A trip to the Netherlands is always associated with its capital – Amsterdam. While there are so many wonderful places to see in Amsterdam, there are also countless other amazing sights to be seen outside this city. From classic windmills to beautiful fields of flowers, to old town centers that are brimming with sights; from castles to cathedrals and museums that are speaking of endless splendor, Holland has so much to give to its visitors from all over the world.
Roughly 26% of the Netherlands is located below sea level. This highly urbanized country is considered one of the most densely populated in Europe. The country is home to numerous museums that showcase some of the world’s most famous art collections, enough to consider it a leader in the field of arts and culture. Not to mention the vast blue skies, unaltered villages, stunning churches, and gorgeous canals, the Netherlands is, indeed, a truly remarkable country.
If those are not enough for you to book a flight, pack your bags and visit The Netherlands, then let us take you to a glimpse of some of the fantastic places that will definitely leave you in awe.
Day 1
As you arrive in the Netherlands’ capital city, prepare yourself for a ride to one of the provinces in the Netherlands – Haarlem. While a lot of people would prefer to visit Amsterdam first, we recommend that you save it for the latter part of your trip and explore other cities instead. There are 5 ways to get from Amsterdam to Haarlem – by bus, rideshare, train, car, or taxi. Depending on your budget and your preferred transportation mode, fare costs usually range from $3 to $19. And travel time takes up from 30-45 minutes.
As soon as you reach Haarlem, we recommend you settle on one of the hotels located in the city center. Whatever your budget is, there’s surely a room that will fit your lodging needs.
Once you have checked in, we know that you are tired from a long trip and the homey ambiance in your room is calling you to rest, but don’t you think a quick bite will be best to start your vacation?
You may want to eat in Chez Bastijan- a restaurant situated in the city’s center, very accessible, and serves the best Mediterranean dishes in the area. This restaurant is also a Traveler’s Choice Awardee, so you can be assured of the quality of the dishes they serve.
Haarlem
Day 2
Haarlem is a beautiful city with a rich culture, cafés, and eateries. In addition, it is home to many of the Netherlands most impressive museums and world-renowned art, and it’s frequently named as one of the top cities to shop too. Being bored is definitely impossible here, you can go in every direction and stay busy with daily markets, river cruises, and much more.
Just make sure you’re wearing your comfortable shoes as most destinations here are reachable by foot or on a bicycle. Should you decide to roam by bicycle, you can check out this bicycle rental shop in Haarlem.
St. Bavo Church: Grote Kerk
You can start the day with a pilgrimage to St. Bavo Church: Grote Kerk (Historical St. Bavo’s Cathedral). It is an early medieval church located in the Dutch city of Haarlem, situated within the Grote Markt.
Surrounded by a massive 50m-high steeple, this gothic cathedral has some stunning Renaissance paintings but the most notable feature is its magnificent Müller organ, one of the most impressive organs around, with a height of 30m high and boasting around 5000 pipes dating back to 1738.
Frans Hals Museum
With just a seven-minute walk or 700m from St. Bavo Grote Kerk, you can reach the Frans Hals Museum. Frans Hals was known as the best portrait painter in the country back in the 17th century – the time when most people wanted to capture everything, especially their wealth and status on canvas. This museum which was established in 1862, houses the artist’s largest art collections (in the world) which also explains why the museum is named after him.
The Old City Hall
The seat of the city’s government was built in the 14th century. It is considered the oldest city hall in the Netherlands and is an intriguing place with a rich history. It is also located at Grote Markt (Grand Place), the town hall is a popular destination due to its rich history and military heritage. This hall still serves for state visitation as well as civil weddings.
The structure is beautifully decorated and houses a variety of paintings and other artifacts as well as a fascinating insight into the background that the town has had. On weekends, there’s an enormous market right in front of City Hall which is a very common tourist destination.
The structure is beautifully decorated and houses a variety of paintings and other artifacts as well as a fascinating insight into the background that the town has had. On weekends, there’s an enormous market right in front of City Hall which is a very common tourist destination.
The Ten Boom Museum
The nearest Museum (one block away) from the Town Hall is the Corrie Ten Boom House – The Hiding Place. This is a museum dedicated to the revolutionary Corrie Ten Boom as well as her family members who hid Jews during the occupation by the Nazis. The place is located in the former home of Corrie Ten Boom. A portion of the home is decorated in the same way as it was during the time of its construction.
Teylers Museum
You’re just starting to step on the city’s rich history because just 400m south of the Ten Boom House lies Teylers Museum, a museum that first opened its doors to the public in 1784. When Pieter Teyler van der Hulst died he donated the collection of his artwork to an organization that would help promote science and art. The oldest and first museum in Holland hasn’t changed in a long time and the artifacts dating back to the 18th century remain distinctive.
Hofje van Bakenes
Ever heard of a “secret garden”? Haarlem is well-known because of its hofjes aka Haarlem’s secret gardens’. Hofje van Bakenes is the oldest of the city’s hidden courtyards, founded in 1935 at the time of Dirc van Bakenes. However, this magnificent structure was established following the demise of the person who gave it to Wouterus van Oorschot.
From Teylers Museum, head northeast on Nauwe Appelaarsteeg toward Wijde Appelaarsteeg and Turn left onto Wijde Appelaarsteeg (approximately 96 meters).
It’s likely to take several minutes to find the entry point and once you’ve spotted the green gate within the narrow Wijde Appelaarsteeg Alley and you’ll be able to walk into an idyllic, peaceful area surrounded by 17th-century homes which were previously inhabited exclusively by old women.
The Adriaan Windmill Tour
A trip to the Netherlands would not be complete without a visit to the De Adriaan Windmill or “Molen De Adriaan” to the Dutch people. This Haarlem Landmark for over two centuries is located just 600m southeast of Hofje Van Bakenes.
While it appears to be like it’s there for a long time, the building is actually a duplicate of the original mill constructed in 1778, on the basis of an old defensive tower built by Adriaan De Boois. In 1802, Adriaan was sold to a tobacco dealer and the tobacco was processed in the mill until 1865, after which the mill was repurposed to grind corn. Unfortunately, the original mill burned down in 1932. Restored to its former glory by the effort of Haarlem citizens, the mill is back in operation, although it is not in frequent use.
Dinner at The Golden Bull Restaurant
Craving for a steak? Check out The Golden Bull Restaurant. This restaurant serves mouth-melting, flavorful and unique steaks in the whole of Haarlem City. They serve the Wagyu Kobe style grade 7+, New Zealand Hereford, Irish Black Angus, and Argentine Angus with delicious wines.
Day 3
Brederode Castle
For the second day of your Haarlem Trip, you will start your morning about 5km north of Haarlem lies the Brederode Castle or The Ruins of the Brederode as it is now known. It was once home to one of the noblest families of the Netherlands – the House of Brederode. The castle was built around 1285 by the Count of Brederode, Willem van Brederode. It was just one tower initially. The battle of Haarlem in the Eighty-Year War in 1573 eventually made the castle the ruins that we see now in the present. Brederode Castle lies on the fringe of Zuid-Kennemerland National Park, a breathtaking piece of natural beauty near the ocean that is perfect for hiking. Also, note that the place is closed during the winter season.
Zuid-Kennemerland National Park (Afternoon)
After marveling at Brederode Castle, it’s time to be one with nature by visiting Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. Take a bus from Santpoort-Zuid and drop off at Overveen Station (travel time usually takes up to 35 minutes). From there you can rent a bike to access the park.
Enjoy the better part of your day in the park where you can engage in all sorts of activities like walking and hiking, horseback riding, paddling boarding, yoga, and picnicking, as well as snapping photos. The park has many kilometers of footpaths, cycling tracks, and bridle paths.
Relax at Sauna Van Egmond
After a long day we suggest that you end your last day in Haarlem with a relaxing stay in Sauna Van Egmond. Hidden away in a tranquil Haarlem neighborhood, the spa is located in a huge grand, elegant building that has exquisite art deco furniture. The place provides lavish pampering in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere and its extensive facilities include saunas and the Roman pool as well as the Turkish steam bath as well as the country’s exclusive Caldarium Maximus – a natural stone space that is heated to about 60 degrees. Aside from luxurious spa treatments, they also offer massages, and movie screening at an onsite cinema and serve deli and nutritious food as well.
The Hague
As you approach the second half of your 14-day trip to the Netherlands, we recommend you visit the Hague.
Though Amsterdam is the official capital of the Netherlands, the Hague is known to be the home of the court and government as well as the administrative capital of the country. The administration of Holland is managed from the historical Binnenhof as well as the King’s palace is situated at the Noordeinde. Aside from having a strong political center, the city has many historical monuments along with chic hotels and it is the only large city that has beaches directly on the coast of the North Sea. You can take in the sun, the beach, and the sea by taking a 20-minute tram ride from the city center to Scheveningen and Kijkduin.
Day 4
Mauritshuis
Named Koninklijk Kabinet van Schilderijen in full and also called Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis, this museum has been home to Flemish and Dutch paintings since 1822. The museum’s humble holdings contain about 800 artworks including the famous Girl with a Pearl Earring (1665) by Johannes Vermeer.
From the city central you can reach Mauritshuis in just a 10-minute walk.
Ridderzaal: The Knights’ Hall
From Mauritshuis, walk southeast on Korte Vijverberg toward Plein and turn right onto Binnenhof and you’ll reach Ridderzaal (approximately two minutes).
This is the venue where the monarch has delivered the Speech from the Throne in the assembly chamber of the House of Representatives since 1904. Renovated just in 2006, the nineteen wall hangings bearing the arms of the dozen Dutch provinces and the overseas part of the Kingdom are the most prominent sight here.
Haagse Bos
Haagse Bos, which means the Hague’s Forest, once became the favorite place where the Counts of Holland hunted. With an approximate size of 100 hectares, it is one of the oldest remaining forests in the Netherlands and is very accessible via public transit or bicycle.
The Louwman Museum
After a delicious lunch, head now to the Louwman Museum. The Louwman Museum built by renowned designer Michael Graves houses several extraordinary automobiles which the Louwman family acquired over many years, starting with the first vehicle in the collection, a 20-year-old 1914 Dodge bought by the father of Evert, Pieter Louwman, who is known as the official importer of Dodge in the Netherlands in 1934. Just this August of 2022, Evert Louwman, the famous Dutch Collector after whom the museum is named, was awarded the coveted FIVA Heritage Hall of Fame for the year 2022.
Madurodam
The best way to reach this destination from the Louwman Museum is to take a taxi. The tram ride is unfortunately not available but if you enjoyed the Miniworld in Rotterdam, then make no mistake that you’ll love Madurodam too.
Madurodam can be described as a minuscule model of the Netherlands in which there are “tiny” replicas of the Rijksmuseum, Schiphol Airport, the Dutch canal houses windmills, as well as the fields of tulips.
Madurodam is best explored between mid-spring and fall in the period when canals become brimming with water and the flowers are blooming. In the winter months, there are renovations to some of the exhibits which means you won’t enjoy the same level of enjoyment.
Cap your day trip with an early culinary and casual dinner prepared with fresh seasonal and local ingredients at Restaurant Capriole Café. Located in an old paint factory dating back to 1920, which was transformed into a restaurant, a coffee roastery as well as a coffee bar, here you can explore contemporary European cuisine that has a unique twist.
Day 5
Kunstmuseum Den Haag
On your last day in The Hague, we suggest that you wake up early in the morning and be ready for the long journey ahead.
Now, your first destination would be Kunstmuseum Den Haag. Formerly called Gemeentemuseum, Kunstmuseum Den Haag is designed by Hendrik Berlage. He is a Dutch architect and his work in this museum became a milestone in contemporary architecture. In fact, this was his final masterpiece. The collection here includes contemporary music, fashion, decorative and modern arts, as well as an art print studio with around 50,000 drawings, posters, and prints. Located in Statenkwartier, this building is easily reached by public transport, bike, and car.
The Peace Palace
In the eastern side of Kunstmuseum, just over 2km away, is the Vredesplais. Staying true to its name, this palace in the Hague traces the history of peace in Europe. The First World Peace Conference in 1899 was hosted by this city which paved the way for the opening of the palace in 1913. Since then, it has hosted numerous international peace conferences which intend to settle international disputes by means of arbitration and regulate arms conflict.
Landgoed Clingendael (Huys Clingendael)
Ready to explore a place that features a fusion of Europe and Asia? Just 10 minutes away from Peace Palace, you can find a 17th-century manor house with a lovely baroque colonial style situated in the municipality of Wassenaar, Clingendael offers a great green landscape that also features a beautiful Japanese garden. It also houses the Netherlands Institute of International Relations.
Scheveningen and the Pier
Scheveningen is a great choice to have dinner with a sunset view. The fish is freshly caught and is delicious to taste. Aside from the bars and restaurants on the boulevard, the fish eateries located in Scheveningen harbor create a vibrant background for a memorable dinner.
Delft
Day 6
Delft is an amazing city filled with culture, tradition, and an incredible network of canals. It is a municipality and a city located in South Holland, Netherlands. It is situated between Rotterdam to the southeast as well as The Hague, to the northwest. Delft is an exceptional historical city. It is the place where William of Orange was murdered, where the famous artist Johannes Vermeer worked, and in which the Delft blue pottery is made.
From Haarlem, the best way to get to Delft is through the Dutch Railways (NS) which runs a train every 30 minutes. The fare costs €10 – €24 and the ride takes 44 minutes.
Delft is a small city. It is possible to walk around the city’s historic center of Delft in just 25 minutes.
Nieuwe Kerk
Begin to explore Delft by visiting Nieuwe Kerk in Dam Square. If you’re the one who loves architecture and history then you shouldn’t skip this place.
The word Nieuwe Kerk literally translates to a “new church”, however, it isn’t really new in the slightest. The church is not less than 600 years of age. It is a Protestant church situated on Delft Market Square, opposite the city hall, and is known to be the place wherein almost all the members of The House of Orange-Nassau was entombed.
Tomb of William of Orange
The most well-known memorial within the cathedral is the grave of William of Orange. The lavish mausoleum of the Nieuwe Kerk was ordered by the states-general to honor prince William of Orange as the ‘Father to the Fatherland’. It was constructed between 1614 and 1622. William was the first founder of the House of Orange-Nassau, and one of the leaders in the Dutch Revolt against the King of Spain. The prince was executed in Delft on the 10th of July in 1584. The design was created for the purpose of Hendrick de Keyser who was a well-known international architect and sculptor of his time. It is made with three different types of marble including the black variety, Italian white from Carrara with gold veined black.
Delft City Hall
Designed by Hendrick de Keyser, a municipal architect in the 17th century, this Delft landmark was built after the old, medieval structure was destroyed by fire in 1618. Standing opposite the Nieuwe Kerk and across the renowned Market Square, the lovely stonework, windows, columns, and arches of the Delft City Hall makes it an outstanding Renaissance building.
Oude Kerk
Just northwest of the Mrkt you’ll find the Old Church. The Oude Kerk (Old Church) is the oldest church and the oldest structure in Delft. It was founded in 1246 (the same year that Delft was granted city rights by Count William II). The Gothic tower, with its spire made of brick and four-angle towers, was constructed in the period between 1325-1350. The exquisite interior with the intricately designed stained-glass windows was totally lost in 1566-1572 to iconoclasts. It is said that about 400 people are buried here in Oude Kerk.
Satisfy your palate with dishes from ‘t Walletje
‘t Walletje is a very charming outdoor (and indoor) restaurant under the trees in a noiseless street. They offer international and European cuisines with options for Vegan people.
Prinsenhof Museum (Stedelijk Museum het Prinsenhof)
After a hearty lunch, it’s time for yet another informative adventure. If you’re looking for a place that offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of the Netherlands, then you have to go to the Prinsenhof Museum. The museum is located in a building with immense historical significance, the site of some of the most consequential and dramatic events in Dutch history. It presents the history of Prince William of Orange the Father of the Dutch Nation and was his court once. It is located on the site of the former Sint-Agatha Monastery.
Eastern Gate (Oostpoort)
As you leave Prinsenhof, head northeast and begin a 12-minute (1-kilometer) walk toward Oostpoort. Dates back as early as 1400 CE (Common Era) Oostpoort or Eastern Gate is a historic city gate. Being the last of the city gates to survive (there were eight city gates originally), visiting this is truly worth your while. The East Gate comprised of a gate and lift bridge which is linked through the remaining city walls of Delft.
Old Canal (Oude Delft)
Did you know that Delft is best marveled by water? Just a swift stride from the Old City is the Old Canal. From Oospoort, head west to Koornmarkt, Oede Delft, there you can avail of Boat Cruise that explores the city’s centuries-old waterway. It was dug in 1100 and was made for the purpose of draining the land. Delft canals are at a level with the streets, which makes them different from other European canal cities. Water taxis and private boats are both available to anyone who’d like to explore the city day or night.
Dinner at De Delf
Still can’t get enough of Delft? Well, the best way to end the day is to enjoy a relaxed dinner at a gastro place seated on a barge docked to the canal. De Delf provides a wide variety of dishes from Dutch to Contemporary to International. It is vegetarian-friendly also.
Day 7
Soothing Breakfast at Kek Café
On this day, we’ll be traveling farther to the city so it’s really recommended that you eat your breakfast to prepare you for a long day ahead. It’s a good thing there’s Kek! This cafe is cozy and you can enjoy great coffee, and a calming breakfast all while being surrounded with unique and unique designer gifts as well as wanna-haves. Famous for its original latte art and products that have real stories behind them.
Rose Windmill (Molen De Roos)
Instead of walking, we suggest that you navigate Delft using a bicycle. Bicycle rentals are all over the city so you won’t be short of options.
Now that you have your bike, head northwest to Phoenixstraat where you can find Molen De Roos.
Back in the Medieval Era, there were 15 mills that were built and operated all throughout the Delft. Today, the only one remaining to be fully functional is Molen De Roos. Functioning as a flour mill, the process of turning grain into flour happens here on a weekly basis. You can visit here, climb upstairs to see the mill process, and discover the mill from inside on Wednesdays thru Thursdays and also on Saturdays.
Royal Delft: Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles (Afternoon)
Most visits to Delft will be incomplete without dropping by the factory of the famous Netherlands’ Royal Delft: Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles. So ride your bike for 7 minutes southeast and head to Rotterdamseweg.
The company was founded in 1653 and is the last remaining Delft earthenware plant that dates back to the 17th century. It is known as De Porceleyne Fles (commonly called The Porcelain Jar) – a distinctive trademark that appears at the base of every ceramic piece made by Royal Delft manufacturers. On your tour of this factory, you’ll see an overview of the process of firing, then stroll through a museum that is filled with a variety of Delftware comprising platters, jars as well as unique and unusually designed tulip vases, as well as fascinating tiles with architectural designs.
De Diamanten Ring Bakery
As you wrap up your journey in Delft, you need to indulge your sweet cravings at the oldest bakery in Delft. De Diamanten Ring is located in the city center and this shop bakes bread since 1680.
Every item is freshly prepared following the recipes of the past. From fresh bread loaves to sugary desserts, to delectable biscuits. Try the delicious local butter cookies named in honor of the church’s crooked tower,’scheve jantjes’ and the sweetness of the sugar loaf made with hazelnuts, apricots, and cinnamon sugar dubbed “delfts bruggetje” in honor of Delfts bruggetje, the most famous bridge made of stone in Delft.
Rotterdam
We’re pretty sure you are enjoying your trip so far but are you in for more sightseeing and adventure? From Delft let us move to Rotterdam, which can be reached via train, bus, rideshare, and taxi. Travel time will take up a little less than 30 minutes and the cost of transportation ranges from €2-€18 depending on how you want to get there.
Once you’ve arrived, we suggest you take a break from the usual hotel accommodation and try one of the city’s unique lodging experiences, settle there and get ready to explore the city.
You might be thinking that a trip to the Netherlands is all about historic, old places that give you a “ride to a time machine” feel but you might want to think again because there is Rotterdam. This city is renowned for the city’s contemporary architecture and iconic landmarks like cube houses as well as markets, the Erasmus bridge, and numerous tall buildings. Its harbor is also famous for being one of the largest in Europe. Lastly, the existence of pubs, numerous bars, and nightclubs brings vibrance to the city’s nightlife.
Day 8
Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk
By now, you’ve come to realize that provinces in the Netherlands are dotted with massive and beautiful cathedrals and Rotterdam has its representative – Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk. The only trace of the medieval city of Rotterdam, this church was constructed between 1449 and 1525. Hendrick de Keyser designed the wooden spire that was added to the tower in 1621. The church continues to be used for the worship of the Protestant Church.
Cube Houses
Since most of the cities in the Netherlands are car-free, bicycle rental shops in Rotterdam are also everywhere and allow visitors like us to travel with ease. So hop on and head to the Cube Houses in Overblaak.
Considered one of Rotterdam’s most iconic destinations, these innovative, modern houses are unique for their asymmetric design. Shaped as an inverted cube, tilted over by 45 degrees, and designed by Dutch Architect Piet Blom, complete your memorable trip by spending a night in one of these cube houses.
Markthal or Market Hall
Whether you decide to stay for a night in the Cube Houses or not, you should check out Rotterdam’s famous market hall which is just 290m away from Overblaak.
A market and a residential hall at the same time? That is what Markthal exactly is. Its inhabitable horseshoe arch has 228 apartments, the inner surface of the dome is covered with paintings and mosaics done by artists Iris Roskam and Arno Coenen and the market stalls inside have branded this indoor market a phenomenon. Perfect place for anyone who wants to grab a hearty meal or buy the freshest goods.
Miniworld Rotterdam
In the Central District just five minutes from Rotterdam Central Station and six minutes from Markthal, you can locate the Miniworld Rotterdam. The biggest indoor miniature world in the Benelux region, visitors are awestruck by the miniature landscapes, miniature Dutch people, mini trains, and even a miniature Rotterdam.
REMASTERED
From the miniature world let us proceed now to the World Trade Center where you can find REMASTERED where a digital art audiovisual experience awaits you. The unique experience lasts 60 minutes that includes passing through a waterfall, creating your own UFO and making them fly on a massive LED screen, intermingling with schools of fish, and floating through the sky.
Delfshaven
Do you want to experience the feel of the pre-war Rotterdam atmosphere? Well then, include Delfshaven in your destinations list. This place can be reached through a 20-minute tram ride from the center of Rotterdam, this is an ideal place to relax to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. You can visit the Pilgrim Fathers Church, the place where the Pilgrims offered their prayers before departing for America in 1620. It is also best to explore the canals. Walk on its side or rent a bicycle from one of the local shops nearby. Enjoy dishes made from fresh plates of seafood coupled with locally brewed beer.
Euromast
Your first day in Rotterdam may be ending by this time but we wanted you to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience so we beckon you to go to Euromast which is only a 4-minute bicycle ride from Delfshaven.
Hailed as one of the highest towers in Holland and the highest watchtower in the country, Euromast was designed by Architect Hugh Maaskant in 1960. With 185 meters in height, it offers 360 degree view of Rotterdam’s landscapes. Its amazing feature is the Euroscoop, a rotating glass window elevator that takes the visitors all the way to the top. You can also treat yourself in its restaurant while savoring both the sumptuous food and the breathtaking view.
Day 9
Rotterdam Zoo
Considered one of Europe’s most spectacular zoos, this 160-year-old yet modern zoo serves as a habitat for both animals and a botanical garden. The Oceanium and Amazonica (butterfly paradise) are the largest indoor enclosure in the entire country.
The best time to visit here is in the morning and while you’re there, might as well grab brunch at Vroesenpaviljoen while listening to a string quartet playing classical music.
UNESCO World Heritage – Kinderdijk Windmills (Afternoon)
The oldest collection of Dutch windmills in the Netherlands is peacefully nestled merely nine miles from Rotterdam. Kinderdijk Windmills is always a part of every tourist’s bucket list to visit not only for the beauty and tranquility it offers but also because of the UNESCO World Heritage Status it has gained in 1997.
For a change, we recommend seizing the opportunity to experience a ferry ride from Rotterdam to this amazing site – use the Waterbus from Rotterdam to the Ridderkerk station. Then switch to the Driehoeksveer ferry that will bring you to Kinderdijk. The whole trip usually takes about 40 minutes. Tickets can be purchased by cash or debit card (€2.00 one-way) on the Driehoeksveer.
Europoort
Europoort is one of the world’s busiest ports and is considered a major entry to Europe. Adjoining the industrial area in the Netherlands, this part of the Port of Rotterdam is heavily industrialized with coal handling, bulk iron ore, and petrochemical refineries and storage tanks. But the port is definitely not ugly and boring.
Once there, you can avail of boat tours so you can see the magnificent view of the striking skyline of Rotterdam as it takes you around this port.
Arnhem
Day 10
Arnhem is the capital of Gelderland, a province of the Netherlands, and the site of the battles during the Second World War. It is a vibrant modern city, with many artistic, cultural, and commercial activities. It aims to create an equilibrium between two opposing forces, specifically between nature and culture as well as tourism and industry and between traditions and modernity.
A bicycle is the best way to get around the town and you can rent one for a 25 Euro deposit.
The Sonsbeek Park
The first stop is the first city park in the country reachable via bicycle in just 7 minutes. Sonsbeek Park is famous for the vast variety of plants and trees where you can relax peacefully by several ponds, visit a couple of waterfalls, and fountains.
De Hoge Veluwe National Park
Your nature tripping doesn’t stop at Sonsbeekpark because Arnhem houses another park. This park encompasses approximately 5,500 hectares of woodland and greenery that serve as a natural habitat for wild boars, mouflons, and deer. A total of 1800 white bicycles are parked at the entrances of the park for the visitors to use to roam around the park’s vicinity.
Kröller-Müller Museum
Serving as the second home to Vincent Van Gogh, this museum boasts a world-renowned collection of paintings, drawings, and visual art from the 18th and 19th centuries. Not just a national art museum, it is noteworthy to say that its sculpture garden offers a great aesthetic sight too.
You can reach the museum in just seven minutes by bicycle.
Modekwartier
The trip to Arnhem may be short but still as sweet because we’re going to end it with shopping! Prepare your budget because we’re going to the fashion district in Arnhem which is just walking distance from the center of the city. This bustling neighborhood is full of galleries, workshops, eateries, and boutiques. Character-filled cafes and studios of various designers can be found here as well. Most of the shops are open from Thursday to Sunday however, there are some that are open for longer hours.
Utrecht
Day 11
After a quick breakfast, gather your belongings and hop on the train to Utrecht
This car-free center is also the 4th largest city and municipality of the Netherlands. It is the seat of the county court of law and of the Old Catholic and Roman Catholic archdioceses. Because of its huge population of single young people, Utrecht is coined as a student city.
Domtoren: The Cathedral Tower
Begin your Utrecht journey by stopping by its famous cathedral tower. Domtoren is regarded as the symbol of Utrecht, the city’s main landmark. It was 112 meters high and built between 1321 and 1382, thus becoming the highest and oldest church tower in Holland. It has thirteen bells that weigh from 880 to 18,000 pounds so it’s hard to miss their sound even if you can’t see the tower itself.
Utrecht’s “Old Canal”
A two-kilometer-long canal that runs the full length of the town from north to south, Oudegracht is over 1000 years old and considered the most popular among the canals in the area. You can start marveling at this waterway by walking southwest from Domtoren.
Utrecht Boat Tour
If you want to see Utrecht from a completely different view, then you should avail the boat tours offered in the area. While exploring Holland’s exceptional waterways, you can marvel at the historic facades of dock-side houses, sculpted montages, and all the trees that line up along the canal.
De Haar Castle
This majestic medieval fortress was once the home of the Van Zuylen family though it is the family’s tradition to stay here once a year (every September). From the ramparts and towers to moats, from striking trees to luscious green gardens and ponds, from gates to drawbridges the castle is indeed a real fairy-tale castle.
This may be a little far from the city center (13 kilometers away) but the grand view and royal feel make the long trip worthwhile.
Eat like a local and watch a movie in Louis Hartlooper Complex
Louis Hartlooper Complex is a favorite hangout spot of the locals in Utrecht. Known as a true haven for cinephiles, it runs a wide selection of movies with interesting stories. It is also where movies and festivals, food and drinks, and other special events come together.
Amsterdam
Just a 25-minute train journey from Utrecht, you can reach the country’s city capital known as Amsterdam. This is the ideal place to wrap up the last days of your two-week trip in the Netherlands. Its charm and beautiful history will definitely lure you to delve more into the city’s man-made and natural spectacular spots.
Amsterdam is also a remarkably multicultural city, and one of Europe’s top cities for fusing cultural points which is evident on its menus. Trading of ideas and goods in the city has taken place for centuries. And what better way to bridge cultural gaps than by savoring delicious flavors? There are several top restaurants in Amsterdam that are able to bridge the gap between the old and young, and create unique fusion between cultures near and far.
Also, just like other provinces in the Netherlands, pedaling around Amsterdam is one of the best ways to get around. You can either rent a bike or sign up for a guided bicycle tour.
Day 12
After dropping off your belongings at your accommodation and grabbing a bite to eat, make your way to your first destination of the day.
Art Collections at the Rijksmuseum
The museum, being a masterpiece in of itself, boasts not only the famous artwork collections by notable painters and artists found here but also the stunning building construction with breathtaking interior design. The Dutch Golden Age masterworks such as the Milkmaid by Vermeer and Rembrandt’s Night Watch are kept here. It is estimated that 2.5 million visitors travel here to feel a sense of time and beauty.
Van Gogh Museum
A few swift strides (300m) from Rijksmuseum is the Van Gogh Museum. The house of the largest Vincent van Gogh collection in the world can be seen in Amsterdam. This refers to art genius’s artworks dating from 1853 to 1890, including more than 750 letters, 200 paintings, and 500 drawings.
Stedelijk Museum
A neighbor to the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum at Museumplein, the Stedelijk Museum is home to the modern art, contemporary art, and design collection of Amsterdam.
Vondelpark
Only four minutes away from the Museumplein is the Vondelpark. First made public as a strolling park and horseback riding venue in 1865, the Vondelpark was known before as Nieuwe Park. Today it is the most famous city park in the Netherlands. After spending the better part of the day indoors, enjoying the city’s incredible art museums, take advantage of this beautiful outdoor space to walk around and enjoy a picnic lunch. If you’re lucky, you may catch one of the free concerts held in the park’s open-air theater.
Dam Square
After a bite to eat make your way to Dam Square to see the next 3 destinations.
Koninklijk Palace (The Royal Palace)
The Royal Palace Amsterdam stands in the middle of the city and is located in Dam Square. It is considered one of the best examples of the Dutch Baroque architecture style. The royal family continues to utilize the palace for ceremonial and official occasions about 10 times per year and is accessible to guests for the majority of the time.
National Monument
Facing the palace from across the square is the National Monument which commemorates those who died during World War II.
Nieuwe Kerk
This “New Church” is a 15th century Gothic church that sits across a small side street from the palace.
Oude Kerk
Having seen the Nieuwe Kerk, it’s time to walk through the city’s Red Light District to find its counterpart, the Oude Kerk. The “Old Church” is the oldest building in Amsterdam, dating back to the 13th century. You can climb the Church tower to enjoy some great views of the city at any time, but it is truly magical around this time of day, the golden hour.
Red Light District
As you make your way to the city center or your choice of restaurant for a delicious fusion meal, you will walk the Red Light District which only truly comes alive after the sun has set.
Day 13
Volendam Day Trip
Volendam is a charming village that is just 21 kilometers away from Amsterdam. The tiny fishing village in the North Sea has been around since the 14th century and has remained relatively unchanged from the time of its founding. Famous for a lot of things, traveling to Volendam is definitely worthwhile.
Cheese Factory Volendam offers you a once-in-a-lifetime experience to treat you to the delights of Dutch Cheese. The Volendam Museum is an unconventional museum because it tackles the extraordinary elements of early life in this part of the country. Be ready to dig into delicious food and refreshing drinks found in De Dijk of Volendam. This is where many locals go to have a taste of exceptional Dutch meals. Lastly, riding a ferry to Volendam from Marken via a short cruise in Lake Markermeer will let you reach these two cities in just half an hour.
Day 14
Anne Frank House
Having become one of the city’s most popular and significant museums, the Anne Frank house is located along the Prinsengracht canal in the city center and is the location where young girl Anne Frank hid with seven others in the home secret annex during Germany’s World War II occupation. She documented her time here in her diary which was published years later.
NEMO Science Museum
The NEMO Science Museum delivers an open, non-formal educational environment where people of all ages can be exposed to the world of science and technology.
Tony’s Chocolonely Factory & Store
After a more cumbersome morning, and an educational mid-day, it is time to head to Tony’s Chocolonely for your final stop of your two week Netherlands adventure. Before picking up your belongings and making your way to the airport, be sure to sample the several classic chocolate flavors and even create your own unique chocolate bar for a sweet way to end your trip and a perfect gift to bring home to share with friends and family.
Key takeaways:
1. A trip to the Netherlands should not be limited to Amsterdam alone for the whole country boasts of a very rich culture with spectacular views. Each has a unique story of its own.
2. Most of the places in the Netherlands are car-free centers so take advantage of it by taking in the fresher air, enjoying outdoor activities such as jogging, biking, or hiking, savoring delish foods, and marveling at the beauty of nature around you whether it’s natural or man-made.
3. Traveling is not just about visiting places you’ve never been to but it also encourages each visitor to immerse himself in the traditions, history, and unique locals therein, and grow from everything you learn along the way.