The Netherlands Travel Guide
The Netherlands has become a top tourist destination over the past few years. The country is completely filled with culture and history, which is now being discovered by the masses of holidaymakers currently visiting the country. Its relative closeness to the UK makes it ideal for a quick weekend break away, and also a great holiday for all of the family.
Top Tourist Spots
Amsterdam is the one of the most popular cities to visit within The Netherlands. Millions of tourists descend upon the city each year to make the most of its attractions. The Van Gogh museum and Anne Frank house attract those wanting to learn about Amsterdam’s history and culture. People also visit the area due to the great bars and clubs, which help to make it the perfect city for a party weekend away.
Haarlem is another top tourist destination, and can be visited on a day trip from Amsterdam. This small 16th century town is the main tulip growing district within all of the Netherlands – you can marvel at the fields filled with exquisite colours and scents in either March or May.
Rotterdam is a must-see city due to its recent rejuvenation. As a result of the makeover, Rotterdam has been named the European Capital of Culture in recent years. Make sure that you visit the 180 metre Euromast tower – one of the go-to sites in the city – to enjoy great views across the entirety of Rotterdam.
Dutch Cuisine
When visiting the Netherlands, many will dine out at a number of restaurants to sample some of the hearty and traditional Dutch cuisines. There are an abundance of establishments throughout the country, many serving local and relativity cheap dishes. Stamppot, a combination of earthy vegetables and smoked sausage, and Erwtensoep, a thick pea soup, are popular dishes and for desert, you may want to try Poffertjes which are miniature pancakes drenched in Grand Marnier and sugar.
Outside Activities
For those who enjoy holidays filled with activities and day trips, the Netherlands has a great variety of outdoor pursuits. Many people enjoy to go biking throughout the regions of Holland – you can travel through green lush scenery where there are designated cycle paths set up by the Dutch tourist board. These will take you to the best natural spots, and the board also provides maps and booklets to give additional information. As there is a large cycling culture within Holland, there are establishments where you can rent bikes cheaply.
Both tourists and locals enjoy to go canoeing in the Biesbosch. The national park contains marshland, meadows and willow woods – which were developed in 1942 when 16 villages were flooded and the area became an inland sea. You can explore the district by renting a boat or travelling on the tour boat. However obtaining by your own boat will allow you to delve closer to the natural spots.