Netherlands

A perfect day trip to Delft: Interesting things to do in Delft

July 9, 2020 by Karen Turner 18 Comments

I used to think of myself as a big city girl, but after moving to the Netherlands, I fell in love with the smaller quieter cities in the Netherlands. One of my favorite cities in the Netherlands, which is an easy day trip from Amsterdam, is Delft. I’ve been living in the Hague for some months now and I routinely visit Delft each month.

Delft has one of the most prestigious universities in the Netherlands, so despite the history, Delft feels like a young town if you know where you’re looking.

This itinerary for Delft is a mix of historic sights and new modern shops/restaurants, so you get to experience both sides of this beautiful city. Keep reading for things to do in Delft in a compact one day itinerary for Delft.

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Your complete guide to Scheveningen: A resident’s guide to Scheveningen beach and beyond

May 30, 2018 by Karen Turner 1 Comment

I’m not even a beach person, but the Scheveningen beach has found a way into my heart. Now that it’s actually beach weather, it’s the perfect time to visit Scheveningen. When I first moved to the Hague, I actually lived in Scheveningen as it was cheap in the dead of winter. Anyways, keep reading for a complete guide to Scheveningen, which I’ll be updating as I discover even more cool beach bars in Scheveningen!

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How to see the tulip fields near Amsterdam for free by a local

November 1, 2018 by Karen Turner 26 Comments

I’m obsessed with tulips and one of my favorite parts of living in the Netherlands is going to the tulip fields in Holland each year. I include tips for seeing the tulip fields near Amsterdam for free!

Although most people visit Keukenhof, it’s very easy to see the Dutch tulip fields without a tour or a bike. You can easily visit the fields on a budget, so read for tips on how to see the tulip fields in the Netherlands for free two different ways.

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What to Wear in Amsterdam: Your Ultimate Packing List for Amsterdam by a Local

July 8, 2017 by Karen Turner 31 Comments

This is my third year living in Amsterdam and it’s hard to explain to friends/family who are visiting Amsterdam on what to bring to Amsterdam to be prepared for the unpredictable and rainy weather that defines all but ~3 weeks in summer.

Packing for Amsterdam isn’t easy as it involves planning for the worst, so why not be prepared with a packing list for Amsterdam with what to pack for Amsterdam and what not to pack by one resident?

This includes what to wear in Amsterdam in winter (as well as what to wear in Amsterdam for spring/summer/fall). At the bottom, you’ll find a FREE printable/downloadable packing list for Amsterdam.

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First Time Guide to Amsterdam: Three Days in Amsterdam itinerary by a resident

June 7, 2023 by Karen Turner 37 Comments

I’ve been living in the Netherlands for nearly three years with most of my time spent living in Amsterdam. I usually recommend that if you’re visiting Amsterdam, three days in Amsterdam is perfect.

I’ve created a three day itinerary for Amsterdam with advice on what to do in Amsterdam based on my time as a resident. As someone who’s spent quite a bit of time in Amsterdam, I cover the famous sights, but I try to focus on showing you some of neighborhoods that make Amsterdam unique rather than the touristy hubs. I include a free map (at the bottom) with the best places to visit in Amsterdam during 3 days.

This is a suggested itinerary for Amsterdam, so I try to give options and I completely understand if you choose to skip something. That said, I’ve carefully crafted this Amsterdam itinerary to minimize walking, public transit, and biking.

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What to do in the Hague: A resident’s guide of unique 30+ things to do in the Hague

July 23, 2023 by Karen Turner 25 Comments

I live in the Hague. Although I’m always telling people about how fantastic the Hague is, I’m hoping that this guide to the Hague will inspire people to take the day trip from Amsterdam to the Hague to experience a bit of what makes it so unique. It’s a beautiful and a bit of a strange city. Keep reading for tips on what to do in the Hague with 30+ unique things to do in the Hague to inspire you to explore the Hague.

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Secret Amsterdam: 30+ secret places to visit in Amsterdam by a local

April 22, 2022 by Karen Turner 27 Comments

I’ve been putting off this guide to secret Amsterdam for a while as living in Amsterdam has made me worry about sharing my secret places in Amsterdam where I go to avoid the tourists. However, it’s not nice not to share. In this local’s guide to Amsterdam off the beaten path, you’ll be visiting some Amsterdam secret spots as well as some really non-touristy things to do in Amsterdam.

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The Cost of Living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands

November 27, 2017 by Karen Turner 9 Comments

After living in Amsterdam for over two and a half years, I was surprised how many questions that I’d get about the cost of living in Amsterdam as an expat. I’ve broken down our monthly expenses in Amsterdam from rent to phone bills in the Netherlands, so hopefully this will help you decide if living in Amsterdam is for you.

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Things to do in Maastricht, the most beautiful city in the Netherlands

January 6, 2020 by Karen Turner 16 Comments

Maastricht is one of the most charming cities in the Netherlands and it can be easily explored in a weekend. The city is perfect for a slow, romantic weekend away from Amsterdam spent exploring a beautiful cathedral bookstore, strolling the tangled streets, touring historic caves, and eating/drinking delicious regional cuisine at affordable prices. For architecture and food lovers, Maastricht is a city that you will not want to leave off any trip to the Netherlands. Read the best things to do in Maastricht!

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Woerden: The last real cheese market in the Netherlands

May 15, 2018 by Karen Turner 1 Comment

Some months ago, I was on the train to Utrecht from the Hague and I passed a town with a stunning cathedral. I checked the map, but I decided that I’d visit. A few months later, I read something online about the Woerden cheese market and I was intrigued.

Unlike the other cheese markets in the Netherlands, the Woerden Kaasmarkt is 100% real (unlike Gouda and Alkmaar). Woerden has the last commercial cheese market in the Netherlands where farmers and buyers actually determine the price using traditional methods. Keep reading to learn more about this fascinating Dutch cheese market!

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