The country of Holland (aka Netherlands), from the region of windmills and wooden shoes, is one of the most travelled to in Europe, and for good reason. There is a compelling and thrilling international fervour present here. Not only do millions of visitors come here to experience all that the Dutch people, their land, and their culture have to offer, but more and more people are also deciding to settle here. Why not at least partake in a little of their enjoyment with a vacation to see some of the nicest sites in all of Holland? The economy is thriving and quality of life is among the top on the world.
Amsterdam is by far the most well-known city in Holland, and no vacation there would be complete without taking some time to explore this legendary city. But a quick train travel to the south will take you to the province of South Holland, another great area of Holland. Although most of these towns and cities were inhabited much earlier than that, they date to the middle ages. Therefore, if you want to experience more of what The Netherlands has to offer, think about stopping at any of these illustrious and genuinely significant sites of history, business, and tourism.
Alphen aan den Rijn
The oldest city in The Netherlands is this one, which is close to Leiden. It has been inhabited for more than two thousand years and has a fascinating history. Even now, Roman ruins beneath the city serve as a reminder of its illustrious past. Alphen aan den Rijn, which is situated on the banks of the Old Rhine River, has long been a significant centre of trade along the river. Visit the extremely old Oudhoorn Church or the Remonsttant Church, a former synagogue. In addition to the abundance of historical museums, you can also enjoy the Dutch theme park named Archeon.
Delft
The old university that calls this gorgeous town home is the centre of activity, but there is also plenty to keep visitors entertained. Like its more well-known relative, Delft is a canal town that began as a tiny, rural village before evolving into the residence of the Dutch Royal Family. One of its most well-known exports is the distinctive ceramic pottery, which has been produced here for more than 400 years. You can even visit where Delft pottery is made today and paint some with their craftsmen. The charming streets are small, peaceful, and surrounded with trees. It's a lovely area to enjoy Dutch daily life because there are so many cafes, shops, and restaurants there. The Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk are two places of interest that contain the remains of some of the city's most important past residents, including the Dutch Royal family. Also visit the national museum, the historic city hall, and the Royal Delft, which produces delftware porcelain.
Gouda
The majority of the cheese produced in The Netherlands is the creamy, tasty gouda cheese, which is famous across the world. Here, the streets are filled with the aroma of freshly cooked caramel goods from the many cafés and bakeries. Both St. John's Church and the City Hall, built in the fifteenth century, have beautiful architecture. Get a look at and quite a few samples at the Gouda cheese market, which has been around for generations. There are also many museums that chronicle the rich history of both the city and the famous cheese produced here.
Leiden
Leiden, often known as the "city of discoveries," has long been a shelter for scientists and progressive thinkers. Along these streets have walked some of history's greatest brains, including Albert Einstein. There are more than 20 museums to visit in this area, along with first-rate hotels and dining options. Take a stroll through the charming alleyways or ascend to the hilltop fortification of De Burcht for a breathtaking panorama of the city skyline. View the numerous Gothic and Medieval cathedrals that dot the city to get your fill of history. Explore two public windmills to get a taste of traditional Dutch culture, or perhaps see the famous artist Rembrandt's birthplace. When we stayed here we stayed in a Rembrandt suite in a hotel that once hosted Napoleon.
Lisse
Thousands of tourists travel south to the vivid tulip fields of Lisse as the snow melts and the flowers start to blossom. The Dutch economy once depended heavily on tulips, which were once more valuable than gold. Even though they no longer sell for quite as much money, they nevertheless play a significant role in Dutch identity and culture. One of the most well-liked tourist destinations during the brief spring season when the flowers are in bloom is the Keukenhof amusement park. In addition to the restaurants and shops where you may buy souvenir bulbs in the park, the village of Lisse also contains a number of other eateries and the 17th-century Keukenhof Castle.
