My favorite places in the Netherlands as an international student
Having been in the Netherlands as an international student for one year, I have had the opportunity to visit various places in the country to explore its culture, beauty and innovations. The four places that turned out to be my favorite spots are: Keukenhof garden, Madurodam, port of Rotterdam and the vibrant Delft canals. These places give a unique touch and added to my experience as a student in the Netherlands.
Keukenhof Botanical Garden: Spring is here
Keukenhof in Lisse is known as one of the world’s largest flower gardens. It is a must-visit destination in the spring, when various bulbs blooms into colorful flowers. From tulips to hyacinths, the garden offers a vibrant floral display that stretches across acres of land.
My visit to Keukenhof was an amazing experience which came with an introduction to a central piece of Dutch culture. I spent hours with friends from school, wandering through themed gardens that took me back to maze running, taking photos, and enjoying the scenic view of water and indoor flowery gardens with some photo booths. For a student like me, balancing studies and exploration, Keukenhof offers a perfect spring getaway and a chance to unwind, take in the beauty, and soak up something new.
Madurodam: The Netherlands in miniature
The miniature park called Madurodam, located in The Hague, recreates Dutch landmarks, giving visitors a chance to see the country in a day. As an international student, Madurodam gave me an easy way to visit and revisit places to grasp the complete structures, and getting an idea of where my next destination should be. From the Rijksmuseum to the traditional Dutch windmills and even Schiphol Airport, each model was impressively detailed, providing an immersive experience for all ages. I especially enjoyed the house of paintings, the interactive models of the Port of Rotterdam, and the Amsterdam canals.
The port of Rotterdam: Innovation powerhouse
The Port of Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe. During my visit, I found that the port was packed with shipping containers, massive cranes, and cargo ships from different countries. It was truly fascinating to see no human interventions, as most work was remotely controlled, thanks to technology and innovation. This is the centre piece of Dutch economy. Having a closer look during my harbor tour, I was blown away by the scale and efficiency of handling all the high-tech terminals that handle millions of containers and tugboats guiding massive ships.
Delft canals: Reflection and History
Studying in Delft, I relished the structural view blending in with the Delft canals. This offered me a view of historic building yet calming atmosphere for an evening walk along the water edge. I also love to visit the town squire where you will find a magical view of the new church and colorful Dutch houses. Market days were my go to, to enjoy the fish delicacies and walking along the stalls selling local cheese, flowers, and antiques. Delft feels like a real-life postcard, and it’s a great place to escape the pace of big-city life.
