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A Curious Encounter at Amsterdam’s Art Zoo Museum
You’ll feel like you stepped into another world, a Jumanji-like world where the creatures are coming alive right before your eyes, and yet it’s all an amazing work of taxidermy art. When I first saw images of Art Zoo Museum in Amsterdam, I was taken aback by the style. The features gleam, the muscles seem to ripple, and it creates a sort of wonderous 18th century painting coming forth into a diorama feeling. A new addition to the Amsterdam scene, Art Zoo Museum reimagines nature through a more theatrical, almost cinematic lens and it beckoned us to visit. If you’re museum connoisseurs like us, it will beckon you too. Plan…
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The Dreamiest Day Trip in the Netherlands: Hoorn’s Annual Weavers Market
Did you now there’s a market in the Netherlands where yarn, fleece, and felt practically take over the whole city? We found out about it after chatting with the owner of our favorite yarn shop in Haarlem, and just like that, Hoorn’s Weversmarkt (Weavers Market) became a must see. Ever year, Hoorn, a harborside town in the Netherlands, hosts this fiber-lover’s paradise. Cobbled streets burst with skeins in every imaginable hue, looms clack softly in the sun, seamstresses show off their sewing techniques and everyone is sharing ideas. If you’ve ever swooned at the sight of sock yarn or considered learning to spin “just for fun”, this is your kind…
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Leiden, Netherlands with Kids: A Family-Friendly Day Trip Itinerary
The first time we visited Leiden, Netherlands, we were looking for a laid-back day trip from our home in Haarlem. The city delivered. Of course picturesque canals and beautiful brick buildings much like every other city in the Netherlands abound, but there are some unique standouts in Leiden you won’t want to miss. From botanical gardens to a peek into Rembrandt’s early years to an interactive natural history museum, the city has a lot to offer if you’ll be visiting Leiden with kids. Leiden, Netherlands makes for a great day trip from Amsterdam or The Hague, and here’s what you should see there: (This post contains affiliate links, which means…
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Why the Stedelijk Museum Should Be on Your Amsterdam Itinerary
We love museums, especially art museums so spending a day in Amsterdam, for us, had to include a stop at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. Modern and contemporary art is not always easy to love—but it sure is fascinating. If you’re looking for what to do in Amsterdam or things to do in Amsterdam, and you have an appreciation for creativity and bold artistic expression, this museum should be on your list. While some pieces left me completely enthralled, others had me scratching my head, wondering what exactly I was looking at. And yet, that’s the beauty of the Stedelijk. It’s unpredictable, bold, and unapologetically modern. Get ready to explore one…
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The Food We Loved In The Netherlands… and Some We Didn’t
Having spent two years exploring the traditional foods in the Netherlands, I can confidently say that Dutch cuisine is not all that exciting. While some dishes like stroopwafels and poffertjes consistently called my daughter’s name and kibbeling had us coming back for more, in general, the fare is kind of boring. But don’t let that discourage you! The Netherlands might not offer the foodie adventure of other places, but it does have some straightforward fare to try. Get ready to eat in the Netherlands from restaurant fare to street food carts, here’s what we loved… and what we didn’t. And, if you can’t take it anymore and need food actually…
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6 Must See Annual Events In Haarlem’s Grote Markt
We’ve called Haarlem, Netherlands home for the past two years and during that time, we’ve grown to love some of the amazing annual events that take place in the historic Haarlem Grote Markt. The city square is gorgeous on a normal weekend, but visit when the tulips are in bloom or The first year we lived in Haarlem, we missed a number of the events because we just didn’t hear about them. So to help anyone new to Haarlem, here are the events in downtown Haarlem you absolutely don’t want to miss. Haarlem Netherlands is host to some great annual events. If you’re visiting Netherlands, get ready to head to…
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Why You Can’t Miss The Christmas Market Haarlem
Looking for the largest Christmas Market, or Kerstmarkt, in the Netherlands? You must visit Haarlem. Not only is Haarlem one of the most picturesque cities in the country, and sure I’m biased because I lived there, but it’s also home to the vibrant Grote Markt which hosts some stunning events throughout the year including a cozy holiday market. The Christmas Market in Haarlem is big, and it can be overwhelming with the crowds, but if you know how to meander, where to take breaks, and what else to do in the area, you can spend a great day in Haarlem. We’ve visited the Haarlem Christmas Market twice and here’s what…
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A Family-Friendly 2-Day Amsterdam Itinerary
We have lived in the Netherlands for almost two years now and have had numerous a family and friend come to visit so I think it’s high time I share our tried and true family-friendly Amsterdam itinerary. There are some great things to do with kids in Amsterdam and so many of the sights here are planned for you and your kids to get more out of the visit. There is a vibrant arts and culture scene, beautiful architecture, and parks for a break from the walking. The museums in the Netherlands tend to do a fantastic job catering to children by providing opportunities for them to explore and learn…
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6 Of Our Favorite Parks In Haarlem To Walk, Play, and Enjoy
There are some beautiful parks in Haarlem, Netherlands with flowers to see, playgrounds for kids, and lots of walking paths. Get ready to explore the outdoors!
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St. Bavo In Haarlem Is Where Organ Music Comes Alive
Visiting Haarlem, Netherlands isn’t complete without stepping into one of the largest churches in the Netherlands, Saint Bavo Church. Easy to see and used as a point of reference when giving directions in the central area, the church was built for Roman Catholic worship and then used by the Protestants after the Reformation before being stormed by the Calvanists. Not only grandiose from the outside, it’s beautiful on the inside and a touted place to see where Mozart among other famous musicians came to play what was once the largest organ in the world. If you’re planning to visit Haarlem, Netherlands, St. Bavo is a must see: (This post contains…
