Many vacationers travel to Europe these days and take the conducted tours to feel comfortable. But lots of us plan our own holidays. That’s where the fun lies with the freedom to enjoy as you wish. It’s nice sometimes to rush to multiple countries over two weeks. But exploring just one country at a time makes your holiday so very different and special. You don’t need to rush, you travel less between cities, experience lots and can choose to completely relax on days you wish. Looking for a beautiful country to head to? Undoubtedly Netherlands tops our list. So here are 7 top cities of Netherlands for you to explore during a completely chilled out holiday spread over two weeks.
1. Amsterdam
Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands is renowned for its elaborate canal system, historic houses and rich artistic heritage. And it’s the ideal holiday destination for you if you love cycling. When there, try and stay in the city center near Amsterdam Centraal because that’s where the real action is.
Be it the boat rides, canals, great food options, many landmarks and almost all the top museums nearby. And then the endless walk along the canal be it day or night. Add to that the wonderful day trip options to beautiful cities from here to add to your pleasures of exploring.
What You Must Do
Museumplein meaning Museum Square is a great destination to spend hours relaxing and enjoying the green and the sun. It’s where all the leading museums are including Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Stedelijk Museum and Concertgebouw, a world renowned concert hall. Also nearby are Rembrandt House Museum and Anne Frank House Museum.
We at Travelwisesr have been privileged to be invited to these museums during our numerous trips to Amsterdam and take them to our readers with a detailed coverage on our experiences. If you love art you must head to one or more of your favorite ones. But remember to visit their website and book much in advance as tickets sell off very fast.
Also Read these Guides: 3 days in Amsterdam & Amsterdam on Foot
Also Read: Day trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam & Volendam
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2. Rotterdam
Location in South Holland province in the Netherlands and on the banks of the New Meuse River, Rotterdam was a fishing village in the 13th century. It became a major trading hub before its city center was destroyed in a 1940 bombing during WWII.
After the war the city was completely rebuilt with a focus on modern and innovative architecture. Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and is known for its bustling port, a vibrant cultural scene and dynamic economy.
What You Must Do
Also Read: Experience Rotterdam in 2 Days
3. Den Haag
Den Haag or The Hague is a city known for its status as the international city of peace and justice. That’s because it’s home to organizations like the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. And it’s also the seat of the Dutch parliament, a royal city and a major cultural hub with museums, a vibrant city center, beaches and a miniature theme park showcasing Netherlands in a day.
What You Must Do
Also Read- 2 Days in The Hague
4. Maastricht
Maastricht is a historic city in the Netherlands and is also famous being the birthplace of the European Union, as it was here that the Maastricht Treaty was signed. Key attractions include its historic squares like Vrijthof and Markt, the Bonnefantenmuseum and the Bookstore Dominican, a bookstore in a former 13th-century church. The city center is vibrant with its sit-out restaurants, street food and the charming riverside.
What You Must Do
Also Read- How to enjoy 2 Days in Maastricht
5. Eindhoven
Eindhoven is known as a hub for technology and design. It is the fifth-largest city in the Netherlands and the birthplace of the company Philips. Hence the nickname “City of Light”.
Though less frequented by tourists, it’s a great location to base yourself and explore places in North Brabant. The city is completely green with agricultural landscapes and parks, the city center quite cool to spend hours together and time by the River Dommel is such a beautiful experience.
What You Must Do
Read More- The Genneper Parken Experience
Also Read- Magical Van Gogh Village & Museum, Nuenen
6. Utrecht
Utrecht is the fourth-largest city in the Netherlands and is known for its medieval center, historic canals with unique wharf cellars and the iconic Dom Tower. It is a vibrant university city and a walk through the city center along the canals is a lovely experience. Add to that a lively canal and cafe culture, it’s a great city for a day trip if you have limited time in hand. We did one from Eindhoven and hardly missed anything including a lovely Indian lunch by the canal.
What You Must Do
Also Read- How to Best Enjoy a Day Trip to Utrecht
7. Den Bosch
Den Bosch, officially ‘s-Hertogenbosch is the capital of the North Brabant province in the Netherlands. It is known for its well-preserved medieval city center and very rich history. Key attractions include the historic market square featuring the Moriaan, the oldest brick building in the Netherlands, the St. John’s Cathedral and the Noordbrabants Museum. The city is also famous for its local pastry, the “Bossche Bol”. And of course its canals.
What You Must Do
Also Read: Den Bosch Day Trip
The 2 Weeks Plan
Amsterdam – Day 1, 2 & 3 including a Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam & Volendam
Rotterdam – Day 4 & 5
Den Haag – Day 6 & 7
Maastricht – Day 8 & 9
Eindhoven – Local Chillout on Day 10, Day Trip to Nuenen on Day 11, Day Trip to Utrecht on Day 12 & Day Trip to Den Bosch on Day 13
Amsterdam – Day 14
Once back in Amsterdam for your flight back, opt for a hotel near Schiphol Airport to make your travel hassle free. All leading hotels provide a free pick up from the airport and the drop charges are minimal. We have been staying in Ramada by Wyndham during our last two years and it’s become quite our favorite because of these views from our room, as the aircrafts take off and land. And we quite love walking around the lovely Badhoevedorp neighborhood and down to the cute city center.
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