Matador's Ultimate Guide to The Netherlands

Explore the country’s charming canals, blossoming tulip fields, and exquisite architecture ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  [Matador's Guide to The Netherlands]( Matador's Ultimate Guide to The Netherlands Hi all, The Netherlands combines the best of European travel in a country that’s less than twice the size of Maryland. Here, bike adventures along striking intercoastal routes lead through fields of flowers. Rotterdam is home to some of the [world’s coolest architecture]( while the canal-lined streets of Amsterdam are home to cozy pubs, coffeeshops, and incredible street art. In this dispatch, learn why Amsterdam decided to [move sex workers]( out of the Red Light District and why Amsterdam — and the entire country — is a [great place to bring the kids](. This week, Matador explores The Netherlands. [Let’s dive in](. [EXPLORE THE NETHERLANDS]( [podcast listen here](  GET INSPIRED [local's guide to Amsterdam]( Everything Tourists Miss When They Come To Amsterdam Amsterdam is often treated like an adult Disneyland with plenty of legal weed, drinking, and prostitution. Overindulgence isn’t the real Amsterdam, though. There are so many experiences that the average tourist normally misses. Here are the coolest, local-approved things to do in Amsterdam. [READ MORE]( [countryside in the Netherlands]( Escape Amsterdam for the Perfect Psychedelic Truffles Trip in the Dutch Countryside A psychedelic experience in the Netherlands’ vast fields and endless beaches can open up one’s mind in a way that cities cannot. This guide will give you a rundown on how to prepare and what to expect from a psychedelic experience in the Dutch countryside. [READ MORE]( [man sitting in front of shop]( The Ultimate LGBTQ Guide To Amsterdam Amsterdam has been a global leader in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights for over 200 years, including being the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. So it should be no surprise that Amsterdam is a favorite destination for the LGBTQ+ community. [READ MORE]( [amsterdam with tulips]( Your Photo-Filled Guide To Seeing the Best Tulips in and Around Amsterdam This Season There’s nothing like tulip season in Amsterdam. The Netherlands is world famous for its tulips and becomes a colorful patchwork of flower markets, gardens, and exhibitions every spring. Here are the best ways to see tulips in the Netherlands. [READ MORE](  NATURE + ADVENTURE [Groningen canal]( As Amsterdam Fills With Crowds, Head To Groningen for a More Local Feel For a quieter experience built on traditional Dutch culture, art, and food, head to Groningen. This university town in the north of the country is located in a quiet area far removed from the Randstad, and any real Dutchie will tell you this is where you’ll find the real Netherlands. [READ MORE]( [Rotterdam]( Why You Shouldn’t Leave the Netherlands Without a Day Trip To Rotterdam While you should definitely consider using it as the base for your Netherlands vacation, you can also see Rotterdam on a day trip if you’re still set on checking out Amsterdam first. Here’s how to make the most out of a stay in Rotterdam. [READ MORE]( [Amsterdam Art Scene]( How To Dive Into Amsterdam’s Vibrant Street Art Scene Whether you love graffiti and consider it a true art form or hate it and call it vandalism, there is no doubt that in Amsterdam, it offers a unique way to take in the local culture. So, check out the following locations to get a whole new perspective on the city. [READ MORE](  FOOD + CULTURE [Oliebollen]( The Sugar-Coated, Crispy-Fried, Deeply Comforting Guide To Dutch Winter Food There are limited-release gingerbread snacks, fried dough covered in powdered sugar, and a long list of savory, heartwarming meals. These are the uncomplicated winter Dutch foods that you need to know. [READ MORE]( [kibbeling]( Why a Trip To the Netherlands Isn’t Complete Without Kibbeling One of the best ways for a newcomer to the Netherlands to experience the Dutch love affair with fish is to try kibbeling. This immensely popular street food, which can be found all over Holland, bears a striking resemblance to the standard fare at ubiquitous fish and chips shops in Britain, a nation equally enamored with the ocean. [READ MORE]( [edibles brownies]( A Quick Guide To Finding the Best Edibles in Amsterdam Edibles are the perfect option for those who want to have their cake and eat it too. Cannabis entrepreneurs have innovated and elevated cannabis consumption in Amsterdam through artisanal desserts and pastries. Here's where to go. [READ MORE]( [licorice]( Want To Understand Dutch Culture? Start With Salty Licorice. Zoute Drop has none of the cheer of a rainbow swirl lollipop nor the elegance of a Ritter Sport chocolate bar. It lacks the playfulness of a transparent blue gummy shark. Dutch licorice is austere, unfussy, and deceptively simple. [READ MORE](  TIPS, ADVICE + DEALS [The red-light district]( What You Should and Shouldn’t Do in Amsterdam’s Red-Light District The red-light district is fascinating for its mix of art venues and unusual museums that can be enjoyed by everyone. Here are seven do’s and don’ts of visiting Amsterdam’s red-light district. [READ MORE]( [canal home]( This Breathtaking Canal House Hotel Is an Attainable Taste of Luxury in Central Amsterdam For those looking to experience a taste of luxury in the Venice of the North, Pulitzer Amsterdam is where it’s at. [READ MORE]( [Rijksmuseum]( How To Make the Most of Your One Day at Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum A living monument to the art and history of the Netherlands, the Dutch national museum reportedly houses more than a million artworks and artifacts from the Middle Ages to today. [READ MORE]( [Epic Stays TikTok](  [Facebook](  [Twitter](  [Youtube](  [Instagram](  [Tiktok](  [Pinterest]( [Update your email frequency and topic preferences here](. Or [unsubscribe from our newsletter.]( We'll be here when you need us! Copyright © 2022 Matador Network, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Matador Network, PO Box 7775, Suite 40021, San Francisco, CA 94120, United States Â