The Netherlands for the NTH Time and Counting

I started working for my present company since 2013 and since then, I managed to have a taste of different cultures and get to see places one layover at a time. One of the destinations where I frequently go to and is usually on my schedule (every month) is Amsterdam.

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.

Hallo Amsterdam!

One of my favorite destinations to date is the capital of Netherlands - AMSTERDAM.  It is only a 7-hour flight (or even less most of the time) from my base and about 6-hour flight on the way back.  The proximity of Middle East to Europe allowed me to explore every city most of the time even with a short layover.  In this post,  I want to share with you why I always want to visit Amsterdam and what you can you see around even with a short layover or short stay.

Canal and the Canal houses

Dutch pancake

Train system and other public transportation is very easy. 

Schipol Airport has an extensive transport system. We stay at Schipol area and that makes it easy for me to just take a train to wherever I want to go.  Going to Amsterdam Central (which is the city center) is no sweat. You can either take a train or bus, depending on which area of the city you want to go.  If you want to go to Anne Frank House, Dam Square or walk around the shopping area, I suggest you take a train that will take you directly to AMSTERDAM CENTRAL STATION.  Taking a bus is a good option if you want to go to Rijksmuseum, IAMSTERDAM sign and Van Gogh Museum.


Vibrant City

Personally, I find Amsterdam as a city full of life. There are many museums that are worthy to visit and activities that are worth your time.  Walking around in the evening while looking at the lighted canal houses are already a sight of their own.  There are 165 canals in Amsterdam thus, the canal cruise is also a popular activity.  It is also one way of exploring different areas of the city.

Cycling is a very popular activity that you can do if you want to go around the city.  There are a lot of Bike tours offered in the city. Just choose what suites your needs and wants.

If you do not want to rent a bike of go on a canal cruise, you can just grab a map and walk around. In my experience, I didn't realize how much time I spent on walking around especially on my first time. It is very easy to find a spot for a photo op around the city.


Dutch Food is a must try!

I haven't tried all, but the dutch pancake (thin pancakes that can be sweet or savory) and stroopwafel (waffles) are just so good!!!! There are many restaurants in Amsterdam and finding some place to eat will never be a problem.  Cheese is famous in Amsterdam (or maybe in the whole Netherlands). One shop can offer you different types and even different flavors.  If you happen to spend some time in the Netherlands during the festive season, never miss the Oliebollen (oil balls that are dusted with powdered sugar) which can either be plain or can contain tiny fruit pieces.


Shopping

I can't consider shopping in Amsterdam as the cheapest in Europe but it's easy.  The shops that I normally go to are just along Damrak.  There is a huge Primark too! I normally buy my bedsheets and duvet covers in Primark, the quality is good without spending too much.  Zara, H&M, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, Mango and etc - all these shops are just around the city and are pretty close to one another. If you want luxury shopping, go to De Bijenkorf. The tax refund is available on the top floor after your splurge.


So what can I visit if I only have a day or two in Amsterdam?

There are a LOT, but I will list down some that I've already seen.

1. Anne Frank Huis -  this is the secret annex mentioned in the book of Anne Frank.  The house used to be their hiding place during the Nazi occupation.  Remember to book your ticket in advance!

2. Van Gogh Museum - you read it right, this is houses the works of the famous painter Vincent Van Gogh.

3&4. Rijksmuseum and IAMSTERDAM sign - I haven't been inside but I've heard good things from people who have been here.  This is the Dutch National museum that shows Dutch art and history.  Really close to this is the IAMSTERDAM SIGN/LETTERS which is a good photo opportunity to let people know you're in Amsterdam.

5.  Dam Square -  this is the central public square used for gathering since the 17th century

6. Royal Palace of Amsterdam - I've seen this from the outside.  This is one of the three palaces in Amsterdam.

7. Church of St. Nicholas - You can easily see this as soon as you exit the Amsterdam Central (train) station.  This is the major catholic church in the city.

8. De Wallen  - People flock here, some for curiosity.  Photo is not allowed in the area.



This post only says about my Amsterdam experience and this is actually just one part.  I've mentioned that I find the transportation system very effective and it is one of the reasons why I find it very possible to see not just Amsterdam but the nearby places too!  In relation to this, I will be posting some of the trips that you can possibly do out of Amsterdam even with a short time that you have to spend.  Stay tuned for it!