Afsluitdijk
In 1932 the Zuiderzee was separated from the North Sea by the Afsluitdijk, an impressive construction, 30 kilometers long, 90 meters wide at sea level and 7 meters above NAP (Normal Amsterdam Level). It is all thanks to this magnificent feat of engineering that the Zuiderzee became the IJsselmeer.Two years after the huge floods of 1916, the Dutch government decided to build a dyke to separate the Zuiderzee from the North Sea. It was a mammoth operation. The spot at which the last inlet was sealed is now the site of a vantage tower which provides a breath-taking panoramic view of the Waddenzee and the IJsselmeer.

Amersfoort Zoo
Amersfoort Zoo has added a totally new dimension to the whole concept of 'zoo'. Visitors are guided through the terrain according to specific themes, such as color, protuberances, or camouflage. Don't miss out on the City of Antiquity for some intriguing revelations about the relationship between Man and animals. Step through the colossal Roman gate and soak up the mysterious atmosphere of ancient Egypt, Greece and Persia then drop by the camel market and Visit the Temple of Aristotle, where you can marvel at the lions and leopards on the temple mountain. But watch out! Anything can happen in the arena.
Barchman Wuytierslaan 224
3800 BB Amersfoort
033 - 461 66 58
Open: 2 July to 22 August 9am-9pm
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http://www.amersfoort-zoo.nl/

Amsterdam Exchanges
Stocks and shares were traded in the streets of Amsterdam as early as the 16th century. As a result, the Amsterdam Stock Exchange is one of the oldest stock exchanges in the world. The Options Exchange was established in 1978 and is one of the first in Europe. The two organizations have since been combined to form the Amsterdam Exchanges, situated on the Beursplein. The building is particularly impressive with a central hall that provides a magnificent setting for a great hubbub of activity. If you feel like venturing into the world of 'big money' then you might 'profit' from a visit to the gallery.
Beursplein 5
1012 JW Amsterdam
+31 (0)20 5504444
Amsterdam Exchanges

Archeon - Alphen aan den Rijn
The Archeon spirits you back through the centuries to give you a taste of life in prehistoric, Roman, and medieval times. Ancient huts, houses, farms, a monastery and a Roman settlement have all been reconstructed so that you can literally take a walk through the past while attendants in authentic costumes tell you all about the rigors of life in days gone by. Drop by the Roman city complete with baths, temple, theater and forum. Cohorts of Roman soldiers, exciting gladiator fights, prehistoric hunting rituals add to the excitement. And if you want to hit the water you can take a trip in a prehistoric canoe hollowed from the trunk of a tree!
Archeonlaan 1
2408 ZB Alphen aan den Rijn
+31 (0)172 447744
Open: April 13 thru October 29 10 am - 5 pm.
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http://www.archeon.nl/

Arsenaal Attraction Center - Vlissingen
Embark on every imaginable sea adventure in this exciting center of maritime enojyment where you'll stand eye-to-eye with man-eating sharks, land in a pirates' den and be shipwrecked on board the Titanic? But no sweat - because life on the sea bed is pretty fascinating. How about that huge skeleton of a whale? And those aquaria with exotic fish? Once you have 'surfaced' you may even have time to climb to the top of the 64-meter-high observation tower and 'soak up' the staggering view.
Arsenaalplein 1
4381 BL Vlissingen
+31 (0)118 415400
Open: January thru March: Wednesdays to Sundays 10am-7pm April thru October: 10am-8pm November and December: Tuesdays to Sundays 10am-7pm
http://www.arsenaal.com/

Artis Zoo - Amsterdam
Founded in 1838, Artis is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands and one of the oldest in Europe. Situated in the heart of the city, Artis has served a dual function since its inception. In addition to being a popular destination for family outings, Artis has consistently provided the zoological department of the local university with plenty of research material. In recent years Artis has responded to calls for a more 'humanitarian' approach to animals in captivity by enlarging and adapting its enclosures to reflect natural habitats of virtually thousands of wild animals. Latest additions include an African Savannah with zebras and gnus and a Wolf Valley where you can observe white wolves from a footbridge. You can make your visit extra special by arriving in one of the boats which depart regularly for Artis from the front of Central Station.
Plantage Kerklaan 38-40
1018 CZ Amsterdam
+31 (0)20 5233400
Open: Summer 9am-6pm
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http://www.artis.nl/

Avifauna Park - Alphen aan de Rijn
Bird lovers will have a great time at the Avifauna bird park. The star attractions are the huge cages housing rare species of birds, a tropical bird hall and pools with elegant pink flamingos. The park is also the departure point for boat trips to the Braassemmeer lake to the north of Alphen.
Hoorn 65
2404 HG Alphen aan den Rijn
+31 (0)172 487575
Open: April to October 9am-8pm November to March 9am-6pm
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http://www.avifauna.nl/

Batavia Wharf - Lelystad
You will be fascinated by the activities at the the Batavia Wharf where replicas of historical ships are built according to authentic methods. The rigging and woodcarvers' workshops will give you an exciting glimpse of shipbuilding in times past and you will learn all sorts of interesting facts during the guided tour. This is the wharf where the replica of the Batavia, was built a few years ago. The original Batavia, one of the most famous vessels of the Dutch East India Company, was completed in 1628, but sank on its maiden voyage. At the moment the replica is in Australia for the Olympic Games. It won't return until 2001, but there's still plenty to see in the meantime, because the the wharf is currently in the throes of building another 17th-century flagship.
Oostvaardersdijk 01-09
8243 PB Lelystad
+31 (0)320 261409
Open: July and August 10am-9pm September thru June 10am-5pm
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http://www.bataviawerf.nl

Binnenhof - The Hague
The Binnenhof has known an eventful history. Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, the Grand Pensionary of the Netherlands at the start of the 17th century, was beheaded on this very spot. But things have settled down a lot since then and this stylish building is now the seat of the Dutch Parliament. A historical time-line which stretches a full six meters across two screens in the visitors' center offers a colorful presentation of no fewer than twelve centuries of political history. There is also a model of the Binnenhof itself. A guided tour will take you to the magnificent Ridderzaal (Knights' Hall), and the first and second chambers of the Dutch Parliament, and show you the more attractive trappings of Dutch politics.
Binnenhof 8a
2513 AA The Hague
+31 (0)70 3646144
Open: Mondays to Saturdays 10am-4pm
Binnenhof

Boat tours - Utrecht
Experience history as you float through Utrecht. A network of old canals linked by ancient bridges barely wide enough to let boats pass will take you past cobblestone streets and promenades, historical landmarks, traditional outdoor cafes and bustling shops. To explore the landscape that has inspired so many of the Netherlands' painters, try one of the more extensive tours departing from the Oudegracht. These tours will take you beyond city scenes to the Loosdrechtse lakes, the Vecht and the Kromme Rijn rivers.
Bemuurde Weerde O.Z. 17
3514 AN Utrecht
+31 (0)30 2720111
Open:
http://www.schuttevaer.com/

Boat Trips - Giethoorn
A network of canals and characteristic high bridges has earned Giethoorn the nickname of the 'Venice of the North'. The charming buildings and thatched-roof farmhouses are partly or entirely surrounded by water and can be reached only by bridges or gangplanks. As the village is closed to car traffic, the locals go everywhere by bike, or take to the water in a punt which they propel forward by a long pole. Want to view Giethoorn in an original way? Well, follow their example and rent your own punt ?! If you find this idea a bit spooky, you can still opt for a rowing boat, a motor boat or a yacht. Arendshorst boat rental firm will be happy to oblige. And if none of these alternatives is quite your scene, then all you need do is buy a ticket for the Arendshorst cruiseboat, relax, and let it all happen.
Beulakerweg 169
8355 AG Giethoorn
+31 (0)521 36 15 93
Boat Giethoorn

The Dutch bulbfields - Tulips - Lisse
The Dutch bulbfields are unique in the world. Bulbs have been cultivated in this area for centuries. From mid-March the countryside looks like a multi-colored checker board, a feast to the eyes of countless visitors from all parts of the globe. The purple and orange crocusses are first to flower, then the white and yellow daffodils. The highpoint of the season is in mid-April when the tulips burst open. The gladioli flower last in August.The 5 most cultivated bulbs are tulips, gladioli, daffodils, lilies and hyacinths. The bulbs are exported all over the world.
Grachtweg 53
2161 HM Lisse
+31 (0)252 414262
http://www.keukenhof.nl/

Caves in Valkenburg
Famous for its ancient limestone caves, Valkenburg is where the Netherlands can trace its history back for centuries on end. A fascinating assortment of charcoal drawings, bas-reliefs and other forms of artistic expression in the caves offer an inspiring glimpse of life here once upon a time. From Roman times, when the occupying forces knew of the caves to World War II, when countless refugees sought shelter here. For those interested in age-old mysteries, there are secret passageways connecting the Fluwelengrot, or velvet cave, to the castle. In fact, a 70-kilometer network of underground passages filled with museums and other attractions runs through and around Valkenburg. Make sure to bring a jacket along as cave temperatures range between a chilly 10 and 14 C.
Daalhemerweg 27/Grendelplein 13 (Castle and Fluwelengrot)
6301 BS/6301 BJ Valkenburg
+31 (0)43 6090110
Open: 10am-4pm
http://www.gemeentegrot.nl/

Cheesemarket - Alkmaar
Every Friday morning throughout the summer the Waagplein forms the setting for the unique and colorful spectacle of Alkmaar's traditional cheese market. The Gouda and Edam cheeses are piled up on the square at the crack of dawn. Once the buyer and the seller have struck a deal, it's time for the famous cheese-bearers to come into action, each wearing a white costume, but with a different colored ribbon on his straw hat. A long-standing custom requires each bearer to be a member of one of the 4 cheese-bearer guilds, each with its own color (green, blue, red or yellow). The bearers load the cheeses onto a 'berrie' and carry them at a jogger's pace to the weigh-house where they are laid on the scales.
Waagplein
1811 JP Alkmaar

Open: mid-April to mid-September: Fridays 10am-12noon
Cheese market

De Biesbosch Visitors' Center - Dordrecht
Nature lovers and amateur ornithologists will have the time of their lives at De Biesbosch National Park, 6000 hectares of waterways and islands left behind by a huge tidal wave which struck in 1421. This unspoilt watery terrain is rich in avifauna. You can learn all about it at the Visitors' Center in Dordrecht, where you can also rent a canoe or join in on one of the organized walks or boat trips.
Baanhoekweg 53
3313 LP Dordrecht
+31 (0)78 6305353
Open: July and August 9am-5pm
De Biesbosch Visitors' Center - Dordrecht

De Haar Castle - Haarzuilens
One of the biggest castles in the country, De Haar Castle radiates a unique aura. Countless treasures are on show in the elegant period rooms, not least furniture, 16th- and 17th-century wall hangings, Persian rugs, paintings and crockery. De Haar Castle is a favorite venue for all sorts of events such as concerts in the stately hall, drinks parties in the basement ,and torchlight processions through the park. Every Sunday (and Saturday during the summer) children can join in special guided tours which tell them all about the chivalrous exploits of knights and damsels in the Middle Ages and treat them to a few ghost stories into the bargain. Finish the day with a visit to the nearby restaurant 'De Vier Balken'.
Kasteellaan 1
3455 RR Haarzuilens
+31 (0)30 6773804
Open: 31 May to 22 August: Mondays to Fridays 11am-4pm, Saturdays and Sundays 1-4pm
http://www.kasteeldehaar.nl/

De Looier Antique Center - Amsterdam
The Jordaan is known as the haunt of 'true' Amsterdammers'... Hearsay? Perhaps! At all events, the small houses of the Jordaan are certainly popular among students and artists. And when you see the picturesque streets you'll understand why. Art galleries, old warehouses, restaurants, unusual stores and charming little courtyards ( the Jordaan is filled with them. But the area's greatest claim to fame stems from its antique and curio shops. Collectors will have a ball at De Looier Art and Antique Center (Elandsgracht 109) where they can browse for hours in 1750 square meters of indoor antique market.
Elandsgracht 109
1016 TT Amsterdam
+31 (0)20 6249038
Open: Daily 11am-5pm
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http://www.looier.nl/

Delft Blue pottery - Delft
Delft Blue pottery originated in the 17th century and soon became wello-known throughout Europe. Initially, production was limited to tiles and utensils bearing blue-and-white motifs. Later the merchandise became more colorful and the artists began to imitate Japanese and Chinese shapes and patterns to satisfy the oriental tastes of European customers. But typical Dutch scenes depicting windmills, ice-skaters and boats sailing under high bridges were also highly popular. At the Delft pottery factory De Koninklijke Porceleyne Fles, founded in 1653, the items are still hand-painted according to time-honored traditions.
Rotterdamseweg 196
2600 AA Delft
+31 (0)15 2569214
Open: 28 March to 18 October: Mondays to Saturdays 9am-5pm, Sundays 9.30am-5pm 18 October to 25 March: Mondays to Saturdays 9am-5pm
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http://www.royaldelft.nl/

Dolfinarium -Harderwijk
A day of fun and laughs! That's what awaits you at Harderwijk Dolfinarium, one of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands with its spectacular show of performing dolphins. Here, at Europe's largest marine animal park, you can enoy the antics of seals, sea lions, black orcas and the hilarious walrusses. Crabs, lobster and all sorts of fish swim in the natural environment of the 'Lagune', which contains some 15 million liters of real sea water. Five different types of ray and two types of shark are just dying to scare you at the Roggenrif. Finish off the day with a breath-taking tour on the S.O.S. Barracuda or a trip on a water-cycle at the park beach.
Strandboulevard Oost 1
3841 AB Harderwijk
+31 (0)341 467400 or +31 (0)341 467467
Open: 10am-6pm
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http://www.dolfinarium.nl/

Drielandenpunt (3-land point) - Vaals
You'll find the highest point in the Netherlands nearby Vaals. The spot is aptly named het Drielandenpunt because the borders of three different countries converge here: Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands. This is also the location of the Boudewijntoren which provides a fantastic panomramic view of Aken, the Eifel and, in the distance, Maastricht.
Gemmenicherweg 35 (Boudewijntoren)
6291BR Vaals
+31 (0)43 3061019
Open: 10am-7pm
http://www.drielandenpunt.nl/

Duinrell Theme Park - Wassenaar
Duinrell theme park lies amid the picturesque woods and dunes of Wassenaar and offers heaps of fun for young and old alike. So how about a ride on the thrilling toboggan course, the scary waltzer or the 'frog' roller-coaster? Tiny visitors will love the fairy-tale wonderland, not to mention the playground and the the puppet shows. The latest attraction is the laser show where laser, light and sound combine to form a spectacular and memorable performance. And there are plenty of restaurants should you feel like a bite to eat . If you want to repeat the experience then you can stop over at one of the many bungalows (don't forget to book in advance).
Duinrell 11
2242 JP Wassenaar
+31 (0)70 5155258
Open: April,7 to October,28 10am-5pm
http://www.duinrell.nl/

Groninger Museum - Groningen
Alessandro Mendini, the chief architect of the controversial Groninger Museum, has flouted conventionality yet again. Very soon a flamboyant train will ride through the Netherlands with an interior specially designed by Mendini. The Groninger Museum Train will run on Intercity routes for six whole years. And the best bit of all is that you can travel in it. Mendini drew his inspiration from Byzantine mosaics and Impressionist art. An unlikely combination which has delivered an exuberant celebration of color. During the trip you will get more information on the Groninger Museum.  

Hellendoorn Adventure Park - Hellendoorn
A musical performance by 23 larger-than-life electronic monkeys. Not exactly an everyday occurrence ( unless you're visiting Hellendoorn Adventure Park. Heaps of fun and excitement await you at this spectacular location where you can take a spooky ride in a subterranean big dipper, an enthralling trip through a Canadian rapids and a boat voyage across a desolate Indonesian landscape. Younger kids will love the carousels, the giant slide, the crazy mirrors and the play castle. And, if all this activity gives you an appetite then why not take some time-out at one of the many restaurants!  
Luttenbergerweg 22
7447 PB  Hellendoorn
+31 (0)548 655555
Open: 2 April to 31 October 10am-6pm
http://www.avonturenpark-hellendoorn.nl/

Kijkduin Fort - Huisduinen
Built upon the orders of none other than the Emperor Napoleon himself, Kijkduin Fort forms part of the fortifications around Den Helder. The fort has since been beautifully restored and was reopened by Crown Prince Willem-Alexander in 1996. The most sensational feature of the project is the subterranean sea aquarium ( the only one of its kind In Europe. Each tank has its own fascinating theme. You can see wonderfully overgrown wreckage from the North Sea in one tank and actually stroke the inhabitants of another. Is a starfish really as slimy as it looks? And what does a sea anemone do when you touch it? Experience the thrill of walking through the meters of glass tunnel. And if you go in the summer you can take a trip over the sea wall in the Jutter Express.  
Admiraal Verhuellplein 1
1783 AX  Den Helder
+31 (0)223 612366
Open: 10am-6pm Guided tours 11am, 1pm, 3pm
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http://www.fortkijkduin.nl/

Kinderdijk Windmills - Kinderdijk
The 19 windmills at Kinderdijk, perfectly situated in a typical Dutch polder landscape, are one of the prettiest sights in the Netherlands. You can view some of the mills from the inside, or you can admire the whole panorama from a distance if you take a round trip in a boat. The mills are in action on special Windmill Days in July and on Saturday afternoons in August. You won't forget the zoom of the colossal wind-driven sails.  
http://www.molens.nl/

Linnaeushof - Bennebroek
The Linnaeushof is the largest playground in Europe. The whole family will have the time of its life working its way through no fewer than 350 attractions. The super-duper slide, roundabouts, cable cars, the climbing wall, bounce-bikes and a spectacular water-play area with all sorts of gadgets guarantee a day brimmimg with fun and and action. Chidren love to climb along the suspension bridges and stand triumphant in the crow's nest. And if the weather is bad there's still plenty of enjoyment to be found in the covered playground with mini-cars and go-carts or in the play castle and the scary jungle. There is also plenty of amusement for tiny tots, who love to pedal round on the tricycles and play in the large sand enclosure. 
Rijksstraatweg 4
2121 AE  Bennebroek
+31 (0)23 5847624
Open: 31 March to 3 October 10am-6pm
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http://www.linnaeushof.nl/

Prehistoric tombs - Drenthe
If you are interested in prehistory you'll probably enjoy a visit to the megalithic grave monuments in Drenthe and Groningen. Drenthe boasts a grand total of 53 whilst Groningen has one (hunebed van Noordlaren). The largest example is situated near Borger. The boulders that were used to build it weigh over 20 tons.Restored monuments may be viewed in Emmen and Schoonoord. These prehistoric remains demonstrate that people lived in Drente as early as 3000 or 2000 B.C. The dead were buried along with tools, jewelry and eating utensils.  
Bronnegerstraat 12
9531 TG  Borger
+31 (0)599 236374
Open: 1 February to 30 December: Mondays to Fridays 10am-5pm, Saturdays and Sundays 1-5pm
http://members.home.nl/hunebedden/

National Park De Hoge Veluwe - Arnhem
This magnificent nature reserve (5400 hectares), the largest in the Netherlands, is the habitat of large herds of red deer, wild boar, moufflon and countless birds. Visitors can observe the rich wildlife from strategically positioned hides and observation posts. The area is also famous for rare species of flora comprising coniferous, birch, oak and beech forests, relieved by low-lying fens, heath and sand drifts.Bikes are available free of charge and there is a good network of cycle paths and footpaths. Picnicking is allowed almost everywhere. Here, you will also find the Kröller-Müller Museum, the Sculpture Garden with over 90 works by contemporary artists, and the St Hubertus hunting lodge.  
Apeldoornseweg 250
7351 TA  Hoenderloo
+31 (0)55 3788100
Open: November to March 9am-5pm, April 8am-8pm, May 8am-9pm, June to August 8am-10pm, September 9am-8pm, October 9am-5pm
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http://www.hogeveluwe.nl/

Nieuwe Waterweg - Rotterdam
It took a lot of hard work to make Rotterdam the largest port in the world. The Nieuwe Waterweg was laid in the 1860s after it became clear that the natural water courses were incapable of coping with the increasingly heavier ships.The new waterway stretched for 18 kilometers and provided faster connections with the sea. Afterwards more and more new harbors stared mushrooming in the area. On the left bank of the Nieuwe Waterweg lies the vast industrial area of the Europoort which was built between 1958 and 1975. You can watch the amazing activity that goes on here from a cruise boat. 
Willemsplein 85 (point of departure)
3016 DR  Rotterdam
+31 (0)10 2759988
Open: Day trip Delta works on Thursdays in July and August. Departure at 10.30 am and return at 5.30 pm. This cruise includes an extensive buffet lunch.
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http://www.spido.nl/