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zaanse-schans-windmills-at-sunset — Windmills at **Zaanse Schans**

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Destinations > Europe > Netherlands > Highlights of Central Netherlands and Amsterdam

Central Netherlands and Amsterdam

A trip to the Central Netherlands and Amsterdam provides great opportunities to experience nature and culture. There are many things to see and do in this ecologically unique environment. From flowers to beer, windmills to wildlife – there’s an adventure to suit everyone here.

Also, did you know that of the 12 provinces in the Netherlands, only 2 provinces are part of what is known as “Holland.” It's true - Noord-Holland, which includes Amsterdam, and Zuid-Holland, the province just south of there along the coast, are the 2 that make up “Holland” and much of the culture that you may associate with it - including the tulips, clogs (a.k.a. “klompen”), windmills and cheese!

Learn more about the Netherlands, and its customs and culture, by reading the short Netherlands: Culture Smart! book today!

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famous-amsterdam-hotel — Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam

Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam

After windmills, one of the most iconic structures in the Netherlands is the architecture of Inntel Hotels Amsterdam Zaandam. The building’s stacking of traditional houses provides a unique and impressive façade. The interior is just as interesting, with rooms individually designed to combine the traditional craftsmanship of the area with modern amenities. The restaurant is suspended over the canal, offering a unique perspective to diners. Whether it’s just to catch a photo op with the incredible building, or to take advantage of the amenities offered by the hotel itself, this needs to be a stop on your visit to the Netherlands.

Check out their rooms here.

amsterdam-what-to-do — Amsterdam’s City Center and Canals

European Trail: Capitals & Cafés

This epic European trip through the Old World’s greatest cities is geared towards budget-conscious travellers eager to finally check “backpacking Europe” off of their bucket list. See the absolute best parts of the biggest highlights that Europe has to offer: Paris, Bruges, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Krakow, Budapest, Vienna, Slovenia, Venice, Rome, Florence, and the Swiss Alps.

While in Amsterdam, take an included bike tour around Amsterdam's city center, checking out the city's canals, ts iconic bridges and past the main sights.

Then, opt to check out the Red Light District, the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, Oude Kerk, the Anne Frank House, relax on a Canal Boat Tour, or visit some of the other highlights listed in this article. In the evening, head into a cozy bruin café or “eetcafé” to gather together and catch up over a beer or glass of house wine.

Learn more about this amazing European adventure!

Highlights of Central Amsterdam

National Park Veluwezoom

One of the natural wonders of the Netherlands that is not to be missed is National Park Veluwezoom. Located in the Veluwe region, this 50-square kilometer park is the oldest national park in the Netherlands. It offers visitors a variety of ways to discover the heaths, sand drifts, and forests – from a simple walk along maintained paths to horseback or mountain bike. Be sure to check out the top of Posbank, a 90-meter-high hill that lets you take in the fabulous view of the surrounding preserve.

Just nearby, the extension of this amazing park, is the De Hoge Veluwe National Park - with the must-see Kröller-Müller Museum and more!

Park Berg en Bos

Located nearby, at the edge of the Veluwe region, in Apeldoorn, Park Berg en Bos is another great place to experience the preserved nature of the area. With 250 hectares of unspoiled woodland terrain that shows a variety of local wildlife and ecological niches, there is a lot to experience here. The park also has amenities such as a watchtower to observe the area, a playground for children, and a more challenging climbing forest, where you can challenge yourself on the ropes and platforms built amongst the trees. For a more relaxed, but still wonder-filled time, check out the Butterfly Garden. Don’t forget to see the Het Oude Loo castle!

Explore this park and the surrounding are a bit more with a Self-Guided Tour of Apeldoorn that includes a fun and Interactive City Game, or spend the night at the nearby Hotel Berg en Bos to get some much needed rest and relaxation!

De Beekse Hoeve

If you’re interested in wildlife, another way to enjoy the great outdoors is at De Beekse Hoeve. Take one of their safari tours where you can get up close with the local wildlife, as well as wild horses and Spanish cattle. The safari tours are not all that’s on offer at De Beekse Hoeve, either. You can also take nature tours on electric scooters or bikes, both guided and independent, and there are a whole range of choices when it comes to family building activities as well. Many of the available packages include food and drink, and there are also overnight accommodations if you want to extend your adventure time.

khufu-pyramid-netherlands — Photo credit: Kattjosh, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Monument Pyramide van Austerlitz

A fun and interesting intersection of man and nature in the Netherlands is Monument Pyramide van Austerlitz. Originally built by the Napoleonic army to celebrate a military victory, the pyramid is modeled after the Pyramid of Khufu in Egypt. For two centuries the monument fought a losing battle with the elements, but in the early 2000s it was restored to new glory. Now you can take a set of stairs to the top of the grass-covered tiers to take in the view. At the base of the pyramid there’s a funfair and a visitors’ center where you can get more details on the history and restoration of the monument.

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Castle De Haar

Another great place to see man’s impact of the landscape is Castle De Haar, the Netherlands’ largest castle. Located near Utrecht, and only about half an hour from Amsterdam, parts of the castle date back to 1391 when the land was granted to the De Haar family. Renovated in the late 1800s, when an heir to the family married a Rothschild heiress, the interior incorporated the works of local artisans specializing in wood carving. The walls and ceilings showcase these fabulous carvings, and the art and antiques collected by the family and the Rothschilds are also on display. The rooms that are open to the public give visitors a glimpse of true luxury and historic beauty.

Check out this castle by taking a tour or making a reservation.

Photo credit: Alias 0591 from the Netherlands, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

AAP - Animal Rescue and Protection Organization

There’s another great spot for animal lovers who are visiting the Netherlands – AAP is an animal rescue and protection organization located in Almere. They work to eliminate animal suffering and to rescue and rehabilitate animals, particularly those sold through the exotic pet trade, the entertainment industry, and wildlife traffickers. You can support this excellent work, and take a tour of their rescue facility to learn more about the animals they work with.

You can donate to this cause or take a tour of this center on your own.

Photo credit: Gouwenaar, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Muiderslot Castle

Located at the mouth of the Vecht River near Amsterdam, Muiderslot is a castle with over 700 years of history to share with visitors. Today the castle has been restored to look as it did in the 17th century and is a national museum. When you visit you can see what life was like at that time and even earlier. The gardens have also been restored to look the way they did in the 1600s. The castle offers both individual audio tours and guided tour opportunities to learn more about the holdings and history of the area. Be sure to double check the status of the opening hours of the Castle and Museum when you’re planning your trip.

Highlights of Amsterdam

Zaanse Schans

To experience the history and culture of the Netherlands, a visit to Zaanse Schans is a must. A neighborhood of the city of Zaandam, the area is famous for its traditional windmills and historic houses. In addition to the lovely historic nature of the neighborhood, there are also seven museums in the area to help visitors dive deeper into the history and culture – the Weavers House, the Cooperage, the Jisper House, Zaan Time Museum, Albert Heijn Museum Shop, and the Bakery Museum. There’s so much to see and do in this area!

Additionally, you’ll find a bakery, a brewery, a restaurant, and a cheese factory on the grounds - we highly recommend the waffles at the bakery!

If there’s one place you should absolutely see while in Amsterdam, this one would be it. To really understand this amazing place, join a short guided tour with a professional guide. You’ll definitely appreciate it more!

Anne Frank Huis

Nearby to the iconic hotel is a location that is a more serious spot for history. The Anne Frank Huis is a popular stop for visitors to learn about and honor the young Jewish diarist who lost her life in the Second World War. The house where she stayed, including the secret annex where she hid, is now a museum providing an educational program about Anne and other children during the war, as well as the problems of antisemitism in our modern times. They offer several different programs and tours to help visitors understand the troubling history.

In addition to exploring the Anne Frank Huis, extend your understanding of the life of Anne Frank, and World War II, with a small-group or private Walking Tour - before or after your visit to the famous house and museum.

Bloemenmarkt

A visit to Amsterdam would not be complete without seeing Bloemenmarkt. The market is the worlds only floating flower market, and is located on the Singel canal in the southern part of the city. Visit the gift and flower shops to experience the gorgeous variety of tulips and flower bulbs that made Holland a wealthy country 400 years ago. Though the flower trade has declined since that golden age, tulips are still famous in the Netherlands today.

After checking out the tulips on this floating market, take a Canal Cruise in a Classic River Boat with Drinks & Dutch Cheese to really heighten your cultural experience!

Heineken Experience

Amsterdam is also the home of the world-famous Heineken Beer. Even if you’re not a big beer drinker, the Heineken Experience offers a fascinating look into the company’s history and the process of beer making in general. There are self-guided tours, as well as more in-depth experiences. And be sure to top off your visit with a taste of some of the iconic beer, or pick up a souvenir for the beer lovers in your life in their shop.

Grab an Exclusive Heineken Experience VIP Tour ticket or just reserve a regular admission ticket in advance.

amsterdams-sex-museum — **Venustempel** Sex Museum Amsterdam

Venustempel Sexmuseum Amsterdam - The Sex Museum

Flowers and windmills are not the only thing the Netherlands are famous for, and a visit to Sexmuseum Amsterdam will give you a closer look at this definitely adult side of the Dutch, and human, culture. The museum, also known as the Temple of Venus, showcases a vast collection of art and objects dealing with both the historic and artistic aspects of human sexuality. The 17th century building that houses the museum has a maze-like atmosphere that leaves visitors plenty of opportunities to be surprised by the collected items. With humor and taste, the museum offers an interesting look at this sometimes-sensitive topic. Note that the entrance to the museum is now classier and rather inconspicuous.

Alternatively, you can opt to check out the slightly more provocative Red Light Secrets Museum.

Amstelpark

In a country famous for flowers, a visit to the fabulous Amstelpark should definitely be part of your plan. Built and opened for a flower show in 1972, the park has a wide variety of attractions and spaces to enjoy nature. The Rhododendron Valley has over 130 species of the plant, or if you prefer a more manicured style, check out the Japanese Garden. With the other possibilities including a labyrinth, a café, a restaurant, two galleries, an orangery, a petting zoo. and a mini-golf course, the park really does have something for everyone!

See more of the amazing parks around Amsterdam, like Vondelpark, by taking a bike tour through the city - one of the best ways to explore Amsterdam!

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zaanse-schans-historical-town — Zaanse Schans traditional houses and windmills

The Highlights of Central Netherlands and Amsterdam

With so much to see and do in Amsterdam and the Netherlands, the hardest part is going to be choosing. Maybe you’ll just have to make another trip!

Learn more about the Netherlands, and better prepare for your trip, by reading the short Netherlands: Culture Smart book today!

FAQ’s

How much does it cost to visit the Keukenhof Gardens?

The Keukenhof Gardens are open from mid-March to mid-May every year. The ticket price for adults is €19.50, for children (4-17 years) is €9.00, and for children under 4 is free. You can also buy a combi-ticket that includes a bus transfer from Amsterdam or other nearby cities for €29.50 for adults and €14.50 for children².

What are some of the best museums to visit in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is home to many world-class museums that showcase the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Netherlands. Some of the best museums to visit are the Rijksmuseum, which displays masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch artists; the Van Gogh Museum, which houses the largest collection of paintings by the famous post-impressionist painter; the Anne Frank House, which tells the story of the Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis in a secret annex; and the Stedelijk Museum, which features modern and contemporary art by Picasso, Mondrian, and others³⁴.

How can I get around the Central Netherlands by public transportation?

The Central Netherlands is well-connected by public transportation, including trains, buses, trams, and metro. You can use the OV-chipkaart, a smart card that you can load with credit and use to pay for your fares. You can also buy single tickets or day passes at the stations or on board. The public transportation network covers most of the major cities and attractions in the region, such as Utrecht, Rotterdam, The Hague, Delft, Leiden, and Haarlem. You can also rent a bike and explore the scenic countryside and villages at your own pace⁵.

(1) Highlights of Central Netherlands and Amsterdam (Holland) - The .... https://eatwanderexplore.com/blog/highlights-of-central-netherlands-and-amsterdam-the-netherlands.

(2) 24 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Amsterdam | PlanetWare. https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/amsterdam-nl-nh-amst.htm.

(3) Coastal Highlights of the Netherlands - 10 Days | kimkim. https://www.kimkim.com/c/coastal-highlights-of-the-netherlands-10-days.

(4) Amsterdam: Highlights Canal Cruise | GetYourGuide. https://www.getyourguide.com/amsterdam-l36/amsterdam-100-highlights-cruise-t54538/.

(5) THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Amsterdam - Tripadvisor. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g188590-Activities-Amsterdam_North_Holland_Province.html.

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