Our Stories and Recommendations for Amsterdam & the Netherlands

Delft Gate

Delft: Vermeer, Delft Blue and a City Full of Stories

Less than an hour from Amsterdam, Delft combines canals and Dutch history with Vermeer, Delft Blue, royal connections and some unexpected details.
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Rijksmuseum Front

The Rijksmuseum Gardens for Free: What to Discover Outside the Museum

You don't need a ticket to discover some of the Rijksmuseum's most interesting details. Explore its free gardens, architecture and hidden exterior features.
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Haarlem St Bavo

Looking to Skip the Crowds? Haarlem and The Hague, Dutch Cities Recommended by The New York Times

The New York Times named Haarlem the best European canal city to visit instead of Amsterdam, and declared The Hague an ideal coolcation.
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2026 Brussels Flower Carpet

Brussels Flower Carpet 2026: Everything You Need to Know

The Brussels Flower Carpet returns from 13th-16th August 2026 with a spectacular Japanese design. Find out when to visit, what to see and how it is made.
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The Rhine at low water near Oberwesel in 2018, with wide gravel banks exposed

Will low water on the Rhine cancel my river cruise? How to check the water level in seconds

Worried a dried-out Rhine will cancel your river cruise? Here is how to check the water for yourself, in plain language, in seconds.
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Hannie Schaft

Hannie Schaft: The Girl with the Red Hair and the Women Who Defied the Nazis

Known as the Girl with the Red Hair, Hannie Schaft became one of the Dutch Resistance's most celebrated fighters. Together with Freddie and Truus Oversteegen, she carried out daring missions...
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Amsterdam old town canal corner

How to Turn a Schiphol Layover into an Amsterdam Adventure

A long layover at Schiphol does not have to be wasted time. Here is how to see the best of Amsterdam between flights, with visa and luggage tips, what you...
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Anne Frank House

Why Did Anne Frank Have to Go into Hiding? Understanding the Story Behind the Secret Annex

Why did Anne Frank go into hiding during the Second World War? In this thoughtful blog we explore the story behind the Secret Annex and life in Amsterdam under Nazi...
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euros on a plate

Tipping Culture in Amsterdam and the Netherlands: What Visitors Should Know

Wondering whether you should tip in Amsterdam? Discover how Dutch tipping culture works, what is considered normal, and why tipping is appreciated but not expected.
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A cheesemaker and a cheesemonger negotiate the price the traditional way at the Gouda Cheese Market in Market Square.

Traditional Dutch Cheese Markets: Inside the Netherlands’ Most Famous Markets

Discover the tradition of Dutch cheese markets, where historic trading rituals, cheese carriers, and local culture still bring towns like Gouda, Alkmaar, and Edam to life today.
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Anne Frank mural in NDSM NDSM Wharf in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Anne Frank House Tickets in 2026 and 2027: Prices, Access and Sold-Out Options

A simple guide to buying Anne Frank House tickets in Amsterdam, including release times, availability, and tips for securing entry before tickets sell out.
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