This free guide serves to show you that The Netherlands is so much more than just Amsterdam! As a Dutch person, I think Amsterdam is highly overrated as a tourist destination. Locals have been forced out of the city centre and tourist shops have taken over. If you want an authentic experience of The Netherlands, I'd recommend reading the tips in this guide. And of course, if you really want to visit Amsterdam, you still can! ;)

Amsterdam, Nederland

Netherlands

Alternatives to Amsterdam (FREE)

I have been studying in Leiden for the past two years and have fallen in love with the city! Leiden is one of many student cities in the Netherlands but arguably the oldest, historic and most fun student cities of them all!
Here are all of my recommendation for a nice time in this beautiful city  xx

Leiden, Nederland

🇳🇱 Leiden favorites

Are you looking to visit Den Haag (English: The Hague) and do you care about sustainability? If so, this is the city guide you need!

I lived in Den Haag for over 4 years, and have compiled this guide for travellers who are interested in fresh food, second hand shopping, finding inner city green spaces, and generally leaving a positive impact on the planet. With over 75 tips listed, even locals are bound to discover some new spots with this guide.

Den Haag is a great city to live in (and to visit!) because it has a little bit of everything: beach, forest, old town, funky gentrified areas, parks, as well as great access to many surrounding towns and cities. Be sure to mark this versatile city on your list of destinations in The Netherlands!

P.S. All of my guides are regularly updated. This means that closed-down places will be deleted and replaced by new finds.

Den Haag, Nederland

Sustainable The Hague Guide

Do you like cycling? Check out this beginner route through one of the most cycling-friendly countries in the world! This 10-day itinerary takes you past some of the prettiest towns in The Netherlands, as well as multiple nature areas.

The route can be adapted in terms of length and level of difficulty. Most paths are paved and therefore suitable for any type of bike. I've included a place for lunch, dinner and to spend the night at every stop along the route.

You can also choose to do part of the route. Most places can be easily reached by train (bikes are allowed on the train during off-peak times). If you prefer a fully personalised itinerary for a cycle trip through The Netherlands, please reach out!

Nijmegen, Nederland

Maastricht, Nederland

Utrecht, Nederland

Arnhem, Nederland

Haarlem, Nederland

The best cycling trip through The Netherlands (FREE)

National Museum of Antiquities

Amsterdam may have a ton of museums, but if you'll believe me, The Netherlands' best museums are located in Leiden. Perhaps it's due to Leiden also being home to the oldest university in the country, but the city is truly bustling with knowledge to be shared. 

There is the 'National Museum of Antiquities', 'Naturalis', 'Corpus', 'Japanmuseum Sieboldhuis', 'World Museum', etc. etc. There is simply too much choice! Leiden's botanical gardens are (in my humble opinion) also the very best you'll find in The Netherlands. The greenhouses are gorgeous, filled with an enormous amount of different species. Outside, there is a lot of information on biodiversity and the evolution of fauna. In summer, you'll also be greeted by blooming flowers.

And have I mentioned that Leiden's city centre is full of canals? Really the only negative thing to be said about this astonishing place is the lack of greenery. Leiden is one of the "stoniest" cities in the country. 

Now on to the churches: the 'Pieterskerk' is the biggest, most impressive one. But as you can see from the top of the 'Burcht', there are many more. Depending on your interests, it's well worth visiting a few to admire the architecture and decoration.

The National Museum of Antiquities is housed in an old monumental building. It is the Dutch centre for archaeology and a large part of the collection consists of objects related to ancient Egypt. 
Unique is the two thousand year old Egyptian temple in the central hall of the museum. Besides ancient Egypt, the museum covers the Middle East, the Classical world and the early history of the Netherlands. The entire collection consists of more than 80,000 objects, including statues of Roman emperors, Etruscan tomb finds and mummies.