In the Netherlands, there’s a high probability that you’ll be visiting Amsterdam – the capital. Amsterdam is just around the corner from the center of the Netherlands in the province of North Holland. However, it is one of the largest and most famous places in the country. There is a lot to do there for tourists, but what are the tourist traps and what should you not miss when you’re there? Find out here what we think are the top 5!
- Take a bike for a ride
; the Dutch are famous for their cycling. You’ve probably seen images or videos of the Netherlands where bicycles and bicycle lanes are everywhere. Since the Netherlands is relatively small, it makes sense that a bike is the most convenient and environmentally friendly way to get around, avoiding heavy traffic in the densely-populated country Development Problems.
Amsterdam is not very car-friendly, and while there is some public transportation, biking is the most common way to get around. While you explore everything the city has to offer, you can go from place to place, visit a park, or grab some French fries. Be sure to bring your bike along with you!
- Visit museums, galleries, and other cultural attractions.
The city of Amsterdam is rich in culture. The Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rijksmuseum are probably the most famous. Madame Tussauds has wax statues of many famous people if you’re looking for something else. Visiting the Museumplein is also a treat; there are a lot of different museums, galleries, and street art.
You should visit the neighborhood ‘the Jordaan’ if you’re interested in other types of culture, like seeing how the locals live. In the Netherlands, it’s one of the most well-known parts of Amsterdam. There’s so much to discover there that you could easily get lost for weeks.
Other famous things to do while in Amsterdam are probably visiting ‘the Wallen’ (the red light district) or visiting a coffee shop. The places used to be quite shabby but are now quite safe and popular among tourists – especially those in the city center. However, an important aspect of the city’s overall safety is its tendency towards pickpocketing.
- The largest flea market in Europe.
IJ-Hallen is Europe’s largest flea market – you will find virtually anything there, and at very reasonable prices. About 800 stalls sell second-hand goods, clothes, electronics, and delicious food. Many locals also shop at this store because the prices are unbeatable.
Here you will also find delicious food. In the Netherlands, there is a huge variety, a result of the rich mix of cultures, and the standards are pretty high as well.
- Explore the canals
This is very played out, and only tourists do it, but it is still worth mentioning. The city of Amsterdam is famous for its canals, and even locals are bound to cruise them at least once in their lifetime. It provides a great view of the city and there are many different kinds of cruises to choose from. There are some cruises that have bars and restaurants onboard as well!
If you have a little bit of money to spend, you can rent a private boat with captain and champagne for about 200 euros.
- All of the rest of the Netherlands
The Netherlands is small – use this to your advantage! Because while it is small, there are a ton of different kinds of towns, cities, nature, and beaches! Whether you like to explore some caves, chill in the sun on a beach, want to surf or sail, want to see rare birds in nature parks, or are interested in history and want to see some castles, it’s all there, and easily accessible within a day by car or public transportation.
So don’t keep strolling the same streets, explore the whole country! Public transportation and the roads and car rental are both very reliable so there’s no reason to stick in a single place. Also, most people in the Netherlands, especially younger people, will speak English pretty well so the language barrier shouldn’t be a problem. Enjoy your stay and bring back some cheese!