The Netherlands is not just a travel destination for me - it's become my third home. After visiting the country year after year because of work, it has carved a specific place in my heart. It's rich culture, genuine people and unforgettable experiences have made each visit more meaningful than the last. Some of the most wonderful, professional, and kind-hearted people I know, I met in this beautiful country. 

What I admire most about the Dutch is their tolerant, open-minded culture. In a country where certain vices are legal, they still manage to maintain a peaceful society with a low crime rate and high quality of life. That balance, along with their love for simple joys - cycling, fresh air, and outdoor living makes the Netherlands one of the most livable and loveable countries in the world. 

• Glide through the canals on a boat tour (day or night)
• Visit the Anne Frank House, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum
• Explore Jordaan and De Pijp neighborhoods
• Grab a bike and explore like a local
• Try a rijsttafel dinner or cozy up in a canal-side cafe
• Visit the Amsterdam Cathedral

There's a reason people fall in love with Amsterdam. It's not just beautiful, it's soulful. 

2. ROTTERDAM - A Modern Marvel

Rotterdam is the city where tradition meets bold, futuristic design. If Amsterdam is the old soul, Rotterdam is the innovator. From its post-war rebuild rose architectural icons, cutting-edge art spaces, and a city that thrives on reinvention. 

It's not just what you see - it's what you feel here: energy, confidence, and creativity. 

Top things to do in Rotterdam:

• Gaze up at Rotterdam Central Station and marvel at its design
• Dine with panoramic views at Euromast Tower (one of my most memorable experiences in this city)
• Walk through the Cube Houses and visit Kijk-Kubus Museum
• Take a harbor cruise to see the port from the water
• Visit Markthal - a food market, art installation and architectural wonder in one
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

3. THE HAGUE (Den Haag) - The Coastal Charm Meets Royal Prestige

The Hague was one of the most memorable surprises of my Dutch travels. It blends beachside calm with political gravitas, and despite its formality, it's deeply warm and inviting. 

Some of my favorite memories here are over seafood dinners with friends - bundled in coats against the coastal wind, sharing laughter and grilled fish as waves crashed in the background. 

Things to do in The Hague:

• Dine along Scheveningen Beach with fresh seafood
• Visit the Peace Palace and Binnenhof
• Explore the charming old town and boutiques
• Drop by Madurodam (mini-Holland) if you're curious
• Take a beach walk in early evening - it's unforgettable 

The Hague feels dignified, but never distant - welcoming you with the scent of the sea and stories waiting to unfold. 

4. GOUDA - Cheese, Church and Charm

Gouda is postcard perfect. I visited this place just as the sun was setting, and the town was bathed in warm gold. It was one of those unplanned evenings that becomes a highlight of your entire trip. 

from the stained-glass windows of St. Janskerk to the way lights shimmer on the canals after dark, Gouda feels timeless - quietly magical. 

Don't miss in Gouda:

• St. Janskerk and its breathtaking stained glass
• Evening walks along the canal when the town glows
• Sampling fresh Gouda at the local shops or market
• Wandering the cobbled alleys as the town quiets down

Gouda showed me how a small place can leave the biggest imprint - with beauty that unfolds slowly, like a story. 

5. UTRECHT - A Local's Amsterdam

Utrecht often flies under the radar, but that's exactly why I love it. With its lower-level canals and relaxed pace, it feels like Amsterdam's quiet, intellectual cousin. Its compact size makes it feel more personal, and you'll often find yourself striking up conversations in bookstores, markets, or along the canals. 

Things to do in Utrecht:

• Climb the Dom Tower for sweeping city views
• Relax in a canal-side cafe below street level
• Visit the Centraal Museum and Dick Bruna House
• Wander around Ledig Erf for food, drinks and Indie vibes

Utrecht doesn't try to impress - it just quietly wins you over. And that's the best kind of city. 

6. DELFT - My Dutch Home Away from Home

Delft is the town that holds my heart. It became my home base for many visits - close to work, yet far enough from the chaos to feel peaceful and personal. Quiet, elegant, and endlessly charming. Delft always felt like a gentle exhale. 

My favorite place? The market square. Whether walking through its Saturday bustle or simply sipping coffee alone, I always felt grounded there. Even dining solo in Delft felt comforting. The restaurants welcomed me like an old friend. I've felt genuinely well fed in every single restaurant I've tried. 

Things I love in Delft:

• Strolling through the market square
• Visiting the Nieuwe Kerk and Oude Kerk
• Admiring Delft Blue pottery shops and studios
• Eating at any local restaurant (they truly never disappoint)
• Slow walks by the canals during golden hour

Delft isn't just where I stayed - it's where I felt most myself. That's what makes it home. 

Despite Delft's modest size, there's simply nothing not to appreciate here. The people are kind, the rhythm of life is calm, and the charm is effortless. Maybe that's why it feels like home - familiar, grounding, and always welcoming. 

Read Part 2 - The Soulful Side of the Netherlands, featuring smaller towns, cultural moments, and unforgettable memories here