HOLLAND
In order to fully celebrate spring season in 2024 we headed to HOLLAND (THE NETHERLANDS) for yet another road trip. The first country of our BENELUX series was just perfect for that! With longer days, mild temperature, nature turning green, surprisingly – not even a day of rain during our stay, and TULIP SEASON in FULL BLOOM – April turned out to be the time of the year when Holland has a lot to offer!
Travelling by car is the most convenient way of exploring Netherlands. You can travel from one city to another in just few hours using motorways. Passing charming houses, local small farms and the fields full of tulips along the way, makes the journey even more enjoyable. The first major stop on our way was Eindhoven. This city is known for its strong ties to technology and design. It is home for many people working in Philips and the High Tech Campus. The city is also a hub for Dutch design, hosting famous Dutch Design Week each year. Eindhoven is a place where unique architecture of old town makes it so enjoyable to just have a walk and head for something to eat or do the shopping among many stores in the city center.
Holland and bikes go hand in hand and this motive was visible in every city we have visited. The Netherlands is the most bike-friendly country in the world, with number of bicycles is exceeding the population itself! Cycling is a way of life for people living in Holland, and the architecture of the cities with dedicated bike lanes, bike traffic lights, and even bike parking garages make it the most convenient mode of transport.
Just before we will head up to another big city in Holland, we have decided to visit Keukenhof in Lisse. This place is a world-famous tulip garden with millions of flowers, attracting huge crowds every year in April when tulips are in full bloom. If you would like to visit this place, keep in mind that the season for that is only around 2 months. When travelling by car it was easy for us to park the car in front of the building. The park’s stunning landscapes filled with tulip fields make it a must-visit. We highly recommend to book tickets online and visit early to avoid crowds.
We couldn’t leave Keukenhof without thousands photos of tulips. This place offers huge number of walking aisles among well-designed gardens. It showcases the colorful tulips and other flowers specific for the Dutch countryside. We have also found there pavilion exhibits, where diverse flowers like orchids, lilies, and carnations could be admired.
At the edge of the garden we have found traditional Dutch windmill (de Molen). It offers views over the surrounding tulip fields. We have climbed to the top for a panoramic view of the colorful tulip fields and we could notice people sailing on the garden canals. In front of the windmill there were several spots to buy souvenirs like wooden tulips or Dutch Clogs (traditional wooden boots). Together, these attractions make Keukenhof a true floral experience!
Filled with the spring vibes we headed to the Amsterdam. Due to city compact urban design car park in Amsterdam are often located in residential areas. We were forced to park the car in one of the spots like that, as finding car park on the street could be challenging and expensive. Using underground car parks turned out to be convenient way to manage that matter. If not by bike, using public transportation was the best option to head straight to the old town and explore the city. The sun has come out, when we get to the Amsterdam Central Railway Station. From this point a walk through Amsterdam’s Old Town was the best option to explore the city. The iconic canal houses are the most recognizable aspect of Amsterdam’s architecture. Built during the Dutch Golden Age (17th century), these tall, narrow homes line the city’s canals all over the historic square.
There is plenty of places to take a break and enjoy the canals’ view with something to eat or drink. In Amsterdam the diverse food scene combines traditional Dutch flavors with international influences. You can try local favorites like stroopwafels (waffels with carmel) or find chocolate bars from Tony’s Chocolonely in the local shop, where you can choose chocolates from Dutch manufacturer and seller. From the popular appetizers you can choose bitterballen (balls with meat), and for those who love cheese, Amsterdam is home to the best Gouda and Edam cheeses. Or if you would crave fries, as we did, make sure to grab patat (French fries) with a generous topping of mayo
Evenings in Amsterdam are magical, with the city’s canals reflecting twinkling lights. Whether you’re walking through the charming Jordaan district to enjoy a drink at a cozy café, or experiencing world-class museums. Amsterdam has something to offer for everyone! This city that been a hub for well-known artists like Rembrandt and Vincent van Gogh and you can find the most valuable pieces of art there. If not in rush, plan a visit to Zaandam, which is known for its picturesque Dutch architecture. Zaandam is also linked to the famous painter Claude Monet, who was inspired by its scenery. With its blend of history, culture, and modern attractions, Amsterdam is a destination for many to visit at least once!
