If you will scroll down a bit on my blog page, you'll see that I made a post about what you can do in Amsterdam even within a short layover or time that you have. Having been in the city (Amsterdam Central) many times, I try to visit other nearby cities too! The train system in the Netherlands is very efficient. Going from one city to another will not give you a headache.
In this post, I want to share with you where I've been (so far) around Holland.
ZAANDAM
Holland is very famous for its windmills so how can you miss it?
Zaandam is close to Amsterdam and the transportation is convenient too even if you're coming from Schipol Airport.
Visit the cute village of Zaanse Schans - see the working windmills and houses, witness clog making and never forget the cheese tasting.
How I went: train from Schipol Airport (transfer at Sloterdijk and get off at Zaandijk)
THE HAGUE
This city may not be the capital, but a lot of foreign embassies are located here and it is also the seat of the Dutch Parliament.
I haven't seen the city center but..I've been to one of the attractions in the city which is called MADURODAM. Feel like Gulliver in the town of Lilliput or just feel like a giant as you stroll around the park. Madurodam gives you the picture of the whole Netherlands. Every part of the country is depicted in miniatures in which they are famous for. Schipol area is depicted with planes parked in the airport whereas Rotterdam is depicted with big ships in action at a port. This park is for all ages! I can definitely attest to that.
How I went: Train from Schipol Airport towards Den Haag Central then bus to Madurodam (cannot remember the bus number though but it dropped me off at the park)
ROTTERDAM
Rotterdam has a seafaring history; but it has more to offer apart from being a major port city. I got off at Blaak railway station where you can find the Market Hall (that gives you an Alice in Wonderland vibes), Cube Houses and Old Port to name a few. I came on a weekend and I enjoyed the market so much! I bought a lot of fruits with my 5 Euros.
How I went: Train from Schipol Airport towards Rotterdam Central. I changed trains and got off at Rotterdam Blaak.
VOLENDAM
Volendam is known as a fishing village and for having those colorful wooden houses. You can visit a Cheese Museum too (for free!). I wore the traditional costume here and had my photo taken in one of the studios for 15 euros. The studio will ask you your preferred background for the photo and will willingly take some shots with your own smartphone or camera too!
How I went: Train from Schipol Airport to Amsterdam Central, then bus 110 (you can also take bus 316).
DELFT
Delft, known for its hand painted blue and white pottery is also a canal-ringed city. It reminded me so much of Amsterdam with its canals and the houses along the canals but Delft is more laidback. The city is also the birthplace of the Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer.
How I went: Train from Schipol Airport straight to Delft
HAARLEM
Haarlem is known to be a medieval city with cobbled streets and ancient buildings. I went inside the St. Baavo Church or the Grote Kerk which contains artworks, a massive organ (also played by the ever-famous Mozart), stained glass windows, engraved floorings and a lot more. Just outside the church is the square where you can find restaurants, shops and even museum! There is also a windmill called Molen de Adriaan which is just walking distance from the square.
How I went: Train from Schipol Airport with a change train at Sloterdijk station towards Haarlem
If you ask me if I do ask for a flight to The Netherlands, the answer is YES! I like the country in general. No car? No problem! Public transportation is hassle free! The train system is very efficient that it will encourage you to visit different cities. Train station staffs are very helpful and speak English so language barrier is not a concern.
