Netherlands

A lthough you’d never know it, The Netherlands — or Holland, if you’d like — is one of the most densely populated countries of Europe, despite being only about twice the size of New Jersey. Still though, outside its major cities you can travel through stretches of farmland punctuated only with villages, windmills and, in the springtime, tulips, and see few people.

What you do see is a lot of water. Although more than half of the country has been reclaimed from the sea by a vast system of dikes, about 20% of the country is still covered with canals and other inland waterways. Canals crisscross the country almost everywhere, but it’s in cities such as Amsterdam where they show their real charm.

Amsterdam is a magnet for tourists, and rightfully so, but many people make the mistake of not going further afield to the cities of Rotterdam, Utrecht, Den Haag and Delft, each of which have their own charm. To get the complete Dutch experience also visit the beaches along the North Sea Coast, and go inland to places such as Kinderdijk where the old windmills stand in a line above the fields.

Top Experiences

Amsterdam – culture, cuisine and cannabis
Delft – Vermeer’s charming hometown
Rotterdam – gritty seaport with avant-garde architecture
Marken and Volendam – touristy but still interesting

Good to Know

Amsterdam’s Canals
Amsterdam’s canals are one of the reasons travelers are so mesmerized by the city.
 

Experiencing the Holland of the Masters
As you travel around Holland look about at the same subjects the Dutch Masters captured in their masterpieces.
 

Delft: Vermeer and porcelain in a quaint Dutch city
You don’t have to be in Delft long to see what inspired Johannes Vermeer opines Associated Press. Meandering up and down countless bridges that stretch over canals, and past storefronts and slender houses, the quaint Dutch life sets in. (photo: Misty)

Transportation

There is non-stop air service from the USA and Canada as well as many European cities to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. There is ferry service from the UK. The rail system is excellent, the bus system efficient and car travel easy, although you do need to watch for bicyclists and trolleys.

Hotels

There is no lack of accommodations ranging from budget hotels and B&Bs to five-star chain properties.

Food

When it comes to food in Holland, there is something for everyone. Quite popular, especially in Amsterdam, are the many small ethnic restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.

Quality of Medical Care (Good/Fair/Poor)

Good