August 21, 2024 | Marlon Wright

Hidden Treasures Of The Netherlands


The Netherlands Is Way More Than Just Amsterdam

You're mistaken if you think you've seen all the Netherlands has to offer. Allow us to take you to our spots beyond Amsterdam's streets.

Netherlands

The Tourist Hotspot

You know how Amsterdam is always buzzing with tourists? Well, get this: a whopping 22.1 million people visit Amsterdam every year, and many of them barely wander beyond the city limits. That's right, people flock to the country, but they often miss out on exploring the rest of the Netherlands.

AmsterdamAndrés Barrios, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Managing Overcrowding

Amsterdam is like a cool club that's trying to avoid getting overcrowded. So, the government decided to put in some rules. For instance, if you're a local who wants to rent out your place to visitors, you're only allowed to do so for up to 30 days a year. 

Amsterdam (1)Alf van Beem, Wikimedia Commons

The Tourist Tax Strategy

Also, Amsterdam is planning on increasing the tax paid by tourists to one of the highest in the world. Now, before you think it is a plan to scare tourists away, the goal isn't to reap tourists either but to encourage them to visit other beautiful parts of the Netherlands.

Amsterdam (2)Trougnouf (Benoit Brummer), CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Rotterdam

Let's talk about Rotterdam, often called the "City of Reconstruction." This nickname comes from its amazing story of bouncing back after World War II. A city that was almost completely flattened, but instead of giving up, it decided to rebuild itself with a fresh, innovative spirit. 

RotterdamMlefter, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Wild Encounter

Now, if you ever make your way to Diergaarde Blijdorp, you will be blown away by the whole wildlife environment. Imagine seeing a giraffe stretching its neck towards you or an elephant showing off its long trunk. It's just you, nature, and the gentle wild.

Diergaarde BlijdorpAgainErick, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Views From The Euromast Tower

Craving some incredible views? The Euromast Tower is the place to go. This towering 185-meter giant offers a front-row seat to some of the best sights around. It's way up high, gazing out over the entire Rotterdam skyline and spotting places far and wide.  

EuromastW. Bulach, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

A City Of Many Cultures

Rotterdam isn't just a melting pot; it's the ultimate cultural stew. With 170 nationalities all calling this city home, it's a place where you can experience the whole world in just one visit. You've got people from every corner of the globe bringing their traditions, flavors, and stories together.

Rotterdam (1)Alias 0591, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Utrecht

The city that never takes a nap! Seriously, this place is buzzing with energy, and there's always something going on. Whether you're into history, nightlife, or just wandering around, Utrecht always has a space for everyone.

Sol LumenWil Leeuwis, CC0, Wikimedia Commons

Easy Travel With Utrecht Centraal

Because Utrecht is located in the center of the Netherlands, Utrecht Centraal is the most important railway in the country. More than 200,000 passengers use that rail daily, so moving around in the city is super easy and stress-free.

Utrecht CentraalJohan Bakker, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Hidden Brewery In A Castle

Here's the best part: in an old castle called Stadskasteel Oudaen, there is a brewery hidden. Even during your adventure, you'll have something to water your taste. But this is not just any brewery. It produces about 75,000 liters of beer every year using old-school brewing methods.

Stadskasteel Oudaenpepijntje, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Maastricht

Did you know that Maastricht is the birthplace of the euro? Yep, the euro we used today came from this very city, and the Maastricht Treaty was signed here. But that's not all. This treaty also led to the creation of the European Central Bank (ECB).

MaastrichtBert Kaufmann, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

A City With Historic Impact

Next time you're spending euros, remember Maastricht's important role in European history. As you walk around the city, you're stepping on the ground where history was made. It's a living museum where every street and building has its own historical importance.

MaastrichtJulian Ilcheff Borissoff, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Bike-Friendly Adventures

Maastricht is one of those places where a bike can be your best friend. I am not even joking; you can pedal just about anywhere! And if you're feeling adventurous, hop on your bike and take a quick five-kilometer ride across the border into Belgium. How cool is that? 

Maastricht (1)Phernambucq, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Cool Off In Maastricht's Underground Caves

When it's really hot outside, you can cool down in Maastricht's underground cave system. Near Sint Pietersberg, these caves are a great place to escape the heat and were made in the 13th century.

Marl CaveRijksdienst voor het Cultureel Erfgoed, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Haarlem

Tourists have been paying attention to Haarlem for years now, thanks to its closeness to Amsterdam. Just a quick 20-minute train ride away, it's become an increasingly popular spot for visitors looking to explore beyond the hustle and bustle of the capital.

HaarlemFryslan0109, Wikimedia Commons

Step Into History At The Teylers Museum

One of Haarlem's most notable spots is the Teylers Museum, which is also the oldest in the Netherlands. Stepping inside is like opening a door to the past, where you'll find everything from art by famous masters to million-year-old fossils, rare and precious books, and ingenious instruments.

Teylers Museumbertknot, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Dome Cathedral

This church is an important part of history. Built between 1850 and 1950, it's one of the top five major churches from that time. More than 50 well-known Dutch artists, like Jan Toorop and Mari Andriessen, contributed to its creation.

Kathedrale Basiliek Sint BavoGrotevriendelijkereus, Flickr

Delft 

When you think of Delft, you probably picture those famous blue and white ceramics: Delftware. They're so common here that you might find a piece in nearly every home: it's like a local treasure. These ceramics are more than mere showpieces; they're a big part of Dutch culture. 

DelftwareKim Traynor, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Historic Pottery Factory

Here's a fun fact about Delft: one of the last original pottery factories from the 17th century is still around. Known by its Dutch name, this historic spot offers a glimpse into the world of Royal Delftware. You can check out its rich history and watch skilled artists demonstrate their pottery painting techniques. 

Delftware (1)PHGCOM, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Canal Cruise

For a quick look at the city's charm, a canal cruise shows you the city from the water. You'll catch the city's special buildings and nice views as you move along the canals. The calm water gives a new way to enjoy the city's beauty, including its pretty bridges, old buildings, and busy streets.

Haarlem Canal BoatLarry Myhre, Flickr

Kinderdijk

Here, you'll find the windmills of Kinderdijk, 19 of them, standing tall since 1740. These aren't just any windmills; they're the real deal, built to keep the water at bay and protect the land from floods. Standing among them, you can almost feel the history and the struggle that shaped the Netherlands.

WindmillsLidia Fourdraine, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

A Walk Through Water Management History

At Kinderdijk, you're greeted by a fantastic mix of canals, dikes, and mills. It's like walking into a living history book where you can see how the Dutch have been managing water for over a thousand years.

WindmillsTravelinho, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Witnessing Age-Old Techniques

As you take it all in, you'll gain a new appreciation for these incredible structures. For centuries, they've played a huge role in keeping the Netherlands dry and stunning. It's a unique chance to witness firsthand how these age-old techniques still impact the area today.

Windmills (1)Zet Watson, CC BY-SA 3.0 NL, Wikimedia Commons

Keukenhof Gardens 

Keukenhof, often called the "Garden of Europe," is truly a dream come true for flower lovers. Trust me, this isn't just any garden; it's one of the biggest in the world. With about 7 million flower bulbs and over 800 kinds of flowers, full of colors, it's a beautiful place to see.

Keukenhof GardensElena.laps, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

How Are They Made

Keukenhof gardeners start a big job every fall, planting flower bulbs by hand for almost three months. They come up with new designs each year to match the garden's theme. It's like they're getting ready for a big flower show, making sure each visit is new and fun.

Keukenhof Gardens  (1)Luu, Wikimedia Commons

Strolling Through Beautiful Flowers

Every sight gives you something to cheer up your eyes. The lilies, orchids, and even roses are so beautiful. It's like walking through a garden where each flower has its own character. Keukenhof is full of bright colors and beautiful flowers all around.

Keukenhof Gardens  (2)Kent Wang, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Zaanse Schans

At Zaanse Schans, the Zaans Museum offers an exciting start. With many activities lined up, covering everything about the history of the Zaan region, it will give you a glimpse into what makes this place so special.

Zaanse SchansZairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

A Sweet Walk Down Memory Lane

While visiting the Zaans Museum, the Verkade Experience brings a sweet feeling of the past. This section of the museum is all about the Dutch brand famous for its chocolates, biscuits, and other snacks.

Zaans MuseumWillemijn92, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Verkade's Nostalgic Treasures

What's really fun is seeing the old packaging and vintage ads. They give us insight into how Verkade's products have been part of Dutch culture for a long time. If you like old designs, you'll find these historical ones interesting. For anyone with a creative eye, the historical designs are fascinating.

Zaans Museum (1)Henk Monster, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Texel Island

Texel lamb is a local dish full of flavor, reflecting the island's unique environment. The islanders love their lamb, and once you've tasted it, you'll see why this dish is one of their favorites.

TexelTxllxt TxllxT, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Texel's Special Dialect

The people of Texel are also quite unique. Aside from having their own special dialect called Texels, they also speak Dutch. They make a little piece of the island, adding to the overall beauty of the place. If you even pay a little more attention, you could pick a few phrases.

Texel (1)Hindrik Sijens, Flickr

Bird Watcher's Favorite

Texel is great for bird fans. Many birds stop here during migration, so it's a busy place for bird watchers. And then there's the Slufter, one of the island's most remarkable spots. It's where the sea and the sand meet.

Texel (2)Txllxt TxllxT, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Giethoorn

"Venice of the North" has no roads for cars. Instead, the village of Giethoorn is full of canals and paths. While you can't drive cars in the village, you can park for free in the areas outside the boundary. Inside, it is solely for walking and boating.

GiethoornPhotoBobil, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Crowded Canals On Busy Days

Now, while Giethoorn might not be as well-known as other destinations, it still attracts visitors, especially during weekends. On these days, the village can be quite crowded with tour groups and travelers. The canals, while nice, can get a bit noisy with all the tourists.

GiethoornBen Bender, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Enjoying Giethoorn's Peaceful Weekdays

During the week, Giethoorn is calm and quiet, so you can enjoy the village more. On weekends, renting a bike or boat can be a pain. The quieter days let you have a relaxed visit because the village is usually serene.

Giethoorn (1)CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, Wikimedia Commons

The Hague

The Hague is the best place for bike lovers. The city has a lot of bike paths everywhere, you can't miss it. Whether for fun or just to get somewhere, it's easy to explore the city on your bike.

HagueRene Mensen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Cultural And Historical Treasures

But it's not just about that; The Hague is actually full of culture and history. With more than 40 museums, there's a lot to see and learn here. You can visit the very famous Mauritshuis for classic paintings or the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag for new art. 

Mauritshuis MuseumRoman Boed, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

A Global City

The Hague is also a lively place with people from all over the world. Because of its many embassies and international groups, you'll meet people from many different countries. It's a city of lively cultural exchange.

Hague, NetherlandsCEphoto, Uwe Aranas, Wikimedia Commons

Alkmaar

Get ready for a fun cheese event that attracts people from all over the world. This cheese market isn't just for buying and tasting cheese—it's a living tradition that has been going strong since 1365. You can watch cheese wheels being weighed, traded, and tasted right in front of you.

AlkmaarDguendel, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Watching The Cheese Carriers At Work

Cheese carriers in bright outfits carefully move big wheels of cheese through the busy crowd, handling the cheese with care. At the same time, traders are busy making bids and showing their knowledge. The scene is lively, with everyone involved in this old tradition.

Alkmaar (1)© Raimond Spekking, Wikimedia Commons

The Busy Cheese Market

Over at the Waaggebouw, traders and farmers are deep in negotiation, hashing out deals like it's a sport. And then, with a quick toss, the cheese gets loaded onto wagons by the throwers. And then, special workers called throwers toss the cheese onto wagons to move them.

Alkmaar (2)Dguendel, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Amersfoort

Heard about the "Amersfoort Jazz Festival"? It's a top event in town, turning Amersfoort into a jazz hotspot every year. The streets fill with music, and people from all over come to enjoy the lively atmosphere. It's a celebration that makes the city pulse with energy.

AmersfoortBert, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Step Back In Time

The Muurhuizen, or Wall Houses, offer a glimpse into the past with homes built directly into the old city walls. These unique homes are built into the old city walls and combine historic style with cozy living. As you walk around, you'll feel like you're stepping into a storybook, with each house offering a fascinating story.

Amersfoort (2)Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Wild Adventures At Amersfoort Zoo

And then there's Amersfoort Zoo, a great place where you can see all kinds of animals. You can watch lions roar, elephants move slowly, and spot zebras with their stripes. The zoo lets you get close to animals from all over the world.

Amersfoort (1)WeeJeeVee, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons


READ MORE

Top Three Hotels For Adventurers

If you’re looking for unique thrills, an average hotel just won’t cut it. For an unforgettable vacation, check out one of these amazing adventure hotels.
June 13, 2023 Kaddy Gibson
Gros Morne National Park

Five Incredible Destinations For Nature Lovers

If you’re looking to embrace the call of the wild and experience breathtaking views, check out these great nature destinations.
June 13, 2023 Kaddy Gibson
St. George's Church

The Creepiest Abandoned Attractions

Despite their ominous origins, these abandoned attractions have become some of the world’s most popular tourist destinations.
June 13, 2023 Kaddy Gibson
bali_internal

Destination Of The Day: Bali

Bali is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, but don’t let that stop you from visiting this beautiful Indonesian island.
June 14, 2023 Kaddy Gibson
internal-louvre

Destination Of The Day: Paris

With rich history, beautiful streets, and world-renowned cuisine, it’s no wonder why Paris is among the top tourist destinations.
June 14, 2023 Kaddy Gibson
internal-vienna

Destination Of The Day: Vienna

With an abundance of beautiful architecture, fine art, and historical attractions it's easy to see why Vienna was once considered the capital of the world.
June 14, 2023 Kaddy Gibson