The Netherlands: Amsterdam, the Hague and More
The Netherlands is a balance between tradition and eccentricity. You can have a moment of serenity at a floating flower garden, settle in for a beer at the Heineken brewery, view famous paintings, or explore the Red Light District; the Netherlands truly offers something for everyone. In this guide, you'll find resources for exploring the Netherlands, sites to help you plan a trip, and advice for making the most of your time there.
Expand All Guide SectionsNetherlands Travel Basics
The Netherlands has some well-known and favorite attractions, such as Anne Frank's house in Amsterdam, but it is also home to some surprises. For instance, did you know that The Hague, located on the coast of the Netherlands, is considered one of the top surfing locations in the world? Use the sites below to get a general overview of the country, or research specific attractions in a particular city.
Dulcinea's Insight
- When searching for travel deals or booking hotels, flights, and train tickets, look for "the Netherlands" rather than "Holland," as most travel sites use the former, which is the country's proper name. (Holland is the name of the largest province of the country, and is thus often used as a nickname for the country itself.)
- Amsterdam may be best known for its notorious Red Light District but, as this New York Times article suggests, the city has recently capitalized on its creative energy. Now is a great time to take in the booming architecture and design scene, and dine in the newest restaurants before throngs of tourists catch on.
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview ...
Holland.com
, the official tourism Web site for the Netherlands, provides both overviews of Holland and detailed explanations of cities. You'll also find a section with advice from locals on what to do while you're in Holland.
Rough Guides
' homepage offers a history of the Netherlands that provides a quick crash course in its traditions and culture. Rough Guides also recommends where to go, when to go, and 26 things not to miss in the Netherlands, including Queen's Day. Queen's Day is when the country celebrates the birthday of Queen Juliana, the current Queen's mother, with street parades, music, and unregulated trading.
Real Travel
focuses on popular destinations in the Netherlands. Check out top-rated itineraries made by travelers, view photos, and consult reviews of hotels and destinations. In the "More Travel Information on the Netherlands" section, you'll find maps, blogs, things to do, and deals in the Netherlands, among many other resources.
Cityweblogs
, part of Holland.com, offers great insight from city dwellers on the best places to visit and eat, with a "what to do" section organized by date. The blog-like format is offered for the following cities: Amsterdam, Den Haag, Maastricht, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Groningen, Eindhoven, region Arnhem-Nijmegen, Dordrecht, Gouda, and Leiden.
For some cities/attractions ...
Keukenhof.nl
is the official Web site for the Keukenhof gardens in Li, Netherlands, which has been called "the most beautiful spring garden in the world." Each year, more than seven million bulbs are planted, typically blooming in March. On this site, you can book tickets to see the 2008 blooms, use an interactive map "to find the most beautiful places" in Keukenhof, and obtain practical information.
Time Out
explains the laws governing the Netherlands' loose stance on marijuana and the history of the legalization of marijuana in 1976. You'll also find a list of Amsterdam's "coffee shops" (licensed and taxed stores where you can buy marijuana).
Delft
's municipal Web site includes information for both tourists and residents. Centrally located in Holland, the town is the birthplace of Johannes Vermeer, and its streets were inspiration for many of his legendary paintings. It's also home to markets, museums, monuments, and churches that reflect old-world Holland. Use this site to explore attractions, restaurants, and accommodations.
DenHaag.com
is a site published by The Hague Convention and Visitors Bureau, and covers the full expanse of activities in The Hague. You'll find information about museums, beaches, and a world-famous dance company.
For Amsterdam ...
Amsterdam Tourist
is the official Web site of the Amsterdam Tourist and Convention Board, detailing events, exhibitions, and where to stay and eat. The site also offers practical information, including emergency phone numbers and tipping advice.
Amsterdam.info
has important tourism information about the Red Light District, one of Amsterdam's most talked-about areas. The site provides an introduction, a breakdown of the three neighborhoods, and advice for where to go and what to avoid.
The Van Gogh Museum
site features an overview of Vincent Van Gogh's life, with corresponding paintings, and a more detailed biography. Here, you can purchase tickets to the museum and learn of on-going lectures. Don't miss Friday nights when the museum is open until 11 PM and exhibitions are explored in a relaxed atmosphere.
The Anne Frank House
Web site presents a detailed biography of Anne Frank, lists worldwide Anne Frank organizations, and allows you to buy tickets to visit the house. Educators and students may find the educational resources, including a Web guide to Anne Frank's experience and World War II, particularly useful.
The Holland.com
site recommends the floating-flower market in Amsterdam, which is open year-round and located on one of the oldest canals in Amsterdam, the Singel. According to Holland.com, the market was first held in 1862, and today's version features almost any flower imaginable, as well as Dutch souvenirs.
Travel Requirements for the Netherlands
Referred to either as "the Netherlands" or "Holland," the full title of the ... read more »
Getting to the Netherlands
You have a few different options for getting to the Netherlands, depending on where you're ... read more »
Netherlands Hotels
The Web is teeming with sites to help you find and book your accommodation. Below, you'll find a ... read more »
Getting Around the Netherlands
Breathe a sigh of relief; the Netherlands is a pleasure to navigate. Not only does the country ... read more »
Netherlands Travel Blogs and Forums
Another way to prepare for your trip is to find out what other travelers liked or disliked about ... read more »
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