Please review the Netherlands Part of Our Itinerary

I'm especially interested in the following questions:

1) On 6/24, it seems like there is a lot to see in Rotterdam, as my husband is interested in the architecture and the port. Do you think we can do everything I mention? If not, what would you omit and why?

2) On 7/3, it seems like Hoorn, rather than Haarlem, would give more of a contrast to our other sites. Do you agree?

3) I've tried to choose a few good dinner restaurants, but would appreciate suggestions of places for lighter and less expensive meals for the remaining evenings in case we aren't that hungry. For example, Restaurant Blauw in Utrecht is fairly expensive at about 57 euro per person for Rijstaffel (plus drinks)--can you suggest one or two less expensive options? We like most types of food, so any cuisine is of interest.

I highly recommend the Kroller-Mueller Museum, which has the second most Van Goghs after the Amsterdam Van Gogh museum. It also has other artists' work and a lovely park setting. It's not easy to get to but is doable with a train and a bus. I just did eight days in the Netherlands last month and it was my favorite museum, which is saying a lot. I stayed in Delft and recommend Monstere for dinner.

We have seen a lot of Van Gogh's work

This is the best reason to go. IMO the VGM organizes and illuminates his work across a lifetime.

I would give a bit more time to Kinderdijk. The water bus is about an hour each way, as I remember, and it's a beautiful and relaxing walk once you arrive. Don't rush it. I'll attach my Trip Report and you'll find a section on our time there. Enjoy!

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/the-netherlands-belgium-april-2024-brought-the-rain-pants-needed-the-rain-pants

Overall, I think you're on your feet too much without a rest. Too many walking tours in a day become a drag. You're at the Dutch Resistance Museum, then doing a three-hour city walk, Just IMHO. For us, we just hit a wall if we schedule ourselves too tightly.

Have a great trip.

Thanks for the responses.

Grier, thanks for the recommendation. The Kröller-Müller museum is on my list, but there is just so much to do in the Netherlands. I think we will have to see if we have the energy for another long day.

jkh, thanks for your thoughts on the Van Gogh museum. Have you been to the Kröller-Müller? I know several people who prefer it, but it would be harder to get to.

Pat, I have read your trip report (several times). It's good to hear how long you spent at Kinderdijk, especially since you didn't go into any of the buildings. I'm curious what others think about the ticket vs no ticket choice. Regarding timing, I've been concerned it might be a lot for each day--we went at a similar pace last year on our two trips but our energy levels may not be as high this year. It's helpful to hear your thoughts. I left the last days in each location less structured, so if we don't get to everything planned we can push them to a later day and skip some of the day trips.

I highly recommend a day trip to Enkhuizen and a tour of the Zuiderzeemuseum. Enkhuizen is about an hour by train from Amsterdam. The town itself is quite scenic with smaller boats docked on a canal right near the train station. And you'll see many interesting old Dutch buildings that have been well preserved.

The open-air Zuiderzeemuseum is filled with original fishing boats and houses that demonstrate what life was like in a historical Dutch fishing village. All can easily be seen in two to three hours. And the museum itself is in a lovely setting by the sea.
You can also get a decent and convenient meal at the outdoor restaurant by the train station when you are coming or going.

Thursday 7/3: Optional day trip to either a) Haarlem (church, walk around, maybe a museum)

If you do go to Haarlem (and I recommend it), then the Corrie Ten Boom house is a great complement to Amsterdam's Anne Frank House and the Dutch Resistance museum. It's a relatively short tour with few opening, so a reservation early is a MUST, but it is also near the center of Haarlem, and there is a nice city walk option for there as well.

In Rotterdam, as you’re visiting the market (I assume you mean the Markthall) then grab food there - lots of street food stands ideal for a tasty lunch.

In Utrecht, if you have an interest in modern architecture (and your Rotterdam plans suggest you do) go to the Rietveld Schröder house. You’ll need to book tix ahead. An easy bus ride from the city centre.

On 7/3, it seems like Hoorn, rather than Haarlem, would give more of a
contrast to our other sites. Do you agree?

Yes. I loved Hoorn. I would definitely choose it over Haarlem. Like you said, very different from the other sites you have on your list.

Sounds like a great trip!

Katie, Did you also go to the open air museum in Arnhem? I wonder how they compare, and whether it makes sense to see both.

TomR, Thank you. The Corrie Ten Boom is booked up for our date. We might listen to the book.

Golden Girl: The Rietveld Schröder house is on my list if we have time. There is so much to see.

Carrie, How long did you spend in Hoorn, and what did you do? Did you use the podwalks available from the Westfries museum site?

I thought the K-M was excellent. It featured many Van Goghs, a sculpture garden and nearby free bikes to ride around the practically adjacent national park. We went from Amsterdam to Otterlo by train where we enjoyed our stay at Hotel de Sterrenberg. We spent one day at the K-M and bike riding and the next day at the Open Air museum. The OpenAir was fun and easily accessed by a short local bus ride quite close to the hotel. As I recall we bought the bus tickets from the hotel front desk. Honestly, it was some while ago and I can’t swear by the transportation logistics/connections as my memory isn’t getting better but I was all easy and very enjoyable. No distance was far at all. Meal options in Otterlo were limited but sufficient for us; we chose to skip the Hotel restaurant as it was a bit pricey for our very basic dinner needs. Perhaps a possibility to see both the K-M and Arnhem open air.

How long did you spend in Hoorn, and what did you do? Did you use the
podwalks available from the Westfries museum site?

I did a day trip from Haarlem. I did my favorite thing—nothing. :-) Just walk and wander and take in all the sights.

Did you also go to the open air museum in Arnhem? I wonder how they compare, and whether it makes sense to see both.

Sorry, I've not been to the Arnhem open-air museum so I can't compare them. Maybe look at reviews of both on TripAdvisor and see if you can get a sense of which you might prefer?

The Netherlands is delightful and interesting pretty much wherever you go. I hope you have a great trip!

Please note that the NATO Summit is held in The Hague on June 24 and 25. Security measures before and during the Summit will be off the scale enormous. Not just in The Hague, but also in the surrounding area.
Make sure to double check if the places you want to visit are open and can be reached. Take into account that people are encouraged to use public transport as much as possible, because roads are closed off to normal traffic.

Thanks Katie and Carrie for your replies, and thank you Dutch_Traveler for letting me know about the summit. As far as I can tell, most things we want to see will be open.

Rotterdam..I agree with Piet Van der Valk! I’d skip the Markthal unless you’re in the mood for a corn dog! The building though is beautiful and interesting. Also would skip the cube houses (better in the photos) and head straight to the Maritime Museum. I had been excited about seeing Rotterdam after reading beforehand, but could hardly wait to move on. Regarding Haarlem…loved it and if you are thinking of going to the beach, I’d consider going from Haarlem rather than The Hague. We rented bikes from Green Bikes across from the train. It’s an easy 30 minute ride to the beach, a couple turns and then straight! We rode to the Parnassia beach which is in the National Park. So beautiful! Had picked up sandwiches in Haarlem at Het Broodjeshuis and drinks at the concession at Parnassia. First time I rode an electric bike and it was a lot of fun! In Delft try Hanno for dinner. It’s really good and more casual! Think your daughter will like it! Hope you’re staying at Hotel Arsenaal! It’s really nice and so convenient to the train and the town. We just returned a week ago. Loved the Netherlands. The people were so friendly and the culture is so enjoyable. Have a great trip!

I agree with Tom R.- the Dutch Resistance Museum and Corrie Ten Boom house were a nice compliment to the Anne Frank House. At the CTBoom house you can go and wait outside and they will add you to a tour of they have room. I liked CTB house because it looks like they walked out yesterday…..the AFrank house has been made into a museum and is very different though so educational. We loved our day Delft tour and the tea at the Royal Delft museum is wonderful. Our canal trip in Leiden was great. The Rijksmuseum was incredible……could go back! If you have time go by and buy cookies at the Van Stepele Koekmakerij….DELICIOUS. You wait in a moving line to buy them fresh…….OH MY!