A halal-friendly travel guide in the Netherlands, Europe's most family-friendly country; from Amsterdam enchanting with its canals to the fairytale village of Giethoorn and modern Rotterdam.
The capital Amsterdam is an open-air museum with its canals (grachtengordel) and historical brick houses. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum are among the top places to visit in the city. Relaxing in Vondelpark and taking a canal tour are great activities for conservative families. There are places of worship in the city that fascinate with their architecture, such as the 'Western Mosque' (Westermoskee). Also, thanks to the city's cosmopolitan structure, it is possible to find halal doner, falafel, or Asian food on every corner.
Unlike the historical texture of Amsterdam, Rotterdam draws attention with its modern architecture. The famous 'Cube Houses' and Erasmus Bridge are the symbols of the city. Rotterdam also has one of the largest ports in Europe. The 'Rotterdam Mevlana Mosque' located in the city is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the Netherlands and greets from afar with its twin minarets. In the huge indoor market place called Markthal, you can taste halal and fresh foods from all over the world.
Imagine a place where there is no sound of cars, and transportation is provided only by boats and footbridges. Giethoorn resembles 'Hobbit Village' with its cute thatched-roof houses and lush nature. Renting an electric silent boat with your family and touring the canals, feeding the ducks, and enjoying nature will rest your soul. It is a perfect route for those who want to get away from the crowd and contemplate.
The Netherlands, the land of tulips, windmills, and bicycles, is one of the destinations where conservative families will be most comfortable in Europe. This country, where it is very easy to travel with a stroller thanks to its flat structure, is also one of the regions with the densest Muslim population in Europe. Thanks to this, you can easily find halal restaurants and mosques where you can worship in almost every city. On this route extending from the historical texture of Amsterdam to the silence of Giethoorn, you can have a holiday that is both cultural and relaxing with your family. Here are 5 tolerant and aesthetic cities free from Islamophobia that you should add to your list for your trip to the Netherlands.
The Hague, the administrative capital of the Netherlands, is home to magnificent structures such as the Peace Palace and the Parliament Building. However, the main attraction for families is the 'Madurodam' park, where the miniature version of the entire Netherlands is exhibited. Children can have a fun time seeing the symbols of the country together here. Also, the city's Scheveningen beach is great for taking long walks on the North Sea coast and getting fresh air.
Quieter than Amsterdam but just as beautiful, Utrecht is famous for its canals and wharf cellars. The Dom Tower, the symbol of the city, is the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. Utrecht is a very easy city to explore on foot. Most of the historical cellars by the canal serve as cafes and restaurants today; it is possible to find alcohol-free options here. Also, the Ulu Mosque (Ulu Moskee) in the city reflects the multicultural structure of the city with its presence in the square.
The Netherlands is not just a tourist trip, but also an opportunity to experience organized and peaceful city life. Boat tours on the canals, family picnics in the parks, and halal flavor options ranging from Turkish to Indonesian cuisine will make your holiday unforgettable. You can review alcohol-free hotel options in the Netherlands on HalalWorld.com and get detailed information about visas and transportation.
