Delft is super close to The Hague and really cute. There is a nice square where Grotius hangs out. I recommend climbing the bell tower of the new Church to get a fantastic view of the city. It costs about 3 euro. You can see The Hague in the distance.
IKEA is a short bus ride away, for anyone who needs a few household items or Swedish food.
There is a nice market on Saturday mornings (that's when I was there, not sure whether it's also there on Sundays) where you can get good fruit, bread, fresh and warm stroopwafels, proffertjes, etc.
Lots of little Delftware shops can be found around the square.
Showing posts with label Netherlands. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Netherlands. Show all posts
March 3, 2009
Amsterdam
Travel tip for Amsterdam:
If you are going to see a bunch of sights and use the tram, it's worth it to buy an IAmsterdam Card. You can buy a 24-hour card for 38 euro. It gets you into numerous museums for free (not the Anne Frank House, though) and all transportation is included. Even a canal boat tour is included. Check out the link for more information and a list of all museums included (look under "practical information" for places you can buy the card). Another bonus besides free admission is skipping long lines at the Van Gogh museum and others - look for the separate line for IAmsterdam Card holders. If you're going to be in Amsterdam for 2 days, I'd suggest buying the 24 hour card and doing the things that are not included in the card on the morning of the first day and afternoon of the 2nd day, or just fitting all the included sights into one day and the not included sights into the 2nd day. (Joordan, Anne Frank House, shopping, flower market, etc. are not included.)
Some great places to visit in Amsterdam:
If you are going to see a bunch of sights and use the tram, it's worth it to buy an IAmsterdam Card. You can buy a 24-hour card for 38 euro. It gets you into numerous museums for free (not the Anne Frank House, though) and all transportation is included. Even a canal boat tour is included. Check out the link for more information and a list of all museums included (look under "practical information" for places you can buy the card). Another bonus besides free admission is skipping long lines at the Van Gogh museum and others - look for the separate line for IAmsterdam Card holders. If you're going to be in Amsterdam for 2 days, I'd suggest buying the 24 hour card and doing the things that are not included in the card on the morning of the first day and afternoon of the 2nd day, or just fitting all the included sights into one day and the not included sights into the 2nd day. (Joordan, Anne Frank House, shopping, flower market, etc. are not included.)
Some great places to visit in Amsterdam:
- Leidsplein - a small square worth a visit, the three dessert carts on the square (possibly only there on the weekends) are definitely worth a look!
- Anne Frank House - book tickets online before you go for a specific visiting time, remember to print and bring your tickets... this avoids a VERY long line at all hours
- Van Gogh Museum - they have a Colors of the Night exhibit there now
- Rijksmuseum - Dutch paintings and history lessons on the walls, very close to the Van Gogh Museum which makes it easy to see both without much hassle
- Canal tour - good thing to do if you are really tired. there are multiple companies running canal tours, some of which are located right outside the central station. definitely get a window seat if you want to take pictures
- Joordan - a quiet neighborhood not far from Central Station, so you can walk here. small shops (not chains that you find in the city center) and cafes. on Saturday there is a great market with lots of bread, cheese, crepes, old books, clothing, etc. for sale
- Jewish History Museum - two synagogues were turned into a museum with very good discriptions of Jewish history in Europe. the museum is across the street from the Portuguese Synagogue, which still has services on Saturdays (you can pay to go inside the other days of the week)
- Bloemenmarkt - a small flower market along one street in the city, very accessible by foot or tram (there is a Dutch pancake house along the street that is pretty good)
Good food in Amsterdam:
- Restaurant Lieve - Belgian food, can order family-style or pre-fix or individual servings, (http://www.restaurantlieve.nl/)
- Farmer's Market in the Joordan - Saturday morning
- Harkema
- 't Zwaantje - a friend says "they have traditional (nice) Dutch food and a great ambiance. Staff is old Amsterdam style, just like the furniture, haha. Great place to feel at home in the Netherlands" (map - http://maps.google.nl/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=nl&geocode=&q=restaurant+zwaantje,+amsterdam&sll=52.37104,4.884152&sspn=0.012944,0.027466&gl=nl&g=berenstraat+7,+amsterdam&ie=UTF8&ll=52.370647,4.888058&spn=0.012315,0.027466&z=15)
- FEBO - I've been told this is the place to be if you want an "after-party-midnight-snack" (inexpensive fast food you buy from vending machines)
- Humphrey's restaurant - Dutch restaurant with good food and wine, not very expensive but not cheap either, set menu or a la carte, a nice place to go with visitors because of the nicer atmosphere (http://www.humphreys.nl/)
Antwerp, Belgium

Antwerp is the second largest town in Belgium. I recommend going for chocolate shops and Belgian waffles. Neuhaus is a great chocolatier, but there are many shops to try, so I'd suggest going to multiple chocolate shops to buy gifts or just look at the beautiful displays. No suggestions for a particular bar, but stop in somewhere for Belgian beer. The main square is not far from the train station at all. There are a bunch of places to shop along the Meir, one of the main streets that is a very short walk from the central train station.
My friend says there is a great market on Saturdays and Sundays in Antwerp. Not sure where but if you're interested, just post a comment and I'll find out.
Lebanese restaurant that has great food, cheap prices, and very good service: from the station, walk down the main street toward the Meir. On your right, just a short walk, is a pub called Kelly's. Walk through the pub and out the back door. You'll be in a small square. Just to the left of the door you walk out of is a slightly pink building that houses the Lebanese restaurant. Enjoy!
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