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Highlights outside of Amsterdam

Highlights outside of Amsterdam


Highlights outside of Amsterdam

Zaanse Schans (Zaandam) - 'But where are all the wind mills?' You're not the only one whose asked this question. In fact, Amsterdam really doesn't have that many and you won't find any in the centre of town. We recommend a trip to Zaanse Schans, where you'll have plenty of opportunities to spot one of Holland's most endearing symbols. You will have to deal with crowds though as the well-preserved wind mills and traditional houses here attract almost a million visitors every year.

Kaasmarkt (Alkmaar) - Yes, it's true. Hoorn, Gouda, Woerden and Edam have them, too, but if you'd like to see Holland's most renowned cheese market, you have to go to Alkmaar. Every Friday on the old town market huge wheels of cheese are carried around and weighed, which is quite the sight.

Volendam - the place where all the great Dutch singers are born, Volendam has mostly become a town of fishermen, and sadly, loads of tourists wanting a taste of the real Dutch culture. You can dress up in traditional clothes here or wander about: it's beautiful nonetheless.

Miffy Museum (Utrecht) - If you can't get enough of the cute bunny drawings of Dick Bruna, the Miffy (Nijntje) Museum in Utrecht is the place to go. If it's not, you'll almost certainly get annoyed by the small children and the flocks of Japanese tourists.

Frans Hals Museum (Haarlem) - Sick of the same museums around Museumplein in Amsterdam? The Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem displays an amazing collection of paintings by Dutch old masters and is the museum to visit if you appreciate Dutch Golden Age art.

Museum De Lakenhal (Leiden) - A museum full of artefacts from the masters of the Golden Age? If you're not in the mood to visit Haarlem, Leiden is the best alternative. The old centre of Leiden is also beautiful and worth a look. 

Rotterdam - It's a hate-hate relationship: Amsterdam versus 'the other Dam'. There are plenty of reasons why these two cities are so competitive. Schiphol is one of the busiest airports in the world, while Rotterdam is home to the world's busiest harbour. Football champions Ajax have been sparring with Feyenoord for decades and while Amsterdam lives on its charming medieval buildings, Rotterdam was completely rebuilt after was nearly levelled by bombs in WWII. If you're tired of touristy Amsterdam and crave the sight of a large city with a modern skyline, then Rotterdam is the only option in the Netherlands.

Nieuwe Kerk (Delft) - Yes, there's also an Oude Kerk (Old Church), but this one is where all the deceased members of the Dutch royal family are buried. Even legendary William of Orange rests here for all eternity. It's quite impressive and a must-see if you're in Delft.

Keukenhof - You can't really escape it. Flowers are a part of Dutch culture. Tulips, which were actually originally imported (smuggled) from Turkey, are a national symbol of Holland the Keukenhof is the place to see them 'in the wild' once the season starts in the early spring. The huge gardens are only open to the public for two months each year (www.keukenhof.nl).

Sint Janskerk (Maastricht) - If you really want to travel as far from the city as possible without leaving the country then take a train all the way to the hilly south of the country where you can witness the pretty sights of Maastricht among its beer-loving residents. The reddish Gothic Sint Janskerk is the city's main highlight, but there are loads of other things to see like Roman forts (Fort Sint Pieter) and busy squares full of cafés.

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