I stumbled upon an interesting infographic online by jaloezieen fabriek that shows a comparison between London and Amsterdam. I am often asked how to decide between these two cities when planning a trip so felt it was a great way to answer that ever present question!
Visiting these two cities that are steeped in history and rich culture with stunning architecture is a great way of spending your trip time and a great choice to visit both of them. I visited them both on a trip to Western Europe years ago and honestly couldn't pick between the 2 as they both are so wonderful in their own ways.
London can be considered an exciting city ,the capital of England and the United Kingdom.
It is placed on the River Thames and was founded by the Romans. There are the famous landmarks to visit the Tower of London, the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, Greenwich the historic settlement, Buckingham Palace, St Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye and Trafalgar Square and many many more but you get the point....plenty to do!
London is the heart of numerous museums,galleries,cultural institutions with a vibrant and diverse social life and it is considered the most progressive city in the world. You'll be blown away of how beautiful the city is.
Amsterdam is a popular touristic attraction with rich architectural history , the home of hundreds of kilometres of canals offering a really unique area to bicycle or take a long stroll. It has lots of parks and open spaces the home of fascinating museums located on the Museumplein. Amsterdam offers a bit of everything; culture,history,nightlife, cafes, markets and plenty of beer, the perfect combination for an unforgettable trip.
London can be considered an exciting city ,the capital of England and the United Kingdom.
It is placed on the River Thames and was founded by the Romans. There are the famous landmarks to visit the Tower of London, the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, Greenwich the historic settlement, Buckingham Palace, St Paul's Cathedral, the London Eye and Trafalgar Square and many many more but you get the point....plenty to do!
London is the heart of numerous museums,galleries,cultural institutions with a vibrant and diverse social life and it is considered the most progressive city in the world. You'll be blown away of how beautiful the city is.
Amsterdam is a popular touristic attraction with rich architectural history , the home of hundreds of kilometres of canals offering a really unique area to bicycle or take a long stroll. It has lots of parks and open spaces the home of fascinating museums located on the Museumplein. Amsterdam offers a bit of everything; culture,history,nightlife, cafes, markets and plenty of beer, the perfect combination for an unforgettable trip.
If you're planning a trip to Europe, visiting some of the continent's many art museums is a necessity. There's nothing more rewarding than absorbing the places where many of the world's best art is on exhibit. Cheap flights and trains make travel easy; don't limit yourself to one place.
Vatican City - Rome, Italy
If you have the time, a sense of adventure, and a love of art, check out a few of the best museums in Europe.
The Louvre - Paris, France
The Louvre - Paris, France
The Louvre is perhaps the most well-known art museum in the world for a reason. Even though it seems like an overly touristy destination, it's well worth it. The museum contains incredible art from various eras, including paintings, sculptures, and unbelievable architecture. Artists include Da Vinci, Matisse, Warhol, and many others. There are over 50,000 pieces in the museum; thus, you could walk around for days without seeing everything. In fact the whole building itself is a work of art and in many rooms I found the walls and ceiling to be as impressive as the artwork on the walls. If you plan to see everything, make sure you book a hotel room in Paris near the museum so you don't wear yourself out before getting there.
The Dali Theater and Museum - Catalonia, Spain
Surrealism is still one of the oddest periods in art history. If you're a fan of the bizarre, then there's no way to resist the Dali Theater and Museum, which houses the largest collection of Dali's art in the world. Not only are there famous paintings, such as the "Basket of Bread" and the "Galatea of the Spheres," there is also jewelry, optical illusions, and even a room where all of the furniture is on the ceiling. Dali's house is also available, so you can see how the artist lived.
Vatican City - Rome, Italy
The Vatican is amazing, pure and simple. The entire city is a work of art. While trying to see all the art in a city seems difficult, Vatican City is only 0.2 square miles, making it easily walkable. Most of the art is the result of the collections of popes throughout the past 600 years, including nearly all of the buildings. Check out the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Cathedral to see some of the most magnificent buildings ever created. Without a doubt, Vatican City is one of those trips that leaves a life-long impact.
Van Gogh Museum - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Van Gogh Museum - Amsterdam, Netherlands
You can't go into most people's homes or student's dorm rooms without seeing "Starry Night." This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Van Gogh. After walking through the eclectic streets of Amsterdam and doing some people-watching, you'll find that the Van Gogh Museum is the best addition to the trip. See many of his famous works, as well as those by some of his contemporaries. You'll be blown away, albeit probably not enough to cut off your own ear.
The sheer amount of art throughout Europe is truly amazing, and it's something that everyone needs to experience at least once in a lifetime. Even if you don't fancy yourself an art lover, seeing something in the flesh that you've only seen in pictures is something shouldn't be overlooked.
The sheer amount of art throughout Europe is truly amazing, and it's something that everyone needs to experience at least once in a lifetime. Even if you don't fancy yourself an art lover, seeing something in the flesh that you've only seen in pictures is something shouldn't be overlooked.
Have you visited any of these museums? Which one was your favorite and why? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Amsterdam is commonly known for its red light district but after visiting the city I can tell you it is so much more. It is an extremely family friendly city full of fascinating, historical, and beautiful sites.
There are so many ways to experience it all from Amsterdam canal cruise holidays to Heineken brewery tours to tulip festivals just outside the town center. The timing of your trip will help to dictate what you see as Amsterdam can get quite cold and quite rainy at certain times of the year. Plan the timing according to your tastes and be sure to visit one of the must see spots listed below.
Anne Frank House
The Netherlands seems so idyllic and peaceful but not so long ago that was not the case. Even Amsterdam was effected by the horrors of World War 2. You will find many WW2 memorials throughout the city such as; Dutch National Monument, Homomonument, and numerous museums dedicated to the remembrance of those effected by the war.
The Anne Frank house is one of those museums and is one of the most touching places I have ever visited. Here you can explore the secret area that Anne lived out the last few years of her life in and where she wrote in her famous diary. It is a real testament to the desire to survive when you witness for yourself how cramped the area was and then envision what it must have been like for Anne and the 6 other people she shared the space with. No matter what the age of the visitor it will be hard to leave this house unmoved by what they see.
Tip: Read the diary together before you visit for an added bond to the entire experience!
Canal tour
One of the things about Amsterdam that stands out as the city's most beautiful and unique aspect is the intricate canal system throughout the city. Originally set up for defense and transportation these picturesque canals are now a UNESCO world heritage site. When the advent of cars came about a huge portion of canals were filled in to make way for the roads you will see now, but 165 historic canals were retained.
There are numerous ways to enjoy the canal but taking a boat trip to relax and enjoy the architecture that lines the canal belt will surely be your best bet. There are many different types of tours possible from simple 1 hour jaunts to a more expansive luxury cruise for days. You can even rent a house boat and stay on that rather than stay in a hotel!
Tip: If you can take a cruise in the evening. The city is absolutely charming with the canals all lit up!
Red Light district
Also known as De Wallen, the red light district is famous throughout the world. It is a small area of the city that basically sums up the tolerant attitude that the Dutch are known for. If for no other reason I think it is a must see to witness first hand what the fuss is all about. Honestly it was quite a bit more placid than I was expecting and just seemed to blended in.
Many people may not want to expose their children to these things but sex and drugs are a part of the real world and it seems to me a great spot to introduce the concept and have frank discussions about it. For a more behind the scenes historical look you can tour the area with a former sex worker. I have not taken the tour but I have heard it is very interesting.
You will see sex workers ready for a night of work and yes they are scantily clad. You will also see and witness drugs of all sorts. The coffee shops can and do sell marijuana and cannabis products. It is totally legal for them to do so and also legal for you to partake. The shops are fabulously chill places to meet and engage with many different types of people.
Be warned prostitution and drugs are not contained behind the shops and glass windows so if it is something you cannot tolerate stay away.
Tip: Head out in the evening sans children to one of the many "coffee" houses or stop in and watch a sex show if you are so inclined. Be sure to look for the "pimp free zone" stickers to know that who you are watching has not been forced or coerced into the trade.
Windmills and Tulips
After the red light district the next thing I think of is windmills and tulips when Amsterdam enters my mind. If you time it right Amsterdam, or the small towns just outside the city, can be a total explosion of colorful tulips with the quintessential backdrop of windmills, common in the Netherlands. In fact anytime of year will be lovely with or without the tulips.
You don't have to leave the city center to see windmills. There are 8 located around the city. Seeing them out in the countryside though gives it a much more authentic feel. To see a range of windmills, take a day trip from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans, a kind of open-air museum just outside Amsterdam where many authentic old houses, shops and windmills have been reconstructed.
Tip: The huge, colorful tulip fields are outside Amsterdam, in and near the town of Lisse. For optimal viewing times do your research because depending on the winter weather the dates will vary year to year. Typically though anytime in March is a good bet!
So as you can see Amsterdam has so much to offer. I didn't even scratch the surface with this list. Day trips alone could keep you pleasantly busy for weeks. Do yourself a favor next time you are in Europe and head over to the Netherlands!
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Anne Frank House
The Netherlands seems so idyllic and peaceful but not so long ago that was not the case. Even Amsterdam was effected by the horrors of World War 2. You will find many WW2 memorials throughout the city such as; Dutch National Monument, Homomonument, and numerous museums dedicated to the remembrance of those effected by the war.
The Anne Frank house is one of those museums and is one of the most touching places I have ever visited. Here you can explore the secret area that Anne lived out the last few years of her life in and where she wrote in her famous diary. It is a real testament to the desire to survive when you witness for yourself how cramped the area was and then envision what it must have been like for Anne and the 6 other people she shared the space with. No matter what the age of the visitor it will be hard to leave this house unmoved by what they see.
Tip: Read the diary together before you visit for an added bond to the entire experience!
Canal tour
 |
| Wiki |
There are numerous ways to enjoy the canal but taking a boat trip to relax and enjoy the architecture that lines the canal belt will surely be your best bet. There are many different types of tours possible from simple 1 hour jaunts to a more expansive luxury cruise for days. You can even rent a house boat and stay on that rather than stay in a hotel!
Tip: If you can take a cruise in the evening. The city is absolutely charming with the canals all lit up!
Red Light district
Also known as De Wallen, the red light district is famous throughout the world. It is a small area of the city that basically sums up the tolerant attitude that the Dutch are known for. If for no other reason I think it is a must see to witness first hand what the fuss is all about. Honestly it was quite a bit more placid than I was expecting and just seemed to blended in.
Many people may not want to expose their children to these things but sex and drugs are a part of the real world and it seems to me a great spot to introduce the concept and have frank discussions about it. For a more behind the scenes historical look you can tour the area with a former sex worker. I have not taken the tour but I have heard it is very interesting.
You will see sex workers ready for a night of work and yes they are scantily clad. You will also see and witness drugs of all sorts. The coffee shops can and do sell marijuana and cannabis products. It is totally legal for them to do so and also legal for you to partake. The shops are fabulously chill places to meet and engage with many different types of people.
Be warned prostitution and drugs are not contained behind the shops and glass windows so if it is something you cannot tolerate stay away.
Tip: Head out in the evening sans children to one of the many "coffee" houses or stop in and watch a sex show if you are so inclined. Be sure to look for the "pimp free zone" stickers to know that who you are watching has not been forced or coerced into the trade.
Windmills and Tulips
 |
| Wiki |
You don't have to leave the city center to see windmills. There are 8 located around the city. Seeing them out in the countryside though gives it a much more authentic feel. To see a range of windmills, take a day trip from Amsterdam to the Zaanse Schans, a kind of open-air museum just outside Amsterdam where many authentic old houses, shops and windmills have been reconstructed.
Tip: The huge, colorful tulip fields are outside Amsterdam, in and near the town of Lisse. For optimal viewing times do your research because depending on the winter weather the dates will vary year to year. Typically though anytime in March is a good bet!
So as you can see Amsterdam has so much to offer. I didn't even scratch the surface with this list. Day trips alone could keep you pleasantly busy for weeks. Do yourself a favor next time you are in Europe and head over to the Netherlands!