The Netherlands is recognized everywhere as a land of tulips, canals, and windmills, where people are happy and grateful, for some reason (be it the fact that the country’s employment satisfaction, mental health and well-being, and social support are better than in other countries). Along with the country’s picturesque villages and breath-taking gardens, you’ll also find vibrant cities, like Amsterdam (a must-see), filled with museums showing a rich tradition of artists like Van Gogh and Rembrandt. While in Amsterdam, ensure you visit a coffee shop, too. You know Amsterdam gathers many visitors thanks to these points of attraction.
Given the country’s small size, all these attractions and exciting things to do are concentrated in a small area, and the scenery is very flat (the greatest height is barely a thousand feet above sea level). It’s therefore easy to sightsee some places the Dutch way: by bicycle. As you’ve likely seen in movies, many major cities and top travel destinations here encourage pedal-power and offer free bikes for exploration. However you choose to venture into the extraordinary Dutch land, you’ll have a fantastic time in one of Europe’s friendliest and most free societies.
Here are five of the most fascinating points of attraction in The Netherlands to help you plan your trip in 2023.
Photo source: https://unsplash.com/photos/VEXIwDcY1gw
Amsterdam Coffeeshops
Amsterdam has around 160 coffee shops, most of which are found in the Red Light District. From hipster-ish to psychedelic and from local to more touristic places, every coffee shop here has its own unique atmosphere. No wonder tourists come here to experience what most of them can’t get back home. Don’t mistake coffee shops for places only to try cannabis; these are real social places to have a good time with friends.
The Netherlands is reputed to be a very liberal country, and if yours is the same, you likely know what to expect from a cannabis experience. Assuming you fall in love with the pleasant euphoria and uplifting feelings you have at the coffee shops and that growing your own cannabis plant is legal back home: consider seeds cannabis and try some of the world’s best breeders. From treating anxiety disorders to improving sleep, there are countless benefits to cannabis if you’re consuming it from trustworthy sources.
A word of caution: There’s a limit on how much cannabis you can buy in a coffee shop, and you must have your ID. Many cities here also require a “weed pass” to enter a coffee shop, but that’s not the case in Amsterdam, so if you’re primarily visiting the country for this experience, the capital is the place to go.
Jordaan and Amsterdam’s Canals
Canals are as vital to the cityscape of Amsterdam as they are to Venice, and among the most unforgettable experiences for every visitor is the time spent exploring the thrilling waterways. While you can access many of Amsterdam’s top tourist attractions by water taxi or boat tour, nothing compares to strolling along the smaller streets lining the waterways.
The Jordaan, a neighborhood created in the early 1600s for workers and immigrants that gathered here owing to the city’s religious tolerance, is particularly charming. Besides the tiny canal-side homes, look for the “hofjes”- the lovely inner courtyards hidden behind the buildings.
The Grachtengordel is another photo-worthy district with quaint 17th-century homes and small bridges. Were you planning to visit Barcelona for its stunning architecture? You have it here. As you explore these 400-year-old streets, you’ll be delighted to see beautiful architecture that your smartphone can’t replicate exactly because it’s packed with a quant vibe.
Dam Square is just a 10-minute stroll away, by the way. In addition to the many cafes, shops, and restaurants, you might want to put the Royal Palace, the National Memorial Statue, and the New Church on your “must-visit” list for the Netherlands, too.
Heineken Experience
There are several things that make liberal countries places full of infinite possibilities. It would be a pity to leave such a land without experiencing what cannabis seeds have to offer. Similarly, you shouldn’t leave the Netherlands without venturing into another world: the beer industry. This state is famous for the Red Light District, cannabis, poffertjes, Grolsch, Amstel, and…Heineken. Heineken N.V. is a Dutch brewer with a global portfolio of over 1 70 beer brands, mainly pale lagers, established in the Dutch capital in 1864 and became one of the three largest beer producers worldwide.
You can discover the company’s history, how it brews the delicious beer, the four natural ingredients, and the tasting room for a small charge. Still, Heineken remains an institution. But it’s a must-see for beer lovers.
Anne Frank House
The Anne Frank House is a museum with an overwhelming history behind it. You’ll experience this story through film clips, photos, quotes, and original items, like diaries, the bookcase, and the pictures in Anne’s room. The atmosphere here is authentic, emotional, and heart-wrenching, just like your memories after exploring the Secret Annex, where she hid for over two years during WW2, and where she wrote her famous diary.
Anne died two months before the war ended, but her written story is eternal and has since been translated into 51 languages.
A little reminder: Tickets sell out quickly, so make your reservation online well in advance.
Historic Binnenhof, The Hague
The Hague, known as the location of the International Court of Justice, is also the political center of the Netherlands. Here, you’ll find the Dutch Royal Family’s home in Noordeinde Palace.
This makes a fantastic travel destination if you want to get a taste of the country’s rich history. Whether you’re staying for a few days or visiting as a day trip from Amsterdam, the historic Binnenhof district is a good exploration starting point. It translates as the “Inner Court” and dates back as far as 1250 CE, making it the oldest part of the city and an excellent site to explore on foot.
When to visit the Netherlands?
You may wonder when it’s best to visit this country. Some places are marvelous when the salty ocean breeze hits your face in the summer, and others must be seen when the ski slopes are covered in glimmery snow.
The Netherlands is in between and is fantastic in April and May. Tulips are everywhere, and the abundance of flowers and greenery make the Dutch land look straight from a fairytale.
