The Netherlands: Amsterdam, the Hague and More

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. 

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. 

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.

Minbuza , the official Web site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explores the history of the Netherlands in a format that is both user- and scholar-friendly. Here you'll learn about the Golden Age (1600-1700), during which Amsterdam was regarded as the financial capital of the world. Also during this time, Amsterdam's religious tolerance and plentiful employment opportunities attracted many immigrants fleeing religious persecution elsewhere in Europe.

The Dutch Royal House Web site explains that while the Netherlands is a democratic country with an elected governing body, it also has a royal family. Queen Beatrix, who resides in The Hague, is the head of the royal family and acts as a head of State for the Netherlands.

The BBC 's Quick Fix site will help you learn useful Dutch phrases including "yes" (ja) and "I'm sorry, I don't speak Dutch" (Het spijt me, ik spreek geen Nederlands).

The U.S. Department of State site provides key information for tourists traveling to the Netherlands, including entry/exit requirements, safety and security warnings, and information for victims of crime. In addition, the site urges travelers to ensure that their medical insurance covers international travel, and provides detailed information on medical insurance abroad. 

Minbuza explains visa requirements in great detail, including how to apply, and for how long you may stay in a country. U.S. citizens are not required to apply for a visa for visits to the Netherlands spanning three months or less. 

X-rates calculates the difference between currencies, including the Euro and the U.S. dollar. According to the site, the Euro has remained at or above the equivalent of 1.30 in U.S. dollars for 2007.

Netherlands.info , the online guide for the Netherlands, gives an overview of the various modes of transportation that will take you there. Although text-only and not very attractive, the site is well organized, listing airports, divulging rail and road information, and explaining bus and ferry routes clearly and effectively. 

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the official airline of the Netherlands, offering direct service between the Netherlands and major European, North American, and Asia Pacific cities. On KLM's site, you can book your flight, view value fare offers, and register for "Flying Blue," which earns you special discounts. If you are flying from the United States, you will be redirected to the site of KLM's official partner, NWA (Northwest Airlines).

Rail Europe is North America's official distributor of Eurail passes, of which there are numerous varieties. This site explains the options, and gives prices for the most popular rail passes in Europe, in addition to special offers and promotions. Don't miss the Interactive Rail Pass Finder, which can help you find good deals. 

StenaLine provides ferry service from Harwick, England, to the Hook of Holland, which is a drivable distance from Amsterdam. On this site, you can book your ferry ride, or get a price quote. Day and night sailings are offered, some of which are on newly refurbished vessels.

Eurolines is Europe's express coach network, offering bus service to 25 countries in Europe. Service is provided between the Netherlands and several European destinations, and between the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. On this site, you can view timetables and a network map with departure points, and book your tickets.

Rough Guides offers a succinct accommodation section, with a few practical basics regarding booking hotels and hotel ratings in the Netherlands, as well as links to sites specifically for hotels in the Netherlands. 

HotelRes.nl , the Netherlands Reservation Centre, guides you through making hotel reservations anywhere in the country. An easy-to-use booking tool is provided, along with information about special tailor-made offers for groups needing more than three rooms.

Qbic Hotels , available only in the Netherlands, are an alternative form of accommodation for budget-conscious travelers who still want a nice hotel. Prices start from €39.00 a night, which may be well worth it, considering the special feature allowing you to change the color of your Cubi (a cube-shaped room) to match your mood.

Hi Hostels , the site of Hostelling International, allows you to book by country, including the Netherlands. You can search by city, and find rates, reviews, and dates of availability. Scroll down for the "Top Hostels In" section, featuring the swankiest hostels in Amsterdam.

House Boats Hotel offers just that-houseboats in the canals that act as hotels. According to this site, there are more than 10,000 houseboats in the Netherlands; here you will be able to rent a houseboat for short- or long-term stays. 

Vuurtoren van Harlingen is a site all about the Harlingen Harbour Crane. Located in Harlingen, meters outside of Amsterdam, the crane had been used until 1996 to unload timber from freights. In 2001, it underwent a two-year renovation to become a two-person luxury hotel. The crane sits above water and, in case you were wondering, the crane is operable and you can change your view from the crane cabin.

The Schipol Airport provides a route planner to help you get to or from the airport via car, train, or bus, or by one of the airport's own taxis. Enter your destination and departure addresses (one of which must be Schipol Airport), and this tool gives quick, convenient directions to almost anywhere in the country.

Nederlandse Spoorwegen , Holland's national rail system, maintains a helpful site. On it, you can find everything you need to know about train travel in the Netherlands, including ticket information, seat reservation and booking details, descriptions of station facilities, and more.

Frommers.com , site of the successful and well-known travel guidebook series, has a particularly helpful section on getting around in the Netherlands, including advice for navigating Dutch roadways and the often reckless drivers. You'll also find information about rental cars (major companies are stationed at the main airport), where to get roadmaps, and more insider tips.

Amsterdam City-Discovery promotes canal tours, offering several different ways to see the city from the canals. One option is a tour in conjunction with a pass to the Rijksmuseum, which takes you to places you've seen in paintings at the museum. 

Amsterdam City-Discovery also includes information about Amsterdam day passes. For 24 Euros, you can purchase an All Amsterdam Transport Pass, which allows you unlimited travel by tram, bus, and metro, as well as one day unlimited use of the Canal Bus. 

Cycling in the Netherlands is the personal homepage of two Dutch cycling enthusiasts. On this site, you'll find recommended long-distance and day rides throughout the Netherlands, in addition to an interactive checklist of what to pack for long rides.