Top 5 Reasons You Should Visit the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a small country but it has much to offer. Its capital city Amsterdam, in particular, is renowned for its canals, coffee shops, and red-light district. It’s also one of the most beautiful countries in the world with UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered throughout. In addition to Amsterdam, other must-visit destinations include The Hague for its gardens and New York-style canal houses as well as Maastricht for its Gothic cathedrals and medieval old town. If you haven’t yet been to the Netherlands or have only visited Amsterdam on a day trip from another European city, here are five reasons why you should visit the country ASAP:
The Netherlands is an excellent travel bargain
Many countries in Western Europe have become increasingly expensive in recent years due to tourism. Fortunately, the Netherlands remains relatively affordable for travelers. You’ll be able to find accommodation for as little as $30 per night and dining out will rarely cost more than $15. There are also numerous free or inexpensive attractions that you can visit during your stay. While it may not be as cheap as places like Thailand or Southeast Asia, Western Europe still offers some of the best travel value in the world. And the Netherlands is one of the most affordable countries in the region. Beyond the price of your trip, you’ll also enjoy some of the best exchange rates in the world while in the Netherlands. The country’s currency, the euro, is relatively low in value compared to the U.S. dollar. This means that even if you’re traveling from the States, you’ll still come out ahead when exchanging your money.
It’s easy to travel around the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a very easy country to visit. The public transportation system is top-notch and you can get anywhere in the country without needing to rent a car. This is helpful if you’re on a budget or just don’t have time to drive. Amsterdam, the country’s main tourist hub, offers an excellent metro system along with a large network of trams and ferries. Many of the other cities in the Netherlands are even easier to navigate thanks to the fact that they’re served by both trains and buses. If you’re looking for an even easier (more lazy) way to travel around the country, you could sail between the main Dutch cities on the famous MS Amsterdam. This cruise ship travels between Amsterdam and other cities along the Rhine River, stopping at Rotterdam, Bremerhaven, and other stops along the way.
Dutch people are among the happiest in the world
One of the most obvious reasons to visit the Netherlands is to experience the famously happy people. The World Happiness Report, which measures happiness around the world, consistently ranks the Dutch as one of the happiest populations on the planet. Of course, the reasons behind this are complex and nuanced. They range from the country’s liberal social policies to its excellent health care system, robust safety net, and high standard of living. Since happiness is such a subjective, personal thing, there may not be one specific thing that will make you happy while in the Netherlands. However, you’ll certainly find yourself surrounded by a very positive, upbeat mood as you travel through the country.
The country’s architecture is equally impressive and unusual
The Dutch are famous for their architecture. Some of the most famous examples of Dutch architecture include the windmills scattered throughout the countryside, the canals that line the streets of Amsterdam, and the unique wooden buildings that you’ll see in places like the rural village of Urk. You’ll even see modern architectural marvels like the Heineken Brewery and the Erasmus Bridge in Rotterdam. This is a country that has built up a fascinating and unusual architectural tradition over the centuries. In addition to admiring the impressive structures, you can learn more about their history and development by visiting any of the many architectural museums located throughout the Netherlands.
You’ll fall in love with Dutch cuisine
Most people visit the Netherlands for its culture, sights, and attractions. However, food is another reason to visit the country. Dutch cuisine is a melding of French and German cooking with a touch of Asian influence from the city of Rotterdam. You’ll find a diverse selection of dishes that will appeal to most tastes. As a general rule, Dutch food is very heavy, salty, and high in calories. You’ll find lots of potatoes and other starchy vegetables and even the bread is quite hearty. This is not the type of cuisine that many people associate with a healthy diet. You’ll find many places in the Netherlands specialize in certain types of food. Amsterdam, in particular, is well-known for its Indonesian restaurants while Rotterdam is known as the “Chinese City” due to the large Asian population living there.
Conclusion
The Netherlands is a small country but it has much to offer. Its capital city Amsterdam, in particular, is renowned for its canals, coffee shops, and red-light district. It’s also one of the most beautiful countries in the world with UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered throughout. If you haven’t yet been to the Netherlands or have only visited Amsterdam on a day trip from another European city, here are five reasons why you should visit the country ASAP. The Netherlands is an excellent travel bargain, it’s easy to travel around the country, Dutch people are among the happiest in the world, the country’s architecture is equally impressive and unusual, and you’ll fall in love with Dutch cuisine.
