Unmissable experiences and places in The Netherlands

After having lived in The Netherlands for a year and having toured it far and wide, here are the places and experiences not to be missed in this wonderful country.

Some practical advice: - The most comfortable and fastest means of transport is the train. They are always on time and spotless. It is possible to buy the ticket for the single journey or, to save a little, there is the possibility of buying a rechargeable card to be validated at each ascent and descent. - Let's dispel the myth of bicycles. Yes, they are used by most of the population because the number of cycle paths in various cities is very high. But, I strongly advise against taking the bike in Amsterdam due to the multitude of people on the road. Events not to be missed: King's Day (April 27th). It is a day of continuous holidays in the Netherlands. The boats full of people go back and forth through the canals of Amsterdam with the music to the ball. The party atmosphere is overwhelming! Seeing is believing!

Carnival (1/11 is the first day of celebrations, while the actual carnival is in February). Carnival is the most felt event in all of Holland. It is for young and old and people's clothes depend on the color of the flag of the city of origin.

Carnival decorations in Den Bosh

Typical carnival dress in Den Bosh

1. Amsterdam: the capital Amsterdam is difficult to describe. It is a city that must be lived, in all its essence. It is full of magical places and corners, thanks also to the hundreds of colorful flowers that adorn the banks of the canals.

Amsterdam train station

Typical houses on the canals of Amsterdam

Absolutely not to be missed: - the Rijksmuseum dedicated to art and history. Easily reachable on foot from the central station, the entrance fee is 20 euros and the opening hours are from 9:00 to 17:00. Facade of the museum in spring

Facade of the museum in winter

-The red light district. The iconic neighborhood full of sex shops, erotic theaters and above all shop windows where prostitutes offer their services. I recommend going there in the evening, for an even more surreal atmosphere.

Hallucinogenic mushroom shop

- Dam Square: the central square from which the shopping street starts and the one that leads to the red light district.

Dam Square on Tulips Day (April)

Dam Square in December, just before Christmas

- A'DAM lookout: it is a tower from which it is possible to enjoy a 360 ° view of Amsterdam. I also absolutely recommend a ride on the highest swing in Europe (it lasts about 1 minute, but it is absolutely worth trying it for 5 euros) !!

-Zaanse Schans is a small community located north of Amsterdam. It can be reached from Amsterdam Central Station by bus no. 391 and can be easily visited in a few hours. Absolutely not to be missed is a visit inside the windmill, the chocolate lab (where you can make your hot chocolate) and the museum of hoofs, typical Dutch shoes.

Hoof Museum

2. Den Bosh The town where I lived. It is located in the south of Holland, an hour by train from Amsterdam. It is the typical Dutch city full of bicycles! If you want to immerse yourself completely in Dutch culture, this town is absolutely unmissable.

3. Eindhoven Eindhoven is a beautiful city, organized, clean and easily accessible from Amsterdam. A visit to the church of Santa Caterina is not to be missed.

4. Rotterdam It is an important port city whose main attraction are the yellow cube-shaped houses inclined at 45 °, designed by the architect Piet Blom.

Rotterdam is also famous for one of the largest covered markets in the country. Absolutely unmissable for a lunch or dinner.

External facade of the market

Market interior decorations

Rotterdam train station is also an architectural gem not to be missed.

5. Utrecht Utrecht, while quite small, turned out to be a pleasant discovery. Easily accessible by train from any other Dutch city, it embodies the authentic Dutch atmosphere of yesteryear.

6. Leiden It is a town located in the South Holland region and is full of canals, parks and historic buildings.

7. Haarlem Although very close to Amsterdam, Haarlem has retained its authenticity. It is a city of considerable history and culture and is famous for the tulip fields in spring.

Haarlem in December during the Christmas markets

8. Alkmaar Famous for the cheese market (which I was unable to visit). It is a town located in North Holland.

Taking a road from the city center, you reach an area with windmills.

9. Den Haag Den Haag, or The Hague, is a large city located on the North Sea. Don't miss Scheveningen, the famous seaside frequented by the Dutch. The main activities are: walking on the beach, visiting the town, bungee jumping on the sea and pulley above the beach.

From Den Haag it is easy to reach Lisse, where the famous Keukennhof tulip park is located. Keukenhof is only open 8 weeks a year and is home to around 7 million bulb flowers, including 800 varieties of tulips. The cost of entry is 17 euros for adults. In spring the colors of the flowers are wonderful!

10. Groningen

Groningen is a student city in the north of Holland. Absolutely unmissable is the Martini Tower.

Interior of the tower

11. Hillegom I went to Hillegom for the beautiful flower parade, held in April (the best month to see tulips).

12. Efteling Efteling is the largest amusement park in Holland and is located in the south of the country in a place called Kaatsheuvel. The entrance fee is 42 euros and is suitable for young and old.

Entrance

Fairytale forest

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