One of the most lovely universities in the Netherlands is Leiden University. This university, which was founded in 1575 was the first university in the Netherlands (as the border is now set). Within the university, on the second floor, you’ll find a unique room full of signatures that is only open a few times in…
Holland
4 Must-See Dutch Castles
Ever wish that you were born into a royal family or want to visit a castle near Amsterdam? Â Even if you’re not, you can visit these four beautiful castles in the Netherlands to feel like a royal, at least for a day. Â All are easily accessible via public transit and possible with a day trip…
One Day in Amsterdam: A local’s free self guided walking tour of Amsterdam
I recommend spending more than a day in Amsterdam, however that’s not always possible. I’ve been living in Amsterdam for over two years and this is an itinerary for 24 hours in Amsterdam with insider tips for Amsterdam. This is a self guided walking tour of Amsterdam by a resident (7miles/11km) or an Amsterdam itinerary for one…
Van Stapele Cookies: The best cookies in Amsterdam that you must try
As a self-professed chocoholic, I must let you know about one of my favorite secrets of Amsterdam: Van Stapele Koekmakerij. This cookie-maker in Amsterdam produces some of the best damn chocolate cookies in the city of Amsterdam. I’ll just include some notes about visiting Van Stapele to avoid the crowds, some tips for visiting Van…
Amstergram: Best Amsterdam Photography Spots by a Local
As a photographer, it’s a hobby of mine finding the best places to take photos in Amsterdam. I’ve been living in Amsterdam for over two years and I’m still finding cute streets with traditional Dutch architecture in Amsterdam to wander down. Here are the best photo locations in Amsterdam according to one biased resident. Free…
Ten things to know about grocery stores in the Netherlands by a resident
As someone who has been living in the Netherlands for several years, I figured that it was time to discuss the Dutch supermarkets as they’ve been a source of confusion for some of my guests from abroad. Whether you’re visiting Amsterdam on a budget or you’re hoping to pick up some nice food souvenirs from…
Your perfect weekend guide to Amsterdam by a former resident
As a former resident of Amsterdam, I made this itinerary for a perfect weekend in Amsterdam as a way of showing friends the best of Amsterdam. Although two days in Amsterdam isn’t enough, it’s a good taste of what the city has to offer. I include some local secrets along with the best things to…
Your Dutch bucket list: 55+ Amazing things to do in the Netherlands
I’ve been lucky enough to call the Netherlands my home. Visiting family and friends will ask me what is the one thing that they must do in the Netherlands. That answer isn’t so easy. We’ve came up with 55+ things for you to do in the Netherlands to add to your Dutch bucket list based on our…
Begijnhof: A beautiful hidden courtyard in Amsterdam that you must see
One of my favorite quiet spots in Amsterdam Centre to sit and think is the Begijnhof. This beautiful hidden courtyard has recently become a tourist sensation, but it’s a great free place to enjoy while in Amsterdam. I include information about the history of the Begijnhof, where to find the entrance, some great things nearby…
Off the beaten path Netherlands: 25+ quirky and strange places to visit
As a Dutch resident, I love exploring the Netherlands, but writing about the Grote Markt in a town can get a bit tiresome. For a while, I’ve been pursuing some really off the beaten path places in the Netherlands and these are my favorite quirky places in the Netherlands to add to your Dutch bucket…