Best places to stay in the Netherlands
Ambassade Hotel
Herengracht 341, 1016 AZ, Amsterdam
Located beside the famous Herengrachtcanal, the four-star Ambassade Hotel, also known as The Writer’s Hotel, consists of 56 stunning rooms and suites, each one unique, housed in 15 adjoining canal houses. Containing more than 5,000 books, the hotel’s Library-Bar and Lounge is well-known, as is the French cuisine served on site at Brasserie Ambassade.
nHow Rotterdam
Wilhelminakade 137, 3072 AP, Rotterdam
The four-star, sleek and stylish nHow Rotterdam has a stunning waterside location beside the iconic Erasmus Bridge. Housed in a striking skyscraper, this trendy hotel features minimalistic design, impressive architecture and full range of facilities, including a gym, glamourous seventh-floor terrace and a laidback espresso bar.
Hotel Indigo the Hague - Palace Noordeinde
Noordeinde 33, 2514 GC, The Hague
With 63 unique rooms, the four-star Hotel Indigo, converted from a former bank, combines Art Deco design with traditional elements such as original beams, oak panelling and royal portraits. Key features include the broody Gold Bar and the Stocks and Bonds Brasserie.
Best places to eat in the Netherlands
Restaurant Fred
Honingerdijk 263, 3063 AM, Rotterdam
Serving delicious French-inspired cuisine, Fred was awarded one Michelin star between 2010 and 2013, and two more stars since 2014. With its warm, contemporary decor signature mood lighting and innovative menu. Try the fresh scallops, fillet steak or decadent cheese plates created by Head Chef, Fred Mustert to complete your fine-dining experience.
Restaurant de Kas
Kamerlingh Onneslaan 3, 1097 DE, Amsterdam
A stunning glass-panelled conservatory-style eatery, Restaurant de Kas uses fresh ingredients grown onsite in their dishes. The sustainably-grown, organic vegetables are the star of the show, paired beautifully with seafood or meat, and there’s no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options too.
Brasserie Chapter
Langestraat 137, 2691 BD, 's-Gravenzande, The Hague
On the south side of the city, Brasserie Chapter has something to satisfy all tastes. The chic emerald and gold decor contrasts with a relaxed atmosphere, so you can dine in a laidback, stylish setting. Choose from the likes of pan-fried Scottish salmon, grilled spatchcocked baby chicken and vegan strozzapretti.
Best things to do in and around the Netherlands
Rijksmuseum
Museumstraat 1, 1071 XX, Amsterdam
Nothing short of grand, the world-famous Rijksmuseum is home to an expansive array of sculptures, archaeological wonders and historical artifacts. Thanks to its €375 million refurbishment in 2013, the museum itself is a work of art – the combination of regal Gothic and Renaissance architecture is simply divine.
Hoge Veluwe National Park
Houtkampweg 9, 6731 AV Otterlo/ Houtkampweg 13, 7352 TC Hoenderloo/ Koningsweg 17, 6816 TC Schaarsbergen
Retreat into nature with a trip to the Hoge Veluwe National Park. Explore the 13,800 acres of sand dunes, woodland and heathland, taking time to spot the beautiful wild boar, red and roe deer that roam the park. Hoge Veluwe National Park is also home to a sculpture park and Country Residence Museum.
Euromast Tower
Parkhaven 20, 3016 GM, Rotterdam
Soak up the panoramic view from the top of Euromast Tower and enjoy a bite to eat, or even an overnight stay. The viewing platform stands at 100 metres, although you can get even better views in the Euroscope. This panoramic glass elevator takes you even higher to 185 metres at the top of the tower, offering unrivalled views of the city.