Anne Frank Museum in Amsterdam
This is one of the biggest and most talked-about places to visit while in the Netherlands. You can walk through the entire trail she went through when you are in the same place she was raised, and also where she hid. Everyone is welcome to come out. With statues, pieces of her past, and more are sitting almost untouched.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to come and see this attraction is when it is a bit chilly outside, and even if it is raining. The museum is inside, so you don't have to worry about the outside elements.
You Should Know
It is recommended that you purchase tickets for this ahead of time. This way, you can skip the lines and go right in. Live in the moment, and make sure to take in all of the sights, sounds, and scents of this area. Take a tour with a guide and ask questions if you have them. This is a great time to learn.
De Bijenkorf
The most famous department store since 1870, it continues to stand and provide shoppers with many things to purchase. There are also daily open air-markets right outside the square. You can make a whole day out of shopping and looking at all of the items that each place is offering. With a little bit of everything, you will be surprised at what you might find.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to see this is when it is warmer outside, and it is not raining. The open-air markets are best when you don't have to hide from the rain or the cold weather.
You Should Know
The Flower Market is one of the best places to shop if you are headed out this way. The Nine Streets is also a place that has many things for you to shop through and look at.
Red Light District
This is the best place to get cannabis-inspired goods. This is also where you can find all sorts of after-hours places, drinks, and entertainment of all kinds. De Wallen is one of the largest and best districts of alleys that provide a lot of different entertainment pieces. You can choose where to go from here.
Best Time To Visit
The best time is during the night time or twilight hours. This is a great thing to think about because you can see and do more during these hours as compared to the daytime.
You Should Know
This is definitely a place where you don't want to bring children because it is known as the sex district. It is one of the places that is talked about the most in movies and in videos, so it might be worth checking out. Prostitution is legal and regulated in this area, so this is important to think about.
Street Markets for Delicious Food
These street markets have the best street foods to try while you walk through the area. You cannot go wrong when you are eating some of the local cuisines. Try the herring sandwiches, stroopwafels that are filled with honey and syrup, fries with mayonnaise, bitterballen, and stamppot.
Best Time To Visit
The weather should be clear, but it can be any temperature for you to make sure to get something delicious. The market is outside, so if it is raining, it can be hard to walk through the streets.
You Should Know
You can purchase one of each of the dishes and share them with the person you are with, so you can sample a little bit of everything. Heineken provides a full-on experience, so make sure to check out the shop that provides this.
Van Gogh Museum
The Van Gogh Museum is a place that many people do not realize is located in the Netherlands. You can find that many of the original photos of his are hanging in this museum. It is known as the world's largest collection of his paintings, so even if you are not into art, it is definitely a piece of history.
Best Time To Visit
You should visit when it is chilly and raining outside since it is mostly inside. You can hide from the weather and walk around the nicely built museum.
You Should Know
Some of the paintings that are shown in this museum are Potato Eaters and Sunflowers. You can purchase tickets ahead of time, so you don't have to purchase them while you are there.
Canals of Amsterdam
This is one of the most beautiful places to visit when you are in the Netherlands. You can walk the bridges, or you can rent a boat taxi or another type of small paddle boat and go down the canals on the water itself. For those who want to take in the best of the Netherlands, these canals are where you want to find yourself visiting.
Best Time To Visit
If you go during the bloom season, it is not only warmer, but the flowers make the canals that much prettier.
You Should Know
Many think that they can only go on the water, or on the bridges but you can do both or either. This is a great choice of things to do when you don't want to spend money on activities or things to do.
Zaanse Schans
Do you want to know what the Netherlands in the past looks and feels like? Visiting Zaanse Schans is the best thing to do when you want a piece of history. Set back in the 17th and 18th centuries, you can walk through the villages and see the ancient craftsmen work around every corner. The factory, grocery store, shipyard, and more are all still there and you can walk through them.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to see this attraction is when the weather is mild, and it is best if it is not pouring, but a bit of rain is okay.
You Should Know
Bring a rain jacket and an umbrella with you if you are going to walk through the towns because it might rain. There are around 600 windmills in the area that you can see dotting the lines of the hills ahead. They do live demonstrations at the mills in the area if you are there during those times. They are interesting to see.
Rijksmuseum
This entire castle is filled with antiques, art pieces, and more history than you will find in any other museum. This makes it a great place to find yourself spending some downtime. You can walk through the halls on your own, or you can opt to have a guide bring you through and talk you through what you see.
Best Time To Visit
You should visit when it is a bit cooler and even when it is raining. You won't have to deal with the outside elements during this time.
You Should Know
The library here is full of books, with over 35,000 of them and many of them dating back to the 18th century and beyond. There are over 250 rooms, so make sure to plan to spend plenty of time inside this museum. Over 7 million items are on display but you have to be careful not to touch or break anything.
Getting There
Starting your Netherlands river cruise adventure is easy and accessible. Major cruise lines typically begin their journeys in Amsterdam, the capital city known for its extensive canal network. Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is one of Europe's largest, offering flights from numerous international destinations. From the airport, it's a short journey to the city's cruise ports, which are well-equipped and conveniently located. The Netherlands' efficient public transport system makes it easy to reach the port if you're already in Europe. The country's flat landscape and interconnected waterways ensure a smooth and scenic start to your river cruise.
The Perfect Time for a Netherlands River Cruise
The best time to embark on a Netherlands river cruise is from April to October. This period offers pleasant weather, ideal for enjoying the outdoor sights and activities along the river. Spring, particularly April and May, is a special time as the famous Dutch tulip fields are in full bloom, creating a spectacular display of color. The weather is mild, perfect for strolling through cities and countryside.
Summer, from June to August, brings warmer temperatures and longer days, allowing more time to explore. It's also the peak tourist season, so expect more visitors, especially in popular cities like Amsterdam.
Autumn, in September and October, offers cooler weather and fewer tourists. This is a great time to enjoy the changing colors of the landscape and partake in local harvest festivals.
Experience the Flavors of the Netherlands
The Netherlands offers a delightful culinary experience with a variety of flavors to explore. Dutch cuisine is known for its hearty and comforting dishes. A must-try is "Stamppot," a traditional dish made with mashed potatoes and vegetables, often served with smoked sausage. "Poffertjes," small fluffy pancakes, are a delicious treat, especially when dusted with powdered sugar and a dollop of butter.
Seafood lovers should try "Haring," raw herring usually served with onions and pickles. For cheese enthusiasts, the Netherlands is a paradise. Gouda and Edam are just two of the famous cheeses that originate here. Pair these with a local beer or a glass of Jenever, a traditional Dutch spirit.
For dining, explore the local "eetcafes" (eat cafes) or street food markets where you can sample various Dutch specialties. Don't miss the chance to visit a cheese market in towns like Gouda or Alkmaar to see cheese trading in action and to sample the local produce.
The Netherlands' culinary scene offers a mix of traditional flavors and modern cuisine, ensuring that every meal adds to the richness of your travel experience.
Immerse Yourself in Dutch Culture
Dutch culture is renowned for its rich history, vibrant art scene, and open-mindedness. In the Netherlands, you'll find a society that values tolerance, innovation, and a deep respect for freedom and individual rights. The Dutch are known for their straightforward communication style, often seen as direct but honest.
Festivals play a big role in Dutch culture. One of the most famous is King's Day (Koningsdag), celebrated on April 27th, when streets burst into orange, the national color, with music, flea markets, and festivities. Another significant event is the Tulip Festival, showcasing the country's iconic flower in a riot of colors.
Art and history are deeply ingrained in Dutch culture, with the country being home to famous painters like Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Museums across the country showcase this rich artistic heritage.
Lastly, the Netherlands' unique relationship with water is evident in its well-designed canal systems, historic windmills, and ongoing innovation in water management, reflecting a culture that's both respectful of nature and forward-thinking in its approach to environmental challenges.
Why Book a Netherlands River Cruise?
A Netherlands river cruise is an excellent way to explore this unique European country. One of the main advantages is the ease and convenience it offers. You can see multiple destinations without the hassle of packing and unpacking at each stop. The cruise provides a comfortable base from which to explore the picturesque Dutch landscapes, historic cities, and cultural sites.
Another benefit is exclusive access to certain areas and experiences. Some cruises offer special tours, private museum access, or behind-the-scenes looks at Dutch landmarks, which aren't available to the general public.
The value for money is also a significant advantage. Most cruises include accommodations, meals, and guided tours in the price, making it a cost-effective way to travel. Additionally, the unique perspective from the waterways offers stunning views of the Dutch countryside, historic windmills, and charming townscapes that you can't get from land travel.
Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or just enjoy scenic landscapes, a Netherlands river cruise offers a diverse and enriching experience. It's a relaxing, convenient, and comprehensive way to explore the heart of the Netherlands.
Ready to Book Your Netherlands River Cruise?
Are you looking for a unique way to explore the heart of the Netherlands? A river cruise through this beautiful country offers just that. Picture yourself gliding through serene waterways, passing by traditional windmills, vibrant tulip fields, and historic cities. The Netherlands is a blend of scenic beauty, rich history, and modern innovation. On a river cruise, you'll experience the charm of Dutch life, from the bustling streets of Amsterdam to the peaceful countryside. You'll also enjoy the convenience of having your travel, accommodations, and meals all in one place, making it a relaxing way to see the sights. Whether you're interested in art history or just soaking in the picturesque landscapes, a Netherlands river cruise is an adventure you won't want to miss.
So, why wait? Book your journey today and set sail on an unforgettable exploration of Dutch culture and beauty.
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