It’s no lie that there are endless unforgettable things to do in Amsterdam. But one of the things that you should know while planning a trip to the Dutch capital is that it gets extremely crowded in peak season and the government is trying to direct foreigners to explore the other destinations that the Netherlands has to offer. There are many beautiful locations to visit in Holland that most tourists still don’t know about. Read about them below!
Eat Cheese At Alkmaar
With tourist regulations implemented in Amsterdam, the busiest city in the Netherlands, more and more travelers are beginning to explore the rest of what Holland has to offer. If you are a foodie, look no further than Alkmaar, a city in the province of North Holland that is home to a fantastic cheese market. Along with the cheese market, there’s also the Dutch Cheese Museum.
More than 2,000 cheeses are available at the market on Fridays from 10 a.m. between April and September. There is also a special cheese market held every Tuesday night in July and August. In addition to buying cheese, you’ll also get to see the history of Dutch cheese trading that dates back to 1365.
See The Castle At Muiden
An underrated town in the Netherlands that you won’t want to miss is Muiden, home to a historic castle and other fortifications. Since the 14th century, a castle has always stood in the town, which is home to only 4,000 inhabitants and located to the east of Amsterdam.
The castle, known as Muiderslot, also operates as a museum, with several of its rooms restored so that they look the same as how they did in the 17th century. The castle also has a display of armor and weapons dating back to the 13th century and paintings from the Dutch Golden Age.
Visit The Streets Of Haarlem
The city of Haarlem is the capital of the North Holland province and is home to several captivating attractions and museums. Only 15 minutes away from Amsterdam and easily accessible by train, the city lies in a flower-bulb-growing district and has a distinctive medieval feel.
When you’ve explored the historic streets of the city, be sure to check out the many museums. Among them is the Frans Hals Museum showcasing many Dutch art masterpieces and the Teylers Museum of cultural history, which has been running since 1784. There is also the quaint Grote Market
Explore The Unique Culture Of Urk
Those who are interested in exploring Dutch culture should pay a visit to Urk, a town in the Flevoland province where many residents still speak an old dialect called Urkish. The town dates back to the 10th century when it was an island in Lake Ijssel.
Some of the best attractions to see in Urk are the famous lighthouse and the Church at Sea. The Museum Het Oude Raadhuis is an ideal place to discover more about the local culture as it exhibits traditional clothing, recreations of fishermen's cottages, and model ships that have traditionally been used in the area. Thanks to the town’s coastal location, there are also plenty of seafood restaurants serving the freshest fish.
Giethoorn Is The Venice Of The Netherlands
Venice is one of the most overcrowded cities in Europe. Luckily, you don’t have to go to Venice just to see a picturesque town of canals. Giethoorn has been termed the Venice of the Netherlands thanks to the stunning canals that wind around the idyllic cottages and farmhouses.
In the winter months, you can travel down the canals by ice skating, while in summer, it’s customary to take a romantic boat ride. In true Dutch fashion, there are also plenty of bike tracks you can use to explore the village. This is definitely one of the best places to visit in the Netherlands that isn’t Amsterdam.