Attractions - Holland

Attractions - Amsterdam

North Holland, Netherlands

Offering a vision of traditional Holland, the Noord area is rich in culture, nature and history and is blessed with some entertaining and exciting cities. Think of windmills and polders, vast tulip fields, canals and old farmhouses and you are only beginning to appreciate the charms of this most popular of tourist areas. Rugged areas of dune and long broad expanses of sandy beaches are counterpointed by some charming towns brimful with culture and sophistication in a region blessed with a little bit of everything.

By far the largest and most cosmopolitan city in the Nord region is Amsterdam. With its tree-lined canals and wealth of quirky cafes and bustling markets, charming and lively Amsterdam guarantees the visitor an unforgettable experience. A confident mix of old and new, the city features beautiful 17th- and 18th-century buildings and boasts some world-class museums, among them the moving and impressive Van Gogh Museum and the superb Rijksmuseum, home to some of the world’s finest artworks. Wind down from the excitement of Amsterdam with a trip to one of the many historic towns and villages scattered all around. Offering real reminders of the past, these towns-known collectively as the Golden Circle-include the gem-like Haarlem, which not only offers easy access to some wild and untamed stretches of dune and beach but also boasts fine cultural attractions in the Frans Hals Museum and the busy and exciting Grote Market. Don’t miss Edam, one of Holland’ most appealing little villages. Experience its proud seafaring heritage and of course sample its world-renowned cheese before moving on to the countryside blessed with quaint windmills and fields and fields of tulips and other bulb flowers. Arrange an unforgettable sailing trip on board a superbly maintained Dutch sailing ship and return to the green and fertile fens where the birdwatching opportunities are among the best in the entire country. Sample the quality and freshness of the local produce in a cosy restaurant or travel to one of the larger towns to spoil yourself with some international cuisine at a smart and fashionable bistro.

Pay a visit to this most stimulating of regions. Enjoy its history, culture, landscape and culinary delights, savouring the vitality of them all. Encapsulating everything good about Holland, the Noord region is a genuine treasure-trove of delights and offers something for everyone.