Amsterdam is probably the ‘must’ stop on anyone's trip to the Netherlands—and for good reason. But there is much more to discover (by bicycle!) than the capital city.
Haarlem
Haarlem is located just west of Amsterdam with excellent connection to the capital; 10 minutes by train with no transfers. Often dubbed "little Amsterdam," Haarlem has all the appeal of the capital city with none of the crowds. Visit the intimate historic town center with the Jopenkerk, a brewery housed in a converted fourteenth-century cathedral.
Delft
Delft is famous for its city canal infrastructure, which similar to Amsterdam. Don’t miss the unspoiled town's Renaissance architecture and Vermeer Centre museum (the Dutch painter, famous for such works as Girl with a Pearl Earring and The Milkmaid, was born and died here).
Gouda
Of course the city of Gouda is world famous for its cheeses and syrup waffles. But also the compact historic town center should not be missed. Wander through narrow picturesque streets, discover the cheese museum or stroll on over to one of the most beautiful market squares in Europe, dominated by an impressive town hall.
Rotterdam
The city of Rotterdam was heavily bombed in WWII but revived with amazing modern architecture. Well combined with the old harbour complexes and industrial heritage of this large harbour town.
Zaanse Schans
This museum village is a snapshot of Dutch history. A balanced collection of windmills and houses and workshops where the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries are brought to life. Don't miss the cheese factory.
The Hague
Amsterdam may be the capital, but the Dutch parliament meets in this stunning city on the North Sea. The Hague has some of the country's best museums, including an homage to M. C. Escher and the Mauritshuis (which houses The Girl with the Pearl Earring).
Utrecht
The canals of Utrecht have two stories, where centuries-old wharf cellars now serve as spots to enjoy food and drinks at water level—something unique to this city. You can also enjoy the towering churches and cozy cafes of Utrecht via cycling, as it's one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world.
Giethoorn
Affectionately referred to as the "Venice of the Netherlands," this village's thatched roof farmhouses and wooden arch bridges can be explored via bike lanes or canals.
Volendam and
Edam
These picturesque fishing village are Holland’s best-known for a reason: colorful wooden houses, bobbing fishing boats, and seafood stall after seafood stall dishing up fish and chips, smoked eel, and pickled herring.
Kinderdijk
A small village and particularly famous for its windmills, lots of windmills. The 19 monumental mills were built in the early eighteenth century to prevent flooding and keep soil dry, and the mill network has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1997. A bicycle path runs all along them.
Hoge Veluwe national park
This park is one of the largest in Holland, and within its 13,343 acres, counts rare wildlife, some of the most iconic buildings in the Netherlands, and the Kröller-Müller museum, which showcases a collection of nineteenth and twentieth century art in addition to the largest private collection of Van Goghs. No cars allowed but zoom around on your bike via the extensive bike path network.
