The Netherlands is a medium-sized country on the western edge of Europe. It is famous for its windmills, canals and tulip fields.
For us, the Netherlands was one of the biggest surprises when we travelled there. We were surprised by its development, its orderliness and its cleanliness. For example, its road network is the best in Europe, we can safely say.
We went there in autumn, but if we can recommend it, we would rather go in spring when the tulips are in bloom. But apart from tulips, the Netherlands is a good destination at any time of year.
We’ve put together a short, two-day itinerary to see Amsterdam and its surroundings.
It is worth renting a car for this time, as public transport in the countryside can make getting to some destinations difficult.
Let’s see what can be included in a two-day trip to the Netherlands.
Day 1
The morning is ideal for exploring Amsterdam. It is not crowded, and the light is ideal for photography. A long walk along Amsterdam’s canals is a wonderful way to see the city’s sights, such as the Royal Palace Amsterdam, the Anne Frank House, the NEMO Science Museum or the Rijksmuseum.
Amsterdam is famous for its many bicycles. Well, that’s absolutely true, there are plenty of people cycling around the city. Although Amsterdam is letting newer cars into the city (with the required emission ratings), biking is undoubtedly the most comfortable way to get around.
In the afternoon, visit Giethoorn, a small rural village 1.5 hours’ drive from Amsterdam with a fairytale-like beauty. Giethoorn is famous for the canal that runs through the village, along which you can find cute little houses. This part of the village is most accessible on foot from the car parks outside the village. The canal can also be crossed by boat, which can be hired on site. It is more crowded in summer, but absolutely pleasant to visit in spring and autumn.
Amsterdam again in the evening, this time you can admire the city in the dark. If you like to party, there are few cities that offer as much freedom to party as Amsterdam.
Day 2
In the morning, it’s worth a trip to the countryside around Utrecht. One of the activities is Castle De Haar, a unique castle with a beautiful park and excellent photo opportunities. It is the largest castle in the Netherlands.
The other is the Windmills at Kinderdijk, near Rotterdam. The mill system, consisting of 19 huge mills built around the 1740s, is the largest of its kind in the Netherlands today. You can park your car at the beginning of the mill system and walk to the mills. The windmills are located along the long walkway. With a special entrance ticket to one of the mills, you can also get a glimpse inside the mill itself.
A similar attraction in the Netherlands is Zaanse Schans, which is closer to Amsterdam, so if you don’t want to travel as much, Zaanse Schans also offers very good options.
If you’re visiting the Netherlands in tulip season, it’s worth including a visit to the tulip fields in your itinerary. Perhaps the most famous is Keukenhof, half an hour’s drive from Amsterdam. Keukenhof is open from March to May, and you can see not only tulips but also other spring Dutch flowers.
And if you’re travelling with little children, visit the Hans & Gretel pancake house, which offers delicious food and a fantastic, fairytale-like atmosphere with lots of play opportunities.
These are about all the activities you can fit into a two-day itinerary in the Netherlands. If you like the idea of a trip to the Netherlands, spend as much time as possible here. It’s a fantastic country with a sense of order and calm. We are sure you will like it.
