EXPLORING ACROSS THE DUTCH BORDER: VISIT THESE MUST-SEE CITIES!

Have you been in the Netherlands for a while and are you craving a change of scenery? No worries, because there’s lots of vibrant cities just a few hours away. In Germany and Belgium for example. Here, you can get a taste of the local food and different cultures without getting on a plane. In this article, we’ll tell you more about some of the best places to visit across the border.

Antwerpen, Belgium

Antwerp is the capital of Flanders, Belgium. From the middle of the Netherlands (Utrecht), it takes about two hours to drive here. If you’re not familiar with what to do in Antwerp, don’t worry: this lively city has plenty to offer. The old center takes you on a journey back in time with it’s historical buildings, while luxury brands and gadgets offer an amazing shopping experience.

Are you traveling with kids? Don’t skip the Antwerp Zoo! The zoo, opened in 1843, is one of the oldest worldwide. The historical buildings and all the different animals are sure to leave an impression.

Düsseldorf, Germany

In almost three hours, you can drive from Utrecht all the way to Düsseldorf. It’s a hotspot for foodies: this German city has a wide variety of local breweries, cafés and restaurants. Visiting around Christmas time? Don’t forget to look at the iconic Christmas markets that Düsseldorf has to offer. Exploring Düsseldorf is a joy for anyone that enjoys art and historical architecture. There’s also multiple parks you can visit to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy center.

Gent, Belgium

If you’ve been wanting to visit Bruges, Gent is also a great option. It’s a bigger city in Belgium that also offers lots of charming canals and historical buildings, while having a more urban feel. It takes three hours to drive there from Utrecht. Like Bruges, it’s popular with tourists. However, since the city is quite a lot bigger, it feels less crowded.

Wondering what to do in Gent? Make sure you take one of the boat tours over the Leie, a river that runs through the city. You can also rent your own boat or canoe to explore the waters. There are also multiple charming German breweries where you can sit down and taste the local beers.

Keulen, Germany

Keulen, known in English as Cologne, is a popular metropole in Germany. With more than a million inhabitants, it’s Germany’s third largest city. It’s recognized worldwide for the Kölner Dom, an impressive cathedral that’s almost 800 years old.

But there’s plenty more reasons to visit, like the museums and the old city center. It also has one of the best Christmas markets in Germany, so be sure to visit in winter! Looking for some more excitement? A visit to Phantasialand won’t disappoint. It’s nearby Keulen and has fun rides and activities for all ages.

Exploring new places

If you’ve recently moved to the Netherlands, there’s probably a lot you’d like to see in the country itself. Even though there’s many Dutch cities with a lot to offer, it can also be fun to explore across the border. In just a couple of hours, you could be in a completely different place! The cities mentioned above are the perfect way to get familiar with our neighboring countries.