This Year We're Skipping Amsterdam

As many are unaware, there is much more to the small country of the Netherlands than just Amsterdam. Countless beautiful cities go unrecognised — and it's about time that changed! While Amsterdam continues to steal the spotlight, other hidden gems are quietly stepping in. In the Netherlands, the beautiful and lively cities of Utrecht and The Hague are finally gaining the recognition they deserve.

Both The Hague and Utrecht are less than an hour’s train journey from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, so why not have a long weekend and visit all three? It is even possible to visit all three cities in a single overnight trip: spend the night in the Dam, enjoy a beautiful breakfast in Utrecht, and take the train for a lovely dinner in The Hague. It really is true what they say, the Netherlands is very small, though a minimum of a day per city is recommended.

Utrecht is a city that you can’t afford to miss anymore. It has incredible sights, bars, cafes, and a nightlife that I personally find a bit intimidating. Personally, I'm more of a wine on the street girl, and with a lovely selection of tapas, paired wines and a fantastic cocktail menu, ‘Bar Cava’ was the perfect place for me. But if you prefer an evening indoors, I recommend ‘Luc’, which is an affordable mix of a Parisian cafe and an American diner. This restaurant is situated near the main train station, so it's a dangerous game if you want to explore the city and its history first, but perfect if you fancy a bite before catching a train.

On sunny days and late evenings, you can relax anywhere by the Canal and feel completely at ease. My favourite spot is Stadskasteel Oudaen — the castle’s walls hold such character, and an in-home brewery is perfect for people-watching and soaking up history that dates back to 1280. The Miffy Museum is a must-see. Utrecht has gained popularity in the past year thanks to the cartoon bunny ‘Miffy’, or, if you want to really fit in during your visit, make sure to call her ‘Nijntje’, who made her mark in the city with decorated traffic lights and a dedicated museum in the centre. Although designed for children, the museum is a fun activity for anyone with an hour to spare or looking to heal their inner child!

As a shopping lover myself, I can personally inform you that the Netherlands is a shopaholic's dream! Utrecht has the perfect mix of high-end and thrift shops, while The Hague offers a shopping mall that could trap you for days. To become a true insider, I have some markets across both cities that will get you out of your hostel before sunrise.

Utrecht holds the oldest fabric market in the country every Saturday until 1pm. If you’re into your crafts, it is a must-go, and the flower market is the perfect follow-up as it stands all the way until 5pm. Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, you will find the Vredenburgmarkt — the largest market in the city. A pro-tip for this one: the location is in the name. When visiting The Hague, you will find a market full of dreamy antiques and books every Thursday and Sunday, right in the city centre. If you’re feeling fancier, La Marie Marche is a French-inspired market that happens once a month, and the weekend it is on is always a surprise.

The Hague is an excellent place for a peaceful getaway, and rightly so, it is known as the City of Peace. You can walk from a sandy beach to a gorgeous park in just minutes and soak up the historic atmosphere. It truly is a gem of a city with its hidden bars between buildings that act as “inside gardens” with sunlight peeking through. The city hosts amazing festivals all year round, ranging from writing festivals in January to film festivals in March, and of course, music too. Any month you visit, there’s bound to be one. Pride in the acclaimed city of peace is an incredible experience. Everyone truly comes together, and pure love and joy are all around. Personally, I’m already looking at flights for August, as I don’t want to miss the Jazz by Canal event — it sounds too dreamy not to go.

The Hague and Utrecht are such rich and diverse cities that both deserve lots more hype and excitement. They have incredible food spots, jaw-dropping architecture on every corner, and are incredibly easy to access. Amsterdam has been everyone's go-to, and its reputation doesn’t precede it, but it’s time to give some different cities a visit and see that there is so much more to the country. All I have to say is that regardless of which city you pick, make sure to find a bike — you’re not a true Dutchie without covering kilometres with your rusty “good as gold” bike.

©AESU