The Netherlands is small in size but huge in attractions and free outdoor activities. It is located at North of Europe and Amsterdam is the capital. Many people confuse The Netherlands with Holland. However, Holland is part of the Netherlands. Dutch is a term used to refer to the language and people. Other languages as English, German and French are spoken by local population.

The Netherlands is a densely populated country (over 16,000 000 inhabitants). It is worldwide recognized for its tulips, windmills, clogs (wooden shoes), delftware and Gouda cheese, for its bicycles, and in addition, traditional values and civil virtues such as its social tolerance.

The Netherlands is the most liberal country in the European Community. The country has more recently become known for its liberal policies toward prostitution, drugs, homosexuality, and euthanasia. These activities are permitted. An excellent way to explore the Netherlands is renting a bike. Rent a bicycle and join the Dutch on the country’s most common form of transport. There are around 17,000km of designated cycle tracks around The Netherlands, which due to its usually flat landscape, is perfect.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is the famous capital of The Netherlands. It is an ideal place to have a good time. The city has more than fifty museums where tourists can see Dutch history. Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art are worth visit. They are located in the Museumplein. Amsterdam is also popular for its numerous canals. This capital is also known as “The Venice of North” for obvious reasons. An excursion to Amsterdam is not complete without a boat cruise. Prinsengracht, Herengracht, Keizersgracht and Singel are the Amsterdam’s four main canals. A canal tour can be both fascinating and relaxing by day and enchanting and romantic at night when many of the houses and bridges are illuminated. Amsterdam contains numerous green areas and parks, Vondelpark is one of them. It is the largest park of the Netherlands and home of diverse outdoor activities. Finally, you can do other activities like visit the traditional windmills or explore the Jordaan neighborhood.