Did you know that there are endless things that you can do during the various seasons in the Netherlands? In summer especially, there is so much that you can do this in this wonderful country. During the summer, crowds get larger. Therefore, it is essential for you to book your tickets and accommodation ahead of time. The weather is largely pleasant during the summer months with warm and bright skies. Undeniably, the Netherlands is famous for its picturesque canals, tulips during the right season, cycling trails, and several other things like art museums and parks. In fact, there are so many trails and natural areas scattered around the country that it would feel like there are almost endless options for fun in the outdoors. If you are sold already and planning a summer vacation to this great place, then below is a comprehensive guide on some of the best things you can do over the summer holidays in the Netherlands.
1. Treat the history buff in you at Zaanse Schans (from USD 26.19)
Netherlands is almost synonymous with windmills. This tour involves meeting your guide and driver and then going on an air-conditioned single-deck bus that will take you to the beautiful windmill village called Zaanse Schans. There is an open air museum in this village which houses a wide range of working windmills, barns, houses made of wood and shops which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. You will be taken to the village via a comfortable, air-conditioned coach. You will receive live commentary on board the bus and get to learn more about the village and the history of windmills in the village. Your guide will first provide you with an orientation of the village. Get the chance to also visit the cheese farm where you will be given the chance to taste Dutch farmer cheese.
Amsterdam: Live-Guided Zaanse Schans & Cheese Tasting Tour
Duration: 3.5 hour
2. Visit the famous Rijksmuseum (from USD 25.09)
A trip to Netherlands is never complete without a trip to the Rijksmuseum. This is a world-renowned museum which houses over 2,000 paintings that originated during the Dutch Golden Age. Works include those made by famous artists like Vermeer and Rembrandt.The Night Watch Gallery is a room of its own and features the Night Watch work by Rembrandt. Another significant feature is the Asian Pavilion which houses a wide range of Asian ornaments and statues, including the statue of Shiva Nataraja.
Rijksmuseum Entrance Ticket in Amsterdam
3. Try skydiving in Texel
If you think you would like some adventure while on your holiday to the Netherlands, then why not try out Parachute Centrum Texel. This parachuting experience is conducted by professional instructors who will be there to help you make the jump memorable to you. You can also opt for a tandem jump with the instructor. Courses are also held so that you can perfect the art of solo jumping.
Paracentrum Texel
Address: Postweg 128, 1795 JS De Cocksdorp, The Netherlands
Website: Paracentrum Texel
Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 9:30am - 6pm; Sat: 8:30am - 6pm
Price: Starts at 220 USD
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4. Travel in a stoomtram
If you are looking to visit a fun museum which adults and children will like, then visit the steam tram Hoorn-Medemblik. Here, you will start your train journey at Hoorn and traverse through the countryside till your reach Medemblik. Once you arrive at the beautiful city of Medemblik, you can take your time to explore what the town has to offer. After that, board the train again and continue your journey. Children aged 4 to 12 get the opportunity to participate in the ‘Steam Safari’. While on the journey, do not miss visiting the Hoorn signal box and workshop where you can see steam locos, coaches, and wagons being restored and maintained. Additionally, visitors can also board the museum ship to get to Enkhuizen. This is one of the best tours for the entire family.
Museum Steam Tram Hoorn-Medemblik
Address: Van Dedemstraat 8, 1624 NN Hoorn, Netherlands
Website: Museum Steam Tram Hoorn-Medemblik
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9:45am - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 23 USD (adults); 18 USD (children)
5. Shop your heart out in Maastricht
Maastricht is a neighbourhood which is trendy yet rich in history. The district is filled with historic buildings and many fashionable stores. Visitors here can also visit some of the beautiful churches and delectable restaurants in the area. Walk along the cobblestone streets whilst browsing at the stores in the area. Festivals are constantly held around the city and when it is carnival time, visitors can enjoy free flow of beer, snacks, and other drinks. Maastricht is definitely worth a visit!
Maastricht
Address: Maastricht City Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
Website: Maastricht
6. Witness the gorgeous canals in Amsterdam (from USD 18.0)
If you do not wish to explore Amsterdam by foot, then you have another option. You can explore the city from a new dimension and board a boat. See the city from the water as you cruise the gorgeous canals of Amsterdam in an hour or so. You will get the chance to see historic buildings and bridges that give the city its charm.
75-minute Amsterdam Canal Cruise by Blue Boat Company
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
7. Trip to Kröller Muller Museum & Hoge Veluwe National Park (from USD 188.0)
This is a full-day tour which will take you to visit the famous Kröller Muller Museum as well as try and spot wildlife at the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Board a luxury minivan and first head to the Kröller Muller Museum. There, be prepared to be blown away by the vast collection of paintings by famous artists like Monet, Van Gogh, and many more. Throughout the year, there are also several temporary exhibitions open for public viewing as well. Once the museum is done and dusted, you will be taken to see a slice of Holland’s true beauty in Hoge Veluwe National Park. There are many activities you can choose from. Simply stroll and try to catch glimpses of wildlife or go on a bike ride. Explore what nature has to offer such as deciduous and coniferous forests. At the end of the day, after about nine hours, you will head back to Amsterdam.
Amsterdam: Full-Day Kröller Muller Museum & National Park
Duration: 9 hour
8. Visit the Efteling (from USD 947.9)
Fancy a fun-filled day out with your friends and family? Have young children who wouldn’t mind a fun day out? If so, make Efteling as part of your itinerary while in the Netherlands. This tour takes you to Efteling park by a private car or a minivan from your accommodation. Efteling is best described as a fantasy-themed amusement park located in Kaatsheuvel. All the attractions in Efteling are built on the elements stemming from legends, myths, fables, and so on. The park caters well to both adults and children with a wide range of amusement rides. At the end of a fun day at Efteling, you will be taken back to your accommodation in Amsterdam.
Efteling: Private Tour from Amsterdam
Duration: 10 hour
9. Enjoy spectacular views of the city (from USD 23.0)
This is one of Netherland’s newest attractions located at the A’DAM Lookout. From this attraction, guests will be able to enjoy 360-degree views of the city. The building has a 360-degree sky deck and a 360-degree indoor panorama deck. From Amsterdam, catch the ferry to Buiksloterweg and pass by Amsterdam’s canals and monuments. Once you reach the lookout tower, you will be able to enjoy views of the historic city centre, port area, and many more. Want to add some adventure to your tour? Then, for that extra thrill, go on the “Over The Edge” swing and feel the adrenaline.
Amsterdam: A'DAM Lookout Premium Ticket Including 2 Drinks
Duration: 2 hours
10. Spend a beautiful evening at the Garden of Europe (from USD 102.0)
Netherlands is almost synonymous with tulips. Many tourist flock to the country especially during spring to see the tulips bloom. In Netherlands, there is no better place than Kukenhof to see the colourful flowers in full glory. This is a five-hour tour which includes a round-trip transportation from Amsterdam. Then you get to enjoy a guided walking tour of the famous gardens.
Small-Group Half-Day Tour of Keukenhof: The Garden of Europe
A fun day out in Netherlands
When in the Netherlands, you will never find yourself with nothing to do. There are several tours which you can book to explore the city in greater depth. Read the comprehensive list above and make your bookings right away to avoid disappointment.
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