Hidden Gems in the Netherlands: Offbeat Places for UAE Travelers

Hidden Gems in the Netherlands: Offbeat Places for UAE Travelers

The Netherlands are commonly referred to as the beautiful canals of Amsterdam, the colorful tulip fields and Dutch windmills- there is so much more to this European treasure than what it initially appears. To the UAE traveler looking to take their next vacation, an adventure of the Netherlands behind the scenes is a dream vacation.


You should not forget to pack your bags before you travel to Netherlands because you have to have your Netherlands Visa in order to explore the most authentic and little known secrets of the country that can bring adventure, culture and serenity at the same time during your trip.


This list of offbeat destinations in the Netherlands will guide you to find something out of the ordinary travel routes of the Netherlands whether you are traveling on your own, with a couple on romantic escapes or as a family on adventure.


Read: 10 Himalayan Spots in India Perfect for Cultural Immersion

 

1. Giethoorn - The Village without Roads.

Think about a cute village with a boat instead of cars, and water-ways between the green gardens and the picturesque thatched houses. Giethoorn, the so called Venice of the North, is the most picturesque and serene place in Netherlands.


This village is ideal to the UAE travelers who wish to relax and appreciate nature by taking boat ride, cycling, and relaxing cafes where you can absorb the calm nature. The best time to visit is spring or summer when the weather is better and the number of tourists is minimal compared to Amsterdam.

 

2. Utrecht - a History City and a Contemporary City.

Utrecht is a blend between the medieval and a vibrant modern. It is one of the most distinctive cities to visit with its cellars along the canal turned into boutique cafes and shops. It is possible to ascend the Dom Tower and get panoramic views or have dinner directly along the water. UTrecht is the ideal weekend destination among UAE travelers who are fond of cultural and relaxation. It also serves as a good starting point of short trips to the Netherlands.

 

3. Kinderdijk - The typical Windmill Village.

Although Zaanse Schans is the most visited tourist attraction site, Kinderdijk is the purest Dutch heritage site which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a picturesque neighborhood with 19 perfectly maintained 18 th century windmills encircled with serene canals and walking paths.


It is a trip back in time when the visit is made here. You may take a boat trip, do some sightseeing of a working windmill, or just take a stroll along the dykes to have some postcard pictures. Bring your camera- it is the photographer heaven here!

 

4. The Wadden Islands - Nature Hiding Paradise.

The Wadden Islands are a must to the tourists who want to experience nature untouched. The islands are a group of sand dunes, wildlife, and clean beaches that are located in the north of Netherlands. Individual islands, Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, and Schiermonnikoog, have their own proposition.


It can be birdwatching, cycling, or spending time on the quiet shores, but in this area the UAE travelers will have an uncommon chance to enjoy the natural side of the Netherlands. It is the ideal place of environmentally-friendly and sustainable tourism.

 

5. Maastricht - A Taste of Europe in a Nutshell.

Maastricht, which is close to the borders of Germany and Belgium, seems to be a combination of three cultures. It is one of the oldest Dutch cities with cobblestone streets, ancient churches and fashionable shops. The local food here is outstanding- it is an ideal place to visit when one is in search of food adventures.


You may visit the underground caves, the Bonnefanten Museum or walk the St. Servaas Bridge at sunset. The slower nature of Maastricht is what makes it a wonderful place to retire after a hectic city touring.

 

6. Delft -The City of Blue Porcelain and Art.

Delft is a charming blend of history, art and architecture, and is known to have its world-famous blue pottery and connection with the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. Its picturesque canals, small markets, old-fashioned workshops, and lots of others make it an obligatory place of every traveler who wants to realize his/her cultural relaxation.


It is smaller and less noisy as compared to Amsterdam and this makes it intimate. To the UAE travelers who enjoy shopping around to get the original souvenirs, the Delftware pottery is the right thing to do.

 

7. Hoge Veluwe national park - The Dream of Nature lovers.

Hoge Veluwe National Park is the largest of the nature-protected areas in the Netherlands that will be appreciated by nature enthusiasts. In this case, you will be able to toil through forests, sand dunes and wildlife trails using free white bicycles, which are at the entrance of the park.


It also hosts the Kroller-Muller Museum that houses one of the largest collections of the Van Gogh artworks. It is a combination of art and nature, and this park can be enjoyed by a family or a couple who wants to take a trip outside of the crowd and have an adventure.

 

8. Zierikzee - A Seaside town with Character.

Zierikzee is a secretive seaside town in the province of Zeeland, which enchants the tourists with its medieval harbor and medieval charm. The ancient streets, the sea food outlets and the fresh sea air make it an ideal place to visit in the UAE by travelers seeking relaxation on the sea. You also can visit the beaches that are nearby and Watersnoodmuseum to know more about maritime history of the country.

 

9. The Cheese Kingdom That is more than Amsterdam.

To experience it really Dutch, one has to go to Alkmaar, the Dutch capital of cheese. The well known cheese market is held every Friday and it attracts locals as well as curious visitors. Alkmaar has gorgeous canals, museums, and boutique shops besides cheese, and it is worth visiting. It is a daytrip easily accessible in Amsterdam but more authentic and less commercial and is the ideal choice of travelers who want to get the local aspect of the Dutch culture.

 

10. Haarlem - the Attractive Neighbor of Amsterdam.

Haarlem, a smaller, less busy city with quaint buildings, quaint cafes, and quaint streets of boutiques is only a few minutes up the railroad line of Amsterdam. The Grote Markt square, Frans Hals Museum and the adjacent beaches of Zandvoort make Haarlem a perfect place where one can spend a relaxed yet classy time. Haarlem is an ideal hidden destination among the UAE travelers who do not mind crowds but still desire to see great attractions.

 

11. Traveller tips to UAE to explore the off beaten paths.

Apply your Visa to Netherlands in Dubai so that you will not be slowed down in order to gain a hassle-free entry.

The country has outstanding network of trains and is easy to travel between cities and towns.


Go in spring or early fall when the weather is mild, the scenery is colorful and the number of tourists is smaller.

As a total experience in culture, try some local Dutch specialties such as stroopwafels, cheese and herring.

 

Conclusion:

Amsterdam is not the only thing in the Netherlands, it is a country of peaceful canals, quaint villages, and secrets that are sure to be discovered. To UAE tourists, a trip to these lesser-known destinations is a pure and refreshing experience of Europe. And then, starting with the seren beauty of Giethoorn to the cultural diversity of Maastricht and the natural beauty of the Wadden Islands, there is a story behind every destination which cannot be found in the guidebook.


In case you are not going to miss your flight, ensure that your Netherlands Visa from dubai in Dubai gets in order early. Consulting the services of a reputable agency such as Go Kite Travel, one of the biggest companies of travel and visa services located in Dubai can guarantee you that your trip will be stress-free, visa-wise, travel planning and everything.


At Go Kite Travel, you do not only receive expert advice on your Nederland visa application, but also receive a personalized advice on how to make your time in the Netherlands as smooth, exciting and memorable as possible.


Read: Exploring Lebanon's Hidden Villages and Mountain Escapes


And that is why you should pack your bags, prepare your documents, and be ready to discover all the secrets of Netherlands with Go Kite Travel that is your reliable companion in all the adventures which start in Dubai and lead to other parts of the world.