Go Ahead travelers Jordan and Jonathan explored the vibrant cities of the Netherlands on their tour of London, Paris, and Amsterdam. Take a look at their recommendations for what you should see when you visit the Netherlands.
1
Keukenhof Gardens
Keukenhof is one of the world’s largest flower gardens specializing in tulips, with roughly seven million flowers planted each year. The vibrant tulips are absolutely breathtaking for any photographer and florist alike. Once you’ve tired of the flowers (if you possibly can!), there is a classic Dutch windmill nearby that you can climb. Surprisingly, the gardens are only open for about two months out of the year: each spring from mid-March to mid-May. If you’re in the Netherlands during this time, Keukenhof is a must-see.
Visit the Keukenhof Gardens on our Amsterdam & the Keukenhof Gardens tour.
2
Canals of Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s canals and the surrounding architecture are simply unbelievable until you see them for yourself. The buildings cautiously lean over the city’s sidewalks and walkways like nothing you would have imagined. Seeing the house boats perched up along the side of the canals gives you a sense of how different life is for those living here. To really explore and get a feel for the city like a local—visit one of its many bike shops for a rental.
3
FloraHolland
FloraHolland is the world’s largest international trading platform for plants and flowers. Touring this warehouse will make you feel like you’re in the Wal-Mart or Ikea of flowers. You can watch the flower auctions that take place around the globe in real time, or marvel at how quickly a worker can lug around a 20-car train full of plants through traffic that’s comparable to New York City.
4
Delft
With a close-knit community, delft is a more peaceful version of Amsterdam. You can really get a feel for what life here must be like when walking by the small, family-owned bakeries or the classic Delftware pottery shops (which happen to make some great souvenirs for you to bring home) that are spread throughout the city. Your stay in beautiful Delft would not be complete without a visit to the New Church in the main square and the Oude Kerk that carefully leans toward the old city center’s charming canals.
Have you ever taken a trip to the Netherlands? What would you add to this list? Tell us on Facebook!
