2 Unique Gems in the Netherlands: Unforgettable Bolwoningen and Rotterdam Day Trip
A Drive To See A Well-Hidden Gem
While making the itinerary for our trip to the Netherlands in July 2026, I came across a hidden gem called the Bolwoningen. I was intrigued by how fascinating they looked, so I knew we had to go and check them out in person. We decided to combine our visit with a stop in Rotterdam, where we hoped to explore local mosques and enjoy Halal Japanese cuisine at Maruki. Here is how our day unfolded.
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Arriving at Bolwoningen
- Via Train or Bus: The Bolwoningen are located in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch), easily reached by rail or bus from major cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, or Eindhoven. To check schedules and book your tickets, use the Busbud platform here.
- Via Flight: Fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol to experience the stunning spherical houses. To find the best deals on airfare, search and book your flights here.
Getting Around and Staying in Netherlands
- Going Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
- Stay Connected: To navigate the city like a local and share your photos in real time, we recommend getting an eSIM. Pick the option that suits your needs:
- We recommend Airalo for a budget-friendly and basic plan. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim is our top-pick for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Where to Stay: To make the most of your trip, I recommend booking one of these hotels.
Exploring the Bolwoningen in ‘s-Hertogenbosch
We drove directly to the Bolwoningen neighborhood in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch). Why did we choose the Bolwoningen? Having taken more than ten trips to the Netherlands over the years, we have already explored most of the major tourist attractions. I was actively searching for unique hidden gems when these spherical houses caught my attention.
What makes these houses so unusual is that they are actual residential homes where people live every day. This spot was so off the beaten track that even a few locals we spoke with had no idea what we were talking about!
When we drove into the neighborhood, it was remarkably peaceful and quiet. We walked around the structures, which were constructed into smooth, striking spheres. It felt picture perfect. Right next to the houses, there is a stunning body of water surrounded by greenery. Overall, it is a thoughtful architectural layout.
If you decide to visit, please remember that this is a residential neighborhood. Be mindful, keep noise levels low, and respect the privacy of the people living in the area.
Moving On to Rotterdam: Architecture, Mosques, and Halal Dining
From the Bolwoningen, we drove onward to Rotterdam. Interestingly enough, during our drive through the city, we passed right by the iconic Cube Houses that we had visited years ago, as well as the famous Euromast tower.
Rotterdam is a city we genuinely love. It is one of the most Muslim-friendly cities in the Netherlands, and we make a point to visit at least once every year to enjoy the local halal food scene. This year, we decided to visit two major mosques in the city before dinner.
Mevlana Mosque
We started with Mevlana Mosque. This is an impressive Turkish mosque that features generous space for both men and women. The complex is beautifully designed and includes community entertainment areas, lecture halls, and much more. It was truly a serene and stunning space to visit.
Essalam Mosque
Our second stop was Essalam Mosque. This was another beautiful mosque with plenty of space for worshippers. Visiting both mosques was a wonderful and fulfilling experience before we continued on to our dinner plans.
Dinner followed by a Surprise
All in all, we were thrilled to visit these mosques before heading over to Maruki Rotterdam for dinner. Maruki offers fantastic Halal Japanese food. The food was delicious as usual, and we ended up ordering far more than we needed! To read our full review of Maruki, visit our Netherlands Halal food blog post.
Unfortunately, on our way back to the car, we discovered that someone had hit our vehicle and driven off without leaving a note. Mehran went around asking all the nearby shop owners if they could check their CCTV footage to see who hit us. Luckily, we managed to find the footage! We then had to head straight to the police station to file an official report. The police officers were kind enough to schedule an appointment for us on the spot since we weren’t Dutch residents and had to leave for Switzerland in a few days, but filing the report still took over an hour.
By the time we finally arrived home, it was almost midnight, and we were all completely overstimulated and exhausted.
Final Remarks
This was a day planned well. It started with the stunning Bolwoningen. Then a trip to Rotterdam with a visit to mosques and delicious food. While it ended on a bad taste, we still went home with a lot of good memories.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Bolwoningen in the Netherlands?
The Bolwoningen are a cluster of 50 experimental, spherical homes located in ‘s-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch), designed by architect Dries Kreijkamp in the 1980s. They are full-fledged residential houses perched on cylindrical bases next to a scenic canal.
Can you go inside the Bolwoningen houses?
Because the Bolwoningen are private residential homes, the interiors are not open to the general public as a museum. Visitors can walk through the public pathways in the neighborhood and view them from the outside.
Is Rotterdam a good destination for Halal food?
Yes, Rotterdam is one of the most Muslim-friendly cities in Western Europe. It offers a wide range of certified halal dining options, ranging from Turkish grills and Moroccan cafes to Halal-certified Japanese restaurants like Maruki.
