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Exploring the Netherlands off the Beaten Track 🌷
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Tom Oxby profile picture
Tom Oxby
The Netherlands have always been a popular destination but there are other options besides Amsterdam canal cruises (which I also suggest). Visit the famous tulip gardens of Keukenhof, enjoy cheese in Edam, cruise the canals of car free Giethoorn. Man...
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What to do in the Netherlands
 
Other Things to See in Holland
 
Day tours to explore the Netherlands
 
Where to stay while in the Netherlands

What to do in the Netherlands

Some ideas on what to do during your visit to the Netherlands include a food tour or Bike & Barge tour.

 
Tom Oxby profile picture
Tour in the Jordaan area of Amsterdam where you visit a series of cafes and shops to sample what foods Holland has to offer.
Best Amsterdam Food Tour in 2025 with Local Guides
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I took this Bike and Barge tour around Holland. An interesting way to view the flower fields & gardens, flower auction, Edam cheese, and more. Your barge moves during the day to where you cycle.
Best 7-Night Holland Bike and Barge Tour 2025
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Tourist Office for the Netherlands
Discover the Netherlands: cities, nature & culture
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Other Things to See in Holland

Some interesting places to visit in the Netherlands that may not be on your radar. Includes a cheese market in Gouda, the world's largest flower market and the interesting Albert Cuyp Markt in Amsterdam.

 
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The flower auction in Aalsmeer is the largest in the world. It takes about one hour (early morning) to stroll the walkway viewing the flowers and how things operate.
Visiting the Royal FloraHolland flower auction in Aalsmeer? Here’s what you need to know
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The Albert Cuyp Market in Amsterdam is not on the regular tourist circuit but is worth a visit. Stalls sell flowers and various foods.
Albert Cuyp Markt, Amsterdam
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Gouda is well known for its cheese which you most likely already enjoy. Why not check out the town where it is made.
Gouda Cheese Market - Welcome to Gouda
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Day tours to explore the Netherlands

A variety of day tours in the Netherland, some by bicycle and others by van or bus. Opportunity to sample some of the cheeses, see the tulips, view the windmills and canals and several historic cities outside Amsterdam.

 
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Keukenhof Gardens are not off the beaten track but they are seasonal as they are only open for about 6 weeks. With a stop in Zaanse Schans this is a truly Dutch treat.
Keukenhof and Zaanse Schans Windmills Day Trip from Amsterdam
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What better way to explore the Netherlands than on a cycling day tour from Amsterdam to see windmills and enjoy Dutch cheese.
Countryside Bike Tour from Amsterdam: a Windmill and Dutch Cheese
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Not sure you can handle a regular cycling tour, then how about this E-bike countryside tour from Amsterdam.
Amsterdam: Mike's Countryside E-bike Tour, Cheese & Clogs
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Glide along the canals of Giethoorn, a car free town
Giethoorn Day Trip from Amsterdam with Boatride
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A none touristy way to explore the Netherlands with a local guide.
Discover the Dutch Countryside: Car Tour with Local Expert
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Explore 4 provinces in the Netherlands on this guided tour.
From Amsterdam: 4 Provinces Highlights Van Tour
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A canal cruise through Delft, best known for its beautiful pottery.
Delft: Canal Cruise with Guided Commentary
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I took this tour during my Amsterdam as we learned about the Jordaan area. But of course the highlight was sampling the various Dutch foods.
Amsterdam Jordaan Food & Drinks Tour with Eating Europe
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I have stayed in Zaanse Schans and along with Volendam and Marken you see the Netherlands of the past. Edam is a bit cheesy.
Day Trip to Zaanse Schans, Edam, Volendam and Marken from Amsterdam
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Where to stay while in the Netherlands

Then Netherlands can get very busy with the tourist season starting in early April, so be sure to make reservations. A lot of available choices include barges, hotels, hostels and apartment.

 
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The top hotels in Amsterdam from booking.com.
10 Best Amsterdam Hotels, Netherlands (From $90)
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Hostels are a more inexpensive way to stay during you Netherlands visit with plenty of choices all over the country.
Hostels in Netherlands | Explore The World's Best Hostels - Hostelworld
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The top 10 hotels in the Netherlands according to Trip Advisor
THE 10 BEST Hotels in The Netherlands 2025 (with Prices) - Tripadvisor
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