Day Trips from Amsterdam

Ransdorp: A taste of the Dutch countryside within Amsterdam

January 22, 2019 by Karen Turner 3 Comments

For those looking for an easy bike ride from Amsterdam, I recommend visiting Ransdorp. Although you might not believe it, this scenic village is actually part of Amsterdam although you’ll feel a world’s away when you visit. This tiny village of about 300 residents will give you a nice taste of the Dutch countryside without leaving Amsterdam proper over a scenic bike ride that should take up part of an afternoon. Keep reading for more information about visiting Randsdorp and the best things to do in Ransdorp.

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Best hotels in the Hague: Your guide to the best areas to stay in the Hague written by a Hague resident

June 6, 2018 by Karen Turner 6 Comments

Planning your trip to the Hague, the Netherlands? This is your insider’s guide to the best hotels in the Hague, including the best neighborhoods to stay in. I’m still a recent arrival to the Hague as I’ve been living here less than a year, however when I moved to the Hague, I lived all around the city. I hope this guide helps you find the best hotel for your needs.

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4 Must-See Dutch Castles

August 30, 2016 by Karen Turner 32 Comments

Ever wish that you were born into a royal family or want to visit a castle near Amsterdam? Even if you’re not, you can visit these four beautiful castles in the Netherlands to feel like a royal, at least for a day. All are easily accessible via public transit and possible with a day trip from Amsterdam or Rotterdam. Ready to see some incredible castles?

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Your Dutch bucket list: 55+ Amazing things to do in the Netherlands

November 16, 2018 by Karen Turner Leave a Comment

I’ve been lucky enough to call the Netherlands my home. Visiting family and friends will ask me what is the one thing that they must do in the Netherlands. That answer isn’t so easy. We’ve came up with 55+ things for you to do in the Netherlands to add to your Dutch bucket list based on our time living in the Netherlands. Not everything will be possible (due to weather) during your trip, but I hope that it inspires you to revisit this beautiful country.

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Off the beaten path Netherlands: 25+ quirky and strange places to visit

January 22, 2019 by Karen Turner 3 Comments

As a Dutch resident, I love exploring the Netherlands, but writing about the Grote Markt in a town can get a bit tiresome. For a while, I’ve been pursuing some really off the beaten path places in the Netherlands and these are my favorite quirky places in the Netherlands to add to your Dutch bucket list if you’re someone who loves the strange, the adventurous, the macabre, the magical, and the weird. They’re spread throughout the country.

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Prince’s Day in the Hague: Events and Tips for seeing the Dutch Royals

January 23, 2019 by Karen Turner Leave a Comment

As a recent immigrant to the Netherlands, I’m not yet over my obsession with the Dutch Royal Family. They’re so normal yet fascinating. One of the best days of the year as a visitor to the Netherlands or as a resident of the Hague is Prince’s Day as it’s our chance (as plebs) to see the royal family in their splendor in person. This past Prince’s Day, I saw Queen Maxima in person and it was great. These are my tips for attending Prince’s Day in the Hague with a brief explanation of what happens on Prince’s Day.

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Your one day guide to visiting Utrecht, the most enchanting city in the Netherlands

October 30, 2018 by Karen Turner 10 Comments

Have you ever visited a place that you fall in love with instantly? From the moment that I visited Utrecht on a day trip from Amsterdam, I fell in love with Utrecht. This beautiful Dutch city has canals that are two stories, unlike Amsterdam, which only adds to the delightful architecture, slow pace, amazing food, and the few tourists. Keep reading for my one day guide to Utrecht with what to do in Utrecht in one day and a complete itinerary for visiting Utrecht.

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A weekend of magic: Tips for visiting the Dordrecht Christmas Market

October 20, 2019 by Karen Turner Leave a Comment

We’ve finally had some snow this weekend. This weekend was also the Dordrecht Christmas market. Each December, Dordrecht hosts one of the most atmospheric Christmas markets in the Netherlands that coincidentally happens to the be the largest Christmas market in the Netherlands. It’s due to the fact that the entirety of the Dordrecht historic city. Read tips for visiting the Dordrecht Christmas market and photos of the Dordrecht Christmas market!

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Follow in the footsteps of Rembrandt: Key locations for Rembrandt

March 1, 2019 by Karen Turner Leave a Comment

One of the most renowned Dutch artists is Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, who was born in Leiden prior to moving to Amsterdam to painting some of the famous paintings in the Netherlands. This article will walk you through Rembrandt’s life (with key addresses relevant to his life and artwork) as well as cover the best museums to see Rembrandt’s art in person. 2019 is the 350th anniversary of Rembrandt’s death, which is the perfect opportunity to rediscover his life and art.

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13 Interesting Dutch Spirits & Liquors You Must Try In the Netherlands

July 15, 2017 by Karen Turner 27 Comments

Wondering what people drink in the Netherlands? This post is an in depth introduction to alcohol in the Netherlands. Today, my husband and bring you an article that is over two years in the making: 13 different liqueurs and spirit drinks that you should try in the Netherlands.

When I’m visiting a new place, I love to try to try the local food and drink specialities…. and beyond Heineken and jenever, most people don’t know what to drink in the Netherlands.

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