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When you begin to dream of windmills and tulips, and sitting outside a cafe in Amsterdam on a moonlit night, it’‘s time to plan that vacation to the Netherlands. The Netherlands (also commonly called Holland in English) is a country in western Europe that faces the North Sea and borders Germany and Belgium. Collectively, the people, culture and language of the Netherlands is referred to as “Dutch”. Now is the perfect time to go dutch, so here is what you need to know to plan your ideal dutch vacation.
There are so many things of interest for tourists and travelers in the Netherlands, and Amsterdam is the main vacation spot many people seek on their Western European vacations. Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, and it’‘s also known as one of the world’‘s best hangouts. Whether it’‘s history, architecture, shopping, partying, or simple relaxation that you seek then Amsterdam has it. Canals criss cross the city, along with 400 bridges and over 7,000 registered historic buildings. While the city is full of things to see and do, it’‘s fairly small and relatively flat, so most visitors choose to see it on foot. You can rent a bicycle if you prefer, or take a taxi, which are expensive. The architecture is the most impressive thing to see in Amsterdam, along with the laid back attitude of the people. The whole west coast of Amsterdam is a beach, and there are parks, gardens and museums a plenty. There are street markets with varying hours, and different outdoor activities, such as concerts, during heavy peak season.
If you go outside of Amsterdam there will still be plenty to see and do in the Netherlands. There are windmills in the countryside, and outside Amsterdam’‘s city walls. If you are expecting to see nothing but windmills and tulips while in the Netherlands, however, you may be in for a bit of a shock. They are there- you just have to get out and find them. Most of the Netherlands are very populated, but still very lovely to see. Places you must visit while in the Netherlands include the following:
Leiden, the birthplace of Rembrandt and the oldest university in Holland. The Hague, the seat of the Dutch government and home of the Queen (‘‘Koninginnedag’‘ (queen’‘s day) is held every year on April 30th) . The Northsea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam, which is held in the summer. Shop in Maastricht, which is historic city in the province of Limburg. Said to be one of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands.
The best time to go to the Netherlands depends on you, the traveler. In April and May the tulips and daffodils will be in bloom. The summer months (June-August) will be crowded but a great time to visit for the festivals and outdoor sightseeing. Not that it ever gets really cold in the winter- the Netherlands can be a bit bleak in the winter, but rarely cold. It’‘s also cheaper in the winter and the pubs will be full of warm, welcoming Dutch, who really make the Netherlands one of the best places to vacation.
The official language is Dutch, but most people speak English very well. The official currency is the Euro. The unofficial drink is beer. Be sure to try the raw herring and the stroopwafel, but probably not together. Be sure to always be aware of your surroundings no matter where you are in the world. Have a great time going Dutch!
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