Street journeys are enjoyable after they’re spontaneous, however it’s a good suggestion to know a few of the finest locations to cease alongside the way in which so that you don’t miss out. So listed here are the high cities for a Netherlands Street Journey you’ll need to embrace in your plans.
Most individuals who board a aircraft to the Netherlands have their eyes firmly set on the stunning metropolis of Amsterdam, and I don’t blame them. There’s no denying it’s one among Europe’s high cities with all of its tradition and nightlife however, outdoors of The Dam, there are a lot of different cities within the Netherlands with tons to supply. The most effective factor is, they’re all only a quick drive away…
From historic cities with Roman Ruins to ‘the happiest place on the earth’, the Netherlands has a variety of locations to go to when driving throughout the nation. You’ll discover Delft’s compact pedestrian zone, ultra-modern and quirky Rotterdam, and the split-level canals of Utrecht – a metropolis that gives terrace eating places at water degree and purchasing lanes above!
There’s a lot to see, which is why understanding the highest cities for a Netherlands street journey makes positive you propose accordingly. Right here’s my decide of probably the most unmissable cities to cease at, which collectively offer you an awesome style of the varied Netherlands.
9 unmissable cities on your Netherlands street journey
From fairytale villages to port cities and historic market cities, listed here are the most effective locations to cease at on a street journey throughout the Netherlands.
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1. The Hague
The Hague is extensively recognised because the political capital of the Netherlands and is the place the Dutch royalty and authorities reside. It’s stuffed with museums and ample purchasing choices in The Hague, usually coming throughout at a classy and complicated metropolis.
The Hague has a inhabitants of over half one million, making it the third-largest metropolis within the Netherlands, following Amsterdam and Rotterdam. However not like many different touristy spots, The Hague feels extra like a functioning, residing metropolis that occurs to even be a magnet for guests as a consequence of its cultural and governmental significance. That is why it’s one of many high cities for a Netherlands street journey, because it’s a pleasant window into what the Netherlands is admittedly like.
Take a look at my checklist of a few of the nice issues to do on a weekend in The Hague, to offer you extra of an concept of what to anticipate.
2. Haarlem
Haarlem is round 12 miles from Amsterdam, however is far much less visited compared. Nonetheless, it nonetheless has the identical iconic canals, cobbled streets and cultural issues to do because the capital. It’s additionally residence to the nation’s oldest museum and its latest hofjes (courtyards), in addition to an countless choice of bars and eating places.
There are some nice actions to do in Haarlem. I undoubtedly suggest visiting the Teylers Museum and the Grote Market!
3. Delft
Delft is described as a picturesque city, boasting stunning canals and cobblestone streets. It’s solely 10 minutes away from The Hague, so that you may select to spend time in simply one among these high cities for a Netherlands street journey in the event you’re making an attempt to cowl extra distance every day. Nonetheless, Delft and The Hague are fairly totally different and each value exploring in case you have time.
Traditionally, Delft is critical because the birthplace of the famend painter Johannes Vermeer and the origin of the well-known blue and white porcelain that after discovered its technique to Tsarist Russia. These are nice concepts for souvenirs out of your street journey, or yow will discover extra concepts in my weblog on what to purchase in Amsterdam.
The town has a number of Dutch Renaissance structure. Moreover, one among its iconic buildings, the Nieuwe Kerk tower, is nice for panoramic views. You may even see The Hague from up there. Different locations to go to in Delft embrace its well-known tilted church and the genuine Sixteenth-century fish market.
4. Rotterdam
This southern port metropolis is like Amsterdam’s rowdier, extra liberal, little sister. It’s the second-biggest metropolis after Amsterdam, has the identical fairly canals and even its personal purple gentle district. However, Rotterdam had most of its buildings worn out throughout World Battle Two. Within the years it was rebuilt, it took on a extra fashionable and carefree vibe.
Now, there’s no finish to the quirky buildings and interesting monuments – even simply wandering across the metropolis is like paying a go to to an artwork museum. I do suggest visits to the Wereldmuseum and Nederlands Fotomuseum although.
A whole bunch of scholars name Rotterdam residence and make up the 160 nationalities residing right here. Meaning there’s range in terms of meals decisions, one thing I like. It additionally means there’s actually enjoyable locations to exit within the evenings and at evening.
Head to De Witte Aap Bar right here was as soon as named the world’s finest so pop alongside for reside music and effortlessly cool vibes.
5. Maastricht
In case you’re a historical past buff, Maastricht is for you. Some even say it’s the oldest city within the nation, though just a few Dutch locals may debate you on that. However what you will discover right here is Roman ruins, medieval monuments and Gothic church buildings.
Maastricht is near Belgium, a part of the Meuse-Rhine Euroregion, a bustling worldwide metropolis that boasts a inhabitants of roughly 3.9 million and encompasses notable German and Belgian cities akin to Aachen, Liège, and Hasselt. You’ll little doubt really feel the affect of those different European international locations right here, which is why it’s one of many high cities for a Netherlands street journey.
A few of the finest issues to do in Maastricht embrace going underground to the caves of St Peter, the place labourers labored away and troopers hid throughout the metropolis’s sieges. Be certain that to additionally take a look at the Basilica of Saint Servatius and the Bonnefantenmuseum.
6. Utrecht
Utrecht is likely one of the quirky ones. Simply 40 minutes south of Amsterdam, it’s often known as the center of Holland but doesn’t actually see that many vacationers. It is residence to the Netherlands’ largest college although which implies you’re by no means caught for nightlife.
Regardless of being standard with a youthful crowd, it’s managed to maintain onto its previous heat attraction and is the most effective place to go to find the genuine Dutch method of life.
One other oldie, there’s a number of medieval walkways and gothic structure. Fortunate for us, it’s constructed aaround the Domtoren, the tallest tower within the nation, which makes for a useful landmark whenever you’re busy getting misplaced.
One other cool characteristic is town’s split-level. Many of the previous city’s eating places are situated on the identical degree because the canal, under avenue degree, which is extraordinarily uncommon.
Utrecht additionally has 9 museums and was as soon as even dubbed the happiest place on the earth.
Critically, who’d need to miss out on visiting the happiest place on earth on a enjoyable street journey!
I’m placing that all the way down to the very fact it’s residence to the Miffy museum. Creator, Dick Bruna, is from town and also you’ll discover a museum and sq. devoted to rabbit’s adventures.
7. Groningen
They are saying all good issues are available in small packages and we’re making use of that to Groningen. It solely has a inhabitants of 200,000 which implies it’s definitely not the biggest metropolis in Holland, however it’s up there with the most effective, ticking the packing containers of eco-friendly and a variety of enjoyable.
In Holland a motorcycle is your finest good friend and Groningen is the place that initiative started. This northern metropolis is a well being hotspot but additionally takes care of the setting and has even been named as a Fairtrade city. Meaning you’ll discover bicycle pace bumps, natural shops and craft homes. This simply provides to the artistic vibe which pulls in so many college students, that and town’s 24-hour bars.
8. Den Bosch
Be at liberty to have a go at saying this one’s precise title, s’Hertogenbosch – even the locals go for its nickname.
Den Bosch is an previous, fortified metropolis holding on to lots of its unique buildings. The Moriaan is in reality the oldest constructing in the Netherlands and St John’s Cathedral is claimed to be amongst the nation’s high with its gothic design.
Boasting the most effective of every thing, town additionally claims to rival Amsterdam in terms of the nation’s finest canals. They’re less commercialised and little extra peaceable so you’ll be able to cruise alongside them and even glide beneath the buildings in a canal community, known as Binnendieze.
When you’re again on dry land, strive a bossche bol. This is the metropolis’s delicacy and is one for the candy tooth. An enormous ball of pastry drizzled in chocolate ball with a cup of espresso is the finest.
9. Giethoorn
Okay I do know this a village, however it has to make my checklist of the highest cities for a Netherlands street journey as a result of it’s simply so distinctive and exquisite and value it.
Giethoorn isn’t too removed from Amsterdam, however is far more rural. It’s dubbed the Venice of the North due to its waterways. These are a lot smaller canals than the likes of Amsterdam, and have conventional thatched-roof, picket homes on both aspect. It’s actually like stepping right into a fairytale village.
It’s essential to do not forget that there aren’t any roads right here, so that you received’t be capable to drive round as soon as in Giethoorn. To get round you’ll be able to hire a small boat and even simply stroll round. However this makes it a pleasant change from being caught in a automotive – stretch these legs out!
10. Amsterdam
In fact this one needed to make my checklist of the highest cities for a Netherlands street journey – it’d be just like the elephant within the room if I didn’t. However whereas there’s a lot extra to the Netherlands than Amsterdam, it’s nonetheless an awesome metropolis to make any street journey epic.
Whereas right here, you’ll be able to go to all types of museums, galleries, bars, eating places, the purple gentle district and far more. Stroll or cycle alongside canals, drink Heineken, go to flower markets, and loosen up in the primary squares.
Even in the event you solely have a brief period of time, it’s attainable to benefit from Amsterdam in a day. Learn my weblog on the best way to have probably the most enjoyable in 24 hours in Amsterdam.
The most effective street journeys within the Netherlands
Heading out on a street journey throughout the Netherlands is likely one of the finest methods to get to know the nation. You’ll most certainly see belongings you hadn’t imagined or in any other case wouldn’t have in the event you have been flying. It additionally means you’ll be capable to use my checklist of high cities for a Netherlands street journey to plan the place you need to go and what you need to see.
From the enduring canals and museums of Amsterdam to the picturesque cities like Giethoorn and Utrecht, a Netherlands street journey supply such quite a lot of landscapes and issues to see. Every metropolis and route gives totally different experiences, ensuring no two days are alike.
Though this checklist of the highest cities covers a variety of locations to cease when driving throughout the Netherlands, there are many others to take a look at too in case you have time. Haarlem is one other nice metropolis that’s residence to the nation’s eldest museum, and cities like Breda, Eindhoven and Alkmaar every have their very own enchantment.
Quicklist of my high cities for a Netherlands street journey
- The Hague
- Haarlem
- Delft
- Rotterdam
- Maastricht
- Utrecht
- Groningen
- Den Bosch
- Giethoorn
- Amsterdam
Is the Netherlands good for street journey?
The Netherlands is a good vacation spot for a street journey. The nation presents quite a lot of picturesque routes, together with people who go by flower fields, historic bulb areas, and canals lined with windmills. There’s additionally medieval market squares, world-famous museums and fairly water villages. The Netherlands is not only about Amsterdam; by taking a street journey, you’ll be able to uncover stunning cities like Utrecht, Rotterdam, and The Hague
What’s the prettiest a part of the Netherlands?
This type of will depend on what you assume is fairly, however lots of people discover a few of the most scenic elements, like tulip fields or windmills within the Dutch countryside probably the most stunning. Otherwise you may discover cities with canals and waterways operating by them the prettiest, akin to Amsterdam.
What number of days within the Netherlands is sufficient?
The variety of days required for a Netherlands journey will depend on what you need to see and what number of cities you need to go to (in addition to distance). Nonetheless, you’ll be able to normally see rather a lot in every week in the event you plan nicely.
