What is the difference between Holland and the Netherlands?
Well Karen, it's time to clear up this doubt shared by a large part of the world (or almost). Is the Netherlands Holland? Are the people of Holland, Dutch? Open your eyes and ears, and get it right once and for all!👀
The Netherlands is a country in Western Europe, consisting of 12 provinces, including Holland. Holland is a region of the Netherlands!
Holland is often used to refer to the provinces of Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland, which are the most populated and urbanised provinces in the country. However, using 'Holland' to refer to all of the Netherlands is a big mistake! 😲 The other provinces are equally important and have their own cultural and historical identities.
In short, Holland is a region of the Netherlands, while the Netherlands is a complete country. Understood? You'll never make the mistake again now 😉
Visiting the Netherlands and Holland 🇳🇱
Are you going on a city trip to the Netherlands or Holland? In this article, we help you organise your trip so that you don't miss out on any of the most beautiful Dutch cities!
When is the best time to visit the Netherlands?
It all depends on you!
Spring (April to June) can be a good time to see the tulips in bloom and enjoy the mild temperatures, while summer (July to September) is ideal for outdoor activities. But the sunniest months, usually July and August, are also the most touristy, and therefore potentially the least pleasant time to visit the Netherlands at ease.
Winter, as you might expect, is cold and rainy, but it's also a time for Christmas lights and ice rinks. The choice is yours!
What are the most beautiful cities in the Netherlands?
This list is neither in any specific order nor an absolute truth! Tastes and colours Karen, you know that... 😉 But here, according to Coddy, are the cities you shouldn't miss:
Amsterdam
Rotterdam
Utrecht
The Hague
Leiden: it's a historical university town with many canals, very charming 🏫
Delft: another historical city with a nice city centre
Breda: a city with many parks for green walks 🌳
Maastricht: a city with medieval architecture 🏰 famous for its university, student city on the border with Belgium! Also close to Maasmechelen, where you can do your shopping.🛍️
To visit these cities in an original way, off the beaten track, you can play a Coddy urban adventure! Urban Escape Games, treasure hunts in the city: discover the most beautiful Dutch cities while having fun, in teams!
How to visit the Netherlands?
Depending on how much time you spend on your holiday in the Netherlands, and what your interests are, there are many ways to visit and discover the country.
Go to Amsterdam: this city famous for its canals, cafes, museums and architecture is a must-see destination 🇳🇱
Admire the tulips: Holland is famous for its tulip fields in bloom, visit the Keukenhof, the largest tulip garden in the world! 🌷
Go to the coast in Noordwijk: this coastal town offers a beautiful beach, restaurants, bars and golf courses ⛳
Discover The Hague: a historic city with a charming city centre, beaches, dunes and many cultural activities 🎨
Visit Rotterdam: the second city of the Netherlands is a mix of modernity and history, with futuristic buildings, museums and historical monuments 🖼️
Don't forget Utrecht: a historic city with a charming old town 🏰
Head to La Veluwe: a region of forests and lakes, ideal for outdoor activities and hiking! 🌲
You'll probably be surprised if I tell you this, but the most practical way to get around the Netherlands is by bike! 🚲 'Nooo' 🤯 Yes it is! But you can also use trains, buses, taxis and ferries. ⛴️
Places to see in the Netherlands?
The Amsterdam canals: a canal system dating from the 17th century, this is one of the city's main attractions.
The Van Gogh Museum: a museum dedicated to the life and work of Dutch artist Vincent van Gogh, located in Amsterdam.
Keukenhof: the largest tulip garden in the world, located near Lisse.
Mauritshuis Museum: an art museum in The Hague, with masterpieces by Dutch painters such as Vermeer, Rembrandt and Frans Hals
The Zaanse Schans: a small village of windmills dating from the 17th century, located near Amsterdam.
The Kinderdijk: a UNESCO World Heritage Site of windmills near Rotterdam.
De Hoge Veluwe National Park: a national park of forests, lakes and dunes in the central Netherlands
Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen: an art museum in Rotterdam, with masterpieces by painters such as Rembrandt, Rubens and Bruegel
Muiderslot: a medieval castle in Muiden, near Amsterdam.
Most of these places can be discovered in our urban adventures in the Netherlands! Our games will take you there and help you discover the Dutch cities.
To see the list of cities available in our catalogue, click on the link below.👇🏻
