The Netherlands

View other editions of The Netherlands.
View books by Ryan ver Berkmoes, Jeremy Gray.

Stellar effort - Rated
As a long time resident of Amsterdam I was expecting to trash this book. I must say though, after a thorough read through, that I was pleasantly surprised. The authors' take on some of the finer points of Dutch politics, society and the environment rang true, though I do see some evidence of the new Lonely Planet that doesn't always sit with me (not always for the young, trendy and single reader, as a previous reviewer mooted, but too much hype). That said, breadth and depth is excellent in this guide and I'm prepared to put up with a bit of hype if it's reasonable insightful and takes me to the right places!

"useful" is more important than "beautiful" - Rated
When going out for a visit, you don't really need the beautiful pictures in a travel book as long as carrying camera with you, but information (e.g., maps and guide). A few pictures would be good to increase the interest of going around but no more than tips. That's why this book is good and, most of all, useful.

Mistake - Rated
Bought this before a family holiday to the Netherlands. Authors appear to be very young trendy and single. Sneered at anything remotely touristy or family oriented.It assumes that you are single , travel everywhere by public transport and are only interested in museums and brown cafes.
If you are taking children on a holiday this is the wrong book to buy,I got more useful information from the ferry company website.

A guide to the Flat Land - Rated
Another important addition to the bookshelf for any person who wishes to explore a country without the charter holiday syndrome. Find all the best places to stay, eat and party listed with comprehensive reviews, maps and information. Whether it is just a weekend in Amsterdam or a month through the bulbfields, this will be required reading