Netherlands

Amsterdam: one of Europe’s most liberal cities

Amsterdam is one of the most welcoming and easy-going cities you’ll find in Europe. The most enjoyable thing to do is wander around the canal-laden centre and stop off for a coffee in one of the tiny cafés.

Among Amsterdam's most iconic museums and heritage sites are the Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Rijksmuseum, and Anne Frank House, all of which play a vital role in showcasing the city's artistic legacy, cultural development, and historical importance. Another highlight is cruising along Amsterdam’s canals by boat and getting unparalleled views of the city.

Do like the Dutch: go by bike

Believe it or not, off the north coast are a number of surprisingly beautiful islands – the Wadden Islands. Terschelling is one of the most visited of the bunch. Camping is popular on the island as is getting around by bike. Enjoy the fresh sea air and the calming sound of the waves. Back on the mainland, head down to Hoge Veluwe National Park and take your time exploring this precious woodland on one of the free white bikes offered as you enter. There’s a wide variety of plants and animals that can be found there.

Dutch city gems

Head south to Maastricht, one of the Netherland’s most beautiful cities, which is decorated with cobbled streets and peppered with pavement cafés. The culture has French and Belgian influences due to the city’s proximity to these two countries, which makes for a city altogether different to the rest of the Netherlands. Another lovely Dutch city is Utrecht, just 30 minutes from Amsterdam.

Non-stop partying

Amsterdam is a European leader when it comes to partying hard, with a wide selection of commercial and not so commercial events going on every week. Start the night off in the Leidseplein, which is teeming with bars, then head to Paradiso, a popular haunt with live bands and various dance music events on weekend nights. Rotterdam, Europe’s busiest port, also has a vibrant and underground night scene.

Tulips and windmills

Visit a flourishing Dutch tulip bulb field during the spring or take a train from Haarlem to Leiden for free and satisfying views from the train window. However, if quantity (and quality) is important to you, go to Keukenhof – the world’s largest flower gardens, with around six million flowers on show!

There are windmills all across the Netherlands, but one in easy reach is Molen van Sloten (Windmill of Sloten) on the outskirts of Amsterdam, where you can make a tour of this 19th-century polder draining mill.