Aside from partying and smoking weed in Amsterdam, many people are under the impression that the Netherlands is, for the most part, boring. How wrong they are. I'm keen to debunk this myth and set the record straight on how wonderful and varied this country truly is: happening city hotspots, chilled out canalside cafés, endless flower-filled fields, an extensive coastline and laid-back, friendly local vibes – what's not to love? The world needs to know why the Netherlands is deserving of a spot on their list of places to go next. Let this be your inspirational jumping off point and then dig into my guides for more detail. Without further ado, here are my Top 10 reasons to 'go Dutch':
1. DELICIOUSLY NAUGHTY JUNK/DRUNK FOOD LIKE YOU'VE NEVER HAD BEFORE
Bitterballen – you can't beat these when it comes to a beer-side snack. Filled with gooey, meaty goodness, they satisfy even the biggest of savoury cravings.
2. BIKE RIDES
It may be a cliché, but getting on your bike is a way of life in the Netherlands and it's so easy too, thanks to the abundance of cycle lanes.
3. ORIGINAL HIPSTER HANGOUTS
No try-hard hipsters exist here – trendy, laid back places are just part of the norm.
4. DRAMATIC DUNES TO RIVAL ANY TROPICAL PARADISE
Meijendel dunes are certainly worth the bike ride from Den Haag.
5. BEING ABLE TO CROSS THE ENTIRE COUNTRY BY TRAIN IN 2-3 HOURS
The trains pass by endless rolling countryside and have the added bonus of being a quick and cheap way to explore the country.
6. AWE-INSPIRING ARCHITECTURE
It's not all cute houses – Rotterdam is the capital of architectural cool, with funky sights to see such as this: Piet Blom's Cube house.
7. WONDERFUL WINDMILLS GALORE
Windmills can be found everywhere – even right in the middle of residential areas such as this one in Rotterdam! There are, in fact, over one thousand waiting to be discovered across the country.
8. CANAL CRUISING
Ah yes, the iconic Dutch canals. They really are as pretty a people say. Check out the tiny towns of Leiden and Delft, whose canals will feel a world away from those in the hustle and bustle of the country's capital, Amsterdam.
9. WAREHOUSE FOODIE WONDERS
Rotterdam is experiencing a food revolution – head there for ultimate #foodporn moments.
10. FRIENDLY DUTCH PEOPLE (WHO SOMETIMES WEAR FUNKY SHORTS LIKE THIS)
