With a history as rich as its Michelin-starred food, it’s no wonder that everyone from the old masters to the new architectural innovators have been swept away by the sights and sounds of Holland. Boasting vibrant fields of flowers, giant windmills, and both contemporary and traditional cities – every inch of the Netherlands is a masterpiece. There’s a whole wealth of things to see and do in this beautiful part of the world – and here are just four places you must visit in Holland.
Unusual activities in Amsterdam
As the sun sets behind the intricate carvings of the city’s regal skylines, you’ll find yourself falling in love with Amsterdam’s hodgepodge waterways and lively winding streets. While people-watching with a coffee at a sprawling outdoor café, or wandering through museums filled with the likes of Van Gogh and Rembrandt, might feel like the top things to do, it’s the little surprises around every corner that makes Amsterdam truly unique.
The classical canal setting of Amsterdam’s city centre is what travel dreams are made of, but for something off the beaten track, take the free ferry up to Noord, where beautiful ramshackle bars by the ocean are the perfect location for having an afternoon drink while you unwind with a book. A cultural melting pot in a waterfront setting, this developing district has something for everyone – from a revolving restaurant and bar in the iconic Toren Overhoeks landmark, to bars and clubs housed in the district’s former warehouses. Film fans should head to the EYE Film Museum, a contemporary building partly responsible for shaping Noord’s now iconic waterfront. Inside, you’ll find plenty of exhibitions devoted to the silver screen, as well as a choice of four cinemas.
Food and drink in Maastricht
One of the oldest cities in Holland, Maastricht is the revered home of some of the very best cuisine in the Netherlands. While its Michelin-starred restaurants often steal the attention, you can find world-class dishes served up on beautiful terraces around just about every corner. The secret lies in the fresh produce, from famously salty Texel lamb and seafood straight from the North Sea, to just-picked veggies and cheese ripened just down the road. When you’ve finished sampling all of the food you can manage, take a trip just outside the city to the Jeker Valley. Here, you’ll find some of the oldest vineyards in Holland, dating back as far as the Roman times.
Impressive design in Rotterdam
Holland may be renowned for its historic streets and houses, but it’s the towering modern structures standing among the most delicate of middle-age town houses that steal the show in Rotterdam, as many of the city’s most notable structures were completed in the last few decades. Visit the mind-bending Cube Houses – or even rent one for your stay – before stopping at the Markthal, an arena-sized building home to a lively bunch of vendors. Following this, head to the Kunsthal, the beloved venue for architectural exhibitions with lavish outdoor gardens connecting the city’s museums. End your exploration with a trip up the Euromast, one of the tallest structures in Holland, where on a clear day you may even see Antwerp which is located 80km away.
History in Utrecht
The true heart of Holland, Utrecht has been a lively university town for centuries. As such, it’s the perfect place to learn about the traditional Dutch way of life away from the tourist trail. Boasting over 11 museums within walking distance of the centre, the surprising variety of exhibitions on display will delight every history fan. Explore the diverse artworks of the country’s oldest municipal museum in the Centraal Museum, the musical collections of Museum Speelklok, or the iconic work of Dick Bruna at the Miffy Museum. Wherever you wander, you’ll always be able to navigate easily thanks to the Dom Tower – the highest and oldest church tower in Holland which can be seen all over the city.
Now that you know the places you must visit in Holland, start planning your trip today by booking a spot on our Hull to Rotterdam crossing.
