Choosing a city to live in the Netherlands...

1. Haarlem: Known for its historic architecture, cultural scene, and proximity to beaches, Haarlem offers a charming and relaxed atmosphere. It's smaller and quieter compared to Amsterdam but still vibrant with cafes, shops, and museums.
   

2. Leiden: Famous for its prestigious university, Leiden has a rich history, picturesque canals, and a lively cultural scene. It's a compact city with a vibrant student population and a range of cultural attractions.
   

3. Den Haag (The Hague): As the political capital of the Netherlands, Den Haag is known for its international organizations, historic landmarks, and diverse neighborhoods. It offers a mix of urban amenities, green spaces, and cultural activities.
   

4. Bollenstreek: The Tulip Region (Dutch: Bollenstreek) lies between Leiden and Haarlem in the Netherlands. Renowned for its iconic flower fields, this area attracts numerous foreign visitors in the spring. Among its top tourist attractions are the flower gardens of Keukenhof in Lisse.

5. Alkmaar : Is surrounded by canals, monuments, and countryside, which can be explored by bike, on foot, or by boat. Alkmaar boasts numerous attractions that draw tourists year-round, such as cheese markets, victory celebrations, King's Night, and King's Day, the cheese museum and the National Beer Museum.

6. Castricum: A bench with a beautiful view, a hut where you can watch birds all afternoon, or a viewpoint where you can admire the entire area there are many stunning spots for nature enthusiasts in the Castricum and surrounding areas. These are the most special sights in Castricum, Bakkum, Akersloot, Limmen, and De Woude.

7. Hoorn: Every year, thousands of people delight in this beautiful city. Hoorn is a place you must see, hear, taste, and feel! The legacy of the powerful Dutch East India Company, which maintained trade relations with Asian countries using its magnificent ships in the 17th and 18th centuries, is still evident everywhere. This rich history gives the city its unique atmosphere.

8. Apeldoorn: The oldest known reference to Apeldoorn, then called Appoldro, dates from the 8th century. The settlement came into being at the point where the old road from Amersfoort to Deventer crossed that from Arnhem to Zwolle. Close by is the favourite country seat of the royal family of the Netherlands called the Palace Het Nieuwe Loo (now Het Loo). Attractions include Oranje Park, Apenheul Ape Zoo, male Bonobo, National Museum Het Loo Palace , House of Orange-Nassau and Veluwsche Stoomtrein Maatschappij (VSM).

9. Lisse: Lisse, nestled in the Dutch province of South Holland, is a picturesque town renowned for its vibrant tulip fields, rich history, and charming ambiance. Located just southwest of Amsterdam, Lisse offers visitors and residents alike a delightful mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and leisure activities. Its most renowned attraction is Keukenhof, open only during spring when the tulips are in bloom. Each spring, Lisse hosts the Bollenstreek Bloemencorso, a flower parade that winds through its main streets. In August, Castlefest, a fantasy festival, takes place in the gardens of Castle Keukenhof. Other points of interest include Huys Dever, a restored 14th-century castle tower, and Castle Keukenhof itself, part of the larger Keukenhof estate and open year-round. Additionally, Museum De Zwarte Tulp (The Black Tulip Museum) showcases the history of the Dutch bulb-growing region. Lisse combines its historical charm with modern amenities, including boutique shops, cozy cafes, and restaurants offering delicious Dutch cuisine and international fare. Excellent transport connections, including nearby highways and direct train services to Amsterdam and The Hague, make Lisse easily accessible for both residents and visitors exploring the wider region.

10. Amersfoot: Amersfoort, nestled in the heart of the Netherlands, is a charming city known for its rich history, picturesque canals, and vibrant cultural scene. Located in the province of Utrecht, Amersfoort offers a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, making it a delightful destination for visitors and a cozy home for residents. Attracts include Keistad Jazz Festival, Art lovers Art lovers can explore the diverse exhibitions at the Kunsthal KAdE, a contemporary art museum known for its innovative exhibitions and installations. Amersfoort combines its historical charm with modern conveniences. The city center features a mix of boutique shops, cozy cafes, and diverse restaurants offering both local Dutch cuisine and international flavors. Excellent transport links, including direct train connections to Amsterdam and Utrecht, make exploring the rest of the Netherlands easy and convenient.

to be continued...

Breda -

Delft -

Den Bosch -

Tilburg -

Zeeland -