History creeps through the idyllic landscapes and architecture and meets the young, modern culture to form a poetic experience for any traveler in the tulip state of Europe: The Netherlands.
Whether you want to admire famous artwork, enjoy a lively nightlife, learn about Dutch history, or do all of the above (and more), you can spend endless time soaking up the magic of the northwestern European country.
Rijksmuseum
The national museum of the Netherlands is the Rijksmuseum, and you won’t want to miss this when you visit Amsterdam.
The exhibitions have history and art on display, which includes famous works like ‘The Night Watch’ by Rembrandt and ‘The Milkmaid’ by Vermeer. You will spend hours, if not days, discovering the many exhibitions within this massive museum.
Heineken Experience
No matter where you are from, you will know the name 'Heineken'. The famous beer has its oldest brewery in Amsterdam, and you can book to do the ‘Heineken experience’.
It includes a tour that takes you through the old brewery and teaches you about the brand and its beer-making process.
Of course, we found one of the highlights to be getting to sample the product as part of the tour. The brewery also has a rooftop where you can relax and take in stunning views of Amsterdam.
Anne Frank Museum
For a visit you won’t soon forget, the house in which Anne Frank hid during WWII has been turned into a museum. Here you can look at historical artifacts and information relating to the life of the extraordinary young girl.
You can view Anne Frank’s original red diary, along with the room in which she hid along with others.
Oude Haven
Fleets of old, historic ships bring an interesting contrast to the modern style of Rotterdam. So, the Oude Haven port is unsurprisingly a popular place for visitors and locals.
There are many restaurants and bars along the port. You can have a leisurely meal or enjoy a few cocktails while taking in the views. We found it a particularly great spot during the summer months.
Van Gogh Museum
A trip to the Netherlands is not complete without visiting the Van Gogh Museum.
If you are familiar with the works of the famous artist this will be a real treat, but even if you are an art beginner, you can appreciate the timeless talent that was Vincent Van Gogh. Iconic artworks found at this museum include ‘Sunflowers’, ‘Self Portrait with Grey Felt Hat’, ‘The Bedroom’, and many more.
Amsterdam Canals
The iconic canals of Amsterdam are what give the city its unique character and aesthetic. In our opinion, there is nothing more enjoyable than taking a leisurely walk along and through these long bodies of water.
Three major canals in the city were originally created during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th Century.
Mauritshuis
If you are in The Hague and want to experience more of the famous Dutch art found in the Rijksmuseum, Mauritshuis houses many classic pieces that you will want to see, too.
Standout pieces that you should keep an eye out for include ‘Self Portrait’ by Rembrandt Van Rijn, ‘View of Delft’ by Johannes Vermeer, and ‘Portrait of Peeter Stevens’ by Anthony Van Dyck, among others. Possibly the most famous piece in this museum is Johannes Vermeer’s ‘Girl With A Pearl Earring’.
Discover The Netherlands
The Netherlands has everything to offer, from legendary art and riveting history to exquisite architecture and a vibrant social scene.
Amsterdam is usually the go-to place for tourists. But don’t miss out on exploring some of the other scenic cities like Rotterdam and The Hague. This is often where you find the most authentic parts of Dutch culture.
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