Holland offers the traveller a unique destination that offers a multitude of activities, events and sights to satisfy all tastes.  Amsterdam is probably the best place to start a trip around the Netherlands not only because it is the capital but also because it makes up part of what is known as the Randstad. This conurbation in the Netherlands is made up of the four largest cities in the country, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht that are expanding towards one another. The close proximity of these cities makes them ideal for the traveller that wishes to see some of the Netherlands without having to travel long distances.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam attracts millions of visitors every year and satisfies them all with a number of don’t miss locations and events. The red light district at the back of the central station is one of the most popular tourist destinations where the oldest profession in the world takes to the shop windows. Other Amsterdam musts are the Van Gogh museum and the Ann Frank House. If you really want to see a party visit Amsterdam for the Queens Birthday on April 30th when the whole city turns into a sea of Orange and the party doesn’t stop until everyone drops!

About 12 miles west of Amsterdam you can find Haarlem a small 16th century town that is the centre of Dutch tulip growing. Pay the town a visit during March and May to get a glimpse of those famous Dutch Tulip fields.

Euromast

Rotterdam is the second largest city in The Netherlands and although has for a long time played second fiddle to Amsterdam has rejuvenated itself to become one of the favourite tourist spots in the country. Take a look across the city from the 180 metre high Euromast tower and enjoy many of the cities cultural events (Rotterdam was voted European Capital of Culture in 2001).

The Hague is probably the most formal of the Dutch cities and the political centre of the country. If you visit the city be sure to take some time to see the Binnenhof, This collection of buildings in the centre of the city has been the centre of Dutch politics since the 15th century and parts of the site date back to 1229.

Water plays a big part in Dutch life and any visitors to the country will want to enjoy many of the canals and waterways for which this country has become so famous. Most of the major cities apart from maybe The Hague have vast networks of canals and waterways running through the city centres where visitors can either enjoy a canal boat ride or merely sit at the banks and enjoy a meal or a drink. Water in The Netherlands does not stop there though. There are 280km of beaches and over 50 sea side resorts in The Netherlands making it a surprisingly great summer holiday destination. One of the most popular seaside destinations is Scheveningen located just outside of The Hague, a former favourite summer retreat for the Dutch Royal Family.