The Netherlands is one of the most culturally, historically and naturally developed countries in the world, famous for its windmills, tulips and canals. Read on to discover the main things to see and do and how best to plan your trip to the Netherlands.
The Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is the largest and most diverse collection of Vincent van Gogh’s artwork; paintings, drawings and even letters and gives the viewer an excellent insight into the life of one of the world’s most famous artists. For instance, you will be able to see Van Gogh’s works from the early days to the famous sunflower paintings. It is recommended not to stand in a queue for a long time, therefore, it is advised to visit hellotickets to purchase tickets online for a good price. The museum is situated in the middle of the Museumplein and is easily reachable by tram or just by foot.
The Canals of Amsterdam
The canals of Amsterdam are one of the recognizable symbols of the city and are represented on the list of World Heritage Sites. Boat rides through the canals are one of the most exciting and enjoyable means of touring the city and can let you see the beauty of the city. It will take you past beautiful houses, historical bridges and busy streets full of life. A number of the boat tours are guided and the guides will explain the history of the city and its buildings. For a more intimate experience, you may want to consider hiring your own canal boat or taking an evening tour where the bridges are illuminated; this is very romantic.
Keukenhof Gardens
When in the Netherlands especially in spring, it will be a mistake not to visit the Keukenhof Gardens. Keukenhof, also known as the Garden of Europe, is one of the world’s biggest flower gardens and features millions of tulips among other flowers. It is a photographer’s dream, there are large fields of flowers and well-thought-out gardens. Keukenhof is only open for a few weeks each year, so you should definitely check when it is open if you wish to go. The gardens could be easily reached by train or bus and it is just outside Amsterdam which makes it a great one-day trip.
The Windmills of Kinderdijk
The windmills in Kinderdijk are a perfect example of Dutch engineering and their culture. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to 19 windmills, some of which were constructed in the 18th century. The windmills were initially used to regulate water supply in the Dutch territory due to the flatness of the land, and, at present, they present an interesting view of the history of Dutch water management. Biking or walking through the area is also possible while on guided tours, one can learn more about the history and work of these remarkable structures.
The Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is an important and very emotional place to visit. The museum is actually based in the house where Anne Frank, her family and other people lived during World War II. It is possible to walk through the secret annex where she wrote her diaries and see the exhibitions telling the history of the holocaust and the Franks’ history. Because the Anne Frank House is always crowded, it is recommended that one buys tickets in advance. This visit is really touching, informative and inspiring all at once.
Zaanse Schans
You can try some traditional Dutch food in the Windmill village of Zaanse Schans which is just a short drive from Amsterdam. This is an outdoor museum that displays windmills, wooden houses and demonstrations of clog making and cheese making. Ah, take a walk on the cobblestone streets and hear about the Industrial Revolution. The site also has boat rides along the river to give one a view of the windmills. It is only a short train ride away from Amsterdam making it a great half-day trip.
Cycling in the Netherlands
It is a country that loves cycling, in fact, the Netherlands is the world’s cycling capital and what better way to explore the country than by bike? The absence of hills and a well-developed system of bike paths make it possible to travel by bike through cities and through the country safely and comfortably. You can rent a bike in the city and cycle along the canals of Amsterdam or choose a longer distance cycling through the Tulip fields or to the coastal dunes. There are also many cities and towns such as Utrecht and Haarlem that are friendly to cycles and provide nice routes for them. It is recommended to obey the cycling laws of the area and to always wear a helmet before cycling.
Packing Advice
When it comes to packing for a trip to the Netherlands there are some practical concerns to consider. The weather is quite erratic and you will need to dress in layers; a waterproof jacket or an umbrella would come in handy. It is always wise to wear comfortable shoes because a lot of traveling is done on foot or by bike. A small backpack is definitely useful for day hikes and to hold food items such as snacks, bottled water and other necessary items. If you have an OV-chipkaart with you, don’t leave it behind or if you do not have one, get one at the station. Lastly, if you are planning your visit in spring or summer, you will surely need sunglasses and sunscreen for outdoor activities.
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