On The Way Back From Rotterdam to Amsterdam: A Day Full of Flowers, Cheese and History

Rotterdam is very different from the more popular Amsterdam and indeed, you'll find a much more creative ambiance here with the modern architecture of world-famous architects. Its trendy cafés and museums give a vibrant and attractive vibe to the city, which has the largest port in Europe.
The depot is one of the eye-catching structures in the city and in fact, it's only the depot of Bojimans Van Beuningen Museum. It's a 40-meter-high bowl-like structure covered with mirrors only to reflect Rotterdam's skyline.
The Depot is a must-see when in Rotterdam, and it's one of the most famous Instagram spots of the city. Although it's possible to visit inside to see 150 thousand art works, it's a better idea to take photos from the outside before a busy day of travel.

After WWII, the old city center of Rotterdam had disappeared completely due to the bombings, but Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk was the only surviving building. It is the only medieval remnant of the city and therefore deserves a visit. 64 meter tall church is a Protestant Church, and it has interesting exhibitions inside. Grote of Sint-Laurenskerk is also the first all stone building of Rotterdam.
It is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 11:00 and 17:00 from November till February and between 10:00 and 17:00 from March till October. Please check their website for specific dates before your visit.

A very famous landmark of Rotterdam is the Markthal, which opened in 2014. Almost all iconic pictures of Rotterdam include this 40 m high horse shoe shaped huge building. Gigantic glass façade on both sides protect the inner tunnel from the cold in winters and therefore, it's comfortable to visit in all seasons.
Don't forget to check out the ceiling because they hang artworks there and the building contains apartments overlooking the Markthal. There are many food stalls and restaurants here, grab a coffee and something small to eat before continuing your day.
Markthal opens at 10:00 am from Monday to Saturday and at 12:00 pm on Sundays.

The last sight to stop by will be the famous cube houses of Rotterdam. They are cube-shaped yellow houses leaning against each other with 45 degree angles. They create a toy like building hovering above the street, and they were built in 1977.
These are actual residences that are inhabited except one, which can be visited from 11:00 to 17:00. It's quite an experience to be in a cube house, but the photo from the outside is just as remarkable.

After a short Rotterdam sightseeing, head back to the hotel to check out and take your car to start your road trip to Gouda.

A short but enjoyable drive brings you to the town of cheese! Park your car here to easily discover the city center of Gouda.

Gouda has pretty canals and cute historic buildings reflecting a typical Dutch city character, making it a popular day trip destination. It is famous by its Gouda cheese and therefore, a visit to the Gouda Cheese Experience is unmissable!
You'll learn how the world-famous Gouda cheese is produced and even experience virtual cow milking and cheese turning. They will even show you a traditional negotiation by hand clapping. The experience will of course and with Gouda cheese tasting.
This venue is open every day between 10:00 and 17:00. Reserve your tickets before going there.

After tasting the original Gouda cheese, head to the city center for some historic sightseeing. The market square has the Old Town hall in its center and this structure is the Netherlands's oldest gothic town hall. It was built in the 15th century using natural materials. There is a small hourly puppet show on the side of the building showcasing how the city rights were handed to Gouda family in the past.
Wander around the square and examine the exquisite gothic architectural details of the building. Take some photos and imagine how the city looked like 600 years ago.

Right in the market square, grab a quick lunch while doing some people watching. This cute small café has hearty sandwiches, coffee and sweets.
Try the carpaccio sandwich and nachos. It's a locals' favorite and big enough for a lunch. The café is open from Monday to Saturday between 09:00 and 17:00.

St. Janskerk is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows. At the same time, with 123 meters, this basilica is the Netherlands's largest cross-shaped church. The church is from the 16th century and the stained glasses include stories from the Dutch history. Experience the building and be inspired by the architecture before you head back to your car.
The church is closed on Sundays.

Take your car and head up north to Haarlem.

The gardens surrounding this fairy tale castle is enough reason to make a stop here. If you are in luck and in season between March and May, you may even see the Netherlands's famous tulips blossoming.
Take a leisurely walk around the castle and discover the amazing gardens. They also have an incredible variety of dahlias here. The castle is from the 17th century and parking and entrance are free.
The castle can be visited every day between 08:30 and 17:00.

Now, you have arrived to the last place of interest before heading back to Amsterdam. Haarlem awaits you to discover its historic city center and have dinner. Park your car here to explore the city.

Haarlem is only 20 km from Amsterdam and when you visit, you'll understand why most tourists come here from Amsterdam. It's a charming historic city by the Spaarne River and the city center has many monumental buildings.
Haarlem is full of shops, art galleries and restaurants aside from history, which make a complete list of reasons to visit this city. Additionally, the famous Harlem neighborhood in NYC was named after this city.
Grote Markt is Haarlem's main market square, and it is the heart of the old city. Wander around the square for some window shopping and pay a visit to Saint Bavo Church as well. The square is lined with many cafés and restaurants that make a vibrant atmosphere. The icon of Haarlem, is a pioneer of book printing called Laurens Janszoon Coster and there is a statue of him in this square as well.

Haarlem's historic town hall is also in Grote Markt, and it was built in the 17th century. It has an astounding façade with large windows. Although the building is from the 17th century, there were other buildings in its place since the 12th century. Take photos and imagine the past of this once powerful Dutch city.

Before heading back to Amsterdam, you'll have dinner at this fun place. It was once a church, but today it is refurbished to be a beer brewery. They offer an amazing variety of beers as well as a lot of information about them. The big stained glasses give the atmosphere of a church and the decoration will mesmerize you. Have a hearty burger and try one of their 20 beers on draft.
Opening times: Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 – 23:00 Friday – Saturday: 10:00 – 01:00

It is the end of your 2-day road trip from Amsterdam. Take your car back and return home with great memories.