Europe is an unbeatable vacation destination, popular for many reasons and a practically non-negotiable must-visit for any American who’s never been. From the Mediterranean leisure of the Italian Riviera to the warm embrace of chilly Northern Europe, there’s more than a lifetime of experiences to discover here.
Nestled in those northern reaches is the Netherlands, at one point the seat of empire and today one of the most forward-thinking countries in the West. From culture to nature, there’s something for everyone – but where should you start in exploring this beautiful country?
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the single biggest reason for which American tourists flock to the Netherlands each year; globally speaking, it is in the top five most-visited European cities by international tourists. This is for good reason, too, with Amsterdam being a cultural icon of a city.
From its lofty city townhouses to its beautiful canals, Amsterdam is a breathtaking city to walk. Its streets boast delicious pancake shops, Dutch fries and phenomenal speakeasies, as well as its infamous cafes. The Rijksmuseum is an unmissable day activity, as is the Botanical Garden – and all the better if you hire a bike to explore, too.
Rotterdam
Rotterdam often sits in Amsterdam’s shadow, culturally speaking. This is a disservice to Rotterdam, which is a simply incredible city to visit on its own merits. These merits include fantastic bars and restaurants, a thriving market scene and a great deal of countercultural excellence to boot.
Rotterdam also benefits from being a port city, giving it a wealth of maritime history and culture for you to explore. The Maritime Museum is a perfect place to visit for this, with its historic ships and artefacts that take you back to the days of the spice trade.
Ameland
Ameland is not a name you’ll find on many travel lists, making it one of the Netherlands’ best-kept secrets. Ameland contains multitudes, being an island off Holland’s north coast; it features four villages, and two nature reserves and is only accessible by ferry. The size of this island makes it the perfect destination for a leisurely day out, and an ideal candidate for any cycling trips you might be planning.
The Hague
The Hague is a criminally underrated Netherlands destination, partially on account of being known as the seat of the International Court of Justice – a slightly unglamorous reputation, to say the least. It is also the seat of Dutch parliament, which may indeed be a draw to the political science college students amongst you!
The Hague’s fusty outward appearance belies a much more exciting nightlife, held tantalizingly within the gothic brickwork of its old town. There are myriad restaurants, bars and venues to explore during your stay in the evenings, while the daytime gives you opportunity to properly take in The Hague’s stunning architecture.