Netherlands
I may be a bit biased, but the Netherlands is one of my most favourite places in the world. It’s also a very safe city and public transportation is amazing here. I could go on and on about all the things you could do here, but for now, here are a few of my favourites.
What to see and do?
Amsterdam
DUH. The first and main thing you want to do when arriving in The Netherlands is visit its capital city, Amsterdam. Every corner you take is breathtaking here, the canals with little boats to the adorable narrow buildings. But where to go? Here are a few picturesque spots.
Damrak
Red Light District
Top of the W Hotel at sunset
Rijksmuseum
“Flat House” corner of Bloemgracht & Prinsengracht
Staalmeestersbrug Bridge
Dam Square
Take a boat tour
Bridges at Leidsegracht & Keizersgracht
2. Utrecht
Utrecht is about a 40 min drive or a 29 min train from Amsterdam that costs about 8 euro. Utrecht is a must see, it’s like a smaller and less touristy version of Amsterdam.
“Old Canal” Oudegracht
Pandhof van de Dom
3. Tulip
One of the main attractions of The Netherlands are their tulips! The best time to come see them are from late April to early May. I highly recommend driving out to find them. We first went to the famous, Keukenhof, which is a huge park with multiple gardens of flowers. We later found free tulip fields at the side of the roads swell.
Keukenhof
Tulip Fields in Leiden
4. Zandaam / Zaanse Schans
The most famous part of Zandaam, is Zaanse Schans. This is where you can find some windmills, authentic wooden houses and workshops. While you’re out here take a stop in the center of Zandaam at the cutest, green coloured shopping area with a super cool looking hotel.
Inntel Hotel, Zandaam
Zaanse Schans
5. Volendam
Volendam is Holland’s best known fishing village. It’s a very traditional old harbour.
6. Maastricht
Maastricht is a city at the very tip of the Netherlands. Visit it’s cobblestoned streets and beautiful buildings. It also has a 3 point monument between Germany, Netherlands and Belgium.
3 Point Monument
Maastricht
Dominicanen. A church turned into a library
7. Kasteel de Haar
Visit the biggest castle in the Netherlands located close to Utrecht. It feels like fairy tale with its drawbridges, moats and beautiful gardens.
8. Giethoorn
Giethoorn is the “Venice” of Holland. It’s a mostly car- free village with roof thatched houses. Take a little boat cruise through the cutest canals. It’s a little far from Amsterdam, but SO worth the drive.
What to eat?
The Pancake Club serves delicious dutch pancakes in the most gorgeous, circular glass restaurant.
Van Wonderen Stroop Wafels!! You’ll find this famous shop on Kalverstaat which is the main shopping strip downtown Amsterdam .
Check out your local Albert Heijn aka grocery store. Try Hollands famous dutch cheese, Heineken Beer and fresh bread.
If you’re visiting during the New Year season, Ollie Bollen is a MUST. They’ll have stands everywhere!
Fries with Mayo is a Holland favourite. You’ll find multiple locations that sell these along with the classic bitterballen and frikandel.
One of my fav cafes is Lourens Amsterdam. It’s located on a corner street where you can sit and people watch over the canals.
Europe is known for its cheap alcohol. Go to Gall & Gall, your lcbo of Holland, and buy some cheap wine!