The Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the most densely-populated countries in the world, and yet outside of its bustling cities there is still plenty of peaceful, quiet countryside crisscrossed by canals and cycle paths. With excellent rail services making almost everywhere in the country easily accessible within a couple of hours of each other, It would be a shame to simply stay in Amsterdam alone, especially as in many ways it is not typical of the country as a whole. A deeply traditional land, yet also one at the cutting edge of social change and technological development, where colonial cuisines and traditional herring and cheese dishes are available on the same street, and with a grand imperial and maritime past to look back on, the Netherlands is worth much more than just a quick weekend break.
Featured Destinations
Amsterdam - The Dutch capital is renowned for its laid-back attitudes and progressive social policies, but this is also a very handsome city, beautifully-situated on its famous canals and well-stocked with museums, galleries and sights.
The Hague - The seat of government and the home of the Dutch Royal Family, The Hague (Den Haag) is an elegant, refined city known for its large parks and leafy avenues. The nearby seaside town of Scheveningen is a popular spot for getting away from city life.
In Depth
Our featured destinations are the most popular cities in the Netherlands, but there is plenty more to see and do. Here are some more ideas.
Maastricht - In the far south of the Netherlands, among the rolling hills of Limburg and close by the borders with both Belgium and Germany lies this charming medieval town on the banks of the river Maas - well worth a visit to see a completely different side to the Netherlands.
Leiden - A small, friendly university town, Leiden was the birthplace of Rembrandt and is now one of the most important centres in the country for museums. It also makes an excellent base for visiting the bulbfields of the southwest as well as being a delightful destination in its own right.
Utrecht - With its origins in a Roman frontier fort, Utrecht is a great place to base yourself for an exploration of the Netherlands - its railway station is one of the main hubs of the Dutch network, and the city itself has many fine churches and museums to keep you busy.
