Amsterdam & The Hague city break
When you think of Amsterdam, romantic canals, cinnamon stroopwafels, and a sea of bicycles come to mind. The Dutch capital deservedly attracts praise and visitors in equal measure. But the Netherlands has many other destinations that are worth visiting, linked by an excellent transport network.
When to go
If you're looking for warmth and fun outdoor activities, you can visit Amsterdam in summer and head to open-air events like the Holland Festival or Open Garden Days.
However, despite the sometimes-chilly wind, the true beauty of the Netherlands shines during the springtime. From late March to mid-April, the country's famous tulips bloom in all the rainbow colours. Tour the famous Keukenhof, located halfway between Amsterdam and The Hague, to get the best view of the flowers.
Getting around
You can fly to Amsterdam directly from various UK airports. However, for a more scenic journey, the Eurostar train from St Pancras International station will take you straight to the heart of the city. Amsterdam is perfect for long walks, especially around the canals, but you can also grab a bicycle for an authentic Dutch experience. In bad weather, public transport options include tram, bus, and metro. You can simply pay as you go with your credit or debit card.
The I amsterdam City Card is a great option for a longer holiday. It not only covers all the public transport options in the city but grants you free access to museums and top attractions. You can purchase the card online or at the I Amsterdam Store at Amsterdam Central Station.
If you need to store your luggage while you’re out for the day, you can keep them in some of the gift shops for a small fee.
When you travel between different cities, you can also use your credit or debit card. However, the NS Travel Planner app can help you plan and pay for your journey online in advance. Another great-value option is to use a coach service such as FlixBus, which you can book online.
To get to The Hague, hop on a train to from Amsterdam Central Station or take a FlixBus for a lower cost. Both options can get you there within an hour. Just like Amsterdam, The Hague is very walkable, and it also offers bicycles, trams, and buses for getting around.
Activities
Museums
From world-class galleries to cultural hubs, Amsterdam has it all. With over 60 museums and galleries, the city is often known as Europe’s Museum Capital.
History buffs can’t skip the Rijksmuseum, which uncovers the secrets of 800 years of Dutch history and also contains great artistic masterworks by the likes of Rembrandt and Vermeer. Another must-visit spot is the Anne Frank House. This museum tells the story of how Anne and her family hid from the Nazis during the occupation of the Netherlands.
The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest Van Gogh collection in the world, with 200 paintings and 400 drawings. However, it's very popular with visitors—it's often cited as the most-visited museum in the Netherlands—so we recommend booking your tickets as far in advance as possible, as they sell out quickly.
Art connoisseurs will also love the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague, which houses hundreds of pieces from the Dutch Golden Age. Undoubtedly the most famous is Johannes Vermeer’s original "Girl with a Pearl Earring".
While both cities are cultural and artistic heavyweights, they are also home to more offbeat attractions. You can taste different varieties of cheese while dressed as a Dutch farmer at the Amsterdam Cheese Museum, which is free to the public. Or, head to Escher in the Palace in The Hague—a permanent exhibition of MC Escher prints and woodcuts housed in the 18th-century Lange Voorhut Palace.
If you wish to discover even more interesting museums and activities in the Netherlands and book them directly, download the Get Your Guide app.
Cruises
There are numerous river cruises in Amsterdam that offer a range of experiences. You could embark on an educational cruise to learn about the city’s history and architecture, hire a motorboat and pilot yourself, sail on a colourfully decorated tulip boat filled with real flowers, or book yourself on a dining cruise, including multiple courses and wine. It is also possible to combine a river cruise with a tour of the picturesque Dutch village of Giethoorn.
The Hague also has some attention-worthy sailing experiences. Listen to music produced by the local artists on a canal cruise, get the adrenaline pumping on a Scheveningen Beach RIB Speedboat tour, or try the electric boat tour experience.
Markets
Albert Cuypmarkt is the most famous open-air market in Amsterdam and attracts visitors from across the globe. It features around 300 stalls, ranging from local foods like freshly baked bread, cheeses, chocolate, and greens, to souvenirs, clothing, and even collector’s items. Albert Cuypmarkt is a perfect place to try Dutch favourites, such as raw herring with onions, or sample some street food. In case you’re planning a weekend getaway, note that Albert Cuypmarkt is closed on Sundays.
Be sure not to skip the Bloemenmarkt flower market. The variety of colours and types of flowers is stunning. As well as rare species, you can also find dried flowers and even flowers made from wood. The market is open every day of the week.
The Hague Market, also known as the Open Market among locals, is one the largest outdoor markets in Europe. It is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and attracts around 35,000 shoppers each week. Just like Albert Cuypmarkt, The Hague Market offers fresh produce, stroopwafels, home interior pieces, jewellery, and much more.
Golden North Sea Dunes
The Hague is the third-largest city in the Netherlands and is mainly famous for being the location of the International Criminal Court. What is less known is its dynamic scenery overlooking the North Sea, featuring an 11-kilometre-long beach that is part of Westduinpark.
The park is home to a range of contrasting landscapes, including lush green forests and open spaces, as well as golden wet dune valleys and high dune tops. You can even spot Scottish Highland cows roaming there freely.