The Netherlands, also known as Holland, is a picturesque country in Western Europe. Located bordered by Belgium to the south and Germany to the east, the country is known for its low-lying geography, with around a quarter of its land lying below sea level.

The country is renowned for its vibrant cities, rich cultural heritage, scenic countryside, and colorful tulip fields. With so many places to go and things to see, the Netherlands is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

Here are the best cities, places to visit, and things to do in the Netherlands.

Best places to visit in Holland

  1. Best cities in Holland to visit
    1. Amsterdam
    2. Rotterdam
    3. Maastricht
    4. The Hague
    5. Utrecht
  2. Best things to do in Holland
    1. Experience tulip fields Keukenhof
    2. Visit Zaanse Schans
    3. Cycle the countryside
    4. Sample Dutch cuisine
  3. Best places to stay to see tulips in Holland
    1. Keukenhof Gardens
    2. Lisse
    3. Noordoostpolder
    4. Amsterdam
    5. Haarlem
  4. Best time to visit Holland for tulips
  5. The Dutch Kitchen
  6. Dutch cheese crossword clue
  7. Dutch tradition Gouda cheese

Best cities in Holland to visit

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a charming city that needs no introduction. The city is surrounded by canals, and visitors can enjoy picturesque views of the city while strolling along the canal banks or taking a canal boat tour. Amsterdam is also famous for its museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, which houses an impressive collection of Dutch art. Another must-visit attraction is the Anne Frank House, where visitors can learn about the life of Anne Frank and her family during World War II.

Best cities in Holland to visit

Rotterdam

As the second-largest city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is a modern and cosmopolitan city that offers visitors a taste of contemporary Dutch culture. One of the most famous landmarks in Rotterdam is the Erasmus Bridge, a stunning piece of architecture that spans over the River Maas. Rotterdam is also home to several museums, such as the Maritime Museum and the Kunsthal museum, which showcases contemporary art and exhibitions.

Best cities in Holland to visit

Maastricht

Maastricht is a beautiful city located in the south of the Netherlands. It is known for its beautiful historic center, cobbled streets, and unique shops and boutiques. Some of the must-visit places in Maastricht include the Basilica of St. Servatius, the Vrijthof square, and the Bonnefanten Museum.

Best cities in Holland to visit

The Hague

As the political capital of the Netherlands, The Hague is a city that is steeped in history and culture. Visitors can explore the Binnenhof complex, which houses the Dutch parliament, or visit the Peace Palace, which houses the International Court of Justice. Art lovers should also make their way to the Mauritshuis, which houses an impressive collection of paintings from the Golden Age of Dutch art, including works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Jan Steen.

Best cities in Holland to visit

Utrecht

Utrecht is a beautiful city located in the central Netherlands. It is famous for its beautiful canals, medieval architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. Some of the must-visit places in Utrecht include the Dom Tower, Museum Catharijneconvent, and the Botanic Gardens.

Best cities in Holland to visit

Best things to do in Holland

Experience tulip fields Keukenhof

The Keukenhof gardens, located near the town of Lisse, are world-famous for their stunning tulip fields. Every spring, visitors can enjoy the explosion of color from the millions of tulips that are in full bloom. The gardens also feature several pavilions that showcase different varieties of flowers, including orchids, roses, and lilies.

Best things to do in Holland

Visit Zaanse Schans

The Zaanse Schans is a charming open-air museum that showcases traditional Dutch architecture and craftsmanship. Visitors can stroll through the quaint picturesque village and explore the charming windmills, wooden houses, and historic buildings. One of the must-visit attractions in the village is the Cacao and Chocolate Museum, where visitors can learn about the history of chocolate and enjoy some delicious samples.

Best things to do in Holland

Cycle the countryside

The Netherlands is a flat country that’s perfect for cycling. Rent a bike and explore the beautiful countryside and small towns outside of the larger cities. The landscape is dotted with windmills, picturesque villages, and peaceful farmland.

Best things to do in Holland

Sample Dutch cuisine

The Netherlands has a unique cuisine that’s worth trying. Sample traditional Dutch dishes such as herring, stroopwafels, and croquettes. Don’t forget to try the delicious Dutch cheese, which includes Gouda, Edam, and Leerdammer.

Best things to do in Holland

Best places to stay to see tulips in Holland

If you’re planning a trip to see tulips fields in Holland, here are the best places to stay in Holland to see tulips:

Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof Gardens is the largest flower park in the world, and it’s an absolute feast for the eyes. The Keukenhof Gardens is open to the public from mid-March to mid-May when seven million bulbs come alive in a rainbow of colours, and during this period, visitors can experience the best of Dutch tulips in one place. The Keukenhof Gardens also hosts an annual Tulip Festival, which takes place in April and features live music, food markets, and tulip-themed activities.

Located in Lisse, Keukenhof Gardens is an hour’s drive from Amsterdam. Dubbed the Garden of Europe, Keukenhof Gardens welcomes more than one million visitors annually. The garden also has gift shops and restaurants.

Best places to stay to see tulips in Holland

Lisse

Lisse is a small town situated in the heart of the Bollenstreek or ‘flower bulb’ region and is home to many flower fields. The town comes alive with colorful displays of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils from March to May when the annual flower parade takes place. In Lisse, you can cycle or walk through the fields and see the tulips up close and personal.

Best places to stay to see tulips in Holland

Noordoostpolder

Noordoostpolder is a reclaimed land area in the Dutch province of Flevoland and is home to many tulip fields. Here, you can see endless rows of tulips in vibrant hues and patterns. The best time to visit Noordoostpolder is from mid-April to early May when the tulips are in full bloom.

Best places to stay to see tulips in Holland

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is not just a city of nightlife and canals; it is also a great place to see tulips. The Bloemenmarkt or Flower Market, located in the city center, is one of the most famous tulip markets in Holland. Here, you can buy tulip bulbs or potted plants and take home a piece of Holland.

Best places to stay to see tulips in Holland

Haarlem

Haarlem is a small picturesque city situated close to Amsterdam and is known for its beautiful tulip gardens. The Keukenhof Castle, located in Haarlem, is a must-visit destination during the tulip season. The castle has a beautiful English landscape garden featuring colorful tulips, daffodils and other flowers.

Best places to stay to see tulips in Holland

Best time to visit Holland for tulips

The Netherlands has become synonymous with tulips and is one of the world’s largest producers of this beautiful flowering plant. If your planning to enjoy this experience, timing is everything.

The best time to visit Holland for Tulips is between mid-March and mid-May.

The blooming period of tulips in Holland is quite short, usually lasting only a few weeks. The season usually starts in mid-March with early varieties such as crocuses and daffodils starting to bloom first.

Best time to visit Holland for tulips

However, the peak tulip season is from April to early May. During this period, the vibrant colors of the tulips burst out and transform the Dutch countryside into a beautiful tapestry of colors.

The best time to see the tulips in full bloom is usually the last two weeks of April.

The exact timing of the tulip bloom, however, is weather-dependent and can vary slightly each year. The tulips in Holland are at their best when the temperatures are cool and there is no frost. This means that the ideal time to visit Holland for tulips is usually between mid-April to early May when the weather is cool and the days are longer.

Best time to visit Holland for tulips

In conclusion, the Netherlands is a beautiful and fascinating country that has plenty to offer visitors. With its stunning cities, vibrant culture, and beautiful countryside, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re exploring the winding canals of Amsterdam, admiring the contemporary architecture of Rotterdam, or strolling through the stunning tulip fields of the Keukenhof, you’re sure to have a memorable experience in the Netherlands.

The Dutch Kitchen

The Dutch kitchen is known for its hearty, rustic cuisine that is full of flavor and tradition. From savory stews to sweet pastries, the Dutch kitchen offers a wide range of dishes that have been enjoyed for generations.

Dutch cuisine is renowned for its use of fresh, local ingredients. Many traditional Dutch dishes feature potatoes, cheese, bread, and seafood. The country’s proximity to the sea means there is an abundance of fresh fish and seafood available, and this is reflected in many traditional Dutch dishes.

One of the most iconic Dutch dishes is stamppot. This is a hearty mash made from potatoes and vegetables such as kale, endive, or sauerkraut, and served with a sausage or meatball. Stamppot is a warm and filling meal that is perfect for cold, winter days.

The Dutch Kitchen
Stamppot

Another popular dish is erwtensoep, also known as Dutch split pea soup. This thick soup is made with split peas, potatoes, carrots, onions, and bacon. It’s usually served with rye bread and is a staple of Dutch winter cuisine.

Dutch pastries are also famous and are often made using the same ingredients as traditional dishes. For example, gevulde speculaas is a spiced almond paste cake that is inextricably associated with the traditional Dutch holiday of Sinterklaas. Oliebollen, deep-fried doughnuts, are a popular treat during the Christmas season.

The Dutch Kitchen

Overall, the Dutch kitchen is hearty, flavorful, and rooted in tradition. It’s a cuisine that has been influenced by the country’s geography, history, and cultural heritage, and is sure to satisfy those who love comfort food.

Dutch cheese crossword clue

Dutch cheese is one of the most popular types of cheese in the world. It is known for its unique flavor, texture and aroma.

The most popular type of Dutch cheese is Gouda, which is a semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk. It is often aged for a few months to several years, resulting in a firm texture and a deeper flavor.

Another popular type of Dutch cheese is Edam, which is a semi-hard cheese with a red wax rind. It is made from skimmed milk and has a mild flavor. It is often used for snacking or as a topping for crackers and sandwiches.

Dutch cheese crossword clue

Leerdammer is another type of Dutch cheese that is made from cow’s milk. It has a semi-soft texture and a sweet and nutty flavor. It is often used in sandwiches, salads, and hot dishes, and is also popular as a snack.

Other types of Dutch cheese include Maasdam, a sweet and nutty cheese similar to Swiss cheese, and Leyden, a spicy cheese with cumin seeds.

Dutch cheese is often paired with wine or beer and is a popular ingredient in many dishes. It is enjoyed by people around the world and is often a staple in many households. Its unique flavors and textures make it a must-try for cheese lovers everywhere.

Dutch tradition Gouda cheese

Gouda cheese is a traditional Dutch cheese that has been around for centuries. It is named after the city of Gouda, which is located in the province of South Holland. Gouda cheese is known for its distinctive flavor, which ranges from mild to strong, and its smooth, creamy texture. This cheese has a long and rich history in Dutch culture, and it remains an important part of Dutch cuisine to this day.

One of the key factors that sets Gouda cheese apart from other varieties is the fact that it is made using raw, unpasteurized milk. Raw milk contains naturally occurring microorganisms that help to give the cheese its characteristic flavor and texture. However, this also means that Gouda cheese is more susceptible to bacterial contamination than cheeses made from pasteurized milk.

Dutch tradition Gouda cheese

There are many different varieties of Gouda cheese, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Aged Gouda, for example, is a hard, crumbly cheese that has been aged for several years. It has a sharp, tangy flavor and a distinctive aroma that develops as it ages. Young Gouda, on the other hand, is a softer cheese that has a mild, nutty flavor and a smooth texture.

Gouda cheese is a staple of Dutch cuisine, and it is often used in traditional dishes such as stamppot (a mashed potato and vegetable dish) and cheese fondue. It is also commonly served as a snack, either on its own or with crackers and other accompaniments.

Dutch tradition Gouda cheese

In addition to its delicious flavor, Gouda cheese is also rich in nutrients. It is a good source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus, and it also contains vitamins A and B12. However, it is also high in fat and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy diet.

Overall, Gouda cheese is a beloved tradition in Dutch culture that has stood the test of time. With its rich history, distinctive flavors, and nutritional benefits, it is no wonder that this cheese remains a popular choice today.

Best places to visit in Holland



ABOUT THE AUTHORS

travelfun365

Gian and Jack are traveling the world for over 10 years and they WANT to share their tips with other. The blog TravelFun365.com is created to inspire people to travel more discovering all the best places around the world.

One thought on “Best places to visit in Holland

Leave a comment