Amsterdam concentrates the canal-belt UNESCO ring, Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum's Vermeers, and the Anne Frank House on the Prinsengracht, with Haarlem and Utrecht reachable in 20 minutes by train.
Highlights
Amsterdam
Utrecht
The Hague
Rotterdam
When to Visit
Apr-May
Keukenhof tulip gardens open mid-March to mid-May 30 minutes south of Amsterdam, Koningsdag April 27 turns the city orange with canal parties.
Jun-Aug
Pride Canal Parade first Saturday of August packs the Prinsengracht, Holland Festival runs June, and Vondelpark concerts run free Sunday afternoons.
Sep-Oct
Museumplein quiet of summer crowds, Amsterdam Dance Event mid-October fills clubs across the city, and canal house gables turning gold in low autumn light.
Nov-Mar
Sinterklaas arrives mid-November, Amsterdam Light Festival illuminates canals from late November to mid-January, and the canals occasionally freeze for skating.
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