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From wild parties to sweeping dunes and blissed-out beaches to blustery coastal paths, there's something for everyone at Amsterdam Beach, no matter the season.

Amsterdam Beach

A hub for art and culture, Authentic Haarlem is a dynamic city filled with historic architecture, quirky museums, vintage boutiques, independent shops and lush green parks.

Authentic Haarlem

With its windmill-studded landscapes, quaint fishing villages, cheese-making tradition and lush green nature areas, discovering Old Holland feels like stepping back in time.

Old Holland

Every spring, the iconic Flowers region bursts into bloom, whilst year-round, the polder landscape is home to historic villages, fascinating museums and lakeside recreation.

Flowers of Amsterdam

Explore this stunning green region dotted with majestic fortresses, beautifully-preserved towns and country estates lining the Vecht and Amstel rivers.

Castles & Gardens

Entirely reclaimed from the sea, this modern province is home to vast scenic views, superb nature areas, not-to-be-missed land art and forward-thinking architecture.

New Land

Amsterdam Area

Visitor Centre

Nature

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Culture

Restaurants and bars

Route

Bike rental or tour

Boat rental or tour

Included in City Card

Discount with City Card

Taking the best of classical French brasseries and combining it with modern trends, Bel Ami offers delicious food in a grand café setting all within the charming and historic town of Bussum.

Brasserie Bel-Ami

Head to the desk at the Visitor Centre for all the information and tips you need about exploring the local area. Browse the route maps and guides, and shop for local souvenirs.

VVV Haarlem

Haarlem is home to 21 unique 'hofjes'. These hidden courtyard gardens are surrounded by almshouses (charitable housing) founded to house poor, unmarried or widowed women. Visit the link to find more hofje locations.

Hofjes

Past meets present at Verwey Museum Haarlem, where the city's history takes centre stage in an engaging permanent exhibition and temporary exhibitions which highlight Haarlem's historical or artistic heritage.

Verwey Museum

Enjoy cheese-making demonstrations and farm tours by staff in traditional costumes at this authentic cheese farm and dairy in the picturesque polder countryside. The cosy shop sells Henri Willig cheese and souvenirs.

Jacobs Hoeve Cheese Farm

Explore the human psyche at this art museum full of personal stories, surprising art and a rich historical collection including works by thinkers and scientists who dealt with disabilities and mental health.

Museum van de Geest

Nardiclant is a tranquil spot to reconnect with nature as you indulge in the luxurious private wellness facilities, including a sauna, steam room, massage services, a jet-stream swimming pool and a terrace overlooking the landmark historical garden.

Nardiclant Estate

Reclaimed from the water in the 17th century, Beemster is the most famous older and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region boasts scenic waterways, restored mills, pretty villages and traditional farmhouses.

Beemster Polder

Thrill-seekers will feel like a racing superstar at this motorsport race track hidden among the dunes. Hop in a Lamborghini, Aston Martin or McLaren to test your driving skills, while the younger ones can practice theirs in a go-kart.

Circuit Zandvoort

Zaans Museum tells the story of life in this historic industrial region over the centuries. Don't miss the Verkade Experience, a 20th-century biscuit factory, where the original machines are still churning away.

Zaans Museum and Verkade Experience

Why choose between land and water when exploring the lovely country estates of the River Vecht? De Fietsboot (Bike Boat) lets you hop on and off and continue by bike as you please! There are three departure points.

De Fietsboot

With a striped red awning and a wooden exterior, Nolita Haarlem packs plenty of retro appeal as the city's local pizza parlour. Nolita has quite a few restaurants spread over all of Haarlem, reaching from Heemstede to Overveen.

Nolita Pizzabar

This unique cathedral is ranked amgonst the top five most important churches built between 1850 and 1950. Designed by Joseph Cuypers in a range of architectural styles, the building features 12 towers and a 65-meter-tall dome.

Koepel Kathedraal

Discover a green oasis of peace and nature at the Haarlemmermeerse Bos nature reserve, cut with various hiking trails and cycling paths. Kids can enjoy climbing trees and the adventure play area.

Haarlemmermeerse Bos

This impressive castle boasts fantastical turrets and towers, rich medieval-style interiors, and extensive rose gardens. In this hostel, budget-conscious guests can feel like royalty without paying the royal fee.

Slot Assumburg - Stayokay Heemskerk

VVV Naarden

Spot endangered species and impressive bison in this beautiful natural setting. The nature park features extensive hiking and cycling trails and several picnic areas. You can rent bikes from the visitor centre.

Natuurpark Lelystad

This UNESCO-listed fort was operational during both World Wars and, at one point, housed 255 soldiers. Roam through the dark passageways, encountering hands-on exhibits dedicated to military history and local wildlife, or join a volunteer-guided tour.

Fort bij Edam

VVV Muiden

The Honig Breethuis is in Gortershoek, a charming neighbourhood just across the river from Zaanse Schans. The beautiful period interior gives an excellent impression of life in the area hundreds of years ago and hosts concerts, lectures and other special events.

Honig Breethuis

Visitor Centre Beemster

Cruising down the River Spaarne is undoubtedly one of the cosiest ways to get an introduction to Haarlem. Sit back and let the city’s welcoming atmosphere wash over you while, of course, enjoying the chance to spot its most beguiling sights from the water.

Haarlem Canal Tours

Step aboard an electric sloop boat to explore Almere from a new perspective. You'll gain a magnificent impression of the city skyline and surrounding green spaces during a short cruise. Boarding is available from the Esplanade.

Sloepverhuur Almere

Flevoland is home to the world’s most significant concentration of Land Art – huge artworks made in and as a response to the surrounding landscape. Don't miss Anthony Gormley’s 'Exposure' sculpture.

Exposure

Known as 'The Wood', Harlemmerhout is the Netherlands’ oldest green monument and hosts various food and music festivals. Spread across 60 acres, discover the deer park, petting zoo, pancake house and Paviljoen Welgelegen for exhibitions.

Haarlemmerhout Park

This traditional farm dates back to the 15th century and specialises in making cheese and clogs. With windmills and farms dotting the landscape, it’s hard to believe that the farm is only a 10-minute drive from Amsterdam. Rembrandt Hoeve is open to visitors seven days a week.

Rembrandthoeve

For artisanal bread, hearty multi-course dinners, creative vegan lunches and warm hospitality, look no further than this family-run restaurant in a lovingly restored farmhouse surrounded by an idyllic picnic garden.

Jongwijs

As one of the most luxurious wellness resorts in the country, Fort Resort Beemster has a long list of facilities to suit every pampering need. From unique saunas, baths, and elegant hotel rooms to wholesome food and relaxing treatments, guests can enjoy gastronomy, hospitality and wellness in stunning surroundings.

Fort Resort Beemster

This 18th-century summer residence is rich in history and features a unique landscaped garden perfect for a midday stroll. Explore the ponds, sculptures, rose garden with a pergola, herb garden and cherry orchard.

Beeckestijn

Country Estate

Through interactive exhibitions using pictures, photography and videos, discover the horticultural history of the region, the origins and evolution of bulb culture and the science behind developing new varieties of tulips.

Museum De Zwarte Tulp

Stop by Applaus - located in the Agora Theater - for a cappuccino on the sunny terrace, drinks with finger food or a 5-course surprise dinner. The predominantly Mediterranean dishes are prepared from scratch and with fresh ingredients.

Agora Theatre & Restaurant Applaus

Part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, this island fortress was constructed in the 1880s and was used as a bunker during WWII. Explore the dining hall, dungeon and armoury on public open days throughout the summer.

Forteiland IJmuiden

Replicas of Monet’s 25 Zaandam paintings can be seen in the MonetAtelier along the River Zaan and located in the rebuilt ‘Luchthuis aan de Zaan’, a house from one of his paintings. Entry here is free of charge.

MonetAtelier

Learn about the Dutch struggle against water, marvel at how the Netherlands would look without dykes, and experience a live steam engine demonstration at this fascinating 19th-century pumping station.

Cruquius Museum

This restaurant is located on the rocky banks of the Westeinderplassen at Aalsmeer, boasting a beautiful perspective over the lakes with exceptional views from the large terrace at sunset.

Restaurant On the Rock

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Het Weeshuis was an orphanage, but it has now been converted into a charming tearoom that serves warm drinks and hot snacks. There are also glass and wood ateliers on site where you can shop for beautiful handcrafted items.

Het Weeshuis

This submerged sea fort was built in the 1890s to protect Amsterdam from its enemies. Visit by boat to explore the secret tunnels, battlements and historical artefacts dotted around the island for a fascinating day out.

Fort Pampus

Discover a green oasis of apple and pear orchards at this historic estate that is over 160 years old. Stroll through its lush organic orchards or enjoy a meal or high tea on the terrace at ‘De Fruitloods’, the on-site restaurant.

Olmenhorst Estate

The pancake house is in the beautiful village of Broek in Waterland. There is a choice of 60 pancakes, from sweet to savoury, and several excellent meat and fish specialities, or a vegetarian meal (such as delicious salads or cheese fondue) is also possible.

De Witte Swaen

Hidden among the city's 17th-century brick interior is this nifty, little 'Owly Bar'. The owners transformed 120 square meters of prime real estate into the city's first uncompromised craft beer bar with a constant carousel of 30 draught beers and more than 120 bottles.

Uiltje Bar

Cruise along the traditional Dutch landscape with a GPS audio tour passing the highlights of the Flower Region. Your cool Renault Twizy is a 100% electric and environmentally friendly vehicle seating two people.

Renzy Electric Vehicle Tours

Book an organised boat tour by Westerinder Rondvaart. During this fascinating 1-hour cruise, a knowledgeable skipper will float you through a network of channels teeming with local plants and wildlife. Tours can be booked from May to October.

Westeinder Rondvaart

Visitor Centre De Oostvaardersplassen

This museum of visual arts and design has a particular focus on glass art and Dutch design. Discover the rich collection of modern and contemporary work and a variety of changing exhibitions.

Museum JAN

Nestled behind Weesp's historical Fort Ossenmarkt, this idyllic tea garden offers a farm-to-table menu, meaning most of the produce is grown in the surrounding fields. It is the go-to spot for dreamy afternoon teas.

Theetuin Noot

Explore the impressive history of this 17th-century castle, brimming with portraits, artefacts and period furniture. The estate is home to 15 listed buildings, an art museum, a café, a petting farm and walking paths.

Keukenhof Castle

VVV Purmerend

Part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, this impressive fort is closed to the public, but still worth admiring. The grounds are home to an old-school escape game dubbed Escape de Kist (Escape the Chest).

Fort Uitermeer

Want to see where the battle against the water started in Lelystad? Visit Werkeiland and find out.

Werkeiland

Nothing is more fun than a boat trip. Get on board at Rederij Volendam-Marken Express and sail from Volendam to Marken.

Volendam-Marken Express

Located in the 250-year-old town hall, Museum Hilversum has a particular focus on new media arts and photography. On top of a changing programme, the museum hosts World Press Photo and De Zilveren Camera.

Museum Hilversum

Known for its slow-cooked comfort food, dark stained wood interior and crackling open fire, this quaint and cosy restaurant has a firm emphasis on classic European dishes with a gourmet twist.

Effe Anders

Spread across two beautiful historic locations, the Frans Hals Museum is the art museum of Haarlem. Discover the most extensive collection of paintings by Frans Hals in the world, in addition to work by other famous Haarlem artists and a rich collection of art from 1880 to the present.

Frans Hals Museum - HAL

Stop by the Loosdrechtse Plassen, a network of five lakes famous for picnicking and secluded swimming with fabulous views. The open water is best for sailing, waterskiing and speedboats.

Loosdrechtse Plassen

This historic fort has been transformed into a unique meeting place with space for hospitality, landscaping and cultural activities throughout the year. Amidst the public park, you will find a restaurant, terraces, a wine bar, an open-air theatre and an education centre.

Fort van Hoofddorp

Overlooking the Spaarne River this historic mill houses a museum filled with models and visual installations about the heritage of Dutch windmills. Don't miss the stunning city views from the top deck.

Molen de Adriaan

Visitor Centre De Kennemerduinen

Young and old will have the time of their lives at Europe’s biggest playground. Toddlers can enjoy the play village whilst older children explore the waterpark, rope bridges, mini-golf, slides, go-karts and hundreds of other activities.

Linnaeushof Playground

This iconic hotel in Zaandam reflects thehistory of the Zaan region and Dutch heritage in its eye-catching architecture and 160 rooms. A stay at Inntel guarantees pure enjoyment!

Inntel Hotels Amsterdam - Zaandam

Escape the crowds in the middle of the Haarlemmermeerse forest. Enjoy a beer on the terrace, take a dip in the water or tell stories by the campfire. With loads of fish on the menu, this restaurant feels like a seaside holiday.

Papa's Beach House

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the world’s largest flower auction. Experience the hustle and bustle of the trading floor, watch dealers bidding against the clock and be amazed as flowers are sold to traders from all over the world.

Royal FloraHolland

Flower auction

Smidtje Canal Cruises

IJmuiden Beach makes for a fantastic day trip from Amsterdam at any time of year. Whether you're looking for adventure, sunbathing and swimming, beach bars or impressive wildlife, you'll find it all on the Dutch coast.

IJmuiden Beach

Refresh your body and soul at this exclusive day spa with various contemporary sauna and wellness facilities. Dream away in the Finnish Kelo saunas, swimming pool or hot tub or stroll around the Mediterranean garden.

Thermen La Mer

With two theatre stages and a cinema, Schouwburg Amstelveen is one of the larger regional theatres in the Netherlands. The programme offers a range of cabaret, music, dance, music and drama performances to delight all ages.

Schouwburg Amstelveen

This aviation museum explores all aspects of the development of flight – from the first successful aircraft to the Boeing 747. Investigate the science of flight in the aeroplane laboratory and head to the 4D cinema.

Aviodrome

Visit the exhibitions and listen to the stories about the history of Naarden. The grounds have beautiful views, green ramparts, and underground passages. Many events occur, such as archery or fencing demos and book markets.

Dutch Fortress Museum

This nostalgic cafe buried in the dunes is a special place that's bursting with charm. Originally built as an inn in 1542, feel the history in the wooden interiors as you tuck into Dutch classics, cakes and snacks.

Kraantje Lek

<a href=https://www.batavialand.nl/ rel="noopener noreferrer">Batavialand</a> celebrates everything nautical and provides an insightful look into the exceptional history of the Netherlands’ relationship with the sea. The main attraction is the perfect reconstruction of the 17th-century ship, the Batavia, towering over the harbour. The adjacent Flevoland Museum also tells the story of this once-sunken region.

Batavialand

Hop on a bike to experience the best of Haarlem and the surrounding area.

Rent a Bike Haarlem

VVV Almere

On the edge of Heemskerk, in the middle of some stunning natural scenery, lies the Heemskerk Golf Club which boasts a beautiful 27-hole course.

Heemskerk Golf Club

The best-known nature reserve in New Land includes the Oostvaardersplassen - protected marshlands and fields that serve as a migration area for birds and a new man-made habitat for deer, cattle, foxes, hares and Konik ponies.

Nationaal Park Nieuw Land

Overlooking the Riviervismarkt is Restaurant Dané. Seafood plays a big part on the menu, with halibut ceviche, the seasonal fish and gravlx all making a welcome and delicious appearance.

Dané

The <a href=https://www.bezoekerscentrumpoelboerderij.nl/ rel="noopener noreferrer">Visitor Centre De Poelboerderij</a> organises boat trips through the Womer and Jisperveld nature areas. Many tours are themed, focussing on specific flora or bird of prey species or combined with an activity such as landscape photography or sketching.

Visitor Centre de Poelboerderij

This play paradise offers the perfect, fun-filled day out for all ages. After starting out as a pancake farm, the venue has now grown into an amusement park with rollercoasters, slides, trains and climbing frames.

Oud Valkeveen

Every spring, these world-famous flower gardens blossom in kaleidoscopic colours. Enjoy activities for kids, flower exhibitions, events and performances, and explore the surrounding bulb fields by bike or boat.I amsterdam City Card holders receive a 20% discount on the Hop on Hop off Keukenhof tours.

Keukenhof

Flower fields

Beer is a religion for some, but this church-turned-brewery takes it to new extremes. Brewing Jopen craft beers onsite, the former Jacobskerk has been beautifully restored – with vaulted ceilings and stained glass intact.

Jopenkerk

Ti Bisou Crêpes Boutique is an ode to the homely atmosphere and food of France's northwesterly region. Tuck into buckwheat pancakes with eggs and ham or syrupy crêpes.

Ti Bisou Crêpes Boutique

Visit this charming teahouse serving homemade delicacies, to have lunch or rent an electric ‘whisper boat’ and drift silently past the wooden houses and tranquil meadows of the Waterland Nature Reserve.

Bootverhuur Overleek

De Waag (the Weigh House) dating from 1599, where traders weighed cheese and butter, is an impressive building built in the Renaissance style. It has two stone façades and characteristic round-arched and cross windows. Settle down at this riverside cafe.

Taverne De Waag

Situated in a former villa built in 1911, discover an impressive art collection of modernist gems surrounded by a tranquil sculpture garden designed by renowned landscape architect Piet Oudolf.

Singer Laren

Are you looking for a unique experience in nature just outside of the busy capital? Come climb in our forest and enjoy a wonderful adventurous day! Welcome to our forest! This is the place where fun comes first. Experience the ultimate adventure in nature together! There are 10 routes that differ in height and difficulty. You will move from tree to tree with ropes, zip lines, bridges and can even make a bungee jump and free fall!

Fun Forest

The Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen brings to life the stories of people who used to live around the former Zuiderzee. See, hear, feel, taste and smell daily life around the Zuiderzee before the Afsluitdijk turned this sea into a lake - the IJsselmeer -in 1932.

Zuiderzee Museum

Beachcombing was once part of everyday life for the people of Zandvoort. Discover surprising curiosities collected from the beach, including messages sent in bottles from all over the world and the aquarium.

Jutters Mu-Zee-um

Almere’s latest hotspot on the Grote Markt, Boutiq, is the place for all-day brunches, small plates and expert-made cocktails. It’s an aesthetic spot, too, complete with grand chandeliers and crushed velvet chairs.

Boutiq

Noordpier Beach is a wide, tranquil beach and the perfect place for those who love both wind and water. There is a surfing centre where you can learn to surf or kite surf and rent wetsuits and gear. There are also several pavilions for refreshments which are open all year round.

Noordpier Beach

Calling all (water-based) thrill-seekers! Spend a day whizzing around the Weerwater Lake on waterskis or a wakeboard, aided by a kilometre-long cable track that allows users to reach speeds of up to 30km/ph.

Cablepark Almere

PHIL is the city's finest concert hall and home to the perfectly preserved late Romantic Cavaillé-Coll organ. The language-no-problem programme includes dance performances, pop concerts, classical music, and plays in English.

PHIL

Goat Farm Ridammerhoeve is situated right in the heart of the Amsterdamse Bos. On this organic farm there are goats, chickens, cows, pigs, a horse and a pony. In the cellar they make cheese, yoghurt, buttermilk, butter, fresh cheese and even ice cream from goatmilk.

Goat farm Ridammerhoeve

Nestled in the dunes of Heemskerk, Gasterij Kruisberg is an ethical farmstead featuring a farm-to-table restaurant with beef from Highlander cows reared on the farm. The estate is home to sheep, cattle, goats, and ponies that wander the expansive grounds.