Beyond the Metropolitan Area of Amsterdam

Museums of Holland

You probably know that Amsterdam is home to some of Holland's finest museums, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Hermitage. But did you know that many other Dutch destinations are home to world-class museums? See Vermeer's famed "Girl with the Pearl Earring" at the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis in the country's capital, The Hague. Learn all about art through the ages at Museum Boijmans van Beuningen in modern Rotterdam. Or combine your love of art with your love of nature and experience a premiere collection of contemporary art in one of the country's best-loved national parks at Kröller-Müller Museum.

Authentically Dutch

Complete with windmills, cheese and clogs, visit the Zaanse Schans or Kinderdijk for the ultimate Holland experience. If it's flowers you're looking for, look no further than the world’s largest flower exhibition at Keukenhof Gardens. Cheese lovers won't want to miss the flavours and atmosphere at the cheese markets in Edam or Gouda. Then head to the charming village of Delft, home to famous Royal Delft blue porcelain.

All of these Dutch highlights are easily reached within an hour from Amsterdam on public transport.

Holland Outdoor

With bicycle paths just about everywhere, Holland is the perfect country to discover by bike. Cycle along charming city canals, explore the wide, green pastures of the countryside by bike, or catch the sight and scent of fields of flowers as you peddle past.

For a country with so much land below sea level, it isn't surprising that Holland is a premiere destination for water sports. Experience surfing, sailing, kite surfing, canoeing or fly boarding on the country's many coastal beaches, rivers and lakes. Or try "mud-walking" - a hike over the mud flats of the Wadden Sea.

Holland Information

Explore beyond Amsterdam for the ultimate Holland experience! Visit the official website of The Netherlands Board of Tourism.