Being a low-lying country, 17% of the Netherlands is below sea-level which has gifted the land with the most scenic canals, lakes and rivers. These breathtaking waterways are most popularly explored the Dutch way- by bike! Pedal-power is the preferred mode of transport with some 32,000kms of dedicated cycle tracks, bicycle-only traffic lights and parking facilities countrywide to support this travel style. It’s easy to get lost in the two-wheeling excitement and hop on your own fietsen (bicycle) with the ubiquitous bike-rental outlets that speckle every corner.
When the sun goes down, it's time to trade in the beautiful site-seeing for the vibrant nightlife. The Dutch take socialising seriously and you’ll be sure to find their thousands of pubs packed with chattering locals and tourists alike. Whether you're searching for a delicious meal or to wind down the day with afternoon drinks, the perfect restaurant or bar is waiting to be found. Live music is a given in the Netherlands so you can experience local acoustic sounds to compliment your meal and then rave at the discotheque nightclub for a wild night out. If you're more of a sport buff, gather some friends and bring your hockey sticks to cheer for the champions of the Euro Hockey League during an evening match. With so much to do, there's no time for sleep in a destination this spirited!
With so much excitement around every corner, it's nice to slow down for a moment and reflect on the artistic masterpieces that have emerged from history's most admired. Among the revered is Rembrandt’s 17th century painting The Night Watch, Vermeer’s The Milkmaid and various world-renowned pieces from Vincent Van Gogh on display in the Van Gogh Museum. Paintings aren’t the only artistic gems found in the Netherlands, the city of Rotterdam is an architectural dream. Walking through the city, you won’t be able to put the camera away as you stumble past designs like the futuristic cube house forest, the marvelous archway of the Market Hall and the country’s tallest building, the ‘vertical city’. The contrast of modern designs intertwined with a collection of historic masterpieces makes exploring feel like a journey through time and space.
The city of Amsterdam, the Dutch capital, is one of the worlds most visited cities for a reason. Picturesque gems are tucked away in every corner so whether you follow the well-trodden tourist paths along the iconic canal waterfronts or hope on a bike for a backstreet adventure, you’ll find yourself in a world of colour and culture. Whether or not you love history, a visit to the Anne Frank House should be on everybody's itinerary. This thought-provoking museum gives us time to reflect on one of history's biggest atrocities and is a moving visit for all who experience her legacy. To continue the historical journey, be sure to check out the Rijksmuseum with an incredible collection of Dutch art history, housing 250 rooms filled with over 7 million items such as paintings from the ‘Old Masters’, Dutch artifacts, ancient handicrafts and a library of 35,000 books.
If you’re visiting Amsterdam in spring, you’ll be surrounded by bursts of colourful tulip bulbs as their bouquets decorate every available space along the city. If that’s not enough (and trust me, it’s not) be sure to check out the world-famous tulip fields that paint a rainbow between Haarlem and Leiden, occurring throughout April. Cool down after a day out in the sun with a beer at the Heineken brewery experience. Learn about the brewing process, explore the history of the brand and finish strong with a few samples in the tasting session.
For those looking to travel back in time, Zaanse Schans is a residential area located 15 km north of Amsterdam where the 17th and 18th century Neverlands is brought back to life. In its day, the Zaan region was an industrial area home to cheese factories, clog warehouses and various windmills which can still be visited today. Strolling along the streets, you’ll smell the alluring call of fresh cookies wafting from bakeries and daydream about the lives of those past who used to reside in the historic green wooden houses that still stand strong today.
The vibrant Netherlands will have you scrambling to pack every incredible adventure in so make sure you don't miss anything by exploring Gifting Owl’s range of tours, activities and experiences.
