Are you looking for an exciting new destination for your next travel adventure? If so, then you might want to think about visiting the Netherlands. There are countless reasons why this is a popular destination for travelers. For instance, it’s compact while also totally diverse. The European country offers an experience that feels both intimate and expansive. It has beautiful canals as well as windswept beaches and fields of flowers that look stunning. That’s just some of the reasons why the Netherlands is an incredible choice. Let’s explore the others.
Amsterdam
There’s no trip to the Netherlands that is complete without exploring Amsterdam. With it’s 17th century canals, the city is stunning and rich in culture. The narrow houses lean ever-so-slightly over the water while bicycles glide over bridges and boats drift under tree-lined quays. This creates a setting that feels both unique and cinematic.
There’s also lots of different museums that make it worth the trip. This includes the Rijksmuseum houses and the Van Gogh Museum. This is home to the largest collection of works by the artist in the world. There’s also the Anne Frank House for a personal look at World War II and its history. Be aware though that it’s not just the museums that make Amsterdam a wonderful place to visit. It has a wonderful unique culture. You can rent a bike and immediately feel like a local, stop by one of the cafes or cruise through the canals at sunset. Do this and you’ll quickly discover why the city captures so many different hearts and minds.
There’s so much to see and do in Amsterdam that you might spend many hours wandering the streets. If you are just planning a day trip here, then we recommend that you explore lockers Amsterdam centraal. That way you won’t need to track your luggage around with you.
Beyond Amsterdam
Although Amsterdam often gets the most attention, there are various other small cities scattered around the country that feel just as mesmerizing, if not more so. In Utrecht, the canals run at two levels with waterside cafes that are tucked into old wharf cellars. There’s also the Dom Tower which completely dominates the skyline and climbing it rewards you with panoramic views across the flat dutch landscape.
Rotterdam also provides a distinct contrast. While much of it was destroyed during the second world war, the city was then rebuilt with bold, captivating architecture. The Cube Houses as well as the Markthai showcase the Netherlands, contemporary, forward-thinking elements.
There’s also the Hague. This is the home of the international courts. It combines elegance with a seaside vibe and is just minutes away from Scheveningen Beach. Here you can walk along the North Sea and watch the sunset over the water.
These cities are easy to reach by train, often with an hour. That means that you can base yourself in one location and then explore as widely as possible without stress or hassle.
A Cyclist’s Dream
The Netherlands isn’t just bike friendly, it’s a bike first location. There are thousands of kilometers that are totally dedicated to cycling paths. You can explore the cities, the country side and even the coastal dunes as safely and comfortables as possible. It’s not just transportation, it’s a unique part of daily life. Even if you haven’t ridden for years, the fat terrain makes it completely accessible. You can pedal past grazing cows, along canals and through small villages. It’s in spots like this where it can feel as though time is slowing down and that means that you can explore the country at your own pace.
Festivals
The Dutch understands how to celebrate and if you visit in late April then you might catch King’s day. This is a time where the entire country decides to celebrate the birthday of the king. The streets are filled with music, markets and parties that go from boats all along the canals. There are also art events and music festivals that happen through the year. Indeed, it can feel as though there is always something going on, no matter when you choose to visit. This reflects the country’s open spirit
Delicious Dining
Dutch cuisine is often underestimate but there’s nothing quite like it. For instance, you might want to try a stroopwafel. These are available from market stalls and are essentially two thin waffles pressed straight together with warm caramel. Sample the bitterballen with mustard or even indulge in local cheeses. Due to it’s multicultural population, you’ll also find a wonderful assortment of food from lots of different cultures. As such you are guarantee to discover something that is sure to tantalise your tastebuds in the future. Whether it’s Indonesian dishes or turkish cuisine that takes your fancy.
Nature
Yes, Holland is also home to some incredible places of nature. This includes beautiful beaches as well as a North Sea coastline that stretches for miles and drifts far into the horizon. There’s also spots like Texel Island which provides a beautiful open space and a wonderful contrast to some of the larger bustling cities.
Of course, arguably, the greatest reason to visit the Netherlands is the perfect balance of both old and new. It’s a place where centuries-old building sit beside innovative architecture. It’s a location where you can discover historic windmills that coexist beautifully with cutting-edge water management systems. It’s the spot where tradition meets with life and everything blends beautifully.
We hope this helps you understand some of the key reasons why you should absolutely consider exploring the Netherlands this year. It’s not just a place where you can discover captivating canals or go on enchanting bike rides. Its a spot of culture where you find something new and exciting or learn something fresh about yourself. It is totally unique and completely different from anywhere else that you might be thinking about visiting in the future. It is the country where you can enjoy delicious cuisine and get lost going back in time while wandering countless museums.
