Category: NETHERLANDS

KINDERDIJK – a Day Trip into Authentic Dutch Heritage

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In my post Why ROTTERDAM Is Worth Visiting: A Complete Guide to the Urban Heart of the Netherlands, I raved about the trendy, dynamic, and multicultural vibe of Holland’s second-largest city. Although I fell in love with Rotterdam instantly, there were moments when I missed the cutesy, traditional side of the Netherlands. Luckily, I found exactly that just about half an hour east of the city. In Kinderdijk, nineteen historic windmills rise along the waterways and make a day trip from Rotterdam a truly authentic experience.

Collage of Pictures from Kinderdijk
In Kinderdijk, everything revolves around windmills.

For centuries, they have shaped a landscape that is not only picturesque but, above all, functional. Here, it becomes clear how closely the country’s history is intertwined with the constant struggle against the elements. However, it’s the authenticity that makes Kinderdijk so very special. Those mills are not merely an attraction for visitors, but part of a historic water management system that has been used for centuries and remains largely intact to this day. In 1997, UNESCO honored Kinderdijk as an exceptional testament to Dutch engineering by recognizing it as a World Heritage Site.

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Best Street Art in ROTTERDAM, Part 2: South of the Nieuwe Maas

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The number of amazing murals in Rotterdam is so overwhelming that it was simply impossible to squeeze it all into one single post. Therefore, after having guided you through the best street art that you’ll find in the northern part of the city in my post Best Street Art in ROTTERDAM, Part 1: North of the Nieuwe Maas, here comes what Rotterdam has to offer in the calmer, more residential neighborhoods south of the Nieuwe Maas River.

Mural by Lauren YS in Rotterdam.
Bright portrait by Lauren YS in the Beverwaard neighborhood.
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Best Street Art in ROTTERDAM, Part 1: North of the Nieuwe Maas

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I’m a street art truffle hound. My trained nose lured me to Rotterdam to see its amazing murals. To be honest, before my visit, I had no idea what an impressive city awaited me. And although Rotterdam repeatedly tried to distract me from my street art mission with breathtaking buildings, incredible sculptures, and its multicultural vibe, I stayed true to my task.
Therefore, in this post, I can introduce you to the best street art in Rotterdam. Due to the headspinning abundance of outstanding murals, I’ll focus on the works north of the Nieuwe Maas River. Then, in a second part, I’ll introduce you to the murals that beautify the residential neighborhoods in the southern part of the city.

Sunflowers by Kunst & Vaarwerk
Van Gogh-Oren is a street art installation by the Dutch artist collective Kunst & Vaarwerk, consisting of Cor Kraat, Hans Citroen, and Willem van Drunen, in which the famous Sunflowers ​​have been replaced by human ears. The work was created as part of the historic Rotterdam art project De Verborgen Stad, hence The Hidden City, curated by art historian Guus Vreeburg.

Of course, I’ve also put into writing what else there is to discover in this all-too-often overlooked city. My post Why ROTTERDAM Is Worth Visiting: A Complete Guide to the Urban Heart of the Netherlands is a complete guide to this fantastic city.

But now, with no further ado, let’s get to the murals in the so-called Chinatown, the Witte de Withkwartier, and beyond.

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Why ROTTERDAM Is Worth Visiting: A Complete Guide to the Urban Heart of the Netherlands

Posted onAuthorRenataLeave a comment

Gabled houses, wooden shoes, tulips – the list of cutesy clichés that everyone immediately associates with the Netherlands could go on and on. And then you get to Rotterdam, and the image is shattered.
Rotterdam isn’t a city that wins you over with Dutch stereotypes and postcard charm. It draws you in with its palpable energy and cosmopolitan vibe. Rotterdam is different from any other city in the Netherlands, and that’s exactly why it is absolutely worth visiting.

Het Depot by MVRDV in Rotterdam, one of the reasons why the city is worth visiting.
Rotterdam in a nutshell reflecting bowl. The fantastic building Het Depot was designed by the architectural firm MVRDV.
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The Best Spots in HAARLEM You Should Not Miss

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Hals, Hofjes, and Heritage — all this and so much more makes Haarlem a highly interesting and pretty exciting destination. Continuously in the shadow of Amsterdam, this city, located around 30 kilometers from the Dutch capital, is far too often overlooked. So, if you’re not keen on the hustle and bustle of a big’n’busy metropolis but still want to enjoy an inspiring, authentically Dutch city packed with mysteries and miracles, Haarlem is the perfect place for you!
In this post, I’m taking you to the best spots you absolutely should not miss when visiting Haarlem.

View of Haarlem's river and the Teylers museum in the backdrop.
Today, the waterways contribute to Haarlem’s beauty. In the past, however, they were essential for the city’s immense prosperity.
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Where Holland Tastes Best: Discovering the Flavors of the Amsterdam Area

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From artisanal cheese and craft beer to centuries-old cocoa traditions, the area northwest of Amsterdam is a place where every local flavor tells a story.

Various pix of food taken in Haarlem and Zaandam.
The Amsterdam Area holds a plethora of delicacies in its pantry.

On a culinary journey through North Holland, I discovered some of the region’s signature specialties as well as a couple of incredible gourmet restaurants.

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IF WALLS COULD SPEAK: The Best Street Art Project in Amsterdam

Posted onAuthorRenata6 Comments

There are dreamy canals and cute house gables. They have some of the most famous art museums and far more bikes than people: All this is Amsterdam, the quaint’n’quirky capital of the Netherlands. But the city is also famous for some of Europe’s most vibrant urban art. Some of the best pieces were created during the street art project If Walls Could Speak in the otherwise uneventful Eastside of Amsterdam.

IF WALLS COULD SPEAK: The Best Street Art Project in Amsterdam - Better a good neighbor than a distant friend by Smug One.
Better a good neighbor than a distant friend – muralist Smug One from Australia is so right!

In this post, I’m guiding you to the murals that were created on the walls alongside Platanenweg. So tie your trainers, polish your camera’s lens, and just follow me.

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Four Days in AMSTERDAM – Unique Things To See on a Long Weekend

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Four days in Amsterdam: Just the perfect amount of time to get to know the most iconic spots and landmarks as well as some truly unique gems on a long weekend.

Boats on the Amstel in Front of the Brug 76.
Rush hour on River Amstel in front of the Brug 76 bridge.

During a long weekend in Amsterdam, I got to experience a lot. In this post, I’m introducing my long list of activities and places for you to follow. Or you just pick what suits you most. Either way, you’ll spend a highly inspiring city break.
And if this time, you have only one day to spend, I also have you covered: In my post 24 hours in Amsterdam, I put together custom-made itineraries for either a sunny or a rainy day.

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