29 Jul Unique experiences to have in the Netherlands
The Dutch are some of my favorite people in the world. After living in the Netherlands for over 5 years, I’ve come to love the culture and the history. The country is beautiful, I love the cheese, and there are so many things that are quintessentially Dutch. I love that! There are many unique experiences to have in the Netherlands that give you a taste of what the traditional Dutch are like…and what they like!
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Unique experiences to have in the Netherlands
Visiting a Stroopwafel factory in Gouda
Stroopwafels are best when nice and fresh. I usually get mine from a vendor on the Albert Cuypstraat. They are one thin waffle expertly sliced in half with syrup slathered in the middle. It’s not pancake syrup, a thicker syrup is used in the stroopwafel. This factory experience is in Gouda, where the original stroopwafel originated! It is way more interesting than I expected and you get a stroopwafel at the end. If you like to collect liqueurs, you’ll find a stroopwafel one here. And yes, we bought some!
Pre-packaged stroopwafels are great gifts to take home. Just warm them up over the cup or tea or coffee and it will be ooey gooey in no time!
Volendam Clog-making and Cheese-tasting
For a wonderfully tasty cultural experience, head to Volendam and make a famous wooden clog and taste some Gouda cheese and learn all about how a clog is actually made. You’ll be going home with a handmade (by you!) souvenir.
Rent e-bikes to visit Volendam & Monnickendam
The area around Volendam and Monnickendam is very pretty and I think you’ll love it. By renting an e-bike you get to explore it all by bike…an easy bike! You can take a self-guided tour through small towns that you just have to see. This is the real Holland. There are different routes you can take that will let you experience various villages in the area.
Walking tour about Anne Frank in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is known for the Anne Frank House and many come to visit there. But, there is so much Jewish history in this city worth learning. This tour will start at the Jewish Historical Museum and take you through the lives of those affected by WWII. It will give so much insight into the dark days of Amsterdam for the Jewish families who lived in fear. Discover other hiding places throughout the city and end at the Anne Frank House. You can then visit the Anne Frank House on your own if you’ve already purchased a ticket on the website.
Amsterdam Countryside tour
Amsterdam is my favorite city in the world, but getting into the countryside is a whole experience. A few minutes ride will get you out of the hustle and bustle and into the beauty of the Netherlands. There are fields as far as you can see. Then, you’ll notice the many little canals sliced throughout the land. There’s plenty of farm animals around, too. And if you come during flower season (mid-March through May) you’ll see rows and rows of colorful flowers. It’s a different side of the Netherlands that I highly encourage you to see. As a city, Amsterdam has so much to offer, and this tour gives a nice balance to the regular sightseeing opportunities.
Delft Blue factory and museum
When you see Delft Blue pottery, you know exactly what it is. It’s iconic. While the Dutch didn’t come up with this idea, they certainly made it their own and it’s absolutely gorgeous! This factory tour showcases the heritage of Delft Blue and you’ll see the artists hard at work painting each piece by hand. It’s truly magical. While this tour doesn’t include it, you can add on and take a painting class and create your own creation.
I hope you enjoy your visit to the Netherlands! Have all the memorable experiences possible 🙂
Wishing you joy and travels!
