Culture - The Netherlands

Both Rembrandt and Vermeer, two of the 17th century’s greatest painters, are Dutch. Many of their paintings are on display at the Rijksmuseum, in Amsterdam. Also close to Amsterdam’s centre is the Van Gogh museum, which houses the largest collection of this master’s work in the world. Amsterdam has always had a sizeable Jewish community, with Jewish families settling here as early as the 17th century. The city’s old Jewish quarter, Jodenbuurt includes many reminders of this community’s rich history and makes for an interesting visit. One unforgettable sight is the house of Anne Frank, who is best known for her tragic diary.
Of course, no visit of Amsterdam is complete without spending a few hours strolling around the bridges and going for a cruise on its canals.

The Netherlands has long been a country of explorers and merchants known across the world. Still today, the country boasts one of the world’s most important ports: the gigantic port of Rotterdam, which is well worth a visit. While in Rotterdam, make sure you take a look at the Kijk-Kubus, these odd houses shaped like tilted Rubik’s cubes. Less than 25 km away from the city, you’ll find the mills of Kinderdijk. These 19 windmills are one of the country’s most famous symbols.

From mid-march to mid-May, Keukenhof is a must-see: there, you’ll find myriad spring blossoms. Visitors can feast their eyes on more than 32 hectares filled with a celebration of colors from many species of bulbous plants (tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, etc.)

Cheese lovers cannot skip the cheese capital of Gouda and visit its cheese market. Also, let’s not forget Delft and its elegant earthenware. While you’re at it, why not swing by the Royal Delft and decorate your own Delft earthenware?

The Dutch are known as an open-minded and tolerant people. Who has never heard of Amsterdam’s famous Red Light District or of the coffee shops, where anyone can buy marijuana? The Dutch are also great art lovers. Many exhibits and festivals celebrate this love of all things artistic (the TEFAF in Maastricht, PAN Amsterdam, Oerol Festival, etc.)

Of course, we mustn’t forget to mention how important beer is in this country. That’s right: Heineken is a Dutch beer. Yet the Dutch are also avid coffee drinkers. Visitors simply must take a seat at a local café and, like many locals, enjoy a nice coffee with some apple cake and whipped cream. Once you’re done, why not hop on a bike and go for a ride on the country’s 20000 km of bike trails…