In the impression of the Netherlands, should be under the bright sun, gorgeous sea of tulips dancing with the wind, and the end of the sky as leisurely as the watchman of the wheat field turning of the ancient windmill. In fact, there are crisscrossed rivers, busy ports, wooden shoes, cheese as hard as bricks, and the quiet horn village far away from the world. There are the most prestigious art museums in Europe, sex museums experiencing Dutch alternative culture and flashing red light district, Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Vimel, Hals and Jan Sten, and window women on both sides of the canal. With its unique tolerance, the Netherlands displays art and vulgarity, sober and intoxication to the world.
The Netherlands is located in the northwest of Europe, near the Bohai Sea, with a low altitude and many places even below sea level, making it a “lowland country”. The constitutional capital of the Netherlands is Amsterdam, but the government and most of the embassies are located in The Hague. Due to its geographical location, the Netherlands has been a only place for business and trade since ancient times, and it has a reputation as a “European gateway”.
1. Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the largest city in the Netherlands, known as the “Northern Venice”. Bridges are crisscrossed, rivers and canals. Charming windmills, intoxicating tulips, legendary artists, mellow cheese, and unique buildings are the business cards of the city.
It’s easy to see why charming Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most popular tourist attractions as you stroll down the cobblestone alleys that flank the famed canals. Everywhere you look, there are beautiful gabled buildings and gorgeous ancient bridges. The Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House are just a few of the world-class institutions available.
One of the city’s biggest draws is simply meandering along its canals or enjoying a boat ride over their tranquil waters, which are easily navigable on foot. This liberal and cosmopolitan city features several atmospheric cafes and restaurants, thanks to its youthful spirit and inviting populace. It also offers a vibrant nightlife with clubs, pubs, and coffee shops.
2. Rotterdam
Rotterdam, the Netherlands’ second largest city, is home to one of the world’s largest and busiest ports, as well as several waterways and canals that crisscross the city. After suffering significant devastation during WWII, the city is now known for its modern and inventive design, however, there is still an underlying grit to the region.
Rotterdam is a vibrant and diverse city with amazing museums, cultural attractions, and, of course, fantastic food and drinking options befitting a huge city.
3. The Hague
It appears peculiar that The Hague is not the country’s capital, given that it is the seat of government and home to the royal family. This enormous metropolis, more fittingly, exudes a majestic aura. Although many houses were destroyed in World War II, later generations still followed the principle of repairing the old- -basically retaining the original appearance of the old city in The Hague. Hiking in The Hague, as if I went back to the exciting time of the 17th century.
The city’s green boulevards are lined with grand mansions and canal villas, while embassies and government buildings surround its beautiful parks. The city is quite cosmopolitan because of international organizations like the UN and the EU. It is much more relaxed than edgy Amsterdam, and it offers a variety of good dining options as well as interesting museums. It is home to Scheveningen, a popular coastal resort in the country, which is located on the North Sea.
4. Utrecht
Utrecht is one of the country’s oldest cities, with winding canals weaving their way through its charming medieval core, which is dominated by the strikingly stunning Domkerk cathedral. Although the expansive suburbs may not provide the best first impression upon entering the city, the city’s unattractive tangled labyrinth of highways is quickly forgotten once you get a sense of this lively area with its joyful attitude.
Utrecht boasts a number of affordable and cheerful bars and cafes, as well as a lot of terrific eating alternatives, thanks to its large student population.
5. Delft
Delft is about 10 km from The Hague, and Delft is a historic town, built in 1246. Many have sung its glories throughout the ages, including its most famous son, the painter Johannes Vermeer. The town still has ancient canal beauty, arched stone bridges, quiet countryside, and beautiful market squares.
The Delftware manufacturers are well-known for their distinctive blue and white tiles and ceramics, and travelers flock here to see them. Delft has a deep relationship with the Dutch royal family, where Delft blue pottery produces custom tableware for the royal family, and most of the royal family are buried in the new church in Delft.
Across the river is a small bridge on both sides of the street, every few hundred meters, there will be such a small bridge, however, the shape, surface as flat house very compact lean together, reflecting the shadow of trees and rows of houses, water occasionally across several water birds, usually a duck, but if good luck, or can see the swan graceful figure.
6. Maastricht
Maastricht, located on the banks of the Meuse River, is a favorite tourist destination for people of both Belgium and Germany, as well as the Dutch themselves. It’s a lively area with bustling streets. Maastricht has a bilingual and cosmopolitan population, as seen by the huge number of international students. As a result, it is a cultural melting pot that is unlike any other Dutch city. Its diversified and great food scene exemplifies this.
Wandering through its lively cobblestone streets is invigorating, with contemporary architecture nestled beside gorgeous old buildings, towering cathedrals, and stylish boutiques – the joyous Carnival being the highlight of the year.
7. Groningen
Groningen’s city center is a trendy, dynamic location filled with vitality and is totally pedestrianized, despite the fact that it is located in a rural and quiet section of the country.
Due to the city’s fast reconstruction after being nearly completely destroyed during WWII, the core contains an unusual mix of architectural styles. With such a huge student population, there is a thriving arts and culture scene, as well as affordable eateries and a variety of nice bars.
8. Leiden
Aside from Amsterdam, the inner city of Leiden has the most waterways and bridges in the country. During the summer, an incredible parade of boats and other floating vehicles sails through the city’s canals. The inner city is also lined with gentlemen’s houses, university buildings, and museums featuring unexpected exhibitions. Naturally, this student town has a wide range of appealing terraces, restaurants, and cafes.
The surrounding area of Leiden has a lot to offer as well. Sailing on the Kagerplassen lakes, sunbathing on Katwijk’s beach, or cycling through the flower-bulb region are all options. All of these Dutch highlights are only a 30-minute ride from Leiden’s city center. To summarize, there are numerous reasons to visit Leiden.
This is the birthplace of the legendary Rembrandt.
9. Haarlem
Haarlem, a lovely town with a distinctly Dutch aspect, is only fifteen minutes by rail from Amsterdam and is well worth a visit. Haarlem is undeniably picturesque, with its lovely ancient buildings, meandering canals, cobblestone streets, and many great artworks on show in its galleries and museums. Haarlem, in the heart of the flower-growing region, is a lovely place to come when the fields are in bloom.
10. Nijmegen
The fortified city of Nijmegen, Holland’s oldest city, will transport you to Roman times. The city is home to Holland’s oldest shopping street, the Lange Hezelstraat, and is full of magnificent historic buildings and centuries-old plazas.
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