The Netherlands - More than just Amsterdam

 

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The Netherlands was my second home for about 3 years. I moved there when I was 18. I lived in Friesland, an autonomous region in the Netherlands, located in the North of the country. After about 3 hours in train from Amsterdam you will reach Leeuwarden. This vibrant city was the European Cultural Capital in 2018. If you are looking for a less crowded city, Leeuwarden will be a great stop. It is well linked with many cities worth to visit, but also easy to access from other more popular Dutch destinations. Take a walk in the park, visit it by boat, and wonder at its "Pisa tower" - Oldehove, a leaning tower situated nearby the park. You have a great view from the top.

If you ever find yourself in Friesland, go to the port town of Harlingen. You will find no tourist around. You can grab a coffee by the beach, or even go swimming during the warm days. Take an ice-cream to go and walk around the few streets to see this peaceful town. You can take the ferry and visit one of the islands.  For instance, visit Vlieland. A tiny island lying in the UNESCO natural heritage of Wadden sea. Rest on the beach, do a short hike through the forest to cross the island and just relax! 

Have you ever heard of the Dutch Venice? Visit Giethoorn. Just leave your car in the parking lot and walk your way in this little town where no cars can enter. You will be just walking around, or discover it by boat through the tiny canals. It is very romantic and green.

Take a day to see Groningen. It is a popular student city due to its university's high reputation. Walk through the Noorderplantsoen park and take many pictures. Admire its architectural beauty and go on a shopping tour. Here is also the Wooden Shoes Museum - for sure, you  saw them everywhere in the souvenirs shops. 

Pay a visit to the administrative and royal capital of the Netherlands: The Hague. I've only seen it by night. The most important attractions here are: the Binnenhof - a complex of buildings worth to visit -, Noordeinde Palace and Peace Palace. If you travel in summer you can take a few hours to rest on the  beach.

Photo by Adelaida

Not far from The Hague is Rotterdam. It is a completely different-looking city. Being destroyed during the war, Rotterdam will surprise you with new and high buildings. Walk around, or take a bike to explore the city. You can also buy a Rotterdam pass, it will offer you discounts on transportation, restaurants and monuments. Stop by Erasmus bridge to take pictures. Visit the cubic houses. Walk through the central market. See the city from above, from Euromast tower. Take a boat to see the city. We took the pancake boat: Pannenkoekenboot- and had as many pancakes as we wanted. Those pancakes are very popular in the Netherlands. Give them a try!                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                        Photo by Adelaida

Old and picturesque, Utrecht is a great day trip from Amsterdam. Walk around on each and every narrow alley. Have lunch in one of the terraces by the canal. You should visit the De Haar Castle, a Middle Age fortress which can be visited inside too. I truly recommend to walk inside the antique shops. You can find great and original souvenirs. Oh, and before you leave, drink a beer in the old church bar: Belgium Beer Cafe Olivier. This place looks fantastic and it has many beers to choose from. 

I said this article will give more suggestions on what to visit in the Netherlands, other than Amsterdam. But of course, the Dutch capital has its charm. Pay attention to the bikes and walk the whole city. Grab some fries with mayo from the many shops available and get moving. Stop in Dam Square and admire the buildings around you. Visit the Rijksmuseum (in winter there is an ice rink just outside the museum if you feel like ice skating, I warn you: Dutch people are incredible ice skaters). Make sure you buy your tickets in advance for Anna Frank Museum, otherwise you will spend the whole day in the queue. Drink a local beer at Brouwerij't IJ just outside one of the old Windmills, De Gooyer. Join the Heineken experience and pay attention to what your guide explains. There will be questions in the end to win an extra glass of beer! Last, but not least, see Amsterdam from above from the rooftop bar in DoubleTree hotel, nearby the train station. 

The South of the Netherlands hides some places to be seen too, such as Maastricht. It is still on my bucket list for when I'll be back in the Netherlands.

While much of the Dutch traditional dishes cannot be found in restaurants, make sure you try some of its treats. The fast-food carts have the local sausage: Frikandel and fries with mayo. Try the hering! Eat some Stroopwafel or sweet bread. If you are there in winter time, eat some oliebollen, some deep fried dough covered in sugar powder. 

By fab-photos: https://pixaby.com/ro/photos/case-cl%C4%83dirilor-architectura-r%C3%A2ul-5432876/

 Though a small country, The Netherlands it is very beautiful and charming. Make sure you will pay it a visit one day :) What about you? Have you ever been to Friesland? What did you most like about the Netherlands?

Take care and see the world!