3 days in the Netherlands - what would you do?

[Snuffkindle]

We're finishing a European road trip next summer with three nights in the Netherlands. We will be with two teenagers who love theme parks. Our middle day will be spent at Walibi Holland. That is non-negotiable (and no, they won't consider Eftling either).

I can't decide where best to base ourselves. My current options are 1) 3 nights in an Airbnb in Utrecht (nice to suit ourselves, plenty to do and see and eat in Utrecht, don't need to go anywhere else except Walibi). 2) 3 nights in a hotel in Almere (seems equidistant to Walibi and Amsterdam and easy train to Amsterdam for day trip, breakfast included so cheaper option. On last day check out would be earlier than AirBNBs and ferry not till afternoon, so could maybe go and look at windmills?) Or 3) 3 nights in a water front chalet in Loosdricht - sloop boat included. (this looks and sounds gorgeous, but could be harder to get anywhere else, and if weather bad might not be so fun).

Any thoughts or other suggestions? We've easily decided on everything else for our trip but I like all of these options - I think - having not been anywhere other than a day trip to Amsterdam. Would love to hear from people who know the place....

[Septembersunrays]

Well I was going to suggest efteling why won't they consider it, lots of teens there.

Not sure if any other theme parks as nice in holland, and not for their ages... I think places like troverland and duinrell are done younger?

[Snuffkindle]

Thanks September, we don't want to go to any theme park other than Walibi. They are set on that one. I was just wondering where was a good base to both travel to Walbi and do some good Netherlands sightseeing too.

[redchocolatebutton]

the hague - beach, madurodam, peace palast

[IntoTheHoods]

Just my opinion, and without being rude, there’s no way I’d want to stay in Almere as a tourist. Unless I had a particular interest in town planning? It’s a planned city built on land reclaimed from the Zuider Zee and it’s about 40 years old. Absolutely nothing wrong with that I hasten to add, but it probably wouldn’t be most people’s first choice for a short break!

[Snuffkindle]

We just thought of using it as a base intothehoods because is it half way between Walibi and Amsterdam so we could get to both easily. But that's helpful thanks. What do you think of Utrecht as a base? And also what is Loosdrecht like?
Redchocolate I think the Hague is out of our way a bit. Will have a look though thanks .

[NigellaAwesome]

If you are spending any time in Amsterdam I can thoroughly recommend Micropia, right beside the zoo. Absolutely mind blowing!

[backatschool]

I live on a houseboat in Amsterdam so probably slightly biased towards water. I wouldn't do Almere, industrial, nothing to see as a tourist unless you are planning to be out all day every day play evenings on day trips. Loosdrecht I don't know the town but lovely to be on the water. Sloep is a total bonus. Close to Hilversum which is cuteish but nice location near lots of woods/nature etc. Easy access to Amsterdam. Utrecht has the whole canal scene though not to the same extent as Amsterdam - compact, easy to get around, good trains to elsewhere. If you've been to the NL before and done Amsterdam then I'd do Utrecht. If it's your first time then maybe the Loosdrecht option...? Whatever you choose, enjoy!

[GinasGirl]

I used to live in The Hague and loved the museums and galleries. Plenty of places to eat and shop and you can also do a canal trip. You have madurodam (Holland in miniature) the peace palace, great parks, Scheveningen beach, Wassenaar beach or Kijkduin and there is also a water park/ theme park called Duinrell.

[Snuffkindle]

Thanks all, some great ideas and Almere is now definitely out

[TheresWaldo]

Leiden is really nice with a windmill and canals. Also close to the coast and Amsterdam. There is Space centre nearby also.

[Snuffkindle]

Sorry, still banging on about this.
Just wondering what about Amersfoort as a base?
It seems well located for Amsterdam and Walibi. It looks like we could get a train into Amsterdam easily. It also looks like it is attractive and we could get a nice meal there. And if we didn't want to go into Amsterdam we could amuse ourselves quite nicely on bikes on our free day.
Any opinions gratefully received.

[IntoTheHoods]

Not at all OP

I don’t know Amersfoort well but I think it sounds like a good idea. I love Amsterdam and would never live anywhere else but there are many other great places in NL tl be explored. The trains are very good in this country (and much more reasonably priced than the UK) so you could easily get from Amersfoort to anywhere else with a station.

Website (in English) with trains and prices if you’re interested: www.ns.nl/en

[IntoTheHoods]

www.vvvamersfoort.nl/en

Don’t laugh but you’ve inspired me to make a day trip this weekend

www.vvvamersfoort.nl/en

[alwaysscared]

Watching this as we are planning a few days in Utrecht next year before a family wedding in the countryside. It will be me, DH and 7 year old DS. We will be taking bikes. Is this a good city for a youngish child?

[IntoTheHoods]

@alwaysscared yeah it’s fine. Plenty to do for all ages

[alwaysscared]

Brill thanks @IntoTheHoods

[Murinae]

Amersfoort is about an hour to Amsterdam on the train and trains run every half hour.

[Snuffkindle]

Let us know how you get on @intotgehoods. It's between Amersfoort and Utrecht for us now 😀

[IntoTheHoods]

Haha I will. But both places would be fine/great. Utrecht is a lot busier, I can tell you that.

[Snuffkindle]

Also just to add, we would have stayed in Amsterdam itself but thought having our car would be difficult. If you can recommend any areas to stay where parking and hopping in would be easy please let us know.
Loved the Amersfoort link you out up btw! Have a great weekend 👍

[IntoTheHoods]

You’d want Park&Ride for that:

www.iamsterdam.com/en/plan-your-trip/getting-around/parking/park-and-ride

Friends did it when they came to visit, it worked really well (the rules sound complicated but it really wasn’t a hassle).

That said, much as I love Amsterdam - there’s a lot more to the country! I’d definitely go to Utrecht or Amersfoort if you’ve spent an afternoon here already.

[Snuffkindle]

Thanks Intothehoods. I've had a good read of the page you linked to and all the tripadvisor reviews and we have booked into the Lange Jan pub in Amersfoort for 3 nights. Looks like a good budget friendly option. Thanks for all your help and advice.

[IntoTheHoods]

Great! We had a change of plans (these kids and their pesky social lives) so I didn’t make it to Amersfoort this weekend, but I’m aiming for next weekend if the weather co-operates. You online influencer you

[efeslight]

Utrecht is lovely, pretty and plenty to do

[TattiePants]

@Snuffkindle have a look at Hoge Veluwe National Park which is less than 40 minutes drive from Amersfoort. You pay a small fee to get in but once inside, most things are free. Take a picnic and borrow one of the white bikes and explore the park. The landscape varies from forests to almost desert like.There's an excellent interactive nature museum plus the Kröller-Müller Museum if you fancy a bit of Van Gogh.