March 7, 2010
5 Reasons to Visit The Netherlands
Also known as Holland, the Netherlands is a country of colorful tulip fields, windmills and immense beauty overall, which is why it is one of the top destinations in Europe. Here are 5 Reasons to Visit the Netherlands.
1. Amsterdam
Start your visit to the Netherlands with a tour of Amsterdam, its capital city, which certainly has a lot to offer. Its canals and bridges alone are a testament to its rich history, though you can learn more about it by taking a tour of the Royal Palace, the Begijnhof and the Oede Kerk. You can even learn about other cultures by visiting the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist temple and the Portuguese Synagogue. If you want to relax, you can always head to one of the city's many parks and gardens, such as Vondelpark, and if you're after a unique experience, you should chill out at the XtraCold Ice Cafe, sample different cocktails at the House of Bols or stop by the Heineken Brewery.
Amsterdam is also known for its liberal policies, something most apparent in its Red Light District, De Wallen. Here, prostitution is legal and rampant while cannabis products are sold in most coffee shops.
2. Museums
The main attractions in Amsterdam, though, are its museums, specifically its art museums. The most popular one is the Rijksmuseum, which houses the most extensive art collection from the Dutch Masters such as Rembrandt and Vermeer. Rembrandt's works can also be found in the Rembrandt House Museum while paintings by Van Gogh can be found at the Van Gogh Museum and modern art exhibits are on display at the Stedelijk Museum.
Aside from its art museums, the Anne Frank House is also a popular attraction, which focuses on the life of Anne Frank and Jewish persecution. The NEMO Science Museum, the Bijbels Museum, the Kattenkabinet, the Amsterdam Dungeon and the Diamond Museum are just as interesting.
3. Windmills
A trip to the Netherlands isn't complete without visiting the countryside, especially the parts where you get to be surrounded by old windmills, which provide the backdrop for the perfect picture. The best ones can are the 19 World Heritage windmills of Kinderdijk which are either round or octagonal, some of which are open for exploration while the windmills in the Schermer Region, Zaanse Schans and Aalsmeer are also a pretty sight, especially when they are operational.
4. Flowers
The Netherlands is also synonymous with flowers, especially tulips, although it also has bulb fields of hyacinths and daffodils. The best tulip bulb fields can be found in Keukenhof near Lisse and is considered the world's largest flower garden and the 'Garden of Europe'. The largest flower auction in the world is also located in the Netherlands, particularly in the city of Aalsmeer while the Bloemenmarkt in Amsterdam is the world's only floating flower market. Flower festivals are held in different places at different times of the year while the Floriade, the largest international flower exhibit, is held every ten years.
5. Shopping
When you are done sightseeing, don't forget to buy souvenirs of your visit to the Netherland, like wooden clogs, the famous Delft blue and white pottery and Gouda and Edam cheese. There are also many high-end fashion boutiques in the Hague and many malls throughout the country.
Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including many European countries by car. To book a car rental Turkey, or learn more about cheap car hire worldwide, visit www.zencarhire.com
Filed under Whale Watching Tours by jenny