Living by Experience

Living by Experience

Skip Amsterdam - Instead Visit This City the Next Time You Travel to the Netherlands

A seriously underrated alternative with friendly locals, rich history, and seaside charm

Wilko van de Kamp's avatar
Wilko van de Kamp
Aug 01, 2025
∙ Paid

When people ask me where they should go in the Netherlands, the answer they usually expect is “Amsterdam”. While I did earn my university degree here, it’s actually not my recommendation and suggest something different. Sure, spend your obligatory day in the Dutch capital if you must, but then move on to something a little more interesting. Especially now, as more European cities are pushing back against over-tourism, it’s time to look beyond the obvious itineraries and get a little more creative with our travel choices.

So, here’s my suggestion, a city that holds a special place in my heart: The Hague.

A city by the sea, not just a seat of government

While Amsterdam may be the capital, most government buildings are located in the Hague. So you may have heard of The Hague already in relation to politics, international embassies, or the International Court of Justice. It’s also a vibrant coastal city with miles of sandy beaches, a historic city centre, and more charm and personality tha…

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