10 Places for women to explore when Visiting Holland

When visiting Holland (or the Netherlands, as the country is officially called), remember to make room for cities and towns other than good ol' Amsterdam. There's more to see in this little country than just the Dutch capital. It still surprises me that Holland is as flat as a pancake. Oh hey, don't forget to try the pancakes! The Dutch have different mouth-watering types to choose from.

Cycling is a way of life in Holland. People of all ages go everywhere on them. Some mothers cycle with a toddler in front and a toddler behind... add a dog on a leash and an umbrella on the other hand, and they still can do it with ease. Do what the Dutch do and rent a bike on your next trip. It's fun!

Amsterdam, the Dutch capital, has lots of interesting museums and sights (there's more than just the coffee shops and the red light district). Visit Anne Frank's House, Rembrandt's house, the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Stroll down the world-famous red light district and check out Our Lord in the Attic, a row of canal houses with a magnificent little chapel in the.. you guessed it, the attic.

Have some fun at Madame Tussaud's just right there on the Dam Square.

Beautiful tulips at the Keukenhof

Keukenhof (near Lisse), attracts millions of flower lovers every year. Tulips of all vibrant colors come to full bloom from mid-March to early April. This makes a great day trip from Amsterdam - it's only a 45 minute drive.

Since we're on the subject of flowers, how about watching the Dutch auction off beautiful blooms at the flower auction in Aalsmeer? Did you know that almost six thousand growers from all over the world have their flowers and plants auctioned off here? Come over and experience the auction!

Nineteen 17th century windmills were built around 1740 at Kinderdijk (near Rotterdam). They are still being used to this day and make a wonderful experience. In 1997, Kinderdijk's windmills have been included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO.

The Netherlands in miniature - that's what you see at Madurodam. You'll find Holland's famous sites fit for your favorite Barbie dolls! The canal houses and Dam Square are amazing! A camera is simply a must here.

Enjoy a day out at Volendam, a short trip from Amsterdam.

See the famous fishing villages of Volendam and Marken. Traditional wooden houses are still in vogue here and people still dress in typical Dutch attire from long ago.

Visit the cheese market of Alkmaar, where "cheese porters" in traditional white uniform and straw hats carry cheese on wooden barrows suspended on their shoulders. This is what a typical day was a couple of centuries ago. Leave it to the Dutch to come up with a creative way of transporting cheese. You could also make a stop at Edam, where the famous Dutch cheese is made.

When visiting Holland, Amsterdam is always the starting point. Add a few more days to see the other gems of the Netherlands.

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