North HollandNetherlands

Combine visits to lovely cities such as Amsterdam, Haarlem and Alkmaar with long walks in the woods or on the beach and bicycle tours through the local polders. Whether you're travelling with the whole family, a group of friends or spending a romantic few days with your partner, there's always something to do for everyone.

You wouldn't think so today, but this province with its numerous cities and beautiful nature once consisted mainly of water and a few fishing villages. Visit the museums and centuries old hamlets such as Oterleek, Limmen and Naarden.

There's a lot to see and do in the beautiful province of North Holland. Spend the day shopping in Haarlem's Grote Houtstraat, relax at the beach at Zandvoort or go to Alkmaar and visit the cheese market.

If you're interested in local history, head out to the polder village De Rijp. Once famous for its herring industry, the tiny village is known today mainly for its characteristic buildings, narrow cobblestone streets and the smallest candy store in the Netherlands: Bram & Aagje.

If you're travelling with the kids, the Zuiderzeemuseum in Enkhuizen is a must. This open-air museum shows how people used to live and work around the Zuiderzee between 1880 and 1930, the period preceding the completion of the IJsselmeer Dam in 1932. Show your kids the old-fashioned school benches, watch craftsmen at work and make your own message in a bottle.

The historic town of Naarden in the southeast of the province is also well worth a visit. Naarden was established around the 10th century and still has a lot of historic buildings as well as a complete city wall. It's also close to Amsterdam, making it ideal for a day trip if you're staying in the capital.

If you're planning on visiting other big cities in North Holland and doing a few day trips, public transport is a great way of getting around. If you're more interested in beaches and less touristy villages and polders, you may want to hire a car if you're not travelling by car already.

North Holland is easy to explore by both public transport and car.

Enjoy this beautiful province full of undiscovered treasures.