Top 10 Things to do in Netherlands

The Netherlands is a country of flat lands, and canals, coasts and lakes. It is also known for its rich cultural heritage, its painters, windmills, clogs and tulips. Visit historic towns, take in the beautiful countryside or simply relax on one of the many sandy islands. If you’re looking for inspiration, here are our top 10 things to do in Netherlands.

1. Hike the New Dutch Water Line
The New Dutch Water Line is a defence-line around the cities of Amsterdam and Utrecht. It is 135 km long, and has 45 fortresses. You can walk or cycle along it, and see the beautiful countryside, or even stop at a museum or a castle on your way. The Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark hostel offers you perfect starting point.

2. Enjoy the Jazz
In July enjoy the North Sea Jazz Festival. For 3 days, Rotterdam is the Jazz Capital of the world. Stay at the Stayokay Rotterdam hostel, close to Oude Haven, a historic area of the city, bristling with restaurants, bars and cafés.

3. Enter a true water world
Enter the water world at the Frisian Lakes. This is Europe´s most extensive network of interconnected lakes, canals, ditches, ponds and lakes. Here you can swim, surf, sail or simply take a leisure cruise. During Sneek Week, held early August every year, you can enjoy the sailboat races, staying right at the Stayokay Sneek hostel!

4. Gay–Pride
In 2012 Haarlem will be the Gay-Capitol of Netherlands, with special pink events, and culminating in the Pink Saturday Manifestation or Gay Pride on the 7th of June. Stay at the Haarlem hostel for this colourful and joyful experience.

8. Buzzing Utrecht
Utrecht hosts weekly cultural events and festivals. The cathedrals Dom tower offers spectacular views of the cities. Explore the city in a canal tour and discover pancake restaurants on the way. At night time the Trajectum Lumen offers you an impressive light art route through its historical city centre. Stay and relax at the Stayokay Utrecht Bunnik hostel.

9. Must see Mills
The Mills of Kinderdijk are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at 25 km from Rotterdam. In July and August you can witness how all 19 mills still operate. Get your perfect holiday photo! The Stayokay Rotterdam hostel offers you a great base to explore this amazing area.