What Is the Netherlands?

The Netherlands, or Holland as some people call it, is a small, densely populated country located in northwestern Europe. It borders the North Sea to the west and the Wadden Sea to the north and shares a land border with Belgium to the south and Germany to the east. The Netherlands covers an area of just 41,543 square kilometers and is home to 17 million people, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, and its currency is the Euro.

The Netherlands has a long and fascinating history, which stretches back to the Middle Ages. The country was shaped by centuries of foreign occupation, from the Spanish and French to the Germans. The Netherlands achieved full independence from Germany in 1949, but its territories overseas such as Suriname and the island of Curaçao are still associated with the country.

What Are the Main Attractions in the Netherlands?

When it comes to attractions in the Netherlands, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for fascinating cultural sites, natural beauty, or vibrant cities, you’ll find it all in this small but delightful European country. Here are some of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands:

1. Museums

The Netherlands is home to some of the world’s greatest museums, and it’s easy to find them in almost every town and city. Some of the most popular museums in the Netherlands include the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which boasts a massive collection of Dutch works from the 17th century; the Van Gogh Museum, which features the world’s largest collection of works by Vincent van Gogh; and the Drents Museum in Assen, which displays a vast collection of artwork from all over Europe.

2. Keukenhof Gardens

Keukenhof is one of the world’s most beautiful gardens, located in the city of Lisse. It’s a popular destination for tourists due to its incredible array of tulips, daffodils, and other flowers that bloom here every spring. The gardens span almost 80 acres and attract around one million visitors every year.

Keukenhof is open from late March to mid-May and admission tickets must be purchased in advance. The park also hosts popular events such as the Bulb Market and Art Events throughout the season.

3. Canals

The canals of Amsterdam are one of its defining characteristics, winding their way through this beautiful city like veins on a leaf. Popular activities on Amsterdam’s canals include canal boat tours and canal cruises, during which you can admire the city’s architecture up close. There are several companies that offer these tours, and tickets can be purchased easily online or at kiosks located throughout the city.

4. Windmills

Windmills are synonymous with the Netherlands, and they can be found throughout this picturesque country. The most popular windmills are located in Kinderdijk, a village in northern South Holland that features 19 windmills built between 1740 and 1760. These windmills were used to pump excess water out of the shallow polders (low-lying land surrounded by dikes) and remain one of the most iconic symbols of Netherlands’ rich history. Kinderdijk is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to visitors all year round.

5. Anne Frank House

The Anne Frank House is one of Amsterdam’s most popular attractions and pays tribute to Jewish diarist Anne Frank, whose family hid from the Nazis in this building during World War II. The house itself is largely unchanged from when Frank lived there, giving visitors a fascinating insight into what life was like during Nazi-occupied Holland. Visitors can explore various exhibits such as photos and original items belonging to Anne Frank and her family, as well as an original manuscript of her famous diary.

6. Castles

The Netherlands is home to dozens of castles, many of which have been standing since medieval times. Some of these castles are open to visitors, such as Muiderslot Castle in Amsterdam and De Haar Castle near Utrecht. These castles provide a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience life in an ancient castle with their various exhibits and tours.

7. Zaanse Schans

Zaanse Schans is an open-air museum located just outside Amsterdam, consisting of several traditional green wooden houses from all across the country. The houses offer visitors a glimpse into Dutch rural life from centuries past, with activities such as cheese tasting and working windmills on display for all to enjoy. Zaanse Schans also features several restaurants and shops selling locally made crafts, giving visitors an even more immersive experience into Dutch culture.

8. Royal Palace of Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis) is not only home to the Dutch royal family, but it’s also one of Amsterdam’s most popular tourist attractions. The palace was originally built as a city hall, but it has sincea been converted into a majestic palace with many stylish interiors and impressive facades that are open to visitors year-round.

What Is There to Do in Netherlands?

There are so many things to do in the Netherlands that it could take a lifetime to experience them all! From exploring charming cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague, to meandering along canal networks or cycling down picturesque country lanes – if you’re looking for culture and relaxation, you’ll find it here in abundance! Here are some of our favorite things to do when visiting the Netherlands:

1. Tour Amsterdam’s Canals

No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without taking a cruise along its stunning canals! Boat tours depart regularly from numerous locations year-round and offer stunning panoramic views of some of Amsterdam’s most iconic landmarks such as its numerous bridges crossing canals lined by houseboats, magnificent gabled mansions, and floating flower markets!

2. Shop at Haarlem Market

If you’re looking to pick up some unique souvenirs or handmade crafts during your trip then Haarlem Market is definitely worth a visit! Held every Monday morning, this outdoor market has been running since 1282 and has over 300 stands selling everything imaginable! You’ll find everything from vintage clothing, jewelry and antiques to gorgeous fresh flowers – plenty of which make great gifts or keepsakes!

3. Check Out Delft’s Ceramics

Delft has been famous for its pottery since the 17th century when Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer painted his famous works “Girl with a Pearl Earring” there and numerous other artworks associated with Dutch Golden Age painters were produced there as well! Today you can still find handmade pottery made in traditional Dutch styles by visiting the numerous shops located within Delft’s city center – perfect for those wanting a little piece of Dutch artistry to take home with them!

4. Visit Gouda for Its Famous Cheese

Gouda is widely regarded as one of Holland’s best-loved destinations due to its charming canalside location and most importantly its renowned cheese market! Held every Thursday morning throughout summertime (April through August), local cheese makers showcase their wares while vendors serve up delicious treats like fried cheese cubes on skewers – delicious!

5. Climb Windmills at KinderdijkNational Park

Kinderdijk National Park just outside Rotterdam is home to 19 authentic windmills – five of which are open for visitors to explore! Climb up into their interiors and learn all about their histories – it makes for a fantastic day out for both adults and kids alike! There’s even an interactive museum onsite highlighting traditional Dutch activities like cheese-making and wood sculpting!

6. Go Ice-Skating in Utrecht

Utrecht Ice Rink first opened back in 1925 making it one of The Netherlands’ oldest ice skating locations. Throughout winter season they offer regular public skating sessions accompanied by special events such as ice discos with live DJs or ice shows put on by professional skaters! Make sure to have plenty of warm clothes on hand though as temperatures can get low at night!

7. Discover Rotterdam’s Architecture

Rotterdam is considered Europe’s architectural capital due to its cutting-edge modern designs that contrast sharply against more traditional Dutch designs found elsewhere in The Netherlands! Don’t miss imposing structures like Market Hall – an immense building with more than 3 million glass tiles sprawled across its exterior! Additions such as Euromast Tower provide a spectacular birds-eye view of Rotterdam’s skyline making for a fun day out for sightseers!

8. Take a Wine Tour around Maastricht

Maastricht offers plenty of activities for those wanting something more relaxing or leisurely than sightseeing – why not try a wine-tasting tour with Vineyards & Wineries NL? Explore some of Holland’s finest vineyards while learning all about their wines plus gaining handy tips on producing your own at home if you wish! Finish off your tour by sampling specially chosen food that perfectly compliments each wine – cheers!

9. Enjoy a Self-Guided Pub Trail in Emmen with Online App

Discover some unique pubs while exploring Emmen – use an online app to guide you through 4 pub crawls where you can enjoy drinks like Frisian beer or traditional apple juice while catching up with friends or learning about Emmen’s history and culture! Sign up now for Netherlands Self Guided Pub Trail in Emmen with Online App, an interactive tour which includes audio commentary available online through download or streaming while walking around Emmen’s streets with friends or family – perfect for those looking for an interactive tour!

As you can see there are plenty of different experiences to have when visiting The Netherlands – ranging from exploring world-famous attractions like Amsterdam’s canals all the way through to discovering hidden gems like Het Reformatorisch Monument near Gilze! No matter what activity you decide on during your visit, chances are you won’t be short on things to do when traveling through this delightful country – why not get started planning your journey now?