Ten things to see and do in the Netherlands
Holland is more than tulip fields, dykes, windmills and bicycles. Learn more about the country, experience Dutch life as it happens, walk through its streets and walk with its history, culture and people. So plan your trip, pack your bags and head to these places and activities in the Netherlands.
1.) Amsterdam
If there is something that attracts people to this city, it is probably the relaxed atmosphere that is never experienced anywhere else. Amsterdam locals have found a way to balance business life with relaxation and find time to sunbathe and attend to business responsibilities. Shop, dine, party and relax in this liberal and carefree city with its friendly English-speaking people.
2.) Delft
Delft is a city of beauty, with its houses, tree-lined canals and historical monuments. Stroll through the historic center and let yourself be captivated by the tranquility of its bridges, sidewalks, houses and brick factories that have stood the test of time. You can also go to the Delftse Hout recreation area and go windsurfing, swimming in its lake and narrow beaches, or visit its community gardens, camping areas and other sports facilities.
3.) Haarlem
Taste Harleem beer where it’s brewed. Stroll through the bustling Grote Markt on Mondays and Saturdays and enjoy the market, buying anything from clothing to fresh herring. Tulips also grow in abundance in Haarlem, so be sure to visit and smell one of Haarlem’s most prized industries.
4.) The Red Light District
From cropped faces to literal red lights, the Netherlands’ Red Light District has left nothing to the imagination. Walk through its alleys, interact with other people and learn something new. Remember, there is no place like the RLD, and it is well worth a visit.
5.) The Hague
The Hague, with all its 100 km2 of land, serves as the seat of the Dutch Government, the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. This makes The Hague not only important in terms of internal affairs but also in terms of the international judicial system. Get a glimpse into the life and culture of this city by visiting its museums and other tourist destinations.
6.) Bike ride
Riding a bike has long been a way of life for the Dutch, and people from all walks of life do it for health, economic, or recreational reasons. Travel through the Netherlands on two wheels and discover a place you will never see on four wheels. Better yet, join the Dutch bike tour and experience Holland like you never imagined.
7.) Drink beer
Going to a beer-exporting country requires tasting it on the spot, and Heineken isn’t the end of the line for Dutch beer. This never seems to be a problem for the Dutch who ship some 1.3 billion liters of beer a year and allow 16-year-olds to drink their beer. Whether you drink it as a delicacy or just want an excuse to crawl to your hotel door, a Dutch retreat is never a Dutch retreat without those Heinekens.
8.) Keukenhof Gardens
Love flowers? See how nature and Dutch hands create a paradise with blooming tulips, hyacinths and other varieties of flowers. River cruises that feature spring tulip cruises are also offered to people who want to take a look at Keukenhof Gardens and the rest of the Netherlands.
9.) Hoge Veluwe National Park
Covering an area of 5,500 hectares, the Hoge Veluwe National Park is the largest national reserve in the Netherlands. It is home not only to floating sands, wild deer and other animals, but also to the Kröller-Müller Museum, the repository of Helene Kröller-Müller’s art collection. While it’s not recommended to go there on four wheels, you can rent white bikes from three designated regions and hope you never get lost in the sea of green and gold.
10.) Van Gogh Museum
Holland is home not only to budding tulips, but also to famous painters and artists. Located in Amsterdam, the Van Gogh Museum is considered one of the best galleries presenting Impressionist works of art. Step inside and see “The Potato Eaters” and “The Yellow House in Arles” right before your eyes.
