If you live in Amsterdam or are visiting for more than a few days, you might want to consider exploring outside of the city. Keep reading for some recommended places...
Utrecht
A short train ride away from Amsterdam is Utrecht, a pretty, historic city with tree lined canals. If you are looking for a day of shopping, I would really recommend Utrecht over Amsterdam. The shops are more centralised and line the canals which makes for a much better experience; and if it rains, there is also a large shopping mall there too.
Another cool thing about Utrecht is that many of the bars and restaurants are set below the bridges, along the lower canals. You'll find them along the Oudegracht. Utrecht is also a student city, so bear this in mind when planning your time there, and if there's somewhere you really want to eat, book!
Delft
This quaint city is great to visit on a Saturday when they have a little market on. Perfect for a stroll, where you can see very green, mossy canals, low bridges and also just how close the water gets to the
houses set along the canal. Delft is also famous for
Delftware, the hand-painted blue-and-white pottery.
My favourite part of Delft was a little square called De Beestenmarkt. In the morning this square was completely deserted, but come lunchtime, all of the little cafes, bars and restaurants had opened up and it was a filled with people. Come rain or shine you can enjoy it; as most places offer blankets, fires and heaters. Gezellig.
Haarlem / Bloemendaal / Zandvoort
Haarlem is still on my list to visit, but I know a few people live here and commute in to Amsterdam, it's truly not far at all. It looks very cute and so many people have recommended it, so I will be updating this soon when I have more to say.
If you take the train here, you can continue a few more stops and you'll reach the beach at Bloemendaal, and can also visit Zandvoort. Beach clubs
in both of these spots are great, especially in summer,
but remember to book!
Rotterdam
The most modern city I have visited in the Netherlands, and with good reason. It was reconstructed following WWII and is known for its bold and modern architecture. Its worth a visit for the bars and restaurants, there are quite a few around Witte de Withstraat, and Rotterdam train station is quite impressive.
Volendam
About a 30 min drive from Amsterdam, the tiny town of Volendam is known for its cute and colourful houses. It feels like a fairytale village, and is possibly the cutest place I have ever seen. Along the harbour there are also a few shops, restaurants and seafood vendors. On the drive back from here, you could also stop at Zaanse Schans, Zaandam and walk around the windmills and check out the clogs.
I'll update this article once I have been to Haarlem, but for now, enjoy a day trip!
Commentaires