Amsterdam Metropolitan Area
For the visitors who have already seen the beautiful canals, visited the highlights, pioneered the Jordaan neighborhood and got the hang of the never-ending nightlife, here’s news for you: there is plenty more to experience. The vast Amsterdam Metropolitan Area offers a great variety of products and activities: beaches, shopping centers, history museums and much more. All of these attractions are within an hour's reach using public transportation.
S.Borisov/Shutterstock.comZaanse Schans — the Old Holland
Windmills spin in the breeze at Zaanse Schans, church bells ring out and cows wander around Old Holland’s farmhouses. The Waterland region and small town harbors such as Marken and Volendam are packed with industrial heritage, showcasing traditional skills like shipbuilding, fishing and cheese making.
Olena Z/Shutterstock.comKeukenhof Gardens
Come tiptoe through the tulips, admire the amaryllis and cruise past the crocuses at the Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, the world’s largest flower gardens. Each year, the Keukenhof Gardens burst into a kaleidoscope of colors as the rolling grounds are carpeted with blooming flowers from the end of March to May.
Andrew Mayovskyy/Shutterstock.comHaarlem
Enjoy a perfect trip to Haarlem, an authentic city of remarkable history and culture right at Amsterdam’s doorstep. Its beauty provided inspiration for many of the Golden Age painters. Fill your day with excellent shopping, spectacular museums and sunny terraces amongst monumental buildings.
Neirfy/Shutterstock.comAlmere
The Amsterdam Metropolitan Area owes everything to innovation and it is still evolving. New Land locations such as Lelystad and Almere offer fascinating examples of interesting architecture and creative developments. Located to the east of Amsterdam, Almere is a so-called 'new town' which was planned and built entirely from scratch. Come and enjoy both its architecture and the natural landscape surrounding the urban areas.
Evannovostro/Shutterstock.comCastles & Lakes
Retreat to the Amstel River countryside and diskover the maritime and military history of the area with its fortresses and lakes. This region is especially rich in historical estates and extravagant castles, such as the Muiderslot Castle in Muiden.
Tatiana Popova/Shutterstock.com