If you’re visiting the Netherlands, you must head from Amsterdam to Haarlem, a typically “Dutch” city. Haarlem is a very easy day trip from Amsterdam, only fifteen minutes on the train. This iconic Dutch city with pretty canals, fewer tourists, a laid-back vibe, and gorgeous architecture is a must-see for people who have limited time in the Netherlands. Keep reading for what to do in Haarlem with a complete one day in Haarlem itinerary (and map). At the bottom, there’s a more complete list of things to do in Haarlem.
…Sustainable Tourism
19 Best Cities to Visit in the Netherlands Besides Amsterdam by residents
As a Dutch resident, I’ve been lucky enough to see many of the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands that aren’t as well known to tourists as well as the Dutch countryside.
Although you’ve probably heard why you should visit Amsterdam, the prettiest Dutch cities to visit are often peaceful, less crowded, and more memorable. Keep reading for the 19 most atmospheric and beautiful cities/towns in the Netherlands that will help you discover more of the Netherlands.
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15 Beautiful Slovenian Cities That You Have Never Heard Of
Slovenia is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and there are so many beautiful cities to visit. You’ve probably read why quite a few posts about why you must visit Lake Bled, however the best Slovenian cities to visit for me were the ones where we could sit back with a glass of Slovenian wine—and enjoy the beauty of our surroundings.
Thanks to some other bloggers and amazing readers, I’m publishing the 10 most beautiful cities that you’ve probably never heard of to inspire you to visit Slovenia! (My amazing readers gave me FIVE more in Eastern Slovenia, so keep reading for a few more reader-suggested gems!)
This includes some cute Slovenian cities surrounded by vineyards, overlooking mountains, and nestled next to the sea. Keep reading for the best places to visit in Slovenia if you hate the crowds (or just love beautiful villages in Europe!)
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Visiting the ‘abandoned’ town of Doel, Belgium: A reflection on visiting Doel
As soon as I read about an abandoned town in Belgium that had been left to rot, Belgium, both my husband and I felt this dark urge to visit Doel, Belgium. I’m a naturally curious person and for me, I sometimes have to see a place to feel the emotions rather than letting others tell me how something is. Finally, we made it to Doel, Belgium last month. However, it wasn’t what I expected. …
Secret Amsterdam: 30+ secret places to visit in Amsterdam by a local
I’ve been putting off this guide to secret Amsterdam for a while as living in Amsterdam has made me worry about sharing my secret places in Amsterdam where I go to avoid the tourists. However, it’s not nice not to share. In this local’s guide to Amsterdam off the beaten path, you’ll be visiting some Amsterdam secret spots as well as some really non-touristy things to do in Amsterdam.
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Catspotting: A crazy cat lover’s guide to cats in Amsterdam
I love cats. This is a detailed guide to my beloved Amsterdam with the best places to meet cats in Amsterdam, officially and unofficially, with my favorite cats. If you’re a fan of Catspotting, you’re going to love this guide to Amsterdam. I’m a crazy cat lady and meeting cats when traveling is one of my favorite hobbies.
While living in Amsterdam, my husband and I hunted down the locations of cats in Amsterdam because we are that cat crazy. We found cats living at one of the cat cafes in Amsterdam, roaming the halls of a historic canal house/cat museum filled with cat art, cozying up to potential owners on de Poezenboot (the Catboat), sleeping in various shops, or even breaking into museum gardens.
This also includes
An introduction to Surinamese food in the Netherlands
Due to Dutch history, there is a large segment of the population with roots in Suriname. I wanted to do something different here as a way of introducing my readers to Surinamese food, its history, the best Surinamese dishes to try, and most importantly where to find good Surinamese food in the Netherlands. However, I’m not from Suriname and it is important to let others’ voices be heard, so I’ve interviewed an expert.
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11 easy ways to meet locals while traveling with stories!
If you’re traveling solo (or with friends), one of the best moments of trips is making a local friend who will show you the ropes of a city. There’s nothing like walking around with a knowledgeable local, hanging out all night learning about the local culture/food/language, and knowing that you have someone to meet up with next time you’re back in town. I’ve made a lot of great friends while traveling and I’ve rounded up more than 10 ways to meet locals while traveling with real stories from travelers!
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2 glimpse: The new way to meet locals abroad
One of the hardest things to do is to meet locals in a new place. I write this as someone who has traveled extensively, but not always found someone that I’ve clicked with. I recently tried out a new website called 2 glimpse. I’ll be discussing how I made a friend while traveling using this great alternative to Couchsurfing! This is a review of the 2 glimpse website.
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Your neighborhood guide to the 14th arrondissement of Paris
I often write about travel, but travel is often about enjoying your surroundings. For most of my time in Paris, I lived in the 14th arrondissement. Although this arrondissement isn’t famous in the same way that other arrondissements for its attractions, there are many things to do in 14th arrondissement as well as some fantastic food. I hope that this neighborhood guide to the 14e arrondissement inspires you to stick around to explore a bit of this local neighborhood in Paris.
Shortly after moving to Paris, we found a charming apartment in a historic Haussmannian building in the 14th. It was small and I wasn’t sure what it would be like in the 14th arrondissement. Given how crazy the apartment market in Paris is, we took it although the apartment wasn’t exactly what we thought it would be (“CLEAN ME” written into the blinds). That said, I instantly fell in love with the neighborhood. Most people only visit the 14th for the Montparnasse Tower or the Paris Catacombs, however hopefully this little guide inspires you to find some good food after visiting the catacombs….