Holland is absolutely beautiful year-round, however it is especially stunning in spring when everything goes into bloom. I’ve been doing some extra traveling within Holland itself recently and I figured it was time to write about the most beautiful places in Holland to visit, including cities and small towns that I wish that I had…
The Netherlands
Tourist Guide to Amsterdam: What you need to know before your first trip to Amsterdam by a local
Amsterdam is a city to RELAX in. I’m not talking about the abundant coffeeshops, but about the gezellig (cozy) atmosphere that you’ll find in this city. Take your time to sit back to enjoy the passing bikes, unique architecture, and beautiful canals among the many things to do and delicious things to eat. I’m a…
Can Amsterdam be saved from overtourism? Thoughts on sustainable tourism in Amsterdam
As a former resident of Amsterdam, I’m concerned about overtourism in Amsterdam, which threatens the livability of Amsterdam as house prices skyrocket and many neighborhoods have become overtaken by tourists. Although the city of Amsterdam has enacted new legislation to limit the impacts of tourism, the numbers of tourists visiting the capital of the Netherlands…
A perfect day in Middelburg, the Netherlands: Zeeland’s picturesque capital
On my quest to visit every province in the Netherlands, I ended up visiting Middelburg, the Netherlands. This picturesque capital of Zeeland is perfect for anyone who is a history geek and is looking for a side of culture. In general, I would not recommend a day trip to Middelburg from Holland, but rather at…
What to know about visiting the Peace Palace in the Hague by a local
One of the most stunning buildings in the Hague is the Peace Palace (Vredespaleis in Dutch). Visiting the Peace Palace is not particularly easy, however touring the grounds where the International Court of Justice is held is a worthwhile endeavor. I’ll be discussing the history of the Peace Palace, what to expect from a guided…
The Pilgrims in Leiden: History and Must-see locations
As an American living in the Netherlands, it’s been fascinating to discover the key locations for the Pilgrims in the Netherlands. Although not everyone realizes that the Pilgrims lived in Leiden, you can visit many of the key locations relevant to them. I include some history of the Pilgrims in the Netherlands as well as…
The Escher Museum in the Hague: Tips for visiting from a local
As a resident of the Hague, there’s one museum that I keep returning to: Escher in Het Paleis. This museum dedicated to the artwork and life of M.C. Escher in the Hague is one of my favorite museums in the Hague. I’ll give you an overview of what to expect from your visit to the…
The Best 20 Day Trips from Amsterdam by a Dutch resident
I’ve been living in Holland for over four years now. One of the best parts of the Netherlands is how easy it is to take day trips within the Netherlands! I include insider tips from my time living in Amsterdam for the best day trips from Amsterdam to other gorgeous Dutch cities, including Gouda, Leiden,…
Secrets of the Red Light District in Amsterdam: Etiquette and Hidden Gems of De Wallen
So many visitors are curious about the Red Light District in Amsterdam. A former resident of Amsterdam, I have quite a bit to say about the Red Light District (known as de Wallen), which is one of the most debated neighborhoods in Amsterdam. This post will include etiquette for visiting the Red Light District, the…
What to do in Leiden: The 18 best things do in Leiden
Since I’ve moved to Zuid Holland, I go weekly to Leiden. Leiden is one of the most charming cities of the Netherlands without question. This guide to Leiden focuses on the best things to do in Leiden that I’ve brought my visitors to! If you can wish for Amsterdam without the crowds, you better take…