
Here, you'll find the windmills of Kinderdijk, 19 of them, standing tall since 1740. These aren't just any windmills; they're the real deal, built to keep the water at bay and protect the land from floods. Standing among them, you can almost feel the history and the struggle that shaped the Netherlands.
Lidia Fourdraine, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
A Walk Through Water Management History
At Kinderdijk, you're greeted by a fantastic mix of canals, dikes, and mills. It's like walking into a living history book where you can see how the Dutch have been managing water for over a thousand years.
Travelinho, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Witnessing Age-Old Techniques
As you take it all in, you'll gain a new appreciation for these incredible structures. For centuries, they've played a huge role in keeping the Netherlands dry and stunning. It's a unique chance to witness firsthand how these age-old techniques still impact the area today.
Zet Watson, CC BY-SA 3.0 NL, Wikimedia Commons
Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof, often called the "Garden of Europe," is truly a dream come true for flower lovers. Trust me, this isn't just any garden; it's one of the biggest in the world. With about 7 million flower bulbs and over 800 kinds of flowers, full of colors, it's a beautiful place to see.
Elena.laps, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
How Are They Made
Keukenhof gardeners start a big job every fall, planting flower bulbs by hand for almost three months. They come up with new designs each year to match the garden's theme. It's like they're getting ready for a big flower show, making sure each visit is new and fun.
Strolling Through Beautiful Flowers
Every sight gives you something to cheer up your eyes. The lilies, orchids, and even roses are so beautiful. It's like walking through a garden where each flower has its own character. Keukenhof is full of bright colors and beautiful flowers all around.
Kent Wang, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Zaanse Schans
At Zaanse Schans, the Zaans Museum offers an exciting start. With many activities lined up, covering everything about the history of the Zaan region, it will give you a glimpse into what makes this place so special.
Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
A Sweet Walk Down Memory Lane
While visiting the Zaans Museum, the Verkade Experience brings a sweet feeling of the past. This section of the museum is all about the Dutch brand famous for its chocolates, biscuits, and other snacks.
Willemijn92, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Verkade's Nostalgic Treasures
What's really fun is seeing the old packaging and vintage ads. They give us insight into how Verkade's products have been part of Dutch culture for a long time. If you like old designs, you'll find these historical ones interesting. For anyone with a creative eye, the historical designs are fascinating.
Henk Monster, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Texel Island
Texel lamb is a local dish full of flavor, reflecting the island's unique environment. The islanders love their lamb, and once you've tasted it, you'll see why this dish is one of their favorites.
Txllxt TxllxT, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Texel's Special Dialect
The people of Texel are also quite unique. Aside from having their own special dialect called Texels, they also speak Dutch. They make a little piece of the island, adding to the overall beauty of the place. If you even pay a little more attention, you could pick a few phrases.
Bird Watcher's Favorite
Texel is great for bird fans. Many birds stop here during migration, so it's a busy place for bird watchers. And then there's the Slufter, one of the island's most remarkable spots. It's where the sea and the sand meet.
Txllxt TxllxT, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Giethoorn
"Venice of the North" has no roads for cars. Instead, the village of Giethoorn is full of canals and paths. While you can't drive cars in the village, you can park for free in the areas outside the boundary. Inside, it is solely for walking and boating.
PhotoBobil, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Crowded Canals On Busy Days
Now, while Giethoorn might not be as well-known as other destinations, it still attracts visitors, especially during weekends. On these days, the village can be quite crowded with tour groups and travelers. The canals, while nice, can get a bit noisy with all the tourists.
Ben Bender, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Enjoying Giethoorn's Peaceful Weekdays
During the week, Giethoorn is calm and quiet, so you can enjoy the village more. On weekends, renting a bike or boat can be a pain. The quieter days let you have a relaxed visit because the village is usually serene.
CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, Wikimedia Commons
The Hague
The Hague is the best place for bike lovers. The city has a lot of bike paths everywhere, you can't miss it. Whether for fun or just to get somewhere, it's easy to explore the city on your bike.
Rene Mensen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Cultural And Historical Treasures
But it's not just about that; The Hague is actually full of culture and history. With more than 40 museums, there's a lot to see and learn here. You can visit the very famous Mauritshuis for classic paintings or the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag for new art.
Roman Boed, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
A Global City
The Hague is also a lively place with people from all over the world. Because of its many embassies and international groups, you'll meet people from many different countries. It's a city of lively cultural exchange.
CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, Wikimedia Commons
Alkmaar
Get ready for a fun cheese event that attracts people from all over the world. This cheese market isn't just for buying and tasting cheese—it's a living tradition that has been going strong since 1365. You can watch cheese wheels being weighed, traded, and tasted right in front of you.
Dguendel, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Watching The Cheese Carriers At Work
Cheese carriers in bright outfits carefully move big wheels of cheese through the busy crowd, handling the cheese with care. At the same time, traders are busy making bids and showing their knowledge. The scene is lively, with everyone involved in this old tradition.
© Raimond Spekking, Wikimedia Commons
The Busy Cheese Market
Over at the Waaggebouw, traders and farmers are deep in negotiation, hashing out deals like it's a sport. And then, with a quick toss, the cheese gets loaded onto wagons by the throwers. And then, special workers called throwers toss the cheese onto wagons to move them.
Dguendel, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Amersfoort
Heard about the "Amersfoort Jazz Festival"? It's a top event in town, turning Amersfoort into a jazz hotspot every year. The streets fill with music, and people from all over come to enjoy the lively atmosphere. It's a celebration that makes the city pulse with energy.
Bert, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Step Back In Time
The Muurhuizen, or Wall Houses, offer a glimpse into the past with homes built directly into the old city walls. These unique homes are built into the old city walls and combine historic style with cozy living. As you walk around, you'll feel like you're stepping into a storybook, with each house offering a fascinating story.
Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Wild Adventures At Amersfoort Zoo
And then there's Amersfoort Zoo, a great place where you can see all kinds of animals. You can watch lions roar, elephants move slowly, and spot zebras with their stripes. The zoo lets you get close to animals from all over the world.
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