![\"Hoge](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Hoge-Veluwe-National-Park.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Hoge](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Hoge-Veluwe-National-Park.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/My-photo-of-Jordaan-District-in-Amsterdam-taken-summer-2025.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1\" "\\"My")
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/My-photo-of-my-trip-to-Jordaan-District-in-Amsterdam-taken-summer-2025.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/My-photo-of-Utrecht-taken-in-summer-2025.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/My-photo-of-Utrecht-historic-houses-taken-in-summer-2025.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/My-photo-of-Utrecht-canal-boat-taken-in-summer-2025.webp)
<\/picture>One of the Netherlands’ oldest cities, Utrecht is often dubbed the \u201cMini Amsterdam\u201d \u2014 and I thought it was just as beautiful, with its leafy canals, cobbled streets, and grand historic buildings. I especially loved the lively, youthful vibe thanks to its big student population, which brought a creative buzz, quirky caf\u00e9s, indie shops, and music venues.<\/p>\n
I took a 30-minute direct train from Amsterdam Central and stayed overnight. I climbed the Dom Tower for panoramic views, explored the fairytale medieval old town, visited the fascinating Museum Speelklok<\/a>, relaxed in the Centraal Museum<\/a>\u2019s zen-like gardens, and took a unique below-street-level tour of Utrecht\u2019s historic wharves and vibrant waterfront dining spots.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I loved this small picturesque city! Founded in 1246, I discovered charming canals, medieval architecture, well-preserved historic churches, 17th-century gabled houses, and historic market squares. It felt timeless and quaint – it definitely felt like an authentic taste of \u2018Old Holland\u2019 – but it also had an arty and lively student vibe too with cute canal-side cafes, independent boutiques, and traditional pottery workshops.<\/p>\n I took just a 12 minute train ride from Rotterdam and stayed for two days at the unique and trendy 4-star Hotel Arsenaal <\/a>. I spent it wandering along Delft\u2019s pretty canals, visiting the Royal Delft Factory<\/a> where I saw traditional Delft Blue pottery being made, climbed the Nieuwe Kerk and saw panoramic city views.<\/p>\n I also discovered the Oude Kerk<\/a> where the artist Vermeer was buried (and it also had a leaning tower), admired the ornate Stadhuis (City Hall), strolled through the Beestenmarkt<\/a> and checked out all the quirky little cafes, and discovered Dutch history at the Prinsenhof Museum<\/a>, where William of Orange was assassinated.<\/p>\n My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This place was very typically Dutch! Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage<\/a>,I thought it was a really attractive place with breathtaking an iconic row of nineteen <\/strong>18th-century windmills set against a backdrop of vast, open skies, reflective waterways, and lush green fields and I loved how it all came together to create a quintessentially Dutch landscape. To me, it felt both peaceful and timeless.<\/p>\n I took an 1.5 hour journey from Amsterdam where I took a train to Rotterdam and then took a water-bus. I cycled along the scenic dykes to see the very Insta-worthy site of the impressive row of windmills, took a boat tour for a unique water-level perspective, explored the Museum Windmills Nederwaard and Blokweer to see how the millers used to live and work, and visited the Wisboom Pumping Station where I learnt all about modern water management!<\/p>\n My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I thought this historic city was a underrated gem! I discovered gorgeous scenery with a network of serene canals framed by leafy paths, traditional Dutch architecture, cute cafes, independent boutiques, interesting museums, a well-preserved medieval center with narrow streets and the oldest university in the country. I was also very take with its scholarly, laid-back vibe and buzzing cultural scene!<\/p>\n My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I really loved funky city! I thought it was also really attractive in a very unique kind of way with a mix of functionalist designs of the post-war era to the cutting-edge, experimental structures and innovative designs all set against the backdrop of one of the world’s busiest ports. I really liked its obvious cool and contemporary vibe, as well as its very lively cultural scene that focused on art, fashion, and music. <\/p>\n I found it located in the western part of the country, in the province of South Holland, situated along the Nieuwe Maas, a branch of the Rhine River that flows into the North Sea. It dates back to 1270 with a population of around 650,000, is the second-largest city in the country and one of the largest port cities in the world.<\/p>\n I took an hour’s direct train journey from Amsterdam and spent a fun weekend here. I discovered the innovative architecture at the Cube Houses, saw incredible city views from the Euromast, visited the busy Markthal and sampled all sorts of local cuisine, saw world-class art in the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen,<\/a> strolled along the trendy street Witte de Withstraat and downed craft beer at De Witte Aap.<\/p>\n My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This is sometimes known as the Garden of Europe! I thought it was very attractive with a gorgeous display of over 7 million flowering bulbs, including tulips and daffodils, set among beautifully landscaped gardens, serene ponds, and picturesque pavilions! I also loved its peaceful but creative vibe! <\/p>\n I discovered it located in Lisse around halfway between Amsterdam and The Hague in the heart of the bulb region. It was established in 1949 to showcase Dutch flower growers’ bulbs and it spans 32 hectares. <\/p>\n I took a direct bus from Amsterdam which only took 45 minutes and spent an afternoon walking around the spectacular floral displays. I saw what felt like millions of tulips, attended a live flower arranging demonstration, explored the Japanese Themed Garden and the Natural Garden, and enjoyed the art installations and sculptures which were scattered throughout the park. <\/p>\n My highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I was completely charmed by this vibrant university city! I thought it was a very attractive place with striking medieval buildings, Renaissance houses, picturesque narrow streets, scenic canals and handful of innovative and futuristic style buildings. As I walked around I found it had a youthful and dynamic vibe, which I saw was mostly down to its large student population, which fuelled a bustling nightlife, eclectic cafes, and a creative, forward-thinking atmosphere.<\/p>\n I discovered it was located in the northern part of the country around 200 kilometers northeast of Amsterdam. Groningen, a city with a rich history dating back to 1040, is the largest city in northern Netherlands and has a population of around 230,000 people.<\/p>\n I took a two hour train trip from Amsterdam and stayed for two nights the the very unique and trendy 4-star Hotel Watertoren West<\/a>. I climbed the historic Martinitoren for panoramic city views, explored the cutting-edge exhibition at the Groninger Museum<\/a>, sampled the bustling nightlife in Grote Markt, went for a serene Noorderplantsoen park, and watched a live band at the cool music venue Vera.<\/p>\n My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This is the largest and most luxurious castle in the country! I thought it was an extraordinary gem with grand Gothic Revival architecture, ornate towers, picturesque moats, and sprawling, meticulously maintained landscaped gardens which all came together to make it very fairy-tale like! To me, it felt enchanting, regal and very romantic where I felt like I’d be transported back to a very different era!<\/p>\n I discovered it located in the small village of Haarzuilens, near Utrecht, in the central part of the country. It was built in the 14th century but extensively rebuilt in the late 19th century,<\/p>\n I took a 30-minute drive from Utrecht and I took a guided tour around the lavishly decorated interiors filled with rich tapestries, ornate wood carvings, stained glass windows and period furniture. I also wandered through the beautifully landscaped gardens and explored the interesting chapel. I especially loved The Lady’s Boudoir which hand-painted floral motifs, heavy silk curtains and delicate porcelain.<\/p>\n My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I really enjoyed this popular seaside resort! I thought it was a gorgeous spot with an expansive sandy beach, an esplanade, a modern pier, a historic lighthouse, a grand hotel and stunning views of the North Sea!<\/p>\n I loved how it felt both lively and refreshing it felt like both a small beach town and a bustling resort at the same time with waterfront cafes, busy seafood restaurants and the fine Grand Hotel Amr\u00e2th Kurhaus<\/a>.<\/p>\n It was located in the coastal part of The Hague, on the North Sea coast of the western part of the country around 5 kilometers northwest of The Hague’s city center. It was originally a fishing village mentioned as early as the 13th century but now it’s popular with both tourists and locals. <\/p>\n I took a tram from central Hague which only took 20 minutes and spent a long weekend at the cool and unique 4-star Inntel Hotels Den Haag Marina Beach<\/a>. <\/p>\n I enjoyed the attractions on the pier (the Ferris wheel and bungee jumping were a lot of fun!), took high tea at the iconic Grand Hotel Amr\u00e2th Kurhaus, sampled the restaurants along the promenade, and saw unique sculptures at Museum Beelden aan Zee<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n
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4. Delft <\/h2>\n
![\"Delft](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Delft.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Delft](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Delft.jpg?resize=1000%2C662&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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5. Kinderdijk<\/h2>\n
![\"Kinderdijk](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Kinderdijk-1.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Kinderdijk\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Kinderdijk.webp)
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6. Leiden<\/h2>\n
![\"Leiden](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Leiden-Netherlands.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Leiden](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Leiden-Canal.webp)
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7. Rotterdam <\/h2>\n
![\"Rotterdam](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Rotterdam.jpg?resize=1000%2C662&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Rotterdam](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Rotterdam.webp)
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8. Keukenhof Gardens <\/h2>\n
![\"Keukenhof](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/10\/Keukenhof-Gardens-1.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Keukenhof](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Keukenhof-Gardens.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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9. Groningen<\/h2>\n
![\"Groningen](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Groningen.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Groningen\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Groningen.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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10. De Haar Castle
![\"De](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/De-Haar-Castle.jpg?resize=1000%2C666&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/h2>\n![\"De](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/De-Haar-Castle.webp)
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11. Scheveningen<\/h2>\n
![\"Scheveningen\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Scheveningen.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Scheveningen](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/Scheveningen.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
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