The Dutch are some of my favorite people in the world. After living in the Netherlands for over 5 years, I’ve come to love the culture and the history. The country is beautiful, I love the cheese, and there are so many things that are quintessentially Dutch. I love that! There are many unique experiences to have in the Netherlands that give you a taste of what the traditional Dutch are like…and what they like!
Unique experiences to have in the Netherlands
Making a stroopwafel in Volendam
Stroopwafel are best when nice and fresh. I usually get mine from a vendor on the Albert Cuypstraat. They are one thin waffle expertly sliced in half with syrup slathered in the middle. It’s not pancake syrup. A thicker syrup is used in the stroopwafel. This workshop in Volendam (a village just north of Amsterdam) will show you how they are made and you can take some home!
Pre-packaged stroopwafels are great gifts to take home. Just warm them up over the cup or tea or coffee and it will be ooey gooey in no time!
Volendam Clog-making and Cheese-tasting
For a wonderfully tasty cultural experience, head to Volendam and make a famous wooden clog and taste some Gouda cheese, or choose to make your own cheese and learn all about how a clog is actually made. Choose your own adventure! I’ve made my own cheese before and it’s pretty cool to have the whole experience. Whichever experience you choose, you’ll be going home with a handmade (by you!) souvenir.
Rent e-bikes to visit Volendam & Monnickendam with a cheese-tasting
The area around Volendam and Monnickendam is very pretty. By renting an e-fatbike you get to explore it all by bike…an easy bike! You can take a self-guided tour through small towns that you just have to see. This is the real Holland. Part of this experience includes lunch and cheese tasting plus a boat trip. I just love this area and I think you will, too!
Walking tour about Anne Frank in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is known for the Anne Frank House and many come to visit there. But, there is so much Jewish history in this city worth learning. This tour will start at the Jewish Historical Museum and take you through the lives of those affected by WWII. It will give so much insight into the dark days of Amsterdam for the Jewish families who lived in fear. Discover other hiding places throughout the city and end at the Anne Frank House. You can then visit the Anne Frank House on your own if you’ve already purchased a ticket on the website.
Amsterdam Countryside tour
Amsterdam is my favorite city in the world, but getting into the countryside is a whole experience. A few minutes ride will get you out of the hustle and bustle and into the beauty of the Netherlands. There are fields as far as you can see. Then, you’ll notice the many little canals sliced throughout the land. There’s plenty of farm animals around, too. And if you come during flower season (mid-March through May) you’ll see rows and rows of colorful flowers. It’s a different side of the Netherlands that I highly encourage you to see. As a city, Amsterdam has so much to offer, and this tour gives a nice balance to the regular sightseeing opportunities.
Cheese market tour in Alkmaar
This cute little town is known for its cheese market that they still hold so that visitors can see how cheese used to be sold. It’s quite the experience! I love the outfits, the organization, and the cheese boat. With this tour, you see the free market, but get all the history along with it. Then you’ll go on a walking tour throughout the city and taste cheeses along the way. I think it’s always helpful, especially if you’re short on time, to have a guide to get the most out of your visit. Alkmaar is a quick train ride north of Amsterdam, so it’s a great side trip.
Delft Blue factory and museum
When you see Delft Blue pottery, you know exactly what it is. It’s iconic. While the Dutch didn’t come up with this idea, they certainly made it their own and it’s absolutely gorgeous! This factory tour showcases the heritage of Delft Blue and you’ll see the artists hard at work painting each piece by hand. It’s truly magical. While this tour doesn’t include it, you can add on and take a painting class and create your own creation.
Flower auction guided tour
The Netherlands is known for flowers. That’s why the Royal Flower Auction is a great experience to have. It’s one of those markets where you need to get up super early…the tour picks up at Amsterdam Central Station at 6:30am. When else are you going to experience such a thing? Watch the organized chaos unfold before your very eyes and see all the pretty flowers!! These flowers are going all around the world and move fast, so keep up!
Source: https://www.awanderlustforlife.com/