Picture perfect Zaanse Schans
The picturesque village of Zaanse Schans is a reconstruction of a residential and working neighbourhood at the turn of the century. In this open-air museum you'll find many wooden houses, mills and warehouses from the 17th and 18th centuries. Altogether, the Zaanse Schans has nine mills including an oil mill and windmill. A boat tour leaves from the mustard mill for a trip around the mills and houses of the Zaanse Schans every hour. In addition, visitors can pay a visit to the bakery museum, the Netherlands Clock Museum, a clog maker or a cheese maker.

Aalsmeer flower auction
Get up early to see the centre of the world's flower industry in full action. 17 million flowers are sold and exported every day at the Aalsmeer Flower Auction. You can watch from a vantage point, including English language tours.

Ride the Medemblik steam train
The local Medemblik people are well used to the steam train loudly chugging past, clouds of steam in its wake. The train dates from 1926 and leaves from Hoorn to Medemblik daily. Making its way through the magnificent and stately landscape, it's a great way to explore this part of Noord Holland. On arrival in Medemblik you can explore the historic city or travel further to Enkhuizen onboard a saloon-steamer to discover more about Holland's nautical past. Please note that the steam train doesn't run on Mondays in May, June, September and October (with the exception of May 31).

Cape Holland in Den Helder
Holland's newest attraction park in Den Helder, features a replica of the 'Prins Willem' - the East India Shipping Company's largest vessel. On top of this it hosts several nautical attractions and interactive exhibitions for the whole family. The largest mega-cinema in Noord Holland is also situated here.

Muiderslot Castle
A mere twenty minutes from Amsterdam, you find the mighty Muiderslot castle, in the fortified town of Muiden. Built in 1280 by Count Floris the Fifth, its original furniture and paintings will tell you all about life during the Dutch Golden Age.

Race circuit Zandvoort
Racing aficionados will most likely want to visit the famous race circuit of Zandvoort. Since 1948, this unique race track situated in the dunes of this small seaside resort has hosted many international battles between leading racing teams.

De Bazaar - Beverwijk
With more than three thousand stalls and shop units, the Bazaar is Europe's largest indoor market. And not just any market, but a veritable melting pot of wonderful smells and colours. Open all year round on Saturdays and Sundays.