Netherlands - Cheap Holidays from Co-op Travel

Netherlands Travel Guide

This country of tulips, windmills and bicycles stretches out over a predominantly flat landscape of land reclaimed from the sea. Sophisticated urban centres and sleepy rural towns are contained within the expansive vistas broken here and there by canals, castle walls and dikes. Europe's most densely populated region is located within an area of the Netherlands called the Randstad. This urban hub radiates in a circle from Amsterdam and includes The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht, as well as the smaller towns of Haarlem, Leiden and Delft. The metropolitan centres buzz with the activity of seasonal festivals, cultural activities, vibrant art scenes and excellent pubs and restaurants.The cultural heritage that flavours much of Dutch life can be traced back through time. During the 1600s the Netherlands dominated the world both economically and culturally. The Dutch East India Company established trading links with the East and West Indies bringing back an abundance of merchandise and cultural influences. The Golden Age reached its zenith in the artworks of the Dutch Masters - Rembrandt, Frans Hals and Jan Vermeer. Today, their paintings hang from the walls of the cities' numerous museums and galleries.Most people travelling to the Netherlands head for the unique experience of its capital city, Amsterdam. The other parts are largely unaffected by tourism, particularly the areas outside the Randstad. The southern parts of the country are transformed by undulating landscapes of shifting sands and heath moors, best experienced within the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Further south, tucked between the German and Belgian borders, lies the historical city of Maastricht.Since the collapse of Napoleon's empire in 1814, the Netherlands has taken a neutral stance throughout most of the world's conflicts, including the First World War in which it took no part. In spite of this independent stance it still suffered severely in World War II during the Nazi invasion of 1940. Its neutral political position, combined with its tradition of liberalism and tolerance has made the Netherlands the logical choice for the establishment of the International Court of Justice, which is situated in The Hague.

Netherlands Travel Guide

Need To Know

Money:

Single European currency, or Euro (EUR), is the official currency of the Netherlands, and is divided into 100 cents. Major credit cards and travellers cheques are widely accepted. To avoid additional charges take travellers cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars. Foreign currency or travellers cheques can be changed at banks, post offices or bureaux de change (usually indicated by the letters GWK). Banks are closed on weekends but bureaux de change are open. ATMs are widely distributed and most are open 24 hours a day.

Time:

Electricity:

Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Two-pin round European-style plugs are used.

Language:

Dutch is the official language. English is widely spoken. Fries (as well as Dutch) is spoken by the people of Friesland province.

Health:

There are no health risks associated with travel to the Netherlands and no inoculations are required. It is safe to drink tap water. The standard of health care in the Netherlands is very high, but the necessary health insurance provisions must be made before travelling. A reciprocal agreement exists with other EU countries, which entitles nationals to low-cost emergency medical treatment. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is necessary for this purpose.

Tipping:

Service charges are included in hotel rates, restaurant bills and taxi fares, usually at 15%. Tipping for good service is always appreciated but not necessary. It is customary to tip taxi drivers and waiters 10%.

Safety:

Travel in Holland is fairly safe. Travellers should however always exercise caution in empty streets at night and be aware of pickpockets, particularly in central Amsterdam and at Central Station. There have been several incidents on trains from Schiphol Airport where heavily laden passengers have been targeted by thieves. There is a risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks and visitors should be vigilant in public places and tourist sites, particularly since extra security measures have been set up around the country in response to concerns about a possible terrorist attack. Police in Amsterdam are warning travellers of a new scam whereby tourists will be approached by 'plain clothes policemen' who claim to be investigating credit card fraud and counterfeit currency. Tourists are shown fake identification in the form of badges (Dutch police do not carry badges and plain clothes police will rarely conduct such an 'investigation'), and asked to hand over credit cards and money. This will be returned but with some money/cards missing. If approached, travellers are advised to ask for proper identification or to accompany them to the nearest police station. There is also an increase in the number of spiked drinks occurring in Europe.

Customs:

In Holland, the use of cannabis is tolerated in designated 'coffee shops' in major cities. This policy exists to prevent the marginalisation of soft drug users thereby exposing them to more harmful drugs. However the trafficking in hard or soft drugs outside licensed premises is illegal and the possession of soft drugs in public places will incur a prison sentence. Everybody from the age of 14 is required to show a valid identity document to law enforcement officers on request. Tobacco smoking in cafés, bars and restaurants is prohibited.

Business:

Business in the Netherlands is conducted in an efficient and professional manner. Punctuality is important, dress is usually formal (suits and ties are standard), business cards are exchanged and greetings are made with a handshake. Titles and surnames are used, unless otherwise indicated. Women tend to be well received in Dutch business and it is not uncommon for women to hold high positions. Most Dutch people speak excellent English. Business hours are usually 8.30am to 5pm.

Duty Free:

Duty free items for travellers to the Netherlands include 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g smoking tobacco; 1 litre spirits, 2 litres spirits or aperitifs made of wine or 2 litres of sparkling wines, liquor wines or still wine; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette; 500g of coffee; 100g tea. Prohibited items include the import of all birds.

Communications:

The international access code for the Netherlands is +31. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are in use, e.g. (0)20 for Amsterdam. Five local mobile phone operators have the Netherlands extremely well covered with GSM 900 and 1800 networks. Internet cafes are widely available.

Netherlands Travel Guide

Netherlands Attractions

Anne Frank House

Description:

This museum is dedicated to the memory of Anne Frank, whose famous diary, recorded over a two-year period, describes the experiences of a Jewish teenager during World War II. Part of the house was used as a hiding place by the Franks and others to escape Nazi persecution. The families were later discovered and sent to their deaths in the concentration camps. Otto Frank was the only survivor. The original diary is on display as part of the permanent exhibition. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits that focus on related issues. A must-see tourist attraction for visitors of all ages.

Address:

Prinsengracht 267 (Westerkerk)

Postcode:

Telephone:

(020) 556 7105

Email:

Website:

www.annefrank.nl

Van Gogh Museum

Description:

The Van Gogh Museum is a definitive tourist attraction in Amsterdam. Situated in a modern building, the simple architecture subtly underscores the artists' colourful and extraordinary work. The museum houses a permanent display of several hundred of Van Gogh's paintings and drawings, many of which will be familiar to even the untrained eye. The collection is organised according to three criteria. The first of these is the work of the artist, which is divided into five notable periods. Then there is the display of work of other artists, including those of his friends and contemporaries. The third section is the showcase of the museum's history, recording its progress with a feature on the development of the new wing designed by Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, built to house the temporary exhibitions.

Address:

Paulus Potterstraat 7

Postcode:

Telephone:

(020) 570 5200

Email:

info@vangoghmuseum.nl

Website:

www.vangoghmuseum.nl

The Rijksmuseum

Description:

The Rijksmuseum was opened in 1885 and is best known for its collection of 17th century Dutch Masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Frans Hals and Jan Steen. The most notable of these painting is Rembrandt's masterpiece The Night Watch. The museum contains thousands of other paintings and artefacts in its Asiatic collection, Print Room, Dutch History and Applied Arts sections. A visit to the museum should include a trip into its delightful garden adorned with bright flowers, fountains, sculptures and summerhouses. Nestled within the garden is a collection depicting five centuries of Dutch architecture. It is advisable to consult a map or purchase a CD audio tour for an orientation to the extensive collection.Note that the Rijksmuseum is currently undergoing renovations, and although still open to visitors, structural work is ongoing and only scheduled for completion in 2012.

Address:

Jan Luijkenstraat 1

Postcode:

Telephone:

(020) 674 7000

Email:

Website:

www.rijksmuseum.nl

Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art

Description:

The Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art closely traces the development in art of the second half of the 20th century, showcasing the most impressive collections of modern art in Amsterdam. The permanent exhibition focuses on De Stijl, Cobra, Nouveau Realisme, Pop Art, Colorfield Painting, Zero and Minimalist Art, while temporary exhibitions on design and applied art are housed in the new wing.

Address:

Post CS building, Oosterdokskade 5 (temporary location until end of 2008)

Postcode:

Telephone:

(020) 573 2911

Email:

info@stedelijk.nl

Website:

www.stedelijkindestad.nl

Rembrandt House

Description:

This museum provides an insight into the life and times of the famous Dutch master. Rembrandt lived here between 1639 and 1658, the pinnacle of his career. The museum presents a permanent collection of Rembrandt's work and a reconstructed 17th century studio, together with temporary exhibitions and a collection of paintings done by his teacher, Pieter Latman, and those of Rembrandt's pupils.

Address:

Jodenbreestraat 4

Postcode:

Telephone:

(020) 5200 400

Email:

museum@rembrandthuis.nl

Website:

www.rembrandthuis.nl

Amsterdam Historisch Museum

Description:

Housed in a former orphanage, the Historical Museum explores Amsterdam's development from a small medieval settlement along the river into a thriving modern city. The museum's galleries showcase the progress of each century, with particular emphasis given to Holland's Golden Age. The museum provides a showpiece of Dutch Master paintings, archaeological discoveries, gold, silver, glass, earthenware and other artefacts. The museum fee covers entry to the Civic Guards Gallery. This is a glass-roofed gallery stretching between Kalverstraat and the Begijnhof, lined with portraits of Amsterdam's Civic Guards dating back to the 17th century.

Address:

Kalverstraat 92

Postcode:

Telephone:

(020) 523 1822

Email:

info@ahm.amsterdam.nl

Website:

www.ahm.nl

Red Light District (De Wallen)

Description:

A visit to Amsterdam would not be complete without a stroll around the notorious Red Light District. The atmosphere can be chaotic, with throngs of tourists jostling for space alongside city slickers, pimps and drug dealers. The prostitutes of De Wallen are part of a legal and regulated industry that includes compulsory health checks and taxable income. Prostitution is by no means the only attraction of the area. The district's architecture comprises a scenic mix that dates back to the Middle Ages. Areas to explore include Waterlooplein, Zeedijk and Nieuwmarkt Square. Waterlooplein is the location of the modern City Hall and Muziek Theatre. The square was created in 1880 from two canals that were filled and then allocated to Jewish traders who used to ply their wares on its pavements. Nieuwmarkt Square was also once home to a thriving Jewish community, mainly Portuguese Jews who had fled from persecution during the Spanish Inquisition. The cultural diversity of this area extends to Zeedijk Street, which is often referred to as Chinatown. The street runs from the Saint Olof Chapel to De Waag, and is lined with many excellent bars, restaurants and cafes.

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Our Dear Lord in the Attic (Museum Amstelkring)

Description:

This concealed Catholic church (the combined top floors of a 17th century canal house) is a reminder of the Alteration period in Holland. Protestantism was declared the official religion and churches like this one relied on clandestine activity for their survival. The building's lower floors became a museum in 1888 housing a collection of church artefacts and paintings. It is located near the edge of the Red Light District.

Address:

Oudezijds Voorburgwal 40

Postcode:

Telephone:

(0)20 624 6604

Email:

info@opsolder.nl

Website:

www.museumamstelkring.nl

The Dutch Resistance Museum (Verzetsmuseum)

Description:

A trip to this museum provides a fascinating insight into the activities of the Dutch Resistance Movement during World War II. Displays of false documents, weaponry and other equipment provide testimony to the bravery and innovation of its members.

Address:

Plantage Kerklaan 61

Postcode:

Telephone:

020 620 2535

Email:

info@verzetsmuseum.org

Website:

www.verzetsmuseum.org

The Royal Palace (Koninklijk Paleis)

Description:

Although the Royal Palace is the official Royal residence, it is mainly used for functions as the family reside in The Hague. The building dates back to 1648 and was originally designed for use as Amsterdam's City Hall. A large collection of furniture from this period adorns its interiors. Guided tours are offered to visitors (although they to be booked two weeks in advance).

Address:

Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 147, Dam Square

Postcode:

Telephone:

(0)20 620 4060

Email:

Website:

www.paleisamsterdam.nl

Maastricht

Description:

Maastricht is the oldest city in the Netherlands, peacefully perching on the banks of the Maas River. It is also one of the sunnier spots, located at Holland's southernmost point, squeezed in between the Belgian and German borders. Ancient fortifications provide pleasant walking routes and some of these can be explored on the city's western outskirts. The Bonnefantenmuseum traces the city's historical roots, and makes for a good introduction to your visit. Another must-see is the Basilica of Saint Servatius. It is a medieval cruciform basilica with a significant collection of religious artefacts, as well as being the burial place of Holland's first bishop. In the old centre of Maastricht is a selection of shops and department stores. Here one can also savour the fine food and wine that Maastricht has developed a reputation for.

Address:

Maastricht is located 133 miles (215km) from Amsterdam

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Telephone:

+31 (0)43 325 2121

Email:

Website:

www.vvvmaastricht.nl

International Court of Justice

Description:

The Peace Palace was so named to import its significance as a place for arbitration and for the maintenance and promotion of world peace. Situated in The Hague, the building houses the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration and The Hague Academy of International Law. It was here (in 1946) that the first session of the International Court of Justice was held. Four guided tours are conducted daily. The Hague is located approximately 35 miles (57km) from Amsterdam.

Address:

Carnegieplein 2

Postcode:

Telephone:

(0)70 302 4242

Email:

Website:

www.vredespaleis.nl

Waterland Neeltje Jans

Description:

Enjoy a whole day with marine animals, experience fantastic attractions and see and learn about the world famous Delta Works at this spectacular water park. Attractions include the storm surge barrier, Delta Expo, a waterslide and water playground, whale world exhibition and a hurricane simulator.

Address:

Eiland Neeltje Jans, Faelweg 5

Postcode:

Telephone:

(0)111 655 655

Email:

info@neeltjejans.nl

Website:

www.neeltjejans.nl

Royal Delftware Factory

Description:

The white and blue decorative pottery, the trademark of Royal Delftware, was influenced by Chinese porcelain brought back from the east by the tradesmen of the Dutch East India Company. The Royal Delftware Factory (Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles) is the only remaining earthenware factory in Delft and dates back to the 17th century. Visitors to the factory can see painting demonstrations, attend painting workshops or visit the factory's museum and showroom. Delft is 30 miles (47km) south of Amsterdam, near The Hague. There is also a showroom in Amsterdam where visitors can also view a painting demonstration and view an exhibition. The address is Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 175-179 (on the premises of Gassan Diamonds).

Address:

Rotterdamseweg 196, Delft

Postcode:

Telephone:

+31 (0)15 251 2030

Email:

tourism@royaldelft.com

Website:

www.royaldelft.com

National Maritime Museum

Description:

Covering four centuries of Dutch naval history, the National Maritime Museum allows visitors to glimpse into the adventurous seafaring past of Dutch explorers and merchants through exhibits of antiquarian maps, navigation instruments, paintings and ship models, creating one of the most extensive collections of maritime memorabilia in the entire world. A major attraction is the life-size reconstruction of a Dutch East India Company ship called the Amsterdam, which is docked behind the museum. Learn about dated maritime trade, naval combat, fishing and whaling and the intrepid journeys that took the Dutch fleet to remote destinations as far away as modern day Indonesia, India and South Africa.

Address:

Kattenburgerplein 1

Postcode:

Telephone:

+31 (0)20 5232 222

Email:

Website:

www.scheepvaartmuseum.nl

Heineken Experience

Description:

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Amsterdam, the Heineken Experience is not to be missed. After opening its doors in 2001, with Heineken Experience has been attracting international beer-lovers for almost a decade. Housed in the original brewery, visitors will learn about the history of the famous Heineken Company and its unique brewing process, visit cutting-edge interactive exhibits and enjoy free Heineken beer at the two pit stops along the way. Don't go away empty handed, a gift of Heineken memorabilia is given to each visitor to ensure they remember their Heineken Experience. The site underwent major renovations in 2007 and is now back in full operation and better than ever. The new and improved Heineken Experience features a mini brewery, a new tasting bar and an opportunity to view Heineken's iconic Shire horses.

Address:

Stadhouderskade 78

Postcode:

Telephone:

+31 (0)20 523 9222

Email:

Website:

www.heinekenexperience.com

Amsterdam Coffeeshops

Description:

Amsterdam's coffeeshops are an iconic part of the city, and for many tourists they constitute a unique and essential element to any visit to the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, 'coffeeshop' means a place where cannabis is openly sold and smoked, while 'café' refers to somewhere that sells coffee, tea and cakes. The coffee shops can legally sell marijuana to adults over 18 years of age. Travellers are warned, however, that the personal possession of drugs is illegal. There are a variety of coffee shops in the city, from laid-back and mellow to psychedelic and loud. It is expected of customers to consume not only the cannabis but also a beverage or snack while at the venue. Most coffee shops offer several kinds of weed or hash listed on a 'menu', and the staff can give advice on the different strains and strengths before you place your order. The prices vary according to the quality and be warned: the local skunk is very strong!

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Artis Zoo

Description:

Locally known as the Plantage, the Artis Zoo is somewhat of an oasis in the centre of Amsterdam and a must for children and other animal lovers. Boasting over 700 species of animals and 200 species of local and exotic trees, many of which are on the verge of extinction, the Artis Zoo will captivate and amaze visitors of all ages.

Address:

Plantage Kerklaan 38-40

Postcode:

Telephone:

(0)20 523 3400

Email:

info@artis.nl

Website:

www.artis.nl

Eftling

Description:

Built in the 1950s, and one of the leading theme parks in Europe, the popular theme park of Eftling is a must for children of all ages. Its fairytale theme captivates children and transports them into their favourite imaginary world. Complete with a fairy tale forest, lakes and trails, kids will delight at the 1895 steam carousel, the award-winning Fairy Tale stage show, the Adventure Maze, and the wooden roller coaster called Pegasus.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

(0)41 628 8111

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Website:

www.efteling.com

Madurodam

Description:

Located around 30 minutes outside of Amsterdam in The Hague, and first opened in 1952, Madurodam is quite literally the smallest city in the Netherlands, featuring hundreds of miniature Dutch structures. From the houses and factories that reflect real Amsterdam architecture, to the little railway system that winds its way around the Madurodam, children will be captivated by the sheer genius of this little city. For a small cost, usually just a few cents, parts of the miniature models will actually start working, such as trucks moving down the little highway and planes landing rolling down the little runway at Schiphol Airport.

Address:

George Maduroplein 1, The Hague

Postcode:

Telephone:

(0)70 416 2400

Email:

info@madurodam.nl

Website:

www.madurodam.nl

Kinderkookkafé

Description:

Founded in 1981 by three women who shared a vision for a community centre where children could learn to cook, Kinderkookkafé allows children to pretend be grown-ups for a day. Aprons and cooking hats come on, and food fights and mess ensue while the kids are taught to cook meals, bartend and serve tables.

Address:

Vondelpark 6b, Kattenlaantje

Postcode:

Telephone:

(0)20 625 3257

Email:

info@kinderkookkafe.nl

Website:

www.kinderkookkafe.nl

TunFun

Description:

Located in an old converted traffic underpass, TunFun offers plenty of opportunities for children to play, climb, creep and jump. TunFun features everything from a kids' disco and slides, to ball pools and an inflatable 'Amsterdam street' jumping castle and trampolines. Adults gain free access to TunFun and can relax and enjoy a drink or bite to eat at the TunFun café.

Address:

Mr. Visserplein 7

Postcode:

Telephone:

(0)20 528 6054

Email:

info@tunfun.nl

Website:

www.tunfun.nl

Kinderdijk Windmills

Description:

The Netherlands are famous for their windmills; however, there are increasingly few of the traditional structures remaining in the country today. One prominent cluster does remain in the small town of Kinderdijk, roughly nine miles (15km) from Rotterdam. The 19 Kinderdijk Windmills are fully-functioning, and serve to drain excess water from the Alblasserwaard polders. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Netherlands.

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Website:

www.kinderdijk.com

Amsterdam Canal Tour

Description:

Amsterdam's famous canal tours are an essential experience for visitors to the city, and continue to delight and amaze visitors from all over the world. Amsterdam's canals - newly inscribed in UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites - were essential to the city's transport and defensive strategies in the 17th century, but these days, their function is largely aesthetic, providing a picturesque method of seeing the historic city centre from its characteristic waterways. Tourists looking to take a canal tour of Amsterdam have two main options: the first is in one of the large glass-topped canal boats, which can accommodate hundreds of tourists and travel along predetermined routes. The second option, which is highly recommended, is to head to the St.Nicolaas Boat Club, a non-profit organisation that runs far more personal Amsterdam canal tours. The St. Nicolaas Boat Club makes use of the traditional tuindersvlettenboats (once used to transport vegetables and animals around Amsterdam), which can only accommodate 10 people per tour and which can navigate the tiniest canals and fit under the lowest bridges in the city. On top of that, they will ask you to nominate 10 Amsterdam sights that you want to see and will construct your canal tour around them. Not sold yet? The easygoing nature of the Boat Club's tours is such that you are even allowed to bring your own food, alcohol and weed along on the tour with you.

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Hoge Veluwe National Park

Description:

For exercise fiends unsatisfied with simply walking around Amsterdam's historic city centre, a trip out to the Hoge Veluwe National Park is a fantastic way to enjoy the Netherlands' (somewhat limited) great outdoors. The Hoge Veluwe National Park covers an area of 55 square kilometres (5,400 hectares) and has an interesting topography, featuring woodland, heathland, peat bogs and even sand dunes. The park is home to a high concentration of fauna, including red deer, roe deer, wild boar and mouflon (a kind of wild sheep), and provides ample walking and cycling opportunities to visitors - there's even a fleet of 1,700 white bicycles which are free to rent. Also housed within the park is the St. Hubertus Hunting Lodge, a beautiful building designed by Hendrik Petrus Berlage; and the Kroller-Muller Museum, which contains artwork by such luminaries as Van Gogh, Picasso and Mondrian. An ideal way to get some exercise and take in a bit of culture in one fun excursion, a trip to the Hoge Veluwe National Park is highly recommended for visitors to Amsterdam.

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Website:

www.hogeveluwe.nl/en/14

Concertgebouw

Description:

The Concertgebouw (literally, 'concert building') is one of Amsterdam's top-rated tourist attractions, and is widely regarded to be one of the finest concert halls in the world - easily comparable to the Vienna Musikverein and Moscow Conservatory. Not only is the Concertgebouw a building of rare elegance and beauty, but it features a fantastic resident orchestra and peerless acoustics - making it an unmissable experience for classical music lovers on holiday in Amsterdam. The Concertgebouw puts on about 900 concerts a year to an audience of over 800,000 people - so tourists looking to take in some high culture will be spoilt for choice in terms of what to see. For those on tight budgets, bear in mind that being in possession of an I Amsterdam card can get you up to a 25% discount on ticket prices, and that free concerts are often given on Fridays. There are also highly recommended 'behind the scenes' tours of the graceful 19th century building, operating on Saturdays and Mondays.

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Website:

www.concertgebouw.nl

Vondelpark

Description:

Sometimes when you're on holiday in a foreign city, it's nice to take a break from sightseeing and experience the city as the locals do. Amsterdam's Vondelpark offers visitors the chance to do just this, in a relaxed and beautiful public space that sees about 10 million visitors each year. Although the park features several notable attractions itself - including an impressive statue of Joost van den Vondel (the author for whom the park is named), a film museum, an open-air theatre, a playground and numerous snack bars and cafes - its great charm is in providing a tranquil space in which to spend a couple of hours doing nothing but watch native Amsterdammers go about their daily business. Although Vondelpark is a great place to take the kids on a picnic, sensitive parents are warned that the smell of marijuana smoke will probably taint the air.

Address:

Koninginneweg 34-36

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Haarlem

Description:

Just a short, 15-minute train trip from Amsterdam lies Haarlem, a quaint city that has the distinction of boasting more museums per capita than any other city in the Netherlands. With its cozy, small-town feel and cheaper accommodation rates, many tourists are choosing to make Haarlem their base during their Netherlands vacation. It's not hard to understand why Haarlem is such an attractive choice: with its great mix of youthful energy and historic sights, its wide array of cafes, restaurants and bars, several fantastic live music venues and a bustling market, Haarlem truly caters for travellers from all walks of life. Must-see sights in Haarlem include the Grote Markt (Market Square), where 10 streets converge around the town's 700-year-old centre and - on Mondays and Saturdays - fantastic shopping opportunities abound; and the Saint Bavo Church, which contains a 1738 organ that was once played by GF Handel, composer of The Messiah. Haarlem is said to boast one of the highest qualities of life of any city in Europe, and more and more international visitors to the Netherlands are descending on the genteel city to discover exactly why.

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Netherlands Travel Guide

Need To Know

Netherlands Attractions

Holiday Types

Services