MIKE AND JESS' TRAVEL DIARY
Netherlands and West Germany Trip
About our trip to the Netherlands and West Germany
We wanted the transportation part of this trip to be easier than the last- using trains to get around instead of having to drive and being able to get to both destinations by train instead of flight. Amsterdam and the Netherlands were high on our “must-go” list, but it was important for us not to go near peak tourist season, in hopes we would be able to escape the crowds. We were also craving some holiday cheer. We had been to Christmas Markets in Bavaria many years ago, and were excited at the idea of exploring more in a different region of Germany. So, this trip took shape. Visit the Netherlands in winter and explore Christmas markets in West Germany!
The Netherlands
When: December 2023
Why: Amsterdam has always been a city on our list to visit for the unique architecture and canals! We had heard great things about The Hague, as well!
How Long: 1 week
Most surprised us: How much we liked the city! That sounds silly since we have wanted to visit for so long, but were worried it was overhyped by the travel community and our imaginations. But it is now our favorite European city to walk around in! And the fresh stroopwafels were INCREDIBLE!
Most disappointed us: Probably the food. We mostly ate international food because we did not find a ton of Dutch restaurants When we did get Dutch food it was…interesting. (excluding the Strropwafels as just mentioned) We expected a bit better food (especially because we never ate in the main tourist areas) for such a popular city.
Would we do it again: Absolutely. Now that we have seen the city in winter, when there are few enough crowds we were able to squeeze into the traditional pubs that only had 15 seats, we want to see it in Spring or Summer. This would be a great couple-day-layover option. Also, we would love to rent a car and see the rest of the country!
Would we recommend it: Yes! For our tastes, we would recommend staying out of the center of town if visiting Amsterdam and instead booking in the Jordaan district. The trams are so easy to take and you can get anywhere in the city in a matter of minutes, so there’s no need to stay in the congested center. It is one of the most beautiful, walkable, and romantic cities we have been to! The Hague was a great shopping destination and we loved the day market!
West Germany
When: December 2023
Why: We needed to have more German Christmas Markets in our lives! We wanted an area that was close to the Netherlands.
How Long: 1 week
Most surprised us: We really liked Dusseldorf and would return again. The Cologne Christmas markets were SO GOOD and Heidelberg was straight out of a Christmas Hallmark movie.
Most disappointed us: Getting sick. 🙁 Otherwise, we did not like Frankfurt.
Would we do it again: If we had the chance, we would go to Dusseldorf again. If in the area around winter, we would go to the Cologne Christmas markets again as well. And, of course, we would go to another football match!
Would we recommend it: If you are looking for the fairytale Christmas market experience and want to visit numerous German cities, I would choose Bavaria. There are more cities with the old architecture that is a gorgeous backdrop for the markets. If you only want to go to one city with Christmas markets, go to Cologne!