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What is the Netherlands famous for?
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The Netherlands is famous for picturesque canals, tulips, cycling, and of course the city of Amsterdam, with its interesting history and surprisingly relaxed culture.
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What can art lovers experience in the Netherlands?
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Art lovers will enjoy exploring the many art museums rich in works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and the like from the Golden Age of the 17th century.
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What outdoor activities are available in the Netherlands?
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There are numerous bike trails, parks, and natural areas scattered throughout the country, offering nearly endless options for fun in the outdoors.
Recommended Activities for Families
⮕ For families: Attractiepark Slagharen
Ride thrilling coasters and explore themed zones on an exciting family adventure.
© Attractiepark Slagharen
Attractiepark Slagharen is an amusement park in Slagharen. It features a dry part as well as a water park called Aqua Mexicana and is consistently ranked as one of the most visited amusement parks in Europe. The park has a wide range of rollercoasters and other traditional theme park rides as well as a solid selection of carnival-style games. Slagharen offers something for every visitor, but is especially well suited for small children. For guests who wish to spend the night, there are several options of resort accommodations, including camping in a wigwam, cottages, mobile homes, and traditional campsites.
Zwarte Dijk 37, 7776 PB Slagharen, The Netherlands, Phone: +31 (0) 523-683000
⮕ For art lovers: Van Gogh Museum
Admire famous artworks and discover unusual stories behind the artist’s life and vision.
© Courtesy of Sammy - Fotolia.com
The Van Gogh Museum is an art museum that houses the works of famous artist Vincent van Gogh as well as some pieces by artists from the same era. The museum is located at Amsterdam South's Museum Square alongside many other museums. The Van Gogh Museum holds the largest collection of the artist's paintings and drawings in the world. The museum is comprised of two buildings: The Reitveld Building and the Kurokawa Wing. The Rietveld is the main building and houses the permanent collection, including an exhibit about the restoration of paintings and Van Gogh's works. The smaller Kurokawa Wing is an oval building that is used for temporary exhibits.
Museumplein 6, 1071 DJ Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Phone: +31 (0) 205-705200
⮕ For animal lovers: Diergaarde Blijdorp
See exotic animals and walk through immersive exhibits on a fun kids outing.
© Courtesy of lidian neeleman - Fotolia.com
Diergaarde Blijdorp is a zoo in northwestern Rotterdam. At nearly 160 years old, it is one of the oldest zoos in the country. Like many zoos around the world, the Blijdorp is largely divided according to regions of the world. The zoo is home to a variety of exciting animals, such as rhinos, gorillas, red pandas, and many more. Animal feedings, demonstrations, and talks are scheduled daily and there are also special weekly events such as shark feedings and keeper talks. In addition to the exciting animal exhibits, the zoo features an aquarium, known as the Oceanarium, as well as a botanical garden.
Blijdorplaan 8, 3041 JG Rotterdam, The Netherlands, Phone: +31 (0) 104-431495
⮕ For fantasy lovers: Efteling
Explore fairytale lands and enjoy magical sights during your unforgettable weekend trip.
© Efteling
Efteling
is a fantasy-themed amusement park located in Kaatsheuvel. The park's attractions are based on a variety of ancient legends, myths, stories, and other elements of folklore. The park is the largest theme park in the country and one of the oldest of its kind in the world. It originally opened in 1952 as a small nature park with a children's playground, and is now a full-service theme park with activities and amenities for both children and adults. The park is divided into several areas, including a hotel, an 18-hole golf course, a holiday park, and four sections that house the majority of the rides and attractions in the park.
Europalaan 1, 5171 KW, Kaatsheuvel, The Netherlands, Phone: +31 (0) 416-537777
Attractions for Couples
⮕ For photographers: Erasmusbrug
Look at the iconic bridge and snap photos during your quick Rotterdam visit.
© Courtesy of Sergii Figurnyi - Fotolia.com
Erasmusbrug, or the Erasmus Bridge in English, is a bridge connecting the north and south parts of the city of Rotterdam and is located in the city center. The bridge is the second largest in the country and is named after Desiderius Erasmus, who was a well-known humanist and theologian. The bridge is nicknamed The Swan and has two sections: A cable-stayed part and a prominent bascule bridge section for ships to pass under. The bascule section is the heaviest and largest in Western Europe. The bridge is quite unique in appearance and has appeared in several films. It is also part of the annual World Port Days festival held in the city each year.
3011 BN Rotterdam, The Netherlands
⮕ For puzzle fans: Escher Museum
Discover mind-bending art and admire unusual perspectives on this easy cultural stop.
© Escher Museum
The
Escher Museum is an art museum in The Hague that displays the artwork of Dutch graphical artist M.C. Escher. The museum is located inside the Lange Voorhout Palace, which is the former residence of Dutch royalty. The works in the museum include an impressive number of lithographs and woodcuts by Escher, many of them known throughout the world. The third floor is devoted to optical illusions and includes the well-known Escher Room, where adults seem to be smaller than children, as well as several other illusions. The museum is furnished with 15 chandeliers made by local artist Hans van Bentem, which were specially made for the museum and include chandeliers with designs based on sharks, spiders, stars, and sea horses.
Lange Voorhout 74, 2514 EH Den Haag, The Netherlands, Phone: +31 (0) 704-277730
⮕ For interactive museum fans: Heineken Experience
Tour the original brewery and savor cold tastings on a fun, affordable outing.
© Courtesy of Sammy - Fotolia.com
The Heineken Experience is an interactive museum located on the site of a former brewery that was the beer giant's first. For more than a hundred years, the company brewed their iconic beer at this location. The experience-based tour travels through the history of the famous beer brand and guests have the chance to taste a variety of brews. The tour is self-guided using an audio app that you can download to your device for free. It is also accessible by renting a device for a small fee. The Heineken Experience takes approximately 1.5 hours, and the walk takes you through the old brewery with staff located at key points to tell you all about their beer.
Stadhouderskade 78, 1072 AE Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Phone: +31 20 721 5300
⮕ For cyclists and nature lovers: Hoge Veluwe National Park
Bike forest trails and spot wildlife during a peaceful fall trip through nature.
© Courtesy of dennis vd water - Fotolia.com
Hoge Veluwe National Park is a 55-square-kilometer park in the province of Gelderland. The park has a variety of habitats including sand dunes, woods, and heathlands. The park is accessed by one of three entrances in the villages of Schaarsbergen, Hoenderloo, and Otterlo. Hoge Veluwe is best explored by bicycle, which can be used for free by visitors as much of the park is not accessible by car. A variety of wildlife can be seen in the park, including two species of deer as well as wild boar and mouflon. There are also several other notable museums on the park grounds. In the center of the park is the Marchantsquare, which boasts a restaurant, toilets, bike repair shop, and the park's visitor center.
Apeldoornseweg 250, 7351 TA Hoenderloo, The Netherlands, Phone: +31 (0) 800-8353628
Unique Attractions
⮕ For curious travelers: Hungry Birds, Amsterdam Street Food Tours
Taste local bites and explore hidden gems on this exciting culinary adventure.
© Hungry Birds, Amsterdam Street Food Tours
Hungry Birds is a tour company in Amsterdam that offers food-centric tours. The tours give travelers the opportunity to learn about the culture of the Netherlands through street food and interesting city landmarks. Tour guests will get the opportunity to interact with many of the owners and operators of various food establishments throughout the city and hear stories of the family businesses that have shaped the Amsterdam food scene. Guests are encouraged to ask questions and interact with the hosts and tour guides. Tour experiences include daytime, evening, and Sunday food and drink tours as well as a Saturday craft beer tour called the Thirsty Birds Experience.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Phone: +31 (0) 619-296774
⮕ For romantics: Jordaan
Stroll canal-lined streets and browse charming shops on a romantic afternoon walk.
© Courtesy of oscity - Fotolia.com
One of the best ways to get a pulse on the city of Amsterdam is to wander the narrow lanes of Jordaan, known as the 9 Streets. Perhaps the most charming neighborhood in the country's capital, the Jordaan neighborhood of Amsterdam is a look into the city's history. This section of town was originally a neighborhood for working class folks, but these days, its narrow streets and interesting buildings are some of the most desirable real estate in the city. The hip neighborhood is a haven for shopping and has many independent art galleries, gardens, dining establishments, antique shops, and bars.
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming tulip fields, perfect for sightseeing. |
Hotel Pulitzer (Amsterdam) – A luxurious stay in a historic canal house. |
Visit Keukenhof Gardens – Experience the world-famous tulip festival. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and lively, ideal for outdoor cafés, festivals, and beach trips. |
Mainport Hotel (Rotterdam) – A stylish waterfront hotel with spa amenities. |
Explore the Dutch coastline – Enjoy beaches at Zandvoort or Scheveningen. |
Fall (September-November) – Cool and colorful, great for museums and scenic canal walks. |
The Hoxton (Amsterdam) – A trendy boutique hotel in the city center. |
Tour the Van Gogh Museum – Discover masterpieces from the iconic Dutch artist. |
Winter (December-February) – Festive markets and cozy atmospheres, great for cultural experiences. |
Hotel Des Indes (The Hague) – A grand hotel with historic charm. |
Visit a Dutch Christmas market – Explore winter charm in Maastricht or Haarlem. |
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