Where To Go On Holiday In The Netherlands
Its capital, Amsterdam, attracts tourists in their droves all keen to experience the thrills and spills on offer in the city. Step aside from the seedy reputation and you’ll discover a city that is cosmopolitan and cultured. Dubbed the Venice of the North, Amsterdam is surrounded by idyllic canals which weave their way around the city and is noted for its striking architecture. Top attractions include the Anne Frank Museum, the impressive Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum. To explore the city why not hire a boat and navigate your way along the canals, or alternatively join the ever popular skate tours which take place every Friday evening.
For an altogether slower pace head to The Hague where you’ll enjoy green open spaces and proximity to the coastline. Known as the judicial capital of the world, a stay wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Peace Palace, home to the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Also worth a visit are the Paleis Huis ten Bosch, home to Queen Beatrix, set amid the beautiful Haagse Bos Park, and the nearby seaside resort of Scheveningen.
The pretty historical city of Haarlem offers a glimmer into life in the past with its quaint old city and attractions including the Windmill De Adriaan on the banks of the river, the Vleeshal Meat Hall (one time establishment of all local butchers) and the Grote Markt main square. The Netherlands is of course known for its tulips and so no visit would be complete without journeying between Haarlem and nearby Leiden to see the flowers growing in all their colourful glory.
To get off the beaten track head to the Loosdrecht Lakes near Utrecht where you can enjoy yachting and exclusive restaurants, or the sleepy wilderness of the Frisian Islands which stretch out towards Denmark. And for the truly adventurous consider a cycling tour of the country – with famous flat land and a series of over 6,000 miles worth of cycle routes, an adventure awaits!