The Hague is also filled with a lot of history, but its feel is more international than Amsterdam, due to the fact that the international courts are located here, along with all the embassies and multinational companies such as Shell oil. The city is also more continental than others in the Netherlands, due to its wide avenues and streets, more so than the rest of the country. Its 18th century mansions are quite different from the tall houses that line the streets of Amsterdam. The Hague also has 11km of coastline, which Amsterdam cannot compete with. There are still plenty of museums here and a lot to see, you’ll soon find that the history, although maybe somewhat different than Amsterdam, is still evident while you explore this wealthy Dutch city.

Rotterdam is more of a modern metropolis than the other cities. Although the city also has history, it’s hard to see this in the heart of the city, as the center was leveled during the Second World War, on the bombing raids that led to the fall of Holland to the Germans. This is why you’ll find that the architecture in Rotterdam is a lot more modern and a must see if you love modern architecture. You best bet to discover this city is to get a tour to take you around, as it’s a large city without a real center, so to appreciate it, a tour will give you a better picture of this modern metropolis.

The rest of Holland is filled with cities, towns and small villages. Rent a car, drive through the small roads and stop of at a few small villages, head north along the coast, through places like Callantsoog and experience village life, walk on the beach, explore the flower fields (during spring). It’s a small country, but it has a big heart, friendly people and will leave a lifelong impression on you.

This way of life is perhaps symbolised best in Amsterdam’s preferred form of travel: the bicycle. There are apparently more than a million bikes in Amsterdam, and when you consider that the population of the city is estimated at around about the same number, you begin to realise that the natives of the city are serious about being seriously easy-going! And yes, it may require more energy and take more time than driving or taking the tube – but when you’ve got all the time in the world, you can afford to take it!

As well as symbolising the relaxed attitude to city life, bikes also provide one of the best ways to enjoy this beautiful and artistic city. There are a number of stunning, bike-friendly parks and squares dotted through the city, including the famous Dam Square, the tranquil home of the Dutch Royal Palace, and the Vondelpark, which is perfectly situated near three major museums; the Rijksmuseum, the Stedelijk, and the ever-popular Van Gogh Museum.

As relaxing as a stress-free Amsterdam-style bike ride may be, a boat ride around Amsterdam’s famous canal system (which gives Amsterdam the deserved nickname of Venice of the North) is another great way to experience the beauty of the city – in particular the stunning 17th century architecture that lines the canal in the centre of the city. A boat ride also offers the chance to see some of the more modern examples of the Amsterdam school of architecture, in particular buildings such as Renzo Piano’s NEMO building, while Amsterdam’s centre of science, which is in the shape of a ship’s bow is an allusion to the Dutch Golden Age when Amsterdam’s was one of the most important ports in the world.

As well as being a great city to tour by bike or boat, Amsterdam is a great place to just walk around and soak in the culture, whether it’s wondering the famously friendly Red Light District or relaxing in one of the cities many relaxed, chilled-out coffee shops. Also, as is fitting for a capital city, Amsterdam is also home to fantastic museums, art galleries and venues that promote the history and culture of one of Europe’s most popular and friendly cities. There are also a wide array of fantastic restaurants and hotels in Amsterdam to suit every taste and budget.