Amsterdam
The capital city and most densely populated municipality of the Netherlands. It’s famous for its artistic history, which can be found in the Museum district. It has a network of 17th century canals, which have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011. Along with the cozy cafes, shopping in the 9 streets (9 straatjes) and bustling nightlife, you can take a boat tour around the canals and see the heart of Amsterdam. Or become a local, and explore the city by bike. Bikes are for rent at the Station and cycling tours through the city are available.
Zaanse Schans
The picturesque area of the Zaanse Schans, transports you back in time to life in the Netherlands in the 17th and 18th century. This area is full of authentic houses, windmills, and factories form that time period. They also offer various workshops that show you how things were done back in the day. You can also explore the area on a relaxing boat ride where you will ride through the canals and lakes.
The Hague
The city of peace and justice. Home to many international organizations, courts and embassies, the Hague is known for it’s diplomatic ties. It is also the home of the Dutch parliament and some of the Royal Family palaces. The city has historical, multicultural center where you can shop, eat, and experience the rich culture and history. If you are looking for a more relaxed time, you can go to Scheveningen, the most well-known beach resort of the Netherlands, where you can take a dip in the North Sea.
Rotterdam
Bombed to ashes during WWII, this city rose from the rubble like a phoenix and is now famous for its bold, modern architecture. It is home to the biggest port of the Netherlands and home of overseas trade. It’s city center is both trendy and fun where you can enjoy shopping, food and nightlife. Aside from that, there are many museums and landmarks worth visiting such as the Museum park and the Euromast.
Delft
Famous for it’s Delft Blue Pottery, it’s houses two well known factories; Royal Delft and Delftse Pauw, where you can take a tour and see how its made or try it yourself and participate in one of their workshops. The city center of Delft has remained untouched since the 17th century and is home to the works of Johannes Vermeer. It also has deep ties with the Royal Family as displayed through the Old Church, New Church and the Princess’ Courtyard.
Utrecht
Located at the center of the Netherlands and also the lively, beating heart of the country, this city was build around the Dom Tower, which can be seen from any location in the city. With a car-free city center, you can enjoy all sorts of activities such as eating, shopping, and arts and culture. It has a network of cafes located on the canals, and many buildings dedicated to history, arts and culture such as the Centraal Museum, Schouwburg and the Railway Museum.
Volendam
Volendam is well known for its old fishing boats and the traditional clothing still worn by some residents. The women’s costume of Volendam, is one of the most recognizable of the Dutch traditional costumes, and is often featured on tourist postcards and posters.
Originally, Volendam was the harbor for Edam which was situated at the mouth of the IJ bay. In 1357, the inhabitants of Edam dug a shorter canal to the Zuiderzee with its own separate harbor. This removed the need for the original harbor, which was then dammed and used for land reclamation.
Farmers and local fishermen settled there, forming the new community of Vollendam, which literally meant something like ‘Filled dam’.
In the early part of the 20th century it became something of an artists’ retreat, with both Picasso and Renoir spending time here. Volendam also features a small museum about its history and clothing style, and visitors can have their pictures taken in traditional Dutch costumes.
Giethoorn
Giethoorn is like a scene from a fairy-tale. It’s known for its boat-filled waterways, footpaths, bicycle trails and centuries-old thatched-roof houses. It is a place that offers you relaxation and also to briefly forget the noisy cars, because they are not welcome there, primarily because this tale like place does not have roads.
Giethoorn got its name when settlers found goat horns from the place many years ago. Since, goat is known as ‘geit’ in Dutch, they named it ‘Geitenhorn’ which was later replaced to ‘Giethoorn’.
Around 2,600 citizens dwell in the area, with colourful island homes backing straight onto the water highways surrounded with vibrant plants and bushes decorating the exterior of the homes, making it look like something out of a story.
This magical village has four miles of canals and over 176 wooden arch bridges to acces the area’s houses and public buildings.