Things to see and do Holland

This museum, the oldest in the Netherlands, is housed in a private mansion built by the Teyler family in 1780. Founded at the end of the 18th century and financed by Peter Teyler van der Hulst, a wealthy merchant from Haarlem, it was originally dedicated to science and technology. In addition to a science section and a natural history section, there is a superb collection of drawings, engravings and etchings. Nothing seems to have changed since its foundation, as the presentation mode seems so old-fashioned, which still contributes to its charm and changes us from all the museums that are too didactic.

We will therefore see the display cases of fossils, skulls and jaws of prehistoric animals still as impressive as ever, many scientific tools that seem archaic to us but which were no less witnesses, if not actors, of the advent of optics or electricity, devices that seem to have come straight out of the crazy imagination of some professor Sunflower. All this may remind you of the biology rooms of 19th century Parisian high schools where naturalist frescoes and various scientific objects give the courses a taste of erudition. Finally, a graphic collection, presented on a rotating basis, displays the drawings of Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Raphael and Watteau. A wing, opened more recently, has temporary exhibitions. The programming is always very interesting and designed to interest, and even please children. A very pleasant visit.

Inaugurated in 2021, this impressive memorial was designed by architect Daniel Libeskind. The monument presents the names of the 102,000 victims of the Holocaust and the Gypsy genocide who have no graves. Comprising 72 concrete walls covered in red brick, the walls are decorated with the letters "In Memoriam" (in remembrance), and above the walls are suspended reflective steel structures. Of particular note is the 1,000-name wall, intended to house victims identified at a later date. A place to visit, never to forget.

Lampedusa is a unique initiative. The two boats, Hedir and Alhadj Djuma, were once used to ferry refugees from Africa to the island of Lampedusa. Lampedusa offers an excursion (approx. 1h30) on the canals led by refugees, extraordinary narrators of their life stories. The trip is an adventure unlike any other specialized company. Our host, Tommy, is a refugee from Egypt; his story is as sad as it is powerful, and his love of the Netherlands is nourishing and contagious. The tour is in English.

Visit Amsterdam by boat, indoors and on the terrace. Six boats are available for 75-minute tours that are very enjoyable. Some tours are adapted for children, with a pirate theme. We recommend this company, which has proven itself over many years. Note that the company also offers an app, for an even more total cruise experience. In case of rain, snow or strong winds, the boat can be closed and you can watch the enchantment of Amsterdam dry.

Edam is known for its rich historical heritage, particularly in cheese-making. The town enjoyed growing prosperity from the 12th to the 17th century, thanks to its shipbuilding industry. Today, visitors can discover this fascinating history at The Story of Edam Cheese museum. Edam is also renowned for its traditional Dutch architecture, with brick houses and picturesque canals. Cheese lovers shouldn't miss the famous Alida Hoeve, where they can taste and buy local cheese.