Hi, We are two Sketch Artists looking for a quiet picturesque village near Amsterdam in which to stay in September 2025. We are joining a group of friends on a river cruise that begins in Amsterdam, but we would like to arrive a week or so early and get in some relaxing and sketching first. Relaxing is the key here, because we will be landing in Amsterdam after flying from California, so totally jet lagged. We are very experienced European travelers, but not that young anymore so lots of walking is no longer our thing. We love sketching historic architecture, and beautiful landscapes. But we do not find cities all that relaxing which is why we are thinking a small village to hold up in might be just the ticket. Any suggestions?
Posted by
745 posts
Perhaps Haarlem? Zaanse Schans?
Posted by
Boston
39 posts
I don’t know about places to stay, but Broek in Waterland or Edam are easily accessible from Amsterdam and would definitely fit the relaxing bill! Lovely, charming little villages with beautiful scenery.
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2061 posts
Agree with Broek in Waterland and easy to get to with the bus from Amsterdam. The same for Monnickendam. The countryside north of Amsterdam with tiny places like Ransdorp and Holysloot is very scenic. With a bit of luck you can use or rent an e-bike for exploring the area.
Posted by
The Netherlands
1529 posts
The village of Bergen aan Zee has been a very popular destination for all kinds of artists, painters, sketchers etc. Even so that its nickname is Artist Village.