Plan a Day Out of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a bustling city with much to occupy its visitors, but if you want to experience more of the real Holland then there are a host of activities and interesting sites available just a stones throw from the city. The Netherlands is a small country with a well developed transport system, which makes getting from one place to another very easy. Cycling is the main mode of transport and you can just as easily rent a bike in Amsterdam and cycle along the dykes to one of the out of town attractions.
A short train ride from Amsterdam is the beautiful city of The Hague, where the Dutch royal family live and the country’s parliament reside. There are many things to do in this city, but recommended is a trip to the Madurodam, a famous miniature world, which replicates everything Holland is famous for in minute detail including the Royal Palace onDam Square, the Alkmaar cheese market and Amsterdam’s canal houses. Another must see in this city is the Peace Palace, which was a gift from the American Andrew Carnegie. The palace is the place where many have endeavoured to solve disputes and keep world peace. A host of nations donated supplies for the building’s construction; Switzerland for example donated the clock housed in the bell tower. You can also go on a tour focusing on the royal residences, or simply mooch around the city and soak up its very stylish ambience.
The Netherlands is famous for the production and farming of tulips. If you would like to see the real tulips from Amsterdam, you must visit the amazing Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse. It is within easy cycling distance but you can also take one of the frequent buses that depart from the airport, Schipol. The tulip displays take place only between March and May, when Keukenhof puts on a splendid show of colour created by millions of blooming tulips. The gardens span over 80 acres and are filled with streams, ponds and winding pathways. You will be amazed at how many flowers grow here and it’s not just tulips; there are plenty of other flowers like daffodils and hyacinths. The indoor exhibitions are constantly replanted to offer ten spectacular exhibitions. Additionally,the park has seven themed gardens, a corn mill, lots of sculptures and a special trail for children.
Windmills and cycling are synonymous with Dutch life. A great way to experience the two is to rent a bike and cycle off to the Zaanse Schans, a group of 17th- and 18th-Century windmills and wooden houses on the banks of the River Zaan not far from the city. There are two well signposted cycling routes to choose from; the Zaandam Heritage Route covers just over 32 kilometres of flat ground along the Zaandam and the Veenweide. The Wormer Route is slightly longer at 40 kilometres and takes you through the low lying land which is protected by dykes to the north of the Zaanse Schans.
If the weather is good, then head off to the beach in Noordwijk. The beach is huge and there are plenty of activities you can do here. Apart from paddling in the sea and making sandcastles, you can take an organised boat trip or hire your own boat and try your hand at sailing or surfing if you prefer. Noordwijk is a great place to visit in the evening also; ou won't even think about going back to Amsterdam. There is a lively nightlife and a wealth of good restaurants many featuring live music.