Only a half hour from Amsterdam by train, the North Sea resort of Zandvoort can be packed with what seems like a million people on nice summer days (or almost empty on a winter one – see photo below). The Dutch are so sun-starved, that when it shines, the entire country seems to take the day off and goes to the beach.

The town itself is geared towards the tourists, with lots of guesthouses and hotels, restaurants and cafes, and shopping that is even open on Sundays. A beautiful promenade with benches overlooking the beach extends for several kilometers north and south of town.

During summer months the strand is lined with temporary structures serving as cafes, bars and restaurants and they can be very busy. The beach is long and wide, stretching for endless miles, and you can get away from the crowds if you are willing to walk. The scenery can be quite nice, as the Dutch women don’t hesitate to go topless in public at the beach. (A mixed blessing to be sure…)

A 45 minute stroll north along the beach from Zandvoort is Bloemendaal, a more relaxed place to hang out or a huge party scene, your choice. There is also a posted nudist beach about 3K south of town, a nice walk.

A 45 minute train ride from Amsterdam, Utrecht is known for the amazingly tall spire on the cathedral there, as well as it’s university. The train station is also a huge indoor mall, which is a new concept for the Dutch. Malls in the States are dying, but just getting popular in Europe.

The Centrum of Utrecht is just a few blocks from the train station, and a lovely canal winds its way through town. The canal is interestingly constructed with two levels alongside the banks. The lower level has iron doors lining a narrow walkway alongside the canal. The barrel-vaulted low-ceilinged rooms are filled with small shops, restaurants, cafes and store rooms. Above is the street level with buildings crammed into every spare inch of canal frontage. 

Typically Dutch, narrow houses and shops line every street. There are a number of interesting restaurants situated at the water level. Every year in June, Utrecht hosts a Blues Festival with bands playing outdoor venues around th
e town – for free!

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It’s a rather lengthy drive out of Amsterdam to the north, but worth a day trip to see where the royal Dutch family lived until this century. The original furnishings, artworks and gardens are there, in mint condition. Walking through the palace and reading the interpretive displays is quite the education in Dutch history, and an awesome display of ostentatious lifestyle rivaling the French.

Only 20 minutes by train from Centraal Station, this old Dutch city is fun to explore for an afternoon. The train station in Haarlem is within easy walking distance of the old Centrum, where you’ll find the Grote Markt (main square) and cathedral. Shops and Cafes abound, and on a sunny day it is quite picturesque. Haarlem is a pleasant change from the hustle and bustle of Amsterdam, and is typical of smaller Dutch towns.