City Breaks in the Netherlands

The Netherlands, meaning ‘low country’, has a rich culture, flat landscapes and some stunning medieval cities. Known throughout the world for its relaxed atmosphere and the tolerant attitude of its people, the Netherlands offers a unique mix of thriving modern centres of population and traditional rural areas. Most visitors make for the iconic capital, Amsterdam, a city known for its many canals. These provide a convenient way of viewing the city sights from the pleasure boats. With its many cultural attractions and great shopping opportunities, Amsterdam is a popular weekend break destination for European visitors.

Further south is the country’s second city of Rotterdam, which exudes energy and has a bustling nightlife. A short bicycle ride leads out into the country, where windmills dominate the horizon and in season fields of tulips provide a patchwork of colours. There are relaxing river cruises available along many waterways, navigating past traditional sailing boats and transporting locals to other towns. A firm attraction is the abundance of cultural pursuits on offer. Amsterdam is undoubtedly the cosmopolitan hub. Most visitors head for the famous Anne Frank House, where the young Jewish girl hid with her family during the Nazi occupation and wrote her diary. Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum contains a remarkable collection of Dutch paintings, with some of Rembrandt’s finest works; and the Van Gogh Museum, has the world’s largest collection of that artist’s work.

An unmistakable part of Dutch life is the breadth of food and drink on offer. From candlelit dinners by the canal to quaint bistro cafes in hidden side streets there is something for everyone. There are many popular beers with their origins in the Netherlands and evidence of this is common across the country. There are markets in nearly every town and city, offering the best local produce. One of the most visited is the Kaasmarkt in Edam, which as you might have guessed sells an abundance of cheeses. Visiting the Netherlands is a wonderfully varied and cultured experience. It mixes interesting sights and thought-provoking activities in equal measure, resulting in a truly well-rounded holiday experience.