Narrowing down all of the attractions to just three places to visit in Netherlands is a difficult, yet rewarding task. With all of the different influences to be found in the Netherlands due to its close proximity to Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, these influences can be easily detected as one makes their travels. A difficult choice nonetheless due to all of the wonderful port cities available on the northwestern coastal side of this country on the North Sea, there are compelling reasons to select Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Alkmaar as the finalists.
The City of Amsterdam
A city of unforgettable architecture, this capital city of the Netherlands is full of canals that run throughout the city. Many will take in a little “retail therapy” during their sightseeing as shopping is easily accomplished as one takes in the European flair, the unique history of the city, and all of its cultural treats. Once in Amsterdam, it is easy to see why this city would make it into the top three places to visit in Netherlands.
Famous for its infamous “red-light” district, Amsterdam, to those that “know,” are aware that this historic and beautiful city is that and so much more. For those interested in the distinctive aspects of this city’s renowned sexuality, the Sexmuseum (the largest museum of its kind) focuses on the history of sex and offers significant works of sex art for review, but the city offers much, much more to the family traveler as well. A fine example of this is the Rijkmuseum that is a main attraction for serious art lovers with many masterpieces featuring the works of Vermeer and Rembrandt.
Another grand facility that Amsterdam has to offer is NEMO, the largest science and technology center in the Netherlands. A terrific family attraction, NEMO is but one of many other family oriented attractions that this top three places to visit in Netherlands affords to the traveler including, but not limited to: the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, Artis Zoo, and Vondelpark & Oosterpark (sites for multi-cultural events and festivals).
The City of Rotterdam
Rotterdam, with the second largest harbor in the world (second only to Shanghai), people often flock to this second largest city in the Netherlands. Easily qualifying as one of the top three places to visit in Netherlands, the city is very modern in comparison due to the devastation that this city withstood during World War II. Filled with significant historical developments over the years, the assistance of a local guide is highly recommended.
Family oriented outlets abound with a few examples of key attractions for day-trippers being: the Rotterdam Zoo, Oceanium (an exotic aquarium filled with fish and puffins), and Trompenburg Arbortetum (perennials, shrubs, and trees set amongst beautiful walking trails).
The City of Alkmaar
Alkmaar is located on a northern peninsula in the Netherlands lying to the north of Amsterdam. With a unique agricultural landscape within the city, it has been designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its pattern of narrow streets and canals dating back to the 17th century make it a treasure trove of historic buildings and makes it one of the top three places to visit in Netherlands.
Offering two primary squares in the old city to sit back and admire, Canadaplein is situated close to the main church of the city, Sint Laurenskerk, and was built between 1470 and 1520. It is here that the late-Gothic architecture will catch your eye. This is also where the early-Renaissance tomb of Floris V (Count of Holland) is situated.
The home for many a tourist photograph because of its attractive main square of Waagplein, Alkmaar tourist postcards will often display the shots taken in the Alkmaar cheese market where cheese porters wearing traditional outfits work in a fully replicated old market venue. Taking this long standing tradition very seriously, one can visit a museum dedicated to this dairy treat in all of its glory. Making this one of the top three places to visit in Netherlands, one can visit this area by unusual means such as kayaking, canoeing, or by taking a canal boat ride.
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