Amsterdam

April 17, 2019

10 best attractions in Amsterdam

1. Dam Square and Royal Palace

Dam Square is a popular public square of Amsterdam. It’s centrally located next to the Royal Palace and with a National monument on the other side. There are many attractions around this area and hence its often crowded. Dam square is an important city center.

2. Van Gogh Museum

Its beautiful design will make you notice it from far. Van Gogh Museum is one of the first spots of art and history lovers. Showcasing paintings, artwork by Van Gogh. It also has many artifacts and documents showcased.

3. Rijksmuseum

It’s the National Museum of Dutch history and contains a large collection of it. Museum has a huge complex building with many rooms. Walk past it to reach the famous I Amsterdam sign. which is most of the time packed of people hanging on it.

4. Anne Frank House

Anne Frank’s House in Amsterdam is another popular attraction. Next to one of the canals and Westerkerk, Old protestant church. Do check timing and pre-book when possible before visiting Anne Frank House to avoid disappointment.

5. Vondelpark

It’s one of the biggest city parks in Amsterdam. Park has many attractions in it. Greens and lakes, playgrounds and amphitheater. It’s a good hangout place and hence one of the most visited spots in the city.

6. Heineken Experience

It’s the place of Heineken’s first brewery in Amsterdam city. But due to high demand, it was closed in 1988 and became an interactive experience for visitors. you can discover the beer making process of Heineken, a tasting room and history of the company. Get yourself a glass of beer from the company itself.

7. Red Light District

It’s one of the most unique neighborhoods in Amsterdam, and hence it’s a popular spot. Take a walk here to experience its surprises. There are a Red-Light Secrets in the neighborhood as well, which is a Museum of Prostitution. Visitors can experience behind the scenes of the secrets of the profession. You can watch a documentary about its history and more than what it is now. Of course, you should be over 18.

8. NEMO Science Museum

NEMO is a Science Museum in Amsterdam. Visitors can enjoy and experience science and technology here. There are many activities, science films, workshops, laboratories, and many interactive things. This place is a good option for kids, they will love it. The building can be easily spotted in green sloping façade in the Oosterdok near Centraal Station.

9. ARTIS Zoo

ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo is a first Zoo established in the Netherlands. Zoo has a wide verity of animals and trees here. Smoke-free zone has an environment from Savannah to wetlands. ARTIS also have a Planetarium, and a Micropia (microscopic world) in the complex as well.

10. Waterlooplein flea market

It’s Amsterdam’s oldest and one of the largest flea market. Features around 300 vendors in Amsterdam’s Jewish quarter. It’s a good place mix with locals and also spends some time exploring what sells here. The market is open 6 days a week and closed on Sundays.

Picture credits: Cover, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

March 6, 2019

7 Best Cities to Visit in the Netherlands

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a Capital city of Netherlands, and it is up to the mark with its unique identity. Amazing architecture, canals and bridges, also its nightlife and discipline will surely make a mark on your trip experience. Rijksmuseum contains large collection of Dutch history and arts. Van Gogh Museum, Famous Anne Frank Huis and furthermore places to explore.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the second largest city in the Netherlands. It is also one of the biggest and busiest port in the world. It was a fishing village in the 13th century, but Rotterdam grown to become a modern city today. The city has it’s unique futuristic and innovative architecture. So, it brings many visitors to the city. People like to bike around Rotterdam and its lively streets. Rotterdam has great museums, cultural charms, and also amazing drinking and dining spots.

The Hauge

The Hague is the former capital of the Netherlands, and it lies on the North Sea coast. The city is also residence to the United Nation’s International Court of Justice in The Peace Palace, which is an international law administrative building. Another attraction is The Binnenhof complex. It has the office of the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. The Hague is lively city, it has many monuments, wide sandy beaches and even more attractions for everyone.

Groningen

Groningen brags numerous historic buildings. The city center is perfect for shopping. It has countless shops, antiques, boutiques, amazing restaurants and even more. There is a vibrant arts and culture part in the city. It has prominent students’ population which balance city with many cheap restaurants and a lot of good bars as well as lively atmosphere and nightlife.

Maastricht

Maastricht is the southern city of the Netherlands. It lies of the banks of Meuse. City is rich in history, culture and its medieval architecture. A lively atmosphere and a mixture of culture by its location being close to Germany and Belgium. Maastricht is a lovely city to visit. It has beautiful shopping streets, distinct museums and some great restaurants.

Utrecht

Utrecht is also a city of canals, just like Amsterdam. The city is built around the Dom tower, a 95-meter-high tower gives citywide views. It’s the tower of the Gothic Cathedral of Saint Martin. Church is next to Utrecht university in the city center. The city center is small enough to explore on foot easily. But the whole area is alive and happening. A distinctive feature in its central canals is the wharf system. Its lovely canals have astonishing wharf cellars cafés and terraces by the canals. The city has many cool cafes, restaurants, eateries and much more.

Leiden

Leiden is somewhere in between The Hague and Amsterdam. This small and beautiful city has many canals, like Amsterdam. Its popular for its architecture and University. For those excited about Dutch windmills, there is a working windmill in the city center. Rijksmuseum van Oudheden has good Egyptian and roman collection of artifacts.

March 2, 2019

10 Best Cities to Visit in Europe

Rome

Rome has historical treasures. As a result, the city is often flooded with tourists in summers. Rome is filled with history and architecture from its Ancient Roman period. Rome grown on the banks of river Tiber. The city also has Residence of Pope and Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City. Some of the other attractions are Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi fountain, Pantheon. There are many beautiful churches in the eternal city.

Paris

Paris is always been among the most visited city in Europe. French capital has its popular everchanging fashion, French cuisine, historic monuments. Some attractions are such as Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame Cathedral and more. Paris also hosts famous sports events such as Tour de France and French Open.

Venice

Grand canal flows through the city. It is the biggest canal of Venice. St Mark’s square is the central city square and always busy with tourists around it. In the center, Basilica di San Marco and Campanile di San Marco stand as a landmark and main attractions. Other than that, Church of San Giorgio Maggiore on the island opposite of it, Rialto bridge and many others. Venice also hosts Biennale di Venezia.

Barcelona

Barcelona is the capital city of Catalunya. It is one of the most visited cities in Spain. City has beautiful beaches on Mediterranean Sea in the east, and hills on the west. Barcelona is famous for Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia church and also for Football Club Barcelona. Furthermore, it has many Gothic style buildings, and contemporary architecture with beautiful landscape.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a Capital city of Netherlands is up to the mark with its unique identity. Amazing architecture, canals, and bridges, nightlife and discipline will surely make a mark on your trip experience. Rijksmuseum contains large collection of Dutch history and arts. Van Gogh Museum, Famous Anne Frank Huis and much more places to explore.

Berlin

German Capital has intensive history. Berlin was most effected during world war, resulting its partition. Berlin has many locations showcasing remains of Berlin wall. East side gallery is most important one. There are murals painted on the wall remains and displayed on a sidewalk along the river.

Berlin has many attractions for visitors. Glass dome on the top of Reichstag building, Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Memorial, Museum island among others. Observation deck on the top of Berlin’s Tv tower is spectacular.

Prague

Prague is very colorful and beautiful city. Charles Bridge is the one of the main attractions in the city. Its connecting old town to castle. Old town square is one of the centers of the city. The square is in the historic old city area. This part of the city is always lively, with beautiful buildings around it. Prague castle complex lies on the hill overlooking the city, it’s one of the biggest castle complexes. The castle is the office of the president of Czech Republic. Food and beer is often suggested as must try in Prague.

Vienna

Vienna is the capital of Austria and the biggest city in the country. It’s among the most beautiful cities in the world. Vienna developed itself on the banks of Danube river, and under the influence of imperial capital of Hapsburg empire. The city is also acknowledged for its Imperial palaces, like Schönbrunn.

Most of the city is on the west side of the Danube, it has always been a center of culture and art; theatre and opera are still vibrant in the city. Beautiful streets with remarkable architecture and historical public and government buildings are lying in the central district of Vienna known as Innere Stadt and a ring road is following it to the canal. Vienna is a big city and it has many attractions for visitors everywhere.

Athens

The Ancient Greek city grown up to become of the best travelling destinations in the world. Parthenon, Temple of Athena, Acropolis, Theatre of Dionysus among other ancient ruins are on the hill rising up in the center of the city. Contemporary city has its cuisine and culture very vibrant. Athens is a big city and homes a large percentage of Greece population. There are many fantastic restaurants, cafés and bars. City has its lively nightlife too.

Milan

Milan is known as the fashion capital of the world. It is the capital city of Lombardy region of north Italy. Milan is financial hub of the country, it has many restaurants and verities of shops. Milan is undeniably a place for shopping. Via Montenapoleone, Via Dente, Via Torino, Corso Buenos Aires are the few to name.

Piazza del Duomo is the main city square, facing cathedral of Milan, known as Duomo is always lively throughout the day. Along with that there are many beautiful buildings in Milan including Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” in the church Santa Maria delle Grazie. The city was damaged heavily during world war and since then Milan has developed to become one of the world leaders in finance.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - Friends Traveller — *Milan*

December 4, 2017

City in a day: Amsterdam

If you are visiting a city for 24 hrs or just for the daylight, are you staying here the night or have a flight layover. Friends Traveller will suggest you few of the best options.

Things to Remember

Amsterdam is European country part of Euro Zone and Schengen Zone. Which means no border control if you having Schengen visa, and currency is euro. Amsterdam is often cold so do pack some warm clothes even during summers.

Entry and Exit Points

It’s very important to mark locations for short visit to the city. Amsterdam Centraal is a good entry point in the city, If you are coming from Airport or Bus, Trains will drop you here. From the airport, it will cost you 4.2 euro and if you are coming from Sloterdijk(Bus Stop/Train/Metro) it will cost you 2.9 euro single ticket.

Amsterdam Centraal Station has Luggage store, keep your bag there and start running around the city.

Amsterdam centraal - friends traveller — Amsterdam Centraal

Decide on how to move

Amsterdam gives you 3 options

Use public transport: A day passes for 7.5 euro valid 24hrs in Buses, Tram, Metro, Ferries. It is recommended if you are on tight schedule. Public transport in Amsterdam is very good and Centraal is a major node. Take a free map from GVB office
Use Cycle: Bike on rent available at many spots in the city for 5-20 euros depending on hrs of use and varies between providers. although finding bike parking spot can be a hassle at few places and on packed months
Walk and explore: Walking is the best option to explore a city and is free of cost, Please avoid to walk on bicycle tracks in the city which are clearly marked everywhere.

Places to see

Museums

Museums can take a lot of your time so if better avoid it unless you just want to visit one. although some places are worth visit but not necessary to go inside.

Rijksmuseum This museum contains a large collection of Dutch history and art. reach directly from Station by Tram 1,2, 5, 25 or bus 170, 172

Walk past it to reach famous I Amsterdam sign. which is most of the time full of people hanging on it. You have to make your way to get a picture for Instagram. this place has free entry

Look around, from the sign and you will find Van Gogh Museum. A large collection of paintings By Vincent Van Gogh.

Anne Frank House: Famous Anne Frank Huis can be reached by Tram 13, 17 and bus 170, 172. Pre-booking is important if you are visiting before 3 pm, after that you can buy a ticket on the spot. do remember of ticket lines

beside these few more can also interest likes of NEMO, EYE Flimmueseum (Ferry from Centraal),

Places of interest

Amsterdam Centraal Station is more than transport node, it has many restaurants and supermarkets.

Royal Palace is a landmark of Dutch history, it is at Dam square and open to public

Dam Square is a popular public square of the city. there is a National monument, Royal Palace, and shopping streets around it.

Waterlooplein flea market is one of the biggest flea markets with hundreds of shops, this market is closed on Sundays.

City Hall and Amsterdam theatre is just behind the flea market

Red Light District is one of the major locations in the old town of Amsterdam. Do not take pictures here or open your camera.

ARTIS Royal Zoo is close to another I Amsterdam sign, and Tropenmuseum which is also 2 mins walk from Oosterpark,

There are many museums, theatre, and cinema around the city, you can take an Amsterdam City Card for easy entry for most museums. But Friends Traveller recommends you to take a walk around the old city center. Where beautiful canals, markets and narrow streets of Amsterdam will make an impression on your memory.

While in Amsterdam, do try Dutch beer, amazing cheese, and Stroopwafel.

The smell of cannabis on the street is very common, one of the reasons how Amsterdam works well is a good discipline in citizens. make sure to be part of it and give this city all the respect

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