Canal boats in Amsterdam

The Netherlands

One of my favorite things about traveling in the Netherlands is that it’s just so darned Dutch. People are both friendly and reserved, serious but with a wry sense of humor.

A lot of Dutch people speak English and take thoughtful pride in their Dutchness. And they have a right to be proud, considering that one-third of their country lies below sea level and yet is one of the world’s top countries in terms of influence and economic strength.

Take some time to get to know the Netherlands, from strolling the lively streets of Amsterdam and visiting some of the world’s best museums to exploring the stunning Dutch National Park to having your breath taken away at one of my favorite modern art museums in the world–the Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo near Arnhem.

These posts will help you experience the Netherlands through its art, culture, and uniquely Dutch way of seeing the world.

Planning a trip to England? Start with my comprehensive guide to artsy & independent travel in The Netherlands, covering literature, theater, historic cities, countryside destinations, and practical tips for exploring without a car.

Visiting The Netherlands: My Best Tips for Artsy & Independent Travelers

Posts About The Netherlands

Here are all my posts about the Netherlands.

Mauritshuis in the Hague with skyscrapers behind it

The Hague’s Best Museums: Mauritshuis and Escher in the Palace

lf you love art, visit The Hague to tour two excellent museums: the Mauritshuis and M. C. Escher in the ...
canal in Amsterdam

Exploring Amsterdam’s Anne Frank House and Begijnhof

The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam attracts visitors from all over the world, and for good reason. A visit to ...
Caro;l Cram on a canal boat cruise in Amsterdam

An Amsterdam Canal Cruise: Should You Take One?

You've arrived in Amsterdam and have started strolling around the Centrum, that enchanting half-circle of canals built four hundred years ...
The Best Novels Set in Netherlands for Arts-loving Travelers

The Best Novels Set in Netherlands for Arts-loving Travelers

Reading novels set in the Netherlands is a wonderful way to set the mood for travel and to enrich your ...
Carol Cram in Amsterdam

The Rembrandt House Museum and National Maritime Museum: Two of Amsterdam’s Best Kept Secrets

I love Amsterdam, which is why on almost every trip to Europe I make it my first stop. Since 1970 ...
Exterior of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam

Rijksmuseum Amsterdam: What to See and Why It’s Worth Every Minute

Heading to Amsterdam? If you love art, then take time to visit the Rijksmuseum, one of the top museums in ...
Carol Cram at Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam

The Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam: A Personal Guide to Its Greatest Treasures

I remember the first time I saw the Van Gogh Museum, almost 50 years ago. Compared to the gingerbread façade ...
Best Two Days in Amsterdam

Best Two Days in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in Europe. For the artsy traveler, Amsterdam has a lot to offer. You ...
Carol Cram
About Carol Cram

Carol M. Cram is the author of five award-winning novels inspired by art and the women who shaped it, the creator of Artsy Traveler, an arts-focused travel blog, the founder of Art In Fiction, a curated database of 2,500+ novels inspired by the arts, and the host of The Art In Fiction Podcast. She also authored 60+ textbooks on computer applications and taught at Capilano University for over two decades. She lives with her husband, artist Gregg Simpson, on beautiful Bowen Island near Vancouver, BC.