Netherlands

Catspotting: A crazy cat lover’s guide to cats in Amsterdam

October 17, 2018 by Karen Turner 21 Comments

I love cats. This is a detailed guide to my beloved Amsterdam with the best places to meet cats in Amsterdam, officially and unofficially, with my favorite cats. If you’re a fan of Catspotting, you’re going to love this guide to Amsterdam. I’m a crazy cat lady and meeting cats when traveling is one of my favorite hobbies.

While living in Amsterdam, my husband and I hunted down the locations of cats in Amsterdam because we are that cat crazy. We found cats living at one of the cat cafes in Amsterdam, roaming the halls of a historic canal house/cat museum filled with cat art, cozying up to potential owners on de Poezenboot (the Catboat), sleeping in various shops, or even breaking into museum gardens.

This also includes coffeeshops with cats…. That said, I was not successful in petting them all. Keep reading for our favorite cat locations in Amsterdam with a map.

…

Ein Tag in Haarlem: ein perfekter Reiseplan mit Aktivitäten in Haarlem

December 1, 2018 by Karen Turner 7 Comments

Wenn du die Niederlande besuchst, musst du von Amsterdam nach Haarlem fahren, einer typisch “niederländischen” Stadt. Haarlem ist ein sehr einfacher Tagesausflug von Amsterdam aus, nur fünfzehn Minuten mit dem Zug. Diese ikonische niederländische Stadt mit hübschen Kanälen, weniger Touristen, entspannter Atmosphäre und beeindruckender Architektur ist ein Muss für Menschen, die nur wenig Zeit in den Niederlanden haben. Lies weiter, um herauszufinden, was du in Haarlem unternehmen kannst, inklusive einem kompletten Tagesprogramm in Haarlem (mit Karte). Am Ende findest du eine ausführlichere Liste von Aktivitäten in Haarlem.

…

Tips for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam

November 13, 2020 by Karen Turner 1 Comment

Considering visiting Amsterdam for New Year’s Eve? Amsterdam is one of the best European cities to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Europe within. Read insider tips by a resident on the best things to do on New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam, the best parties on NYE in Amsterdam, and where to buy fireworks in Amsterdam.

…

One Day in Giethoorn, the Dutch fairytale village without roads

April 19, 2022 by Karen Turner 14 Comments

You’ve probably seen photos online of the prettiest village in the Netherlands, Giethoorn. Visiting Giethoorn from Amsterdam is a doable day trip from Amsterdam if you’re patient enough to spend two hours getting there independently.

I personally preferred staying overnight at Giethoorn in the picturesque village, so you get to enjoy the sunset over the calm canals without the crowds… Keep reading for my tips for visiting Giethoorn, the Netherlands without a tour. I also include information on how to get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam!

…

One day in Zwolle: The best things to do in Zwolle

December 12, 2017 by Karen Turner 3 Comments

If you’re looking for a great day trip from Amsterdam, you’ll be surprised how many things to do in Zwolle you’ll find–and how much great shopping you’ll find in this medieval Dutch city, including a beautiful bookstore. Keep reading for things to do in Zwolle, the Netherlands and how to get to Giethoorn from Amsterdam (via Zwolle).

…

One perfect day in Dordrecht, the Venice of Holland

July 28, 2020 by Karen Turner 12 Comments

While my mom visited me this summer, we finally visited Dordrecht as a day trip. This stunning city without the crowds of Amsterdam is an easy day trip from Rotterdam, the Hague, or Amsterdam, however the quiet charm of Dordrecht won me over with its beautiful canals, picturesque warehouses, and stunning views.

…

Entering the fantasy world of the Nederlands Kremlin, Holland’s most beautiful sculpture garden

May 1, 2018 by Karen Turner 1 Comment

I love curiosities and after seeing a photo of the Nederlands Kremlin, a sculpture garden in Holland located about 1-2 hours from Amsterdam, I knew that I had to visit this unusual place. In visiting this unusual art exhibition near Amsterdam, I was truly inspired by its owners and their passion for the sake of art. Keep reading for the most unique day trip from Amsterdam and a peek into Ger Leegwater’s world…

…

Texel: Perfect Couple Weekend Trip from Amsterdam

December 31, 2016 by Karen Turner 21 Comments

I didn’t hear of Texel until I moved to the Netherlands. This beautiful island in the North of the Netherlands (about 3.5 hours from Amsterdam) is a well-kept secret among Dutchies who spend their vacations sunbathing on its clean beaches, swimming into the Wadden Sea, biking along its heather-filled dunes, visiting its seal sanctuary for injured seals, and taking in cute little Dutch towns.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend away, a weekend birdwatching, or a family cycling trip, Texel is a great weekend trip from Amsterdam or Rotterdam. It’s my new favorite summer getaway and I’ll be back.

…

Tourist Guide to Amsterdam: What you need to know before your first trip to Amsterdam by a local

March 14, 2018 by Karen Turner 36 Comments

Amsterdam is a city to RELAX in. I’m not talking about the abundant coffeeshops, but about the gezellig (cozy) atmosphere that you’ll find in this city.

Take your time to sit back to enjoy the passing bikes, unique architecture, and beautiful canals among the many things to do and delicious things to eat. I’m a proud Amsterdam resident and this is an ultimate guide to Amsterdam with all the questions that I feel like I’ve been asked most often.

Find out how many days to spend in Amsterdam, get advice on what are the “must-sees”, where to stay in Amsterdam, what to eat in Amsterdam, which museums to visit in Amsterdam (and skip!), what to do before you arrive in Amsterdam, how to get from the airport to the city…and more!

…

One day in the Hague: An resident’s itinerary to a perfect day trip to the Hague

April 10, 2018 by Karen Turner 10 Comments

You might have heard of the Hague. The Hague is the former capital of the Netherlands as well as my home. Quite a few friends have asked about taking a day trip from Amsterdam to the Hague and what to do in one day in the Hague. Here’s my resident’s guide to one day in the Hague with the perfect itinerary for exploring the Hague on foot. I include a self-guided walking tour with a map to help you see the best of the Hague.

…