Mini Travel Guides

For a small country, the Netherlands, often (incorrectlly) known as Holland,  has many features which are well-known throughout the world: tulips, windmills and cheeses, just to name a few, and not to mention one of the most famous capital cities in the world in Amsterdam. It’s a great place to travel because everything is nearby and the public transport is great, too – or if you’re more energetic, cycling around is very practical. Here are our travel tips for 25 things to do in the Netherlands to inspire you to plan a Dutch holiday soon.

The Peace Palace in The Hague

Admire the Floral Displays at Keukenhof Gardens

One of my all-time highlights in the Netherlands was visiting the Keukenhof Gardens near Lisse. This vast area is planted with a spectacular array of tulips and other flowers and is only open for a couple of months each year (around March to May) but I would argue it is well worth timing your travels to catch it.

Keukenhof Gardens by Amanda Kendle

Sample Cafe Life in Maastricht

The town of Maastricht is perhaps better known as the home to the Treaty of Maastricht which kicked off the formation of the EU, but it is a lovely place to visit too. It sits in a peninsula of land right in the south of the Netherlands and is almost in both Belgium and Germany, and is full of fantastic cafes.

Watch the Kinderdijk Windmills Turning

You can’t get more Dutch than a bunch of old windmills and one of the most scenic spots to snap lots of windmill photos is at Kinderdijk. There are a total of 19 historic wooden windmills along a canal here and you can either walk, cycle or cruise the canal to explore them.

Kinderdijk Windmills by Amanda Kendle

See Art at Mauritshuis

The Mauritshuis or Royal Picture Gallery in The Hague is a gallery housed in an old palace, and it includes works from a number of famous Dutch painters including Rembrandt and Vermeer and the Flemish artists Bruegel and Rubens.

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Go Geometric at the Rotterdam Cube Houses

The cube houses or Kubuswoningen built in Rotterdam are a particularly unique attraction, and well worth a look! Built in the 1970s, these houses are cubes on a strange angle, designed to look like a forest of trees, and one has been opened for public viewing.

Cube houses by Daniela M

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Learn about Dutch History at Zaanse Schans

This historic town near Zaandijk is really a big museum, featuring a number of windmills plus a bunch of historic houses moved here from all around the area. There’s also a Zaanse Schans museum to tie it all together.

Go on a Amsterdam Canal Cruise

It may be a somewhat stereotypical tourist activity but cruising the canals of Amsterdam in their low-lying canal boats is popular for a reason – it’s a great experience! Seeing Amsterdam “from below” is an interesting perspective and it’s one of the best ways to see the unique canal-side buildings and some of the narrowest houses you can imagine.

Amsterdam Canals by Amanda Kendle

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Visit the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam

Located in Amsterdam close to the Rijksmuseum, the Vincent Van Gogh Museum features a huge range of works from each of Van Gogh’s different periods, and as Kimberley found, it also has great children’s activities to keep them interested and occupied if you are travelling with your family.

Van Gogh’s Wheatfield with crows by Kimberley Sullivan

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Tower above the Minature Village of Madurodam

The miniature village of Madurodam, in Scheveningen, The Hague, is a unique way to see all of the main attractions of the Netherlands in one small space. It includes models of many Dutch places at a 1:25 scale and even includes mini tulips!

Maduradam by arwa

Buy some Delft Pottery

The town of Delft is most famous for its Delft Blue Pottery but is a lovely town even for those without a keen interest in pottery. It’s a scenic spot with canals like Amsterdam and has some really interesting architecture in the town centre.

Delft pottery by baralbion

Enjoy the View from Utrecht Cathedral

The Domkerk or cathedral in Utrecht has a high tower which serves as the symbol of Utrecht. It’s also the only truly Gothic church found in the Netherlands.

View from Utrecht Cathedral by Mark Samson

Visit the Original Haarlem

Although it’s the namesake of New York’s Harlem district, the Dutch town of Haarlem is different in many ways. It’s a short ride from Amsterdam to Haarlem and is actually the eighth largest city in the Netherlands – visit on Saturday for the big outdoor markets held in Grote Markt.

Haarlem by Kimberly Sullivan

Take on some Culture at the Museums in Leiden

The oldest university town in the Netherlands is Leiden, part way between Amsterdam and The Hague, and there is a museum to interest everyone. Take your pick from museums such as the National Museum of Antiquities, the Rembrandts at the Municipal Museum or Boerhaave Museum, covering contributions to science from Dutch researchers.

Relive History at the Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is not just my favourite Dutch museum but one of my favourite museums in all of Europe. Housed in the very building where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II, it will be exceptionally meaningful to anyone who has read Anne Frank’s diary, but also very interesting to people who haven’t.

Anne Frank Huis sign by henrikj

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Taste Dutch Beer at the Heineken Experience

Fans of the Dutch beer will love a visit to the Heineken Experience, a combined brewery and visitor centre in Amsterdam.It was renovated and reopened in 2008 and includes a combination of history, how-to and, of course, some beer samples.

Take in the Sun at Zandvoort Beach

As a half day trip from Amsterdam, visiting Zaandvoort Beach is a great way to spend a warm day in North Holland. Motor racing fans may know the name as being home to Circuit Zandvoort, but it is also one of the Netherlands’ most popular beach resorts.

Zaandvoort Beach by furbyx4

Try Watersports at Scheveningen Beach

Another beach alternative is on the North Sea near Rotterdam where you can spend a summery day at Scheveningen Beach. There is a long pier and numerous water sports and boating activities available here.

Take a Rotterdam Harbour Cruise

For a cruise of a different kind, the Rotterdam Harbour Cruise will showcase not the quaint buildings and sweet canals of other Dutch cities, but rather the bustling port that until 2004 was the busiest port in the world, and is still by far the largest port in Europe.

Aerial view of Rotterdam Harbour by jochemberends

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Go Underground at the Sint Pietersberg Tunnels

The Sint Pietersberg of Maastricht date back to Roman times and the tunnels used to extend right into Belgium. Sint Pietersberg is actually a Roman fort near Helpoort and is the best point to explore some of the tunnels.

Sample the Wares at Alkmaar Cheese Market

The Netherlands is famous for its cheeses and one of its most popular tourist attractions is the Alkmaar Cheese Market. Every Friday from April to September the locals recreate the old-style cheese market which has been running since the 16th century.

Alkmaar cheese by Miles.18

Try some Gin at the House of Bols

If the Heineken beer tasting didn’t meet your requirements, perhaps it’s the House of Bols you’re looking for – it is a Dutch gin museum run by the Bols distellery and you can take an hour long tour ending up with a special cocktail.

Have a Cheesy Experience in Gouda

Another well-known Dutch cheese is Gouda, and the town that gives its name to this cheese is a lovely place to visit. I enjoyed a day in Gouda and was surprised at how much cheese I saw! (I ate a fair bit of it, too!).

Town of Gouda by Amanda Kendle

Buy Books at the Deventer Boekenmarkt

For book lovers, time your visit for an early August date and you may be able to see the Deventer Boekenmarkt, the largest book market in Europe held in the town of Deventer. Over 800 book stalls are set up outdoors along the Ijssel River and browsing them all could take you most of the day.

Deventer Book Market by arwa

Visit Rotterdam Zoo

With over a million visitors a year, the Rotterdam Zoo or Diergaarde Blijdorp as it is known locally is a great day out. It also includes an Oceanium with sharks, penguins and all manner of fish.

Penguins at Rotterdam Zoo by wwwleraar

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Walk Through Amsterdam’s Enchanted Forest

For something a bit off the beaten track, Andy recommends the Amsterdame Bos or Amsterdam Forest, one of the largest city parks in Europe. It’s a great place to cycle and there is also a goat farm to visit, or you can just enjoy the green, peace and quiet.

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Your Netherlands Tips

Do you have any tips on what to do in the Netherlands? Let us know about something we’ve left out of our list by leaving a comment below.

25 Things to Do in the Netherlands

Tips on the what to do in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.

Amsterdam is host to so many events that it seems there is a celebration for every occasion and every interest.  Some are old traditions, some more recently inaugurated, but any time of the year you are sure to catch at least one of these Amsterdam events.

Amsterdam by twicepic

The Grachtenfestival

If you plan to visit this summer, don’t miss the Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival) happening for nine days in August, when more than 70 classical music concerts will be performed in various outstanding venues around the city.  From private gardens and rooftops to well known spots such as the Anne Frank House and the Westerkerk, it culminates on a huge pontoon stage in front of the Pulitzer Hotel.  Boats pack the canals and spectators line the banks and bridges of the canals to listen to the fabulous open-air performances by Europe’s best musicians.  Grachtenfestival also encourages new talent, with some of the biggest stars offering help and advice to young performers.

Westerkerk by stevecadman

Queens Day Celebration

Amsterdam’s Queensday celebration is probably the biggest party in the Netherlands.  Every year on 30 April the city turns orange and goes wild, ostensibly to celebrate the Queen’s birthday, but really just a great excuse to party hearty. Hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the city and it becomes vastly overcrowded, raucous and a whole lot of fun.  The party starts about midnight on the day before, and at 6:00 a.m. the ‘free market’ begins.  This is when everybody sells everything for next to nothing or close enough, and the best suggestions are to pace yourself with the beer drinking and if you have a crowd phobia, stay home!

Street performer on the Queen’s birthday by hans s

Fantastic Film Festival

What began in 1984 as a “Weekend of Terror” has turned into a week long Fantastic Film Festival, truly a smorgasbord of horror, fantasy and science fiction, thrillers and animation from the Netherlands and around the world.  The focus is on imagination and quality, whether it’s a ‘popcorn thriller’ or high tech animae.  It’s also a sounding board for aspiring artists, and offers free classes and symposiums to the public.  If you’re enthralled by the fantastic arts, this is where you can learn how they are created and meet the owners of the imaginations behind them.

Zombie at a Fantastic Film Festival by Toni Villaro

Cannabis Cup

If you book early you can attend the Cannabis Cup, a five-day event taking place this year from November 21 to 25, 2011.  This is the “almost infamous” celebration of marijuana and all its wonders.  Last year Thomas “King” Forcada, founder of High Times magazine, was inducted into the Counterculture Hall of Fame, so what else do you need to know?

Cannabis by spotreporting

Julidans Modern Dance Festival

The Julidans Modern Dance Festival has been running in early July for the last 21 years.  You can see performers from as far afield as the Middle East, North Africa and China. “Cutting Edge” and “Daring” are some of the words used to describe the event, and attendees get the chance to experience some of the best choreography in the world as well as meet the performers and dine with the choreographers. This events is featured in our “25 Fab Festivals in Europe” post.

Contemporary dance by gabrielsaldana

Realisme Art Fair

Through the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, Dutch painters were very famous. In the middle of the 20th century, the realism movement began introducing figurative and mysterious scenes into art. In order to continue the realism tradition, an art fair called Realisme is held each year in mid-January that includes art showcases, free lectures, and workshops.

Realism by Puppy Zwolle

5 Days Off

This electronic music festival takes place every July and brings together young musicians from all over Europe and the US. 5 Days Off is an important cultural meeting that gives people five whole days of clubbing, live shows, art instalments, electronic music videos, experimental films, and performances.

Amsterdam nightlife by japrea

Amsterdam Roots Festival

The Amsterdam Roots festival takes place every summer, presenting an array of music from the globe and non-Western cultural showcases. With over a week of performances and workshops, the festival has been known to attract over 50,000 attendees. The highlight of the festival is the free Roots Open Air, which includes five stages offering a mix of music and productions from various ethnic backgrounds.

Amsterdam Roots Festival by bartvanpoll

Comedytrain International Festival

The Comedytrain International Festival happens annually and features the very best in English standup comedy. Organized by the Toomler Comedy Cafe, comedians from all over the globe are represented, such as Adam Hills from Australia, Eddie Bannon from Ireland, Paul Provenza from the United States, and Ron Vaudry from Canada. Be prepared to laugh harder than you ever have before.

Stand up comedy at Toomler Comedy Cafe by Sebastiaan ter Burg

Amsterdam International Fashion Week

The Amsterdam International Fashion Week takes place twice each year and showcases a series of public fashion shows, mainly put on by Dutch and Belgium designers. Many of the events are free, and can give visitors a look into the world of fashion for the new generation and New Luxury market for people who want something other than big brand names.

Amsterdam Fashion Week by Guido van Nispen

More Tips on Things to do in Amsterdam

We’ve lots more tips for what to do in Amsterdam on Europe a la Carte.

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10 Amsterdam Events

Tips on what to see in Europe. Copyrighted content published on Europe a la Carte.

I’m sure everyone will have their vote for the best New Year’s fireworks in Europe.  Some may vote Edinburgh, with their huge Hogmanay festival (complete with excessive drinking and also-excessive cold temperatures).  Others might say London, who’s fireworks display is a big and impressive as the city’s skyline.

But my vote has to go for Amsterdam.  Here’s why.

Amsterdam is one of my favourite cities, in general.  During New Year’s, many locals host fantastic parties in their home, complete with endless buffets and a bar that looks like it is an entire aisle of the liquor store.  (Ok, I’m exaggerating, but just slightly.)

The food and drink starts mid-afternoon, but during the day you’ll notice a boom, a whizz, and a bang now and then.  The uninitiated might assume it’s just all some fun and games before a bigger celebration happens in the evening.

The thing is, though, Amsterdam doesn’t really have one big massive fireworks display.  People run amok in the streets lighting their own fireworks.  As you can see from the photo above, I’m not talking about sparklers or a small firecracker.  I’m talking about a hot flame that goes screaming by your face as you dive to the ground, since not everyone has very good aim.

Things turn in to pandemonium come midnight, as fireworks are launched from nearly every direction, and the sound competes for the dazzling lights display that seems to show up the next direction.

It is crazy.  It is perhaps slightly scary.  But it is Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve, and it has to be the best new year’s eve in Europe.  Ever.

The Next Morning

It’s worth battling a hangover to go for a wee stroll on January 1st, early in the AM.  That’s because you can see the aftermath – the city is silent, and covered from one end to the other with leftover firework.  It’s interesting.

Also very interesting – look at the cars.  You’ll notice all the fogged up windows – people are sleeping in them!  I’ve been in Amsterdam for several New Year’s, and every time this was the same, and I can’t say I explain it – it’s mostly French and Germans looking to save money on a hotel for the night.  But I can’t explain why there are so many – they’re everywhere.  Must be a rough drive home the next day.

What’s your favourite New Year’s event in Europe?

Photo Credit: jayembee

Best New Year’s Fireworks in Europe?

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Delft is a beautiful Dutch city located in between Rotterdam and The Hague in the Netherlands. Well known for the Delft Blue Pottery, this small city has a typically Dutch city center lined by gorgeous canals.

[Photo Credit - sub_lime79]

The city of Delft has a history dating back to more than 750 years, its name derived from the word “delven” in Dutch meaning to dig. Delft has a good connectivity by road and rail with the other major cities in the Netherlands and the Amsterdam Schipol airport is just 45 minutes away.

[Photo Credit - niehoff]

Most of the Delft attractions are concentrated in and around the city center and it is best to walk along the narrow winding paths. Just keep an eye on the traffic.

[Photo Credit - Zemistor]

Start with the Oude Kerk (Old Church) situated on Heilige Geestkerkhof 25. As the name indicates, this is the oldest church in Delft, built in the 13th century. Originally known as the St Hippolyte Church, it was the highest building of its time, characterized by the 5 spires. The famous Dutch Baroque painter Johan Vermeer is buried here.

[Photo Credit - FaceMePLS]

The Markt Square contains the Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) built in the 15th century. The church is important since it houses the royal burial chamber. Prince William of Orange (Willem van Oranje) was the first royal to be buried here after being shot in 1584. Since then, the tradition continues.

[Photo Credit - tnarik]

The Stadhuis (City Hall) is also situated in the Markt Square, just opposite the Nieuwe Kerk. It was rebuilt in the 17th century after a fire destroyed the building.

[Photo Credit - Pete]

The city is also home to the Delft Technical University (TU Delft), one of the three universities of technology in the Netherlands. Just behind the university, in Julianalaan, lies the Botanical Garden. Enjoy the rich plant life including tropical, sub tropical, and ornamental plants and herbs in this beautiful green area.

Another one of the things to do in Delft is a trawl around the traditional open markets held in the city center, every Thursdays and Saturdays. Shop till your heart’s content, the next great bargain may be just round the corner!

A tour of the beautiful Dutch city of Delft

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This weekend it was sunny and bright in the Netherlands – the perfect time to visit the Zandvoort beach. Situated in the province of North Holland, Zandvoort is famous for its Circuit Zandvoort (automobile racing circuit) besides being one of the major coastal resorts in the Netherlands.

Photo Credit – Orangesplaash

The west facing beach of Zandvoort is quite wide and clear. The sparkling blue waters appear inviting and you can see kids playing alongside the beach, with their castle-bucket sets. A number of water sports including kite surfing and wind surfing are quite popular here during the Spring and the Summer.

Photo Credit – Orangesplaash

This Dutch beach has ample amount of parking space, with affordable parking rates of around €1.8 per hour, but on hot days it is advisable to use the public transportation instead because of the frequent traffic jams. A number of cafes in and around the beach cater to the taste buds of the tourists and locals alike, dishing out delicious Dutch snacks, not to forget the frites.

Photo Credit – Loving Photography

Situated about 25 kms from the city of Amsterdam, the Zandvoort beach has a peculiar landscape bordered by coastal dunes, making cycling and walking some of the other popular activities here.

Scheveningen beach in the Hague is another place worth visiting on a sunny weekend.  Have you visited any Dutch beaches?

Visiting the Zandvoort beach in the Netherlands

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About a year ago, I wrote about where to bike in Amsterdam.  Cycling is a must-do in Amsterdam because:

• it’s a one-of-a-kind experience – a bike ride like no other
• it’s often faster to get around
• it’s what locals do. Ayou want the real deal,eh?

The thing is, people are always asking me for Amsterdam travel tips on how to get around without being hit by a car.  It’s a valid question – though, I must disclose, I have been hit by a car.  So, please take my Amsterdam cycling tips with a grain of salt.  I actually have just three tips that should help.

• Confidence Wins: Consider that shy, uneasy driver in the midst of a big city.  Often, they cause a menace to themselves, and the same is true here.  When it says green, GO.  Signal your turn and then turn, don’t hesitate and watch someone come flying around you.
• Look Both Ways:  Yes, the Dutch drive on the right.  That doesn’t mean everything will come at you from the right.  Look both ways :)
• Don’t Violate the Rules (unlike the locals):  Locals will go against traffic, will dart in front of trams, and run red lights.  Don’t do this.  It is an art and a science to know what rules can be violated, and what ones will get you run over.  So, don’t do as the Romans do….

Really, biking in Amsterdam is very safe and I wouldn’t worry too much about your trip.  Your biggest threat is getting caught in a downpour.  (Oh, and that reminds me… don’t ride with an umbrella.  It’s just a recipe for disaster…)

Photo Credit: pasotraspaso

How to Bike without Getting Hit by a Car in Amsterdam

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Having lived in the Netherlands for quite some time now, and having visited its various tourist and the not-so-tourist destinations, my love for this beautiful country increases with every passing day.

Here are some of the reasons why I love the Netherlands :

• The Netherlands is a small cosy country – a few hundred kilometers across the East-West and the North-South. You can pretty much drive through the entire country in under 3 hours.
• Not only the big cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague feature plenty of sightseeing opportunities but the small villages and cities also provide wonderful insights into the Dutch culture and the way of life here.
• The weather though unpredictable at times, offers a plethora of possibilities in terms of events and activities held throughout the year.
• The summer in the Netherlands witnesses the country hosting some of the biggest European festivals including the Rotterdam Summer Festival and the Deventer Book Market.
• Skiing, snow-boarding, ice skating are just some of the activities in vogue during the winters.
• If there was just one reason to love the Netherlands, it would be this – the mesmerizing and delightful tulips in full blossom during the spring season. These lovely bulbs showcase all the colors of life. My cycle trip across the tulip fields earlier this year, is full of such find memories.
• The boat rides through the narrow countryside canals as well as cruise trips across the Maas river render a surreal charm to these low lands.
• Come rain, wind, snow or storm, the Dutch cycle their way to work/school/fun and living in the Netherlands, I have developed a liking for the bicycle too – the preferred mode of transportation in this fascinating country.
• The country also has a lively art and culture scene, with some wonderful museums and unique architecture.
• And lastly, at the risk of sounding cliché, I want to add that I simply love the various kinds of Dutch cheese on offer here.

Have you ever visited the Netherlands? What do you think are the best things to do in Holland? Share your views in the comment section below.

[Photo Credit - atlassb]

Why I love the Netherlands

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Amsterdam is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, the world. There’s much to see and do in the city, but between all the landmarks you’ll find another city attraction – the street performers. Local talents gathers on the squares and corners in the tourist quarter and put on quite a show.

The town’s main spots – Dam, Leidseplein, Vondelpark, Rembrandtplein in particular – are always abuzz with activity.  And there’s always a variety on display, from human statues, jugglers, musicians, fire-eaters, dancers and many more. Dam square in particular is very active during the day. As tourists make their way to and from the Royal Palace, many stop to pose with the human statues.

Half the fun is in watching the various social interactions: cops and performers; performers and paying viewers; performers and non-paying photographers; performers and children. Each interaction brings about a different reaction. And then there are the small gaps in time when the performers take a break or wind up for the day, when they drop the act and pull off their masks for a sip of drink and a chat, or when they pack up their gear and ride away.

What do you think of the street performers in Amsterdam? Did you find them entertaining or tiresome?

Amsterdam’s Street Performers

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Planning a trip to the Netherlands? Confused about what to get back as a souvenir from the land of tulips, windmills, cheese and clogs? But what if you could get all of them and much more, dripping in the very own unique flavour of the low lands? Read on.

Delft blue pottery (or the Delftware as it is also known) is the tin glazed, hand painted blue and white earthenware produced in and around the Dutch town of Delft. The pottery is famous for its quality and craftsmanship.

The original, entirely hand painted pottery is now made only in some of the factories in Delft. These are quite expensive and come along with a certificate of authenticity – the most popular and the best variant being the ‘Royal Delft’ (the title reflects its honorary status).

A thorough knowledge of the Delftware is required on part of the buyer when considering the expensive, hand painted version. Look for the trademark as well as for the quality certificate issued by the Delft Chamber of Commerce to verify the authenticity of the Delftware.

To avoid burning a hole in your pocket, you might as well go for the less expensive version (that does not follow the centuries old tradition of hand painting), but reflects the culture of the Netherlands nevertheless. These pieces are readily available in local antique shops, open markets and tourist stores.

Delft pottery is most commonly available in the form of tulip vases, floral plates, tiles, windmills, key chains, cutlery, and clogs as seen in the pictures here. Make sure you wrap them properly before putting them in the suitcase, as these are fragile items.

Display them with pride in your house when you are back – they will bring forth fond memories from your travels.

[Photo Credit - Orangesplaash]

Delft Blue Pottery – The perfect Dutch Souvenir

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Would you like to know more about Dutch films? Visit the Netherlands Film Festival in Utrecht this month (from 22nd Sept to 1st Oct) and experience the magic of the Dutch Cinema. This film festival is held every year, in the last week of September, in the beautiful Dutch city of Utrecht.

The festival showcases feature films, documentaries and TV films released in the previous year. The films then compete with one another for the coveted Golden Calf award (the grand prize of the film festival, awarded in 16 categories). Foreign films featuring the local Dutch talent form a part of the festival too. In 2009, the festival attracted more than 100 000 visitors and screened more than 430 films.

The work of a Dutch film celebrity is highlighted in the Spotlight section of the festival, along with glimpses of the country’s cinematographic past. Kids’ Cinema is organised to educate and entertain the children while live bands and talk shows add to the celebrations.

Those not attending the film festival this year can follow the proceedings at home. Dutch Television channels like Nederland2 and Film1 will broadcast reports and highlights from the festival.

Here is a handy check list of all the major film festivals held in the Netherlands throughout the year.

Experience Dutch Cinema through the Netherlands Film Festival

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