The Netherlands is a flourishing, stable, tourist-friendly country at the heart of Northern Europe which continues to attract visitors to see its delightful sights and history and also acts as a significant transport nexus for sea and air travel. From exploring Amsterdam to cycling through the Dutch countryside, you’ll never run out of things to do in the Netherlands.
From exploring Amsterdam to cycling through the Dutch countryside, you’ll never run out of things to do in the Netherlands.
The Dutch are a genial, outgoing, and modern people who revel in showing off their country and offering fantastic hospitality to visitors.
Most travelers tend to concentrate on Amsterdam, and for good reason; the largest city is home to many attractions such as museums, shopping, galleries, luxury hotels, and entertainment. It’s a city where you can gaze on the art of Van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Vermeer, or contemplate on the legacy of war at the Anne Frank House.
However, the rest of the country should not be overlooked. There are many other cultural and historic draws to be encountered in other cities, and the open expanses to the north are the perfect backdrop for a calming holiday where you can savor walking, cycling, water spots, luxury retreats, and some impressive scenery and flowers.
The Dutch are a genial, outgoing, and modern people who revel in showing off their country and offering fantastic hospitality to visitors. This beautiful European country caters to every kind of vacationer: the hopeless romantic, the photography fanatic, the history buff, and the nature lover. From exploring Amsterdam to cycling through the Dutch countryside, you’ll never run out of things to do in the Netherlands.
Amsterdam is usually the first point of call for tourists to the Netherlands. This important city is one of Europe’s prime destinations and a spectacle of cultural and historic attractions not to mention its excellent entertainment, dining, and nightlife.
Although Amsterdam is home to plenty of shops, cafes, and historic buildings, the main event in the capital city has always been the art.
The two most famous museums to visit are the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. The Ryksmuseum is a national museum with work by Vermeer, Ruisdael, and Rembrandt. It is also home to Rembrandt’s masterpiece “The Night Watch.” Spend some time admiring the collection before walking down the road to the Van Gogh Museum where you can see many self portraits as well as “Sunflowers” and “The Bedroom.”
While you’re in Amsterdam be sure to visit Zaanse Schans. Zaanse Schans is located about 15 kilometers to the north of Amsterdam and is styled as an open air museum where you can take a stroll around a traditional Dutch village and learn how craftsmen in the 17th and 18th century worked.
You will find some graceful windmills, although out of the 600 that dotted the area centuries ago only five now remain which can be visited by the public.
Given its history and beauty, Rotterdam is the perfect escape for vacationers of all kinds: families, friends, and couples. Located in the South of the Netherlands, Rotterdam is globally renowned for being one of the most beautiful places in the country. It’s blend of history, culture, architecture, and major city attractions allure visitors worldwide.
Just to the north of Rotterdam is Gouda. It is an old, traditional Dutch town ringed by canals and cycles everywhere. It is most famous for the cheese that bears its name which is exported all over the world. You can learn more at the Thursday Gouda Cheese Market (April – August).
At the most southern point of the Netherlands is the city of Maastricht. The Vrijthof is a large square ringed by outdoor cafes and the large St. Servatius Basilica. It is a “must visit” for its amazing package of medieval architecture and modern atmosphere.
Between Rotterdam and The Hague is Delft, which is one of the Netherlands’ most unspoiled towns. With its charming water canals, numerous museums, and fabulous artworks, the downtown of Delft is among the most beautiful places in the Netherlands other than Amsterdam. Delft is the birthplace of the famous Dutch artist, Johannes Vermeer. (The Johannes Vermeer Centrum is dedicated to his life.) Naturally, the Royal Delft earthenware factory (home to the iconic blue and white crockery) is a must stop.
The area of Zeeland sits on the Schlede, Maas, and Rhine Rivers and is covered in little islands and coves. Most of the area sits below sea level, and for this reason needs to use dikes to guard against flooding.
The main dike project is called Delta Works which is a series of cutting-edge dam systems which control all the water entering the area from the neighboring North Sea. In case you have trouble understanding the scale of the dikes here, Delta Works has been described as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
The Netherlands is thought of as a small country primarily made up of small towns and cities, but it actually has some wonderful national parks. The largest and most famous is the huge Hoge Veluwe National Park. It sprawls over an area of 13,800 acres. The park is covered in woodland and has abundant wildlife especially red and roe deer. Other spots include graceful dunes that are covered with heath, and if you like bird watching then this is the place to be.
Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is a riot of color with blooms of every hue as far as the eye can see. Tulips are the signature flowers of the Netherlands, and the Garden of Europe (just outside of Lisse) is the largest public garden anywhere in the world. Covering 70 acres of land, you will find gorgeous flower exhibitions as well as restaurants and a wide variety of flora including daffodils, hyacinths, and crocuses.
Experiance The Beauty
Castle De Haar
Utrecht is home to the inspiring 14th century Castle De Haar, the largest in the Netherlands. Not only is the castle stunning, but the rooms are full of breathtaking art, traditional textiles, and antique furniture. After your tour enjoy a picnic on the castle grounds. The 250 acre park is a perfect place to unwind and there are plenty of walking and cycling opportunities.
North Shore Beaches
White sand as far as the eye can see and deep breaths of fresh sea air. In summer you can lie on the soft white sand and refresh yourself with a dip in the North Sea. Too cold? Fly a kite, look for shells, or take a stroll along the beach. Stop at one of the cozy beach bars.
The Finest Bike Paths
Love cycling? There’s no doubt about it, you’ll also love the Netherlands.
Discover true cycling luxury, generous boulevards for two wheelers in city centers, and perfectly maintained bike paths through flat meadows.
A total of 32,000 km of bike paths traverse the Dutch countryside. It’s hard to believe that so many paths can fit into such a small country, but they are really everywhere!
The Netherlands is a beautiful country that carefully preserves its historical heritage. Did one of our reasons catch your eye? Want to find a tour that matches your interests? Then contact Driftwood Travel. We are travel specialists that will curate an itinerary that matches your dreams and budget. Whatever your requirements, Driftwood can make it happen.