I think you are SO awesome. I know my tumblr is relatively devoid of real substance outside of being a ridiculous fangirl,but I really appreciate that your blog and other blogs keep me thinking. Now, a silly question. What is one place in your city that you would recommend to American tourists that is not generally recommended?

Thanks for the compliments!

Actually, I would recommend an American to take a train and explore OUTSIDE Amsterdam. See, the stuff in the tourist books about Amsterdam is spot on. It’s all there, even the “off the beaten path” must sees.

However, The Netherlands is a small country with a rich history outside Amsterdam. I would urge tourists to take one day outside Amsterdam and head South. First stop (furthest from Amsterdam; around 50 mins ride by train) would be Delft. See the Delft Blue factories with some of the most exquisite porcelain/ ceramic made in Europe. Also, the place where Dutch Royalty is buried, in an old church that also doubles as a museum.

Then hop back on the train and go to The Hague (around 20 mins from Delft). It’s a beautiful city in its own right, with rich museums and a historic center that is very worth seeing.

And last, but not least, before heading back to Amsterdam, have a nice walk (and perhaps dinner) in Leiden. The city could very well pass for scenery of a fairy tale, with the prettiest bridges over canals, cobblestone streets and centuries old houses.

Also worth exploring: Maastricht, Haarlem and Utrecht. All of these cities have a very personal character and historical relevance.

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